Tuesday 30 March 2010

PAUL HAIG DAY 2

A couple of days late.......sorry JC.........but here is my offering for Paul Haig Day 2.....

As part of the global phenomenon that is PHD2 I offer up this post to you all. I probably first heard Mr Haig on a Josef K track, probably on (where else?) the John Peel Show, but it was when he went solo that I properly tuned into his scottishwhiteboyfunkiness, with the 12 inch of Heaven Sent. After that our paths did not cross for many years until the emergence of the internet. Like many artists PH uses the net to communicate, share his music and maintain a profile. Like many 'consumers' I use the net to listen to lots of music, and then buy some of it.....just like the old days of listening to the radio and taping Peel/the Top 40.

The world of music blogging has made me buy much more music, and certainly more music beyond the usual fare pedalled by mainstream media and major record companies. Thus, like all of us supporting PHD2, I applaud JC's efforts, and thank Paul Haig and his management for taking part.

As the new 'digital economy' bill races through parliament, despite shelving other much more important bills (3 years of work on compulsory sex education for teenagers -out the window), it is more important than ever that we point out that by sharing music we love we are not criminals, but are actually the same 'customers/consumers' that have given thousands of pounds each to record companies for many years.

So....some free music from Mr Haig, bless his funky white boy soul...........

Paul Haig - Trip Out The Rider
Paul Haig - Relive

PG@O2


Another night out in search of inspiring live thrills took me to the O2 Arena on Sunday to catch Peter Gabriel and his 'New Blood' orchestra. Following the recent 'Scratch My Back' covers album the tour features no guitar or drums, just PG, piano and the orchestra (although I would count timpani as drums Peter!). Despite only buying a ticket a few days before the show I had a great seat near the front - how the hell does that happen?


The first half of the show was the new album played in its entirety, and was extremely fine. Opener 'Heroes' set my pulse racing as the sound built up and the visuals began to unfold. PG has always been a very visual artist and the video screens and lighting were deployed to great effect throughout the show. The whole of this section was great but my highlights were 'The Book Of Love' (see below) and the way the orchestra attacked Arcade Fire's 'My Body Is A Cage'.


After a 15 minute break PG returned promptly for part 2, this time with reworked versions of old material. The visuals continued to impress and the arrangements were magnificent, particularly the way the orchestra reworked the tribal drumming of 'Rhythm of the Heat' into something completely new but equally thrilling. I also loved 'Don't Give Up' - always magnificent and hugely moving tonight - both eyes were left moistened! PG missed a trick by not finishing with Biko, but despite this it was a great show, and hugely recommended should you have a chance to catch the next leg in North America.


For such a big venue, the brilliant sound and performances made this feel like a very intimate night. So, three gigs this year now, still on track for my one a month target, and April is looming.......


Sunday 7 March 2010

My New New Favourite Band 2


This year's gig going has now doubled! Following Hot Chip@Rock City I returned to Nottingham and this time visited the 'intimate' setting of the Bodega to see Danny & The Champions of The World, who were supporting Fionn Regan. I arrived to find the dreaded 'Sold Out' sign and had to use all my begging skills and blokey charm to get in. Let's hear it for kind bar manager Matt!

Anyway, D & CW are led by one of the guys who led the excellent Grand Drive, and continue not only the americana tinged sound of GD, but also the astonishingly great songwriting as well. Despite the tiny stage and short set they played up a storm, and have that effortless cool that bands get when they have been playing together for long enough to be tight, but are not yet bored of each other. D & CW have released a great album this year and I hope to see them again, playing a full set, later in the year.

Headline act Fionn Regan was backed by most of D & CW and although I didn't quite fall for his starey eyed Dylanisms he went down very well with the assembled mass.

Enjoy the track below and invest in one of the best albums of 2010.