Saw Eilen Jewell a few weeks ago at the Bush Hall in Shepherd's Bush, which was my first visit to the venue.  The sound was excellent and all the staff seemed friendly.  I'm going back there to see The Deep Dark Woods on the 4th, and I've got tickets to see Shovels & Rope at Dingwalls on the 10th, which I'm looking forward to immensely as I've become a huge fan of their recent album (O' Be Joyful, released over here this month I think). 

I'd also recommend The Windmill in Brixton, which regularly hosts some great alt country acts.

Seeing Godspeed at the Great American Music Hall in San Fran was pretty special. My friend and I were on the balcony and had a meal included in our ticket. The experience was only sullied by the cunts would wouldn't stop talking/laughing etc just nearby even when everyone around them kept telling them to shut the fuck up. I mean seriously, get the fuck out if you want to sit and chat instead of listen.

I've got Muse coming up at the Emirates Stadium at the end of May. I'm looking forward to finally seeing them. I had a chance before but work got in the way.

Last week went to Bleeding Through's farewell tour at the Underworld. Seen them several times, but my god was that a special gig. The crowd was frenetic the entire night, pretty much a constant sea of crowdsurfers. Brandan Schieppati has such a stage presence it's unreal. Probably the best atmosphere I've ever experienced at a gig.

When the crowd rushed the stage at the end and lifted him up I swear to god I nearly broke down in tears.

The missus booked tickets to see Mogwai performing the soundtrack to the Zidane film live at the Barbican in July. Should be interesting.

They're at Laver this time aren't they?

As for electronic music,  I've seen a couple of good acts but they tend to be ones that have real instruments blended in. The Field were absolutely amazing as a live act as he'd formed a band to tour with.

Also, when they say no video, they mean it.  Guy in front of us was literally carried out by security after filming for a bit.  He was big, but the security guys were huge.  One was islander type build, must have been pushing 120kg and not especially fat.

Skerret wrote:

Also, when they say no video, they mean it.  Guy in front of us was literally carried out by security after filming for a bit.

I approve.

Just discovered The Walkmen are playing the Anglican Cathedral for Sound City.  I do hope those Protestants have a beer hall crypt like their Catholic brethren.  I don't do dry gigs.

I just discovered Dizzee Rascal is supporting Muse when I see them. I like this new development.

Mr Deez certainly didn't disappointment last night.  Highlight was him stopping mid-set to proclaim he was the 'Hipster Jesus', leaping onto to the drumkit to take up a crucifix pose, surrounded by his apostle band members at his feet who proceeded to 'take sacrament' for him.  DD then 'walked amongst us' giving out bread and wine.

Guys an absolute fruitloop, but he puts on a bloody good show.

I actual got a 3-day wrist band but was a tad wasted last night so I am having to bail on the mammies.
If it had been any other venue, I might have made the effort but Bold St Coffee Shop?, you can't swing a cat in there!

To be fair, I never expected the Sheep to turn up for that gig; they put in a decent performance at the Epstein Theatre on Thursday night so that was ok; probably won't see them again until they release some new stuff.

Despite my previous opposition to how they handle things at Sound City, I have to report that the whole festival was handled with some aplomb. The only serious ques were outside the Kazimier for Thee oh Sees, but I wasn't going to miss Everything for them.  Despite the gig sounding pretty awesome by all accounts.

Manc lads were well worth the effort though, Photoshop Handsome being a surprising highlight. He can maintain that voice in a live auditorium afterall.

And the pop-up venues were brilliant. Garage and Art Academy functioned as ideal warehouse spaces with enough space to appease even Code's dance moves.  Really great venues and they deserve a life span outside this fest.

Doubtful whether they can replicate this years stella line-up for 2014, but I definitely come out of it as a convert.

Hope those attending the Sound City in Leeds have a similar experience..

I missed the last 40 minutes of the Walkmen so I could see Everything.  If you're prepared to make that sort of sacrifice then it's worth it.

Brooks wrote:

Last thing I saw was Death Grips at the WWW in Shibuya. Short but solid, and got 'round the abovementioned sequenced percussion problem by hooking a live kit to trigger sample banks of whatever drum sounds were called for by the tracks. I consider this the ideal..

Went to them last weekend, was ok in the end. How many people performing when you went to see them? Youtube vids I'd seen suggested 3 members, but there were only 2 on stage. No drummer.

Must have been the first concert where they were handing out free earplugs. "It will get really loud", the girl behind the desk said.

Thought his voice wasn't very good, compared to the beats. Could hardly hear anything. Beats were good, but all too similar, which made the whole show about an hour of leaning against a soundwall of very heavy bass, with some differences here and there.
Vibe in the Melkweg was very good, most people were enjoying themselves (incl me, I needed this after a few shit days at work) and those that weren't were polite enough to just leave. Just a shame I had the feeling it could have been a bit more.

Pennywise was playing in the other room, still think I made the right choice there.


Only other upcoming gigs I have are Sally Ford (as my mother in law wants to see them, could turn out ok) and The National. Should really look at what Bimhuis has the offer this year, place to be if you want an evening of posh beers and jazz music, atmosphere is always pretty good there.

They were supposd to be amaze at Sound City too. Gutted I missed them