Category Archives: Music

An old favourite and a new

Exploring new music is an important part of going to a festival. For example, we came across Augustines (or, at the time, We Are Augustines) at T in the Park. While the band split up in October’ 16, they remain a firm favourite. I’ve mentioned in the past that we’ve been to Billy McCarthey’s (the former Augustines’ front man) solo gigs and his was a welcome addition to this year’s Kendal Calling festival.

And his performance was as good, if not better, than expected.

He played some solo material, but there was a really nice selection of Augustines’ songs too. It was good to hear a lot of Augustines followers singing along.

A new discovery at this festival was Felix Hagan and the Family, who were a great, unique experience.

They’ve a couple of albums, so I’m going to check out Amazon. We’ll also be watching out for any gigs in the Northeast. Interestingly, they’re playing at Bi Nuu, Berlin, where we saw William McCarthey last year.

Kendal Calling

Our third Kendal Calling was a good one. Tw\no days of burning sunshine, then another two of rain. We had three festival newbies and some veterans, but the mix was great. Our campsite was the best ever. The tents are already dried out and ready for next year. Which won’t be at Kendal (Penrith).

Some random pictures; probably too random.

Eels II

Eels’ performance in Iveagh Gardens on Friday was outstanding. They played a lot from the new album, but also managed to fit in something from what seemed every other album, including many older ones I’d not heard live in a long time. Climbing up to the moon, for example, was gorgeous. Souljacker and Dog face boy, on the other hand, were as loud as they should be. I’m hoping for an extension to the tour, with something more local. They’ve done that a few times in the past, so you never know.

We met some nice people too. Rob, who liked my whistling, was pretty cool. Extremely polite too. Then there was the security guard who’d rather have a conversation than tell me to leave.

A really lovely gig.

Culture & coincidence

Yesterday we enjoyed more culture. My second in command had a conversation with a girl in Sloan’s the other day. Which resulted in us visiting Partick yesterday.

We quite liked Partick; we had our nails done and watched the Liverpool-Stoke match in the Deoch an Dorus.

We then had great curry.

Yesterday was also a day of coincidence; synchronicity even.

Yes, we saw the Shiverin Sheiks for the second time in two days.

Which might in itself not be unusual. But, in conversation with the front man, I was asked if I knew Ratty. That’s Ratty who runs the Mean Eyed Cat, the former owner of the Schooner anf previously manager of the Central and the Head of Steam.

Which was pretty spooky. Apparently, the band had played at the Schooner previously. They’re playing at the Sage this summer.

They’re well worth seeing.

Anyway, some pictures of cultural activities.

While in the 13th Note, we met up with some people who were also in Glasgow for the cancelled William McCarthy gig. We all went on to MacSorley’s to watch another band.

Sadly, we need to return to normality today.

Culture

While in Glasgow, for a cancelled gig, we took in some culture.

While we were initially disappointed that the gig was cancelled, we’d thought we may as well have a weekend away.

And the Shiverin Sheiks in MacSorley’s were pretty good last night.

I’d intended catching them at Glastonbury a few years ago, but it didn’t work out, so last night was a bonus.

Two wise guys

Just home from a rare school night in town. We went to see Karl playing drums or, rather, Two Wise Guys. Apart from a catch-up, there was good music. All a man needs.

Detroit Social Club

After an absence of several years, Detroit Social Club are back. With a tour and new material. They’re only playing small venues, but they’re almost starting from scratch again.

They’re very much on form though and put on an excellent performance last night.

Glasgow.

I’ve been to work today, but finished at a sensible time and am now in my local.

I should mention that I’m supposed to be on leave today and en route to Glasgow to see Elbow playing at the SSE Hydro.

We’d decided to make a weekend of it, so I was looking forward to visiting my favourite bars and eateries.

Sadly, it was announced last night that tonight’s cancelled due to weather and impassable roads. We’d fully intended chancing the trip and had planned to take sleeping bags, food and water. But it wasn’t to be.

The gig’s been rearranged for Monday, but we both have work commitments.

Anyway, enough of that, time for some pictures from the last couple of days.