Monday 27 June 2011

The Sonics Live Ray Davies' Meltdown Festival Southbank Centre London June 18th

The Sonics Live at Ray Davies' Meltdown June 2011 - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ray Davies appears on stage to introduce The Sonics, who supported The Kinks on some early North West American dates, it was a nice gesture and testament to the respect the band are now enjoying. Considering The Sonics split in 1966 they left a legacy that has touched generations of garage rockers and it was a rare treat to catch the band live. They only got back together in 2007, fuelled mainly by mounting acclaim from artists such as The Cramps, Fuzztones, White Stripes and Black Keys.
The Sonics Live at Ray Davies' Meltdown June 2011 - Photo by Steve Worrall
Their influence is even more remarkable considering they released only a handful of original songs, but, hey, what original songs they are! Tracks such as “Shot Down”, “Cinderella” and “Boss Hoss” are all played tonight, burning with a visceral energy that would put younger bands to shame.
The Sonics Live at Ray Davies' Meltdown June 2011 - Photo by Steve Worrall
Tonight’s line-up consisted of original members Gerry Roslie on vocals and keyboards, surely one of the most underrated, raw and soulful singers in Rock & Roll. Rob Lind on sax and harp, takes centre stage and to his left founder member, and excellent guitarist, Larry Parypa. They are joined by powerful drummer Ricky Johnson and livewire bassist Freddie Dennis, who the crowd really warmed to with his energy and lung busting vocal contributions.
The Sonics Live at Ray Davies' Meltdown June 2011 - Photo by Steve Worrall
The band has just released a mini-album on The Sonics Recording Co called “8”, and the new tracks performed tonight fitted in seamlessly with the set, “Cheap Shades” and “Don’t Back Down” were particularly memorable. 
The Sonics Live at Ray Davies' Meltdown June 2011 - Photo by Steve Worrall
Their reclaiming of the classic “Have Love Will Travel”, probably the band’s signature, proved to be a highlight, but it was the opening chords of “Strychnine” that spurred people to finally abandon their seats and rush to the front of the stage. The crowd went wild and the atmosphere lifted considerably. 
The Sonics Live at Ray Davies' Meltdown June 2011 - Photo by Steve Worrall
An awesome version of “Psycho” ended the main set with Gerry Roslie still able to conjure up that awesome raw scream that could send Little Richard and Frank Black scuttling off to find earplugs.
The evening drew to a close with a rousing run through of their first ever single “The Witch”, it’s received by rapturous applause and the band leave the stage obviously touched by the warm reception. They deserve the acclaim, and it’s great to see them relishing the opportunity to play these songs to an eager new audience.

Thursday 23 June 2011

Ray Davies and a Waterloo Sunset

Ray Davies introduces The Sonics at the Festival Hall June 18th - Photo by Steve Worrall
I took a photo of a beautiful Waterloo Sunset just before The Sonics gig at Ray Davies' Meltdown Festival on Saturday. Then to top it all, Ray came out on stage and introduced The Sonics. I was just preparing the camera but managed to get a couple of shots, a marvellous moment! "Dirty old river, must you keep rolling..."

 




Monday 20 June 2011

Wire Live at Ray Davies' Meltdown Festival London June 18th Text by Jim Emery + Photos by Steve Worrall

Always challenging, always unconventional, always oblique. Wire have kept me enthralled for decades and earlier this year after the lead-off track for their vital new album implored “fuck off out of my face” I was theirs once more.
For a band that has performed live art installations and performance pieces where they would be expected to tear through such mini mindfucks as 12XU the anticipation was palpable.
They walked on without spotlights or fanfare and charged straight into ‘Adapt’ from the aforementioned Red Barked Tree. Augmented by guitarist Matt Sims following the departure of Bruce Gilbert, the band ploughed through a succession of songs spanning the decades.  

                                                                                      
Colin Newman’s guitar seemed like a stranger to him as he kept chopping out the rhythm, it seemed like hard work at times. I think this was mainly due to the metronomic, mellifluous drumming of Robert Grey. Eyes shut during the songs, he keeps time like few contemporaries, the fills are subtle and the experience intense. He introduces each song with the clack of his sticks and doesn't let up, the band revolves around the clockwork genius.

Wearing a Glengarry bonnet with a red bobble atop, bassist Graham Lewis added to the puzzle. His powerful upper body firing rumbling charges from a fretboard  that shook the Royal Festival Hall on more than one occasion including a severe lashing of ‘Drill’. Fillings came loose and smiles abounded. 


Newman found his confidence after that. He had been rooted to the spot thus far yet during ‘Bad Worn Thing’ he danced around a while, straying from the iPad that he sang the lyrics from all night.
There was an inkling that we weren’t going to be treated to a sulky set list after an enjoyable ‘Kidney Bingos’ and ‘Another The Letter’ mingled effortlessly with the tracks from the latest offering. Even though the setlist was planned it still seemed rather odd to have them play what could have been a hit single ‘Map Ref. 41°N 93°W’ after someone had yelled it out as a request. Was this Wire the friendly post-punksters?

Even more larks were to be had when they came back on for an encore and stunned every fan in the Hall. Are you sitting down? Yes? Good. They played ‘Outdoor Miner’. You heard me. A song they have never performed live but one everyone has always wanted to hear. Why here, why now? I felt so honoured. A smile even broke across Colin’s face. It was a sublime moment.

The finale was the eponymous track from the album that kick-started it all back in 1977. ‘Pink Flag’ with its refrain of ‘how many dead or alive?’ struck an appositely apocalyptic note, determination writ large across all four faces as it descended into a squall of feedback. Grey came to a rest, head bowed, while the others attacked their guitars and pedal boards with gusto. Newman then plugged his guitar lead from the amp into the iPad and continued the maelstrom through a synth app.


The bass thudded, the guitars squealed and conjealed into a cosmic soup that the ears tuned in and out of, picking up different small melodies here and there and then with a ‘thanks’ they were gone.
Perception is a funny old bird. When Colin came back out to help dismantle his effects board I asked for an autograph. Twice, three times I said ‘Colin!’. I thought he was playing up to a moody typecast but the reality was that he just hadn’t heard me. He gladly wandered to the front of the stage, signed some CDs and set lists and even cracked a joke and a smile.
Always challenging, always unconventional, always oblique and still surprising. 

--- Jim Emery June 2011 ---

Wire appeared as part of Ray Davies' Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre

Sunday 19 June 2011

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London June 13th

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall
It seemed slightly ironic for a band that boasts one of the largest line-ups in rock that The Blue Aeroplanes should decide to play the Borderline, which happens to have one of the smallest stages of all London venues. Last time they played here things were so tight that dancer Wojtek Dmochowski inadvertently kicked a member of the audience in the head, mind you he was swinging from the lighting rig at the time!

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall
That sense of barely controlled chaos is what makes The Blue Aeroplanes such an exciting live band, and tonight at one point there were five guitarists on stage leaving Wojtek to strut his stuff amongst the crowd. Even the lull between songs becomes interesting as various members avoid getting tangled in guitar leads and try to duck swinging mic stands and guitar necks as they swap places on stage. There are bands, such as The Fall, who have a huge history of ex-band members but few who attempt to get most of them back together to play a gig. Tonight's disappointment at finding out that Rodney Allen would not be appearing is tempered somewhat by the inclusion in the line-up of original guitarist Nick Jacobs and Angelo Bruschini, who's on a break from Massive Attack.

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall
It's Brushini who gets things started with the familiar twelve string intro to "Jacket Hangs", surely one of the best opening motifs to any song, a sublime riff, and then vocalist Gerard Langley intones "Pick a card, any card, wrong!". It's probably the song that has come to define the band, the opening number on their most acclaimed album "Swagger" - it captures just what I love about them. The numerous layers of intricate guitars, Gerard's riffing poetry with the backing vocals providing harmonies, it's all crammed perfectly into "Jacket Hangs". Next up is a song from new album "Anti-Gravity" called "My Old Haunts" and then we are transported to the late 80's with the lovely circular riff to "Veils of Colour". Back to the present with a bump and the rocking "25 Kinds Of Love" and then it's two more oldies "Warhol's 15" followed by the catchy "Severn Beach" which is sung by Nick Jacobs.

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall
Things quieten down with "Weightless" and as on the "Swagger" album the ending of this beautiful song slowly transforms and builds into the spiralling funk of "...And Stones" which gets the audience moving. Latest album opener "Sulphur" manages the rare feat of a new song that doesn't seem out of place following straight after a classic such as "...And Stones", I think this song could quickly grow into a fan favourite.

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall
Another new number follows sung by the excellent Gerard Starkie and then things get frantic with "Colour Me", surprisingly the only number from the "Beatsongs" album to make the set tonight. Oldies "King of The Soapbox" and a wonderfully raw run through of "Bury Your Love Like Treasure" close the show with a beaming audience shouting for more.

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall
As an encore Nick Jacobs and Rita Lynch have their turn in the spotlight before the band return for their traditional set closer, an extended jam through Tom Verlaine's "Breakin' In My Heart" which could have gone on all night if the crowd had their way.

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall
The new songs sounded very promising on first listen and "Anti-Gravity" was available for sale at the gig in beautiful gatefold-sleeved vinyl glory only. I left clutching a copy, excited that there really does seem to be a resurgence of bands releasing vinyl again. However, this romantic dream was somewhat ruined by getting home and discovering that the needle on my stereo was crocked and I couldn't play the damn thing! Maybe there's something to be said for downloads after all...

The Blue Aeroplanes live at The Borderline London - Photo by Steve Worrall

Thursday 16 June 2011

Retro Man on Soundtrack of Our Lives in Shindig! magazine's "Happening" issue 7.

The superb garage psychedelia magazine Shindig! have kindly featured a little piece and photo of my recent trip to Slussens Pensionat to see The Soundtrack of Our Lives. It can be found in issue 7 of "Happening" - you can view and download here


Shindig! Quarterly 2 is also available here and features The Electric Prunes, Donovan and The Lovin' Spoonful amongst others.

The Monochrome Set live London Camden Dingwalls June 12th

The Monochrome Set live at London Camden Dingwalls - Photo by Steve Worrall
It was great to have the rare opportunity to see The Monochrome Set live again, I've been looking forward to a new album since the superb "Trinity Road" which was released way back in 1995.  I was slightly disappointed to find out that they were not promoting any new material, but this did mean that the band could play a show crammed full of older classic material. In fact I imagine that many die-hard fans in the audience would have written tonight's set list if they had the chance.
Bid & Lester Square - Photo by Steve Worrall
The band take the stage to recorded jungle sounds and the familiar tribal drumming intro to "The Monochrome Set (I Presume)", Lester Square, with pipe clenched between teeth, looks dapper as usual as he spins out the song's intricate guitar intro. Next up it's right into "The Lighter Side of Dating" closely followed by "Jet Set Junta". The band are in good spirits and look positively cheerful, something not usually associated with the Monochrome Set!
Bid from The Monochrome Set - Photo by Steve Worrall
It was a real treat to hear so many old numbers, but this is not to do a dis-service to the band's later albums, they did play three well received numbers from "Trinity Road", with "I Love Lambeth" one of the night's highlights. There was a powerful run through of "Forever Young" from "Charade" but nothing from the wonderful early 90's double whammy of "Dante's Casino" and "Jack" which was a bit of a shame, but that minor gripe was quickly dispelled by the crunching guitar riff intro to oldie "Alphaville".
The Monochrome Set live at London Camden Dingwalls - Photo by Steve Worrall
"Eine Symphonie Des Grauens" is my favourite song of theirs, and it sounded great, built around an inventive bass riff, with an almost Arabic motif - it highlights Andy Warren, surely one of the most underrated bassists around. The set ends with their "hit" "Jacob's Ladder" and the band leave to frenzied calls for an encore.

Bid returns for an emotive "Goodbye Joe" and then it's bang into "He's Frank", recently covered by Iggy Pop. More encore pleas and we are treated to "Fat Fun", a song that must date back to Andy and Lester's time with the original Adam & The Ants. Then it's crowd favourite, "The Mating Game", and finally the instrumental "Lester Leaps In".  I'm sure they would have played more but for Bid's concern about everyone catching the last train home, Sunday is not the most rock'n'roll day of the week that's for sure.
Andy Warren, Bid and Jennifer Denitto - Photo by Steve Worrall
So, a rare treat indeed and a wonderful reminder of just what a great band The Monochrome Set are. It's such a shame that we have to wait so long to see them live, and even longer for new material, but it certainly does make you appreciate it when the chance comes along. Make sure you don't miss out next time they play near you, it could be a very long wait for the next opportunity!

Monday 6 June 2011

Robyn Hitchcock Live Firestation Arts Centre Windsor June 02nd 2011

This was a great opportunity to catch an intimate solo acoustic show from Robyn Hitchcock in an excellent small Arts Centre Venue. The Firestation in Windsor is a great little place with auditorium style seating looking down onto a well lit stage area and the sound throughout was top quality.  After a well received support set from Terry Edwards (see separate review below) Robyn Hitchcock takes the stage in customary "loud" shirt and is straight into "Queen Elvis". 
Robyn Hitchcock with cellist Jenny Adejayan - Photo by Steve Worrall
An old Soft Boys number "Only The Stones Remain" is up next and then a wonderful version of "I Often Dream Of Trains" and I'm reminded that Hitchcock is an underated, although maybe slightly unorthodox, guitarist. He is then joined by the superb cellist Jenny Adejayan who fills the songs with inventive playing, and The Egyptians track "Wreck Of The Arthur Lee" is a real highlight.
Terry Edwards joins Robyn Hitchcock and Jenny Adejayan on stage - Photo by Steve Worrall
His between song banter is something to behold, psychedelic shaggy dog stories that at one point managed to place Dave, the Landlord from Minder's Winchester Club into a Jean Cocteau Movie, it's a trip!
"The Museum Of Sex" from one of his albums with Peter Buck as The Venus 3 is followed by a song I hadn't heard before called "Old Man Weather", one of two from latest album "Tromso, Kaptein". Then "Sinister But She Was Happy" really showcased Jenny's cello well, but it was "Dismal City" from "Tromso, Kaptein" that proved to be the high point of the gig for me."Sounds Great When You're Dead" closes the set and then Robyn returns for a nice cover of The Doors' "Crystal Ship". Jenny and Terry Edwards take the stage for another cover, this time Captain Beefheart's "My Head Is My Only House" and it all ends with a spirited run through of the Venus 3's "Ole Tarantula".
Terry Edwards, Robyn Hitchcock and Jenny Adejayan - Photo by Steve Worrall

Terry Edwards - Live Firestation Arts Centre Windsor June 02nd 2011

Terry Edwards (left) on stage with Robyn Hitchcock - Photo by Steve Worrall
Just a quick mention of the excellent Terry Edwards' support slot at the recent Robyn Hitchcock gig in Windsor.  Generally regarded as a respected session musician and collaborator, he has performed and recorded with artists including Lydia Lunch, Gallon Drunk, Tindersticks and The Blockheads, Terry played a set consisting of tracks from last year's solo album, "Cliches". This is an intriguing album of cover versions inspired by Alex Chilton's similar project, with a nod to Chet Baker along the way. Here live, they are stripped to the very basics of Terry's sweet voice, sax and acoustic guitar.  It's difficult to think of a more eclectic set list of covers, ranging from The Jesus & Mary Chain, The Beatles, to James Brown and 30's musical staples such as "Lulu's Back In Town" and Ray Noble's beautiful "The Very Thought Of You". But the obvious affection Terry has for the songs manages to ensure that it isn't a cynical exercise, you get a real feeling of honesty and genuine joy at playing songs that mean something to him personally.

As well as his appearances with Robyn Hitchcock, Terry will play with Lydia Lunch and the Big Sexy Noise as part of Ray Davies' Meltdown Festival at the Royal Festival Hall, London on June 18th.
"Clichés" (Sartorial Records).

Sunday 5 June 2011

The Soundtrack of Or Lives - Live photos from Slussens Pensionat, Orust May 20th & May 21st 2011



Ian Person, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ebbot Lundberg, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Martin Hederos, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Mattias Bärjed, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Fredrik Sandsten & Ebbot Lundberg, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Fredrik Sandsten, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Kalle Gustafsson Jerneholm & Ian Person, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ebbot Lundberg, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ebbot Lundberg, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Mattias Bärjed, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ian Person, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ebbot Lundberg, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Martin Hederos, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ebbot Lundberg, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ebbot gets the crowd going - Photo by Steve Worrall
Ebbot Lundberg, The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Photo by Steve Worrall
Crowd shot, The Soundtrack of Our Lives at Slussens Pensionat - Photo by Steve Worrall