Just a quick post, but I couldn't let one of my favourite acts cover another of my favourite acts without commenting. Okkervil River have a new album out in September called "The Stand Ins". To launch the associated youtube channel they've asked some of their friends to cover songs from the album (do you see what they've done there etc). One such video is of Bon Iver doing Blue Tulip.
I'll be seeing Okkervil River in November in London, assume they'll be doing their version then! Bon Iver will be over in September. I recommend you go see both bands...
Wednesday 27 August 2008
Sunday 17 August 2008
Forthcoming Attractions
With the summer festival season now over for me, it's time to look ahead at what the final third has to offer...
Gigs
Well so far as gigs go, I've got some real beauties in the calendar. Things are quiet until October when Mogwai are playing London. It'll be the second time I've seen them, reports have been good about the new album, and the supports are pretty special too, Errors (one of the highlights of Latitude) and F*** Buttons.
Then into November which is just outstanding gig-wise. Okkervil River and Mercury Rev inside 3 days in London. Okkervil River were brilliant at Great Escape, and I'm really looking forward to a full length set from them. Mercury Rev are one of my all time favourite bands. I saw them last at Latitude '06, and will be interesting to see how the new material comes across live. Watch out for a piece to mark the 10th Anniversary of Deserters Songs in September...
After then it's down to Brighton for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. As previously mentioned, Nick Cave's slimmed down band, Grinderman, were amazing at Latitude this year, and the full Bad Seeds line-up is a mouth-watering prospect.
Then to round off the month it's I'm from Barcelona who I missed at Latitude 2007 and have regretted it ever since. By all accounts the new album is more "serious" than the first, but I'm still confident off balloon-bouncing fun!
Gigs
Well so far as gigs go, I've got some real beauties in the calendar. Things are quiet until October when Mogwai are playing London. It'll be the second time I've seen them, reports have been good about the new album, and the supports are pretty special too, Errors (one of the highlights of Latitude) and F*** Buttons.
Then into November which is just outstanding gig-wise. Okkervil River and Mercury Rev inside 3 days in London. Okkervil River were brilliant at Great Escape, and I'm really looking forward to a full length set from them. Mercury Rev are one of my all time favourite bands. I saw them last at Latitude '06, and will be interesting to see how the new material comes across live. Watch out for a piece to mark the 10th Anniversary of Deserters Songs in September...
After then it's down to Brighton for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. As previously mentioned, Nick Cave's slimmed down band, Grinderman, were amazing at Latitude this year, and the full Bad Seeds line-up is a mouth-watering prospect.
Then to round off the month it's I'm from Barcelona who I missed at Latitude 2007 and have regretted it ever since. By all accounts the new album is more "serious" than the first, but I'm still confident off balloon-bouncing fun!
Friday 8 August 2008
Latitude Sunday
After the quiet Saturday, Sunday is the complete contrast with by far the strongest line-up for me. We start with Joanna Newsom who plays an hour and a bit of delightful music, utterly charming the obelisk arena crowd. Playing a variety of songs both old and new, solo on harp or piano she is quite possibly the best opening act ever on the main stage at latitude.
Perhaps understandably things take something of a dip after that with neither Satin Peaches nor Those Dancing Days doing much to impress. Better are American alt-rock survivors Nada Surf although they struggle with the sound, particularly the bass player who gets quite annoyed. I must confess to not knowing much about them, but will definitely be exploring further.
It's then back to the uncut tent for Patrick Watson who plays a set drawn heavily from his recent album, Close to Paradise. Live the songs take on a whole new dimension as he layers in feedback and effects, playing around with an extensive array of pedals. I'm not sure I like him live as much as on record, but nontheless another good set.
Things then step up a gear on the main stage with the Breeders. I must confess to a degree of sentiment here as when I was a teenager Last Splash was one of my favourite albums. Their subsequent albums, after a not insubstantial hiatus, haven't excited me to quite the same degree but live the recent material is imbued with a warmth not to be found on CD. It helps that the sisters Deal are in high spirits, joking with each other and bantering with the rest of the band. It's the songs from Last Splash that get the best reaction from the crowd, but they also do songs from all three other albums; and a couple from Kim Deal's other, other band The Amps. A band that I was somewhat nervous about seeing, given my fond memories of them in the early 90s, they definitely seem to be back on the right track.
If the Breeders were one of my favourite bands of the early 90s, then Nick Cave in any of his many guises is one of my current heroes. His Grinderman outfit are up next. Playing mostly songs from their debut album, together with a couple of newer songs they are probably the highlight of the entire festival for me. Regular Cave sidekick Warren Ellis sets the tone as he batters a solitary cymbal with a pair of maracas. Midway through the set the wind gets up, blowing the rain and dust into a maelstrom, but Nick Cave is its equal as a force of nature as he stands legs apart on the edge of the stage, hair blowing out behind him seemingly challenging the weather to do its worst. An absolute triumph, and I can only hope that Cave is back with the Bad Seeds next year.
Interpol are one of those bands that have never done it for me so I foresake their headlining slot for The Tindersticks in the Uncut Tent. As the rain begins to bucket down I think I made the right decision, particularly when they begin to play. As expected their setlist drew heavily from recent album, the hungry saw, although a smattering of early songs also go down well. Perhaps a bit too low-key to be the perfect ending to the festival, but pretty close.
So how did this Latitude compare to the previous two? Pretty well all things considered. As I said at the start of the write-up, I arrived with relatively low expectations as there were few must-see bands on the line-up. There were enough stand-outs (notably Grinderman and Eli 'Paperboy Reed) and new discoveries (Derwyddon Dr Gonzo, Gideon Conn) to keep me interested, not to mention the many other attractions on offer!
Perhaps understandably things take something of a dip after that with neither Satin Peaches nor Those Dancing Days doing much to impress. Better are American alt-rock survivors Nada Surf although they struggle with the sound, particularly the bass player who gets quite annoyed. I must confess to not knowing much about them, but will definitely be exploring further.
It's then back to the uncut tent for Patrick Watson who plays a set drawn heavily from his recent album, Close to Paradise. Live the songs take on a whole new dimension as he layers in feedback and effects, playing around with an extensive array of pedals. I'm not sure I like him live as much as on record, but nontheless another good set.
Things then step up a gear on the main stage with the Breeders. I must confess to a degree of sentiment here as when I was a teenager Last Splash was one of my favourite albums. Their subsequent albums, after a not insubstantial hiatus, haven't excited me to quite the same degree but live the recent material is imbued with a warmth not to be found on CD. It helps that the sisters Deal are in high spirits, joking with each other and bantering with the rest of the band. It's the songs from Last Splash that get the best reaction from the crowd, but they also do songs from all three other albums; and a couple from Kim Deal's other, other band The Amps. A band that I was somewhat nervous about seeing, given my fond memories of them in the early 90s, they definitely seem to be back on the right track.
If the Breeders were one of my favourite bands of the early 90s, then Nick Cave in any of his many guises is one of my current heroes. His Grinderman outfit are up next. Playing mostly songs from their debut album, together with a couple of newer songs they are probably the highlight of the entire festival for me. Regular Cave sidekick Warren Ellis sets the tone as he batters a solitary cymbal with a pair of maracas. Midway through the set the wind gets up, blowing the rain and dust into a maelstrom, but Nick Cave is its equal as a force of nature as he stands legs apart on the edge of the stage, hair blowing out behind him seemingly challenging the weather to do its worst. An absolute triumph, and I can only hope that Cave is back with the Bad Seeds next year.
Interpol are one of those bands that have never done it for me so I foresake their headlining slot for The Tindersticks in the Uncut Tent. As the rain begins to bucket down I think I made the right decision, particularly when they begin to play. As expected their setlist drew heavily from recent album, the hungry saw, although a smattering of early songs also go down well. Perhaps a bit too low-key to be the perfect ending to the festival, but pretty close.
So how did this Latitude compare to the previous two? Pretty well all things considered. As I said at the start of the write-up, I arrived with relatively low expectations as there were few must-see bands on the line-up. There were enough stand-outs (notably Grinderman and Eli 'Paperboy Reed) and new discoveries (Derwyddon Dr Gonzo, Gideon Conn) to keep me interested, not to mention the many other attractions on offer!
Wednesday 6 August 2008
Latitude Saturday
Saturday is the quietest day for yours truly, bands wise. Time is spent in the Literary, Film and Caberet tents sampling some of the other delights Latitude has to offer... learning to play the ukelele in under an hour, hearing poetry about drugs and watching a film about... well I'm not entirely sure as I missed both beginning and end!
So far as bands go I start off with French songstress Soko who is delightfully ramshackle. With backing from Johnny Flynn and the drummer from his band she sings songs which mostly seem to be about failed romances and how much she likes peanut butter.
Next up is Malcolm Middleton. His former band, Arab Strap, are long time favourites of mine and his solo work has also been regulars on the stereo round these parts. With a tight backing band and playing songs from the last 3 albums his set is one of the highlights of the weekend. Blue Plastic Bags from the recent album "Sleight of Heart" is a standout.
After ten minutes of Elbow frankly I'm bored so I head over to the Music and Film tent of Mark Lamarr's God's Jukebox evening which turns out to be one of the best evenings of any of the 3 Latitudes so far. Not just the bands, but the music played in between which keeps me dancing into the small hours.
First on is Pete Molinari who mixes rock n roll with early Dylan to good effect. After a set drawn almost entirely from his most recent album he finishes with a cover of Folsom Prison Blues which goes down a storm.
Next up is The Heavy an energetic funk rap crossover act, seemingly at odds to the rest of the bands on. They seem to have a lot of fans in just to see them and the tent is full of people having a great time...
Midnight hits and the third act comes on, R&B revivalist James Hunter. Less energetic than the Heavy, Hunter and his band keep people dancing with their bluesy soul.
The highlight of the evening for a soul fan like me comes with the next act, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves. Great soul with more than a nod to legend James Carr they blow me away with some of the best grooves heard in many a year. Despite having not had a beer since the start of the evening (beer or water!) I'm still dancing throughout and really I can pay no higher compliment.
So far as bands go I start off with French songstress Soko who is delightfully ramshackle. With backing from Johnny Flynn and the drummer from his band she sings songs which mostly seem to be about failed romances and how much she likes peanut butter.
Next up is Malcolm Middleton. His former band, Arab Strap, are long time favourites of mine and his solo work has also been regulars on the stereo round these parts. With a tight backing band and playing songs from the last 3 albums his set is one of the highlights of the weekend. Blue Plastic Bags from the recent album "Sleight of Heart" is a standout.
After ten minutes of Elbow frankly I'm bored so I head over to the Music and Film tent of Mark Lamarr's God's Jukebox evening which turns out to be one of the best evenings of any of the 3 Latitudes so far. Not just the bands, but the music played in between which keeps me dancing into the small hours.
First on is Pete Molinari who mixes rock n roll with early Dylan to good effect. After a set drawn almost entirely from his most recent album he finishes with a cover of Folsom Prison Blues which goes down a storm.
Next up is The Heavy an energetic funk rap crossover act, seemingly at odds to the rest of the bands on. They seem to have a lot of fans in just to see them and the tent is full of people having a great time...
Midnight hits and the third act comes on, R&B revivalist James Hunter. Less energetic than the Heavy, Hunter and his band keep people dancing with their bluesy soul.
The highlight of the evening for a soul fan like me comes with the next act, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves. Great soul with more than a nod to legend James Carr they blow me away with some of the best grooves heard in many a year. Despite having not had a beer since the start of the evening (beer or water!) I'm still dancing throughout and really I can pay no higher compliment.
Monday 4 August 2008
Latitude Thursday + Friday
So then, my third Latitude and the one that had (for me) the weakest line-up on paper...
Things did not get off to a particularly promising start - delays getting into the carpark and then into the campsite. Normally they happen like clockwork, but it seems like a lot more people have decided to arrive early on the Thursday this year. Still, not to worry, friends met and tents up we settle back for a beer or two and let the festival begin!
Opening the Friday on the Sunrise stage is Godwits who appeared to be absolutely petrified at the size of the crowd as they start. Despite the singer admitting his nerves they improve as the set wears on but never really manage to shine.
After a quick beer break we catch the second half of Rosie and the Goldbug who played some energetic indie pop accompanied by dancers dressed as gold bugs (do you see what they did there, etc?) and are a lot more livelier than Godwits.
Next up is one of the highlights of the first day, Broken Records who have improved on the Great Escape show we saw in May. They seem more confident than before and the result is a more powerful performance. Single "If the news makes you sad, don't watch it" is one of many highlights and if these guys don't make it to near the top of one of the main stages next year then the world is truly a cruel place.
Slow Club, by contrast, seem a little subdued compared to their Great Escape gig so we head off to the lake stage for Derwyddon Dr Gonzo who by some margin are the most fun band of the weekend. With a horn section dressed as superheroes (except one dressed as a nurse, for some reason!) and the rest of the band in a variety of different fancy dress outfits their welsh ska/funk gets a good sized crowd dancing along despite not knowing any of the words. Recent single Bwthion/Chaviach gets a good reception (and gets purchased by me on my return home!).
After that it's off to the main stage for Aliens who faff around a lot, play Robot man for about 15 minutes and don't play happy song... could have been good but aren't. Beth Orton is next on and does well despite playing a fair amount of new songs. Swears a lot too...
British Sea Power follow Beth and despite the addition of a Bulgarian choir they just don't recapture the energy of the Canvey Gig. It's hard to say why, but the band just never seemed to get going so I leave a little early and head for the lake stage.
..where I find Gideon Conn rapping away. I arrive just as he finishes my favourite song of his, I want you around, but the rest of the set is of a consistantly high quality with his witty lyrics and funky beats going down very well.
A quick bite to eat later and I head to Julian Cope who produces perhaps the most frustrating set of the festival (or indeed any festival)... comes on late, then after a slow start is just beginning to hit top form when he runs out of time... hopefully next time he'll be given a bit longer!
Leaving frustration behind I head back to the lake stage for the headliners, Errors who put on a suitably intense show. The usual description of them is a more electronic Mogwai which seems to be fair. I'll be seeing them supporting the aformentioned Mogwai in October so will say more then, except to add I'm looking forward to the support acts almost as much as the headliners for that gig (I did say almost!).
Franz Ferdinand headline the main stage but are hampered by poor sound in the back half of the arena so after hearing most of my personal favourites I head to the poetry tent when the rain arrives...
Things did not get off to a particularly promising start - delays getting into the carpark and then into the campsite. Normally they happen like clockwork, but it seems like a lot more people have decided to arrive early on the Thursday this year. Still, not to worry, friends met and tents up we settle back for a beer or two and let the festival begin!
Opening the Friday on the Sunrise stage is Godwits who appeared to be absolutely petrified at the size of the crowd as they start. Despite the singer admitting his nerves they improve as the set wears on but never really manage to shine.
After a quick beer break we catch the second half of Rosie and the Goldbug who played some energetic indie pop accompanied by dancers dressed as gold bugs (do you see what they did there, etc?) and are a lot more livelier than Godwits.
Next up is one of the highlights of the first day, Broken Records who have improved on the Great Escape show we saw in May. They seem more confident than before and the result is a more powerful performance. Single "If the news makes you sad, don't watch it" is one of many highlights and if these guys don't make it to near the top of one of the main stages next year then the world is truly a cruel place.
Slow Club, by contrast, seem a little subdued compared to their Great Escape gig so we head off to the lake stage for Derwyddon Dr Gonzo who by some margin are the most fun band of the weekend. With a horn section dressed as superheroes (except one dressed as a nurse, for some reason!) and the rest of the band in a variety of different fancy dress outfits their welsh ska/funk gets a good sized crowd dancing along despite not knowing any of the words. Recent single Bwthion/Chaviach gets a good reception (and gets purchased by me on my return home!).
After that it's off to the main stage for Aliens who faff around a lot, play Robot man for about 15 minutes and don't play happy song... could have been good but aren't. Beth Orton is next on and does well despite playing a fair amount of new songs. Swears a lot too...
British Sea Power follow Beth and despite the addition of a Bulgarian choir they just don't recapture the energy of the Canvey Gig. It's hard to say why, but the band just never seemed to get going so I leave a little early and head for the lake stage.
..where I find Gideon Conn rapping away. I arrive just as he finishes my favourite song of his, I want you around, but the rest of the set is of a consistantly high quality with his witty lyrics and funky beats going down very well.
A quick bite to eat later and I head to Julian Cope who produces perhaps the most frustrating set of the festival (or indeed any festival)... comes on late, then after a slow start is just beginning to hit top form when he runs out of time... hopefully next time he'll be given a bit longer!
Leaving frustration behind I head back to the lake stage for the headliners, Errors who put on a suitably intense show. The usual description of them is a more electronic Mogwai which seems to be fair. I'll be seeing them supporting the aformentioned Mogwai in October so will say more then, except to add I'm looking forward to the support acts almost as much as the headliners for that gig (I did say almost!).
Franz Ferdinand headline the main stage but are hampered by poor sound in the back half of the arena so after hearing most of my personal favourites I head to the poetry tent when the rain arrives...
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