Recently came across this really interesting article about record clubs springing up in parts of the country
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-12209143
Basic concept is that every week people get together to listen to a classic album all the way through.
Must admit that I'm not really a vinyl junkie (although some things go just sound better on vinyl i.e. The Doors) and have fully bought in to the "i pod " generation. Indeed the Ipod is probably my favourite invention ever.
However like others I have become a bit of a victim of shuffling between songs or artists and it can be easy to just skip some of the less interesting songs on albums.
This idea of a record club therefore really appeals for number of reasons
1) Can listen to a classic album all the way through
2) Opportunity to hear unheard albums
3) Mix with people who share my passion for music
4) Hey maybe have a few beers as well
Given the above I now intend to try and find a suitable venue and see if anyone else is interested
If you are reading this and would like to attend just drop me an email and I'll keep you informed as and when the first one happens
Cheers
This is a blog aimed at trying to develop a site for people who want Leamington to have a heart of art, music and culture. Perhaps a little off beat and certainly away from the sterile Corporate world that surrounds us It is a place which will be reliant on you letting us know the cool places to be and the inspired people in the town.
Sunday 30 January 2011
Cool Places 2) The Assembly
I had been waiting years for a decent venue to open in Leamington and therefore was very excited at the opening of the Assembly. At last I though i could put an end to the drives to Birmingham - not that I minded the driving it was more the fact I couldnt have a few drinks whilst watching some decent bands.
I certainly wasnt dissapointed when the venue opened - clearly a lot of money was spent on it and it really is a very impressive venue. In fact weirdly my only real complaint is that it was a bit too nice and "clean" - guess I had just got use to dirty, sticky floored, dark venues and to be honest that kind of supports the type of music I like anyhow!
The Assembly has certainly had some classic acts there as well in a relatively short career - still cant quite believe that the Legendary New York Dolls actually played in Leamington!! They've also attracted a few other big names including Razorlight, Sisters of Mercy, Patti Smith The Enemy, The Stranglers and not forgetting the legend that is Peter Andre!!!!
As time has gone on it does seem that the venue still has a struggle to get some of the more sought after acts where guess they see Birmingham as the bigger draw and perhaps Leamington is too close to have second date there (?) so does seem to be a fair few tribute acts which is a shame.
However given they have recently booked Pete Doherty and Drive by Truckers perhaps we are in for a great 2011 for gigs in Leamington. The main thing is that we all need to support the venue because lots of punters will certainly encourage both the owners and the bands!!
I certainly wasnt dissapointed when the venue opened - clearly a lot of money was spent on it and it really is a very impressive venue. In fact weirdly my only real complaint is that it was a bit too nice and "clean" - guess I had just got use to dirty, sticky floored, dark venues and to be honest that kind of supports the type of music I like anyhow!
The Assembly has certainly had some classic acts there as well in a relatively short career - still cant quite believe that the Legendary New York Dolls actually played in Leamington!! They've also attracted a few other big names including Razorlight, Sisters of Mercy, Patti Smith The Enemy, The Stranglers and not forgetting the legend that is Peter Andre!!!!
As time has gone on it does seem that the venue still has a struggle to get some of the more sought after acts where guess they see Birmingham as the bigger draw and perhaps Leamington is too close to have second date there (?) so does seem to be a fair few tribute acts which is a shame.
However given they have recently booked Pete Doherty and Drive by Truckers perhaps we are in for a great 2011 for gigs in Leamington. The main thing is that we all need to support the venue because lots of punters will certainly encourage both the owners and the bands!!
Sunday 2 January 2011
My top ten albums of 2010 (No particular order)
- Gaslight Anthem - American Slang
2. Butch Walker and the Black Widows - I liked it Better
Butch Walker is a legend - who I hear you ask??? - well later I may do a full profile but for now just go out and buy this album (and all his others). This CD shows the full breadth of his repertoire. Going from the power pop (emphasis on power) of " Pretty Melody" and "Trash Talk" to the more acoustic/thought provoking "Don't you think someone". He is also not too afraid to take a humorous look at his past in "she Likes Hair Bands".
Seriously this is one of the most talented Musicians/songwriters ever.
3. Jesse Malin and the St Marks Social - "love it to Life
Similar to Butch this is a singer songwriter who has been around for some time but has never hit the heights his talent deserves (he had a brief spell when people picked up on him via his friend Ryan Adams),
Scarily Jesse was close to packing it all in but decided to have a go and making another rockier album in comparison to the more recent singer/songwriter stuff. It certainly pays off and its great to hear him performing with a full band sound. Songs such as "Burning the Bowery", " Disco Ghetto " and "Burn the Bridge" suggests he has decided he wants to just kick out and enjoy things again (as does the album title). If you want singer/songwriter stuff but with a kick this is for you
4. Semi Precious Weapons
Bit of a different one this - this band are on Lady Gagas label and supported her on tour - hold on, come back!!
This band really rock in old style Glam Metal way - the songs are rude and bad - If you want to relive the days of drinking JD in a rock club this is "awesome", Just listen to the song "Magnetic Baby" at full blast and you will be grabbing the bottle and the lipstick
5. Manic Street Preachers -Postcard from a young man
This is in my top 10 mainly because as a result of this I went to see their gig in Birmingham and they played the best set I have ever seen, It reminded me of how much I REALLY use to love this band, OK none of the songs are up there with You love us or Motorcycle Emptiness but there are some really good modern rock songs on here i.e. Its not war, Postcards, and all we are is entertainment.
OK so they appeared on strictly come dancing but NO one jumps on stage like Nicky Wire!
6. Fake Problems
Another relatively unknown band here in the UK and one which is really hard to describe, Sound is based around a kind of "Pop Punk" style but we're not talking about a Blink 182 style thing here, mainly because the song writing is way too good for that, It starts with a real "call to arms song" called ADT which will have you singing along and really wanting to see them live, My favourite track is "Song for Teenagers" a classic example of a really good "pop" song in the true meaning of the word.
7. Two Cow Garage - Sweet Saint Me
Guess its the effect of the TV series "True Blood" but last year I have really got in to the "Americana/Country/Punk" sounding bands i.e. the ones you could imagine playing in "Merlottes" whilst men drink whiskey and beer and women look hot. The best discovery of this type is Two Cow Garage. This album has songs you will want to sing, dance, drink and **** along to !
8. Blacklist Royals -Semper Liberi
A band in a similar vein as the Gaslight Anthem but perhaps with a rougher more punkier sound, Just looking at some of the song titles will give you an instant impression of this band "Rock N Roll", "Howling at the Moon", "Tennessee Blues" and "love in the back seat". This has been my go to album when I have had a bad day in the office and just want to get in my car and drive home as fast as possible (legally of course ;) ). Another album that HAS to be played at top volume and you're soon imagining you're on an American free way.
9. Imelda May - Mayhem
Bit of a different one to the rest of the list but still a great album, Imelda has a style and sound that just drips off old school rock N roll. Now I must admit I'm more of a fan of the more up tempo numbers which have a real 50s sound but even the slower ones offer a good change of pace which we all need at some times. Really annoyed I missed her at the assembly as would love to see her live where I am sure many of these songs would really come alive. If you're looking for something to listen to as you prepare to go to a burlesque night you could do a lot worse than this
10. Bruce Springsteen - The Collection 73-84
No real need for me to write a review of this other than to say you get 7 absolute classic albums in one nifty set, If you don't own these already or if you only have a Boss greatest hits CD then you really should buy this. AND at the time of writing you can buy it in Head in Leamington for just £12.99 - surely one of the best bargains ever!!
Cool Places in Leamington - #1 Head Music Shop
Now like most people I have fallen in to the trap of buying stuff off Amazon on a frequent basis and indeed on occasions downloading stuff off the internet (god forgive me!) but its always with a sense of guilt that I am not supporting my local record shop.
Ever since i first moved to Leamington I have been amazed what a good record store we have in Head (and its former name FOPP). Given the fact that record stores are rapidly becoming a thing of the past we really should do all we can to save this fantastic store.
There aren't many stores which stock such an eclectic mix and somehow manage to survive in a high profile (high rent ???) space - most which have survived are tucked away in dodgy back streets and occupied by the most dedicated (geeky!?!) music fan.
But we have one in a prime location which has virtually every CD you want -from the latest releases to a fantastic array of classics at ridiculous prices.
Now whilst a fan of vinyl even I couldn't resist the opportunity to replicate the entire Doors back catalogue on CD for c£30!! (hey I needed them on CD to put on my I pod!)
So if you need a CD join one of my resolution of 2011 and buy it from this shop - it may cost a couple more quid but don't let this be a case of us only knowing what we have got when its gone :(
Ever since i first moved to Leamington I have been amazed what a good record store we have in Head (and its former name FOPP). Given the fact that record stores are rapidly becoming a thing of the past we really should do all we can to save this fantastic store.
There aren't many stores which stock such an eclectic mix and somehow manage to survive in a high profile (high rent ???) space - most which have survived are tucked away in dodgy back streets and occupied by the most dedicated (geeky!?!) music fan.
But we have one in a prime location which has virtually every CD you want -from the latest releases to a fantastic array of classics at ridiculous prices.
Now whilst a fan of vinyl even I couldn't resist the opportunity to replicate the entire Doors back catalogue on CD for c£30!! (hey I needed them on CD to put on my I pod!)
So if you need a CD join one of my resolution of 2011 and buy it from this shop - it may cost a couple more quid but don't let this be a case of us only knowing what we have got when its gone :(
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