BC Camplight and Julie Collings @ The Vic Inn - Mon 6 Mar 06

God I love last minute stuff and tonight's impromptu gig has proven to be most enjoyable.  Originally had plans to go and see Staind, but as I needed to see a man about a gig, I opted for the Vic Inninstead.  Knew the headlining band as I only saw them a week ago supporting The Boy Least Likely To.

First artist on was a lady called Julie Collings, whose dulcet tones immediately grabbed my attention.  If I had to compare her voice to someone famous would say possibly a bit of Sarah McLachlan / Sheryl Crow.  She has a beautiful voice indeed, teamed with really well written songs that makes you think and boy can she play that guitar!!  Julie was like a breath of fresh air and really set a high standard for the rest of the night.

Did not see much of the 2^nd band The Avenues as we were talking to Brian, Bret, Ramon and Dave of BC Camplight, so really in no position to comment, but they seemed quite popular with the crowd.

BC Camplight can best be described as a quirky piano-led indie quartet whose songs have upbeat tempos combined with engaging melodies.  A thoroughly pleasurable experience and one that will guarantee to put a smile on your face.  Must say I enjoyed these guys more 2^nd time of seeing them than the first, not sure if that is due to familiarity or not.  Loved "Hide Run Away" and " Blood and Peanut Butter" again but can safely say the song that blew me away was the fabulous rendition of "Wouldn't Mind The Sunshine" This song should definitely be a single!!

Not sure what Helen did to piss Ramon off as halfway through he chucked some water at her, well luckily he missed her, else we might have had a fight on our hands now that Helen is not shy anymore :o)  Ramon was very apologetic and we enjoyed some more great banter after with the guys and the messages in our CDs had us all in stitches.  Think I should quote them all.......ok perhaps not.

BC Camplight have only got a couple of dates left in the UK before returning to the States, unfortunately they are all "down south".  Don't miss the opportunity of a sensational evening's live music and go along and see them, you wont be disappointed.

Thanks to Rick for having me in fits of laughter for much of the night, Helen for your company once again (people are gonna think we are joined at the hip) and Brian, Ramon, Dave and Bret YOU GUYS ARE SUPER COOL!

We'll meet again......

Bits and Bobs and Betchadupa - 4 March 06

Feeling great today after more than 12 hours sleep and anyone who knows me will confirm that is 3 times the usual amount I get.  I am now tucking into the 4 leftover lovely Krispy Kreme donuts we aquired via Tesco in Watford yesterday.  Actually I feel a bit sick now!!

I sooo wanted to go to Selhurst Park yesterday but realised that it was not even in London and we would have been hard pressed to get back to Kings Cross for 7.30pm.  So here we are sitting in the car park tucking into donuts when I realised that Rob Hulse has just scored as 2nd for Leeds and also that Watford were losing to Derby.  Was quite ironic really but I guess you had to be there.

Helen missed the photo opportunity with that Key Lime Pie Donut, I was laughing so much that I almost choked.  What was it she said "I will lick mine out first, that way I can't mess it all over me".  Richard this was almost material for your "promo" film lol!

The drive into London was pretty pain free, as of course serious "deja vu" was setting in at this point as we had been down this road so many times these last couple of weeks.  Found parking and Hendon without any trouble.  Got on tube and opted for shopping around Camden.  Loved the little market stalls and Helen described me as a kid in a toyshop.  Of course at this point final results have come in and things could not get any better. 

Went for a spot of dinner at some Italian place near Water Rats and spotted the Betchadupa boys outside, only later on we realised they ate in there and we did not see them till they were leaving.

At Water Rats came another wonderful band discovery called Air Traffic.  Some great indie rock music where the front man tickles those ivories to sensational effect.  It is so great to see some of the more classical instruments being used in rock music.  We were mesmerised from beginning to end, even though I felt really old as they looked all of 12!  

To  my dismay I found that its another band from "down south".  How am I ever going to fit in all these bands??

Betchadupa of course did not disappoint and this being my second time I enjoyed it even more than the first.  They started their set with "Design" which is really awesome live and gets you dancing from the off.  This was followed by two new songs and then Helens fav "Army of Birds and Gulls" which is growing on me I  must say.  Another smashing performance of new single "Who is coming through the Window" which is sort of my second fav behind "Diversions" - which I am yet to see them do live.

Not sure how to describe Betchadupa's music but would say Loud Indie Rock music.  I love it when Liam and Joe scream into the mic, Matt bashes those drums and Chris plucks away effortlessly.  The chemistry between these guys is something to be seen on stage.

Was great to see Scarer and meet friends (sorry names escape me) and of course Andy (super duper hugger).  There was this strange Chinese boy that followed me around, and kept pointing at his heart, kissing me on the cheek and hugging the life out of me.  Not quite sure why he kept saying "Imagine - John Lennon" - it was very funny, but I guess you had to be there.

There seems to be a pattern emerging with us not staying / watching headline act - apologies to The Bit I Am. 

Night was rounded off beautifully with Helen getting to chat to Liam and getting her NZ CD signed as well as a playlist and then we took some pictures.  By the time we got to last band member, you would never have believed that Helen is alledgedly shy!

     

     

On way home I am sure the people on the tube thought we were mad for taking pics of ourselves.  But compared to what I witnessed today, we are relatively normal - I think!

Richard Snow - this is "Girls on the Tube"

Another amazing adventure in this journey called life - now I am getting deep :o)  Thank you again Helen.

Almost Tom Wardle @ Derby Uni - I HATE DERBY!!!

Well last night started off quite exciting having decided on impromtu gig so found out where Tom Wardle was playing.  Mark suggested we go for some SA food in Derby and then to the Uni where Tom was playing.

Simple enough?!  So one would think - PAH!

Was very chuffed with myself that I managed to navigate and find a parking spot right outside Barracuda (without getting lost!).  Well when we left there it took some doing getting out of the shopping areas but we finally managed after about 15 minutes to find the way to the A38 to get to the University.

We ended up down this dark little country lane for miles, as before that was last signs we saw for university.  It was now 9.15pm. I told Mark to call it a day and take me home as by the time we actually find this place and then look for the Students Uni Bar the set will be over.   So back up the road we went and low and behold what was situated on the left in the dark.....?  Sods bloody law!!!

I urge the Derby City Council to please invest in some decent street signs and for heaven's sake - what a shitty system!!! Inner Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, One-way systems, pedestrianised areas - obviously not meant for drivers!

Sorry Tom, I am gutted for missing ya mate and will definately have to remedy that soon!

Ok I don't hate Derby - I HATE DRIVING IN DERBY! 

OMG just a thought what if I actually get that job on Wednesday lol!?

PS:  I can't believe it, Helen actually has me reading my blog and checking for errors before posting - what have you done to me woman?

The Boy Least Likely To @ Social - Sun 26 Feb 06

A bit of a mad rush occurred getting to the Social but I had so been looking forward to seeing these guys again as I discovered them when they supported James Blunt at Rock City last year.

Not seen the Social this packed for some time.  Support act came on and it was really chilled or as Helen called them "Ben Folds with a Piano".  They are called BC Camplight and we thoroughly enjoyed the set. Songs I liked the most was the first one called "Hide Run Away" and the last one "Blood and Peanut Butter".  Got speaking to Bret and Dave afterwards - strange boys, but it was fun indeed.  Will definitely look out for these again as they were cool.

We managed to secure ourselves a spot up front (well in front of the speaker) always best seats in the house.  Highlight of the evening arrived as Jof, Pete and the boys took the stage and the whole atmosphere lifted.  They started off with "Hugging my grudge" and it really got the audience going.  This was followed by some other classics including "Warm Panda Cola", "Paper Cuts" and of course that Apple Wagon song gets me going everytime. 

Not sure what the inpiration behind some of these lyrics are but can safely say they put a smile on my face everytime.  Finished off with my fav "Be Gentle with Me" and I love the line ".....I am happy because I am stupid, scared of spiders and of flying...."

Afterwards we were trying to decide on what genre best describes The Boy Least Likely To.  I have always described it to other people as "Happy Hippy Music" but after a nice long chat with drummer Al we decided it was "Country Disco".  Either way if you have not seen this band yet - don't delay its an experience indeed.  Sadly for us they are off to the States for a while touring with the "Not so Happy" James Blunt.

We'll meet again....

Ps.  Oh yes forgot I finally got chance to say thanks to Jof afterwards for signed CD's they sent for my gig.  What a nice happy fella :o)

Bic Runga and Sons of Jim @ Dingwalls, Camden - 28 Feb 06

Another adventure down the M1 with my mate Helen and MP3 player on random.  Was really hard staying awake in the car as I am a tad pooped!  We decided bugger the tube tonight we are diving to Camden.  She had printed some lovely Multimap destructions!  Multimap why does it bother with directions??? 

Anyway we managed to find our way via Hampstead and after acosting a nice gentleman in the car next to us to find out where the hell we were and which way Camden was.  Was a very funny moment as he did not quite know what to make of us. 

We finally arrived in Camden and went around in the car for a bit trying to find parking and most of all a toilet!  We got to a pub and the venue was next door but queues were around the corner, so we waited in the cold.

Inside got drink and first act came on.  Lovely acoustic folk music going by the name ofSons of Jim. It was chilled and relaxing and I really enjoyed the performance very much. Its great to find a support act you enjoy, esp when  you have not heard of them before.  Looked at their page since and all gigs are in London (might have to do something about that!!)  Thanks lads for fab show and the hugs afterwards were completely justified.  WOW!

Saw a few of the Betchadupa boys in their too as we were waiting for Bic Runga to come on stage.  Finally curtains up and she was on stage with Neil Finn and Boxcar Benny (I want to have his babies - phwoarr!!!)....sorry back to the music.  Bic opened up with "Sway" and its one of the ones I can remember Helen playing me.  I really enjoyed it very much esp since Bic seemed to find it very hard to not burst out lauging.  The set got a bit depressing then with some songs off her new album, but she was the first to admit it.

One of the songs off the new album that sticks in my mind is a song called "Blue Blue Heart"  We liked that one and a couple more that followed.  There was one song in particular - Helen's fav - but I cant remember the name, I really loved it.   Bic Runga was amazing and funny!

It was a different chilled out evening to the norm but was well worth the trip to London.  Night was perfected by spotting Nando's on Chalk Farm Road lol - anyone that knows me, will tell you I am a sucker for the "N" word.

Good Music + Good Food + Good Company = GREAT EVENING!