ROCK 'N ROLL MAYOR'S A HIT, SHHHH FOR THE MUSIC + MILES KANE AT XFM ALL-DAYER

SOUNDS like Mayor of Camden Jonathan Simpson and his consort Amy Lamé were such a hit as guest DJs at Barfly’s Casino Royale birthday celebrations that there are already talks to bring them back. Casino Royal promoter and DJ Jeff Automatic was so impressed with their talents that he’s also considering taking them on tour to clubs around Europe – as ambassadors of Camden – you heard it here first.

What did they play on the night? The Smiths, The Beastie Boys, Suede, Iggy and the Stooges and much more. Apparently the band room – more used to groupies – was packed with councillors pre-set, not so rock ‘n roll.

• Saturday’s such a busy day it’s almost impossible to decide what to do.
Admirers of quiet music bite your tongue for the Shhh Festival at Cecil Sharp House. The bands are not always low key, but the audience is expected to keep schtum and a special team of shushers will be there to ensure hush. The all-day programme features more than 20 acts including a rare appearance from Mogwai’s Stuart Braithwaite, Still Corners and Lewis & Clarke.
More info from www.thelineofbestfit.com/2010/01/shhh-cecil-sharp-house-london

• Another feast of music on Saturday is Barfly’s XfM X-Posure all-dayer, featuring the wonderful Miles Kane, Clock Opera, The Brute Chorus, Lail Arad and many more promising acts, handpicked by DJ John Kennedy. Worth a visit.



• For something a little more far out, geographically and musically, how about Stoke Newington International Airport. A night of heavy experimental music from members of a bunch of bands including Red Snapper, Three Trapped Tigers, The Heritage Orchestra, and Kandinsky – all for £5.

• I would love Bruno Mars to leave my radio alone but for those who don’t feel the same, the Brit nominee plays Cafe de Paris on Monday (Jan 24) and Koko (March 13 & 14).