IT RAINED for the first time in the history of the Camden Crawl last year. When I say rained, more like giants stood atop Primrose Hill hosing down Camden High Street until all the little indie ants were washed down the drain.
So let’s hope this year, the giants take a break from watering their gardens just long enough to let us music-loving ants swarm over Camden and Kentish Town’s finest venues for the Camden Crawl’s 10th anniversary.
Odd Future, Miles Kane, Killing Joke, British Sea Power, St Etienne, Graham Coxon, Frankie and the Heartstrings, Villagers, Giggs – the list of unmissable acts is endless but to be sure to catch your top choices requires military precision.
Army-style discipline alone is tough but throw in sun, good times, queues, clinging onto friends in a sea of people, navigating dark venues, and mountains of alcohol and the best laid plans are bound to dissolve into a haze of good intentions and gigs you didn’t quite plan to see.
This is not a bad thing –the Crawl is the ideal spotting ground for new music so enjoy the unknown acts and see if you can predict which ones are going to make it.
Here’s a few tips for the day – I won’t labour the wear comfy shoes point this year no matter how vital I think it is:
- It’s not all about gigs in dark places. There’s a whole daytime programme of comedy, theatre and the chance to pit your mind against some of the industry’s biggest musos at a choice of challenging pub quizzes.
- Manage expectations – don’t expect to see every band you want – there will be timetable clashes, mad dashes from Mornington Crescent to Kentish Town, and just plain old queues so prioritise and enjoy the unknown.
- Keep your eyes and ears open for secret appearances, pop-up gigs and the unexpected, last year Amy Winehouse was pulling pints at The Dublin Castle and Pete Doherty was hanging around outside the job centre, a few years previously David Schwimmer joined the crawl.
- Try to predict collaborations – as Giggs and Lethal Bizzle are both booked to play and they’ve just released the Monsta Man remix, that’s the one I’m guessing.
- Check out the Red Bull outdoor stage – it’ll be a rare chance to see rap collective Odd Future who made waves at this year’s SXSW festival. And if you can prove you’re an NW1 resident, you can get into Hawley Crescent for free.
- Download the Gaymers Camden Crawl 2011 The Album compilation – free to ticketholders from www.7digital.com/camdencrawl – and check out the bands you haven’t heard yet, you never know, it might just stop you missing out on the next band of the year.
- AND FINALLY – follow me on twitter for live updates throughout the weekend and tweet me any Crawl news, gossip or rumours of secret gigs – I promise to share – @roisingadelrab
Showing posts with label Camden Crawl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Camden Crawl. Show all posts
Friday, 29 April 2011
CAMDEN CRAWL TWEETERS + POLY STYRENE SLEEPS + PALOMA FAITH, TIM BOOTH AND HUGH LAURIE
A QUICK reminder to anyone not heading for the Camden Crawl – though can’t imagine what else you want to do with the long weekend – you can still feel like part of the festivities by catching Graham Coxon, Marques Toliver and more at their Levi’s Crawl set at Proud Camden on Sunday for a separate £10 ticket. Entry free to Crawl wristband holders.
And in case you didn’t see my appeal in our final preview, remember to tweet any Crawl news, sightings, gossip or secret gig rumours to me @roisingadelrab, I’ll be reporting the whole weekend live on Twitter.
• Really sorry to hear about the death of X-Ray Spex frontwoman Poly Styrene. Poly, whose real name is Marianne Elliot Said rejoined the band for a one-off show at Camden Roundhouse in 2008.
In a tribute this week, Jonathan Ross told how X-Ray Spex were the first live band he ever saw – at the Hope & Anchor in Islington.
• Coming up at the Union Chapel – Paloma Faith’s special charity show (May 5) to help raise funds for a friend who suffered brain damage in an accident. She will be joined by Noisettes, her X-Factor favourite Rebecca Ferguson, Michael Nyman, Claire Maguire, Rox, Alfie Boe, David Arnold & Ricky Wilson and the night will be hosted by Keith Lemon.
• Remember when James was great? Maybe Tim Booth can recreate some of their heyday magic when he headlines Koko on Tuesday – maybe he can fill us in.
• Former Record of the Week contenders and all-round new favourites Warehouse Republic play The Bowery on Wednesday – what else have you got do?
• Anyone got a golden ticket for Hugh Laurie’s Union Chapel show on Wednesday? Let me know, is he a better musician or actor?
And in case you didn’t see my appeal in our final preview, remember to tweet any Crawl news, sightings, gossip or secret gig rumours to me @roisingadelrab, I’ll be reporting the whole weekend live on Twitter.
• Really sorry to hear about the death of X-Ray Spex frontwoman Poly Styrene. Poly, whose real name is Marianne Elliot Said rejoined the band for a one-off show at Camden Roundhouse in 2008.
In a tribute this week, Jonathan Ross told how X-Ray Spex were the first live band he ever saw – at the Hope & Anchor in Islington.
• Coming up at the Union Chapel – Paloma Faith’s special charity show (May 5) to help raise funds for a friend who suffered brain damage in an accident. She will be joined by Noisettes, her X-Factor favourite Rebecca Ferguson, Michael Nyman, Claire Maguire, Rox, Alfie Boe, David Arnold & Ricky Wilson and the night will be hosted by Keith Lemon.
• Remember when James was great? Maybe Tim Booth can recreate some of their heyday magic when he headlines Koko on Tuesday – maybe he can fill us in.
• Former Record of the Week contenders and all-round new favourites Warehouse Republic play The Bowery on Wednesday – what else have you got do?
• Anyone got a golden ticket for Hugh Laurie’s Union Chapel show on Wednesday? Let me know, is he a better musician or actor?
Friday, 15 April 2011
HUGH LAURIE'S GOT THE UNION CHAPEL BLUES + ODD FUTURE AT THE CAMDEN CRAWL
LISTEN up NW1 residents.
Those generous Camden Crawl people have saved up some of their most treasured signings for the Red Bull Bedroom Jam, which takes over Hawley Crescent for the May Bank Holiday weekend (April 30 – May 1). Entry is free for residents aged 14 or over (under 16s accompanied by an adult) who show proof of residence and age on arrival space allowing.
The King Blues headline on Saturday and the much-hyped ODD FUTURE WOLF GANG KILL THEM ALL play their first UK festival show on the Sunday. Others lined up include Attack! Attack!, The Qemists, Turbowolf, P Money and S.C.U.M. Crawl wristband holders also welcome.
Not easy to find a clip of Odd Future in their collective element so here's Tyler the Creator doing his own thing - Warning some may find lyrics offensive.
Forget the menacing hip-hop, this second clip shows Odd Future as straight-up skater boys - brings back memories of my own reprobate skater friends of the past.
• He’s so convincing on House, I’d forgotten he’s English – now Hugh Laurie’s embracing the deep South soul. He plays New Orleans blues from album Let Them Talk, which features collaborations with Tom Jones and Dr John, at the Union Chapel on May 4 – shame it’s sold out.
• Want to break into the music biz? Head to King’s Place for MusicConnex (April 19-21) where more than 100 industry experts will share their expertise on securing a career in the digital age in a series of seminars sponsored by Facebook, Youtube and MPA. Plus showcases from ILUVLIVE, Canadian Blast, One Taste and Busker Tales.
• We’re in the middle of London Latin Music Festival and the best is yet to come – see Ojos de Brujo’s 10th Anniversary Show at the Barbican (April 15), supported by Depedro, and A Night of Twisted Cumbia ft Mexican Institute of Sound, Axel Krygier and Pollito Boogaloo at Koko (April 17).
Those generous Camden Crawl people have saved up some of their most treasured signings for the Red Bull Bedroom Jam, which takes over Hawley Crescent for the May Bank Holiday weekend (April 30 – May 1). Entry is free for residents aged 14 or over (under 16s accompanied by an adult) who show proof of residence and age on arrival space allowing.
The King Blues headline on Saturday and the much-hyped ODD FUTURE WOLF GANG KILL THEM ALL play their first UK festival show on the Sunday. Others lined up include Attack! Attack!, The Qemists, Turbowolf, P Money and S.C.U.M. Crawl wristband holders also welcome.
Not easy to find a clip of Odd Future in their collective element so here's Tyler the Creator doing his own thing - Warning some may find lyrics offensive.
Forget the menacing hip-hop, this second clip shows Odd Future as straight-up skater boys - brings back memories of my own reprobate skater friends of the past.
• He’s so convincing on House, I’d forgotten he’s English – now Hugh Laurie’s embracing the deep South soul. He plays New Orleans blues from album Let Them Talk, which features collaborations with Tom Jones and Dr John, at the Union Chapel on May 4 – shame it’s sold out.
• Want to break into the music biz? Head to King’s Place for MusicConnex (April 19-21) where more than 100 industry experts will share their expertise on securing a career in the digital age in a series of seminars sponsored by Facebook, Youtube and MPA. Plus showcases from ILUVLIVE, Canadian Blast, One Taste and Busker Tales.
• We’re in the middle of London Latin Music Festival and the best is yet to come – see Ojos de Brujo’s 10th Anniversary Show at the Barbican (April 15), supported by Depedro, and A Night of Twisted Cumbia ft Mexican Institute of Sound, Axel Krygier and Pollito Boogaloo at Koko (April 17).
SHAKESPEARE V WORLD CLASS RAPPER - AKALA'S HIP HOP SHAKESPEARE COMPANY PUTS THEM TO THE TEST
“MAYBE it’s hatred I spew, maybe it’s food for the spirit,” – Shakespeare or an internationally renowned rapper?
This is just one of the tests Akala poses in his quest to show young people the Bard’s work is not as archaic as they think.
For those who couldn’t work it out, the answer’s Eminem, on Renegade with Jay-Z.
The success of the hip-hop Shakespeare Company – which explores the social, cultural and linguistic parallels between Shakespeare and hip-hop – spearheaded by rapper Akala aka Kingslee Daley, and brother of Ms Dynamite, has not gone unnoticed.
They’ve featured on CNN, there’s a film in the pipeline and they’re due to appear at the Roundhouse Studios during the Camden Crawl (April 30-May 1).
Any trepidation youngsters have when joining a workshop is immediately broken when faced with the Shakespeare v Rapper test.
Kingslee, who grew up in Camden, and went to Acland Burghley School, said: “We ask if they think they can tell the difference between a quote from one of their favourite rappers and Shakespeare and they all say it’d be obvious, Shakespeare’s so different, so old. We do the test and no one can ever tell the difference.
“Once you take the language out of context you start to get a sense of how much your perception affects your treatment of art... Whether you like it or not, that’s just a part of the human condition. You make these judgements not solely based on the quality of the work and that’s what really becomes obvious to people.”
The Company aims to remove the elitism that surrounds Shakespeare, the “ignorant crass stereotypes” that surround hip-hop and to highlight entitlement.
Kingslee was attracted to Shakespeare from an early age because of its parallels to the lyrical music he already listened to: “It just clicked with me this is the same kind of stuff I already listen to – it’s poetry...he captured to human condition the way few writers have,” and is torn between Hamlet and Richard II as his favourite play.
He said: “Richard II is the most rhythmic, it sounds like a rap. Hamlet for the complexity of the story, the betrayal, the cauldron of feelings – it’s maybe his strongest character.”
The project has provided jobs and training for some of the most promising participants. One young writer has gone on to scribe plays for the Young Vic and Kingslee hopes one day to set up a whole institution dedicated to the cause.
Kingslee said: “Ultimately we all want the same thing – young people that can read and write well and are enthusiastic about language. Whatever methods we use that are most effective – that is the most sensible thing to do.”
Kingslee finds the job particularly rewarding.
He said: “When you work with young people in difficult circumstances and they share something with you through a piece of writing and it becomes a cathartic experience for them or they realise they have a passion no-one’s ever stoked in them or they have an intelligence that no one ever told them they have – that kind of ability to help people self discover is the thing I’m most proud of.”
He has just returned from Sudan, where he hosted workshops in-between gigs.
He said: “It went really well. I hate to say it but every time I travel, particularly to countries in the so-called third world, it’s embarrassing the level of education. No disrespect, but they have a much firmer grasp of the English language than most of the young people (he works with here). You have 16 year old kids when we’re talking about Shakespeare, saying, yeah he wrote in archaic English – this is the level of grasp of the language we’re talking about.
“Perhaps because education over there is so much more difficult to obtain, there’s so much more respect for it once it’s gone...They take it very seriously if they get the opportunity to get a decent education.”
And while Shakespeare proved a hit, so did the hip-hop.
He said: “Hip hop over there is as big as it is over here – all over Africa – hip hop and reggae – Bob Marley’s become bigger then he even was in Jamaica. He’s become a larger than life persona throughout the African continent. And hip-hop, particularly the more politically aware socially conscious hip-hop, has really connected, from my experience throughout the continent and the world.”
Kingslee no longer lives in Camden, having left for the peace of Hertfordshire but he’s having a change of heart: “I’m out in the sticks now but it’s a bit too quiet for me. I think I’m going to move back into Camden.”
• Further info from http://www.hiphopshakespeare.com/
This is just one of the tests Akala poses in his quest to show young people the Bard’s work is not as archaic as they think.
For those who couldn’t work it out, the answer’s Eminem, on Renegade with Jay-Z.
The success of the hip-hop Shakespeare Company – which explores the social, cultural and linguistic parallels between Shakespeare and hip-hop – spearheaded by rapper Akala aka Kingslee Daley, and brother of Ms Dynamite, has not gone unnoticed.
They’ve featured on CNN, there’s a film in the pipeline and they’re due to appear at the Roundhouse Studios during the Camden Crawl (April 30-May 1).
Any trepidation youngsters have when joining a workshop is immediately broken when faced with the Shakespeare v Rapper test.
Kingslee, who grew up in Camden, and went to Acland Burghley School, said: “We ask if they think they can tell the difference between a quote from one of their favourite rappers and Shakespeare and they all say it’d be obvious, Shakespeare’s so different, so old. We do the test and no one can ever tell the difference.
“Once you take the language out of context you start to get a sense of how much your perception affects your treatment of art... Whether you like it or not, that’s just a part of the human condition. You make these judgements not solely based on the quality of the work and that’s what really becomes obvious to people.”
The Company aims to remove the elitism that surrounds Shakespeare, the “ignorant crass stereotypes” that surround hip-hop and to highlight entitlement.
Kingslee was attracted to Shakespeare from an early age because of its parallels to the lyrical music he already listened to: “It just clicked with me this is the same kind of stuff I already listen to – it’s poetry...he captured to human condition the way few writers have,” and is torn between Hamlet and Richard II as his favourite play.
He said: “Richard II is the most rhythmic, it sounds like a rap. Hamlet for the complexity of the story, the betrayal, the cauldron of feelings – it’s maybe his strongest character.”
The project has provided jobs and training for some of the most promising participants. One young writer has gone on to scribe plays for the Young Vic and Kingslee hopes one day to set up a whole institution dedicated to the cause.
Kingslee said: “Ultimately we all want the same thing – young people that can read and write well and are enthusiastic about language. Whatever methods we use that are most effective – that is the most sensible thing to do.”
Kingslee finds the job particularly rewarding.
He said: “When you work with young people in difficult circumstances and they share something with you through a piece of writing and it becomes a cathartic experience for them or they realise they have a passion no-one’s ever stoked in them or they have an intelligence that no one ever told them they have – that kind of ability to help people self discover is the thing I’m most proud of.”
He has just returned from Sudan, where he hosted workshops in-between gigs.
He said: “It went really well. I hate to say it but every time I travel, particularly to countries in the so-called third world, it’s embarrassing the level of education. No disrespect, but they have a much firmer grasp of the English language than most of the young people (he works with here). You have 16 year old kids when we’re talking about Shakespeare, saying, yeah he wrote in archaic English – this is the level of grasp of the language we’re talking about.
“Perhaps because education over there is so much more difficult to obtain, there’s so much more respect for it once it’s gone...They take it very seriously if they get the opportunity to get a decent education.”
And while Shakespeare proved a hit, so did the hip-hop.
He said: “Hip hop over there is as big as it is over here – all over Africa – hip hop and reggae – Bob Marley’s become bigger then he even was in Jamaica. He’s become a larger than life persona throughout the African continent. And hip-hop, particularly the more politically aware socially conscious hip-hop, has really connected, from my experience throughout the continent and the world.”
Kingslee no longer lives in Camden, having left for the peace of Hertfordshire but he’s having a change of heart: “I’m out in the sticks now but it’s a bit too quiet for me. I think I’m going to move back into Camden.”
• Further info from http://www.hiphopshakespeare.com/
SPOILED FOR CHOICE + ADAM ANT BOOK LAUNCH + JOSE GONZALES WAS A PUNK + THE VACCINES DJ
I SOMETIMES forget how lucky we are, living on the music-rich soil of Camden, Islington and Westminster – but then a week like this comes along and I remember how spoiled I am.
I was supposed to exclusively reveal Killing Joke are playing the Camden Crawl but Japanese Voyeurs beat me to it – Romily told Glasswerk Wales website they’ll be supporting the post-punk legends at the Electric Ballroom – Don’t forget to enter our ticket competition.
After the Crawl there’s still Wireless, Kenwood, Hard Rock Calling and the totally free iTunes Festival – and that’s just the festivals.
• Adam Ant’s as spirited as ever. He plays live at the launch of his book All The King’s Horses – there’s also a short play featuring a surprise actor – at Monto Water Rats tonight (Thurs).
• Badly Drawn Boy, Gideon Conn + Jim Noir join special guests at the Union Chapel tonight (Thurs) for Manchester Aid to Kosovo’s Ten album launch.
• If you miss The Vaccines at the Electric Ballroom, they DJ afterwards at The Wheelbarrow (April 8) – totally free.
• Did you know Jose Gonzales was Swedish? He’s mellowed since his days in hardcore punk bands and has teamed up with the 20-piece Gothenburg String Theory orchestra to play the Barbican (April 11).
• Music Week’s Breakout night is NOT to be missed – acts include Dog is Dead, Manchester Orchestra and felon turned rapper Fem Fel – Proud Camden (April 13).
• Wonder what Dinosaur Jr frontman J Mascis would sound like on his own? He plays solo at Relentless Garage (April 14).
I was supposed to exclusively reveal Killing Joke are playing the Camden Crawl but Japanese Voyeurs beat me to it – Romily told Glasswerk Wales website they’ll be supporting the post-punk legends at the Electric Ballroom – Don’t forget to enter our ticket competition.
After the Crawl there’s still Wireless, Kenwood, Hard Rock Calling and the totally free iTunes Festival – and that’s just the festivals.
• Adam Ant’s as spirited as ever. He plays live at the launch of his book All The King’s Horses – there’s also a short play featuring a surprise actor – at Monto Water Rats tonight (Thurs).
• Badly Drawn Boy, Gideon Conn + Jim Noir join special guests at the Union Chapel tonight (Thurs) for Manchester Aid to Kosovo’s Ten album launch.
• If you miss The Vaccines at the Electric Ballroom, they DJ afterwards at The Wheelbarrow (April 8) – totally free.
• Did you know Jose Gonzales was Swedish? He’s mellowed since his days in hardcore punk bands and has teamed up with the 20-piece Gothenburg String Theory orchestra to play the Barbican (April 11).
• Music Week’s Breakout night is NOT to be missed – acts include Dog is Dead, Manchester Orchestra and felon turned rapper Fem Fel – Proud Camden (April 13).
• Wonder what Dinosaur Jr frontman J Mascis would sound like on his own? He plays solo at Relentless Garage (April 14).
Thursday, 31 March 2011
THE VACCINES PAY TRIBUTE TO THE FLOWERPOT + KENTISH TOWN'S CAMDEN CRAWL COUP + RIGHT SAID FRED - FOR REAL
THE Vaccines’ drummer Pete Robertson had plenty to say when I spoke to him last week – not least high praise for the guys behind The Flowerpot, now The Wheelbarrow on Camden High Street.
He told me: “The best thing about The Flowerpot was the promoters. They’re obviously incredibly passionate – they’re part of the industry’s good guys. The venue’s possibly secondary to the people that organised it and I’m sure they’ll do really well.”
See Pete’s SXSW first tattoo revelations, his secret admiration for a Taylor Swift love song and his belief that Nirvana changed his life – in my full interview above.
• Camden Crawl Update – there won’t be that much crawling while the sublime Miles Kane, Villagers and Frankie & the Heartstrings all perform at HMV Forum. Kentish Town may just dominate our route this year. The King Blues will headline the Red Bull Outdoor stage so pray for good weather.
• Each member of The Dum Dums has the words Dum Dum tattooed on a finger. See for yourself when they play Dingwalls on Tuesday (April 5).
• Plan B, Katy B, Eliza Doolittle and Devlin play a free gig at Proud Camden tonight (March 31) for Sony's Music Unlimited new music streaming service – will it be better than Spotify?
• Former Record of the Week pick The Chakras play the Bull & Gate (April 7) – looks like Kentish Town’s fighting Camden for the live music crown.
• If you’re too young to remember Right Said Fred, head to 02 Academy Islington (April 27) – your life will not be complete without hearing “I’m Too Sexy” at least once.
• Soul singer Lemar’s so far departed from the reality show that made him that it’s hard to remember he was ever a product of Fame Academy. He sings at Shaka Zulu tonight (Thursday) supported by Daniel Debourg.
He told me: “The best thing about The Flowerpot was the promoters. They’re obviously incredibly passionate – they’re part of the industry’s good guys. The venue’s possibly secondary to the people that organised it and I’m sure they’ll do really well.”
See Pete’s SXSW first tattoo revelations, his secret admiration for a Taylor Swift love song and his belief that Nirvana changed his life – in my full interview above.
• Camden Crawl Update – there won’t be that much crawling while the sublime Miles Kane, Villagers and Frankie & the Heartstrings all perform at HMV Forum. Kentish Town may just dominate our route this year. The King Blues will headline the Red Bull Outdoor stage so pray for good weather.
• Each member of The Dum Dums has the words Dum Dum tattooed on a finger. See for yourself when they play Dingwalls on Tuesday (April 5).
• Plan B, Katy B, Eliza Doolittle and Devlin play a free gig at Proud Camden tonight (March 31) for Sony's Music Unlimited new music streaming service – will it be better than Spotify?
• Former Record of the Week pick The Chakras play the Bull & Gate (April 7) – looks like Kentish Town’s fighting Camden for the live music crown.
• If you’re too young to remember Right Said Fred, head to 02 Academy Islington (April 27) – your life will not be complete without hearing “I’m Too Sexy” at least once.
• Soul singer Lemar’s so far departed from the reality show that made him that it’s hard to remember he was ever a product of Fame Academy. He sings at Shaka Zulu tonight (Thursday) supported by Daniel Debourg.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
THE LEMONHEADS + MILES KANE FOR CAMDEN CRAWL, MARK E SMITH'S GOT A BEER NAMED AFTER HIM + BOY GEORGE AND SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR'S CAMDEN CHARITY GIGS
CRAWLWATCH week 8453. So The Lemonheads have just been added to the Camden Crawl line-up. Remember them? If not, here’s a crash course.
Frontman Evan Dando – once a teenage grunge pin-up, even after cutting his flowing locks – took an odd turn when he briefly became an Oasis groupie and ended up playing guitar on the roof of the Buckley Tivoli (that’s north Wales to you London types) after one of their early gigs.
The Lemonheads has had many incarnations but Dando has remained a constant.
Their famous album was It’s a Shame About Ray (video to title track featuring Johnny Depp)...
(Official video not available to be embedded so here they are on Letterman instead)
...and Liv Tyler more recently duetted with them on a cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hey, That’s no Way to Say Goodbye (see below).
Also added to the Crawl this week are one of my favourites Miles Kane, as well as Razorlight, Giggs, Guillemots and Yasmin.
• Anyone tasted the Mark E Smith beer at The Snooty Fox in Canonbury? Wonder if they were inspired to commission the exclusive ale by The Fall’s Crawl appearance last year.
• Charity gig week? Sophie Ellis Bextor hosts at Proud Camden on Tuesday (March 29) to raise funds for the young son of her friend, a make-up artist who died last year. The Aspidistras and Sinead and the Dawnbreakers support.
On Thursday, there’s An Evening with Boy George including Jazz by George, and support from Adam Ant, Josh Weller, Paloma Faith and special guests at the Jazz Cafe for The Hepaptitis C Trust’s Get Tested campaign. Snap up signed celeb photos in the charity auction – Boy George, Mat Horne, Sadie Frost, Jimi Mistry, Eliza Doolittle and Paloma Faith.
• Cutting edge alternative and electronic music promoters The Playground host their first Weekender at Electrowerkz, Angel, (March 25-26) featuring an exclusive debut London performance by San Francisco’s oOoOO as well as French popstar Yelle, In Flagranti, Punx Soundsheck and Waylayers. See www.theplayground.co.uk/event.
Frontman Evan Dando – once a teenage grunge pin-up, even after cutting his flowing locks – took an odd turn when he briefly became an Oasis groupie and ended up playing guitar on the roof of the Buckley Tivoli (that’s north Wales to you London types) after one of their early gigs.
The Lemonheads has had many incarnations but Dando has remained a constant.
Their famous album was It’s a Shame About Ray (video to title track featuring Johnny Depp)...
(Official video not available to be embedded so here they are on Letterman instead)
...and Liv Tyler more recently duetted with them on a cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hey, That’s no Way to Say Goodbye (see below).
Also added to the Crawl this week are one of my favourites Miles Kane, as well as Razorlight, Giggs, Guillemots and Yasmin.
• Anyone tasted the Mark E Smith beer at The Snooty Fox in Canonbury? Wonder if they were inspired to commission the exclusive ale by The Fall’s Crawl appearance last year.
• Charity gig week? Sophie Ellis Bextor hosts at Proud Camden on Tuesday (March 29) to raise funds for the young son of her friend, a make-up artist who died last year. The Aspidistras and Sinead and the Dawnbreakers support.
On Thursday, there’s An Evening with Boy George including Jazz by George, and support from Adam Ant, Josh Weller, Paloma Faith and special guests at the Jazz Cafe for The Hepaptitis C Trust’s Get Tested campaign. Snap up signed celeb photos in the charity auction – Boy George, Mat Horne, Sadie Frost, Jimi Mistry, Eliza Doolittle and Paloma Faith.
• Cutting edge alternative and electronic music promoters The Playground host their first Weekender at Electrowerkz, Angel, (March 25-26) featuring an exclusive debut London performance by San Francisco’s oOoOO as well as French popstar Yelle, In Flagranti, Punx Soundsheck and Waylayers. See www.theplayground.co.uk/event.
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
CAMDEN CRAWL APPROACHES
NOT too long ago a group of wise old music moguls gathered in Dingwalls for the annual “pick me” fest that is the Camden Crawl band allocation day.
As DJ Steve Lamacq described it in his Going Deaf for a Living blog: “It’s like picking teams in a school playground.”
Except a fair amount of young musicians I knew at school would’ve run a mile at the mention of PE.
So while we don’t yet know who the 14 promoters hosting gigs for the Crawl managed to wrangle for their chosen venue, we can still bring you a selection of the names that have been released so far.
St Etienne, Villagers, Frankie & the Heartstrings, Lethal Bizzle, British Sea Power and Simian Mobile Disco – the most high profile of the names we know right now.
Toddla T, Hadouken, Mazes, Young Dreams, The Qemists, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The Phantom Band, and Hudson Mohawke are also on the known list.
But there are a whole lot of not so well-known musicians that are worth a look-in.
You never know – one day Florence and the Machine’s playing to 100 people in The Crescent pub for the Crawl, the next, young Flo’s sharing the stage with Jennifer Hudson at The Grammys, playing the socialite’s entertainment in Gossip Girl and Dog Days is being assimilated into Glee choir’s indistinctive repertoire.
While the main headline acts are yet to be announced, rumours are rife.
Although I’m hoping Aerosmith will be among the headliners, I’ve a feeling Steve Tyler’s caught up judging a little talent show over in the states.
So here’s a basic summary of what it’s all about:
The Camden Crawl – one wristband, two days (April 30 – May 1), music, comedy, fringe arts, and interactive events, 250 live acts and special guests across 50 venues.
While there is music all day from the very start, there’s a whole bunch of other activities during the sunshine hours to help crawlers prepare for the hardcore trek around Camden (and Kentish Town) venues as dusk sets in.
The real games begin after the taxing music quizzes, comedy, spoken word and performance, visual arts and crafts, interactive events and games (see www.thecnj.com/music) are over.
I leave you with a brief summary of our recommendations.
There’s the Island Records showcase at the Enterprise featuring Tribes, Kid Adrift and Jon Fratelli, as well as Cocknbullkid and Rizzle Kicks (previously featured on this page).
Or take vantage on the Roundhouse Terrace for the Summer Sundae Weekender with Benjamin Francis, Leftwich, Delta Maid, Dog is Dead, Lulu & the Lampshades, Marques Toliver, 2:54, Beth Jeans Houghton, Dry the River, Peggy Sue and Young Dreams.
We don’t yet know who else is playing where so here’s a brief list of some of our picks from the rest: Visions of Trees, Paris Suit Yourself, DELS, Dananananaykroyd, Divorce, Japanese Voyeurs, John and Jehn, Wild Palms, Flats, Little Comets, P Money, Sound of Rum, The Chapman Family, Teeth and Fiction.
For tickets, as well as profiles of all these bands and the rest of the line-up, visit www.thecamdencrawl.com
As DJ Steve Lamacq described it in his Going Deaf for a Living blog: “It’s like picking teams in a school playground.”
Except a fair amount of young musicians I knew at school would’ve run a mile at the mention of PE.
So while we don’t yet know who the 14 promoters hosting gigs for the Crawl managed to wrangle for their chosen venue, we can still bring you a selection of the names that have been released so far.
St Etienne, Villagers, Frankie & the Heartstrings, Lethal Bizzle, British Sea Power and Simian Mobile Disco – the most high profile of the names we know right now.
Toddla T, Hadouken, Mazes, Young Dreams, The Qemists, Dinosaur Pile-Up, The Phantom Band, and Hudson Mohawke are also on the known list.
But there are a whole lot of not so well-known musicians that are worth a look-in.
You never know – one day Florence and the Machine’s playing to 100 people in The Crescent pub for the Crawl, the next, young Flo’s sharing the stage with Jennifer Hudson at The Grammys, playing the socialite’s entertainment in Gossip Girl and Dog Days is being assimilated into Glee choir’s indistinctive repertoire.
While the main headline acts are yet to be announced, rumours are rife.
Although I’m hoping Aerosmith will be among the headliners, I’ve a feeling Steve Tyler’s caught up judging a little talent show over in the states.
So here’s a basic summary of what it’s all about:
The Camden Crawl – one wristband, two days (April 30 – May 1), music, comedy, fringe arts, and interactive events, 250 live acts and special guests across 50 venues.
While there is music all day from the very start, there’s a whole bunch of other activities during the sunshine hours to help crawlers prepare for the hardcore trek around Camden (and Kentish Town) venues as dusk sets in.
The real games begin after the taxing music quizzes, comedy, spoken word and performance, visual arts and crafts, interactive events and games (see www.thecnj.com/music) are over.
I leave you with a brief summary of our recommendations.
There’s the Island Records showcase at the Enterprise featuring Tribes, Kid Adrift and Jon Fratelli, as well as Cocknbullkid and Rizzle Kicks (previously featured on this page).
Or take vantage on the Roundhouse Terrace for the Summer Sundae Weekender with Benjamin Francis, Leftwich, Delta Maid, Dog is Dead, Lulu & the Lampshades, Marques Toliver, 2:54, Beth Jeans Houghton, Dry the River, Peggy Sue and Young Dreams.
We don’t yet know who else is playing where so here’s a brief list of some of our picks from the rest: Visions of Trees, Paris Suit Yourself, DELS, Dananananaykroyd, Divorce, Japanese Voyeurs, John and Jehn, Wild Palms, Flats, Little Comets, P Money, Sound of Rum, The Chapman Family, Teeth and Fiction.
For tickets, as well as profiles of all these bands and the rest of the line-up, visit www.thecamdencrawl.com
Sunday, 20 March 2011
SLOW CLUB READY FOR CAMDEN CRAWL + WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
YOU may have heard Slow Club cancelled their tour due to illness. Well...sounds like things are back on track - Rebecca is recovering and they have been added to the Camden Crawl line-up.
• New feature – ex-members-of-once-revered-bands-in-new-band-shock corner (catchy title eh?)
#1 – Remember Afghan Whigs? Frontman Greg Dulli has worked with Dave Grohl, Mark Lanegan and appeared in Steve Buscemi’s directorial debut Trees Lounge. Latest project The Twilight singers play the Electric Ballroom (March 18).
#2 – Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan) plays HMV Forum (March 18) – we’ve had GZA and Ghostface Killah before, why can’t the living Wu Tang coordinate their diaries and come to Camden en masse?
#3 – Bonehead, founding member of Oasis, is not quite attempting to rival Liam Gallagher’s new project Beady Eye with his less imaginatively named collaboration “Bonehead and John Mackie”. See them at Monto Water Rats (March 19).
#4 – Artmagic, side project of Suede guitarist Richard Oakes (he replaced Bernard Butler), play The Bowery on March 22.
#5 – Andy Burrows (ex-Razorlight bearded one) and new band I Am Arrows play The Old Queen’s Head (March 23)
• The fancy dress theme has been announced (rock stars, pop stars and divas) and the madness begins at Bestival’s preview featuring Kentish Town’s retro darlings Kitty Daisy & Lewis Koko (March 19).
• Had to mention this year’s JD Set at XOYO (March 24) where Ash’s Tim Wheeler, Emmy the Great, And So I Watch You From Afar, Ma Mentor and The Crookes bravely take on the great works of the Pixies. Follow their progress at http://www.thejdset.co.uk/
• New feature – ex-members-of-once-revered-bands-in-new-band-shock corner (catchy title eh?)
#1 – Remember Afghan Whigs? Frontman Greg Dulli has worked with Dave Grohl, Mark Lanegan and appeared in Steve Buscemi’s directorial debut Trees Lounge. Latest project The Twilight singers play the Electric Ballroom (March 18).
#2 – Raekwon (Wu Tang Clan) plays HMV Forum (March 18) – we’ve had GZA and Ghostface Killah before, why can’t the living Wu Tang coordinate their diaries and come to Camden en masse?
#3 – Bonehead, founding member of Oasis, is not quite attempting to rival Liam Gallagher’s new project Beady Eye with his less imaginatively named collaboration “Bonehead and John Mackie”. See them at Monto Water Rats (March 19).
#4 – Artmagic, side project of Suede guitarist Richard Oakes (he replaced Bernard Butler), play The Bowery on March 22.
#5 – Andy Burrows (ex-Razorlight bearded one) and new band I Am Arrows play The Old Queen’s Head (March 23)
• The fancy dress theme has been announced (rock stars, pop stars and divas) and the madness begins at Bestival’s preview featuring Kentish Town’s retro darlings Kitty Daisy & Lewis Koko (March 19).
• Had to mention this year’s JD Set at XOYO (March 24) where Ash’s Tim Wheeler, Emmy the Great, And So I Watch You From Afar, Ma Mentor and The Crookes bravely take on the great works of the Pixies. Follow their progress at http://www.thejdset.co.uk/
Saturday, 12 March 2011
CAMDEN CRAWL'S KENTISH TINGE + STEAMPUNK AT PROUD + SUPERGRASS LIVES ON...SORT OF + INTRODUCING FIRST PLACE
THINGS are hotting up on the Camden Crawl front. We’ve heard some exciting names yet to be announced but we wouldn’t dare divulge.
All we can say is that Kentish Town will be playing a much larger part this year so prepare for a little more walking – but it will be worth it.
Frankie and the Heartstrings (see interview above), play HMV Forum – alongside an as yet undisclosed mystery headliner – and Annie’s Bar, The Bull & Gate and a whole lot of other venues along Kentish Town Road will be opening their doors to the crawl’s hottest acts.
If you haven’t got your ticket yet remember this – there’ll be nothing but the royal wedding on TV that weekend...
• Don't be frightened if you see goths clad in Jack the Ripper style cloaks and top hats lingering outside Proud Camden next week. No doubt they’re fans of steampunk band Bitter Ruin – an acoustic two-piece outfit who play there on Tuesday night. Musicians Ben and Georgia are an item but take on the stage personas of lovers trapped in a destructive relationship with sinister lyrics to match.
• Supergrass may have split but that didn’t quell their creative juices. See former Supergrass bassist Mick Quinn and Paul Wilson of Shake Appeal in their new incarnation as DB Band at the Bowery (March 11).
• Heard of First Place? Apparently they’re the next big urban pop act on the cusp of making the big time. Hailing from Bristol, frontman Yomi Davies, soul songstress Allegra, 19-year-old rapper Frenzee and producer OD Hunt, have been attracting attention with new single Best of Me, which has just reached number 2 in the AKA Music Channel chart. See them at Camden Rock, Kentish Town Road on March 17.
All we can say is that Kentish Town will be playing a much larger part this year so prepare for a little more walking – but it will be worth it.
Frankie and the Heartstrings (see interview above), play HMV Forum – alongside an as yet undisclosed mystery headliner – and Annie’s Bar, The Bull & Gate and a whole lot of other venues along Kentish Town Road will be opening their doors to the crawl’s hottest acts.
If you haven’t got your ticket yet remember this – there’ll be nothing but the royal wedding on TV that weekend...
• Don't be frightened if you see goths clad in Jack the Ripper style cloaks and top hats lingering outside Proud Camden next week. No doubt they’re fans of steampunk band Bitter Ruin – an acoustic two-piece outfit who play there on Tuesday night. Musicians Ben and Georgia are an item but take on the stage personas of lovers trapped in a destructive relationship with sinister lyrics to match.
• Supergrass may have split but that didn’t quell their creative juices. See former Supergrass bassist Mick Quinn and Paul Wilson of Shake Appeal in their new incarnation as DB Band at the Bowery (March 11).
• Heard of First Place? Apparently they’re the next big urban pop act on the cusp of making the big time. Hailing from Bristol, frontman Yomi Davies, soul songstress Allegra, 19-year-old rapper Frenzee and producer OD Hunt, have been attracting attention with new single Best of Me, which has just reached number 2 in the AKA Music Channel chart. See them at Camden Rock, Kentish Town Road on March 17.
Friday, 18 February 2011
PADDY CONSIDINE'S MOONLIGHTING, AN UNEVENTFUL BRITS AND PETER, BJORN AND JOHN MOVE ON
SO THE Brits grew up? There was less silliness (bar James Corden), less rock ‘n roll and no irreverence – but is that what we want, or do we prefer the spectacle?
Don’t we watch these things for car crash moments, drunk speeches and offensive egotistical rock stars? Still, good to see Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons win awards, shame The XX were overlooked.
• Feeling Gloomy won’t let up with the “can’t miss” events. This time brooding Irish hardman Paddy Considine (of Dead Man’s Shoes, Hot Fuzz etc) and his band Riding the Low play the 02 Academy Islington (Feb 26). All I know is they describe themselves as “lo-fi, raw guitar rock with the fat cut out”.
• Don’t forget the Camden Crawl’s essential preview night CC Tips with Spectrals, Paris Suit Yourself, Patch William and Frontiers at The Bull & Gate (Feb 24).
• When your big hit turns up on Homebase ads, it's getting a bit old. And "whistling song" Young Folks was conspicuous by its absence when Peter Bjorn and John previewed new album Gimme Some to a crammed Old Blue Last in Shoreditch recently. Maybe they're sick of it, but probably not the royalties. Some good new songs though. See if it’s resurrected when they play The Lexington (Feb 23).
• It was the venue for Joy Division's first London show, a Stranglers live album, and has hosted everyone from Madness and Ian Dury to countless indie hopefuls. Now the Hope and Anchor, Upper Street, is getting a major makeover, reopening later this month. Just hope they don't get rid of the atmosphere along with the musty smell of faded glory.
• The Union Chapel’s free Daylight Music events are fast becoming the highlight of the weekend. This week see Chris T-T, Model Village and Padriag Whelan from midday.
Don’t we watch these things for car crash moments, drunk speeches and offensive egotistical rock stars? Still, good to see Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons win awards, shame The XX were overlooked.
• Feeling Gloomy won’t let up with the “can’t miss” events. This time brooding Irish hardman Paddy Considine (of Dead Man’s Shoes, Hot Fuzz etc) and his band Riding the Low play the 02 Academy Islington (Feb 26). All I know is they describe themselves as “lo-fi, raw guitar rock with the fat cut out”.
• Don’t forget the Camden Crawl’s essential preview night CC Tips with Spectrals, Paris Suit Yourself, Patch William and Frontiers at The Bull & Gate (Feb 24).
• When your big hit turns up on Homebase ads, it's getting a bit old. And "whistling song" Young Folks was conspicuous by its absence when Peter Bjorn and John previewed new album Gimme Some to a crammed Old Blue Last in Shoreditch recently. Maybe they're sick of it, but probably not the royalties. Some good new songs though. See if it’s resurrected when they play The Lexington (Feb 23).
• It was the venue for Joy Division's first London show, a Stranglers live album, and has hosted everyone from Madness and Ian Dury to countless indie hopefuls. Now the Hope and Anchor, Upper Street, is getting a major makeover, reopening later this month. Just hope they don't get rid of the atmosphere along with the musty smell of faded glory.
• The Union Chapel’s free Daylight Music events are fast becoming the highlight of the weekend. This week see Chris T-T, Model Village and Padriag Whelan from midday.
Friday, 28 January 2011
CAMDEN CRAWL'S SNEAK PREVIEW + VANESSA PARADIS MAKES RARE CAMDEN APPEARANCE + DIRTY BLUES FROM CIRCUS TOWN + STOKE NEWINGTON'S JAMMY LINE-UP
THE Camden Crawl has introduced me to an untold variety of bands I’d never heard of but have come to love.
So, in the lead-up to this year’s event – a welcome distraction from some royal wedding involving a girl who’s been called Kate all her life but now has to be referred to as Katherine – there’s the ongoing treat of the CC Tips nights.
CC Tips previews Crawl talent, a helpful nudge when struggling between the weekend’s delights.
So head to the Bull & Gate (Jan 27) for chilled-out beats from French multi-instrumentalist Anoraak, maverick Mat Motte and special guests.
PS - The Crawl’s also released details of the daytime line-up, see the Camden Crawl website
• Here’s one that came from leftfield – sultry pouty French singer and Johnny Depp’s missus, Vanessa Paradis makes a rare UK appearance at Koko (Feb 2) and, not surprisingly, has sold out already. Expect songs from her Greatest Hits album and some new tracks.
Ready for some retro Paradis baggy jumper dancing?
• It’s tough to decide which not-yet-famous band to see at The Dublin Castle when there’s something on every night and you know it’s full of hidden gems. So I’m helping out this week by suggesting filthy dirty blues maestros Circus Town (Jan 30).
• Stoke Newington International Airport’s a dark horse. It’s managed to secure the Topman CTRL gigs filmed for Channel 4. The line-up’s perfect. Each week someone different gets to curate the night so In-Betweener James Buckley has lined up Miles Kane, The Vaccines and States of Emotion (Jan 28), Misfits actor – and stunning singer – Iwan Rheon introduces White Lies, Brother and Gruff Rhys (Feb 1) and Mark Ronson brings in The View, The Joy Formidable and Lykke Li. Win tickets from www.topmanctrl.com
So, in the lead-up to this year’s event – a welcome distraction from some royal wedding involving a girl who’s been called Kate all her life but now has to be referred to as Katherine – there’s the ongoing treat of the CC Tips nights.
CC Tips previews Crawl talent, a helpful nudge when struggling between the weekend’s delights.
So head to the Bull & Gate (Jan 27) for chilled-out beats from French multi-instrumentalist Anoraak, maverick Mat Motte and special guests.
PS - The Crawl’s also released details of the daytime line-up, see the Camden Crawl website
• Here’s one that came from leftfield – sultry pouty French singer and Johnny Depp’s missus, Vanessa Paradis makes a rare UK appearance at Koko (Feb 2) and, not surprisingly, has sold out already. Expect songs from her Greatest Hits album and some new tracks.
Ready for some retro Paradis baggy jumper dancing?
• It’s tough to decide which not-yet-famous band to see at The Dublin Castle when there’s something on every night and you know it’s full of hidden gems. So I’m helping out this week by suggesting filthy dirty blues maestros Circus Town (Jan 30).
• Stoke Newington International Airport’s a dark horse. It’s managed to secure the Topman CTRL gigs filmed for Channel 4. The line-up’s perfect. Each week someone different gets to curate the night so In-Betweener James Buckley has lined up Miles Kane, The Vaccines and States of Emotion (Jan 28), Misfits actor – and stunning singer – Iwan Rheon introduces White Lies, Brother and Gruff Rhys (Feb 1) and Mark Ronson brings in The View, The Joy Formidable and Lykke Li. Win tickets from www.topmanctrl.com
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
AND THE AWARD GOES TO...
WE’VE read countless annual reviews, griped over XfM’s choice of The Killers’ Mr Brightside as the top song of all time and have been quite proud to be left out of the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list.
Now, in the hope of being the first official music awards of the year, here are Tutankarbon's alternative prizes...
GLASTONBURY AWARD FOR MOST DRENCHED FESTIVAL – The Camden Crawl
Rain or shine we love it, you’re only ever seconds away from a venue to shelter in, but this year really tested our resolve. As we said at the time, rivers of black eyeliner ran down Camden High Street as someone in the heavens chucked buckets at the dedicated music fans swimming their way from gig to gig.
MOST WELL-INTENTIONED BUT ILL-JUDGED SPECIAL EFFECT – Kiss, 02 Academy Islington
They just wanted to give fans a taste of the stadium experience. But poor Kiss’ plans to set off ticker tape from huge cannons backfired as they accidentally suffocated themselves and their fans – cutting short their encore. There’s a reason they’re usually reserved for the arenas guys.
MALCOLM TUCKER AWARD FOR MOST DIPLOMATIC WARDROBE CHOICE – Missy Elliott, Wireless
She probably thought it was a nice gesture – wearing a German tracksuit from sponsors Adidas while their national team battled it out in South Africa. But Missy didn’t count on a bunch of sour-faced England fans, who booed and threw bottles at her, still sore at the country’s loss days earlier.
MOST RIB-CRUSHING GIG – Rage Against the Machine, Finsbury Park
We thought we’d planned it so well – close enough to see, far enough back to avoid being sucked into a mosh-pit stew of fists and feet. I even took my earrings off just in case. But from the very first bass note, the entire crowd contracted, we were lifted off our feet, flung across a molten sea of black t-shirts and banging heads before being dropped into the centre of the pit. Bones could be felt cracking and the mission to get to the edge of park was greater than any Labyrinth-type adventure. Phenomenal gig.
MOST WANTED MUSICIAN (for about five minutes) – Lowkey
He loves a good cause this one. Lowkey visited students at Camden School for Girls protesting at the planned university fees hike. Hours later, he appeared on the front of a number of national newspapers as one of the people police wanted to speak to in connection with protest violence. Of course nothing came of it and he doesn’t seem to be wanted but seeing his face in the rogues gallery it gave his fans a swift shock.
BIGGEST INSULT TO VISITING US ARTISTS – Wireless (Missy Elliott) and The Roundhouse (Talib Kweli)
I know they had their reasons, but pulling the plug on artists mid-song just is not cool. If they are running over, let them get to the end of the song. Leaving Missy and Kweli standing there, mic and music turned off, looking like fools, is not the way to make friends and can only end badly.
VENUE TO SCORE BEST SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – The Strokes
There was hysteria when news broke out that Dingwalls was going to host The Strokes’ comeback. Tickets were harder to find than a music store in Camden and there was no need for contact lenses from Cyberdog for those that missed out – the green eyes could be seen from outer space.
VENUE TO LOSE HUGE SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – Guns ‘n Roses
Dingwalls had to issue an 11th-hour cancellation after learning Axl and co wouldn’t be venturing our way, causing some anger but also a lot of relief from those who wish G n’ R would cut their losses and stop ruining the memory of their best work.
MOST MIDDLE-CLASS MOSH – Jamie Cullum, Kenwood
In among the vin, the pain and the Boursin, the picnic baskets were overturned, cheese knives waved in the air and Jamie Cullum’s encore became the oddest, multi-aged mosh-pit in the shadows of Kenwood House.
MOST GENEROUS HEADLINE PERFORMANCE (TAKE NOTE KANYE) – Jay-Z, Wireless
Unlike Kanye’s headline turn the year before, Jay-Z’s not mean with his time, his words, or his songs and there was not a hint of self-indulgence about his show.
SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BAND AT THE CENTRE OF THE BIGGEST OFFICE ROW – N-Dubz
Yes Dappy, Fazer and Tulisa, you caused fireworks at my office earlier this year. No need to go into it now, suffice to say – I was on your side.
FAREWELL TO – The Luminaire, The Flowerpot and possibly The 100 Club
HELLO TO – The Wheelbarrow, Nambucca (just reopened).
Now, in the hope of being the first official music awards of the year, here are Tutankarbon's alternative prizes...
GLASTONBURY AWARD FOR MOST DRENCHED FESTIVAL – The Camden Crawl
Rain or shine we love it, you’re only ever seconds away from a venue to shelter in, but this year really tested our resolve. As we said at the time, rivers of black eyeliner ran down Camden High Street as someone in the heavens chucked buckets at the dedicated music fans swimming their way from gig to gig.
MOST WELL-INTENTIONED BUT ILL-JUDGED SPECIAL EFFECT – Kiss, 02 Academy Islington
They just wanted to give fans a taste of the stadium experience. But poor Kiss’ plans to set off ticker tape from huge cannons backfired as they accidentally suffocated themselves and their fans – cutting short their encore. There’s a reason they’re usually reserved for the arenas guys.
MALCOLM TUCKER AWARD FOR MOST DIPLOMATIC WARDROBE CHOICE – Missy Elliott, Wireless
She probably thought it was a nice gesture – wearing a German tracksuit from sponsors Adidas while their national team battled it out in South Africa. But Missy didn’t count on a bunch of sour-faced England fans, who booed and threw bottles at her, still sore at the country’s loss days earlier.
MOST RIB-CRUSHING GIG – Rage Against the Machine, Finsbury Park
We thought we’d planned it so well – close enough to see, far enough back to avoid being sucked into a mosh-pit stew of fists and feet. I even took my earrings off just in case. But from the very first bass note, the entire crowd contracted, we were lifted off our feet, flung across a molten sea of black t-shirts and banging heads before being dropped into the centre of the pit. Bones could be felt cracking and the mission to get to the edge of park was greater than any Labyrinth-type adventure. Phenomenal gig.
MOST WANTED MUSICIAN (for about five minutes) – Lowkey
He loves a good cause this one. Lowkey visited students at Camden School for Girls protesting at the planned university fees hike. Hours later, he appeared on the front of a number of national newspapers as one of the people police wanted to speak to in connection with protest violence. Of course nothing came of it and he doesn’t seem to be wanted but seeing his face in the rogues gallery it gave his fans a swift shock.
BIGGEST INSULT TO VISITING US ARTISTS – Wireless (Missy Elliott) and The Roundhouse (Talib Kweli)
I know they had their reasons, but pulling the plug on artists mid-song just is not cool. If they are running over, let them get to the end of the song. Leaving Missy and Kweli standing there, mic and music turned off, looking like fools, is not the way to make friends and can only end badly.
VENUE TO SCORE BEST SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – The Strokes
There was hysteria when news broke out that Dingwalls was going to host The Strokes’ comeback. Tickets were harder to find than a music store in Camden and there was no need for contact lenses from Cyberdog for those that missed out – the green eyes could be seen from outer space.
VENUE TO LOSE HUGE SECRET GIG – Dingwalls – Guns ‘n Roses
Dingwalls had to issue an 11th-hour cancellation after learning Axl and co wouldn’t be venturing our way, causing some anger but also a lot of relief from those who wish G n’ R would cut their losses and stop ruining the memory of their best work.
MOST MIDDLE-CLASS MOSH – Jamie Cullum, Kenwood
In among the vin, the pain and the Boursin, the picnic baskets were overturned, cheese knives waved in the air and Jamie Cullum’s encore became the oddest, multi-aged mosh-pit in the shadows of Kenwood House.
MOST GENEROUS HEADLINE PERFORMANCE (TAKE NOTE KANYE) – Jay-Z, Wireless
Unlike Kanye’s headline turn the year before, Jay-Z’s not mean with his time, his words, or his songs and there was not a hint of self-indulgence about his show.
SPECIAL AWARD FOR THE BAND AT THE CENTRE OF THE BIGGEST OFFICE ROW – N-Dubz
Yes Dappy, Fazer and Tulisa, you caused fireworks at my office earlier this year. No need to go into it now, suffice to say – I was on your side.
FAREWELL TO – The Luminaire, The Flowerpot and possibly The 100 Club
HELLO TO – The Wheelbarrow, Nambucca (just reopened).
Thursday, 14 October 2010
WHERE'S JOHNNY? DEPP'S STUNT DOUBLE KNOWS + LITTLE NOISE + BRAVO MOBO NOMINEES AKALA AND N-DUBS
EVER wondered what Johnny Depp’s stunt double does when not risking his life to save Hollywood’s most precious cheekbones?
Turns out Pirates of the Caribbean cast member Scott Sener is a musician. He supports Camden band Earth Prayer – fronted by Heidi Jo Hines, daughter of former Wings guitarist and Moody Blues founder member Denny Laine – at a free gig at Scars Studio, 20 Castlehaven Road, Camden Town, on Saturday.
Sener’s invited cast members so keep your eyes peeled for the genuine article – Mr Depp has been known to pop up at the odd underground gig – ask Babybird.
• Fellow music lovers, it’s all happening. Once you’ve completed the three peaks challenge of Elton, Neil Diamond and Robert Plant at Electric Proms (Oct 28 – 30) – here’s what’s coming up.
• Regular readers will know this is my absolute fave series of gigs, Mencap Little Noise Sessions return to the Union Chapel (Nov 15 – 20) with Tom Jones, Paolo Nutini and Hurts latest headliners to be announced – my pick so far – Hurts. Be there.
• Can’t believe we’re talking about the Camden Crawl already but early bird tickets go on sale at the Bull and Gate launch gig (Oct 28) – The Chapman Family, DELS, Hook & the Twin, John & Jehn, Martyna Baker and the inevitable secret guest tba by Twitter of course!
• If you missed Tim Robbins at the Union Chapel, you can catch him supporting Paolo Nutini at the Q Awards gigs at HMV Forum (Oct 22).
Also playing are Jamiroquai (Oct 20), Chase and Status (Oct 22) and Mark Ronson & The Business INTL (+ Rose Elinor Dougal) (Oct 23).
• Bravo N-Dubz and Akala for Mobo nominations – find out if they won (Oct 20).
Turns out Pirates of the Caribbean cast member Scott Sener is a musician. He supports Camden band Earth Prayer – fronted by Heidi Jo Hines, daughter of former Wings guitarist and Moody Blues founder member Denny Laine – at a free gig at Scars Studio, 20 Castlehaven Road, Camden Town, on Saturday.
Sener’s invited cast members so keep your eyes peeled for the genuine article – Mr Depp has been known to pop up at the odd underground gig – ask Babybird.
(Can't find a clip of Earth Prayer so here's Heidi Jo Hines on her lonesome).
• Fellow music lovers, it’s all happening. Once you’ve completed the three peaks challenge of Elton, Neil Diamond and Robert Plant at Electric Proms (Oct 28 – 30) – here’s what’s coming up.
• Regular readers will know this is my absolute fave series of gigs, Mencap Little Noise Sessions return to the Union Chapel (Nov 15 – 20) with Tom Jones, Paolo Nutini and Hurts latest headliners to be announced – my pick so far – Hurts. Be there.
• Can’t believe we’re talking about the Camden Crawl already but early bird tickets go on sale at the Bull and Gate launch gig (Oct 28) – The Chapman Family, DELS, Hook & the Twin, John & Jehn, Martyna Baker and the inevitable secret guest tba by Twitter of course!
• If you missed Tim Robbins at the Union Chapel, you can catch him supporting Paolo Nutini at the Q Awards gigs at HMV Forum (Oct 22).
Also playing are Jamiroquai (Oct 20), Chase and Status (Oct 22) and Mark Ronson & The Business INTL (+ Rose Elinor Dougal) (Oct 23).
• Bravo N-Dubz and Akala for Mobo nominations – find out if they won (Oct 20).
Thursday, 30 September 2010
CAMDEN - WHERE YOU KNOW EVERYBODY'S NAME, DJ YODA'S BIG SCREEN MOMENT + THEE DEADTIME PHILHARMONIC
WATCHING Fight Like Apes at Barfly last week, I found myself standing next to DJ Steve Lamacq. I thanked him for introducing me to so much new music during my teens when he co-hosted Radio One’s Evening Sessions with Jo Whiley.
Yes, there are other venues where you can get close to the acts you so admire but Camden has such a concentration of good venues, each so close to each other and with the pulling power to attract bands who,
elsewhere wouldn’t consider playing such petite shows. You never know who’ll be standing next to you in the crowd – a few years ago at The Dublin Castle, it was David Schwimmer – moany Ross from Friends – watching Amy Winehouse at the Camden Crawl – wouldn’t let us take his pic though. Just wanted to remind you why Camden’s so great!
• Thee Deadtime Philharmonic play the Dublin Castle (Oct 2) and they’re expecting all sorts of muso types to turn up. They’ve held the number one slot on Strummerville’s fan download chart for nearly a year and have supported Mick Jones in the past – see if they’re worth their place.
• Inventive turntablist DJ Yoda takes over Everyman Hampstead (Nov 17) and Screen on the Green (Nov 18). He’s bringing AV Stop Look & Listen tour into our cinemas but how’s it gonna work? Will there be raving in the aisles? Glow-in-the-dark popcorn?
Outside after the gig, I spot FLA’s fierce frontwoman MayKay chatting to Lamacq inches from the front door. I stop in at The Enterprise on my way home and see The Bluetones’ frontman Mark Morris chatting in the bar after his solo show upstairs.
Yes, there are other venues where you can get close to the acts you so admire but Camden has such a concentration of good venues, each so close to each other and with the pulling power to attract bands who,
elsewhere wouldn’t consider playing such petite shows. You never know who’ll be standing next to you in the crowd – a few years ago at The Dublin Castle, it was David Schwimmer – moany Ross from Friends – watching Amy Winehouse at the Camden Crawl – wouldn’t let us take his pic though. Just wanted to remind you why Camden’s so great!
• Thee Deadtime Philharmonic play the Dublin Castle (Oct 2) and they’re expecting all sorts of muso types to turn up. They’ve held the number one slot on Strummerville’s fan download chart for nearly a year and have supported Mick Jones in the past – see if they’re worth their place.
• Inventive turntablist DJ Yoda takes over Everyman Hampstead (Nov 17) and Screen on the Green (Nov 18). He’s bringing AV Stop Look & Listen tour into our cinemas but how’s it gonna work? Will there be raving in the aisles? Glow-in-the-dark popcorn?
Thursday, 15 July 2010
ELIZA DOOLITTLE'S DRINKS BLAG, BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB'S ACOUSTIC MAGIC + ROCK ART COLLECTORS HEAVEN AT PROUD CAMDEN
POVERTY-stricken singers take note – Eliza Doolitle told me of a trick she stumbled across when playing the Cuban Bar at this year’s Camden Crawl. She mentioned her love of their apple crumble cocktails during her set, jokingly asking if anyone wanted to buy her a drink, and the bar staff promptly made one for her. Now she’s wondering how many other bars she can try it on with. I doubt she’ll need to use it for long, as she’s going to be able to command anything she wants on her rider soon.
• One of the most memorable moments of last year’s Mencap Little Noise Sessions at Islington’s Union Chapel was hearing the vulnerable cracked vocals and stripped-down acoustics of Bombay Bicycle Club. They plugged back in soon after, but I’ve played that acoustic show back in my head over and over since. Now there’s a chance to repeat the experience. Their acoustic album was released on Monday and their tour of cinemas and churches comes to the Union Chapel on July 22 and 23. It will be stunning.
I couldn't find any acoustic footage of Magnet on Youtube so here's Ivy and Gold at the Union Chapel last year.
I couldn't find any acoustic footage of Magnet on Youtube so here's Ivy and Gold at the Union Chapel last year.
• The Kenwood concerts are well under way and so far the weather’s been impeccable. But the climes are wavering so let’s hope it holds out for Will Young on Saturday and Jamie Cullum (August 14).
• Rock art collectors head down to Proud Camden on Wednesday for a live and online Teenage Cancer Trust charity live and online auction of prints shot by six of the world’s leading music photographers. Captive subjects Dave Grohl, The Libertines, Muse and many more have signed the work. Live music and the official launch of the gallery’s biggest ever exhibition Six Shooters complete the night.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
CAMDEN CRAWL - WATERLOGGED AND WONDERFUL - DAN LE SAC VS SCROOBIUS PIP, ROLO TOMASSI, PENDULUM, CASIO KIDS, MAN LIKE ME, THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS AND MORE
RIVERS of black eyeliner streamed down Camden High Street as buckets of torrential rain threatened to wash away thousands of Camden Crawlers last weekend.
Unlucky for the ballet pump-clad crawlers queuing all the way to Morrisons car park waiting to swap their tickets for wristbands, Saturday was a warm washout.
Sunday was dry but infinitely chillier, the miserable kind that takes hold of your bones, amounting to equal stints of sprinting between venues and subsequent reluctance to move on to the next.
(Drenched Camden Crawlers enjoy Man Like Me)
An impromptu rave by collective Red Pill London, which sprung up under a small-time gazebo, ended abruptly when police swooped in and collared DJ “The Brain” – for “inciting a riot”. I was there, it wasn't a riot. LostProphets later leapt to his defence – see footage at www.youtube.com/RedPillLondon.
The few secret gigs were mostly tucked safely away from the real people in the VIP bar at Lock 17. Rumours of Johnny Depp joining Babybird and Mick Jones with Roots Manuva fell flat, but how important are the clandestine ones when there's already a packed timetable?
There were a few disappointments as Villagers, Joe Gideon and the Shark and others were unable to play, and creative crises as we were forced to choose between headliners.
Delays and The Drums, previous picks of mine, were casualties of scheduling only a time-machine could solve. Yet there were big gaps in the evenings, where a bunch of gigs would end with nothing scheduled for 45 minutes - staggering would be welcome next year.
Aside from these minor strategic issues, we found plenty of raw talent to keep us entertained.
Another triumphant, if soggy Camden Crawl.
Here's a round-up of some of the acts I made it to:
ROLO TOMASSI - RED BULL OUTDOOR STAGE
An impromptu rave by collective Red Pill London, which sprung up under a small-time gazebo, ended abruptly when police swooped in and collared DJ “The Brain” – for “inciting a riot”. I was there, it wasn't a riot. LostProphets later leapt to his defence – see footage at www.youtube.com/RedPillLondon.
The few secret gigs were mostly tucked safely away from the real people in the VIP bar at Lock 17. Rumours of Johnny Depp joining Babybird and Mick Jones with Roots Manuva fell flat, but how important are the clandestine ones when there's already a packed timetable?
There were a few disappointments as Villagers, Joe Gideon and the Shark and others were unable to play, and creative crises as we were forced to choose between headliners.
Delays and The Drums, previous picks of mine, were casualties of scheduling only a time-machine could solve. Yet there were big gaps in the evenings, where a bunch of gigs would end with nothing scheduled for 45 minutes - staggering would be welcome next year.
Aside from these minor strategic issues, we found plenty of raw talent to keep us entertained.
Another triumphant, if soggy Camden Crawl.
Here's a round-up of some of the acts I made it to:
ROLO TOMASSI - RED BULL OUTDOOR STAGE
An enigma – switching from tuneless, eyes-rolling-to-the-back-of-their-heads, roaring hardcore rock to almost deconstructed jazzy instrumentals, mathrock giants Rolo Tomassi were captivating but painful to listen to. It was hard to tear away from lead singer Eva Spence, who sounded like a sweet young girl when chatting, but became a freaky possessed wildcat with a piercing screech, when the music began, singing the odd delicate tuneful refrain. Not one for me.
CASIO KIDS, then KATY B - JAZZ CAFE
A welcome change of pace, light in sound, happy electro, they attracted huge queues and quite rightly so. The kind of guys you want to hang out with, because you know it’d be fun.
Katy B's soul had hints of rude-girl attitude but was a bit too loungey. An accomplished singer who feels every word.
PLAN B – ROUNDHOUSE
CASIO KIDS, then KATY B - JAZZ CAFE
A welcome change of pace, light in sound, happy electro, they attracted huge queues and quite rightly so. The kind of guys you want to hang out with, because you know it’d be fun.
Katy B's soul had hints of rude-girl attitude but was a bit too loungey. An accomplished singer who feels every word.
PLAN B – ROUNDHOUSE
Plan B rocked the camp bouncer look. Switching from rudeboy rapper to shiny suited doorman, to cheesy house dancer to Marvin Gaye-soul, Plan B played a confusing set. He was a little light on the rap, focusing more on his crooning, but maybe not quite what his crowd was waiting for. Each time he did burst into a short rap, the audience cheered their approval.
EMILY BARKER - BLACK CAP
Described by Andy Ross as having one of the best voices in the country, Australian singer Barker, with fiddle and accordion accompanists played a pure set of beautiful country/folk.
PENDULUM - ROUNDHOUSE
There was considerable buzz around this female choir who sing about modern-east-London type female dilemmas “How can I tell if My Man is a Liar” in a freaky tribal confrontational, don’t mess with us way, while sounding a little like the pickpockets from the musical Oliver!
Wearing colourful rags, they looked more like the latest wannabe Britain's Got Talent dance troupe but, although credit due for their bold attempts to be different - not something I'd like to hear more of.
THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS - DINGWALLS
Moody electro duo. Guy plays guitar, girl fiddles about with electric things, runs her hands through her hair a lot and pouts under her fringe. Sound great. They should be French.
DAN LE SAC vs SCROOBIUS PIP - RED BULL OUTDOOR STAGE
The only other act I saw twice. They command a loyal following, many thousands on twitter and many more in real life. A drier Hawley Crecent was packed for their earlier show, Le Sac a perfect wing-man to Giant Pip’s almost preacher-like demeanour. Extremely accessible, Pip was correct when he told me his music brought together followers from all walks of life – people you’d never expect to see enjoying the same gig. Their evening Electric Ballroom set turned into one huge messianic party – a clearly memorable show.
PROFESSOR GREEN - THE ROUNDHOUSE
Forced to play the evening set after endless delays during the Sugababes, Professor Green came on bounding with energy. He’s got a cheeky young voice and his hit “I Need you Tonight” was just that.
BABYBIRD - DUBLIN CASTLE
Stephen Jones aka Babybird was in fine voice, though a little nervous he wouldn’t be playing to anyone who’d actually heard of him. He was wrong. It was an all-age crowd and he won a warm reception.
EMILY BARKER - BLACK CAP
Described by Andy Ross as having one of the best voices in the country, Australian singer Barker, with fiddle and accordion accompanists played a pure set of beautiful country/folk.
PENDULUM - ROUNDHOUSE
What better way to dry out than to launch into the swirling tumble drier of a mosh pit for Pendulum. Their tunes didn’t need much variety, and too right, a track from their new album (plugged 300 times), verged on euro-dance and sounded flat. So a wise return to the repetitive beats, mindless MCing, the odd varied bassline and a bit of electronica. The ultimate professionals, Pendulum are masters of winding up frantic drum ‘n bass to the highest scale.
TIM TEN YEN - SPREADEAGLE
Food Records’ Andy Ross’ picks were varied and enthralling. Lanky besuited Tim Ten Yen, whose only accompaniments were the smallest keyboard in the world and a sleeping battery-powered cat, had an air of John Hegley about him. Geeky synth-pop, comic vocals and uncle dancing.
MAN LIKE ME - OUTDOOR STAGE
So good we saw them twice. Only the most hardy braved the outdoor stage on day one. Many questioned if the acts would even bother to turn up, but all credit to them, they did. Nothing would dampen Man Like Me’s spirits, they played like the sun was blazing, frontman Johnny Langer coming on under a Lidl bag. And they managed to raise a party from the small but formidable umbrella-clutching crowd. They played a triumphant show at Electric Ballroom at midnight, turning the crowd into one big house bash. It’s hard not to smile when they’re around.
GAGGLE - ELECTRIC BALLROOM
MAN LIKE ME - OUTDOOR STAGE
So good we saw them twice. Only the most hardy braved the outdoor stage on day one. Many questioned if the acts would even bother to turn up, but all credit to them, they did. Nothing would dampen Man Like Me’s spirits, they played like the sun was blazing, frontman Johnny Langer coming on under a Lidl bag. And they managed to raise a party from the small but formidable umbrella-clutching crowd. They played a triumphant show at Electric Ballroom at midnight, turning the crowd into one big house bash. It’s hard not to smile when they’re around.
GAGGLE - ELECTRIC BALLROOM
There was considerable buzz around this female choir who sing about modern-east-London type female dilemmas “How can I tell if My Man is a Liar” in a freaky tribal confrontational, don’t mess with us way, while sounding a little like the pickpockets from the musical Oliver!
Wearing colourful rags, they looked more like the latest wannabe Britain's Got Talent dance troupe but, although credit due for their bold attempts to be different - not something I'd like to hear more of.
THE HUNDRED IN THE HANDS - DINGWALLS
Moody electro duo. Guy plays guitar, girl fiddles about with electric things, runs her hands through her hair a lot and pouts under her fringe. Sound great. They should be French.
DAN LE SAC vs SCROOBIUS PIP - RED BULL OUTDOOR STAGE
The only other act I saw twice. They command a loyal following, many thousands on twitter and many more in real life. A drier Hawley Crecent was packed for their earlier show, Le Sac a perfect wing-man to Giant Pip’s almost preacher-like demeanour. Extremely accessible, Pip was correct when he told me his music brought together followers from all walks of life – people you’d never expect to see enjoying the same gig. Their evening Electric Ballroom set turned into one huge messianic party – a clearly memorable show.
PROFESSOR GREEN - THE ROUNDHOUSE
Forced to play the evening set after endless delays during the Sugababes, Professor Green came on bounding with energy. He’s got a cheeky young voice and his hit “I Need you Tonight” was just that.
BABYBIRD - DUBLIN CASTLE
Stephen Jones aka Babybird was in fine voice, though a little nervous he wouldn’t be playing to anyone who’d actually heard of him. He was wrong. It was an all-age crowd and he won a warm reception.
LEAFCUTTER JOHN - BARFLY
His atmospheric solo was drowned out by the rudest baying Barfly crowd in history. Where in other venues, similar acts were respected, something strange was happening here. He soldiered on and the few who were listening were mesmerised. But it’s hard to believe he was not affected by the confidence-shattering reception
THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA - SPREADEAGLE
Last of Andy Ross' picks, New Age Canadian four-piece with haunting harmonies, a cross between Simon and Garfunkle and Fleet Foxes – a laid-back mid-afternoon interlude with Tibetan singing bowls and a cello.
ANOTHER BAND - ICE WHARF
Emerging Talent Award winners Another Band brought “atmosphere” to the Ice Wharf – absent since the day it opened – you know what I’m saying. We actually witnessed rhythm in the dancing crowd.
THE WILDERNESS OF MANITOBA - SPREADEAGLE
Last of Andy Ross' picks, New Age Canadian four-piece with haunting harmonies, a cross between Simon and Garfunkle and Fleet Foxes – a laid-back mid-afternoon interlude with Tibetan singing bowls and a cello.
ANOTHER BAND - ICE WHARF
Emerging Talent Award winners Another Band brought “atmosphere” to the Ice Wharf – absent since the day it opened – you know what I’m saying. We actually witnessed rhythm in the dancing crowd.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
CAMDEN BRAWL - DRAMA IN THE STREETS OF CAMDEN AS POLICE BREAK UP GUERILLA RAVE
THERE was drama in the streets of Camden at the weekend as police broke up a guerilla street rave, allegedly telling DJs they were “inciting a riot”.
As has become an unofficial Camden Crawl tradition, a group of mobile DJs and MCs, part of a collective known as Red Pill London, keen to entertain the crawlers queuing in the rain, started an unsanctioned street party on Saturday.
They rolled a “pimped-up” rig, powered by a generator, around Camden’s streets, recruiting DJs The Brain, Dirty Little Secrets and Vincenzo “Pepper” Siracusa, as well as electro-pop outfit The MidiMidis blasting out everything from dubstep to rock.
But as people spilled into the road, Camden police swooped in and collared DJ “The Brain”, part of collective Red Pill London, for a public order offence.
But as people spilled into the road, Camden police swooped in and collared DJ “The Brain”, part of collective Red Pill London, for a public order offence.
He was arrested, still wearing his headphones, under section 50 of the Police Reform Act, for playing music in the streets without a licence.
The Brain, whose real name is Mark Brady, said: “It seems crazy for the police to arrest me and handle it in the way they did when I was just contributing to the festival.
“At one point it was described to me as ‘inciting a riot’. They seemed pretty confused about what they were charging me with.”
As hundreds of people began dancing on the pavements under Camden Lock bridge, the police passed by.
“At one point it was described to me as ‘inciting a riot’. They seemed pretty confused about what they were charging me with.”
As hundreds of people began dancing on the pavements under Camden Lock bridge, the police passed by.
Mr Brady said: “Then a meat wagon pulled up. I was ripped back with my headphones still on and before I knew it I was thrown into the van.”
He was taken to Kentish Town police station where he was held until 3.30am on Sunday morning.
Mr Brady says he is still not sure if he is being charged with anything or if he has to pay a fine.
Officers say he should expect a court summons in the post.
“We did this purely as a way of entertaining people in the queues,” said Mr Brady. “It’s not part of the official Crawl but has become a bit of a tradition to have an unofficial street party. We’ve put our footage on YouTube. It’s a real shame the police had to go and spoil it for everyone. Everyone was having a really great time up until it was brought to an early end and we’ve already received lots of messages asking when we are next playing.”
A Camden Police spokeswoman said: “At approximately 6.50pm police received a complaint of a man playing music outside on a path. The man had been warned on two previous occasions to stop and remove his equipment. At approximately 8pm, officers again found the man playing music outside. The man did not have the correct licence and was shortly arrested for a breach of the Licensing Act. The man has been released and will be summonsed to court.”
• See footage of the arrest at www.youtube.com/RedPillLondon
He was taken to Kentish Town police station where he was held until 3.30am on Sunday morning.
Mr Brady says he is still not sure if he is being charged with anything or if he has to pay a fine.
Officers say he should expect a court summons in the post.
“We did this purely as a way of entertaining people in the queues,” said Mr Brady. “It’s not part of the official Crawl but has become a bit of a tradition to have an unofficial street party. We’ve put our footage on YouTube. It’s a real shame the police had to go and spoil it for everyone. Everyone was having a really great time up until it was brought to an early end and we’ve already received lots of messages asking when we are next playing.”
A Camden Police spokeswoman said: “At approximately 6.50pm police received a complaint of a man playing music outside on a path. The man had been warned on two previous occasions to stop and remove his equipment. At approximately 8pm, officers again found the man playing music outside. The man did not have the correct licence and was shortly arrested for a breach of the Licensing Act. The man has been released and will be summonsed to court.”
• See footage of the arrest at www.youtube.com/RedPillLondon
Sunday, 2 May 2010
CAMDEN CRAWL MOMENT - TRY NOT TO SMILE WHEN MAN LIKE ME ARE ONSTAGE, I DARE YOU
THE Camden Crawl's been a test of endurance this year and it's only Sunday morning.
At times it felt like there was some anti-crawl giant chucking buckets of water from the skies to try to wash us all away.
But there are some bands that never seem to let anything dampen their spirits and Man Like Me are one of them.
They may not be instant pop chart toppers and they won't fit into any alt/indie pigeonhole, they just do their own ska-inspired thing and it's joyous!
If you get a chance to see them live I defy you not to smile.
Here's a couple of their older singles, which should help explain what I'm talking about (if you can get over all the meat in the background of London Town!).
Their line-up has since changed and increased, making them possibly even greater showmen than before.
More crawl news later.
At times it felt like there was some anti-crawl giant chucking buckets of water from the skies to try to wash us all away.
But there are some bands that never seem to let anything dampen their spirits and Man Like Me are one of them.
They may not be instant pop chart toppers and they won't fit into any alt/indie pigeonhole, they just do their own ska-inspired thing and it's joyous!
If you get a chance to see them live I defy you not to smile.
Here's a couple of their older singles, which should help explain what I'm talking about (if you can get over all the meat in the background of London Town!).
Their line-up has since changed and increased, making them possibly even greater showmen than before.
More crawl news later.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
NO MORE SOFA SURFING - THE DRUMS TAKE ON THE CAMDEN CRAWL
JUST five months ago fledgling Brooklyn band The Drums were crashing on a friend’s couch in Camden, playing their debut European show at Kentish Town’s tiny cult venue, The Flowerpot.
This weekend the very same New York four-piece will be the crowning glory of the borough’s biggest festival – the Camden Crawl.
(The Drums)
Weary frontman Jonathan Pierce spoke to me from Berlin, at the end of an 11-hour stretch of interviews.He said: “It’s been a little void of adventures. The only adventure we’ve had is seeing if we can stay awake.”
The band were this week forced to cancel their show at Highbury’s Relentless Garage thanks to volcano-induced flight delays, but Crawl organisers are confident they’ll make it to Camden in time.
Jon said: “I know we’re playing the Crawl but we’re not familiar with it. Us American lads are still brushing up on our UK education. We used to stay in a friend’s house in Camden Place when we were in London. The Flowerpot was our first show in Europe so it was a really special time for us. Camden really does hold some significance for The Drums. We just went and grabbed coffee all day long.”
Jon first met bandmate Jacob Graham at Christian summer camp. He said: “I was raised in a Christian household and so was Jacob. It’s normal in America for kids to be shipped off to summer camp and ours just happened to be Christian.”
But it looks like the boys are struggling with the trappings of fame.
He said: “Our least favourite thing in the world is photo shoots. When you start a band you don’t realise everything it entails. You have ideas that it’s about making songs you really love for the next 40 years and here we are in Berlin and we’ve had three photo shoots today and we just hate having our picture taken.”
Their meteoric rise to fame has meant at times their newfound status has overtaken them.
They once played to a crowd of 10 at Santa Barbara University then minutes later posed for an NME cover shoot.
Jon said: "There were 10 kids there all wearing university sweatshirts and had never heard of us. We really go for it when we're playing live, we don't hold back no matter what the situation, so there was a weird awkward dynamic. We played our last song and found out a band has to play for 50 minutes or we don't get paid.
"We were really broke at the time and didn't have another song. So we ended up playing Kiss And Make Up that St Etienne covered off our i-Pod. We all just danced on the stage and met our quota and got paid. The next thing we did was jump in a van and drive through the beach and did a photo shoot for the cover of NME. It was weird doing a cover shoot five minutes after we played in front of absolutely no-one."
They may have found success but Jon admits he’s still not quite content.
They may have found success but Jon admits he’s still not quite content.
He said: "It’s not that I’m complaining – it’s just I’m confused. You have these dreams and then your dreams come true and you realise you still are just as confused and probably even more confused because it didn’t solve all your problems.
"There’s this eternal questioning about what is going to make me happy. If this doesn’t make me happy then what will? But it lends to good songwriting. I learned early in my life that money doesn't make me happy and the lack of money doesn't make me happy either. If we had all the answers life might be more... I don't know, so I'm happy to be miserable at this point."
He’s a harsh self-critic, and keeps strict quality control on his songs.
He added: “Nothing really drives me to write anything. It’s never really a conscious thing. I write all the songs and my rule is they have to come naturally. If it feels laboured over then I throw it out. It goes for the lyrics as well.
"There’s this eternal questioning about what is going to make me happy. If this doesn’t make me happy then what will? But it lends to good songwriting. I learned early in my life that money doesn't make me happy and the lack of money doesn't make me happy either. If we had all the answers life might be more... I don't know, so I'm happy to be miserable at this point."
He’s a harsh self-critic, and keeps strict quality control on his songs.
He added: “Nothing really drives me to write anything. It’s never really a conscious thing. I write all the songs and my rule is they have to come naturally. If it feels laboured over then I throw it out. It goes for the lyrics as well.
“A song might sound happy at first listen but if you listen to the lyrics they often sound a little bit sad or hopeless. We have our own sensitive brand of rock ‘n’ roll. We’re definitely not a typical sex drugs and rock’n’roll type of band. There’s more delicate blood running through our veins. The most exciting thing to us isn’t cocaine it’s writing a beautiful pop song and that’s the honest truth.”
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