HAPPY GLOOMY VALENTINE'S DAY

IF IT wasn’t for the effort Feeling Gloomy put into their Love Hurts Valentine’s night, I’d have ignored it altogether.

But every year they step in to fill the deathly absence of cards, flowers and dates for singles.

So head to the 02 Academy Islington (Feb 12) for torch songs, indie heartbreakers and rock to scream to plus Down With Dating’s Speed Hating (spill your dislikes) and Blind Hate (Cilla, but dark). Hankies on hand, dead flowers on the tables and classic divorce flic Kramer Vs Kramer will be screened – perfect.

Alternatively sketch Burlesque models at Dr Sketchy’s Valentine’s Special to mark The Old Queen’s Head’s birthday celebrations (Feb 14). Rob Da Bank, Jamie Woon, Mystery Jets , The Maccabees, Tribes and Sound of Rum will be making an appearance over the week’s festivities.

• The more romantic may enjoy Ronnkie Pop’s Valentine’s Prom Night at The Silver Bullet (Feb 11), complete with prom king and queen coronation, prom punch and the inevitable slow dance. Think Back to the Future’s Enchantment Under the Sea dance.

• I last saw Mark Ronson at the Roundhouse for the Electric Proms in 2007 when he brought along an assortment of celeb guests. I’ll never forget The Rumble Strips’ Charlie Waller’s unexpected and explosive cover of Back to Black (look it up on YouTube). The Proms may be no more but Ronson returns to the Roundhouse (Feb 16) with The Business International, who knows what he’ll have in store this time?



• Tickets go on sale today (Feb 10) for Mumford & Sons’ special gig at Dingwalls on Feb 22. Support from the divine Marcus Foster, Anna Calvi and Rachel Sermanni.

RECORD OF THE WEEK - MARCUS FOSTER, Shadows of the City

SEEING Marcus Foster live is essential. His unkempt stage presence leaves the intoxicating blues of Shadows of the City overpower all other thought. Young yet unspeakably mature, living every stunning note – he’s a muso’s dream. Yet his friendship with Robert Pattinson and contribution to Twilight soundtrack means he’s more likely to be known by vampire-crazed teens. (Out Feb 28).