The Other Side

The lovely people at The Other Side magazine celebrated the launch of their festival edition at The Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes last night. Great music from The Peeps, Citadels and The Molotovs and the magnificant Disco Shed Djs. I had hoped to win some festival tickets in the raffle, but it wasn't to be.

When midnight struck I hotfooted it to Soho to catch Cheka play at Troy Bar. I took to the tables for some sweaty swinging and stomping before making the long journey back to Greenwich. By the time I got home the sun was rising and the birds tweeting so I sat in my garden with a cup of camomile and watched the river calmly pass me by. The best things in life are certainly free!

Florence & The Machine

I was invited down to the beautiful Bloomsburuy Ballroom last night to watch Florence & The Machine, supported by the magnificant Golden Silvers. It was a sonic and visual treat on all counts, and my god can that girl sing.

Listening to: 'Rockin' Chair' - Alvino Rey & His Orchestra ft. the King Sisters

The Agitator

Another fine night was spent at The Flowerpot yesterday where I enjoyed getting riled up to The Agitator, and then took to the decks to play some good ole' fashioned rock 'n' roll.

Listening to: 'O Sister' - Bob Dylan

Cherbourg

Exciting times are upon us... Cherbourg have finished their first video of 'Man' and their second EP 'Into the Dark' is set for release on Monday 1st. This handsome foursome are destined for big things with their music that combines haunting melodies with exceptional lyrics. And it doesn't hurt that they're serisouly talented instrumentalists and generally just a lovely bunch of gentlemen! They're touring the UK now, so may the storm begin...
To view the video go to: www.myspace.com/cherbourgmusic

Listening to: 'This is All' - Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Villagers Street Party

I'm gearing up for an eventful weekend full of musical highlights, but I'm most excited about the Villagers Street Party taking place in Brighton on Sunday 31st. It is the second year of this glorious event which encourages stomping in the street, frolics in side-alleys and dancing under the sky. There will be live music, a fashion show, Marakatu, Capoeira, art and street theatre. And it's all FREE! Good times ahead!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=517605499&ref=ts#/event.php?eid=145078670261&ref=ts

Listening to: 'Everybody Knows' - O.V. Wright

Iain Woods & The Psychologist Shoot

I woke just after dawn yesterday morning and ventured to Hackney, where a garden full of bizarre props, wigs and garments awaited to begin an all-day shoot with Iain Woods & The Psychologist. We had a magnificant team of creatives behind the scenes, who designed surreal and twisted sets inside the beautiful Elizabeth Fry Refuge on Mare Street, which is soon to be demolished. The final pictures will follow shortly, but for now here as some photos of the behind the scenes action.

Listening to: 'Ting a Ling' - The Clovers

Balloons

Just another morning spent jazzing up our kitchen....

Listening to: 'Hey Bartender' - Floyd Dixon

Mumford & Sons

The wonderful new venue The Flowerpot put on a blinding night yesterday with Mumford & Sons performing songs from their recently finished album. It's always a treat to hear their new material but I still can't get enough of their past releases. Last night's hightlights for me were 'Sister' and 'The Banjolin Song', with their beautiful harmonies driven by Marcus's spine-tingling vocals. It's all about that banjolin! Innit.

Listening to: 'I Hear you Knocking' - Smiley Lewis

River Rat Pack - Bank Holiday

I'm looking forward to hearing an array of brilliant music on Sunday at the River Rat Pack bash at The Old Queen's Head. All hail the Admiral!

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=76714293309&ref=nf

After the news that this year's boating adventure will be postponed, it's wonderful to get a chance to hear what will be in store when we set sail.

Listening to: 'Say You'll Be Mine' - Kitty, Daisy & Lewis
http://www.myspace.com/kittydaisyandlewis

Music in the City

My favourite nights are spent in basements, bars, back rooms and boudoirs listening to live music with a dark rum in hand. Here are some of my highlights from the past few weeks.

Listening to: 'Nightmare' - Artie Shaw