Winter’s here, and it’s cold.
Three recent gigs…
Art Brut – who I saw last year, and was fairly impressed by. This time, discovered that all the seemingly random banter, stories, etc… not so much. Last year’s gig is a bit fuzzy in the memory (I believe I was concussed that night) – but I believe that all the gaps are filled now, from watching this year’s word-for-word repeat. Summary: Disappointed.
Savages – went to see them on the back of them being short-listed for the Mercury Prize. Decent enough music, but possibly the worst group of fans I’ve ever encountered. Just… awful. I don’t know how to describe how/why… but somehow I was turned into elderly judgemental woman, screwing my nose up and using a stick to keep people from brushing against me. Summary: Distaste.
Future Of The Left – at gay nightclub Heaven. Where I also saw Band of Skulls last year. And I guess it’s making a bit more sense, as both bands could nearly be described as “Cock Rock”, at a first listen. Except they both have hot female bass players. (Well – probably not that hot… but put a woman on stage, with a bass guitar… and I’m happy). Anyway – the gig. Good… surprisingly good. I wasn’t expecting much – as I seemed to recall I only really listened to the albums because of the singer’s previous band – Mclusky, and hadn’t enjoyed the new incarnation as much. But it was good… they played a few Mclusky songs, which was good… but the whole gig was rather good. Just… fun. And next time there’s a gig at Heaven, I now know – thanks to the helpful barman who gave me the advice – I can buy a bottle of wine, and just leave it behind the bar for refills. Probably saving myself a whole pound or two. (The effort gone to to avoid homophobic jokes and/or openings for jokes in that was considerable.) Summary: pleasantly surprised.
Other news: I’ve downloaded and printed off the 59-page form for applying for “Indefinite Leave to Remain” in the UK. And bought the book to teach me about “Life in the UK”… as I need to pass a test that I know how to be British. Once again – lots of effort being put in as regards not making any of the obvious jokes.