Looking To The Future

It's always that irony when writing something like this blog, when you've lots of time to write, then there's nothing to write about, when there's no time for anything, there's lots to write about. And so here we are - I've finished my Masters degree (results end of the month), which also coincides with finishing the first Honour Before Glory recordings

But it's a brief respite - in a good way, as I'm dissapearing for a lot of October, but will be back with a vengeance afterwards.

HONOUR BEFORE GLORY

I have now finished the first Honour Before Glory recordings, and launched the compulsary Myspace page. You can listen below via the power of Soundcloud.

All the tracks were recorded by me at House Of Mook, and feature help from the talents of Simon Fogal, Jon Foulger, Francis McCrossan, Fran Rodgers and Dave Martin

After Germany, I'll be playing with Damien Jurado at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds - and then will be trying to do some more recording.

http://www.myspace.com/honourbeforeglory

HOUSE OF MOOK NEWS

After returning from Germany with Sometree in November, I'll be bedding myself down in House Of Mook and recording lots of bands. As ever, get in touch if you're interested here

The first fruits of Mook are being unveiled though - Just Handshakes (We're British) are releasing a split 7" single with my other faves Yonderboy. Listen and order the track through their respective Myspaces.

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Other than that? Business as usual

Soundtrack to this post: Yonderboy, Papercuts

O, Josephine!

Much has been professed of my love for Magnolia Electric Co. on this blog over the last year or two. Last September, I was lucky enough to tempt main man Jason Molina to the Brudenell to perform a solo show, and with new album Josephine complete, the whole band are turning up this year - on Friday 4th September

The press continue to fawn over Mr Molina - check out the title cut from the new album, followed by some gushing praise (click to enlarge)

Magnolia Electric Co. - Josephine (taken from the album Josephine)

Magnolia Electric Co. - Little Sad Eyes (taken from the album Josephine)

Magnolia Electric Co. at Secretly Canadian

Soundtrack to this post: Yonderboy, Riceboy Sleeps

Saturday Night

Last night I had a rare 'night off' - and the choice of gigs and bands to go and see was quite something. Lots of bands I've mentioned on here before, all doing well for themselves and all a delight to go and see. 

My gig of choice, ended up being Ellen & The Escapades playing the Our City, Our Music launch, followed by popping in at Die Video Die playing the Grain Division's 4th Birthday Party. Unfortunately, I'm a bit too wet to stay out late, so that was 'it' for me.

But things are busy and involved in Leeds. Other options tonight, included watching Yonderboy at The Library (c/o Brew Records), Mi Mye bandmates Middleman at local haunt The Cardigan Arms and over in Bradford, Johnny Foreigner, Just Handshakes (We're British) and a large supporting cast were playing a charity all-dayer

That familar names, consistently playing around town at exciting line ups, cooperating and playing together, with rumours of split singles, cross supporting - well, it all warms the cockles. 

Soundtrack to this post: 20/20 World Cup Final

Multiples

Ok, so there was lots and lots of stuff I wanted to mention in my last blog but I haven't had too much time (which I think I said?)

Anyway, my big work is done and now I'm trying to catch up! Aiming for content over style, here are two other new bands I've been enjoying:

Gossamer Albatross

http://www.myspace.com/gossameralbatross

Three Trapped Tigers

http://www.myspace.com/threetrappedtigers

And don't forget, after probably a bit of a quiet one, next year is the year when a few Leeds bands that have been bubbling under, release albums or get on a little bit more:

Sky Larkin

http://www.myspace.com/skylarkinskylarkin

Pulled Apart By Horses

http://www.myspace.com/pulledapartbyhorses

Wintermute

http://www.myspace.com/wintermuteband

Dinosaur Pile-Up

http://www.myspace.com/dinosaurpileup

Grammatics

http://www.myspace.com/grammatics

Laura Groves / Blue Roses

http://www.myspace.com/musicofblueroses

  

...and here are some of my favourite new Leeds bands, some of which I had the privilege of booking to open the Cardigan Arms for the new year:

Bear Driver

http://www.myspace.com/thebeardriver

Yonderboy

http://www.myspace.com/yonderboymusic

Just Handshakes (We're British)

http://www.myspace.com/justhandshakeswerebritish

and watch out for Die Video Die, with a pop arrow through the heart.

http://www.myspace.com/dievideodie

...and finally something a bit different, a little Radio 2, but some kids with some talent I have a lot of time for:

Ellen & The Escapades

http://www.myspace.com/ellenandtheescapades

...and this is, in my opinion the best album of last year:

TV ON THE RADIO - DEAR SCIENCE

http://www.myspace.com/tvotr

http://www.last.fm/music/TV+on+the+Radio/Dear+Science

...and here's what I'm most looking forward to hearing this year:

SOMETREE

http://www.myspace.com/thisissometree

*Apologies to all my friends I've had a mind melt and forgotten about*

Soundtrack to this post: TV On The Radio, White Lies