Fringe thursday.

With Summer Sundae this weekend eluding me like a dancing flitering moth due to being slightly outside of my economical abilitites (in other words I've no money) I'm was pleased to see listings for the fringe festival going on around the city this week. I've been meaning to mention something about it but haven't had the time (in other words I'm too lazy).
Anyway as a warm up to the Summer Sundae weekend a host of venues around Leicester are banding together and putting on bands, DJ's and the odd exhibition or too, oh and the Orange tree are doing a BBQ mmmmm BBQ, tonight there's bands bands throughout Leicester who can all be seen for only 4 pounds, thats 4 pounds for a ticket that gets you into the Firebug, Muscician, The Shed, Lansdowne and other plus and oh yes there is a plus there's also a free bus that runs between venues every half and hour or there abouts.

The only trouble is that their on at the same time making run around like a kid in some sort of....store.
Anyway tickets can be bought at Rockaboom, or the firebug or I presume at the venues themselves and you can find more information thats been better written and see more about the Fringe festival here

At the spot - Spotify

I was sent an invite to Spotify a month ago and since then its been on and playing almost everyday. Initially I was rather hesitant to use it as I've found since coming back the joy of listening to my old collection of records (well most of them although the Kula shaker cd has thankfully vanished) and Last Fm has been providing much musical enjoyment since we've had the Internet set up (although exactly how people have managed to listen to 100,000 songs is beyond me, and yes I do suffer from song envy). However since finally sticking Spotify on its not really been off, possibly its the ease of use just type a name and drag into your play list and that's it, no novelty items no extra applications just plug and play; or that the music on offer, although not massive, provides almost anything that my little monkey brain to think off. The occasional advert doesn't bother me either as its only every 20 minutes, although I think I've heard enough of that findanyfilm one right now.
That's not to say its perfect or that this is a ode to Spotify (as of course no one sadly writes odes anymore, although as I still say disco and courting maybe I am the man to bring it back) the radio feature needs works, it doesn't have last fm's catelogue, and it does mean to a certain extent wading through tracks looking for things on your playlist. Still is this the face of modern music? U2 (clearly not the face of modern music unless that face is smug) have just allowed us mere non Bono humans to listen (or not) to it in an attempt to prevent pirates getting it early and for free from nasty sharing sites. It manages to get money from advertisers without the in your face/scams that other sites might have, there's no 101 annoying attachments that are sent to you by someone you used to know 10 years ago COUGHFACEBOOKCOUGH. Or is it a last ditch grasp by record companies flailing around for anything that might offer a form of salvation.
hmm ponder.

I've got a right! - to sell you insurance

First up have you seen that Iggy Pop advert? The one where he says "I'm not selling car insurance, I'm selling time!" and then promptly goes on to sell car insurance, I really hope that with money from this he might be able to at least afford few rounds of golf, or a shirt, or more car insurance.

Maybe its just me but I can't figure out who the advert is for, is it supposed to be for young people are the advert makers attempting to be down with the kids (make with the hand gesture or at least get down like this grandma) if so Iggy Pop? A man in his what sixties who yes has produced mighty fine music is nowadays someone you would throw a shirt at rather than a peanut butter sandwich hmm peanut butter anyway not really the obvious choice to appeal to younger people, still at least they didn't use basshunter (who also doubles up for Zoolander in his publicity shots apparently ohh blue steel). So if not younger audiences then older ones? Will an aging punk really think "well if Iggy Pop says its good then I'Ve got to do it forget fighting the system (or at least owning a tshirt shop that sells Tshirts with slogans that fight the system) "(can people think in brackets?)
If I was being more cynical then I might wonder/ponder that what the advertisment people really want is for the aging rockers to see Iggy Pop and realise that if Iggy Pop a man who has fought the rigurs of normality and bounderies is now willing to sell insurance to fund his golf swing then what is there left to fight against anymore? They too should break down any final barriers, imbrace the big business submit and crawl on their hands and knees to the phone/keyboard and get that insurance now because thats what Iggy would do.

Either that or its just a car insurance ad

Iggy Pop selling car insurance, what ever next John Lydon on Judge Judy? Ohh

Laaasst Rock do, old men and stuffed like a sauage... part two; dance dance dance oh and dance dance dance

So after the great Shonen Knife who should be watched by all and the not so good "The drawers" who should be watched by a trained helper and no one else. We headed over to our last Rock Do held at Club Rockets. Now as you may, or not, know I've been going to Rock Do for the last three years (thanks to Kev for introducing the place thank yooou), in fact its pretty much the only club I go to in Japan. I'm one of the few people never to have set foot in pure (is that a good boast to have?) home of many a club night out in Osaka which obviously I'm not knocking it mearly that its not really my kind of place. Anyway Rock do, well I go mainly because I like the music, I like the fact its not packed out so there's room to wander around and pass out, no one is angry and will always talk to you (expect those two who were passed out on the pavement the only person they will be speaking to is on the great white telephone) and I like the fact they wave the English flag around at completely the wrong songs (unless the hives have switched nationality?). Also The DJ Jin has named his two kids "Rocka" (after errr rock?) and "Ask" (after the smiths song) so how could you not be impressed at a man like that?
Anyway for the last three years I've enjoyed no okay fine loved almost every Rock do night out and the nights out that surround it like the other year a huge typhoon was supposed to hit Osaka in the evening, after an afternoon and evening humming and arhing on whether to go we decided to finish our booze and head on over non the less and had a fantastic night al round. Or the times where the place is rammed full of people who all suddenly break into spontaneous synchronised dance moves (a very popular thing here). The guy who was up till 6 dancing like a loon (and not a loot as that's very different) who told us the next day he was the safety inspector for our subway train, the guy called Barry we met last week who drank 8 shots of tequila, staggered around for an hour and then passed out only to have his photo taken by a crowd of party goers. I've loved watching the DJ's dance almost as much as the crowd, all those times they play a song that always gets me up and dancing and above all just dancing and having a great time with my friends. (see photo evidence here ) So it was nice just to have one more great night and even better to finish it by dancing with DJ Jin himself busting a move to The smiths and the La's our two mutual favourite songs (okay I know you actually can't bust a move to the smiths but you know flail our arms around? wave our elbows) . I know Jin won't read this but I want to say thanks anyway..

Rock Do we salute you and the happy times we have had.

At the hop - Lustfaust

For all those aspiring movie directors, short film producers or just plain old camcorder holders who want to show of their skills then head over to LUSTFAUSTs myspace page where you can not only show off your skills but possibly win tickets to the big chill while doing so.

Well, go on then.

At the live hop - Underworld

I haven't seen a gig in Japan since seeing the excellent Joanna Newsome in Kyoto during February, partly because its so expensive and partly because we live so far away from these things. So it made an especially nice change to fork out the hard cash and head on over to Zepp Osaka, and even better that I get to see Underworld, Simian mobile disco and Andrew Weatherall all on one bill.
Whenever you see bands or clubs on TV in Japan you notice a few things; a distinct lack of moshing or general dancing (or what ever these young folks do nowadays) being the main one unless, that is, its synchronized arm raising throughout the crowd, I think the reason for this might be the crash barriers situated throughout the crowd very 2 metres that prevent crushing (and gives you something to lean on if you fancy it) , or just the fact that this is Japan and these things never happen. Sadly Zepp seems to have a no camera's policy and those brave enough to brandish them have a torch (thats a flash light for you Americans thinking somesort of flamming branch thing) shone at them so no actual photo's to show you. I did try to sneakily (because I'm wearing sneakers shhh!) leave my camera in my bag and try to record some audio but playing it back today it sounds more like, well like a camera that's been left in a bag. So feel free to use your imagination, or youtube as its apparently better known.

It's kind of difficult to describe dance sets at the best of times, you usually end up saying "the bit where it went duh duh duh duhhh, or the other bit where it went du du du duh" Oh no wait that's the theme tune from Emerdale. Anyway it's especially difficult for someone like Andrew Weatherall, he of fine suits and someone who specialises in whats probably best described as math dance. He produced a fine array of beeps and sounds, into a set split into before and after Simian Mobile disco, the first part of his set ending on what sounded like a kettle boiling but was probably the sound of a right angle.

Simian Mobile disco may look like a rounder faced Edward Scissor hands and Garath from the office but they proved to be far better than I could have imagined, the two of them surrounded by a ring of flashing lights, really getting the crowd up and dancing, something very usual in most Japanese gigs, arm waving and hand holding aplenty seen throughout.
I haven't actually got Underworlds new album yet, as hopefully it will be a Christmas treat (thanks mum and dad) but it appears a lot of people in Osaka have, judging by the amount of people singing along with the opening track. Actually reminiscing about the years as a man of my many well 28 years does (I think I might need a pipe and slippers to do this fully) Underworld are actually responsible for one of my top ten live moments (yes I am the type of person to have one of those lists) involving Norwich, Jumbo, lots of lights and ......anyway enough of that. Following the mass arm waving that greeted the first track the other 3 or 4 new tracks appeared to be somewhat hit and miss with the crowd or rather taking possibly too long to build up to a danceable beat; although thankfully when it did arrive things got moving nicely (aided by some fine blow up stage props and lighting) Also Underworld has a fine array of great back catalogue to employ most of which you can hear on the awesome (well in my opinion anyway) live album Everything everything, so the likes of Rez and Pearls girls just propelled everything back up. I kind of like the idea that I had to leave the gig while Karl Hyde was prowling the stage with a sea of people moving to the final throes of Born slippy the last thing I see before racing for the, almost missed train, well I keep telling myself that anyway

Buy Simian Mobile Disco here
Andrew Weatherall here
Underworld website here
Buy Everything Everything here.

At the .. BOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!

As you may (or may not) have heard the massssssssive typhoon that supposed to hit the Kansai region decided to give up at the last minute. Actually I should have known as this usually happens, the teachers at school or the people in my village get very excited about telling me how this is the biggest typhoon/natural disaster...EVER! I I dust down the (massive) spiders from the storm shutters, only for it to change course. On Saturday we stocked up on all the essential supplies needed for any natural disaster (candles, sprite, flumps, cup noodles and glow sticks, the true essentials) and then settled in, only to find the night sky suddenly clear of rain, wind and any form of flying old ladies (oh no wait that might be the wizard of oz.) Still this meant at least we could head to Rock do.

I think I've written enough in the past about the club Rock do, good music, everyone dancing while facing the DJ, going there in the dark only coming out during daylight hours, yada yada yada.
However this was knickers (on the right) last Rock do night so it made it especially important to have the best night possible. Which I think we more or less managed. How? Well lets check the bongs shall we...
Bong - The DJ (who is a massive Smiths fan) telling us his 2 kids were called "ask" (a boy, after the Smiths Song) and "Rocca" (a little girl)
Bong - Glow sticks, yep what better to celebrate the passing of a typhoon and the last Rock Do than to wave bright sticks around, later to be passed around the club like tropheys of a winning football team (just give us an open top bus and an adoring crowd and its complete. Which lead us to...
Bong - This man (on the left) Sporting a fine bowler hat (Sadly when I wear hats I look like a pepper grinder) enjoyer of fine glowsticks, busy charming the various lady dancers, One of the last few dancers left standing at 6 in the morning, oh and in three hours time would be working at our local subway station, apparently (this was discussed in Jjapanese) he's something to do with health and safety!.

Bong - I love some of the managled band names in Japan, last month was the turn of the (Well I think quite cleaver) "Catcher in the lie", tonight we have the "Meat Eaters", and "Lostage" I can't decide if this is delberate genius or crazy jibberish, and frankly I think its a bit of both.


Here's knickers one more time recieving the sacred Union Jack that symbolises the true good nights at Rock do, handed to the person most likely to be from the U.K (the nearest foreigner).

Knickers we salute you, will miss you and of course wish you all the best.

I should quickly mention the next day as we headed to a night called "Anarchy in the YOU GAY!" (complete with big print) although the website had an extra questionmark at the end, (I presume for any curious Japanese people) which was held in the tiny tiny tiny Twice bar. Although only a handfall of people were there and the music took a while to warm up we all had a great night, possibly (for me) due to not only the extra glowsticks we bought (and yes I am fully aware that only in Japan glow sticks can be seen as adding to a night) but also as the DJ played this Battles tunes which I still insist is the catchiest most jumparoundable (hey I 've been here 2 years I can spell how I want to...) tune this year.

Only 3 days left till I'm off to blighty, packing needs to be done, plants need to be watered and panic needs to be unleashed Arhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Last but not least....sick

Well I'm still laying around in my own sick room (well actually my front room thanks to the joys of a bed you simply pick up and drag somewhere else) and have been watching a lot of Battle star galatica, The Dresden files and The Trap (which makes you kind of go BOOO for society! but at the same time the second episode kind of makes you say "wow aren't people impressively sneaky") I've also been going through blogger looking for something to read and there does seem to be a lot of teenagers, Christians or suspect "come look at my sexy fun time web cam" or even teenage Christian web cam, things out there isn't there. Still I have found a few interesting music ones and although it's not actually a blog I've also been looking at Last.fm and the radio player that comes with it. Apparently it listens to what you play on your computer and then creates your own station. Although I'm not sure quite how to use it properly especially as I have a creative zen which appears to be the only player not supported by it.
Hints and suggestions on how to use it are as always welcome..Here's a player with Devendra Banhart as an influence I'll stick it on the site so feel free to listen whilst your reading.


Good lord just turning the tv on there's a weird caveman film on with (I think) Ron Pullman although I'm not actually sure whats special effects and what is actually how he looks in real life, it makes me want to watch that old Beauty and the beast TV series he did again ohh those were the days.
Right back to the coughing...

hop to it- White Stripes -Icky thump

The Charmingly named Web Vomit is the first blog I've found to have the new White Stripes single Icky Thump.
From first listens it carries on Jack and "I play the drums!! Meg's tradition of great first singles that map out their aims for the album. Its a lot heavier than their last outing with more than a touch of Lead Zeppelin about the proceedings. With a pretty clunky guitar breakdown that gets better and makes sense with the second listen, especially as its followed by an strangle whirling keyboard that for me ties the entire piece together.

Oh and La La la's are inspired...

Web Vomit White stripes - Icky thump

School Headmaster watch - White shirt with his wife's initials on his cuffs, blue and red tie, gold tie pin
School headmaster look - Like someone you realllly don't want to owe money to.

Hop to it - Feist

I'd heard Feist's "My Moon My man" a while back and its been regularly popping up on my Mp3 player since then (If anyone can recommend if its worth while checking out the album please do tell) . But thanks to Popjustice I've also found she makes rather good videos to go with her songs. Check out her 1930's musical styliieee "1234"



I'm a sucker for those "Hey lets do our own dance moves!!" style videos. Especially when you can spot the member of the band who's not quite a good a dancer as the rest of the group, and the one who's obviously really into it.
The Zutons - Why wont you give me your love has a nice west side story vibe (and yes I hate myself a little for using the term vibe)
The Scissor sisters brit Performance of I don't feel like dancing seemed the only thing worth watching (wait... I never watch the Brits anyway I live in Japan! And even in England I never did)
Whilst OK GO have practically cornered the market on home made dance videos, in particular their inspired Here we go again video
and I now realise that I have criminally not really ever mentioned Devendra Banhart in any of my posts so just to make up for it here he is dancing in Victorian garb, because frankly on a Wednesday morning what else is there to see?

Hop to it...- The Besnard Lakes

As The Arcade Fire are currently the biggest, most bestest band in the world.......ever!!! According to everyone who is anyone able to write anything (try saying that quick!) and disliked by those who fear fame (I fear fire, but that's a different story arrrhhh flames.) its no surprise if P.R emails happen to mention them I'm not sure how that actually fits into this post but its a handy way to say that's how the one for The Besnard Lakes caught my eye.

I've checked out their myspace page and on first track Disaster they mix dark swirls of My Morning Jackets echo, Explosion in the sky's build up all with a dash of Brian Wilson vocals.
As their (almost out) second album, "The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse" also contains help from members of Godspeed, The dears and Stars its worth while a listen at least (I'm far too polite to be one of those CHECK IT OUT NOW OR I WILL TRACK YOU DOWN! people) like what you hear??? Then check them out during their U.K tour.

For more information on tour dates (and one down loadable track) check out their myspace page at.
http://www.myspace.com/thebesnardlakes

Sadly on School Principle/headmaster watch - Absent today.
School principle/headmaster look - Like the bank manager mysteriously absent with the safe left tellingly open.

Hop to it, April - International world (smog) day

Okay its about 7.55 in the morning and I'm still feeling the "effects" of
last nights birthday celebrations so I'm very, very quietly typing
this out.
OH WHEN WILL THE KEYS STOP SHOUTING AT ME!!!!!
Anyway....
On Sunday 22nd April see's an International World (Smog) Day
(the band by the way) with an old skool indiepop/rock  set at
The Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes.
Although BIll and Joanna probably won't be there to enjoy the live
music, John Peel clips, various films, food and bowling surely
a good day is to be
had by all.
Doors are at 5pm.
Heres the site for tickets and more info
Early this year I managed to catch a great Joanna Newsome gig
in Kyoto with Bill callahan supporting. Where I first
heard the great songsycamore. Here's the MP3 via pitchfork.

Mp3 - Bill Callahan - Sycamore

Von Sudenfed

My friend sent this over before the weekend but as I've been busy getting fooled by everyone I know, SURROUNDED BY LIES!!!!!! I've only just got round to watching it. Von Sudenfed are Mark E Smith and Mouse on mars



Thoughts.

A) Abba have really gone to seed.
B) I don't think I'll be able to sleep tonight.
C) I think the tunes pretty good, posssibly the best collaboration he's dones since the Inspiral Carpets I want you. The rough beats of the tune works well with Smith's voice and with Mouse on marseseses new album out hopefully it might drum up more interest in The Fall, which is never ever ever a bad thing.