Friday 1 May 2009

Giggity

The past week has been fuller than a Walkers grab bag.... of gigs.

Firstly, The crowning glory of gigs, maybe ever but only time will tell, opening night of The Specials reunion tour.

FUCKING AWESOME. Simple as that. Sitting in Rafferty's beforehand was like being in an episode of Ashes to Ashes (if only Gene Hunt was there). I have never seen so much well intended but ill-fitting Fred Perry in my life. The atmosphere inside the gig was pretty much as electric as I have ever known a gig to be. I imagine once you get older and your favourite bands are no more you never really beleive that they might actually reappear when you've all grows up and you've all but given up hope. This is obviously how I would feel should Jarvis ever see fit to tie up his disco shoes ever once again.

It's was amazing. Terry Hall has grown into his sallow face and actually developed a personality. Nite Klub alone is now ranked in my top ten best gig moments....ever. Note to self: This is a good top ten avenue to explore.



Secondly, Alan Rake and the Rakes. I like seeing bands that I have liked for a while and their star has started to fade a little bit. Obviously this isn't their ideal career trajectory and slightly selfish on my part but seeing band members wandering around the pub before the gig makes me feel cool in strange way. When I was a teenager that is something I would have thought was definitely very cool. Smoking outside in close proximity to the guitarist from the Rakes. Sweeeeet.

They were great. Of course they were it's Alan 'n' that. They play fast, talk fast and encourage people to drink on a school night. I like this. Didn't do Work, work, work though...bummer.



Finally, Doves. No one's favourite band but everybody loves them. The new songs sounded awesome. I love how people always seem to be swept away with them. Especially if they haven't seen them before. They have a real knack of putting you under their spell. I think that the constant, pounding (not the drum beat of Pounding...well maybe) is actually a form of Manc voodoo.


All in all a very good week