Fingers and Thumbs Crossed – Cancel The Astronauts interview

It’s not that long since Cancel The Astronauts took part in the most recent MPT podcast. But since hardly anyone listens to these and the guys are playing a gig on Saturday (3rd) in Glenrothes, it didn’t seem a bad time to catch up with CTA singer/songwriter Matthew Riley to talk about their 2012 Of…

Not My Sort of Thing, But Actually …

.. I quite like this. I confess I’ve been a little lacking in inspiration in the last few days. Despite the fact that I hit 100,000 something or others during the month, that November has not only been my best ever month, but has had the best week in the history of the blog and…

Could This Be A Drill? – Wire live LP review

Since the recent Wire gig, I’ve pretty much given my whole 4 LP Wire collection a play with the exception of the vinyl copy of ‘Manscape’. I’ve also been listening to the newest addition to the collection the tour only live LP ‘The Black Session’. A record of the live set from the earlier tour…

A Phestive Phantomime

After a relatively quiet year  (at least since their mammoth UK and European tour in the Spring) the Phantom Band celebrate the upcoming Phestive season with a 2 day extravangza in Stereo in Glasgow. Entitled a Xmas Phantomine the bill as things stand is as follows: FRIDAY 16th: The Phantom Band (Opening) Holy Mountain (Facebook…

When I Close My Eyes, I Can Still See The Stars – Jill Birt E.P. review

I’ve discovered a few things that have surprised me during the life time of this blog but I’m not sure that many have been more surprising than the news that Jill Birt has released a limited edition solo E.P. ‘Still Life’. For those of you who don’t know, Jill was the keyboard player and occasional…

How Can We Make This A Better Place? – Malcolm Middleton/River of Slime split single

Another day and another piece of vinyl arrives in the mail, although this time it’s too big to be forced through the letterbox. No, it’s a 10″ split single featuring River of Slime and (pause for dramatic effect) …  new material from Malcolm Middleton. Malcolm first. ‘Where have I gone? Where did I go? /…