Grey Britain

Clouds, grey, wet, wind , umbrellas, Macs - London March 25th 2009. To accompany this sodden climate i chose to listen to Jesus & Mary Chain if only indulge further on how this day is merely a non event. Stepping onto a train at Euston for another journey to see another musician. This time my destination is Stoke on Trent and although it's hardly the French Rivera it feels good to be getting out of the rat trap. Surprisingly the setting of the studio I'm visiting is not the usual refurbished industrial unit but a farm in rural Staffordshire. Surrounded by rolling hills and fields sparsely populated by live stock my earlier pessimisim is lifted. The music i'm played is also very good and i leave with a spring in my step.

70 Years of Album Artwork

Those with an interest in music searching the web today may have read several stories celebrating the 70th anniversary of LP/CD cover art with the most in depth appearing on the BBC. Along with recognising the 70th anniversary of album artwork the article attempts to debate the relevance of it in the 21st century. It's an interesting piece and worth a quick read. However it's also a little annoying that negative spin is put on the whole affair by Lecturer Simon Warner wo says, ' The Golden age of the album cover is pretty much over.' No disrespect to Simon but have you been into a record shop recently?? Er, probably not because I'd argue that there was never a 'Golden Age' as record sleeve design regardless of the size or format is still pushing the boundaries and pop art is still having an impact on people lives like it always has. Visit the Pure Groove Records website for quick proof that album artwork is evolving without dwelling on the past or living in fear of not being part of a 'golden age.' Anyway now that's off my chest I've posted a picture of my favourite record sleeve ever! Dr Alimantado The Best Dressed Chicken in Town.

Thursday March 19th Fog on the Tyne

The city of Newcastle is less know for it's stunning industrial architecture and more commonly - especially to those born in the 1980s - as the home of teen soap Byker Grove, Football and Paul Gascoigne's rendition of Fog on the Tyne. However, pushing stereotypes aside it's a very welcoming city whose populace has an insatiable passion for live music. I'm visiting to see Twisted Wheel support The Enemy at the local academy Venue. The gig is a full on rock & roll fest with both bands pleasing the rowdy audience. Show over and I get to sample the nightlfe that draws so many stag and hens up here for a final night of freedom. Needless to say i had a good time and surpisingly - without being patronising - I was served the best tapas i've tasted outside of Spain in a city that's famed for placing strips on donner meat on pizza. Good times.

Wednesday March 18th - Manchester

Doves new single Kingdom of Rust is an apt summary of the current state of the nation, particularly Manchester and the surrounding area with the video casting a shadow over the city in a similar vein to The Smiths There is a Light that Never Goes Out. Listening to it approaching Manchester Piccadilly station – I’m here to see local solo artist Natalie Findlay – the train cuts through a mass of run down and abandoned buildings mirroring those seen in the aforementioned Doves video. By the looks of things it could easily be 1983 out there on those streets and the feeling in the centre of town seems a far cry from the optimism running through the city in the lead up to 2001 common wealth games but hey at least it’s not Detroit. Anyhow, that’s the recession for you and regardless of the times Manchester always seems to produce exciting new musical talent and Natalie Findlay is no exception. Breezing through a half hour set she exhumes the confidence and singing voice of a performer that belies her 17 years. She's certainly one to watch.

Before heading up to Newcastle I pay a visit to Piccadilly Records - one of few remaining independent UKrecord shops - and pick up the new Animal Collective, Bonnie Prince Billy and Black Lips records. They are all top drawer aside from the Black Lips record that leaves more to be desired.