A text from my youngest daughter. And he was. I’d imagine he was staying round the corner, after playing at the Tuns last night. It was a good night too, although this was the first pie festival at the Tuns where I was unable to partake of pie-ness. There was one potentially vegan pie, but I didn’t want to chance it. They had plenty of vegetarian pies though, pretty impressive for Gateshead. Anyway, Mr Tudor Pole was very good last night; and a true gentleman.
Category Archives: Music
Long weekends
Are never long enough. Still, the weather’s been gorgeous and some time was spent in pubs doing a lot less than we’d planned. Yesterday was particularly good, with live music and great beer in the sunshine in Ouseburn. There’d be pictures, but they’re on my phone and I’m too lazy to transfer them. The Tyne Bar has another great band this Sunday at three; we may be there if tbe weather’s ok (they’re using the outdoor stage).
Agony
I’m currently watching Stargate Universe on Netflix. It’s not great, but a person doesn’t need to think too much while viewing. However, at the end of this particular episode, just after the hallucinogenic alien tics were removed from people’s heads, and just as I was starting to nod off, the music caught my attention. Eels. Eels’ Agony, from the Souljacker album. One of their best albums. I may need to watch the remaining (many) episodes.
Manchester
We’re currently in the Castle, on Oldham Road, Manchester. It’s a rather beautiful old pub with a free jukebox.
I’m drinking Brooklyn lager, but last time I was here I had a bottle of Elbow beer. The old build a rocket boys variety.
And, speaking of Elbow, yesterday we fell down a hole in the neighbourhood of Oxford Road.
The Temple, followed by Big Hands.
And then Elbow at the Apollo. Which a pretty amazing gig, with lots of old stuff and a move away from a one day like this finale.
Dead things
I’m currently watching the Elvis ’68 comeback special on Channel 5. If you disregard the stuff from the early days it’s actually rather good.
It reminds me of the Eels gig in Liverpool, a few years ago, where the band wore the same red suits as the band at the Elvis ’68 night.
Earlier this evening, I encountered something pretty disturbing by the castle in town.
I can’t help but wonder how many poor creatures contributed to this meal.
Boilershop Steamer
It’s worth making a trip to Newcastle on the first Friday or Saturday of the month. The Boilershop Steamer is a pretty chilled event in a gorgeous venue. The building has real history, railway history that is.
For anyone who hadn’t heard, the Rocket was built there.
And now it’s a place to drink beer (or cider in my case), eat nice food and listen to live music.
Nothing to lose …
Have you ever …
… seen Augustines? Because, if you haven’t, you’ve truly missed something special.
This was definitely one of the best gigs I’ve ever been to. And possibly the best.
And on home soil too, the Riverside, Newcastle. Well, for us.
The off-stage stuff was brilliant. Can’t say more than that.
They’re playing in Glasgow tomorrow; go to see them.
Saturday
While sitting on my fourth (excluding the Metro) train today, I’m listening to my elderly ipod (it saves my phone battery).
Since the weekend is close, I’m overdosing on Augustines this week. Because the new album is so good, I’ve mainly been listening to the first, Rise Ye Sunken Ships. Which is a great album. Truly.
If you’ve never heard of Augustines, listen to the first album. And don’t listen to the second until you’ve played the first at least a dozen times – you’ll not appreciate it otherwise.
Because the second album is better. Now, because you’ve been listening to the first album a couple of dozen times, that might be hard to believe. But it is.
Buy both, listen to them in the correct order, then buy the last remaining ticket to see them at the Riverside in Newcastle on Saturday. Hell, if you’re skint, I’ll even buy you a ticket.
You’ve nothing to lose but your head (second album).
Rattling
Currently at the end of a set from Rattlebone. They have an excellent drummer, so I knew that bit would be ok. But I’m really enjoying their own stuff; less the covers admittedly, but they don’t need those.
Worth seeing.
