Morrissey and Me

February 18, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Not a review

I went to see Morrissey play the Hydro in Glasgow last night.

This isn’t a review of the night. More of a reflection. It may seem self-indulgent, which is one of the things that I may have criticised Morrissey for recently, but I’m in danger of dwelling too much on this and overthinking it, so I just need to get it off my chest and move on. That may seem melodramatic and yes, to an extent it probably is. But I’ve experienced what overthinking and dwelling too much on things does to me, and those who have to live with me!… Read the rest

Ian Donaldson – Live – Websters Theatre 9th February 2018

February 12, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Ian Donaldson

It has been a long time in coming. Ian Donaldson performing his first live solo shows since H2O (and a Few Good Men).

Over the last few years Ian is back in the limelight and has been busy, having launched his first novel “A Rainbow in the Basement” and earlier this year releasing his debut solo album, as well as having his own radio show on Your Radio 103FM.

Friday night is gig night

Websters Theatre is an imposing venue from the outside, a converted church in the West End of Glasgow. It is a venue I’d never been in before.… Read the rest

The Lost Boys – Nosebleeds – album review

February 8, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

I’m Addicted

As the first track on The Lost Boys album says “I’m Addicted”. I’m addicted to this album, I’m addicted to its charm. I’m addicted to its powerful hook laden tunes. I’m addicted to its humour and clever lyrics.

Take a level tablespoon of the power-pop-punk sensibilities and driving guitars of The Buzzcocks, season with a bit of the abstractness of Graham Coxon, add the warm timbre of Mark Morriss from The Bluetones, mix well. Add the personality, humour and song-writing of Daniel Ash (showing my age, but no, not that Daniel Ash) and before you know it you’ve got a thrill rush that has resulted in the brilliance of Nosebleeds.… Read the rest

Alex Lusty – Rats From a Sinking Ship/Happy Martyr/Frigid Vinegar – Interview

February 7, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Alex Lusty

On the eve of a new album (number 3) from Anarcho/Rap punk outfit with a social conscience, Rats From a Sinking Ship, and forthcoming tour dates, I caught up with main man Alex Lusty.

The new Rats From a Sinking Ship album is his main project just now having been in the studio recording at the start of the year and now mastering. Over the years, man of many talents Alex has been involved in a variety of bands and projects covering a range of music styles. I was interested to find out how he manages his time on these various and how he comes to write in a variety of styles for the different outlets of his artistry.… Read the rest

The Autumn Stones – Escapists (Album Review)

February 2, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The Autumn Stones – Escapists

The Saxophone

The saxophone. A deep resonance, rich, vibrant and mellifluous.

I personally love the saxophone, and co-incidentally, have seen 2 videos cropping up again recently on social media of buskers playing sax which both had me enthralled. I often scan videos on social media, but both of these I watched all the way through, then did it again.

The sound and look of a sax being played just has something that draws me in.

Over the years there have been many great alternative/rock bands and/or songs that have used the sax to great effect. From the obvious – bands like Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Madness and countless ska/ska punk bands, through the melodic punk squall of X Ray Spex “Oh Bondage, Up Yours”, Psychedelic Furs, Hazel O’Connor and the magnificent “Will You”, the talented Mr Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks fame and in more recent years, I have also been drawn to Melt Yourself Down.… Read the rest

Time to Talk Day 2018 – Mental Health Awareness

January 28, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Time to Talk Day 2018

This coming week heralds a new month. Where has January gone? And on February 1^st it is “Time to Talk Day 2018”. The aim of this day is to get people talking about mental health issues and reduce the taboo. To make it easy for people to ask for help when they need it without feeling as if they will be judged.

No matter who you are, where you are, what you do, what age you are, we all have mental health. Like our physical health we all have the potential to suffer from poor health from time to time.… Read the rest

Pepper Kings – Pepper Kings album review

January 23, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Pepper Kings

2018 releases on Tarbeach Records are underway with the eclectic debut album from Pepper Kings.

Over the years there have been a number of underground/alternative bands coming out of the USA that could be described as eccentric in their approach. Whether that be their image, style of music or song subject matter. I’m thinking the likes of Velvet Underground (with their bizarre tale “The Gift” on White Light/White Heat), through the 70’s of Devo and The B52’s up to the 80’s/90’s of Beat Happening or Daniel Johnson.

Add NYC’s Pepper Kings to that list. It is most refreshing to hear an album that sounds like the band is thoroughly enjoying itself.… Read the rest

Ian Donaldson – From Stars We Came

January 22, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The Return of the 80s

There has been a trend of bands from the 70s/80s returning/reinventing themselves/releasing new albums over the last few years – The Professionals released what Vive Le Rock magazine named as their album of 2018, The Skids have played some of the best gigs of the last few years and released their first album of new material since 1981 in “Burning Cities”.

Is this a welcome trend? I suppose it depends on your point of view and whether you think there are enough new acts about playing live and releasing innovative new music. I love hearing new music from new bands and recently have heard a few that I love.… Read the rest

A Motley Mish-Mash of Melodious Musical Merriment

January 18, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Since the turn of the year, I’ve been listening to a variety of music – new and old – and in a variety of formats. I’ve never been a fan of streaming, but I’m trying to get into the 21st Century and using these formats where there isn’t an alternative.

I’ve been playing catch up on music I’ve been sent over the last few months as well as listening to Christmas presents and recent recommendations from friends.

Speaking of recommendations – I recently wrote a blog about Jason How, if you haven’t already checked him out. I’d recommend a listen, regardless of what “genre” you normally listen to.… Read the rest

Viscount Spoon Plays the Sounds of the Cheeky Warm

Jason How – Four albums of Psychedelic & Pure Power Pop Genius

January 15, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Jason How

I’ve only recently been introduced to the music of Jason How (cheers Joe Whyte). I’m so glad I am no longer a stranger to his music. Jason is a prolific songwriter, releasing an album per year over the last 4 years.

It would be difficult to pin Jason down to a specific music genre or style as there is a great variety of influences across the albums. His influences are apparent in the music, US West Coast psychedelia standing out, but also with the influence of 70’s punk/power pop and 80s indie.

Certain elements come together and bring to mind different bands and/or singers.… Read the rest