NYC - The Ginger Quiff

Walter Lure’s L.A.M.F. live in Glasgow

August 9, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

I almost don’t know where to start.

When you return to work after a chilled out two weeks off to four of the most stressful days you’ve had in a long time, and you seriously consider not going to a gig because of your headspace.

But you realise.

And I’m going to use two of my most hated overused words.

Iconic Legend…

You realise the gig is one that features an iconic legend. There. I said it. I used both words, and adjacent to reach other!

But I mean it. It hit me when I was standing taking in the second support of the night, Hateful (and a mighty fine set it was too…), and I watched Walter Lure, or more affectionately Waldo, walk in the door and into the minimal band space in Glasgow’s Audio venue.… Read the rest

New Year, New York

January 27, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

New York

The name conjures up so many images in my head. Granted, many are from the movies, but probably more arise from the allure the NY underground music scene holds for me, and the fascinating stories and tragic tales that surround it.

Times Square, New York Dolls, CBGBs, The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, Max’s Kansas City, Blondie, Patti Smith, Suicide, The Chelsea Hotel, Sid ‘n Nancy, Television, The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed…

“New York City is the place where they said: Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side”

Mainstream

In more recent years bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Strokes, The Hold Steady and The National (among many others) rose to mainstream prominence having formed in, played their initial gigs or been associated with New York.… 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