Poster Paints - The Ginger Quiff

22 for ’22 (re-visited)

December 19, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

At the end of 2021/start of 2022 I posted a blog about 22 bands/gigs/records I was looking forward to in 2022. I thought I’d have a quick look back on this before I consider the 23 for ’23 blog…

The Courettes

I’m not sure I can say anything about The Courettes that I’ve not said before. Their gig in McChuills certainly did not disappoint and with an album of B-sides and outtakes from the wonderful Back in Mono album to keep us going until the next album proper, the hardest working band in music ticked the boxes once again. Fabulous. Until the next time…

The Courettes – McChuills – The Courettes – Back in Mono (Outtakes & B Sides)

Run Into the Night/Jemma Freeman and the Cosmic Something

I had been looking forward to the double header from the Glasgow duet and the remarkable Jemma Freeman and her band for ages, and with good reason.… Read the rest

Buzz Cutz Pt 1 – Ian M Bailey, The Bobby Lees, His Lordship & Poster Paints

November 18, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

In an attempt to play catch up with the many outstanding albums I have for review, I’m going for some short cuts to try to cover as many of the albums I’ve been listening to over the last few months as I can. The full quiff has not gone, just proverbially shaved it off for convenience on the short term…

Ian M Bailey – You Paint the Pictures

After their previous collaboration on the sublime Songs to Dream Along To, Ian M Bailey has teamed up with the inimitable Daniel Wylie once again to bring us another collection of retro 60s style jangle pop anthems.… Read the rest

22 for ‘22

January 6, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

In no particular order…22 bands I’m looking forward to hearing more from, albums I’m looking forward to getting my grubby mitts on, and gigs or tours I’m looking forward to attending (fingers and toes crossed) in 2022

1. The Courettes

The band that never rests is already looking ahead to what’s next. Not one’s to rest on their laurels or take a well earned break after an ecstatically received album in Back in Mono, supported by 71 dates across 9 countries, Martin and Flavia have already been in the studio laying down tracks for their follow up. Let’s hope for some more UK dates this year, Back in Mono (live in Mono!)… Read the rest

Review of the the Year – The Best of 2021

December 9, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

Yet another bumper year for new releases by new artists, classic re-issues and comebacks from some old favourites.

Despite what the salivating broadcasters and media will have you believe, there was so much more to the year than a new album by A****e, the banality of which didn’t even register on the gingerquiff seismograph such was its insignificance in the shadow of so much in the way of superb and exciting music that moved me. (Yes, I know she has a great voice, but oh so dull).

Anyway, no more focussing on negatives, There were so many remarkable albums this year that, once again, I can’t narrow them down to my ten favourites, so before I run down my Top 10 albums of the year, here are those…

In 11th Place (in no particular order)…

It was so hard to leave anyone out this year, I have loved records by so many wonderful and diverse bands and artists.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up 2021 – Part 9

September 5, 2021 By neilho27@sky.com

2021 has been rammed full of quality new music, so many new singles and ones to fit every musical taste. Here’s my latest round up of the ones that have caught my attention.

And a note to all festival organisers whose bills are crammed with ladrock, there are literally thousands of alternatives out there….

Brat Coven

Brat Coven are a three piece riot grrrl/punk band with attitude form Glasgow. Listen to the lead song on their latest three track single and be in absolutely no doubt that they will accept NO unwelcome advances from sleazy blokes with the uncompromising grunge punk of Not Ur Girl.… Read the rest