Week Commencing: 17/1/05
By: Toby L
Tell ya what,
This year's not wasting time. Barely three weeks in, and we're already hearing of new genres ('grime', for one), a barrage of new talent that's set to ignite big-time in '005 (in theory; we only hope the bands don't buckle under the weight of expectation) and a list of impending live events that shall prove utterly vital. Such a feat as Bloc Party selling out their March performance at the 2,000-capacity Kentish Town Forum in just a day provides food for thought. Under a year ago, they were second-on at our Basement Club.
Speaking of which... Jan's edition of The Basement has sold out, already. We apologise. Demand was rife, evidence that many of you are keen and curious to examine Mr John 'The Libertines' Hassall's brand-new, revered ensemble Yeti. It's the band's second gig of the year - their next London show after this mega-intimate soiree is in support to Razorlight at the mammoth, 8,000-strong Ally Pally in Wood Green. Yikes. Still, for those desperate to get their Basement kicks early on in the new year, why not reserve entry for Feb's bill now by clicking here and emailing us your ticket-requests... Sure, no line-up unveiled yet... But you trust us, right?
And rockfeedback wishes a stealthy 'big-up' to the dozens and dozens of radio-stations in the UK that took part today (Mon 17th Jan) in forming 'Radio Aid', an event which broadcast live performances and interviews from artists and personalities all across the music spectrum, and beyond to staggering listener-rates (our highlight? a particularly potent rendition of 'Wonderwall', performed by Liam and Gem of Oasis). The whole venture raised over £3,100,000 on behalf of the Tsunami victims in Asia. Terrific work. Other worthy causes include the sold-out event this weekend at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, featuring sets from the Manics, Snow Patrol, Feeder and countless others. Please, do your bit and donate - http://www.dec.org.uk - or at least attend one of the many benefit gigs no doubt occurring locally in your area at present.
We'll leave you with the regulars now, and advise you quickly to check out many of the impeccable single-releases due this month or in Feb... namely from our Xmas Party stars Editors, Hard-Fi, Maximo Park, The Little Flames, Roots Manuva, Hal, Lemon Jelly and more - all presently reviewed elsewhere on this site, too. Have a scan.
UK Chart-action, this week: (N.B. loads of 'indie' new entries, seeing as Jan-March are easy times of the year to chart, due to lack of single-sales... good for us alt-scavengers, as we benefit with a sumptuous chart to revel amidst.) Singles: Manic Street Preachers prove they can still strut it with the big boys by debuting at 2 with 'Empty Souls'; The Killers' re-released 'Somebody Told Me' is 3; Thirteen Senses' equally re-released 'Thru The Glass' hits 18; The Music's 'Breakin' is 20; Client - with their Carl Barat collaboration - manage 22 with 'Pornography'; Kings Of Leon provide 'Four Kicks' at 24; Longview reach 32 with 'Coming Down', while Pink Grease score an improbable 36. Albums: no new entries as yet this year.
rockfeedback's Current Playlist: The Fiery Furnaces' 'EP', a distinctly more 'pop' evaluation of the Rough Trade favourites' repertoire to date; Lemon Jelly's '95-'64'; ... Trail Of Dead's delightful 'Worlds Apart'; and - bias alert! - the upcoming double A-side that forms Mystery Jets' debut 45, 'Zoo Time' / 'Lizzie's Lion', which we may well be putting out.
Gigs this week, London: 22-20s and Nine Black Alps arrest the Astoria with their senses on Sat 22nd (£10:00); American Music Club return in style, and try out the Islington Academy (Sun 23rd; £15:00); Sub Pop faves Comets On Fire play a still-to-be-announced, secret gig for Artrocker at some point or other - stay tuned to their site for details; Gang Of Four and the fantastic Young Knives do another 'secret' gig at the Montague Arms in New Cross on Friday night (21st; oops, did we blow the cover?); Hal grace the London Barfly on Wednesday (19th; £6:00); Ian Broudie appears at the Enterprise/Barfly acoustic night on Thurs (20th; sold out); J Mascis serenades at the Bush Hall on Saturday (Sat 22nd; sold out); Mando Diao entertain at the Barfly on Friday 21st (£6:00); The Go! Team and The Pipettes appear alongside one another at a sold-out 100 Club (Thurs 20th); and Velvet Revolver rock for the troops at Brixton Academy (Fri 21st; sold out) and Hammersmith's Apollo (Sat-Sun 22nd-23rd; sold out).
Keep active.