Stuff to look forward to
Yep. A new year. A new burst of optimism. A new dawn. And some of the bands I am looking forward to hearing MORE from in 2011. Whether in concert. Or on record.
- Baaneex: The latest signings to Odd Box. They make me happy.
- Dream Diary: Saw them at New York Pop Fest last year and they were wonderful and dreamy. And great.
- The new record ‘Belong’ by The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. I was lucky enough to find myself at a listening party for this before their superb show at 229 in December. It’s gonna be a killer record. They’re back in the UK for a London show at the start of March, too.
- Sarandon: Their new record is coming out as a split release with Slumberland (USA) on Odd Box in March. It’s a fabulous record. It’s also a concept album. You’ve been warned.
- The Blanche Hudson Weekend: Their debut album proper is in producution and if their ‘compilation’ Reverence, Severance and Spite is anything to go by it’s going to be a stunner. The band are also starting to hit their straps as a live band now that they’ve played more than a handful of shows. It’s gonna be their year.
- The Odd Box Singles Club. 6 slabs of 7″ vinyl, 12 cracking bands. Enough Said.
- It would be ace if No Bunny came to the UK. I really really really want to see them. Ditto Super Wild Horses.
- London Popfest. After missing most of last years’ with illness – I got a feeling this year is gonna be extra special.
- Weekend: Their LP ‘Sports’ gate crashed my favourites from last year at the tail end of 2010. I want them to play London soon. Damn it.
- Sock Puppets: Hopefully they’re still recording an EP for Odd Box. And they should come back to London soon. Maybe I should make that happen. Talking of Odd Box shows;
- Which Way Is Up! launches on February 18th at The Wilmington Arms. A new regular night from Odd Box – every third Friday of the month. Some cracking bands lined up too: This Many Boyfriends, Lisa Bouvier, Pocketbooks, The Felt Tips, Falling and Laughing, Chips For The Poor, Baaneex, The Whatevers, The Notes and loads more to be confirmed.
- ah, yes, The Notes: Superb new band from Southampton (via London). Their debut record ‘Wishing Well’ is out now on Bleeding Gold. Just buy it.
- Talking about high expectations: Evans The Death. Superb live shows galore last year. More please. And their debut record promises to be a corker.
- Everyone likes a dance. Hopefully coming very soon: Fall Out Make Up. Which is being run by Carys, Ben and me.