Month: October 2010

This Week’s Gigs: 1st - 7th November

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This week’s guide is brought to you by the numbers three and five, and a large amount of bias.

Monday:
Derry’s Fighting With Wire hit Scotland, and drag in Aye Tunes favourites Carnivores as support. It’ll be loud, it’ll be good. Oh aye, Carnivores have cheap tickets too.
Happy Birthday, PAWS. Captain’s Rest.
Tuesday:
Nanobots, Ste McCabe, Stella Zine, Glasgow Glam Bangers. Gambetta.
Happy Birthday, Mtchell Museum. Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh.
Wednesday:
A delightful evening of M’s. Our love for Mitchell Museum and Miaoux Maioux is bordering on unhealthy, and Miniature Dinosaurs are quite smashing too. If you only go to two gigs this week make this your first one. The other one is on Friday, obviously.
Fabrikant Records Present: Flights of Fancy. The Lot, Edinburgh.
Featuring musicians from Conquering Animal Sound, Haftor Medbøe Group, The Lotus Project, Discordian Trio, NeWt, Stanley Odd and more.
Thursday:
Second Hand Marching Band, Benni Hemm Hemm, Tannahill. Stereo.
We like the Second Hand Marching Band and Benni Hemm Hemm round here, but we are paticularly excited about the third band. Comprising Alasdair Roberts, Wounded Knee, Sean from John Knox Sex Club and SHMB members Alistair, Pete, Ross and Rich, they’ll be performing songs based on the work of Paisley poet Robert Tannahill. Pop over here for some more details, and a few free mp3s too.
The Last Battle, The Scottish Enlightenment, Very Well. Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh.
I’ve owed The Last Battle an album review for ages now, but the short version is this - their debut album is really very good. The upcoming album by The Scottish Enlightenment is also very good. Edinburgh folk could do a lot worse than pop along to this. The Last Battle also have an instore appearance at Elvis Shakespeare’s on Saturday.
Elba Sessions Present: I Build Collapsible Mountains, iglue, Now Wakes the Sea. The Liquid Ship.
Our pals over at Elba Sessions have their last gig of the year on Thursday and as usual it is well worth a look.
Friday:
Aye Tunes Vs Peenko III: I Build Collapsible Mountains, Come on Gang!, The Seventeenth Century. The Classic Grand. (More Info)
Well of course I’m going to tell you to go to this. I’ve been slightly less obnoxious in pimping this gig on the blog so far, but you can probably expect me to ram it down your throat between now and Friday. Even if it wasn’t me & Peenko putting it on I’d be advising you to go though, as we always put on a line up we’d want to go to. This will be the final AVP gig and we aim to end things with a bang, so it would be nice to see lots of faces there, familiar and new. Please come. Holler if you want tickets.
Other gig options are available on Friday, but bias means I’m not telling you what they are.
Oh ok then, since I like these bands, you can find Mondegreen at Nice N Sleazy and Male Pattern Band, Black Jash and Jacob Yates and the Pearly Gate Lock Pickers at The 13th Note.
Saturday:
Roses Kings Castles, Fiction Faction, Reverie. The Classic Grand. (Tickets)

Happy Hallowe’en (Just A Bit Early)

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I know that Hallowe’en is (a) not till Sunday and (b) ridiculous, it is meant to be for kids, but instead turns into an excuse to dress up as a slutty nurse when you should know better, but it gives me an excuse to round up some vaguely spooky themed music and watch scary films, so whatever. Since you are likely to be doing all your partying before Sunday (and if you want suggestions for something to do, why not peek at the gig guide?) we figured we’d post early too with some songs to soundtrack your creepy weekend.

Fist up we’ll revisit a post from Monday’s Keeping It Peel extravaganza for some Aereogramme, just since it is already uploaded and handy.

Next up is the latest of FOUND‘s free track giveaways. Something Under The Bed Is Drooling takes it’s name from Calvin & Hobbes, which means it is already a winner in my book.

Our next wee Hallowe’en track comes from the good folk at Back de Piggy Records. The two track release by Goat Doctor is available on a pay what you want basis, and is quite terrifying really.


The Plimptons released a seasonal themed single last year called ‘I Hate Hallowe’en’. It sounds a bit like The Misfits version of Monster Mash, with a Scottish accent. Fantastic then. It is still available as a free download here. I Hate Hallowe’en is also included on the upcoming Plimpton’s album ’00s Nostalgia With The Plimptons. The album is set to be launched on November 20th, and you can download the first four tracks as well as finding out more details at the same link as you got the Hallowe’en single.
Supporting The Plimptons at that album launch are The Paraffins, which is handy, since they are also supplying our next freebie. The Thirty One Ten Ten EP was recorded for the recent Way of the Tomb night in Glasgow and is available to download here.
Finally a little something from Le Reno Amps. Never Be Alone is a spooky little taster for their new album, due out early next year. Listen/download below.

Never Be Alone by Le Reno Amps by Armellodie

Oh, and a wee video from Fiction Faction.

Gorman Go Japanese

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Bit short notice this, due to emails slipping between the cracks, sorry.


Glasgow band Gorman have been picked to represent Scotland at Japan Music Week, currently the only Scottish band to have been chosen to do so.
In order to pay their way the band have been doing a series of fund raising events, the latest taking place on Thursday October 27th.
Before Gorman head off to Japan they’ll be playing an intimate gig in The Vale in Glasgow, where they will perform debut album Kairos in it’s entirity, with the set featuring some material rarely, if ever performed live.
The gig kicks off at 7:30pm, entry is £6 and more details can be found over on Facebook.
Gorman : Website
Buy the debut album Kairos on iTunes or Amazon

Down below you can hear a wee bit of the band in rehearsal, and they talk a bit more about heading to Japan.

Mogwai Announce New Album, Tour

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Mogwai have announced plans for their seventh studio album, and a tour to go with it.
The album is called Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, and is set for release on February 14th 2011.
Here’s the tracklist:
White Noise
Mexican Grand Prix
Rano Pano
Death Rays
San Pedro
Letters To The Metro
George Square Thatcher Death Party
How To Be A Werewolf
Too Raging To Cheers
You’re Lionel Richie

Also announced is a tour of Britain, full dates below. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 29th October.

TOUR DATES
26 Jan: Tolbooth, Stirling (www.ticketsoup.com / 01786 274000)
27 Jan: Paisley Town Hall (www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/onlinebooking /0141 887 1010)
28 Jan: Perth Theatre, Perth (www.horsecross.co.uk / 01738 621 031)
29 Jan: The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen (www.boxofficeaberdeen.com)
30 Jan: Grand Ole Opry, Glasgow (www.seetickets.com / 0871 220 0260)
2 Feb: Tokyo, Japan (More details to follow)
13 Feb: Mandela Hall, Belfast (www.ticketmaster.ie / 0844 847 2455)
14 Feb: The Live Lounge, Galway (www.ticketmaster.ie / 0818 719 300)
15 Feb: Olympia Theatre, Dublin (www.ticketmaster.ie / 0818 719 300)
17 Feb: Bournemouth O2 Academy (www.ticketweb.co.uk /0844 477 2000)
18 Feb: Cardiff University (www.seetickets.com / 02920 230130)
19 Feb: Bristol O2 Academy (www.seetickets.com / 0870 4444400)
20 Feb: Leeds O2 Academy (www.ticketweb.co.uk / 0844 477 2000)
21 Feb: Edinburgh Picture House (www.seetickets.com / 0871 220 0260)
23 Feb: The Regal, Oxford (www.kililive.com / www.tctmusic.co.uk )
24 Feb: Birmingham Institute (www.seetickets.com /0870 264 3333,www.ticketweb.co.uk /0844 477 1000, www.hmvtickets.com / 0843 221 0100)
25 Feb: Brixton O2 Academy London (www.seetickets.com / 0870 264 3333,www.stargreen.com / 0207 734 8932, www.ticketweb.co.uk / 0844 477 1000)
26 Feb: Manchester Academy (www.seetickets.com / 0870 264 3333,www.ticketline.co.uk / 0844 888 9991)
27 Feb: The Sage Gateshead (www.thesagegateshead.org /0191 443 4661)

Tickets for the February dates are £20 in advance for everywhere except London which are £22.50.
Tickets are also available via http://mogwaitickets.sandbag.uk.com


Mogwai: Website

Keeping It Peel - The Nectarine No.9

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This will be the final Keeping It Peel post of the evening from me, but keep you eyes on the other bloggers who will be carrying on way into the night.

I’m left with umpteen sessions that I haven’t found time to post, so if you want this to turn into a semi-regular thing do let me know. It’ll be more like once a week, rather than once an hour though. However, up yours to those people that say I have no work ethic for the blog
To round things off I’ve picked The Nectarine No.9, simply because they are a band that I can’t see myself finding a way to shoehorn into any other post, but one I really like. Formed in 1991 by Davey Henderson, a man of many bands, notably Fire Engines and personal favourites Win. Davey is still going strong with the Sexual Objects. The Nectarine No.9 are another of the groups that seemed to be ever present when I was getting into independent and local music. They have a stack of albums under their belt, and a clutch of Peel Sessions too.
The Nectarine No.9 - Maida Vale Peel Session 04.03.2001

That’ll do pig. That’ll do.
For more information on Keeping It Peel visit the website set up here.

Keeping It Peel - Aereogramme

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I was very late to the party with this band. In fact, by the time I got into Aereogramme they were just about to call it a day. My first Aereogramme gig was their last, and I was left with a feeling of regret that I hadn’t caught on sooner.

Delving into their back catalogue from there threw up more and more reasons to fall in love with the band, and in a short time I went from being ambivalent to fully converted.
Aereogramme’s Craig B and Iain Cook are back making music together now after some time apart as The Unwinding Hours. Their debut album released earlier this year must be a strong competitor for the imminent Album of the Year polls, and their gig a little over a week ago in Glasgow’s Oran Mor was nothing short of stunning.
Aereogramme recorded a couple of Peel Sessions, but I only have one handy, you can find that below.
They were in 2004’s Festive Fifty twice, with Dreams and Bridges at #4 and The Unravelling at #15.
Aereogramme - John Peel Session 29.01.2003
2. Snake
4. Thriller

For more information on Keeping It Peel visit the website set up here.

Keeping It Peel - Primal Scream

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Nearing the end of my Keep It Peel posts, before my hands fall off or my eyes go even more wonky than they already are.

Primal Scream’s two Peel Sessions were done way back in the mid 80s when they were a much more jangly band, long before the experimentations of later years. I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for C86 Scream Team though and it is always fun to compare between how they started and where they went.
The sound quality of the sessions is a bit iffy, but you get the idea.
Primal Scream - Maida Vale Session 01.12.1985
2. Leaves
3. Bewitched and Bewildered (this one cuts off before the end, sorry)
Primal Scream - Maida Vale Session 06.05.1986
4. I Love You

For more information on Keeping It Peel visit the website set up here.

Keeping It Peel - El Hombre Trajeado

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el hombre trajeado woke up in october 1995, snoozed a little through 2003 / 2004, then went back to sleep for good in 2006

So it says on their website, and who am I to disagree with the people responsible? El Hombre Trajeado were a familiar name when I was out and about at gigs around the late 90s. They’d pop up from time to time on a bill and had a name that stuck in the head. I hadn’t thought about them in some time though, until early this year when the band’s RM Hubbert released his album First & Last. Hubby’s excellent album sent me back to listen to El Hombre, which gave me a nice little reminder of just how good they were.
All three of their albums and a single are available on a “name your price” basis here. RM Hubbert’s album is available on the same terms here.
El Hombre Trajeado recorded three Peel Sessions, you can hear a couple of tracks below.
Many thanks to RM Hubbert for hooking me up with these tracks.

El Hombre Trajeado - John Peel Session 01.03.1998
El Hombre Trajeado - John Peel Session 24.01.2001
Redial

For more information on Keeping It Peel visit the website set up here.
El Hombre Trajeado: Website
RM Hubbert: Website

Keeping It Peel - The Delgados

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In tribute to John Peel the 5pm post today, this one, has been written at the wrong speed. In other words, I didn’t finish it quick enough to post it at the right time.

The Delgados would be my other favourite band ever if pushed. Them and Arab Strap would need to have some kind of Deathmatch to provide a clear winner, and that seems unlikely to happen.

The Delgados were, of course, Emma Pollock, Paul Savage, Alun Woodward and Stewart Henderson. Not only did The Delgados release five briliant studio albums, but they also formed Chemikal Underground Records together.
The band split in 2005, with each member happily going on to do their own things and they continue to run Chemikal together.
You are allowed to not like The Delgados (though you’ll be wrong, I can prove it with graphs) but what this foursome have done for Scottish music both with their own releases and with Chemikal Underground is very deserving of your respect at least.
The Delgados feature 13 times in the Festive Fifty. Pull The Wires From The Wall placed at #27 in 1997 before being #1 in 1998, also making it in to the Millenium All Time Fifty at #26.

Again, all of The Delgados Peel Sessions have been released, so I’ll just be cherry picking a couple of tracks. You can buy The Complete Peel Sessions on CD or (very cheap) download from Amazon, download from iTunes, direct from Chemikal or anywhere else that sells good records.

The Delgados - John Peel Session 12.05.1996
The Delgados - John Peel Session 17.06.1998
The Delgados - John Peel Session 02.09.2004
For more information on Keeping It Peel visit the website set up here.
Chemikal Underground: Website

Keeping It Peel - Kenickie

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“I just want to hear something I haven’t heard before” said John Peel. With that in mind you could argue that by digging through the archives I’ve missed the point of #keepingitpeel. However since the rest of the year is dedicated to writing about new music, going out to see live bands and attempting to deliver something you might not have heard before I think I can be forgiven for using today for nostalgia, don’t you?
We are slipping out of Scotland for this one, going south of the border to Sunderland.
Kenickie were three girls and a boy. While they weren’t always the strongest performers they oozed charm and charisma, and had some killer tunes. Lead vocalist, guitarist and lyricist Lauren Laverne has long since stopped the singing, but can now be found on the telly regularly, and pushing new music as a 6 Music DJ. She likes We’re Only Afraid of NYC, which is just one more reason why we at Aye Tunes will always love Lauren.
Kenickie did two Peel Sessions which were put together and released back in 2000. That release can be a bit tricky to find, but to avoid trouble I’m just picking one song per session anyway.
Kenickie placed twice in the Festive Fifty with Come Out 2Nite and Punka at numbers 1 and 4 respectively in 1996. Sandwiched between those two entries were Arab Strap and The Delgados. Sounds like an Aye Tunes DJ set.
Kenickie - John Peel Session 18.06.1995
Kenickie - John Peel Session 01.03.1996
For more information on Keeping It Peel visit the website set up here.