reviews archive 2008

dECEMBER 2008 The Salford Music Hour, Chris Brophy, Sandbox.

nOVEMBER 2008 Circus Animals' Desertion, Black Knights, Chris Brophy, Nico Icon Play.

oCTOBER 2008 Salford Music Exhibition, Mike Sweeney, In the City, Suzuki Method

sEPTEMBER 2008  J-Ana, Thingumabob and the Thingumajigs, Nicole Cox, Ed Blaney

aUGUST 2008 Jealous, the archives, Briggzy.

 jULY 2008    The Fake Kings, Party in the Park, Suite 57, Jealous, Tigerside, Suzuki Method.

 jUNE 2008    Salford Music TV, The Deodates, Monton Music Festival, The Mekkits, The Lab, Blueprint, Swerve Unsigned.     

 mAY 2008    David Nolan, The Ting Tings.   

 aPRIL 2008  Shanty Town, The Deodates, Kings Have Long Arms.

 mARCH 2008  Jealous.

dECEMBER 2008

The Sandbox effect.

       Photos by James Lester.

Darkest Peru.

Bobbie Peru launch their latest video at Jabez Clegg on the 19^th December. 

The video is for the title track off their forthcoming E.P. on Dig Nitty Records [NYC] and is called 'I Hate The Neighbours'. It was filmed on the roof of the YMCA building in Liverpool: “One possible definition of The Neighbours“ according to Ding, BP's bassist. The video was made by Mancunian Film Company Hennessey May Productions and was directed by Peter F Garrett, a student at Salford Uni.

On December 19th at Jabez Clegg there will be a big screen premiere of the video as well as live performances from Bobbie Peru, Calvin Party & Martin Bramah's Factory Star. There will be an after-show party which is free for all gig attendees. Tickets are priced at £5 and are available from www.glasswerk.co.uk.

Bobbie Peru are currently mid way through recording their second album, which is due for release in March/April 2009. An American tour of both the east and west coasts is being planned for the end of April and early May.

Radio Blah Blah

As part of our ongoing plan to take over the known world, salfordmusic.com now has its own radio show on Salford City Radio 94.4fm.
The imaginatively titled Salford Music Hour will be broadcast every Wednesday night from 9-10pm and will be playing the finest musical offerings from our city.
The first one is on Wednesday December the 3rd.

Our debut show features a chat with Adam from the mighty Suzuki Method, music from The Black Knights, Shanty Town, Samir and Kings Have Long Arms. Also included: songs from the salfordmusic.com archives and songs from Salford's musical legends of all vintages.

Basically, if a song originates from Salford; we'll play it.

If you live in the Salford area then you can tune in on 94.4fm. If you're situated a bit further afield then you can always listen on the internet through the website: http://www.salfordcityradio.org

If you want us to feature YOUR music, or have any suggestions, requests
etc then drop us a line at jon@salfordmusic.com

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nOVEMBER 2008

A Night on the Stella

salfordmusic.com finally got its lazy arse off the sofa last Saturday and got itself some culture, in the shape of the impressive Nico Icon Play at The Lowry Theatre.

Nico Icon Play was written by, and stars former Intastella singer Stella Grundy.

Now salfordmusic.com is no theatre critic, so we won't be able to tell you about the subtexts of hope lingering beneath the thin veneers of nihilism or anything like that, but we can tell you that it was a right good night out. The play itself focuses upon the last years of Velvet Underground singer Christa Päffgen (aka Nico) and particularly her squalid and bohemian days living in the Broughton Park area of Salford.

The performance features some ace live music and a knockout performance by Stella as Nico and Ian Curley as Manchester music svengali Alan Wise. So if you get the chance to see it; knock yerself out.

Brophy’s Choice.

Salford City Radio’s very own award winning DJ Chris Brophy has set up his own Music Industry Academy here in Salford, and it all goes live on December 1^st.

The academy is running a course on all aspects of the music business and is split into six modules: Creating Music, Recording, Getting Signed, Performance, Distribution & Promotion and Music Industry Jobs. The course is completely free if you are unemployed and live in Salford and is completely “virtual”- in other words, there are no classes to attend; all the training is done online.

Further support is provided by the Brophmeister himself, by phone, text, email, IM, whatever; so we reckon that if you fancy a career in music, then you could do a lot worse than signing up with a music producer with a number one single and grammy award on his CV.

If you want a quick gander at the course then you should go to www.musicindustrylearning.com

And/or if you would like to find out more from Chris himself then email him at info@musicindustrylearning.com

And while you’re at it- take a look at his handsome profile at www.chrisbrophy.co.uk

The downside to all this is that Chris will be leaving his post at Salford City Radio to concentrate on his pupils; so the airwaves of Salford will have to survive without the honeyed tones of old golden larynx Brophy.

Never mind; we’ll get over it.

Knights to Remember

Repackaged? Renamed? Rebranded? Whatever. The Black Knights were at their hypnotic and malevolent best last weekend. salfordmusic caught up with them at a poorly promoted Dry Bar gig and witnessed a maelstrom of wondrous noise.

Armed with a brand new set of songs, brutal guitar riffs and a soul-withering rhythm section, Gary Hope and Tom Pickford attack on many fronts; all the senses are assaulted.

Great songs too. If these lads aren't signed up by a major soon then we might as well all pack up and go home. It's not even a question of justice- it's a necessity; the music world needs The Black Knights. The end.

Circus Maximus.

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oCTOBER 2008

A Night at the Museum

Yes, your intrepid reporters here at salfordmusic did our civic duty on your behalf the other night and attended our first ever council junket. It was all in aid of the Salford Music Map launch and we promise you that we drank all your share of the free ale and vino; you can always count on us.

Anyway, a great night was had by all. Peter Hook and Elkie Brooks were there to officially launch the map unto an expectant public and a fair few of Salford's favourite bands turned out to give us all some live entertainment.

The map is part of the Quiffs, Riffs and Tiffs exhibition (as covered below) and is well worth a visit, so get yerselves along to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery on The Crescent and have a gander.

    Sandbox              Thingumabob & The Thingumajigs Suzuki Method       The Mekkits

Sweeney's on his tod.

Salford legend, and friend of salfordmusic is undertaking a whistle-stop tour of Greater Manchester- all in one day.

Mike Sweeney will be busking his way around the city on November 5th in aid of the "Bring a £ to work" initiative at Rock Radio FM.

So if you want to witness a living Salford legend performing live on the streets, then you can see him at the various venues listed below. Oh- and don't forget to take some cash with you to throw in the collection buckets; or he'll 'ave yer.

9:00 – 9:30         St. Peters Square                           Manchester City Centre
10:30 – 11:00    Merseyway Shopping Centre            Stockport
12:00 – 12:30    Exchange Shopping Centre              Rochdale
13:30 – 14:00    The Market Place                             Bolton
15:00 – 15:30    The Triangle Shopping Centre          Manchester
16:00 – 16:30    Arndale Centre                                Manchester

Making an Exhibition of ourselves.

Roll up roll up! Salford Museum and Art Gallery are hosting an exhibition celebrating the history of Salford music. It all kicks off on October 18th- so if you want to meet loads of people foaming at the gash about The Ting Tings, then it sounds as though it's right up your street.

The exhibition basically wants to put the record straight about lots of music from the past that has been lazily and incorrectly attributed to Manchester, and will incorporate The Salford Music Map and the Music Timeline.

We'll be there at the launch, mingling with the top muso nobs, pretending we know who Graham Gouldman is and harping on about our school days with Barney and Elkie.

Converted Methodists

We've always loved Suzuki Method here in salfordmusic mansions, from the minute we first heard them- but we just didn't realise how much we loved them until we went to see them at The Kings Arms at the In the City showcase thingy.

You can see them for yourself on the current episode of Salford Music TV where you can see their Friendly Fires video- but to feel the true nature of their power and vitality you need to get along and see 'em in the flesh. You'll never find a finer song about a bloke called Dave than "What she sees in you Dave". Check out their myspace page- you'll see what I mean.

The crowd was nicely warmed up by Tigerside who are a fine band themselves and definitely one to keep your eye on for the future.

As usual The Kings was friendly and welcoming, reinforcing its reputation as a top Salford venue.

Carry On In the City

Oh Lors! Quick! Hide! It's that time of year again when all manner of shysters, liggers, Mr 20%ers, wannabes, sneering music journos and hangers-on invade the city in search of their next quick buck. Yep, it's In the City 2008.

Thankfully- the event may well be saved by a throng of Salford acts this year. We have Suzuki Method and Tigerside at The Kings Arms, Thingumabob & The Thingumajigs, Aidan Smith and The Mekkits! at The Green Room, The Fake Kings and Shanty Town at Dry Bar  plus an album launch by Ed Blaney and Mark E Smith (see below).

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sEPTEMBER 2008

Fiends Reunited

Musical everyman Ed Blaney has got back together with his old mucker Mark E Smith to produce a couple of CD singles and an album to follow.

The album, Smith and Blaney will be released by Voiceprint Records and launched at this year's In the City festival on October the 5th, and Ed, former manager of The Fall reckons that there could well be some gigs coming up off the back of it.

Ed also has his own radio show on Salford City Radio on which he regularly champions local music and unsigned bands. He'll be doing a little spot on Salford Music TV very shortly we hope; as soon as we track him down.

SMTV Episode 3: The Premiere

Thingy In The City

We've put a picture of Thingumabob & The Thingumajigs below for a couple of reasons; first of all it's because we love them here in salfordmusic mansions, with all our foolish hearts. Secondly, because we think that you should see them in all their preposterous glory (there'll be more to come on SMTV shortly). And thirdly, because they are one of the few acts that have been announced as appearing at this year's In The City festival.

This year's festival will take place on October 5^th, 6^th and 7^th at The Midland hotel in Manchester and at various other venues across the city. Ed Blaney and Mark E Smith will be launching their album at the festival too; details to follow- as soon as Ed lets us know.

We'll keep you up to date with all Salford-based acts appearing as and when they're confirmed.

Little Hulton's got talent

LIttle Hulton's very own R&B diva J-Ana is through to the regional final of Idol 2008 to be held at The Willows Variety Centre on the 14th September.

This is excellent news for us here at salfordmusic mansions as we're always up for a good night out- and if we can find an excuse to put our strappy shoes on; we're THERE.

Anyway, J-Ana had to fight her way through several gruelling heats to land herself a shot at the big time- and now she's got the chance to sing in front of a packed house of punters and some industry big nobs. Get in there!

HERE is a taster of her stuff.

Get yerselves some tickets and go and support her- it's your civic duty. We'll be there, freshly waxed and exfoliated with our best underwear on- dancing at the front- on the pull as usual.

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aUGUST 2008

Grime of the Century

Salford's hip hop/grime genius Briggzy has been a busy lad- he doesn't mess about- knocks out the tunes for fun. Here in salfordmusic mansions we used to think that rap didn't get any better than the Sugarhill Gang, but we were so so wrong.

Anyroad- Briggzy's got a new CD out on the 6th September called The First Bout and we've been checking out a few tracks; I am a Ginger is our particular favourite- but if you are of a nervous disposition then you'd best not tune in as it features some bad words.

You can find out how to part with your hard-earned HERE in exchange for a copy of The First Bout.

Probing the Annals.

We've been burning the candle at both ends recently here at salfordmusic mansions; gallivanting round numerous gigs, mithering various bands, getting stuck into the hospitality and generally making a fool of ourselves- so we decided to get down to some real work lately.

Yes, dear reader, we've been down in the basement blowing the dust off our impressive archives and uploading them onto the site. We've got loads of new (old) stuff on the 60s, 70s and 80s pages for your delectation and there's more to come.

We've also been preparing the next episode of Salford Music TV, which will hopefully see some new musical delights, live and recorded, the latest news, and a couple of interviews coming your way.

But we need your help oh Salfordian populace! Yes indeed. So if you can help us with any info or pictures to aid our quest for an exhaustive back catalogue of Salford music; then please get in touch HERE.

Similarly, if you want to get involved in the TV project in any way; performing live, presenting or just submitting a DVD of your act; then get in touch HERE

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Jealous Guys.

Freddie's gonna get yer.

We've already popped along to the Jealous gig on the 12th and we'll probably pop along to a few more in the coming weeks- feel free to buy us a light ale if you see us lurking about at the back.

They rocked along in their usual exuberant way- no doubt spurred on by the support act; a troop of burlesque dancers- no kiddin'. My particular favourite being Miss Cherry Scorn. Anyway- top marks to Jealous's drummer who obviously couldn't decide whether to come as Freddy Krueger or one of the Droogs from Clockwork Orange- so went for a mixture of the two. Respect brother.

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jULY 2008

Weekend World.

Saturday the 12th of July:

11.30am: Get up, count remnants of cash in pocket, look at self in mirror and wonder WHY OH WHY did I have that last cheeky vimto?

11.45: Eat last night's kebab leftovers whilst grunting, smacking lips and wiping chilli sauce from end of nose onto sleeve.

12.00: Pop into local for a livener and to apologise to the landlord and his daughter.

1.30: Get taxi over to Radcliffe to catch Jealous at the SOS festival at Radcliffe Civic Hall. Have great time but make a mental note NEVER to move to Radcliffe.

4pm: Get taxi into Manchester to catch the teatime slot as performed by the mighty Suite 57 at Moho Live and marvel at the soundscapes created therein. Have great time again but shake head knowingly at the hilarity of calling the arse-end of town The Northern Quarter.

6pm: Wander back through Manchester towards Chapel Street, stopping only to urinate behind Trinity Church and check that you've got enough cash to get in to see Tigerside and Suzuki Method at The Kings Arms.

8pm onwards: Revel in an orgy of musical wizardry and fine ale before texting maudlin and slightly pornographic messages to an ex-girlfriend on the way home.

Right; that's Saturday sorted. How about Sunday?

Party in the Park

If you don't know what the Amber Project is then you should click HERE now and find out.

And now that you've done that I can tell you that there will be an all day party held at Douglas Green Park, Whit Lane on the16th August from 11am-9pm;

which means that you can be safely tucked up in bed by 9.30pm, get lots of kip and you'll be bright and fresh for church on Sunday morning. Sorted.

The line up will include Ed Blaney & Guests, John Herring,

Briggzy,  Silky DJs, Compass Roses, MC Wes and much much more.

We're as busy as ever with SMTV in our continued commitment to TAKE OVER THE KNOWN WORLD so please feel free to contact us if you have any useful ideas on how we can achieve outright global domination- or maybe if you just want to sing a nice song for a future episode.

The Fabulous Faker Boys.

We've been keeping our eye on those Swintonian whipper-snappers The Fake Kings for a while now here in salfordmusic mansions. Oh yes- we've been casting our beady eyes over their progress from a distance, nodding appreciatively whilst listening to their mercurial brand of frenetic guitar pop.

And then the other night we took the plunge; we put a bit of slap on and wended our way down to The Night and Day Cafe to see 'em in the flesh. What a treat, fair reader- a great combination of old favourites like I Might Just Complain and Turning off the Programme- punctuated with some belting newies- the highlight being the set-finisher: Let Him Go.

They've got a busy time ahead so it's time you checked 'em out- they're playing at The Roadhouse and Moho Live soon (see the dIARY for details), and they're the featured band in the upcoming edition of the Salford Star magazine, and I reckon an appearance on Salford Music TV is pretty imminent too.

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jUNE 2008

Ain't no Monton high enough...

...ain't no valley low enough, ain't no river wide enough, to keep me.. [yes, we get the picture-Ed].

Monton Music Festival is imminent fair reader- and they've got a shed-load of good stuff to keep you entertained- I kid you not.

The festival runs from  June 26th till the July 6th. If you would like to feast your eyes on the full listings then you could do worse than to click HERE, and if you would like a run-down on who's who at the festival then do likewise HERE.

It has come to our attention that some notable Salfordians will be performing for your delectation; namely Kaoss, Razor Cuts, the irrepressible  Harpbreakers and the irresponsible Roach Twins. We first encountered the Roaches outside Cathedral Arches about eighteen years ago and they brought Manchester to a standstill.

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Don't mention the beard!

Here at salfordmusic mansions we're always wary of people with ambition, drive and energy. Y'see dear reader; we're lazy, and to be perfectly frank, we're never happier than when we're lounging around in our pants, eating Pot Noodle and watching Britain's Most Dangerous Pets.

Which is why we're a bit unnerved by The Mekkits. For a start off; they're always doing stuff. They've just returned from a tour of The Netherlands, including dates in Amsterdam, Arnhem and Doetinchem where they went down a storm, to the extent that they've been invited back due to popular demand.

They keep on writing, recording and performing knockout songs- some of which you can listen to here.

They're currently locked in their Salford studio recording more stuff for a future release which will either be an EP, LP or Double Album- depending on the extent of their endurance and/or stamina.

“That's enough!” we scream, tossing another empty Skol can out of the window. But no; there's more.

They're also working on their own TV show, SCHtievey TV which I reckon will be a Salfordian version of The Partridge Family, but I'm just guessing. And if all that wasn't enough (and we reckon it most definitely is), they have the sheer audacity to organise a quarterly club night at The Kings Arms, entitled Club Los Mekkitos; the line up for the next show is in the pipeline. We'll let you know.

There. Can't believe I did all that without mentioning the beard. Well, I might have mentioned it once but I think I got away with it...

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Greatest comeback since Lazarus!

A long, long time ago, on a dodgy back street near Greengate, there existed The Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Society; whose aim was to “bring love, happiness and sunshine into the homes of the men of Salford”. We can only wonder what really went on there.

They held their meetings at Elizabeth House on Queen Street, which now houses Blueprint Studios- and God bless 'em- those lovely people at Blueprint have resurrected The Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Society and it will reconvene on June 21st for the first time since 1900.

The original members of The Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Society: High on a heady cocktail of mindbending designer sex drugs.

The updated P.S.A.S. will be a Saturday night/ Sunday morning extravaganza of live music, dancing and joyous felicitations and will therefore lead to a rather unpleasant Sunday afternoon for most people- but hey- we don't like to split hairs.

If you have a quick sken at the salfordmusic dIARY below then you'll see the line-up so far- but more acts will be confirmed shortly. As soon as we know- you'll know.

And if you want tickets for this then you can pop into their swanky office at 39 Queen Street, check out their flashy website, or you can ring one of the nice men that work there on 0161 817 2524.

The slogan of the original Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Society was "Brief, bright and brotherly" but apparently women will be allowed to attend too. If they must. As long as they don't spoil everything by talking about curtains and cookin' and stuff.

Taxi!

Nurse! Send these specimens to The Lab.

At last we have a Salford record label that actually puts out records. Imagine that! They're called The Lab and they're much more than your average label, they're a movement; they produce artworks and clothing and exhibitions and musical events. In fact- we suspect that they're hellbent on taking over the world.

They released the CD sampler The Lab: One t'other day.  It features ten songs from English and American bands and has already received lots of critical acclaim; their website is the place to find out how to get yourself a copy.

They will also be promoting live music nights at the Kings Arms on a regular basis: keep yer mincers on the ever-growing salfordmusic dIARY for all the updates.

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Swerve Unsigned: The new Superwoman

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mAY 2008

David's Magical Musical Map.

Step right up. Step right up. The deadline looms for anyone who wants to make their mark on The Salford Music Map, as created by famous music author David Nolan.

As you can see from this rather frightening photograph, David has been undertaking this task with all the zeal of a slightly camp

Herr Flick.

Anyway- the map will highlight numerous iconic locations from the glorious history of popular music in Salford. It also aims to focus on the not-so-obvious but equally important locations that have shaped the city's musical heritage.

And it's time to get you shizzle together pretty sharpish if you want to make any suggestions as to what/who should be included; the deadlines are imminent: 30th May (too late!) to propose any sites to be included on the map and 13th June for the submission of any images that you would like to see on it.

You can do this through his myspace site HERE

or by emailing him directly at salfordmusicmap@googlemail.com

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The Ting Tings' Horn

Hey! Them there Ting Tings are number ONE in the charts with That's Not My Name.

Now; they've released this record before and it got nowhere- but after a favourable review from salfordmusic.com they've gone to the TOP.

Coincidence? We don't think so friends 'n' neighbours.

Admittedly, we only put them on here as a refreshing change from pictures of hairy-arsed blokey bands from Swinton, but hey- we'll take the plaudits wherever we can find 'em. And we are proud blowers of The Ting Tings horn.

Anyway, The Tings' song Shut Up And Let Me Go has been chosen as the new song to appear on the iPod and iTunes advert, which is going out in the States as we speak, and will be broadcast here in the UK later on in May. This will also be their next single after That's Not My Name.

So how to describe them?

Well if I was a proper music journo I'd go on about their angular pop sensibilities and the innate joie de vivre of their insistent and infectious tunes but I can't be arsed with all that; Just believe me when I tell you that they're Knockout! “Great DJ” is my particular favourite and the current tune of choice in salfordmusic mansions.

You can watch the new ad HERE.

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aPRIL 2008

"Shotgun!"

The mullioned windows of salfordmusic mansions have been shaking this week- what with us dancing round the servants' quarters to Shanty Town.

"Shotgun!"

We've sussed out how to illegally download their stuff from the 'net- and it's easier than snatching a flaming torch from the puny grasp of Konnie Huq. And if you're wondering why we keep shouting "Shotgun" then you obviously haven't clicked on the link to their myspace site yet.

"Shotgun!"

I really think that we all need to get down to The Aftershow at MoHo Live on the 25th to experience them in the flesh; details are on the salfordmusic dIARY. I'll see you there. 

Rumour has it that they've got a single coming out soon; let's hope that they don't smooth off those rough edges.  If the future of Salford music lies with Shanty Town then I reckon we're in safe hands. Oops- sorry Konnie.

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If looks could kill.

And I know we're a bit slow on the uptake- but we eventually discovered The Deodates; I know that loads of cool people have known about them for ages but give us a break; we got there in the end.

  As you can see, they look nails and they sound ace and they're playing loads of shows in the next couple of months at a venue near YOU. You can see how popular they are by the amount of room they're taking up in the now-famous salfordmusic dIARY below. They've been on telly and one of their shows is in a record shop: do you really need any more of a recommendation than that? Get down there you fools!

And if you've not already clicked on one of the links above to their myspace site then you should do it NOW 'cos they've got a new EP out entitled "Don't Expect Too Much" which you can buy from iTunes via their site.

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  Disgraced former Salfordian Adrian Flanagan brought his modest effervescence to the right side of the pennines this month with legendary outfit Kings Have Long Arms. They played a rare live show at The Deaf Institute on Grosvenor Street in Manchester on April 12th.

Over the past couple of years, KHLA have teamed up with pop legends Mungo Jerry and Phil Oakey (amongt others) and they currently have a single out featuring the inimitable vocal talents of Candie Payne. The new single is called "Big Umbrella" and you can hear it and/or buy it HERE.

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mARCH 2008

 And Jealous continue their relentless campaign across the North West with an ever-growing list of gig dates to note in your diary- as well as a couple of sessions on the wireless. All the relevant dates and times are included in the salfordmusic dIARY.

They've also got an EP out called "We Love You" and it's apparently available from several outlets including Vinyl Exchange and Vinyl Revival.

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