Planning
on moving house soon and with so little spare cash about it's a shame that everything
is getting so busy. Just got back from a couple of dates with The Starries (Geordie
in Oxford on the left) who were supporting Idlewild. A full report with pictures
will appear in the next newsletter.
Jameson are in the studio this weekend recording six tracks for the triple 7". Broadcast are producing the tracks so I'm dying to hear what they sound like!
The Regulars should be in the studio soon to record two tracks for their debut single. They played two great sets the other weekend at ArtsFest, both were recorded and we might end up using a couple from the acoustic show to put on the B-side I'd love to put the whole lot out as a limited live CD as it was so good but we will have to see about that.
The yellow6 single is being pressed in the Czech Republic at the moment and should be out at the end of next month. Two amazing tracks - imagine a cross between Magnetophone, Boards of Canada and Gnac.
Planning a Christmas release, a four track 7" featuring The Starries, Senseless Prayer, Baxter and The J Foundation (Jameson doing their electro wizardry last seen on the B-side of Silverado). Watch this space for a blow by blow account of the inevitable chaos and confusion.
Next Friday is the second of the Bearos Showcases, again at the Jug of Ale. This one features Jameson, Epic45 and Los Planetos del Agua. 8pm start, only £3 entry.
The Bearos gig at the Jug of Ale on Friday went well but not without it's fair share of chaos. Jameson turned up with half a drum kit and half their normal complement of guitarists and by the time they played only the drum kit was back up to full strength. Seems that Mr. Stuart Faulk was spending the evening saying goodbye to his girlfriend who as off up to university in Scotland the next day! It left a few gaps in the sound but not so many as to ruin the night.
The pub manager had also invited a group of pub inspectors; the searchlights of the pub car park were turned up so far that the PA kept cutting out during the sound-check (luckily OK during the gig) and she had a fit when she saw how young Epic45 were. She said that they would have to go on first and then wait in the back bar sipping squash until their parents came to pick them up. They played a great set and I was pleased to see them hanging around upstairs to see Los Planetos do likewise. I'll have a couple of pictures scanned in by next weekend.
The Jameson six-pack is recorded and sounds great. The only trouble being that I can't afford to have it pressed until they pay me back some (if not all) the money I lent them to record it.
The yellow6 single boarded a plane in Prague on Friday and will be here soon. Gramofonove Zavody's unexpected promptness has taken me a little by surprise and there will be a slight delay whilst I get the sleeves printed.
Next Saturday myself and Geoff from Static Caravan are hosting the Birmingham date on the Earworm tour. Tank and Ma Cherie for Painting represent the label with local support from Calvados Beam Trio. It's at the Jug of Ale, 8pm start, £3 entry.
The yellow6 single should be in the shops by now; by all accounts it's selling fast. Jon is still working on how to put together a live show and has also sent me some great demos of the material he is working on with Scott from Portal. Hopefully the single will wet your appetite for the album due out on Enraptured in the new year.
The Earworm date at the Jug of Ale went exceptionally well and by all accounts was the best attended provincial show. Claire (ex-Avrocar) put up Tank and Ma Cherie ended up here at Bearos HQ with Steve from across the road helping out with extra floor space. After polishing off a bottle of whiskey we proceeded to demolish their duty-free supplies, partying until the early hours. The following day was thankfully a day off from their busy schedule. After a late breakfast we adjourned to Cannon Hill Park for the Germany vs. France football match. The French team was aided by members of Magnetophone and Avrocar. After that it was off to the pub. The evening was finished off with the traditional Birmingham Balti and an early night for everyone.
The Starries have been busy recording a demo for a real record label. No news as yet and I'm not sure if I should leak any details. They recorded five tracks at DEP studios in Birmingham. The engineer seemed to think all their guitars were out of tune and I think he found the experience rather challenging. I've spoken to a couple of people who have heard the end result and it's supposed to be amazing.
San Lorenzo and Lazarus Clamp have sent me advance copies of their albums - watch for the release dates - both are essential purchases.
I'm getting quotes for the Jameson triple pack. It should be out by Xmas and I will work out the price ASAP. I'm only doing 300 which I'm sure will go like hot cakes.
I'll start work on the next mail-out soon and also try to work out how to get some pictures uploaded onto this site.
The
Jameson triple pack now has been christened "Somewhere forever inside"
and features all the favourites from recent shows including Eraser and Sprinkle
the Axis. It's being pressed as I type as a limited run of 315 copies. The cost
will only be £5 mail order (includes P&P) and I'm taking advance orders
as there is sure to be a great demand for this. I'll get them sent out on the
day of release. This will not be in your local shops (unless you live in Birmingham)
as I'd have to put it through Cargo at a loss or have it hitting the shelves
at £8!!
It's been a great couple of weeks for gigs. Broadcast were well worth the trip up to Manchester and Do make say think played a great set at the Flapper with Rothko and Epic45 (thanks to Andi from Chunky Records for putting it on). Bearos Hotel was in full swing again with Canadians packed like sardines - can't wait to move to that bigger house!
Subaqua played a great set last night. I was impressed earlier this year when they turned all the guitars up during a Sonic Youth/Ride phase. Now they have turned them all down and are far more "intricate plod-rock" - and I mean that in the nicest possible sense (think "Bandwagonesque" or "Murmer")
Another Bearos night on 26th November, this time at the Flapper and Firkin, with The Regulars, The Starries and Baxxter. Andi Chunky presents Billy Mahonie, Third Eye Foundation and the return of Magnetophone at the same venue on 8th December.