Hello Earth- Kate Bush Live Review. Tuesday August 26th 2014

On Tuesday evening, there was a mild hysteria in one corner of West London. You could smell it as you alighted the train at Hammersmith. Walking beneath the Flyover, this swelled. The large letters adorned upon the exterior of the Apollo. A well lit sign, clear and concise: "Before The Dawn".

Huddled together, fans chatting, milling about waiting for the show. A giddy, tense feeling in the air. I walked in to retrieve my ticket from the Box Office; a chance last minute purchase on the official website. A man cried out, asking if anyone had a spare as I trundled past. "The man with no ticket in his eyes" scrawled plaintively on a sandwich board draped around his neck. I mouthed a "sorry" in return. I hope he got to go in.

I went inside, where the anticipation was sky-high. When I reached my seat, I realised how much this meant to other people. The woman sat immediately behind me was a super fan; she went to original "Kate Bush Tour of Life" at the same venue, back in 1979. What makes it even more remarkable, is that she now lives in Melbourne, Australia; and travelled over with her friend especially for this show. Their friendship was built on a mutual appreciation of Kate Bush; and as she said yesterday: "the one thing which I've always had over my friend is that I've seen Kate Bush, and she hasn't; until tonight!"

I heard some voices adjacent to me whispering about possible songs she might play in a foreign language. It is always interesting to hear words not in mother tongue, interspersed with song titles you know and love so dearly. Whilst eavesdropping on these words I was trying to piece together, I smiled at a girl sat in the seat to the left of me. It took me a good while before I realised that girl was Lily Allen. The surreal factor intensified.

Picture the scene when Lily; the track from her 1993 album The Red Shoes begins the show. Cue Kate, all in black, marching barefoot in time with the hammering opening bars of the number; leading her five backing singers (including her son, 'lovely lovely lovely lovely Bertie') out onto the stage. We are all in raptures. You can't hear Kate sing her opening line for the hooting and howling raining down from the crowd.

She belts out Hounds of Love, and moves onto Joanni, Top of the City and a brilliant, haunting version of King of the Mountain. These are stunning renditions, tweaked ever so slightly to fit by the seven piece band. At one point she amusingly cries above the roar: "These guys behind me really are shit-hot!"

We're then thrown completely by the action on stage. The audience is akin to Robbie Coltrane being mesmerised by his computer screen in the video for the remake of Bush's Deeper Understanding. The show from here on in is utterly compelling. Her percussionist Mino Cinelu walks out into the middle of the stage and starts whirling what appears to be a bullroarer around his head, accompanied by frantic lighting. Paper confetti is shot out from two cannons; written on it is Tennyson's poetry; The Coming of Arthur, featuring The Ninth Wave.

Arguably, The Ninth Wave is her magnum opus. Written in 1985, it has taken twenty nine years for it to be played live. Here, it rises and falls, theatrically and dramatically. It is both a scary and thrilling piece of music; and live it is superb. The highlight of this section is Watching You Without Me; with both Kate's husband Dan McIntosh and son Bertie all in the same specially built room, with Kate's creepy refrain: "I'm not here". It is a family affair, a privilege to watch.

An Endless Sky of Honey starts the second chapter; cue a small wooden puppet, a large door and a huge painting of a sky on stage. It is pure escapism and totally dream-like. Bertie has his own solo track in this section; called Tawny Moon. He is only sixteen. He is going to be a superstar. I glance around to see faces all the way back to the rafters smiling and cherishing every moment. The applause for the encore is deafening. Among Angels; the penultimate song of the evening is just Kate performing solely with a piano. This drew our hearts to Kate in the first place. The performance is worth the entry fee alone. A moment of pleasure; leaving the hairs on the back of your neck standing on end.

The band return and conclude with the glorious Cloudbusting; and before you know it, the show is over! What? How? So quick! A wonderful evening, a wonderful return to the live stage, echoed by everyone who witnessed it. It felt emotional. I didn't want to leave at the end. I wanted to stay in that world Kate created on stage. As I walk away from the bustling venue back towards reality and the Piccadilly Line, I'm left pinching myself and staring at my ticket. Did that really happen?

Anna Calvi. Troxy. Saturday 8th February 2014

In deepest darkest East London, on a cold February evening, there's a woman howling loudly into a microphone. A warm vocal. So warm and rich, you wouldn't need to light a fire during Winter.

She's standing tall, in a cream blouse, and a pair of black slacks. She is prominent centre stage. Her guitar is draped across her. She is every inch the rock star. 

An illuminating set of songs from her two albums to date, make up a haunting show under the lights of the former bingo hall at Troxy. Her debut album was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2011 and featured heavily throughout, with songs such as a Blackout and the hugely underrated No More Words. With tantalisingly good vocals, Calvi is making huge waves in the music scene. 

Along with the huge guitar riffs, it is clear why she is revered so much. The magnificent Suzanne & I swells and roars so mightily, Calvi's voice like a theme park ride with the rise and fall. The delicacy of her voice also a joy to hear during the softer parts of the records; a beautifully crafted sound. 

The set reaches a huge crescendo with her final song Jezebel; containing notes which really only Anna can hit. The passengers on the Docklands Light Railway trundling along nearby would certainly have been able to hear her final refrain. 

The best songs of 2013

Here is an arbitrary list of my favourite songs of 2013.

This isn't a definitive list, and I may definitely have forgotten some tracks; but here are 30 favourites of mine from the last twelve months. You can find the Youtube playlist here. The Spotify playlist is here.

1) CONNAN MOCKASIN- I'm The Man That Will Find You.
There is something so listenable and appealing about Connan's style and delivery, yet one cannot put a finger on why. The most unique sounding performer of 2013? Quite possibly.

2) SARAH BLASKO- God-Fearing
This track waltzed into my ears earlier in the year, and hasn't really escaped since. The chords throughout; in addition to Sarah's vocals, are a total joy.

3) VILLAGERS- Nothing Arrived
A day in the life of Terrence Bliss. Lead singer Conor O'Brien's vocal style works so well here. A 'goosebumps-inducing' song which builds to the looping, haunting lyric "I guess I was busy". It is unforgettable.

4) MIDLAKE- Antiphon
Antiphon has such a wonderfully deep and melancholy sound. May require a few listens, but is quite remarkable.

5) ANNA CALVI- Eliza
There was a period of time over the Summer months, where I could not escape the song. Every time I turned the radio or television on; Eliza would be leaping out at me. There is so much power, so much oomph, and I may be biased fan, yet is is superb.

6) HAIM- Don't Save Me
There's something magical about Haim. I don't know what it is. The magical formula might be that musically they're so tight as a band of Sisters, all in harmony here. Don't Save Me is a real grower. Try listening three times, and you'll love tuning in.

7) EFTERKLANG- The Ghost
I was captivated earlier in the year at their live show by The Ghost from Efterklang. There is something about how this develops which is enchanting. Just hear the way that this builds. Totally eye-catching in a live setting.

8) WHITE LIES- Big TV
Every single one of White Lies' records has been so epic. Listen once and you'll remember the rise and falls instantly. Then proceed to sing loudly whilst lead singer Harry McVeigh belts this out at the live show.

9) GRIZZLY BEAR- Gun Shy
This is a work of art; like most songs that Grizzly Bear produce. Builds relatively slowly to a waltzing layered finale. The two sets of lyrics rolled above one another is an enchanting masterpiece. "The sky keeps staring at me"...

10) LADY LAMB THE BEEKEEPER- The Nothing (Part II)
By chance, I saw Lady Lamb play a support set for Sarah Blasko at the Barbican Theatre. I went and bought her album (Ripely Pine) from the little merchandise stall outside the arena, and my purchase subsequently became my favourite record of the year. The Nothing Part II is a stand out tune.

11) SAVAGES- I am Here
Quite possibly the most powerful track of the year. If you want to forget the world or any troubles, press play on I Am Here by Savages. N.b It must be played loud.

12) QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE- My God Is The Sun
Doing it once again. Josh Homme and his boys hit the marks with their stand out record.

13) MADNESS- Misery
Continually bringing out the goods. Now they are older and wiser, the lyrics follow suit.

14) CAT POWER- Bully
Purely chosen following her performance on Later With Jools Holland earlier in May 2013. The Jools' clip is taken in a single shot. The performance has so much meaning; so much depth. I had such an emotional reaction after seeing and hearing this.

15) BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB- Carry Me
Fairly new stuff from Bombay Bicycle Club; which sounds pretty good to me. Am going to have to see these live in 2014.

16) DUTCH UNCLES- Fester
I saw these supporting Everything Everything earlier in the year; this track was so hypnotic. Much more will be seen and heard of these in 2014.

17) STEALING SHEEP- Rearrange
Really ace little ditty. Not sure of the specific genre of the group; but is incredibly enjoyable to listen to.

18) DAUGHTER- Still
The most delicate sound. The most delicate of vocals.

19) MAJOR LAZER (FEATURING EZRA KOENIG)- Jessica
Something deeply unnevering about listening to this, yet at the same time utterly compelling.

20) EVERYTHING EVERYTHING- Don't Try
Simply a glorious tune, which rises and falls and in the live show is somewhat of a climax. "Cos it'll have you in the end! Whoah!"

21) POLICA- Chain My Name
Cannot put my finger on why I enjoy playing Chain My Name by Polica. The sign of a good record, perhaps?

22) ST VINCENT- Birth In Reverse
There's new St Vincent material in 2014; something which I cannot wait for. If this is anything to go by; we should be in for a treat!

23) THE STAVES- Facing West
Watford's finest siblings; this makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Not many songs make you want to hug the radio during playing. The harmonies here sound effortless; and it is audibly quite beautiful.

24) METRONOMY- I'm Aquarius
OK, it's only just squeezed out at the back end of 2013. So exciting a sound. Metronomy return in 2014 with a new record and a tour; and I cannot really wait. Matching the heights of Night's Out and English Riviera is going to be difficult. The first offering of any new material from Devonshire's finest.

25) JAMES BLAKE- Retrograde
The last three tracks have included many "oohs" and "aahs". The song lends itself to Blake's vocal. I am transported to a different place. Quite rightly the winner of the Mercury Prize. The album hasn't been far from my record player.

26) WILD BEASTS- Wanderlust
The first new offering from Wild Beasts since the Smother album in 2011. The sound is so rich, so deep and has such depths. The amount of work to get this sound so right is amazing. I cannot wait to hear more from the Beasts.

27) WARPAINT- Love Is To Die
I had the bars and guitar swirls drifting around my subconscious via continuous rotations on the radio throughout the latter part of the year. Warpaint have that organic ingredient that all bands should have; and that is that they are really, really good.

28) CATE LE BON- I Can't Help You
A track that found itself in my ears via radio play. I had to find out who this was by. I couldn't. Then I found who: Cate Le Bon.

29) LORDE- Royals
Possibly the only song on the list which is a "pop phenomenon". Don't go searching to any remixes or alternative versions; the original is the best.

30) DAVID BYRNE AND ST VINCENT (LOVE THIS GIANT)- I should Watch TV
A musical dream team, if you like. I saw their live show earlier in the year, and it was the happiest concert that I have ever been to. I Should Watch TV is taken from the collaboration album Love This Giant; which is well worth a listen.

What were your favourites? Have I missed any that really ought to feature here?

(This list was created purely for my own memories of 2013.)

Lady Lamb the Beekeeper- Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen. Monday 14th October 2013.

To a room full of quiet appreciation and a dizzying flickering glitterball, Aly Spaltro took to the stage in total darkness. Anticipation to hear songs from her debut album Ripely Pine was the reason for the busy little crowd. Singing into the void with her opener Up In the Rafters; this opener was not an indication of how the set would turn out!

Bang! Straight into Bird Balloons. A song so utterly crazy with a ridiculous time sequence. Songs such as Aubergine and Hair to the Ferris Wheel shone out. The use of a drummer to assist was extremely welcome; and added some welcome oomph to the punchier numbers. The drummer wasn't always present; disappearing while some of the softer numbers in the set like Little Brother were played out.

Really though it is tracks like You Are The Apple and The Nothing Part Two which is the main reason why there is such a packed little crowd in this corner of East London. With the finale Crane Your Neck hitting all the right notes, Lady Lamb left you wanting more. She heads back to her homeland in the States tomorrow; but there is no doubt that she'll be back.

Lee Thompson's Ska Orchestra- St Albans Arena. Friday 3rd October 2013.

It wasn't so much a gig, more like a family party.

The St Albans Arena was not even a quarter full on Friday evening; but those who were in attendance; were either hardcore fans or relatives. Which made for an intriguing spectacle.

The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra appeared on stage to around two hunded and fifty people; you could eavesdrop on every conversation in the room. In between songs the banter was rude and crude. Thompson is an entertainer; bouncing across the stage from left to right; saxophone in hand, cajoling and interacting with audience and his own band.

The songs were all from Lee Thompson's latest incarnation of solo work aside from Madness. The Benvolence of Sister Mary Ignatius has been a widely received album; and on the whole reviews have been quite complimentary. Ticket sales on the other hand have been poor; and for an eight piece band selling two hundred and fifty tickets for a show; the profits may just about have covered the last train home.

"We are a real proper band"; says Thompson as the set winds through. And as each track hit the spot, I loved it.

Dear Lily...

Dear Lily,

I cannot remember why I clicked "follow" on your Twitter account. I cannot remember the first time I replied to one of your tweets. All I remember was that it was about three years ago; you were called @IamLilythePink and you had the word efficacious in your biography!

What I didn't realise at the time was how much of an influence on me you were going to have over the next three years; indeed, how much of a positive and precious impact upon my life you would have.

In the beginning we shared so many jokes about all sorts of topics (to be honest I was never as witty or as quick on the draw as you were!). It took me a while before I actually felt like I could confide in you about certain events in my life; I think it was a series of messages about one of your impending trips to the "Tail Shop" where I realised suddenly how important you were to me. I found myself worried; and I think you sensed that.

The Venn Diagram which makes up my Twitter is comprised of the following six circles: a) People who can help me in some way. b) People who I can interact with about any topic. c) People who I feel I can confide in. d) People who made me smile and laugh. e) People who are caring and thoughtful and f) People with strong self-efficacy(!). You appear in all six circles!

Through the different incarnations of your Twittering I have always looked out for your name. This may sound silly, but I rarely ever re-tweeted you. This was totally on purpose. The reason for this was because I never wanted anyone else to find you and follow you! (a bit like when you find a really cool underground band and then see them promoted to stardom!) However, from just glancing at my timeline and the endearing messages left for you over the last day or two confirms that you were already a bona-fide superstar!

I hope you understand how much those messages you sent to me meant. Like the DM you sent me out of the blue on Christmas Day; or the time you sent me a thoughtful "just thinking of you" message when I hadn't logged on for a week when I was completely under the weather. You knew exactly how I was feeling at that precise moment in time. I cannot thank you enough for that. I will never forget those gentle acts of kindness. (I still have the card you wrote me; safely tucked away).

I do wish to write something like this for each one of the tremendous people I follow. There are some calm, collected, beautiful souls on Twitter; and you, Super Lily are one of them. Continuing to beam ever so brightly!

I will miss you so much on Twitter. There will be a Lily shaped gap in my timeline now. You have made me laugh and cry and I feel completely safe when talking to you. I feel like I have shared so many different aspects of my life; through highs and lows and joy and pain (and no, I'm not just talking about Manchester United matches!). Whenever I have had to "offload" about personal things like grief and loss and even job stress; you have been there for me, and have been so supportive. I still go back to read your blog from time to time. The recent entry about the swans is so beautiful.

I wish you (and DH and the cats) so much joy, good health, peace and happiness for the future.

Love, Rich @foxyinthebox

ps. Whenever I hear "this" song, I always think of you! And it always makes me smile!

David Byrne and St Vincent: The Roundhouse, London. Tuesday 27th August 2013.

The Roundhouse was the place. David Byrne and St Vincent and their eight piece brass band was the show.

Byrne made an unseen announcement to the crowd ten minutes beforehand: "Please can you keep all filming to a minimum so as not to spoil the enjoyment of others". Boom! There was a rousing round of applause before they were even on stage.

The band entered one by one, followed by the protagonists; and the audience hushed in anticipation. They launched straight into two tracks from the recent collaborative album Love this Giant: Who and Weekend In the Dust. Both tracks highlight exquisitely the skill of all band members.

Annie Clark (aka St Vincent) and her trademark stage shuffle treated us to some of her own tracks; the impressive Save Me From What I Want and the beguiling Marrow being two of her early highlights in the set.

Following the band introductions; including a pause to tell you what you should buy from the merchandise stall; was the song and performance of the night. Wild Wild Life, of the Talking Heads album True Stories; stood out head and shoulders above all others. Each band member took turns on the microphone conga style to sing a line of the song. I looked around in the crowd to see a complete sea of bobbing heads and grinning faces.

The choreography was visually quite beautiful throughout. Everyone on stage shifted from song to song. So much direction; so much dancing, so much arrangement and so much action on stage for the audience to watch. Personally, I couldn't work out how the guy with the sousaphone was able to dance and play at the same time. All band members had their own personalities; I didn't know where to look. One couldn't help but copy the dancing on stage. It was a little bit like Simon* (*David Byrne) Says!

Alongside many of the Love This Giant tracks; Byrne (dressed strikingly all in white) did reach into the Talking Heads back catalogue; This Must Be The Place and Burning Down the House proving hugely popular in the arena. The forgotten solo dance gem, Lazy; was also played to surprised "oh, of course, I remember that!" faces.

There were two encores to this show; including fantastic St Vincent renditions of Northern Lights (complete with Byrne karate kicking towards a theremin!) and a beautiful haunting version of The Party. The final Talking Heads singalong Road to Nowhere was a reminder to everyone at the show how much of a privilege being in attendance at The Roundhouse really was. No one was filming this on a camera; as David advised us all not to. We all had taken this in with our own eyes and ears, like humans do.

There are't many occasions where two superb musicians can team up and put on a show like this. The Byrne/Clark Love This Giant partnership is one of pure joy. Plus, they know how to entertain; as David Byrne wailed during one song in particular to the adoring audience: "I know that's the way you like it, whoah, living wild wild life".