Miscellaneous - February/March 2005

  by Dixie Ernill

published: 5 / 4 / 2005

intro

In the latest in his occasional 'Confessions of Vinyl Junkie' series, Dixie Ernill writes about all his latest musical purchases and resuming gig-going after a long absence

FEBRUARY February is a treat. After spending the last couple of years wrapped up in the in the trials, tribulations and simply sheer wonder of fatherhood, I finally find time to resume my gig-going activities. On 4th February, the Dears play Manchester University and I’m there to drink in the sweet nectar of live music and once more escape from the world swirling around me. For a couple of short hours (to include excellent support band, Ambulance Ltd) the warring factions of my head and heart down weapons and I loose myself in the safety haven populated only by guitars and words. Years ago I once had a discussion with a musician about what kind of music he liked and he simply said “live music”. He was not wrong. February is also an expensive month. I seem to buy nearly every 7” that is released – or at least it seems that way! The latest offerings by the Doves, Bloc Party, Stephen Fretwell (for the unenlightened, this guy is one to watch – having been a popular performer on the Manchester circuit for a couple of years, he’s finally getting some recognition), Kaiser Chiefs, Aberfeldy, Futureheads (covering Kate Bush – genius), Idlewild (a welcome return), Engineers (the jury’s still out), the Editors (the new Joy Division………) and Adam Green. I also snap up a promo CD single by the Apartment ,'Everyone Says I’m Paranoid'. A really great single with an 80’s slant, which as someone who enjoyed his teenage years throughout the 80’s, is certainly a tick in the right box. The House of Love, another band that coloured my late teenage years, make a comeback too and whilst their 'Love You Too Much' single doesn’t hit the heady heights of past glories such as 'Christine', 'Destroy The Heart', 'The Girl With The Loneliest Eyes' or 'Shine On', it is still a comfort to have them back in the big bad world of music. Guy Chadwick still has a fine way with lyrics. On the album front, the Wedding Present’s first in nearly 10 years, 'Take Fountain', is the highlight. David Gedge’s barbed tales of love never seem to age and his ear for a decent tune remains very much intact. The Ambershades is the low point (£2 in a bargain bin – turned out to be a fair price), but the Ambulance Ltd (a promo copy) was worth the fiver. Also purchased was a copy of the Smiths 'The Queen Is Dead', to save my vinyl copy from anymore wear and tear, and a novel CD by some American cult heroes, the Aislers Set, which is a bizarre mix of Ronnettes and the Smiths. Intriguing stuff.   MARCH March starts with a bang. This live music bug is pumping through my veins and within days I am stood just to the right of the stage at Leeds University watching David Gedge’s beguiling Wedding Present rip through their back catalogue at their first hometown gig in the best part of a decade. Even with so many songs to draw from the set is superb and not just packed with singles. A great night and a truly great band. I also manage to curb my spending a little this month and only purchase a handful of singles. Quality over quantity is definitely the buzz word this month as I acquire 45’s by the Stereophonics (the excellent 'Dakota” – the first number single I’ve bought in ages!), the Bravery, Ambulance Ltd, British Sea Power (surely renowned greatness will be theirs soon), Morrissey and the Subways (possibly too much hype). The two singles I bought that need to be singled out (no pun intended) are the Boyfriends' '(No Tomorrow)I Love You' which is a brilliant mixture of Morrissey-like vocals and guitar magic, and the comeback from Manchester cult heroes, I Am Kloot ('Over My Shoulder'). 'Over My Shoulder' is an old song of theirs, but is at last getting a full release as a taster for their third long player. On the album front, I regrettably submit to the mass media hysteria surrounding Bloc Party and buy their debut. It may offend many, but I just can’t see the global attraction, despite one of two decent moments. I also buy a weird LP by the Otto Show after seeing them support the Montgolfier Brothers at an intimate gig in Manchester (see a review elsewhere in this magazine). I guess I was kind of swept up in the occasion, because in truth it really isn’t that good. The last release that I buy is an obscure CD by Flair (who went onto become Spearmint). I can see the resemblance, but Spearmint have improved no end from the days of Flair. Live, I also catch shows by the truly superb Montgolfier Brothers at Britons Protection in Manchester and Puressence in my home town of Bury. I have seen Puressence before, a few years back, and they were far better then. Still it’s another gig, so can’t grumble too much!  Roll on April……….           

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