Category Archives: Music – concerts, lists, reflections

Three great but different concerts: The Beat, Nils Frahm, The Replacements

Posted on June 4, 2015 by John S

Over the past few weeks I’ve seen three concerts: all quite different, but very enjoyable in different ways. First was a real step back in time: The Beat, who played at Chelsea’s Under The Bridge club. I saw the original … Continue reading →

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Sharon van Etten at the O2 Empire, Shepherd’s Bush

Posted on April 30, 2015 by John S

This was a concert that I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. I first became aware of Sharon van Etten when she released her album, “Tramp” in 2012. At the time I played it a few times, but … Continue reading →

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Robin Trower at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, 11 April 2015

Posted on April 12, 2015 by John S

After the brilliant Courtney Barnett on Thursday, a journey back in time… One of the first concerts I ever went to, in 1975, was a Robin Trower gig at Hammersmith Odeon. We came down to London, from Oakham, in the … Continue reading →

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Courtney Barnett at the Electric Ballroom, Camden, 9 April 2015

Posted on April 10, 2015 by John S

Courtney Barnett is an Australian rock’n’roller who has just released her first full album, “Sometimes I Sit And Think, Sometimes I Just Sit”, although she merged two EPs a while back for an album called “The Double EP: A Sea … Continue reading →

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A Song For Easter

Posted on April 5, 2015 by John S

Easter Sunday. In the Christian calendar, the day of hope, rebirth, resurrection. Even if you don’t subscribe to the story, this time of year, in our northern location, is a time of renewal. The four day break, the school holidays, give … Continue reading →

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The Staves at Wilton’s Music Hall, 24 March 2015

Posted on March 26, 2015 by John S

Another Staves concert, but one with a difference. This one was all about the new album, “If I Was”, which was released on 23 March in the UK. The album is produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and has … Continue reading →

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The NME Awards Tour, The Forum, Kentish Town. 4 March 2015

Posted on March 7, 2015 by John S

When I saw this gig advertised, I thought, I have to go! Not designed for the oldsters, obviously, but there was a great option. Sit in the circle and watch the youth going ape below. And they did! In a … Continue reading →

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The War On Drugs, Brixton O2 Academy, 2 March 2015

Posted on March 3, 2015 by John S

A full concert by The War On Drugs is something I’ve really been looking forward to. They were brilliant at Latitude last summer – see my review of that (Sunday section). But it was only 45 minutes worth. Since then, … Continue reading →

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The Waterboys at the Roundhouse, 3 February 2015

Posted on February 5, 2015 by John S

The Waterboys are essentially singer/guitarist Mike Scott and a very slick backing band of mostly American musicians these days. Their heyday was the second half of the 1980s and early 90s. I’ve always had a soft spot for them, because … Continue reading →

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Nils Lofgren at the Union Chapel, Islington, 15 January 2015

Posted on January 21, 2015 by John S

I and a few friends went to see Nils Lofgren at the Union Chapel last week. Who he? I hear you ask. Well, he’s a a great guitarist who made some excellent albums in the seventies and joined Bruce Springsteen’s … Continue reading →

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