The Communards - For A Friend

Picked up yet another bundle of bargain CDs from various charity shops at the weekend including a copy of The Communards' album Red. Forgot what a truly beautiful song For A Friend was and I'm betting you probably have too. Let's do something about that eh? Enjoy.

Queen Zee - Loner

Top notch indie punk from Queen Zee for a clammy Friday dance around in yer pants. Enjoy!

Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter # 23

It's nowhere near as warm down here in 'sunny' Devon as it seemingly is every-ruddy-where else in the UK today but here's arguably one of the ultimate sunny day tunes from those Brothers Johnson. Obviously younger brother Boris left the band to pursue a rather different career...

Ezra Furman - Calm Down AKA I Should Not Be Alone

Can't believe it's taken me weeks to post this track. Slack old Mr Hearing Aid. Anyway here it is. I love Ezra Furman, one of the few artists in the world constantly putting out good stuff that bobs about in a sea of fetid mediocrity. Gawd bless him.

The Regrettes - I Dare You

Shades of The Strokes back in their noughties prime (yes, I was there kids) courtesy of The Regrettes. Super cute vid too. Enjoy!

Snooky Fest 2019 @ Warren Farm, Dawlish - Saturday July 13th 2019

Another (the third) Snooky Fest and as with years one and two this was a ruddy lovely day and evening with loads of great bands, a friendly crowd and just the odd pint (or two...ahem) of cider. I enjoyed all the sets but pick of the pops for me included Datura Roots Collective (vid above, not taken from Snooky Fest though...I was probably too busy groovin'), Maddy and the Chaps, Josh Curnow and, of course, traditional festival closers Eventime. Same time next year? Hell yes.

Nakhane - Age Of Consent

Wow, what a cover version (REM meets David McAlmont at their most beautiful). And what a voice too. His back story's every bit as remarkable, read this article for a quick history lesson. 

Kermit the Frog - Once In A Lifetime

Ever wanted to hear and see Kermit the Frog covering Talking Heads' Once In A Lifetime? Yes, me too. Well today's your lucky day. 

And as if that wasn't surreal enough here's a Muppets' barber shop quartet cover of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Snooky Fest THIS Saturday!!

Blimey, where does the time go eh? This weekend sees the return of Snooky Fest to Warren Farm in Dawlish featuring some brilliant local and not so local bands coming together to raise money for The Snooky Trust (a wonderful charity that supports 18-40 year olds with a physical illness of any description). Tickets are just £20 and you can get yours right here right now or hopefully on the gate on the day if there are any left (but why take the risk eh, grab one now!). Here are just three of the acts you can catch...

Landscape - Einstein A Go Go

Caught the video for this on Old Gits Music TV (or whatever the channel's called) the other day and was reminded once again of just what a crazy ol' decade the 80s was musically speaking. I mean everything about this...the band, video, lyrics, song title...ODD ODD ODD...but quite brilliant at the same time. And if you think this is odd check out their other 'hit' Norman Bates. I think it's high time for a bit of a Landscape revival eh?

Drunk - Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer

Spiffing new track from Mr. B that I'm seriously thinking about adopting as my own personal national anthem. Not that I am an alcoholic or a drunk of course...

Let's Rock Exeter 2019

Whilst 200,000 punters were enjoying an almost unheard of dry Glastonbury we were at the equally rain free Let's Rock Exeter for the traditional mix of 80s cheese and class.

The latter came in the shape of a short but stunning set from Thomas Dolby, the always awesome Human League, a splendidly dreadlocked Billy Ocean, a fur coat wearing Betty Boo (seriously...a fur frickin' coat) and a hit packing Belinda Carlisle.

There seemed to be a lot more filler and waiting around this year - why not have a second stage to give punters something else to watch and the crew time to set up without having to shift bands out of the way (as happened with poor Tight Fit)? The new location seemed a little cramped (more punters maybe?) and whoever decided to put all of the toilets at the back of the site deserves to be locked in one for a week. Still just a couple of urinal units for the blokes too? Seriously?! That being said for £30 (if you manage to bag an early bird ticket) you can't go far wrong and if the organisers book Jimmy Somerville, Tom Bailey, Adam Ant and Five Star (hint hint) for 2020 we'll be back.