Song of the day – 124: Allo Darlin’
Don’t be put off by 1) the name, or 2) the beards, or 3) the cardigans. This is twee pop par excellence. Oh, don’t be put off by 4) the use of the word ‘twee’ in these circumstances either. I too despise it with a vengeance, but sometimes it’s easier just to bow gracefully and […]
Spotlight – 19: Las Kellies
“Horses are running everywhere/While I eat my cornflakes/I prepare to go to the beach/Which one I will choose?” This morning, a package arrived from Nottingham, from a former Plan B writer. I love shit like this. Makes life totally worthwhile, when friends you haven’t even ever met send you stuff just cos they think you […]
Spotlight – 5: Brilliant Colors
Brilliant Colors‘ music captures – in essence, not in sound – the early Beat Happening groove so sweetly you know it must be coincidence. So: not twee, not fey or cute or any of those other words erroneously associated with Calvin Johnson’s work. (It’s not his fault he spawned a legion of admirers who missed […]
Spotlight – 3: Pocketbooks
Earlier this evening, I was floundering: unable to decide what to do with the remains of a slow-cooked pork roast. Looked at, and discarded, many recipes without even testing them. Finally, I decided to throw in a few slices of apple, a scattering of brown sugar, some vintage cheddar – of course – and toast […]
Spotlight – 1: The Ethical Debating Society
The Ethical Debating Society create a righteous racket, a confusion of good intentions and wonderful, garbled drumming. Vocals come strident and supportive and fast. You don’t need to understand or even make out individual consonants because you just know you’d be down the front dancing furious and spasmodic to the jerky, flailing rhythms, the storm […]
