In keeping with the history of glamorous pop trios, The Pipettes have undergone what they call in the business, a line up change. In that the band are effectively a brand new entity, with none of the original members left. But any preconceptions the audience might have had of inter-band awkwardness or forced camaraderie seemed to have been left at the door. And if there was any residual concern within the crowd, the band’s carefree attitude would have immediately dispelled such fears.

Polka dot prom dresses and co-ordinated dancing filled the space in the upstairs of the Carling Academy in Oxford (October 26, 2008) even before the Pipettes came on stage, in homage to the trio’s vintage style. There was a party atmosphere to the gig from the offset, which injected some much needed glamour and kitsch into the Academy’s stark surroundings.

When the ladies sashayed on stage, led by a suited band, they certainly looked amazing. The charismatic Gwenno, the longest standing member, introduced newbies Anni (also her sister, trivia fans) and Anna, and led the way into what was a good old fashioned knees up. The changes in Pipettesland didn’t seem to have dented the quality of music – the new songs were as infectious as the likes of “Pull Shapes” (they did); “Dirty” and, like the band’s matching eighties style outfits, there was a hint of eighties pop infusing the newer material which was well received.

Of course it was the oldies people wanted to hear and they weren’t disappointed – not only did tracks like “ABC” see the audience boogeying and handclapping with the best of them, they also treated the crowd to the girl’s choreography. OK, so it wasn’t up there with the likes of the Pussycat Dolls, but it looked like the threesome were having damn good fun. Their harmonies were pretty much bang on the money and I admit to being pleasantly surprised by how strong their voices were live. The Pipettes are pure pop with a credible indie cachet which means that their live show should definitely prove a success in any student town – and in my opinion, should be successful in a more mainstream sense as well.

This was quite possibly one of the shiniest, poppiest, and damn right catchiest gigs I suspect has graced the precincts of the Carling Academy for a long time. The band’s retro leanings recall Phil Spector’s girl groups but with a postmodern twist.

Live, they proved they can more than hold a tune. After listening to the Pipettes’ attitude-filled Betty Boop style pop, there’s only one question left to be answered (and it’s rhetorical): Who needs Girls Aloud?!

The Pipettes on amazon.co.uk

The Pipettes Official Website
MySpace

By: Lindsey Davis

Shearwater is set to play Carling Academy Oxford Sunday 14th September, 2008. Other acts include Little Fish and Morrison Steam Fayre.

Described as a gem in America’s underground, Shearwater come to Oxford following the release of their latest album ‘Rook’. The band has just completed supporting Coldplay in the States. They’re a spin off of Okkervil River (who played Truck Festival this year) and they sound like a mix between a lot of things, with a Radiohead feel.

Watch “Palo Santo” video:

About Shearwater

Hailed as “almost impossibly majestic and beautiful” (NPR “album of the year”), Shearwater’s Palo Santo (2007, Matador), a suite of ethereal but oddly disquieting art-rock songs loosely centered around the life and death of singer Christa Paffgen (aka Nico), marked the Texan quartet’s debut on the national stage. Several publications, including The New York Times, named it one of the year’s best, and the band’s singular combination of sonic abandon and restraint, spun around the soaring, otherworldly voice of part-time ornithologist Jonathan Meiburg, drew comparisons to late-period Talk Talk and both the lovely and anxious moments of Eno’s early solo work.

This year’s much-anticipated ‘Rook’ takes the band into realms both richer and stranger. Though a similarly haunted, elegaic mood – punctuated by flashes of dread and menace – pervades the album, ‘Rook’ is its own animal, at once more accessible (the near-title track, “Rooks”, anchored by Thor Harris’ thunderous kick drum, a booming organ, and a stately trumpet line, could almost be mistaken for radio-friendly) and more accomplished than its predecessor, with a depth and grandeur that seem improbably packed into the album’s tidy 35 minutes. Squalls of feedback have largely given way to sudden gusts of strings and woodwinds, though the band’s fondness for unusual instrumentation remains intact – harp, hammer dulcimer, and a curiously carved metal box all take featured roles.

Each song on Rook is a mini-epic, from the in-medias-res opening of “On the Death of the Waters” to the pounding (but drumless) urgency of “Leviathan, Bound”, the abrupt rock of “Century Eyes”, the crystalline depths and heights of “I Was a Cloud” and “The Snow Leopard”, and the final, elegant flourish of “The Hunter’s Star”.

‘Rook’ is unlike any other album you’ll hear this year – or any year. It has the vividness and ineffability of a waking dream, the strange beauty and internal logic of a fairy tale, and above all, evokes a vanishing world that may or may not be our own.

Carling Academy Oxford (Oxford Zodiac)
Sunday 14th September, 2008 7:30pm
£11
www.hitthetheatre.co.uk/shearwater
or to book on the phone 0207 1939050
or at the venue

For more information, go to:

Carling Academy Oxford

Shearwater Official Website
Shearwater MySpace

Little Fish

Morrison Steam Fayre Official Website
Morrison Steam Fayre MySpace

Fyfe Dangerfield’s voice was on form, sailing through the high notes – and with Fyfe the notes do tend to get pretty high. Aristazabal Hawkes (Arista) sounded great on bass, MC Magrao, the coolest cat in town on guitar, and of course Greig Stewart, one of my favorite drummers, worked his magic on the skins.

I should have taken more care to write down their set list, but they played songs from ‘Through the Window Pane’ and their new album, ‘Red’. There is a contrast between the two albums, and for me that’s a good thing. They’ve definitely not stuck to the same format for the sophomore release, and I’ll be waiting in anticipation for the third.

Songs played from ‘Red’ included new single, “Get Over It”, “Kriss Kross”, their ‘Justin Timberlake-esque’ “Big Dog”, slow number “Words” and “Standing On The Last Star”. The more familiar selections from ‘Through the Window Pane’ included “Made-Up Lovesong”, “Trains To Brazil”, “Through The Windowpane”, “Annie, Let’s Not Wait” and the stand out song of the night, “Sao Paulo”.

Support acts included our very own Tommo (from Band Weblogs Podcast Show amongst numerous other things!) and a solo Norwegian singer/guitarist Ida Maria, without her full band due to the UK storms and plane delays.

It was great catching up with the Guillemots after the show. They were taking it easy, with one more show left of their three night mini-tour, which ended last night at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London.

For those who weren’t able to make it to one of the March shows, don’t fret – there are more to come in May/June 2008.

Guillemots May/June 2008 UK tour dates:

Dates could change! Go to Guillemots Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

May 2008

18th Norwich, UEA £14
19th Wolverhampton, Wulfrun Hall £14
20th Lincoin, Engine Shed £13.50
22nd Liverpool, Liverpool Academy £13.50
23rd Glasgow, Barrowlands £13.50
24th Dundee, Fat Sams £13.50
26th Leeds, Metropolitan University £13.50
27th Newcastle, Newcastle Univeristy £13.50
29th Bristol, Bristol Academy £14
30th Southampton, Guildhall £13.50
31st Brighton, Dome £14

June 2008

2nd Coventry, Kasbah £14
3rd Nottingham, Rock City £13.50
4th London, Forum £16.50

Guillemots on Myspace
Guillemots Official Website

By: Jenny May – BandWeblogs.com

The crowd was varied. There was a group of younger girls excited to see Duffy behind me and as I looked around there was a mix of all ages. With Duffy’s shows selling out, and having the current #1 album (’Rockferry’) and single (”Mercy”), it’s refreshing to see that her old school soul is drawing so much interest, as opposed to what seems to have become the norm – indie.

Duffy’s music sets such a mood that it’s strange watching her in a venue without seats. It’s easy to imagine a setting with tables and candles, like in the old black and white films. Keeping that in mind, her show is great for couples, first dates – and if you’re getting married, her CD would be perfect for the reception.

Duffy started out the set with her sexy, classic debut single, “Rockferry”. It was a great choice for an opening number. Radio favorite “Warwick Avenue” also sounded good. Other songs included “Serious”, “Stepping Stone”, “Delayed Devotion”, “Breaking My Own Heart” a slow, stripped down version of “Syrup and Honey” with Jon Green on guitar, “Tomorrow” and of course, crowd favorite and most anticipated, “Mercy”.

She’s fun to watch on stage – with her subtle (possibly choreographed!) moves, her band is tight – and what a voice.

Occasionally in between songs Duffy would mention her excitement of her album and single being at #1 in the charts. At such an early stage in her career, you can’t blame her for being excited!

For more information, go to:

Duffy on Myspace
Duffy Official Website

By: Jenny May – BandWeblogs.com

Two additional dates have been added to the Boy Kill Boy tour.

BKB will be supporting The Kooks in a couple of weeks’ time at:

February 2008

Sat 23 – Oxford Carling Academy
Sun 24 – Lincoln Engine Shed
(full tour dates below)

Boy Kill Boy’s latest single “Promises” is released on Vertigo on 17th March, 2008 followed by the album ‘Stars and the Sea’ on 31st March.

They’ve just finished a jaunt on the road with Athlete and are heading out on their own headline tour on February 16th.

BOY KILL BOY LIVE:

Dates could be added or changed! Go to Boy Kill Boy’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

February 2008 (Headline Tour)

16 Kasbah Coventry
18 MI Bar Falmouth
19 Venue Derby
20 The Welly Hull
21 Barfly Liverpool
23 Oxford Carling Academy (supporting The Kooks)
24 Lincoln Engine Shed (supporting The Kooks)
25 CLWB Ifor bach Cardiff
26 Leadmill Sheffield
27 Fibbers York

29 Cockpit Leeds

March 2008 (Headline Tour)

1 Fat Sams Dundee
2 Ironworks Inverness

5 Arts Centre Colchester
6 The Works Kingston / Club Night
7 Met Lounge Peterborough

10 The Marquee Club Hertford
11 Esquires Bedford
12 Moles Bath
13 Barfly Birmingham
14 Corner House Middlesbrough

16 Charlotte Leicester
17 Forum Tunbridge Wells
18 Sugarmill Stoke
19 The Orange Box Yeovil
20 Mr C’s Poole

22 Cavern Exeter
23 Railway inn Winchester
24 Freebutt Brighton

29 Astoria London (Supporting The Enemy)

April 2008

5 Ricoh Arena Coventry (Supporting The Enemy)

Boy Kill Boy on Myspace
Boy Kill Boy Official Website

Josh Ritter had a successful year last year. A cult stateside hit, the singer/songwriter scored rave reviews for his live shows and wonderful album ‘The Historic Conquests of Josh Ritter’, which The Guardian hailed as one of the ultimate LPs of last year.

Now, the Idaho musician has announced his first UK live dates of 2008. Following a sold-out tour of Canada, the shows will feature a night at London’s Bloomsbury Ballroom (March 31st).

As if that wasn’t good enough, Josh will record a live session for Radio 2, which will be broadcast on the Bob Harris show, February 2nd.

His new single “Empty Hearts” is set for release March 24th, 2008 in the UK.

Watch video: Josh Ritter on David Letterman – “To the Dogs or Whoever”:

Josh Ritter UK tour dates:
with Dawn Landes – support

Dates could change! Go to Josh Ritter’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

March 25, 2008 – Oxford – Zodiac at Oxford Academy
March 26, 2008 Portsmouth – The Wedgewood Rooms
March 27, 2008 Exeter – Exeter Phoenix
March 28, 2008 Liverpool – Carling Academy 2
March 30, 2008 Norwich – Waterfront
March 31, 2008 London – Bloomsbury Ballroom
April 03, 2008 Edinburgh – The Liquid Room
April 04, 2008 Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
April 05, 2008 St. Albans – The Alban Arena

The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter on amazon.co.uk

The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (with Bonus EP) on amazon.com

Josh Ritter on Myspace
Josh Ritter Official Website

Spotted at an open mic night in London’s Ginglik, Beth Rowley is one-to-watch.

Mentored by Carleen Anderson and signed to Blue Thumb Records, the 26 year-old singer/songwriter releases her euphoric new single “Oh My Life” on March 10th, 2008 – the first single from her debut LP ‘Little Dreamer’, May 5th.

Currently on a residency at London’s Cherry Jam, Beth Rowley is special guest to both Tom Baxter (Shepherd’s Bush Empire, January 31st) and Newton Faulkner (Roundhouse, March 6th).

Watch Beth Rowley – “Oh My Life” video sample

Beth Rowley UK tour dates:

Dates could change! Go to Beth Rowley’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

January 29, 2008 – Oxford, Carling Academy (Zodiac) – Tom Baxter support
January 31, 2008 – London, Shepherds Bush Empire- Tom Baxter support
February 12, 2008 – London, Cherry Jam Residency
February 26, 2008 – London, Cherry Jam Residency
March 6, 2008 – London, The Roundhouse

Beth Rowley – Little Dreamer on amazon.co.uk

Beth Rowley on Myspace
Beth Rowley Official Website

I arrived at the Carling Academy Oxford just in time to grab a beer and see Manchester, UK based band Northern Uproar take the stage. I like their positive, upbeat punk influenced sound. They look good on stage together and it’s always good to see a bass playing vocalist.

I enjoyed the burly guitarist’s Steve Jones/Mick Jones influence. There was also a bit of a Jam style to their music. All around, I think that Northern Uproar is a good band to look out for.

The Coral are one of my favourite bands on the scene at the moment, so it was great to get the chance to see them play live in Oxford. I wasn’t disappointed after listening to their new album ‘Roots and Echoes’. They weren’t shy in promoting said album and why not because when they played “Who’s Gonna Find Me” it sounds a million times better standing in the same room as the band, hearing it live.

I feel a bit of a Beach Boys vibe off them in a slight way and do believe that The Coral will be with us for a very long time. It’s always good to watch a band mature in front of you.

So definitely go along to a live Coral show because they make you forget about what’s going on outside and they get you wobbling from side to side with a smile on your face for an hour or so!

The Coral Official Website
The Coral on Myspace

By: Dave Tommo

King Creosote recently played at the Carling Academy in Oxford and I was fortunate enough to have been there. The band put on a great show – one not to be missed if you get the chance.

There’s quite an endearing quality about King Creosote aka Kenny Anderson. His voice has a rustic, folk feel that can be so soothing – and if I close my eyes and listen to one of his slower songs, like “And The Racket They Made” (a duet written by fellow Fence artist HMS Ginafore) I’m easily taken in by the gentle tranquility of his music. But don’t get me wrong – he can rock out, too – live and in the studio.

The songs that I’ve heard off of the latest King Creosote release, ‘Bombshell’ are excellent and “You’ve No Clue Do You” is an absolute stand-out track.

Being fairly new to his music, I’m at the stage now where I want everyone to know about King Creosote – and as for his long time fans – aren’t they the lucky ones to have known of his music for so long?

Anderson is not only a talented musician and songwriter, he’s also the founder of Fence Records, a collective of musicians, artists and craftsfolk based in Fife, Scotland.

King Creosote interview with BandWeblogs.com
By: Jenny May

Jenny May: How did you come up with the name King Creosote?

King Creosote: I used to make records with a band called “Skuobhie Dubh Orchestra”, but always had to record a lot of my songs on my own. I wanted to put out these recordings on my own label Fence, so then I needed something to go on the fence. That’s the creosote part. I wrote down king creosote, and immediately liked the juxtaposition of the regal and the carcinogenic.

Which instrument to do you prefer to play the most?

At the minute it’s my new electric guitar. The love affair will no doubt end soon and I’ll go crawling back to my accordion wife.

When did you form your first band?

1985, as a fresher at Edinburgh uni. I hooked up with a school chum called Ralph. His sister got pregnant, so we named the band “Uncle Ralph”. We only played maybe 3 live shows in 4 years, but recorded a lot.

What is your favorite song to play live?

This tour it is a song called “Cockle Shell”. I get to play the electric guitar thru a fuzz pedal. It’s ace.

Do you ever play with your brother Gordon’s band, The Aliens (one of my favorite bands, by the way)?

I’ve leapt up on stage with them once or twice. I was asked to go with them to tour the U.S. but our dates clashed. Boo.

I really enjoyed your show in Oxford. Just curious – you mentioned that you went out on the lash the night before your gig. Do you remember where you went?

The White Horse, one other, the King’s Arms.

When on tour, what do you do in your spare time? What is a typical day like for you from when you wake up to when you go to sleep?

I’m driving the tour bus most days. So, brace yourself for the excitement … Get up, shower, eat at little chef (25% discount when you stay Travelodge), repack van, switch on tom tom (renamed tam tam, or sat gav after our drummer’s efforts at map reading), find venue, unload van, soundcheck, go eat/do interview/radio session, get nervous, play gig, load up van, drive to Travelodge.

What is your favourite tipple?

Fruit beers (cherry), red wine n coke, Cuba libre. On rotation.

Do you enjoy the process of filming your music videos?

No. Yes. No. I feel very self conscious, and hate it if they choose public places to film in. I’m always surprised when I look a lot more at ease than I felt at the time. I much enjoy the end result, sometimes.

How do you like living in Fife, Scotland?

I love Fife, at least, the north east part. Every season. I belong here, and the place has so far treated me like I belong.

How often do you record music?

In my spare time in between touring and accounting. I try to get a fortnight’s worth twice a year outside of recording “official” albums.

Where do you record?

At home in my attic. I have a digital 8 track and various keyboards, stringed instruments and machines. All my songs start on a dictaphone then end up on my 8 track.

What is your daily routine like in the recording studio?

I record late at night, when my daughter is at school, or during school hours if i’ve gotten all my other work done. I get a drum loop, shove on a guitar or accordion and a vocal, then I look around to see what I feel like playing next. Move on as soon as it’s mixed down, listen to it back in a day or so.

Do your record sales affect your desire to tour?

Nope, but as they go up, tours get more dates added.

How long have you been playing the accordion? Who inspired you to play?

I’ve played accordion for 33 years. My dad plays, I’m the eldest son, so he passed the baton on to me.

Who are your biggest influences in music?

Mark Hollis, Morrissey, Michael Stipe, my brothers Gordon and Iain, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, the Fence Collective. Early 80s stuff.

Who are the musicians playing with you in the current line-up of King Creosote? How long have they been playing with you?

Pictish trail, guitar, 4 years?
Onthefly, drums, 4 or 5 years on and off.
Uncle Beesly, bass, 13 years in different bands.

Where is your favorite place to play music?

Small rooms or halls.

I don’t say this very often to people that I interview (actually I’ve never said it), but if you ever need a backing singer for a recording or two just let me know!

Will do.

Thank you!

My pleasure!!

KC

For the latest tour dates, music and information go to:

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

Last night I went to the King Creosote and Ruarri Joseph gig at the Carling Academy in Oxford. It was a great night of entertainment.

First to address the new Carling Academy Oxford. This was the first time that I had been back to the venue since the renovations that took place over the summer were completed.

Some people that I’ve spoken to about the new ownership of the club still refuse to call it anything other than The Zodiac. I can understand that, since it had been “The Zodiac” and locally owned for a few years.

It always takes time to adjust to change – especially when a large establishment “takes over” a venue and local bands might be affected by the change. Hopefully there will be plenty of nights that will cater to local bands there, as well as opportunities for them to have support slots for bigger acts that come through.

The show was held upstairs with half the room closed off, which made for an intimate evening of music and entertainment. I’m not sure if it’s always closed off up there now, but either way, there was enough room to move for a Monday night out in Oxford.

Cornish based singer/songwriter Ruarri Joseph opened the night with an acoustic set which included singles, “Patience” and “Blankets” off of his latest album, ‘Tales Of Grime And Grit’ out on Atlantic Records.

Ruarri has a very soulful voice and his stage persona is charming. I enjoyed his banter in between songs and there were a few times when he was singing that I thought of Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens). The crowd was receptive – and seemed to enjoy his music, as did I.

Ruarri Joseph Official Website
Ruarri Joseph on Myspace

King Creosote from Fife, Scotland closed out the night beginning the set with an acoustic number and then the band came on – guitar, drums and bass.

(Read the King Creosote interview!)

I was quite excited to see King Creosote, or Kenny Anderson as he’s known. Maybe the fact that his brother Gordon, who was a founding member of The Beta Band, and is currently in one of my favorite bands The Aliens, had something to do with it. I love musical connections and this is a pretty cool one.

The songs varied from slow ballads to rocking out as a four piece band. The musicians were good – the banter was funny. You could tell they were having a good time. Anderson mentioned he had a late night out on the lash in Oxford the night before and ended up in some hotel room – which would have been an interesting night, I’m sure. The audience laughed quite a bit at his humor and honesty when he mentioned low record sales. He’s certainly not shy and it’s easy to warm to him immediately.

There were times when the music was tinged with an American folk feel – and when Kenny put down his guitar to play the accordion, it added a nice layer to the set.

The closer of the night was – go figure – a cover of The Aliens’ high energy single, “The Happy Song”. I loved it.

King Creosote will be playing a few more gigs in the UK on this tour. Go see them if you can!

King Creosote Official Website
King Creosote on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs