George Glen Music

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Getting on for … ahem, 30 years since our band AVO-8 supported The Darling Buds around the UK on their 89 tour. Jan pointed out that back then, we never really got to watch them properly, so we put that right since they have reformed in recent years for a new ‘Evergreen’ EP and gigs. Well Andrea and Chris are still there from the original line-up so it was great to see them and say hello, even hugs with Jan!

The Lexington is a great wee venue, been there twice before, and it was sold out solid with happy Buds fans singing all the words and throwing confetti just like the old days. They played a very completist set for an hour with all the hits and Andrea was on top form, she hasn’t changed a bit. Such a warm fuzzy, funny night of nostalgia and banging good tunes … magic!

8/11 – Attended by George & Jan

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I’d enjoyed seeing Goat Girl twice before supporting Girl Band and Moonlandingz, but I think this is their first headlining tour in support of their first album that has a lot of justified attention and hype. I really like their off kilter approach to riffs and melodies and dry, even sarcastic lyrics and attitude.

They’ve added additional violin and keyboard/effects players but though they added the odd touch, the bands overall sounds just the same to me, maybe a bit early to be looking for growth and direction … they are getting better at what they do which went down a storm with a packed Sneaky Pete’s. Wonder what is next for Goat Girl? Will definitely see them again.

7/11 – Attended by George & Douglas

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6.5/11 – Attended by George

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Sneaky Pete’s was packed out and loaded us all in a tardis back in time to the early 70s with Trembling Bells, what a great trip! ‘Acid Folk’ has been used as a name for their particular blend of psychedelia and folk, pretty appropriate and though I wasn’t sure what to expect, it was brilliant and I smiled all the way through. Think Fairport Convention meets early Pink Floyd, might give you a clue.

Lavinia Blackwell provides the focus for most of the songs with her pure but distinctive voice. Drummer Alex Neilson is main song writer and seems to be band leader, he does the bantering and some of the singing. But it’s a whole band effort, entertaining and extended instrumental wig outs punctuate the songs. Nice!

Ambitious songs too, with proggy twists and turns, and unusual lyrics and titles too … ‘My Father Was A Collapsing Star’ was particularly nuts, but in a really good way, and ‘Christ’s Entry Into Govan’ is genius! Must see again … soon!

8/11 – Attended by George, Andy, John

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Frankly The Smiths are frankly, brilliant! A 90+min, 23 song set list was gleefully lapped up by us and an enthusiastic Bathgate Saturday night crowd. Go and see them … soon!

7.5/11 – Attended by George, Karen, Jan

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Can’t be sure what decided me to go along to see Dream Wife? Maybe the Riot Girrrl attitude and Iceland connection from singer Rakel was it for me, but Glasgow agreed and packed out Stereo so much I nearly melted in the heat. And they are good at what they do, simple but anthemic punky grunge with nice riffs and yelpy vocals. A bit Sleater-Kinney ish in the riffs which I like, but not so much variety or melody, so while the crowd was enthusiastic, I was less moved by relatively samey songs.

They went down a storm though and I can understand the appeal, they look great, sound tight and have a cool attitude. Fun!

6.5/11 – Attended by George