George Glen

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What a find! Lewsberg from Rotterdam have a reputation of sounding like The Velvet Underground and early Talking Heads among others. Not being a big Velvets fan I can confirm though that impression is right.  I am, however, now a Lewsberg fan! Simple guitar sounds, smart and cynical lyrics, deadpan delivery in dutch accent … could be dry and boring but their conviction and intensity is persuasive so you get drawn into their world. And it turns out to be a catchy and fun world, who knew? Magic!

Attended by George, Jan and Alan L

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I wanted to check out Hive as a music venue I’d not been to, and I love a bit of Smiths. Ideal opportunity! And The Smiths Ltd are not the worst Smith’s tribute band  I’ve seen … but not the best either. Respect due though for a comprehensive and well delivered 23 song set that went down a storm with a packed room full of Smiths fans. I sang along with all the words too!

Attended by George

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Pixies are one of my all time favourites, they mean a lot to me as well as being such an important and influential band. Such a treat to see such a huge collection of so many of their great songs and I enjoyed the ones from their new album too. However, the set needn’t have been quite so long, 37 songs over two hours is OTT!

Attended by George, Andy, Douglas & Neil W

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pixies/2019/usher-hall-edinburgh-scotland-2b9c3c0a.html

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I missed Hooky last couple of times and would have preferred his previous more Joy Division based sets, but instead this time mainly got 2 whole New Order albums, Technique and Republic, far from my favourites. But he started with a 6 song Joy Division set and ended with a 4 song encore ending with ‘Ceremony’ and ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’, so I enjoyed the start and end much more than the middle! Brilliant to finally see the great man in action though, what a bass player and character.

Attended by George, Andy, Jude and Hamish.

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/peter-hook-and-the-light/2019/the-queens-hall-edinburgh-scotland-1b9cc1d0.html

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Man Of Moon have an upcoming European tour supporting Twilight Sad so this was their last gig before that and a chance to raise some much needed funds. Never need an excuse to see them again anyway, but all in a good cause! And a busy Mash House responded really well to a great set of all their best songs and a couple that will appear on their new album soon. Can’t wait for that!

Attended by George, Jan & Karen

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Bravo Jarvis Cocker. What a star! Who else could so convincingly take a big audience through a set full of songs they didn’t really know (certainly nearly all new to me) and win them over completely with the sheer entertainment and clarity of his performance and inventive music. Not many! Quite brilliant. Right at the front I got the maximum benefit of his moves, personality and engaging delivery of his mini epic song stories. It didn’t matter that I had only heard ‘Must I Evolve’ before, every song was a winner and a revelation, especially ‘Cunts Are Still Running The World’. An unexpected magical treat.

Attended By George, Andy & Jude

https://www.theskinny.co.uk/music/live-music/reviews/jarv-is-leith-theatre-edinburgh-22-aug

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I never miss Anaïs now when she visits Scotland but it’s nearly been 3 years. My favourite singer songwriter and the best. On this tour she was joined on stage by guitarist Austin Nevins from Portland, and while his additions were pleasant I actually prefer her solo performances and I enjoyed this show most when she was on her own. I was ecstatic to see her encore ‘The Belly & The Beast’. Sublime! Thanks to Graeme for the great videos from a memorable evening.

Support artist Carsie Blanton, from Virginia via New Orlean. was also very entertaining so will watch out for her again. Anaïs is coming to Glasgow for 2 Celtic Connections shows in January – I’ll be there for both!

Attended by George & Karen

http://leedsliving.co.uk/music-dance/review-anais-mitchell-at-the-brudenell-on-21-august/ not from this show but a great review of the next night!