Top 10 Gigs of 2013

Made it to less than 20 gigs this year, which seems like a poor showing. Despite that the ones I did get to were mostly very good.

1. Rick Springfield @ Shepherds Bush Empire. 4 June 2013: First time in the UK for over 30 years and whilst the set was far too short, considering that was the case, this was my most enjoyable and happy concert experience of the year and the one at which I sang virtually every line. Hope you come back again Rick, but if not, pleased finally got to see you live.
2. John Grant @ Shepherds Bush Empire. 15 May 2013: Released one of the records of the year and didn't disappoint live. Great songs, great voice and a great sense of humour.
3. Aimee Mann @Union Chapel. 17 November 2013. Essentially an intimate acoustic set. Relaxed, funny, and a set packed full of quality songs.
4. Loudon Wainwright III @ Royal Festival Hall. 3 May 2013: A set about looking back and looking forward. A mix of readings from the works of his father and new and old songs. Also the added bonus of daughter Lucy Wainwright Roche.
5. Kacey Musgraves @Shepherds Bush Empire. 13 October 2013: Country music's rising start of 2013 was a match for any hype. Great artist.
6. Todd Rundgren @Shepherds Bush Empire. 15 June 2013: In some ways this was the gig of the year, after all I did get to meet Todd before the gig and have a ten minute conversation with him. The gig itself was also surprisingly good considering the format (dance).
7. Richard Thompson @Shepherds Bush Empire. 25 February 2013: One of the finest and most original guitarist to ever come out of the UK. Also my favourite Sunni Muslim performer. Touring on the back on a very good 'Electric' album it was a lesson in reminding me just what a wonderful songwriter he is.
8. Roddy Hart & The Lonesome Fire @ The Islington. 4 September 2013: A talented singer songwriter. This marked the launch of their album – which should have sold more in my opinion. It you like you rock thoughtful but will good tunes, then this is a band for you. Great live too.
9. Summer Camp @ Heaven. 27 November 2013: Cementing the fact that the key to a really good dance record is actually to have good SONGS not just beats. Thankfully this translated to the live environment perfectly and their rolling montage of dance scenes from old movies added to the enjoyment.
10=Aimee Mann @ Royal Festival Hall. 28 January 2013: Just one of my favourite performers. This was a great gig.
10=The Leisure Society @ Shepherds Bush Empire. 5 December 2013: A very British band, but one whose songs are packed with verve and quality.

Pop Hall of Fame

“It’s not rock ‘n’ roll anymore anyway,’’ he said. “What we used to call rock ‘n’ roll – the original term, defined by DJ Alan Freed – meant to refer to a certain kind of music that Chuck Berry and Little Richard and Elvis [Presley] were playing, and it was distinguishable from ‘popular music’ at that time ...What you have now is a pop music hall of fame, and I don’t care if I’m in the Pop Music Hall of Fame or not’’ Todd on why he's not especially a fan of the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame as told to the Plain Dealer

Todd Rundgren @ The Forum 23/11/2008

I think this was Todd's first appearance at the Forum since he recorded a live album there back in 1994 on the No World Order tour. He was all alone for that one. Tonight, things could not have been more different as Todd brought the Arena tour to London. What can I say. It rocked. Playing the same set that he has been doing for the whole tour - opening with Love in Action, Open my Eyes, Black Maria, I Saw the Light etc, before playing Arena in its entirety - this was guitar rock heaven (and let's face it, probably the last time you'll see Todd doing this kind of tour in the UK). The band were tight, the backing vocals near perfection, and a few ropey moments aside, Todd's vocals strong and good. It was a real joy to see him playing so much lead guitar, after recent years of being more of the 'singer in the band'. There were a few technically issues near the start, when Todd couldn't get the clean guitar sound he wanted, and one amusing moment when he manag...

Pull in Emergency @ Camden Barfly 23/07/10

I like to get out and see new and up and coming bands and last night I went along to the album launch for a Band called Pull in Emergency. As is the case most times for these types of gigs, there were also 3 other bands on the bill, and I have to say that all had something to offer. Hella Better Dancer http://www.myspace.com/hellabetterdancer The night began with a bunch of 16 year olds, fronted by Tilly Scantlebury. They are a band that mange to fuse elements of early Cure, and PJ Harvey in a pleasing manor. I really liked the guitar work by Soph Nathan. Like all good guitarist she adds colour where it is needed without over powering the songs. Of the songs they played I really liked 'The City Sea' and new rocky song 'Say it' ? This is certainly a group worth keeping an eye on. They don't quite have the stage presence mastered yet, but time will bring that, and I'm already looking forward to what they'll sound like in a few years, but don't wait until t...

Todd is God

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