Spin the black circle

This week's been a bit of a strange one, with Avril wanna-bees getting a spin.

Fefe Dobson: Fefe Dobson - Was feeling quite scornful of this just on principle. Cynical black Avril marketing ploy, but ... WAIT. Actually this isn't that bad. In fact there is some finely crafted little pop ditties on this. Added to which Tone Loc has been dragged back out from wherever he's been hiding to add that bit of extra class to 'Rock it til you drop it'. Several other high points include: 'Revolution'; 'Take Me Away' and 'Give it up'. One to watch.

Lillix: Falling Uphill - This one from a young girl band is an easier sell to me, but is not as compelling musically, although 'Lost and Confused' and 'Sick' certainly shine through.

The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving - Not a teen girl in sight (at least I don't think so?) but this is what a great album SHOULD sound like. I could play 'Aside' all night if need be..

Just bought the Speedway CD, so that will be leading the charge for next week.

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Substack: the new blogging and a new music newsletter

Hello again my old blogger blog. Just checking in to plug the new substack newsletter I'm doing. It is also home to the CTTB Music podcast and its archive too. Why not pay me a visit and sign up for future editions of the newsletter (free)

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...

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Todd is God

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