Gig Memories: Afghan Whigs at Subterania

The Afghan Whigs
Subterania, 25 August 1998

Years back because I used to go to a lot of similar gigs I would see quite a few of the same faces at them (this still happens to a lesser degree and now they tend to be older than me for some reason!). One guy I used to chat to was a moody, quiet type who had hung out with The Breeders and met Kurt Cobain. My best friend hated him but he would always be worth talking to because he would always recommend great bands I didn't know. One time, appalled that my favourite band was Dinosaur Jr ("I can't stand that guy's voice!"), he told me I should listen to The Afghan Whigs instead.

New Alessi's Ark

So my favourite folkie Hammersmith gal is back in April with a new record deal (she's signed to the fantastic Bella Union, home of Midlake and Fleet Foxes, more fitting than her last record label Virgin methinks) and a new EP called Soul Proprietor (artwork above). Her new label has a download of one of the tracks from the new record, called Shovelling, which is short and lovely and a little more twangy than her debut album.

Have a listen here.

Richmond Fontaine at Bush Hall

Richmond Fontaine
Peter Bruntnell
Bush Hall, 4 March 2010

I have to admit I'm not sure who I'm more in love with: Willy Vlautin the songwriter or Willy Vlautin the storyteller. Willy, you see, has written three books in addition to his career fronting forlorn alt-country band Richmond Fontaine and his books are like his songs turned into sad little movies: all desert towns full of loss, regret and beautiful losers.