The plight of the support band

Duke Garwood

Years ago, when I first started going to gigs, it seemed every show I went to had this three-piece band called Drugstore in support. Drugstore were a London band led by a feisty, bass-playing Brazilian singer called Isabel Monteiro and, fair play to them, through persistence or good management or good connections or just pure luck, I don't know, managed to get themselves on some pretty big tours (including one with Radiohead) and, for a time, it seemed at least, nearly every show I had tickets for.

Lament for a late stranger's record collection...

Some of my father's old records and tapes. I treasure them.

It always makes me sad when I see someone selling a record collection they inherited. I realise it’s good for me and other collectors out there and I know for the person who inherited those old records it may not be the kind of music that interests them, so maybe it's better it goes to someone who appreciates them. It's also true that record collections, especially large ones, do take up a lot of room and are a opportunity to make a little money out of something unwanted and space consuming. But, practicalities aside, those records, without a doubt, meant a lot to the person who once owned them. A well gathered record collection probably took years to find and collect, were lovingly cared for, played and enjoyed. To the person they belonged to they were much more than just pieces of plastic, those records provided a soundtrack to the good and bad times in their lives, the teenage angst, the first kiss, the wedding dance, the anniversaries, birthdays and family gatherings, as well as the tears, the sadnesses and the small incidental moments that make up our lives. As any music lover knows, a song can bring back those memories in an instant and can come to symbolise much more than just a mere pop song would suggest. I realise material possessions are ultimately meaningless but I still feel sad when I see those who inherited that lovingly complied collection sell off, with seemingly little thought, what is ultimately a little reflection of someone who is now gone.

Neil Young's Le Noise

Obviously I'm stupidly excited to hear that Neil Young's new album, Le Noise, produced by the incredible Daniel Lanois (the man who turned around Emmylou Harris' career with the stunning Wrecking Ball) has been announced to be released next month on September 28.

From the man himself (on Facebook):

“Le Noise” is complete. It is a solo record. Playbacks are happening now. Release date is September 28th. It will be available in Vinyl, CD and I tunes in the first edition, followed by Blu-Ray, and an APP for I-Phone and I-Pad a month or so later. The app will be free. It gives you an interactive album cover. Forgive my use of the word “album”. I am old school. When you buy the songs/movies from I- tunes they show up in your APP. Peace ny"

Thanks Neil. Can't wait!

Mark Lanegan at the Union Chapel

Mark Lanegan
Duke Garwood
Union Chapel, 18 August 2010

It's funny how certain artists can constantly surprise you. On the surface Mark Lanegan certainly wouldn't be the most obvious candidate for this: he hardly moves while performing, rarely says a word and sings his songs with little improvisation. Yet, having seen Lanegan 17 times now, twice on this solo tour alone, I can honestly say each show I've seen has been a unique and beautiful experience.