Caitlin Rose at Camden Dingwalls

Caitlin Rose
Steelism
Andrew Combs
Camden Dingwalls, 27 February 2013

There's a show on TV right now called Nashville focusing on a seasoned country diva and a hip new starlet. But it's the smaller musicians frequenting the intimate and infamous Bluebird Cafe that are the most likeable and talented and watching Caitlin Rose's superb opening acts, Andrew Combs and the instrumental group Steelism, I can definitely imagine them in those legendary settings being discovered by the DJ/producer played by JD Souther.

By Crooked Steps

Soundgarden's amusing new video for By Crooked Steps, the best track on their comeback album King Animal. It's directed by Dave Grohl, because, you know, all those original grungers are best pals. It is interesting though that Grohl actually requested to direct this and sent in a proposal to the band. It's probably done more to finally convince people that Chris Cornell et al, who were once dubbed Frowngarden by Guns 'N' Roses' crew, actually have a sense of humour despite the fact that in the past they've recorded songs with titles such as Big Dumb Sex, Full On Kevin's Mom and a cover of John Lennon's One Minute Of Silence (which really was just one minute of silence at the end of their debut album). So good on Grohl for that and for helping keep the appearance, at least, of the original Seattle grunge brotherhood alive.

Dinosaur Jr at the Electric Ballroom

Dinosaur Jr
Cheatahs
Death At Sea
Electric Ballroom, February 4 2013

I actually aimed to miss support act Death At Sea as I had seen them before last year opening for Haim and was pretty unimpressed but alas for once London transport didn't let me down and I actually arrived early. I can't say they won me over this time either but it was very strange to see them again as they seemed like an entirely different band.