Ode to Bobbie Gentry at 70

I wrote an article for REBEAT celebrating the life and music of the mysterious and wonderful Bobbie Gentry on her 70th birthday. You can read it there or below!


In May 1981, Bobbie Gentry was one of many guest stars on the NBC special “An All-Star Salute To Mother’s Day.” She sang just one song: a touching rendition of the Broadway tune “Mama, A Rainbow,” dedicated to her own mother in the audience.

What no one knew at the time was that this would be her last onstage appearance ever.

The Jayhawks at Shepherd's Bush Empire

The Jayhawks
Shepherd's Bush Empire, 18 July 2014

I got a cool surprise today when I found out that not only had I won signed copies of the new reissues of The Jayhawks' albums Sound Of Lies, Smile and Rainy Day Music, but I had also won two tickets for their show tonight. I wasn't planning on going to this gig and even though it is officially the hottest day of the year (so far), I couldn't turn down seeing The Jayhawks for free and as you can imagine it was worth suffering the heat for.

Monty Python live at the O2 Arena

Monty Python
O2 Arena, 16 July 2014

Look I got to see the Pythons live! It was so much fun, I still can't stop smiling. 

I must admit when these reunion shows were announced I was highly cynical about the whole thing: I saw it as recycling old sketches for a big old cash-grab. But when I got a belated opportunity to go to this show suddenly my cynicism flew out the window and I jumped at the chance to see these comedy legends who I adored so much growing up. Even walking into the arena and seeing the big stage decked out in all its Victorian-style regalia and Terry Gilliam illustrations was a huge thrill and when the remaining Pythons took to the stage (arriving in a "Retardis" no less) wearing tuxedos and bowing for a cheering, excited crowd it was easy to get into the spirit of things and just be swept away by the fun.

The Afghan Whigs at the Electric Ballroom

The Afghan Whigs
Ed Harcourt
Electric Ballroom, 15 July 2014

It was a pleasant surprise to see Ed Harcourt announced as the support act for tonight's show especially since he could easily pack the Electric Ballroom out on his own. He's a longtime pal of Greg Dulli though and they've played together many times over the years, so I guess that's why, also given the amount of new material in his set tonight I would imagine it's also a good no-fuss testing ground for his new songs. I actually had seen Harcourt before but years ago, back when his first album, the Mercury-nominated Here Be Monsters, came out. I did really like that album at the time (still do in fact) and I remember him being a great live act but I must admit I haven't really kept up with his music since then. It surprised me to discover that he's released five more albums since then and produced and co-wrote Sophie Ellis-Bextor's latest album, Wanderlust, so he's obviously been doing alright without me.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse at Hyde Park

Neil Young & Crazy Horse
The National
Tom Odell
Hyde Park, 12 July 2014

It's always interesting listening to people's reactions after a Neil Young show and his latest headline slot at Hyde Park was no different. "Neil was clearly phoning it in! It felt like the opening night where the band were finding their feet!" one fan moaned to his friend. "That was incredible, his guitar-work is mind-blowing!" enthused another. "I wandered off before the end, it was so dull: so many tedious guitar solos," I hear another complain as he rejoins a friend, while someone else in front of me exclaims "He was so inspired tonight, even better than last time he was in London!"