Vashti Bunyan interview

I interviewed the lovely folk legend Vashti Bunyan for REBEAT Magazine about her new album, Heartleap, and her years as a struggling singer in 60s London leading up to her cult classic record, Just Another Diamond Day. You can go to the above link or read the results below!

Her first single may have come out back in 1965, but Vashti Bunyan is only about to release her third ever album (fourth if you include the excellent compilation Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind), Heartleap, in October. But then, Bunyan’s story is nothing if not unusual and, best of all, one with a happy ending.

Throwing Muses at Islington Assembly Hall

Throwing Muses
Tanya Donelly
Islington Assembly Hall, 26 September 2014

I first saw Throwing Muses live in the mid 90s, long after original member Tanya Donelly had left. By then Donelly had her own band in Belly, who were actually far more successful, albeit for a shorter run, than the Muses had ever been. Tanya and her stepsister - Muses head honcho Kristin Hersh - at that point didn't seem that close any more and it seemed something of a hopeless dream to ever see them ever play together again. So when I saw that Throwing Muses were coming to London in support of their first album in 10 years, Purgatory/Paradise, and the special guest was none other than Tanya Donelly herself, I couldn't miss the possibility of seeing them finally share a stage again and playing all those old Muses songs I had been too young to hear live the first time around.

Jenny Lewis at Islington Assembly Hall

Jenny Lewis

Alessi's Ark

Islington Assembly Hall, 5 September 2014

I've seen Alessi's Ark so many times but always in small venues, so it's strange to see her on a relatively big stage playing support to Jenny Lewis tonight. Dressed in a striking embroidered green silk outfit, she seems to have finally settled on a two-piece backing band, who I last saw her play with last year, and they sound well-rehearsed and comfortable with each other. Alessi's had bigger bands in the past but I've always felt they overwhelmed her but playing as part of a trio suits her sound perfectly.

Lady by Stevie Nicks

First off, "Lady by Stevie Nicks" sounds like a perfume I would totally buy. Lady isn't her new scent though, it's actually the name of her new single and the above video proves that simplicity is beautiful. The song is absolutely gorgeous too. I can't wait for her new album 24 Karat Gold: Songs From The Vault, out in October. If the rest is anywhere near as good as this it's going to be fantastic.

Kate Bush at the Hammersmith Apollo

Kate on stage (from the tour programme)

Kate Bush: Before The Dawn
Hammersmith Apollo, 2 September 2014

I can't believe I am writing this but I just saw Kate Bush live. It was everything I hoped it would be but also nothing like I thought it would be either. And it's easily the best show I've been to this year.