Seu Jorge at the Royal Albert Hall

Seu Jorge - The Life Aquatic/Tribute To David Bowie
Family Atlantica Duo
Royal Albert Hall, 30 May 2017

It's always an awe-inspiring sight approaching the impressive Royal Albert Hall but this time as I got nearer I spotted a number of people sporting the "Steve Zissou" red beanie hats and I knew I was among my people.

My Favourite Albums Of 2016

Some of the greatest albums this year were some of the saddest and certainly inspired by death: David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, all very different but heartbreaking records. I didn't include Cave on my list because I actually found his album Skeleton Tree, recorded in the aftermath of his son's death, the most difficult to listen to, proving I suppose that death is hardest for those left behind. A lot of my favourite albums this year were definitely dark, because I guess that was my mood in 2016, but I think some were hopeful too. These days I'm finding less solace in music but I am hoping that 2017 will be different.

David Bowie's Lazarus at King's Cross Theatre

Lazarus
King's Cross Theatre, 13 November 2016

David Bowie was certainly busy in his final days, recording his last ever album Blackstar and penning a musical sequel to his iconic role in the film The Man Who Fell To Earth. His last ever public appearance was at its premiere in New York last December and, despite leaving many critics a bit baffled, the show's short run sold out in minutes. Luckily for me it is back, this time playing in his hometown of London with Michael C. Hall (he of Dexter fame) resuming his role from the NY run.

Farewell David Bowie

What a terrible start to the New Year. Devastated.

My Favourite Albums Of 2013

Even though I've always been partial to female musicians, whether they are singers, songwriters guitarists, or rockers, this year more than ever it was the girls who dominated by iPod and stereo. There's even a few that I've failed to include that I truly loved: Alessi's Ark's lovely third album The Still Life; Caitlin Rose's fun follow-up to her debut, The Stand-In; Juliana Hatfield's underrated collaboration with Nada Surf's Daniel Caws, Minor Alps; Speedy Ortiz's 90s style alternative rock; Lissie's joyful pop; Mazzy Star's long-awaited comeback and Laura Marling's elegant and beautiful Once I Was An Eagle. I really wanted to include them all but a few of those annoying boys just couldn't be ignored so unfortunately it isn't an all-girl end of year list (but almost). These are my 10 favourites. Well, right at this minute anyway...

David Bowie Is... exhibition

I went to the excellent David Bowie Is exhibition at the V&A yesterday and, given that Bowie is pretty unlikely to tour again, it really was the next best thing and I highly recommend it.

Gig memories: David Bowie at Wembley in 1995

David Bowie
Morrissey
Wembley Arena, 18 November 1995

I recently discovered an old review I wrote for this show at the time, written on a school computer. It's full of teen pretension and I completely dismiss old rock stars (aside from Neil Young funnily enough) and Bowie's 80s output. I don't really know why because I love a lot of Bowie's 80s work (particularly the Scary Monsters and Let's Dance albums and even the first Tin Machine record) but I was the midst of my punk rock phase then and just a snotty kid. But even that couldn't stop me loving Bowie.