With the country still in the midst of lockdown and no sign of any live music in the foreseeable future if at all this year I thought I would take the opportunity to look back in the archives, sounds posh I know but it’s just an spreadsheet, and revisit gigs I attended on this day down the years. I will keep this going until I can attend my first gig again in person so hopefully this also brings back memories for my gig going chums who have joined me on this great musical journey down the years.
Three of the best today on my look back trip down memory lane for you down the years.
2013, the Autumn Defense, the Lexington, London
Taking a break from their day job, Pat Sansone and John Stirrat of Wilco fame are all of The Autumn Defense. Less Americana and more soft pop with added lush arrangements.
I think they were joined by a drummer and keyboardist for tonight’s show as they run through a long set from across their back catalogue and a couple from their forthcoming fifth album.
It’s a lovely night full of perfect harmonies and catchy tunes in my favourite small London venue.
2010, Blitzen Trapper, the Garage, London
First time for us tonight to see the mighty Blitzen Trapper and it’s just Antony and myself for this show. It’s the ‘Destroyer of the Void’ tour which is a strong album and just nibbles my top three BT albums.
It’s difficult to categorise BT as they are part the Beatles, part the Byrds, part American folk with their word heavy tales of US life, all played by excellent musicians. This was a brilliant show with a nice blend of oldies and the new album. Given my strong leaning to the masterpiece that is ‘Furr’ those tracks specially stood out but in a night full of highlights it would be churlish to single anything out. As adept with acoustic ballads through power pop these guys can also rock like the proverbial. Been lucky to see them a couple of times since and never fail to deliver a great show.
1995, Aimee Mann, the Forum, London
We were a bit obsessed with Aimee Mann around this time seeing her four times in eighteen months. With her second album ‘I’m with Stupid’ just released this was essentially a promo tour. Looking at the setlist now it’s a short sharp set with six from the new album and just three from her fine debut ‘Whatever’.
To be honest she could have read the alphabet I would have loved the show. Maybe my first female rock crush since first Debbie Harry and then Pat Benatar. A beautiful, super talented singer songwriter with that unique voice, whats not to love.
That’s it for today’s trip down memory lane. Here’s hoping we can get to some form of normality soon but with the new lockdown my last chance of a gig disappeared this month and I have now had my first gig of 2021 cancelled so that will take it to a full twelve months at least between gigs.
Support your small local venues and smaller artists in these difficult times, stay safe and keep on rockin y’all.