2002

POLICECHIEF
19th January
QMU, Glasgow
supporting - Lo-Fidelity Allstars

10 years of gig-going for sleepless in seafield, but, amazingly, the first visit in all that time to the
QMU. Very strict security on the door, particularly if you've got Dr. fuckin who in front of you trying
to empty his pockets. No harm done though, we finally get in to find we're the first ones there as
usual, and immediately set up camp in front of the stage. Met the drummer's girfriend who came up to
say nice things about "our" website (hello whatever-your-name is), and then suddenly we were away on
our usual wee half-hour trip. Felt a little subdued, I think the advance guard of the edinburgh precinct
were saving ourselves for the big one tomorrow. With that in mind, we buggered off straight after
the chief for some canton express and a bit of
fun on the underground, which turned out to be
a mistake as we were apparently invited to a wee after-show shindig-bollocks!


POLICECHIEF
20th January
Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh
supporting - Lo-Fidelity Allstars

Part 2 of the big weekend, with a full Bank Hotel entourage in tow. Bit more lively tonight-few more
chief virgins deflowered, more girls saying nice things about us, and a nice early finish for
those of us who had to go to work afterwards. By all accounts the Allstars weren't worth hanging about
for, and no-one did. Managed to get all the way through Takeover tonight too, unlike the last liquid
room visit, plus more of that pesky smoke the EVOL regulars know and love. How much longer until we're
throwing some shapes to the chief on a friday night...


BIS
10th february
13th Note Club, Glasgow
supporting: The Faint, Pro Forma

Jeez, it's pretty sad what's happening to the 13th Note just now, but hell, maybe KPMG have heard
Pro Forma, eh? Let's not dwell on it, straight onto another of Bis' electro sets...hey, where are
you going, come back! It wasn't like the infamous one in Edinburgh 2 years ago, this one was good! They
opened with Skinny Tie, which seems pretty permanent now, and then gave us the first live airing of
two of the tracks from the fukd id ep, European and Situation, which sounded a lot better live. We
also got the first play of the cover of Shack Up, as well as current album tracks Silver Spoon and
Robotic, with just a wee touch of Portrait from Space at the end to tease us. And isn't it funny that
they didn't sound as good without a drummer? Still, a nice wee set, and I managed to replace the badges
that Derek so carelessly lost at T in the Park, so, I was pretty happy with the evening's work, and I
imagine Bis were thrilled at going top of the seafield league table...


TANYA DONELLY
26th February
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
support: Mary Lorson, The Walkmen

Five years is a long time between gigs, so was it worth the wait? First we had Mary " five-months
pregnant and positively glowing with it " Lorson, of Madder Rose fame, who treated us to a nice wee
set of solo numbers on guitar and piano-still got a lovely voice. Next up were The Walkmen, who nobody
had heard of, but the NME would surely love (as if one Strokes isn't enough) They also had a very funny
bouncy drummer-you would have to see him. Anyway, five years and two hours later, we finally got Mrs. Fisher
onstage, immediately treating us to a lovely solo version of The Bees. On came the band of usual
suspects (David, Rich and hubby Dean) and things began to pick up, to rapturous applause from the
Belly t-shirted audience. But, beautiful as it was, the set wasn't that long, and there were some
surprising ommisions, especially from Lovesongs. And I never thought it sounded right having other people
playing Belly songs. Still, it was the first night of the tour, and I think it showed in places (it helps
if you tell the band the set they're playing) But you can hardly complain about a night when you meet a
 Killie fan with dyed-red hair on the bus and they play Policechief on the Tut's jukebox beforehand-at the
end of the day, it was Tanya. Sorry you missed it blossom.


BABES IN TOYLAND
14th March
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
support: Hyper Hyper Girl Lover, Kirby

A bit like OMD this, going to see a band when the singer is the only original member left. Still,
before we get to that, we had the chance to re-aquaint ourselves with Kirby, who we already know
well..oh, wait a minute, no we don't, 'cos the line-up's changed, no keyboards and a new (male) bass
player. But, if anything, they sound even better now, finished with a great couple of numbers, and
rightly recieved some rapturous applause from the locals. Hyper Hyper Girl Lover stepped up to make
their scottish debut next ("everyone's been really nice") and, though the tunes weren't anything
knockout, the attitude, tattoos and name left a big impression. But the band (or woman) we all came to
see was Babes In Toyland, or, Kat Bjelland with Rachel and Brigit from Angelica on drums and bass
respectively. And while it might sound funny for Tanya Donelly to do Belly songs with another band, this
sounded exactly like the real deal, probably cos the Angelica girls grew up wanting to be in Babes In
Toyland, just like all the other kinderwhores in the audience, young and old. As for Kat, she careened
around the stage like Lemmy's demented schoolmistress, screaming her way through all the classics with that
distinctive voice. Did pretty much all the good stuff (except Catatonic-sigh), finishing up with a roaring
Sweet 69. (how weird was it to hear Mad Pilot for the first time live, seven years after our band
covered it live) Another notch on seafield's list of legends seen live; there's been many pretenders, but
Kat is still the queen of riot girrrl


POLICECHIEF
28th March
Liquid Room, Edinburgh
support: Bendy Toy

Okay, maybe the launch night of the single at Tut's was more important, but this is the one the
precinct was really looking forward too-always something a bit special about having the boys on
our turf, y'know? And the guys in ties were out in force to make sure the chief were made to feel
welcome in the capital (even if some people took the police theme a bit too literally-hello steve!) No-one
had really heard Bendy Toy before, but it didn't take long until we were throwing a few shapes on the
floor, getting in the mood for the main event. The chief were as mighty as ever: Zig-Zag made a welcome
return, and there was a new number too, a slowed-down, sax-y, make-out choon (second album material
perhaps?) A stomping Groovy Boy to finish, no encore unfortunately, and then it was off into the
 night with our precious singles. By the way, it was nice of Nina to come and give us a setlist
before the gig, but I think it's better to be kept guessing about what's next...


POLICECHIEF
30th March
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
support: Bendy Toy, Lotsabass?

Another show at Tut's, the one everyone wanted to (but couldn't) go to. Not just cos it was the launch night
of the single, but because tonight, finally, we were able to buy t-shirts! Okay, not as nifty as our
own, but a Policechief t-shirt nonetheless. How could the gig follow the excitement at the merchandise
stall beforehand-well, the guys did their best. But first, we had the oppurtunity to watch the first wave
of Policechief clones in action, step forward Lotsabass (I think) Their first ever gig, bless, and
very funky it was too, but a little bit familiar? Maybe I'm just too cynical, good luck to them. Bendy
Toy were just as good as the last time, and the crowd was soon raring to go as the club choons pumped
 out. This is when we began to notice that there now seems to be two types of fan developing at the
shows: the alternative, indie-types, and the clubbin', bownsiiin types. Is this because of Policechief's
crossover sound, they naturally attract a wide and diverse audience? Or is it another example of the 
great glasgow/edinburgh divide? Anyway, the boys were in fine form again: lollipops flying into the
audience, a mini-brass section onstage for Moving Out, and a stomping new number which more than tipped a
nod to the starsky and hutch theme. But still no encore, though I doubt we could have handled much more
excitement. A great night, but I couldn't help feeling the edinburgh gig was more, well, fun? What a snob... 


BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
1st April
Usher Hall, Edinburgh
support: Monica Queen, some other shite

The perfect chillout after a Policechief weekend-standing in a big posh hall with a big bunch of
fey-types, swaying and nodding and being too shy to dance. I love Belle And Sebastian, I really do, but some
 of the fans are such a cliched bunch of tossers, honestly-I'm sorry, but who the fuck brings a BOOK
to a gig? Anyway, Monica Queen got us under way with some nice laid-back alt-country, which was, I'm
afraid, completely lost in such a big venue, and everyone was quite happily chatting away by the time
she was finished-sorry Monica, loved Thrum, see you later for Lazy Line. I don't know who the next band
were, but they were shite, even if they did have a girl singer (a cross between Patti Smith and
Sarah-Jane Smith) In fairness, it's a tough act for a support to get a Belle and Sebastian crowd going. Just
ask Belle and Sebastian-they're good live, if a little quiet, and Stuart's a funny frontman (whether he
means it or not-he was on thin ice a few times with the queen mum and edinburgh crowds) but when
 a cover of Brown-Eyed Girl is the only thing that'll get the punters going, they must wonder what they
have to do. The only gig were you can throw the mike into the crowd and have twenty people pass it around
like a poisoned snake without singing a word. The venue didn't help though, maybe a bit too big, but
the band deserved more than warm rounds of applause for their efforts (not just their onstage
performance, but for being the only band that sell tea-towels and shopping bags at thier gigs) At least
Jacob can say he's seen them now, although I've seen them have better shows...


GARBAGE
5th April
Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
support: Kelli Ali

Don't really buy the albums. Got a few singles. Not exactly a diehard. But fuck, when Garbage are
playing in town, I'm there, cos this is a shit-hot band live (as you'd expect from a bunch of
session musicians) A few numbers from the new album I didn't know, but everyone still got stuck in
big time, moshing away quite happily to the delight of the hometown girl Shirley. She can witter on a
bit between numbers though, little bit of politics and all that, but it wasn't as bad as the opening of
the parliament, they generally just got on with belting out the hits. Not just their own
either:can't get you out of my head was a bit of a highlight, it must be said. Kelli Ali was pretty
good too, nice solid stuff. All in all, a good night. But jesus, how expensive were those t-shirts...


ELECTRIC SOFT PARADE
13th May
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
support: Meloton

Isn't it great, just once in a while, to go see someone without having heard a single one
of their songs. For a start, you don't have to worry about some tosser reading out the setlist
beforehand, 'cos you don't know any of their songs anyway, so nothing's been ruined. It wasn't
quite as dark and moody as I thought it might be, but there were a few definite highlights: enjoyed There's
a silence and Airiel roots (even though it was ruined by a shit b-side immediately afterwards-think
Hydroplane and BRMC gone crazy) And the mike on the toms going through an effects pedal was a nice
idea too, wish I'd thought of that one. Good stuff, but then, when you have Tanya Donelly on the PA
beforehand, you kinda' expect a good night...


HIM
17th May
Cathouse, Glasgow
support: ?

What a strange year-seeing bands I haven't seen for years and visiting venues I haven't been to
for years either. The cathouse was a good wee venue before it all went high-skool metal, but you
have to say it was a bit busier tonight than any gig I'd been to there before. Half the audience seemed to
be german or finnish girls, the other half fifteen year old boys. Not easy to get good pix at this
one, but I did my best with a few choice contortions (although I think I may have been alarming the girl
in front of me at times) Knew enough of HIM to sing along with a few faves, and there was a few I didn't
know but I quite happily bopped along to. It wasn't quite as corny (or should that be Korn-y) as I
thought, but still good fun, although I must admit, my first impression was "christ, Michael Hutchence 
is still alive!" Enjoyable enough, and it finished nice and early so I could get back in time for
some free badges at EVOL...


KIRBY
21st May
Bongo Club, Edinburgh
support:loads of other rubbish bands

Every time I see them they change the bloody line-up! This time the lead singer was missing; found out
later that she'd left/been sacked last thursday, so, it was a set of hastily re-arranged songs on
show tonight. They're still getting better and tighter with each listen, but they really missed the extra
vocals on a few numbers, especially Star Cafe and Rock n' Roll Day. The best thing about Kirby was all the
great harmonies going on between the three girls, that's what always put the ram in the 
ramalamadingdong. Still, we'll wait and see what happens. Another new venue to add to the list
too-decent wee stage area, and a nice someone's flat in a community centre feel to the bar (I haven't
described that very well, have I?) Three quid well spent.


TACOMA RADAR
26th May
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
support: some other nonsense

Isn't it always the way:you don't go somewhere for years, and then you're back there twice in a
fortnight. Last-minute decision this one-got all the stuff, found out they were playing, and decided to
saunter down and check it out (without telling anyone else-what a bastard). Not bad, they played
 Pilothouse, which was real good live, and loads of stuff I'd never heard. A lot better live, just
wish I'd remembered to take my camera with me...


THE BREEDERS
29th May
QMU, Glasgow
support: Radar Brothers

Man, how long have I waited for this one? Finally, after an eleven-year love affair, I got to see
Kim and Kelley (although not everyone could tell which was which-you'd have thought Kelley would've
been the really rough-looking one) With the sound of the new album, I was worried it might not rock out
as much as it could've, but there were no problems there tonight. As Kelley proudly announced early
on, they were going to play stuff from ALL the albums (including, pleasantly enough, The Amps
record:I was well pleased when they launched into Tipp City) Pretty much all the good stuff was there-I
could moan about one or two songs that were missing, but it was still great. The only blip was the break
to "set-up", which was an awful lot of trouble just for one song. But still a great set otherwise, and
it was nice to see both the girls hanging about afterwards to say howdy to the fans. No t-shirts
unfortunately, but I met the Slipknot/Belly fan from the Tanya gig at Tut's, which secured me a good
spot down the front-gute arbeit, mein Freunde!


T IN THE PARK
Balado Airfield, Kinross


DOT ALLISON
Saturday, Slam Tent

Well. The last time I saw Dot Allison was at T in '99, when, unforgivably, I found myself nodding off
during her set (although that was more to do with our neighbours on the campsite than Dot and her
music) There was no danger of that happening this time though, not with her new electronic grooves
pumping away. Really liked the new sound, so much so that I spent a good half-hour in the cd fair later
trying to get a copy of the new album. The only problems with the show were the fact that it was
in the slam tent: it's meant to be pure dance, not live bands, and the crowd are all schemies that
want shum bonshin man! Also, the stage was behind the actual DJ's booth, so, she was pretty distant
and it wasn't ideal for taking pictures. And, much as I was delighted to hear the little slow version of
White Love, should that really have been the last song? Still loved it though...

 
THE DANDY WARHOLS
Saturday, Main Stage

Little bit of deja vu here-saturday afternoon, main stage, three slow numbers to start off with. The
difference was that this year the crowd were a wee bit more patient. Maybe it's because they were all just
waiting for the one from the mobile phone advert. It did get going after about half a dozen assorted
album tracks form 13 tales and come down, with the band wrapping things up with a 1-2-3 of
Holiday, Bohemian and Boys Better. And, just like last year, the Sunday Mail managed to fuck up their
review, describing Courtney Taylor-Taylor as, well, a she. Do they even go to these fucking gigs? Nice to
see Zia's bum again, though it was slightly fatter than the last time-I hope she's not letting herself
go now she's married...


STARSAILOR
Saturday, Main Stage

Well, there wasn't much to do between the Dandy Warhols and Policechief, so I hung around to try and
see what the attraction was for Sonja with this lot. Even she didn't manage to stay around for the whole
set; enough said...


POLICECHIEF
Saturday, T Break Tent

Most people were buying and selling saturday tickets for big money on the internet, but don't kid
yourself that it was for people desperate to see Oasis: this was the main attraction. A very healthy
sprinkling of chief t-shirts in the crowd long before the band appeared (mostly the orange ones
though, ugh-no wonder they were throwing them into the crowd during the gig) There was a wee problem with
the vocals on the first number too, but everyone finally managed to get the message across to the
band what was wrong and it was soon sorted. As for the songs themselves, it was a funny old set-a few
new ones, and a live debut for everybody's favourite track from Coup De Grace. Ahem! None of the old
favourites either, but we didn't mind (too much) Now, is there anyone else worth seeing today...


PRIMAL SCREAM
Saturday, Main Stage

Was hit by a bit of a dilemna as soon as we arrived, what with BRMC and Primal Scream clashing. But my
problem was solved by the fact that I couldn't get into King Tut's tent for BRMC, so, instead, I just
made my way to the main stage to get a good spot for the scream. They opened with a few new tracks, Miss
Lucifer and Rise, both of which sounded awesome. The set kind of started to slow down a bit after
that, but picked up again later with some more great new stuff and a storming Swastika Eyes. The crowd
were having a great time by now, but I couldn't really see the stage, had to rely on the video screens to
see what was going on. Bobby Gillespie looked like a moody git, but he was nothing compared to me when
I met Sadie down the front-of all the moshpits in all the gigs in the world, you had to pogo into my
one. Managed to lose her during Rocks though, phew!


OASIS
Saturday, Main Stage

After Primal Scream I was kind of stuck down the front with no way out. Well, I could've gotten out of
there if I'd really tried, but I thought, if I stay here, at least one Oasis fan will be prevented from
being where he/she really wanted to be, so I hung around out of spite. When the gruesome twosome
appeared I jumped about with everyone else, and I sang along with everyone else, but it was shite really...
 

BENDY TOY
Sunday, T Break Tent

We could start a party in an empty house sometimes, we really could. As soon as we found out that Bendy Toy
was kicking off the T Break tent with a DJ set, we were straight down there. There were about a dozen
or so people hanging around, drinking beer and generally just avoiding the sun, but we shamelessly
went right to the middle of the tent and started dancing about like dafties for an hour. What better
way to get you in the mood for the day than shaking it to the 12" of Dee-Lite's Groove Is In The Heart?


WORK-SHY
Sunday, T Break Tent

Over the weekend, whenever I found myself at a loose end between bands, I would always find myself in
the T Break Tent. I'm always one for looking out the next big thing, and this tent was where I felt most
at home in the whole festival, a reassuring oasis of calm amidst the ocean of schemies, neds and other
wankers. And so I stumbled upon Work-Shy halfway through their set, and I was immediately into it
right down the front. Maybe the missing link between Policechief and Bendy Toy? The last track was
superb, and after a bit of aftershow handshaking and chit-chatting, managed to score a cd of it from the
singer, which was a nice result. Work-Shy, you heard it here first.


CORNELIUS
Sunday, King Tut's Wah Wah Tent

Don't know how I ended up deciding to see this. Maybe I didn't fancy jumping about to The Hives in the
scorching sun. Maybe I wanted to make sure of a place for ESP. Maybe it was fate, but for whatever
reason, I found myself watching Cornelius, and I'm glad I did, 'cos it was the show of the weekend. The
music wasn't special (though it was good), but the video and light show accompanying the band was
both stunningly clever and imaginative, couldn't begin to describe it. I probably wouldn't buy an album, but
my god I'd see them live again tomorrow. Are all bands form Japan as brilliant and original as this? There
are a lot of bands out there who could learn a lot from Cornelius about putting on a show. There was
quite a wee crowd of japanese kids down the front too, but, miraculously, I managed to squeeze my way in
too; maybe they thought I was one of them becuase of my size, either way, it gave me a chance to play
the singer's effects pedal when he came down to mingle with the crowd-superb!


THE ELECTRIC SOFT PARADE
Sunday, King Tut's Wah Wah Tent

This was the other reason I shunned The Hives, wanted to make sure I saw all of ESP's set. Thought that
all the japanese kids would disappear after Cornelius, but they stayed put instead, so, I was glad I'd
managed to squeeze in when I did. Sonja showed up before the kick-off too, and there was just enough
room to get her in as well for a great set. When I'd seen them in Edinburgh I didn't know any of the
stuff, this time I knew it all and it made it much more enjoyable. The crowd were really up for it as
well, and the band were visibly feeding off the reaction they were getting and putting more energy
and emotion into it, which made the crowd even better and so on, until it all came together for crowd and
band with a memorable finale of Silent To The Dark, which was probably one of my highlights of the weekend, even
though we all ended up with pretty sore hands from clapping along to the whole song. Some
nice jumping on keyboard action too, very rock 'n roll, and I'm pretty sure I got into the video they
were making!


SONIC YOUTH
Sunday, King Tut's Wah Wah Tent

Sometimes at a festival you have one of those zen-type days, where everything you go to see is absolutely
fantastic. I thought I was on for one of those days until Sonic Youth came on (what a misnomer that
is, I mean, how old are those guys?) Never seen so many snappers in the pit for a show either, counted
fifteen of them. All a lot of excitement for very little entertainment I felt, it was much of a
muchness to me. But I promised I'd hold onto the spot for Mercury Rev, and I did (though not without some
difficulty!) What on earth was all the fuss about?


MERCURY REV
Sunday, King Tut's Wah Wah Tent

Saw these guys at T in '99, and I remembered being blowna way with the rest of the crowd by an amazing
band doing an amazing set. But I wondered if it was just as good as I remembered, or if it was just a
one-off. No danger. They had us by the knackers right from the off, and the crowd were absolutley lapping
 it up. Cute-smile Johnny and his buddies had us spell bound with a stunning mix of beautiful songs and
a wonderful light show. The crowd were loving it so much that at one point the band couldn't start the
next number because of the rapturous ovations they were getting. All good things must come to an end
though, and this did with a wonderful The Dark Is Rising, finishing with Johnny doing a wee muscleman
pose for the crowd to thundering applause. Not all bands need a stunning video show to win over the crowd...


THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS
Sunday, Main Stage

Gave it ten minutes, but couldn't get into it. Miles from the stage, doing all the songs we didn't really
like that much. Fuck it, let's go see...


BENDY TOY
Sunday, T Break Tent

Isn't it great to finish the day as you started it? This time we had Bendy Toy doing his own stuff, and we
were right in there again, dancing away like idiots. Not many more people in the tent than there was
in the morning, but at least more of them were dancing now (fucking hard not to with Bendy Toy!) This was
much better than the main stage, more intimate, room to dance away, much more satisfying all round. And we
got value for money too, 'cos the set overran and the stewards had to tell him to wind it up because all the
other stages were finished. All in all, a fine way to end a fine day, and a hell of a mouth-waterer for
the Liquid Rooms on august 10th...


BIS
4th August
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
support: Torquemada, The Silver Pill, Huckleberry and When Pilots Eject

Another year, another Planet Pop, the edinburgh festival's original music fest. The theme of the
opening night launch party was that each band had to cover a song by a band who had played Planet Pop
in previous years. Torquemada opened things with, well, how would you describe it? Bad News meets
Spinal Tap, but cornier. They were sooo corny, it was just the best entertainment you could imagine. I
don't know what the cover was, but it was in there somewhere. The other three bands were all much of
a muchness, although one of them did an okay cover of Kandy Pop. Which brings us nicely to the main
attraction-whenever I see Bis these days, there always seems to be something unique about each show. In
this case it was their murdering of Sleater-Kinney's "Dig Me Out". You just knew the cover would be
something like that with Manda around. A pretty enjoyable set though, wasn't it great to see them
get the old megaphone out again for Monstarr? And you can never complain about the tons of
badges, stickers and other goodies they always have available at the shows. A good night.


POLICECHIEF
10th August
Liquid Room, Edinburgh
support: Bendy Toy

This time last year we saw the chief at the Liquid Room as support to UNKLE-he never turned up, the
boys did a great set, the crowd were refunded, and we all went home happy. Twelve months on and they're
back on the fringe, but this time as headliners. So what's changed in the last year? There's plenty of
great new tunes, with the band now threatening to turn into a Charlatans/Starsky and Hutch crossover. The
band are bigger, with the mini brass section looking like a permanent (and welcome) addition. The debut
single has come and gone, and the guys are doing interviews and sessions here, there and
everywhere. The band are constantly supported now by the wonderful Bendy Toy, who isn't far off being
paid tribute with some "we don't think we're Roger Ramjet, we think we're chickens" t-shirts. But
unfortunately, despite all these changes, the fact remains that Dr. Jacob Mushlin is still the worst
dancer on the planet...


CAMERA OBSCURA
16th August
The Venue, Edinburgh
support: Odeon Beat Club, The Boy Cartographer

On with the festival! We missed the first band due to the ridiculous amount of mispours sent our way
at the Bank, but arrived in time to make the rather wonderful discovery of Odeon Beat Club. Hard to
describe really, just a really good band with good songs, a good singer and free cd's :) The guitarist
disassembling the drumkit as the last song wound down was a nice wee touch too. We've already had our
fiver's worth, with Camera Obscura still to come. They've always been compared to that other rather
fey Glasgow band (what do you expect when Stuart Murdoch's your producer) But, while Belle and
Sebastian can be a bit of a shambles live, Camera Obscura actually turned out to be quite a tight
outfit onstage, at least, they were until some moron through a beer at Tracey and they walked off. But once
 the fat cow responsible was ejected by the crowd, the band reappeared (to rapturous applause) and rounded
 off their set in style with a great new song (should've piched a setlist, d'oh!) Felt really sorry for Tracey
though, she seemed pretty upset by the whole thing-touch and go whether they'd ever play Edinburgh
again, which is a shame, 'cos I thought they were great (and that's not just because the keyboard
player had white tights...)


THE CHARLATANS
23rd August
Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
support: Lupine Howl

Sometimes you're just not in the mood, no matter how hard you try. The Charlatans were great, they really
were, but I couldn't bring myself to do any more than just nod my head through the songs and clap at the
end of each one. I looked so bored and fed up that one of the bouncers even asked if I was okay and if I
wanted lifted out. Couldn't say for sure why I wasn't in the mood: maybe it was the oppresively loud
PA beforehand. Maybe it was the anodyne droning of Lupine Howl (jason Pierce knew what he was doing
when he sacked them, eh?) Maybe it was being sandwiched at the front of a group of tanked-up neds
and constantly having to duck to avoid getting injured by the surfers (I finally did get a vicious kick
 on the side of the head right at the end of Sproston Green which left my ear ringing for about
half-an-hour afterwards) Maybe it was the full moon in my star-sign. Or maybe, after all these years, gigs
are finally starting to become a bit of a routine-I'd hate to think what that means. I hope that bouncer
 that had to get carried away injured was okay, those boys do a great job at gigs like this. If only I'd
known Bendy Toy was supporting Faithless...


PLANET POP CLOSING NIGHT
featuring PILOTCAN, X-TIGERS, GO COMMANDO! and SONS AND DAUGHTERS
29th August
Liquid Room, Edinburgh

We could have gone to see Bis at EGO. We could've gone to see Policechief in Glasgow. We could even have
gone to the National Pop League. But we came here, tempted by the free entry into EVOL and the prospect
of seeing Go Commando. It started okay: Sons And Daughters were pretty slowcore, but they had one
or two songs I would concievably listen to again. Go Commando were the main event for me, though I still
fail to see the Belly comparison's that've been made about them. Keyboard player was nice though. X-tigers
have been pretty hyped up, but I thought they were just more really shouty people with guitars (which
kept some people happy) Pilotcan were rubbish. EVOL was dreadful, so bad we left at half-twelve. Not
a good night at all, least said, soonest mendest...


TORQUEMADA
9th September
Bongo Club, Edinburgh

It was only three quid. Just had to see them again to see if they were for real, and the answer was a
resounding Hell Yeah! Skin-tight jeans-check! White shoes-check! Jumping offstage and playing solos in
the middle of the audience-check! Smashing up equipment at the end-check! A really darned funny
half-hour, and, scarily enough, I found myself starting to like one or two tunes, especially
backseat education...


SAINT ETIENNE
4th October
Cottier Theatre, Glasgow
support: Broadcast

An eventful night to say the least. First of all we had the absolute joy of a 20p round, thanks to the
dimwitted barmaid (I should drink in Glasgow more often) Then it was into the theatre for the first time, a
 converted church no less, and very nice it was too, but as usual, everyone was miles away
from the stage, too embarrassed to be up the front to see the band they, er, came to see? I soon sorted that
out though, no shame in being the first one down there. Much as I love Saint Etienne, I was dying
to see Broadcast too, their first live outings after being in the studio for a year or so. And they didn't
disappoint, playing three great new songs along with some old faves (although the set was cut slightly
short, boo!) A great wee taster for tomorrow. The it was the main event, though you wouldn't know it
 by the apathetic reaction of the crowd of beard-stroking, pullovered, pernod-drinking audience. First night
of a tour can often be a bit awkward, especially if there's a new set-up, new people in the band, new
stage layout etc. This wasn't too bad, but Sarah looked a bit isolated, out front on her own with
 the boys in Kraftwerk-like formation behind her. Nice film-show though. The set was mostly new stuff, but
you can't go wrong with an encore of Like A Motorway, Hobart Paving and Nothing Can Stop Us. There's something about
 Saint Etienne, no-one else could ever be them, y'know? A good night with a good t-shirt. And I got the
oppurtunity to frighten Trish Keenean after Broadcast's set too, so rah!


BROADCAST
5th October
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
support: The Magnificents

Risked my life to see this. There were other gigs available on the night, but I just had to see my
space-pop favourites again after being away so long. Once again I was johnny-sad down the front straight
away, and once again everyone else soon joined me when the band came on. Broadcast were even better than
 last night, more or less the same set, but with another few songs tagged on the end. The crowd were
a bit unsure of it all at first, but the applause got more and more rapturous after every song. Again, the
three new songs sounded fabulous, cannot wait for them to come out. The set finished with the incredible
Hammer Wihout A Master-it was just one of those gig moments you'll never forget, just for a few minutes
they had you in a different time and place all of their own making, and then it was all over, no time
for an encore (much to everyone's disappointment), but I did grab a setlist and a t-shirt for a fiver. And
I never thought about Mull once all night...shame about the pesky pillars at La Belle though, they kinda'
took the shine off the film show a bit...


JAMES DEAN BRADFIELD
9th October
Renfrew Ferry, Glasgow

I have to be very careful here. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not the biggest Manics fan in the
world, but, I was lucky enough to be given the chance to go along to this exclusive, secret solo gig in
front of 250 other lucky competition winners and see him up close and personal sort of thing. He did have
a very powerful and emotive voice, and he was a very good guitarist too. And the audience were plainly
loving every minute, so you could hardly knock it. The only thing that set my teeth on edge was the question
and answer session halfway through, when he started talking about politics and lots of other stupid things
that have got nothing to do with music. But aside from that, it wasn't too terrible. After all, it didn't
cost anything, we were provided with a bus there and back, and we were given some goodies on the way out
too. Apparently the set itself was a little strange though, no new single, which you would have thought
would be a dead cert to feature. But he did do Suicide Is Painless-well, he had to, 'cos the germans love it ;)
Special mention fo the Renfrew Ferry too, which was a pretty cool place actually. Rather than the ferronomic
frenzy of the tiara and boa brigade down the front, I opted for a spot on the balcony, which was far better
for taking a few pix, and closer to the bar too! Couldn't help thinking the place would've suited a
Johnny O'Clock gig very nicely thank you...


THE ELECTRIC SOFT PARADE
28th October
QMU, Glasgow
support: Psychid, Big Sur

How many times have I been to the QMU this year, when I'd never set foot in it until January? Back
again, this time for the Brighton brothers getting themselves nominated for all sorts of awards
just now. After the set at T in the Park, I was really looking forward to this, and it looked good when they
came on and started with a nice version of Always On My Mind. A few hits later, and it all looked good. But
then they ended up playing seven new songs, which, although they were very good (especially Chaos), it
killed things a little:I hate bands playing lots of new stuff that hasn't been released yet, how can
 you sing along and enjoy yourself if you don't know the words yet? Still a good gig though, but the band
and the crowd didn't quite "connect" as beautifully as they did at T, plus it was an abbreviated Silent To
The Dark to finish (no mikes on drums) But what really ruined the night was the arsehole next to me
at the front who was constantly elbowing, pushing and fighting me through the last six songs, for no apparent
 reason (like anyone would have a problem seeing past me at a gig) Dickheads like that can really
put me in a bad mood, eh Sonja?


SUEDE
30th October
Barrowlands, Glasgow
support: Gemma Hayes

Back to Glasgow again, with slightly bruised ribs. Couldn't really be bothered with this, would quite
happily have flogged the tickets to a tout outside. Hate going to big gigs like this, and I don't really
like the Barrowlands. So we hung about the fringes, watching the kids go by and wondering if any of
them were into either NIN or Slowdive. Gemma Hayes didn't help the mood either, but things perked up
a bit once Suede came on. Not exactly a massive fan, probably the one and only time I'll see them, but
it was good. Brett's a good frontman, I was taking a few notes on his dance-moves for EVOL throughout
the set. And they did all my faves, including American Pie. Still left early though: after all, getting
 the 11 bus means you can get a few beers at the Bank...


BALLBOY
2nd November
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
support: The Starlets, Degrassi

Fuck me, this is too much like a routine, through to Glasgow for the third time in six days, and for a
bloody Edinburgh band. Probably the only time we'll hear jokes about Hearts fans at King Tut's. Not
that it was a wasted trip though. Immediately upon arrival we cleaned out the SL stall, buying t-shirts
and cd's, and filling our pockets with stickers. The Starlets got things under way, and boy, did they grow
on you. Started slowly, but soon metamorphisised into a sort of Scottish Smiths, with a brilliant front
guy: if his band don't make it, he surely will as a stand-up comedian. Great stuff. Degrassi brought
everyone back down to earth though, utter shite, and I began thinking that maybe I should've gone to see
Ninety-Nine instead. And they over-ran. Ballboy finally made it on (after an admirably quick soundcheck) and
 immediately we were in raptures at the very sight of them. The bass player's shit, but
they pretty much got away with it. Plenty of singing along to Public Park and Sex Is Boring, plus they
 closed with a lovely Leave The Earth Behind...But what really stole my heart was the new song at the
end about giving his eyes to blind man, it was absolutley beautiful. Worth missing the midnight
bus and dodging fights on ths streets for an hour and a half. And how bizarre is this: last time I saw Ballboy, the
highlight was seeing the bass player from Policechief, this time I saw the drummer and the singer too...


THE DELGADOS
29th November
Barrowlands, Glasgow
supporting: Doves

Can't believe it took me so long to decide to go to this, maybe it was giving fifteen quid just to
see the support. But hey, like it would be the first time I'd ever done that, eh? They were very bit as
amazing as they'd ever been, and we had such a good spot down the front, should've taken my camera (the
delgados are great for taking pictures, 'cos they don't move much, and there's not much moshing going
on to put you off your shot) Anyway, only seven songs (four from Hate, three from Great Eastern), and every
one as towering as the last. The full band, the string section, the loops and samples, fantastic sound. And
as soon as it was over there was a mass exodus-I don't think we were the only ones there just to see the
support band. Got some great t-shirts, some postcards, a M**ics poster and got back home to edinburgh in time
for a few beers too. But maybe we should've stayed for Doves: could they have been any worse than watching
Scotland's performance against Portugal...


POLICECHIEF
30th November
King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
with: Kain, Odeon Beat Club, Lapsis Linguae

Ah, is there anything more satisfying than deflowering a couple of Policechief virgins: the huge grin on their
 face afterwards, the light in their eyes, the sweat on their foreheads, lovely! But in fairness, this was
 one of the best, for once at Tut's, there was a wee bit of room to dance. Kain started off the
night as the obligatory Strokes-sounding band, sounded okay but a bit obvious (and we could've done without
the singer coming up and talking to us afterwards) Odeon Beat Club are old friends, they were as good
as I told everyone they were, although some people were only interested in watching the bass player. And
as for the main event? Well, two new tracks to kick off, damn fine they were too, then a selection of old
ones we all knew and loved. A shortish set, and no Gravity surprisingly, but hell, that was all the
virgins neede to be converted. Didn't take many pictures, for once I was too busy dancing, but who
cares, someone was there with a video camera, we'll soon track her down. Get your rocks out!


LADYTRON
3rd December
La Belle Angele, Edinburgh
support: Pro Forma

Can't get away from La Belle after never being there for seven years. New album came out the day before
the gig, which is never ideal (like a bit of time to swot up, learn a few lyrics), but this was still
pretty darn good. The sound was definately improved with the live bassist and drummer, who, unlike the
rest of the band, weren't in uniform (subtle message there-these guys are just session musicians, they're
not as important as us) But some of the old tracks from 604 got fleshed out a bit to good effect, made
them a lot meatier, especially He Took Her To A Movie, which I'd never been too bothered about before. Most
of the set was from the new album, though I couldn't believe they missed out the title track, which is the
standout song-maybe Jean Michael Jarre has a court order on it just now. Other than that all my faves
were there, and they all sounded as good as I hoped they would live. The video show was a bit needless
though, you couldn't possibly see it for all the people and equipment onstage. Still, good show, good
t-shirt, good night. Even with the enormous drag factor of having Pro Forma in support...


PRIMAL SCREAM
16th December
Corn Exchange, Edinburgh
support: The Kills

I am the only person in the world who actually quite enjoyed Primal Scream's set at T in the Park this
year, so I was quite up for this. Down the front at such a big gig isn't usually my fave place to be, but
I didn't mind too much, this was worth it. I did get pretty crushed and bruised, but not as bad as at the
Charlatans gig. Bobby looked much more in the mood than at T, and Mani did well to play when he was
obviously choked with flu (which excused him being so sweaty and spitting all over the stage every two
minutes) The sound wasn't quite as electro as it could've been (a bad mix I reckon), but it still
rocked. Two encores as well, and the screamadelica stuff was a nice surprise, didn't expect to hear
much of the old stuff. The Kills were a pleasant surprise too, a frightening little glimpse of
how Johnny O'Clock might've turned out if they'd done more drugs...


SL RECORDS CHRISTMAS PARTY
featuring BALLBOY, BARRICHELLO, DESC, THE STARLETS AND THE 55'S
22nd December
Bongo Club, Edinburgh

Hell's bells, what a night this was. Tanked up on some xmas spirits, we sauntered into the Bongo Club
at half nine completely unaware that such a great night lay ahead of us. The 55's were already on, but
they were shit, so we headed for the bar instead and cased the joint. There were already some real drunk
people careening about the place, plastered in Ballboy stickers from head to toe, and why not, it was a
christmas party after all. The first band didn't last long, so we ambled stagewards to check out The Starlets, who
I'd been bumming up big time to the boys. I'm now totally convinced that Biff is a cross between Stuart
Murdoch and Morrisey, and he'd still make a good comedian:" Since it's christmas and everybody's feeling
 festive, we thought we'd just do our happy songs. So it'll be a very short set. " Short it was too, but
very sweet with it. No idea who the next band was, so we wandered off to check the merchandise stall
and grab a few more beers. Tip for anyone who ever finds themselves working at a t-shirt stall at a
gig-don't get pissed! If someone gives you a twenty for a ten pound t-shirt and a three quid cd, you
don't give them 13 quid change. But hey, it's christmas, and I wasn't going to be the one to
tell them. A few beers, party poppers and xmas crackers later, we went back through for the main
event, the lovely Ballboy. But shock, horror, where's Katie tonight? In Newcastle, apparently. So, tonight, for
one night only, it's Ballboy the power trio, and they fucking powered. By now everyone was seven sheets to
the wind, and we danced about like wee maniacs all the way through to the thrilling climax (no pun intended) of
Sex is Boring. Fucking great gig. We could hardly let the night end there, so, high as kites, we hung
about for a bit and danced away happily to the likes of Velocette, Stereolab, and The Delgados until
they finally killed the disco and we had to shuffle off into the night. But we still found time to say
howdy to Biff, who turned out to be a darn nice fellow and a Partick fan too. So there we were, the Jag, the
Arab, the Hibee and the Killie fan, all talking about how much we hated the Old Firm and how we wished they
would just fuck off. A fabulous night, which continued until 3am in the bank, but that's another story. And
the admission fee for this wonderful evening's entertainment? Two quid.

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