Rock and Pop: Latest News
Published: 17 February 2011
by ROISIN GADELRAB
SO the Brits grew up? There was less silliness (bar James Corden), less rock ‘n’ roll and no irreverence – but is that what we want, or do we prefer the spectacle? Don’t we watch these things for car crash moments, drunken speeches and offensive egotistical rock stars? Still, good to see Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons win awards, shame The XX were overlooked.
• Feeling Gloomy won’t let up with the “can’t miss” events. This time brooding Irish hardman Paddy Considine (of Dead Man’s Shoes, Hot Fuzz etc) and his band Riding the Low play the 02 Academy Islington (Feb 26).
•Don’t forget the Camden Crawl’s essential preview night, CC Tips, with Spectrals, Paris Suit Yourself, Patch William and Frontiers at The Bull & Gate (Feb 24).
• When your big hit turns up on Homebase ads, it’s getting a bit old. And “whistling song” Young Folks was conspicuous by its absence when Peter, Bjorn and John previewed new album Gimme Some to a rammed Old Blue Last in Shoreditch recently. Some good new songs though. See if it’s resurrected when they play The Lexington (Feb 23).
• It was the venue for Joy Division’s first London show, a Stranglers live album, and has hosted everyone from Madness and Ian Dury to countless indie hopefuls. Now the Hope and Anchor, on Upper Street, is getting a major makeover, reopening later this month. Just hope they don’t get rid of the atmosphere along with the musty smell of faded glory.
• The Union Chapel’s free Daylight Music events are fast becoming the highlight of the weekend. This week see Chris T-T, Model Village and Padriag Whelan from noon.