Thursday 13 July 2017

Get Better


Image result for the charlatans different daysImage result for phoenix ti amoImage result for lemuria get better

Earl Grey - Bissextile
I stumbled across these guys, whilst reading about the budding DIY Punk Scene in Honolulu, Hawaii on Bandcamp Daily. I love the dirty, noisy, crunchy, quality reminds me of the early Small Brown Bike recordings (See Collection) Some absolutely lush songs, some that just make me wanna pogo. More than anything, I just love the way Bandcamp allows me to stumble across DIY punk bands from the other side of the planet.

Cayetana - New Kind of Normal
The new record is even better than the last, if that is possible, a little more laid back and low-fi in places. Some of the lyrics are incred. I first heard Mesa the day after the general election and "Together we made flowers out of weeds" really struck a chord.

Toro Y Moi - Boo Boo
Again, I happily stumbled across this through the joys of bandcamp daily. It is a flawless slab of bliss. Although, musically it's really uplifting and makes me wanna move, the lyrics are really thought provoking.

The Charlatans - Different Days
The Charlatans are probably one of the most important bands in my life and this follow up to their career best, Modern Nature, was always going to be a hard act to follow, however, I loved this instantly too. It's far more laidback and airy.

Phoenix - Ti Amo
Summer has finally arrived, stick this on turn it up loud and try not to shake your hips, you will fail so many chunes, front to back side to side.

Live

Lemuria - Get Better, Brissle Exchange 



I first saw Lemuria at Le Pub in 2007 on their first UK tour with the Ringers. I really enjoyed them that night, but I never really followed that up. Until I won Get Better on Vinyl in a raffle at a Swansea gig. I absolutely loved it and it became one of those quintessential albums that clearly defines a definite period in my life, as all great albums can do.

I've seen them a bunch of times since and even though they never disappoint, I find I leave wishing they'd played more of Get Better.

So when I saw they were going to be touring Get Better for it's 10th Anniversary, I grabbed a ticket for Brissle, despite not being a lover of The Exchange as a venue.

Also, it finally gave me a chance to experience the joy that is Falafel King. I have tasted the delights from the van many times, one of my highlights of a Brissle visit, but failed on many occasion to get to the sit down eatery. It didn't disappoint I went for Falloumi - Halloumi and Fallafel (genius) together in a huge Laffa with Salad, carrot, cabbage, Lime Mayo, Tahini, Hummus, Mango and a little hot sauce. I also had a Bath Ales Wild Hare to "wash that down". I sat downstairs in The Khan, which is incred decked out like a souk with a small sisha garden, loads of lush cushions and lanterns. I cannot recommend it highly enough and I had the place to myself.


On honourable mention goes to SweetPete aka Petedown Fury aka Columbian Phil who joined me for the escapades.

We also hit up The Apple cider barge, for some delicious ciders and the King Willy "You can't kill, what can't be killed" (see Predator 2) and Small bar.



It was finally the Lemuria gig I hoped for all the hits and loads of tasty Gin & San Pels and an incred Springer Spaniel T-shirt to boot. (see Sookie)

More than anything I just think we could all embrace that mantra

Get Better
Stubbs
xxx