tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5291307030010226232024-03-14T08:54:51.858-04:00I Rock LondonGeohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-71193689834537451392010-10-11T23:12:00.003-04:002010-10-11T23:18:30.344-04:00JUMP Hits the Streets.<div><embed src="http://static.issuu.com/webembed/viewers/style1/v1/IssuuViewer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" menu="false" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" flashvars="mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fcolor%2Flayout.xml&backgroundColor=000000&showFlipBtn=true&documentId=101004042629-6b91ac6bfce24d208a04ae3a419c298c&docName=londonmag&username=gwmiller3&loadingInfoText=JUMP%3A%20The%20London%20Undersound%202010&et=1286853468619&er=10" style="width:400px;height:261px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://issuu.com/gwmiller3/docs/londonmag?mode=embed&layout=http%3A%2F%2Fskin.issuu.com%2Fv%2Fcolor%2Flayout.xml&backgroundColor=000000&showFlipBtn=true" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://issuu.com" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://issuu.com/search?q=shoreditch" target="_blank"></a></div></div>JUMP: The London UnderSound 2010 is now in print, in a limited edition. <br /><br />You can flip through the mag, above, or <a href="mailto:gwm3@temple.edu">contact us</a> for physical copies. Enjoy.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-37104594990109584522010-08-26T15:38:00.002-04:002010-08-26T15:41:23.788-04:00We Were There for the Video Magic.<object width="40" height="305"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/02DhFEfA6_A?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/02DhFEfA6_A?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object>Staff writer Kevin Brosky <a href="http://irocklondon.blogspot.com/2010/08/scenes-from-brute-chorus-video-shoot.html">followed The Brute Chorus</a> as they filmed a video in an East London cemetery in July. The video has just been released, a few weeks before the new <a href="http://www.myspace.com/thebrutechorus">Brute Chorus</a> album is set to drop.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-31198495856615119062010-08-13T03:38:00.001-04:002010-08-31T16:07:13.547-04:00Seyi: The Next British R&B Breakthorugh?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHn7D0N6KtECvmCq3Vh6X2QiGUe6YtHyLcyDE9x3GruWlnluYxNUjRNrhk35Qk4MA0H4SpqAFQfLzI1Cxe5UatvC9FAojtNkN4HCb5d8VSFOMUu6Nn_dFb5tyy_UcyqISbM7Zf1frKoo/s1600/Seyi01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHn7D0N6KtECvmCq3Vh6X2QiGUe6YtHyLcyDE9x3GruWlnluYxNUjRNrhk35Qk4MA0H4SpqAFQfLzI1Cxe5UatvC9FAojtNkN4HCb5d8VSFOMUu6Nn_dFb5tyy_UcyqISbM7Zf1frKoo/s400/Seyi01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504702886134060754" /></a><a href="http://www.myspace.com/seyionline">Seyi</a> is a 20-year-old accounting student at the University of Kent but born and raised in Hackney, East London. He's waiting for his chance to make it big in on global scale.<br /><br />Q. So how long have you been doing music?<br />A. Well I’ve been recording for two years, but singing for as long as I can remember.<br /><br />Q. And who inspires you?<br />A. Lots. Chris Brown, Mario, John Legend, Jill Scott, Usher, Justin Timberlake. The list goes on.<br /><br />Q. That’s a lot of American artists. Do any UK artists inspire you?<br />A. Well there aren’t many out there. No real UK pioneers in my genre. We had Craig David for a bit but I don’t know what happened.<br /><br />Q. So I guess you are looking to be that pioneer. What’s in the immediate future for your music?<br />A. Well I plan on releasing a mixtape based on the skeleton of Chris Brown's recent one. It’s going to have seven tracks and be my first free release, just to penetrate the market.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Interview by Shanae Mitchell. Image provided by Seyi</span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-6832791100590272682010-08-12T02:55:00.003-04:002010-09-06T00:49:26.885-04:00Keeping the Spirit of Joe Strummer Alive.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi6rGa7jRaDD66VbL4XTcqZ-yzbMIfhi-NBe_VEeN1FXd-KEiWN7w4sFPFfR9a0cjK5ZTzF05hjdSDQEnIgVhm2bMVRuRp9vvjjSAl4DT5SGm3MlAXu5Uy96cSAUGIO328jCYa0UG0Uw/s1600/RickStrummer5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOi6rGa7jRaDD66VbL4XTcqZ-yzbMIfhi-NBe_VEeN1FXd-KEiWN7w4sFPFfR9a0cjK5ZTzF05hjdSDQEnIgVhm2bMVRuRp9vvjjSAl4DT5SGm3MlAXu5Uy96cSAUGIO328jCYa0UG0Uw/s400/RickStrummer5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504307244831129474" /></a>Buried between a trailer park, a car repair shop and horse stables rests <a href="http://www.strummerville.com">Strummerville</a>, a charity organization dedicated to keeping alive the spirit of Joe Strummer. <br /><br />Strummerville helps young musicians who wouldn’t otherwise have the means to get their voices heard by supplying facilities, coaching and recording platforms for young bands. Tucked away under the Westway Highway, Strummerville has a far-reaching impact and a worldwide support.<br /><br />“Our objective is to give opportunities through music to people that wouldn’t otherwise have them,” says Trish Whelan, the organization's director.<br /><br />The hub of the operation is a ten-foot wide room (pictured above) with stacks of CDs piled on the ground, posters on the wall, and clouds of cigarette smoke. It looks more like a teenager’s room in the midst of this shantytown and they wouldn’t have it any other way. <br /><br />“We support well over 200 bands through our programs and the ages really vary," Whelan says.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiEjQLVQHWj8KUCfYelWAWBibrXUQhS8myu5PXuneWyfVVWObZBTXVzjYD-9rISkbOfRLfjyFOYRMuGCG7iSVxDvAfBSTFVcoyS2PRQhFlstxXUDwQfnzkHvwnpEzg9BrPQiy9BTf4zg/s1600/JoeStrummerSubway.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiEjQLVQHWj8KUCfYelWAWBibrXUQhS8myu5PXuneWyfVVWObZBTXVzjYD-9rISkbOfRLfjyFOYRMuGCG7iSVxDvAfBSTFVcoyS2PRQhFlstxXUDwQfnzkHvwnpEzg9BrPQiy9BTf4zg/s200/JoeStrummerSubway.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504307059064766610" /></a>Joe Strummer, the late singer and guitarist for The Clash, died on December 22nd, 2002 from a heart defect. The Clash revived rock n roll and reinvented genres as he blended several influences at once to get their own unique sound. Their music has certainly never died, with The Clash being still amazingly popular today and still echoing in the ears of those that witnessed their music live in their heyday. The Clash was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.<br /><br />Strummer busked in this area before The Clash reached fame. The charity organizers wanted to stay close to their roots to keep their unique edginess in the charity.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Mark Lauterbach. Top image by <a href="http://seesparkyrun.tumblr.com/">Rick Kauffman</a>. Bottom image by <a href="http://geoslogic.blogspot.com/">George Miller</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-66822639819050905582010-08-11T04:31:00.002-04:002010-08-11T05:16:39.220-04:00The Modern Brit: An Irishman Who Serves Mexican Food in a Caribbean Community.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PlqBHU0rTtRrympRChiRfCXH4FleD8VrCRR9ejBxZTl45p0m4Maf4UCwAJJAWueOSzxmslyXoS3Tg2GrWHKrIOb5PZYpZ-oTaTZDi3DChYqLSQg9H7jmdoGPiLaomDj5wBLqyD7CEn4/s1600/TacoMan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9PlqBHU0rTtRrympRChiRfCXH4FleD8VrCRR9ejBxZTl45p0m4Maf4UCwAJJAWueOSzxmslyXoS3Tg2GrWHKrIOb5PZYpZ-oTaTZDi3DChYqLSQg9H7jmdoGPiLaomDj5wBLqyD7CEn4/s400/TacoMan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503324974121273074" /></a>Grant Winters (above, right)prepares and sells tacos and other Mexican cuisine at his outdoor kitchen at <a href="http://www.hootanannybrixton.co.uk/">Hootananny's</a>, a dancehall and live music venue in Brixton.<br /><br />A native of Ireland who was trained in New York City, Winters advocates for the flavors from South of the Border, usually with reggae and ska music blaring in the background.<br /><br />“Man, people’s perception of Mexican food - even in the States - is horrendous,” Winters explains, excitedly thrusting his hands in the air. “You can’t just slap Mexican food with tacos. What about the soups, the stews, the way they cleverly use chilies? In our kitchen we presently have 19 different types of pepper to produce the food that we do. About three are hot, the rest are used for flavor. Americans, all they seem to know is chipotle, chilies and jalapenos. Fuck that, what about the rest of them?”<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text and image by <a href="http://foodfitnessfreshair.com/">Grace Dickinson</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-32141045480081259512010-08-10T01:22:00.006-04:002010-08-10T05:15:25.746-04:00Scenes From The Brute Chorus' Video Shoot.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEAwCe4IvilnlzEGAmpUpgS-_XNfjAG7z4AIwE7EE-HQbEDsRyHIoRberX42yz_OdLHPaq9DiPYCNSbIajhif7SDNf0KC7psDFQnv_MmjHB5gelRrYe9LTT8L4ZjQ8iH309OemFS7ZFM/s1600/KevinBruteChorus03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEAwCe4IvilnlzEGAmpUpgS-_XNfjAG7z4AIwE7EE-HQbEDsRyHIoRberX42yz_OdLHPaq9DiPYCNSbIajhif7SDNf0KC7psDFQnv_MmjHB5gelRrYe9LTT8L4ZjQ8iH309OemFS7ZFM/s400/KevinBruteChorus03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503648008825385074" /></a>Members of <a href="http://www.thebrutechorus.co.uk/">The Brute Chorus</a> recently wore their suits and played their instruments in a derelict East London cemetery for a video shoot. Their new album will be <a href="http://taperec.com/shop/music/21-the-brute-chorus-could-this-be-love/">released</a> in the fall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPmywfxU09lCGinL8y9824v0jAhxOVxYdwS2N_rr47V8qhuYSegQaYNmJ9g9vLJzw6QQr87RYlwMYxxchsiT5tyY0pkncVlBJOz_hOmkOvtQzVtH-uv4pMWtgcU143P99753NoxFEKmQ/s1600/KevinBruteChorus02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPmywfxU09lCGinL8y9824v0jAhxOVxYdwS2N_rr47V8qhuYSegQaYNmJ9g9vLJzw6QQr87RYlwMYxxchsiT5tyY0pkncVlBJOz_hOmkOvtQzVtH-uv4pMWtgcU143P99753NoxFEKmQ/s400/KevinBruteChorus02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503647733787227602" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuB68eQzrTb-0sMDZofnHAtv36qDUaxDcOcZ56Fzb0pMJrGHaIkJTgg608N7UCri094WvAxdn6YtGLZZ-2N1oc4k1zXEHdh8UcPM-81wbPfQ3vzbYkEECTU4AGKg91L0h7d2AjHUfrdGQ/s1600/KevinBruteChorus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuB68eQzrTb-0sMDZofnHAtv36qDUaxDcOcZ56Fzb0pMJrGHaIkJTgg608N7UCri094WvAxdn6YtGLZZ-2N1oc4k1zXEHdh8UcPM-81wbPfQ3vzbYkEECTU4AGKg91L0h7d2AjHUfrdGQ/s400/KevinBruteChorus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503647474431745890" /></a>- <span style="font-style:italic;">Images by <a href="http://rhythmandmelody.wordpress.com/">Kevin Brosky</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-2640774020106902322010-08-09T03:48:00.009-04:002010-08-10T05:16:49.404-04:00Viral Sensations Play a Safe Set (But Sell Innovative Merchadise Afterward).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84QesiaIq0UMiZiRPvNznJTnE0_Ee9HTvueon9nOm5CgCFrf8xaXWmqZHNJcX5UxrvuM-cd45z__jh0fJ7sBlPyG9dgOxrbxnIiCw9fNbZxvnD_Bn1EdtBMWfRfSA2Xc-HthNzg8WcII/s1600/AlexOKGO.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh84QesiaIq0UMiZiRPvNznJTnE0_Ee9HTvueon9nOm5CgCFrf8xaXWmqZHNJcX5UxrvuM-cd45z__jh0fJ7sBlPyG9dgOxrbxnIiCw9fNbZxvnD_Bn1EdtBMWfRfSA2Xc-HthNzg8WcII/s400/AlexOKGO.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503313955916676466" /></a>With a torrent of red white and blue confetti filling the air, <a href="http://www.okgo.net/">OK Go</a> burst into their recent set at Camden Town’s <a href="http://www.electricballroom.co.uk/">Electric Ballroom</a> with their recent smash hit, “Invincible.” The audience sang along with singer Damian Kulash Jr’s scruffy-yet-polished pop vocals. <br /><br />“So how are ya, London?” Kulash asked the crowd afterward, before launching into “A Million Ways," another track from their sophomore album. <br /><br />A particularly dedicated group of fans re-enacted <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbdbVhBGETQ">the choreography from the song's video</a>, which became a YouTube phenomenon.<br /><br />The Chicago quartet played a relatively safe performance for such <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI">an innovative band</a> - after the show, at the merch table, they sold recordings of the entire performance, with video and music, on USB drives. <br /><br />For their encore, however, the band upped the spectacle by sporting digital marquee jackets and fuzzy, laser-strapped guitars. They fogged up the place and burst into a more raw and playful performance.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Alex Brickman. Image by <a href="http://seesparkyrun.tumblr.com/">Rick Kauffman</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-68042820162504680502010-08-06T03:13:00.003-04:002010-08-06T18:16:40.131-04:00Filthy Boy. Bright Future.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINeJzui56f8Sko5Bx_mGwmStc9XKfFsbJxj6zynOrdJaUI8mEZ03V7YwXOOvFcMnRh3-lDCBZ2fkDfZefU1Znvo5zb_N841trXBoSxp_n4iK9XvzlFQXWRmL8RJfGcMvZcaGCWpdJvHE/s1600/080410FilthyBoy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINeJzui56f8Sko5Bx_mGwmStc9XKfFsbJxj6zynOrdJaUI8mEZ03V7YwXOOvFcMnRh3-lDCBZ2fkDfZefU1Znvo5zb_N841trXBoSxp_n4iK9XvzlFQXWRmL8RJfGcMvZcaGCWpdJvHE/s400/080410FilthyBoy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501867161294628082" border="0" /></a>Coming off a solid performance Monday night at <a href="http://www.proudcamden.com/">Proud</a> in the Camden Town Stables Market, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/filthyboymusic">Filthy Boy</a> took to the stage again last night in the cramped upstairs performance space at Shoreditch’s <a href="http://www.viceland.com/pub">Old Blue Last</a>.<br /><br />The band performed as one of three bands in semi-finals of the Kopparberg Klash, a competition sponsored by Kopparberg Cider, divided into catergories for music, film, fashion and photography. When votes are tallied, they’ll likely be moving on to the finals of the competition on September 1, where they’ll compete for £1,000 and exposure in Vice magazine.<br /><br />Last night’s attendees saw them raging through a tightly-wound set, which included two new songs and several of the band’s older tunes. “Biggest Fan Ever” had the crowd gathered closely in front of the stage dancing in frenzied fashion, as the song built to its climax with lead vocalist Paraic Morrissey singing, “I’m your biggest fan ever/ One day we will be together.”<br /><br />As was perfectly clear to everyone in the room (free cider or not), Filthy Boy shined for the second time in a week.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style: italic;">Text by <a href="http://rhythmandmelody.wordpress.com/">Kevin Brosky</a>. Image by <a href="http://geoslogic.blogspot.com/">George Miller</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-7155640069464019412010-08-05T05:41:00.006-04:002010-08-05T07:46:05.342-04:00Youthful Brass that Appreciates the Past.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur7a8vu-qnyv_WGodrzSGHkgrGxjEI14_9J7dkge0E-hV-axjbjOJ4Ql9UFYxuSLPfUHoUz79rmkX985m0Y0nQFA5wCl3a-ywvJ6vI6W6D1RA_Z0FTe0QtTOo0vMWRKZWNsZHLNsEwks/s1600/12Tone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiur7a8vu-qnyv_WGodrzSGHkgrGxjEI14_9J7dkge0E-hV-axjbjOJ4Ql9UFYxuSLPfUHoUz79rmkX985m0Y0nQFA5wCl3a-ywvJ6vI6W6D1RA_Z0FTe0QtTOo0vMWRKZWNsZHLNsEwks/s400/12Tone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501862828119236210" /></a>Bands like <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hypnoticbusiness">Hypnotic</a>, a group from Chicago who have blended the sounds of jazz, big band and hip-hop, have been changing the face of brass bands. This new wave of music has now carried over to the UK. <br /><br />Bands like <a href="http://www.myspace.com/12tonebrass">12Tone Brass</a>, a six-piece group from South East London, have been influenced by bands like Hypnotic. <br /><br />And now, they're adding their own flavor to the music.<br /><br />"Over the last five years or so, bands like <a href="http://www.youngbloodbrassband.com/site/site_index.html">Young Blood Brass</a> and <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hot8brassband">Hot 8</a> have all been touring Europe and have brought a different dimension to how the UK public views brass bands," said 12Tone's saxophone player Nick Walters. "There is also a northern tradition here in England, with a very different sound to the New Orleans brass bands. The music is influenced by British classical and folk music. So I guess we wanted to bring a new dimension to brass band music by making it youthful and fresh but also paying homage to the traditions before us."<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Meghan Agnew. Image provided by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/12tonebrass">12Tone</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-19210796409416753592010-08-04T03:30:00.000-04:002010-08-04T03:30:00.940-04:00Music and Murals Bring Harmony.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXknm4kUFgYCTTly1hZOzmaWUfpPFqYPYoLLL3HvtjIMP6ZTcwA1q4kLplRKD4YesS7WDsqq6GZ-5cIH5RW8mko7BnFCPWWRbg7oeAsXU4iufnfSUuBc_VisGzu8XI98O6qcaE63rdOuw/s1600/EricaBrixtonAcademy.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXknm4kUFgYCTTly1hZOzmaWUfpPFqYPYoLLL3HvtjIMP6ZTcwA1q4kLplRKD4YesS7WDsqq6GZ-5cIH5RW8mko7BnFCPWWRbg7oeAsXU4iufnfSUuBc_VisGzu8XI98O6qcaE63rdOuw/s320/EricaBrixtonAcademy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500763435985998130" /></a>The Brixton Academy mural (right) was created in 1982 by <a href="http://www.stephenpusey.org/">Stephen Pusey</a> and located in the Stockwell Park Walk. Now known as the <a href="http://www.o2academybrixton.co.uk/">O2 Academy Brixton</a>, the venue is a popular place for live music.<br /><br />The mural is one of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brixton_murals">series of murals</a> that were funded by the Lambeth Council and the Greater London Council in the wake of the <a href="http://www.met.police.uk/history/brixton_riots.htm">1981 Brixton riots</a>. The murals represent nature, politics, ideas and the cultures of the surrounding communities. <br /><br />The Brixton Academy mural portrays a diverse group of young people, representing the harmony found between children of mixed backgrounds in local schools. <br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text and image by Erica Vines</span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-325625518597143782010-08-03T03:30:00.001-04:002010-08-03T03:30:37.146-04:00Outdoor Entertainment with an Amazing View.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb4_afsebqXAqaxCHOpIv-dyqY_bMZREsaFTnqT0qaduZA37Fcw471TVBFWgJc8ievFP5j1QAucE9RaSke1sTFDM6v6uuJAFGPZt-koR92Z1VS_o7Kknkt-irW_XeQQYMns3p2W5Icyw/s1600/TheScoop01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdb4_afsebqXAqaxCHOpIv-dyqY_bMZREsaFTnqT0qaduZA37Fcw471TVBFWgJc8ievFP5j1QAucE9RaSke1sTFDM6v6uuJAFGPZt-koR92Z1VS_o7Kknkt-irW_XeQQYMns3p2W5Icyw/s400/TheScoop01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500761398518300594" /></a><a href="http://www.morelondon.com/scoop.html">The Scoop at More London</a> (above) is an outdoor stage/ amphitheater where free films, music, and theater are offered all summer long. There are approximately 800 available seats and a small bar. <br /><br />The Scoop is located between the London Bridge and Tower Bridge, immediately next to London's City Hall, on the south bank of the Thames. <br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Erica Vines. Image by <a href="http://geoslogic.blogspot.com/">George Miller</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-38322068122783896932010-08-02T03:28:00.003-04:002010-08-02T05:16:29.678-04:00Hella Better Dancer: Way Ahead of Their Time.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSzXLg1tYAedcf_xyMPYmqebNQTi6Psqa55Es8KvVDvw8gZfsaldnLtHVSC6UwN5jscLKRrlnGsa5VfTKdgCC23lKWxxvgPVtntUBkL9E8tlqu-AzeWhG0w41csGZ8KGBP6J0GQpk1fg/s1600/EvanHellaBetterDancer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSzXLg1tYAedcf_xyMPYmqebNQTi6Psqa55Es8KvVDvw8gZfsaldnLtHVSC6UwN5jscLKRrlnGsa5VfTKdgCC23lKWxxvgPVtntUBkL9E8tlqu-AzeWhG0w41csGZ8KGBP6J0GQpk1fg/s400/EvanHellaBetterDancer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500046682956925298" /></a>The Roundhouse launched their new record label last month and released their first two EPs (see the <a href="http://irocklondon.blogspot.com/2010/08/ghosts-you-echo-chilling-and.html">previous post</a> for details). <br /><br />Today, we review “<span style="font-style:italic;">Please Stay Here</span>” by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/hellabetterdancer">Hella Better Dancer</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUNfYB8T9QjbjiTCwyyX7owTsBnvrNs615DcHV9g_NLwS-Z5xpWtLIAJSPYGgj4I57lTCxJEu4nNamhF7KOG3eSYLEeklkRw704v1QErzq75oeg_EDu7dii2c5si-WNIBw3Te8naiDuU/s1600/HellaBetterDancer1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUNfYB8T9QjbjiTCwyyX7owTsBnvrNs615DcHV9g_NLwS-Z5xpWtLIAJSPYGgj4I57lTCxJEu4nNamhF7KOG3eSYLEeklkRw704v1QErzq75oeg_EDu7dii2c5si-WNIBw3Te8naiDuU/s200/HellaBetterDancer1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500738666794230594" /></a>Electrifying riffs, classic vocals, tight drumming and a powerful groovy bass drive this debut record all the way home. The freshman EP is simply way ahead of its time. The maturity of the songwriting displayed by these young musicians is purely mind blowing. “The City Sea,” really brings the record full circle, displaying the band’s true talent. With a spacey, unforced intro, intricate guitar rhythms quickly build and morph this journey into an explosive all out jam.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Luke Bilek. Image of Hella Better Dancer by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/evankaucher/">Evan Kaucher</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-69581096582051877032010-08-01T05:19:00.004-04:002010-08-01T05:44:40.863-04:00Ghosts You Echo: Chilling and Captivating.<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" height="405" width="480"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="false"><param name="movie" value="http://roundhouse.kuluvalley.com/player.swf?v=3"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><param name="flashvars" value="videoUrl=http://roundhouse.kuluvalley.com/flvseek/13FAE7E0-45AC-75BF-2570-F0FAF680D90E.flv&videoWidth=480&videoHeight=360&posterUrl=http://roundhouse.kuluvalley.com/inline/ECED11FA-7AA2-9F04-201D-0DCCF09A5731.jpg&autoStart=false&showLargePlayButton=true&positionParam=position&shareUrl=http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/explore/portfolios/roundhouse-records&videoTitle=Introducing Roundhouse Records"><embed src="http://roundhouse.kuluvalley.com/player.swf?v=3" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" allowscriptaccess="sameDomain" allowfullscreen="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="videoUrl=http://roundhouse.kuluvalley.com/flvseek/13FAE7E0-45AC-75BF-2570-F0FAF680D90E.flv&videoWidth=480&videoHeight=360&posterUrl=http://roundhouse.kuluvalley.com/inline/ECED11FA-7AA2-9F04-201D-0DCCF09A5731.jpg&autoStart=false&showLargePlayButton=true&positionParam=position&shareUrl=http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/explore/portfolios/roundhouse-records&videoTitle=Introducing Roundhouse Records" height="405" width="480"></embed></object><a href="http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/">The Roundhouse</a> in Chalk Farm officially <a href="http://broadcast.roundhouse.org.uk/the-roundhouse-launch-record-label">launched</a> their new label, <a href="http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/explore/portfolios/roundhouse-records">Roundhouse Records</a>, on July 20th with an electrifying showcase of the label’s artists.<br /><br />The event also marked the official release of Roundhouse Records’ first two EP’s.<br /><br />Today, we review “Bare Bones” by <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ghostsyouecho">Ghosts You Echo</a>:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRaVDd22-40R_j6Qv9Sx0SlBoqqwZvQYtgEBKaRWrTkw-dhHSIoUkEV92Lk0D9zBVP-2V241DbNIvTuTPZHz_HPtnzW8KQLhNmug7fgVj7pMR6rgVWNCgK4l4riJc3Sbc3YtuczNt390/s1600/GhostYouEcho.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRaVDd22-40R_j6Qv9Sx0SlBoqqwZvQYtgEBKaRWrTkw-dhHSIoUkEV92Lk0D9zBVP-2V241DbNIvTuTPZHz_HPtnzW8KQLhNmug7fgVj7pMR6rgVWNCgK4l4riJc3Sbc3YtuczNt390/s200/GhostYouEcho.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500048239918832834" border="0" /></a>Victoria Wijeratne’s solo project masterfully crafts a sound really like none other. Wijeratne is able to seamlessly blend catchy acoustic guitar playing with intricate drum machine beats. Chilling vocals are the key to this captivating record, leaving you with goose bumps all the way to the very end. “Bare Bones” brings a new progressive edge to such a vintage sound. The final track, “Trouble in the Veins,” will take you on a ride as it builds to a spooky climax of eclectic sounds. <br /><br />- <span style="font-style: italic;">Text by Luke Bilek. Video courtesy of <a href="http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/explore/portfolios/roundhouse-records">The Roundhouse</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-83886156376167398492010-07-31T07:41:00.003-04:002010-07-31T07:54:20.651-04:00Fashionable People and Good Beats, High Above London.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPveQVztaKy0XUdVxqfxpL_BoiVtw7JYc6nu4zx1wOZ9jFjxgSEai-SIqaW8gYcBlWqq4S9oAOQjd9Rzcbysc-s3zje4GHlBPfVS-oVwAN1xrawDDuhGjEuxRCuPUcxNbk0cC90ymJqpw/s1600/ThePenthouse.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPveQVztaKy0XUdVxqfxpL_BoiVtw7JYc6nu4zx1wOZ9jFjxgSEai-SIqaW8gYcBlWqq4S9oAOQjd9Rzcbysc-s3zje4GHlBPfVS-oVwAN1xrawDDuhGjEuxRCuPUcxNbk0cC90ymJqpw/s400/ThePenthouse.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499663201596634322" /></a><a href="http://www.thepenthouselondon.com/">The Penthouse</a> is a fashionable club located on top three floors of a building in the heart of Leicester Square, providing breath-taking views of the Square and the London Eye, far off in the distance. <br /><br />The nightclub features big-name UK DJs spinning hip hop, house and techno music every week from Tuesday through Saturday. They also offer a wide selection of cocktails, wines, beers and champagne, as well as high-end dining. <br /><br />Cover prices range between £5-10, depending upon the time of your arrival. <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=17279618260">E-mail</a> the club to get on the guest list and avoid the queue (which can get quite long).<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by <a href="http://lisaaprile.tumblr.com/">Lisa Aprile</a>. Image courtesy of <a href="http://www.thepenthouselondon.com/">The Penthouse</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-69324310163352655472010-07-30T06:57:00.013-04:002010-07-30T07:29:06.848-04:00The 100 Club: From Jazz to Blues, Funk to Punk, and Lots of Rock n' Roll.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LymaZOL3IJux8inthkECWyynw3xPLlnxwy06GsjuvkmzTPr_A-5HlSjJdlEK73kgE5YE3mhknFDxpqCQEiRk8Q9kjHoWy92ZJGA2DrceRoigiy-177odq4PhnfSm_UbY-oZLF5pMvDk/s1600/ChrisD100Club.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LymaZOL3IJux8inthkECWyynw3xPLlnxwy06GsjuvkmzTPr_A-5HlSjJdlEK73kgE5YE3mhknFDxpqCQEiRk8Q9kjHoWy92ZJGA2DrceRoigiy-177odq4PhnfSm_UbY-oZLF5pMvDk/s400/ChrisD100Club.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499659185974426338" /></a>London is swarming with great live music venues that reek of history and pour out dozens of great concerts night after night. <br /><br />One of these fantastic little clubs, the <a href="http://www.the100club.co.uk/">100 Club</a>, is located in Soho, not far from Oxford Circus. <br /><br />The 100 Club, which began as a jazz club in 1942, has hosted an impressive variety of musical acts over the course of its long history. Over the years, the Sex Pistols, Muddy Waters, BB King, Oasis, The Clash and the White Stripes performed in the small, basement-level club. Perhaps even more impressively, the 100 Club hosted the Rolling Stones after they had already been established. <br /><br />Texas-based <a href="http://www.grupofantasma.com/">Grupo Fantasma</a> (above) recently played the club. <br /><br />The band fuses funk and Latin music into exciting albums and electric live performances. The band plays with an incredible amount of energy and a fantastic full sound with ten members, including a powerful brass section. <br /><br />Fantasma has copious amounts of bongoing and pulsing percussive beats that drive the feverish rhythms and get the audience’s blood pumping. <br /><br />The group, which formed ten years ago, recently came out with a new album, El Existential. They are currently touring Europe.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Mark Lauterbach. Image by <a href="http://yousoundlykeyourefromlondon.blogspot.com/">Chris Diehl</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-23493051519682457612010-07-29T11:52:00.004-04:002010-07-29T12:11:55.326-04:00Vinyl Paradise (With Occasional Live Music).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNokCIyb-LqsVlWaEwmqNsFd5jOSjkgwrwVHhNXJYO7lYC-d84P3v38OckqCT9FavM8dd13Qk5TQT9sLan0WJ9Ip-V8xLU7QXBl-HNxdB50JBqyy6-nKj4kEVO-QvpAGg58sPa3HnRmM/s1600/RoughTradeSilentLeague.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNokCIyb-LqsVlWaEwmqNsFd5jOSjkgwrwVHhNXJYO7lYC-d84P3v38OckqCT9FavM8dd13Qk5TQT9sLan0WJ9Ip-V8xLU7QXBl-HNxdB50JBqyy6-nKj4kEVO-QvpAGg58sPa3HnRmM/s400/RoughTradeSilentLeague.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499356998403934706" /></a>While the CD is slowly going the way of the buffalo, the market for vinyl has been declining for some time now. Considering that London is one of the largest hotbeds for musical activity, it's probably the perfect place for a vinyl nerd to pick up some new wax.<br /><br />At the forefront of the city's record stores is <a href="http://www.roughtrade.com/site/">Rough Trade</a>, a pair of record shops that operate at opposite ends central London. The two stores offer a great, if not somewhat varied experience. <br /><br />Rough Trade Notting Hill is the original store, which opened in 1976 at the height of the British punk scene. It's exactly what a record store should be: small, cluttered and crammed full of music. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYUI7LrqSxu_XBBX3nwYDw1CbhiEbBKLByWMqIu1mTiJrotq0IYIMZ4_yq238ZJimrWCQP1nEV4uj55FURivIA1n5gMezokXwFejBKcFueTl9Wwu5D5BHZ1LtkPI257MNVID6AL2IV7o/s1600/CBanksRoughTradeEast.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYUI7LrqSxu_XBBX3nwYDw1CbhiEbBKLByWMqIu1mTiJrotq0IYIMZ4_yq238ZJimrWCQP1nEV4uj55FURivIA1n5gMezokXwFejBKcFueTl9Wwu5D5BHZ1LtkPI257MNVID6AL2IV7o/s200/CBanksRoughTradeEast.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499356777118538018" /></a>Rough Trade East, right off Brick Lane, was built in 2007 and has a more modern look to it. The store is much bigger - 5,000 square-feet - than one would expect from a place hidden down a pedestrian-only alley. Rough Trade East is lined with thousands upon thousands of records and CD's, with records dominating the sales-space.<br /><br />Best of all, there is an <a href="http://www.roughtrade.com/site/instore.lasso">intimate performance space</a> in the back of the shop where you can see up and coming artists (such as <a href="http://www.silentleague.com/ ">The Silent League</a>, in the top image). <br /><br />Both stores offer brief descriptions on the jackets of all the records which makes browsing for something new an absolute pleasure. <br /><br />Who knows, you might find something entirely ridiculous, like a <a href="http://www.grahamcoxon.co.uk/">Graham Coxon</a> exclusive 10”.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text and bottom image by Chris Banks. Top image by <a href="http://geoslogic.blogspot.com/">George Miller</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-41547171048958541662010-07-27T10:05:00.009-04:002010-07-27T13:08:11.553-04:00Danceable Punk at The Lexington.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVqDDDGU8823n6k_vEFchslhPE5dS9jJ1qeWucYv7daJbk3wbHUKMkCgVFy6nYJTMJlqJNOBKwYUDWMozx2ol_wFJFmVw18v3cmVJVa2OgryanSjwiK4WKzVkPv6KvYJDl_ZSWJkYBwA/s1600/GraceWildPalms02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVqDDDGU8823n6k_vEFchslhPE5dS9jJ1qeWucYv7daJbk3wbHUKMkCgVFy6nYJTMJlqJNOBKwYUDWMozx2ol_wFJFmVw18v3cmVJVa2OgryanSjwiK4WKzVkPv6KvYJDl_ZSWJkYBwA/s400/GraceWildPalms02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498217983746339298" /></a><a href="http://www.myspace.com/sexbeet">Sex Beet</a>, a three-man punk band from South and East London, took the stage at <a href="http://www.thelexington.co.uk/">The Lexington</a> and played loud, fast beats, creating a raw sound with inaudible lyrics. <br /><br />The band contains a keyboard player, which adds a bright color to the songs – although the band complemented the perkiness with an apathetic attitude. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8tuf4lin8CGxWFzWeCGn3Y0UiprYpShNnOpxV1GHYAgLbvVyW2GMuG_klFy0rvjRqTN-mJZcWInwRPG_4DzUm7V8HD1SwKb7z82ihtgVnPvu6MMlIB0fzwQb1GQxu4gp10bzgbOm9c0/s1600/GraceSexBeet.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 175px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF8tuf4lin8CGxWFzWeCGn3Y0UiprYpShNnOpxV1GHYAgLbvVyW2GMuG_klFy0rvjRqTN-mJZcWInwRPG_4DzUm7V8HD1SwKb7z82ihtgVnPvu6MMlIB0fzwQb1GQxu4gp10bzgbOm9c0/s200/GraceSexBeet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498633602289682658" /></a>Sex Beet (right) seem to take their influence from new bands like Black Lips, taking punk and making it more danceable. It was surprising the number or people who were able to stay seated during upbeat, mock-Beach Boys songs like “She Don’t Surf.” <br /><br />But it was still early in the night.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhOwey81ywGnR-IbVjl4CuFihW57W1q60KaCvvoleWUbSyNDZmlILjXlfpn93SGyrsNX6ueqkyDXZQ3BEaJFWbK7cMAbsY0hs97lEeFOdM96HkSEUcyG2D9cf7WfYAEQoiPXtng-goxk/s1600/GraceNotCool.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhOwey81ywGnR-IbVjl4CuFihW57W1q60KaCvvoleWUbSyNDZmlILjXlfpn93SGyrsNX6ueqkyDXZQ3BEaJFWbK7cMAbsY0hs97lEeFOdM96HkSEUcyG2D9cf7WfYAEQoiPXtng-goxk/s200/GraceNotCool.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498633906365391890" /></a>A larger crowd piled in for the next set, <a href="http://www.myspace.com/notcoolisaband">Not Cool</a> (right), another three-piece punk band but with a lot more boyish passion and energy.<br /><br />The eight-month old, South London trio’s sound has a punk influence but mixes in pop to sound something like a more up-tempo Bloc Party. They brought the growing crowd to their feet, as they will likely do at their next gig at The Big Chill on August 8th. <br /><br />Headliners <a href="http://www.myspace.com/wearewildpalms">Wild Palms</a> (top image) were great performers with front man Lou Hill stealing the show. His vocals were clear and spot on even as he doubled as keyboard player/ synth-drum pounder. Hill frequently stared out into the crowd as though he was in another world, with smoke and green spot-lights flashing all around him. <br /><br />Despite the futuristic look of the performance, Wild Palms' sound is more like post-punk, taking influence from the likes of Joy Division but with more of a modern, indie feel. <br /><br />Wild Palms will play for large crowds soon enough while touring festivals threw out Europe.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Meghan Agnew. Images by <a href="http://foodfitnessfreshair.com/">Grace Dickinson</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-47427554627685470332010-07-26T08:09:00.004-04:002010-07-26T08:44:35.378-04:00Rabble-Rousing at The Roundhouse.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO68cOGFZ_5m6IxO5guj6IKjPzUFSD2_DErvw8hmfUvOYci59EJeHY-88mszo2XLqGpzpFIiT0Bnbm2PSuAoQBjegwKSWyb-cdmnTlUMjBhuGzHvawvP7QECcAHLol7W80sGUMEE2jVZs/s1600/GraceFrankTurner.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO68cOGFZ_5m6IxO5guj6IKjPzUFSD2_DErvw8hmfUvOYci59EJeHY-88mszo2XLqGpzpFIiT0Bnbm2PSuAoQBjegwKSWyb-cdmnTlUMjBhuGzHvawvP7QECcAHLol7W80sGUMEE2jVZs/s400/GraceFrankTurner.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498186472929273346" /></a>Day 19 of the massively popular <a href="http://www.itunesfestival.co.uk/">iTunes Festival</a> saw two highly anticipated rabble-rousers take the stage at Camden Town’s most immaculate performance space, <a href="http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/">The Roundhouse</a>.<br /><br />Spirited acoustic strummer <a href="http://www.frank-turner.com/">Frank Turner</a> (above) churned out fan favorites for a wildly enthusiastic crowd, singing with punk rock authority as he belted out the words in front of his four-man backing band. Turner ended his set with two of his most apt singalongs, “The Road” and “Photosynthesis,” leaving the stage to thunderous applause.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oHHJ6aqH5lr01DLg6lvacLh3jeKcw2i50ZOs0_0yAHqy2BFwV_sEOLAGJuq65biTNTV_-iLUiMdCDesDyGCCHH-droT9MtNxuXLLoo3hDeC6iBVYi2J7cfNKzbUn6cyoIVr6SLK4mzo/s1600/GraceFutureheads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 333px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oHHJ6aqH5lr01DLg6lvacLh3jeKcw2i50ZOs0_0yAHqy2BFwV_sEOLAGJuq65biTNTV_-iLUiMdCDesDyGCCHH-droT9MtNxuXLLoo3hDeC6iBVYi2J7cfNKzbUn6cyoIVr6SLK4mzo/s400/GraceFutureheads.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498186131385878786" /></a>Sunderland quartet <a href="http://www.thefutureheads.co.uk/">The Futureheads</a> (above) took control of the mini-arena instantly, with Barry Hyde and Ross Millard exchanging clamorous vocals over ferocious guitar riffs. The band performed songs spanning their entire career, including several from their newly released LP, <a href="http://allaccesslive.co.uk/index.php?vendorid=20">The Chaos</a>. <br /><br />It was a night of solidly chaotic rock, crowd surfing, head-bopping and massive singalongs, and The Roundhouse could barely contain it all.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by <a href="http://rhythmandmelody.wordpress.com/">Kevin Brosky</a>. Images by <a href="http://foodfitnessfreshair.com/">Grace Dickinson</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-68159071375599743132010-07-25T07:04:00.003-04:002010-07-25T07:08:44.743-04:00Music is Everywhere in London.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0EXSJruSNrgDhHfFEKSTmxmm5vKT6WXj0fGnJxLDMtZ-TA3VgdCaqWfMIUH00uZmpHyeG5PvGMtWuHitLntdkn2ugcIkVLtDyL9CG2pVAhpxyNDSjkqL0EQ9rBPcSW-JvcbTyisua6Y/s1600/GraceFoosball.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0EXSJruSNrgDhHfFEKSTmxmm5vKT6WXj0fGnJxLDMtZ-TA3VgdCaqWfMIUH00uZmpHyeG5PvGMtWuHitLntdkn2ugcIkVLtDyL9CG2pVAhpxyNDSjkqL0EQ9rBPcSW-JvcbTyisua6Y/s400/GraceFoosball.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497798226787047314" /></a>This foosball player at <a href="http://www.thelexington.co.uk/">The Lexington</a>, a pub and music venue, sports the emblem of <a href="http://www.theclash.com/">The Clash</a> on his jersey.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Image by <a href="http://foodfitnessfreshair.com/">Grace Dickinson</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-37668293828428788692010-07-24T06:46:00.005-04:002010-07-24T08:00:34.358-04:00The Mini Self-Guided London Rock Tour.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCu_O9QEb-mHDCh9Ez0g56eW-2TdRkKGryPw0P7gZmQ2HTTUmW2jlMYLPgbnA26Hd7YjF4kJ2QfdnrszsQU_9SR1qx35odsGivwRkANsQydb_wiS60B0NY7-26VHs0pz-r5ppv6l04-I/s1600/MarkAbbeyRoad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCu_O9QEb-mHDCh9Ez0g56eW-2TdRkKGryPw0P7gZmQ2HTTUmW2jlMYLPgbnA26Hd7YjF4kJ2QfdnrszsQU_9SR1qx35odsGivwRkANsQydb_wiS60B0NY7-26VHs0pz-r5ppv6l04-I/s400/MarkAbbeyRoad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497052184840370450" border="0" /></a>I was expecting either pomp and circumstance or tranquil appreciation and got neither.<br /><br />I had mapped out three spots that I wanted to see: Apple Studio where the Beatles played their last gig <a href="http://www.thebeatles.com/#/video/Dont_Let_Me_Down2">on the roof</a>, Jimi Hendrix’s flat and Abbey Road.<br /><br />The Apple Studio, at 3 Savile Row, was almost invisible in the midst of classy shopping stores and high-priced restaurants.<br /><br />I went up to Hendrix’s flat just up the road, at 23 Brook Street, but got lost trying to find it. His flat was on the top floor. A light blue, circular plaque says he lived there but it was closed to the public. <br /><br />To recognize the 40th anniversary of Hendrix's death, the flat will be <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.handelhouse.org/docs/folder.2010-05.../Press%20Release%20web.pdf">open to the public</a> from September 15 to 26. A <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/music/article-23834754-jimi-hendrix-show-to-open-at-his-uk-home.do">small exhibition</a> will be held next door from August 25th to November 7th displaying photographs and some funky velvet jackets Hendrix wore.<br /><br />Finally, I found the famous <a href="http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/">Abbey Road</a> zebra crossing that graced the cover of <a href="http://www.thebeatles.com/#/albums/Abbey_Road">the Beatles’ album</a>. There was a buzz in the air as ten or so Beatles fans took pictures while holding up traffic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPj1NyVGlYYHfEMGrDI9e2spwi1zw_13X69jd9PCFlzqXpZhPKNAbOc2ealcU5yrtGu4ocCmUvCzWS_IvdNkiyZaZGEBhOhOzQg0J9CIZ48iRjXnaruUAmboOzFibdB3fZEmz5GeeQp8/s1600/MarkAbbeyRoad02.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPj1NyVGlYYHfEMGrDI9e2spwi1zw_13X69jd9PCFlzqXpZhPKNAbOc2ealcU5yrtGu4ocCmUvCzWS_IvdNkiyZaZGEBhOhOzQg0J9CIZ48iRjXnaruUAmboOzFibdB3fZEmz5GeeQp8/s320/MarkAbbeyRoad02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497051784089754946" border="0" /></a>On the wall outside the nearby Abbey Road Studios are thousands - if not more - signatures of fans. There are favorite lyrics, peace signs, names and expressions of love for the band on the wall. The signatures go back decades and they stretch onto the entire block’s walls.<br /><br />I signed my name in a little space and walked toward the ten other fans waiting to simply cross the road where the Beatles created their iconic album cover.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OTDEvEuZmYm5wCNl1Df4Pcqoz1I4v0M-IoVVB5KzDZD_SUgNTy1vyomY_25uYUYstEK2RqN1Q5BLIzrL8Uy6PML5r9CfE_KR_mQMesLLDqxELDDV58Q1rHgQGnA7pa7JmrBYgaW-3XE/s1600/KevinAbbeyRoad.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OTDEvEuZmYm5wCNl1Df4Pcqoz1I4v0M-IoVVB5KzDZD_SUgNTy1vyomY_25uYUYstEK2RqN1Q5BLIzrL8Uy6PML5r9CfE_KR_mQMesLLDqxELDDV58Q1rHgQGnA7pa7JmrBYgaW-3XE/s320/KevinAbbeyRoad.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497051510516422658" border="0" /></a>When people wanted to cross, cars always stopped and the drivers smiled - regardless of traffic signs (or lack thereof). I walked across the street and then headed to the Underground station back home. I was glad to have done it but it was missing something.<br /><br />On the ride home, I put on my headphones and listened to “Come Together.” That was the most satisfying part of the day.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style: italic;">Text and top two images by Mark Lauterbach. Bottom image by <a href="http://rhythmandmelody.wordpress.com/">Kevin Brosky</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-51372617723493811972010-07-23T13:45:00.002-04:002010-07-23T08:09:23.596-04:00Olly the Octopus "Takes a Piss Out of Everyone."<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GN6SnLcDhtz9_lJQp51VCa9T0Jq1FvoAQlU7Oau_kw72TbKf4hGC7GXPgDTJcNhCcph7UrjHOB6gDSmHpYd7hKEK5nGIWXdtRjTbcmxrmAbmlhTkJ495WeCKZNzQ5lDVVfv2vITKUSI/s1600/OllyOctopus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 276px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GN6SnLcDhtz9_lJQp51VCa9T0Jq1FvoAQlU7Oau_kw72TbKf4hGC7GXPgDTJcNhCcph7UrjHOB6gDSmHpYd7hKEK5nGIWXdtRjTbcmxrmAbmlhTkJ495WeCKZNzQ5lDVVfv2vITKUSI/s400/OllyOctopus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496664746185373714" /></a>Belting out across the room at <a href="http://www.93feeteast.co.uk/">93 Feet East</a>, it didn’t take <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ollytheoctopus">Olly the Octopus</a> very long to get the audience going. <br /><br />“<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGupdQHJnPM">Gordon Brown</a>,” a clever political twist on The Strangler’s classic "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIHBUGvAUMo">Golden Brown</a>" is just one of Olly’s many satirical political tunes. In "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqz_i_AE8Ps">A Call to Arms for Hippies</a>," Olly ropes you into his choruses with catchy hooks like, "We should learn from the hippies why the movement failed/ Hippies don’t run for government and politicians don’t inhale." <br /><br />This guy is a true entertainer who was able to get a somewhat stiff crowd to sing along with him in a matter of minutes.<br /><br />Originally in the band <a href="http://www.myspace.com/mycousinkate">My Cousin Kate</a>, Olly (nee Oliver Price), 30, now records with other bands such as <a href="http://www.myspace.com/helouisamusic">Lulu and the Lampshades</a>, while continuing to do his acoustic bit as well. <br /><br />“Music is the one true international language," he says.<br /><br />This satirical folkster simply wants to help spread a message. <br /><br />”I like taking a piss out of everyone," he says. "Including myself.” <br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Luke Bilek. Image by <a href="http://geoslogic.blogspot.com/">George Miller</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-84459368998393135822010-07-22T05:00:00.001-04:002010-07-22T06:56:37.416-04:00The Shoreditch Festival: Three-days of Free Live Music.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOqq-iFcjWKind77L6NpiTvj4s6CV_k9KT-d5qO1s_H9-CXu3Vnu0cFi98YGeIQh7w9QBYNVzzpDYTDGukfVVSFjiz0dogYDBzWJJgDM5uVxxI0CbMNeJyprSLqtxctPNZUuyJkLvTM4/s1600/KevinShorditch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOqq-iFcjWKind77L6NpiTvj4s6CV_k9KT-d5qO1s_H9-CXu3Vnu0cFi98YGeIQh7w9QBYNVzzpDYTDGukfVVSFjiz0dogYDBzWJJgDM5uVxxI0CbMNeJyprSLqtxctPNZUuyJkLvTM4/s400/KevinShorditch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496395638835126498" /></a>Last weekend, Londoners of every demographic gathered peaceably in Shoreditch Park for the Shoreditch Trust’s ninth annual <a href="http://www.shoreditchfestival.org.uk/">Shoreditch Festival</a>. <br /><br />A performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a fireworks display opened the festivities Friday night. Saturday and Sunday featured all-day live music, spoken word, dance and other performances across multiple stages and tents. <br /><br />The Sunday finale showcased reggae and world music from the main stage, in front of which sprawled hundreds of listeners. Camped out on blankets across the grass, the content crowd soaked in the sun along with the rhythmic, tranquil sounds drifting over the park.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN0HS8Wq83_fZYDwnDDZfvp4niKftDyVcnD5ruJZg7N276z14_jl4HbLwrbBUrWxGX2B2li9l1RC8DsK7TStNLP9qsaFesXNl56mntQxkjPTXINjo4fn5ziG3orP-f7hdCVoR7o6tL14/s1600/KevinShoreditch2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN0HS8Wq83_fZYDwnDDZfvp4niKftDyVcnD5ruJZg7N276z14_jl4HbLwrbBUrWxGX2B2li9l1RC8DsK7TStNLP9qsaFesXNl56mntQxkjPTXINjo4fn5ziG3orP-f7hdCVoR7o6tL14/s400/KevinShoreditch2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496395510662740514" /></a>- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text and images by <a href="http://rhythmandmelody.wordpress.com/">Kevin Brosky</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-53333197569872042432010-07-21T15:37:00.004-04:002010-07-21T21:21:37.464-04:00Leicester Square: A Legacy of Strumming.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBCfO_p6iscKAibXTwtE-wD5mgkLY8qW71wV9p7nv9S_binx-MsYYytDPcMYM6f4PoTfGVH9tTUBYmQ3lRWlvKhcJhzrda51HMBIpzv5gNJjp486KVeU_KWd2NOh-uwu-rmfzOucaD-o/s1600/KevinGuitar1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDBCfO_p6iscKAibXTwtE-wD5mgkLY8qW71wV9p7nv9S_binx-MsYYytDPcMYM6f4PoTfGVH9tTUBYmQ3lRWlvKhcJhzrda51HMBIpzv5gNJjp486KVeU_KWd2NOh-uwu-rmfzOucaD-o/s400/KevinGuitar1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495333317797796258" /></a>A worn and fading white Fender Stratocaster electric guitar hangs amidst an array of other guitars on a wall rack. It’s an original model, perhaps the rarest instrument in the store. Its pricetag: £20,000.<br /><br />“We can get anything we want,” says a smiling Barry Mason, director of the <a href="http://spanishguitarcentre.com/">Spanish Guitar Centre</a>. “In 55 years, you get to know a lot of people.”<br /><br />The facility opened its doors near Leicester Square in 1952 as a guitar teaching facility, operated by Len Williams, father of international classical guitar virtuoso John Williams. In the time since, the Centre has remained on the cutting edge, expanding its retail section considerably and offering acoustic guitars like Martin and Taylor, as well as vintage and custom-built electrics.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNofXrJiSdQk3Jf9eeCgAkePr_q8cRrPRlmOo076qqABMmZvWGgejOQf4GYxQAN5Y52SRvoYJIrMriF3_C9LxM0DfMvYXo5GswyZMweLLh9Tp1cbxX9o1BSNuvZiWbgKA6pejH82Hx7Kg/s1600/KevinGuitar2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 187px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNofXrJiSdQk3Jf9eeCgAkePr_q8cRrPRlmOo076qqABMmZvWGgejOQf4GYxQAN5Y52SRvoYJIrMriF3_C9LxM0DfMvYXo5GswyZMweLLh9Tp1cbxX9o1BSNuvZiWbgKA6pejH82Hx7Kg/s200/KevinGuitar2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495334270872096802" /></a>Mason, a classically trained guitarist and former international performer himself, now works as a buyer for the store, making trips and retrieving some of the most prized guitars on the planet. Guitar legends like Eric Clapton and new generation stars like Amy Winehouse frequent the store. <br /><br />Though Mason claims the legacy of classical guitar stylings is fading due to a generation gap and a decline in production of classical and Spanish guitars, he still recognizes the importance his facility and others like it play in cultivating a new generation of musicians.<br /><br />“This place is a stepping stone for beginners,” Mason says, “but music goes way further than here.”<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text and images by <a href="http://rhythmandmelody.wordpress.com/">Kevin Brosky</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-39211998712043614482010-07-20T15:12:00.005-04:002010-07-22T05:45:49.892-04:00Hootananny Brixton: Electrifying Energy (and Tacos!).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6LCKfP1EqQ5fy27acmT3_rZ-Dz23DKbKGyzMyrbGSRcWwAKSL0qCMlkISf-2UI91gnpuxHP8dJwz3ANsZyIpxh6DWtnQtbsY1cSjsvibeo0qHZ6s8w1rmQEF2KUml8EK9TIhitgjbXE/s1600/EvanHootananny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6LCKfP1EqQ5fy27acmT3_rZ-Dz23DKbKGyzMyrbGSRcWwAKSL0qCMlkISf-2UI91gnpuxHP8dJwz3ANsZyIpxh6DWtnQtbsY1cSjsvibeo0qHZ6s8w1rmQEF2KUml8EK9TIhitgjbXE/s400/EvanHootananny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495328365852743970" /></a><a href="http://www.hootanannybrixton.co.uk/brixton-live-music.html">Hootananny Brixton</a>, just a short walk down from the Brixton tube stop, offers free admission on both Friday and Saturday nights. Here, you will experience some of the areas most exciting live music including - but not limited to - reggae, ska, hip-hop, breakbeat, funk and soul performances. <br /><br />The electrifying energy is capped off with a late night DJ spinning until 3am. Massive open floors provide for a great live music and dance experience. <br /><br />Don’t forget to grab a late night £1 taco cooked on a barbecue in the club's beer garden as you catch a breather from this nonstop party.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmDRLw1Uv7ey_JhmCfKvtXJ57hxex7yvWnnaSxTR1WkoW-ppdGT0tnlP3P5HDhKqwHDnjBTkpTOOwkudxbvpR3UVkLO-VSM-5EZc-WD7HHKpu8O1Ge-iLq5n361z1A7auwMs39WZvehQ/s1600/GraceTacos.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGmDRLw1Uv7ey_JhmCfKvtXJ57hxex7yvWnnaSxTR1WkoW-ppdGT0tnlP3P5HDhKqwHDnjBTkpTOOwkudxbvpR3UVkLO-VSM-5EZc-WD7HHKpu8O1Ge-iLq5n361z1A7auwMs39WZvehQ/s400/GraceTacos.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495329664140127810" /></a> - <span style="font-style:italic;">Text by Luke Bilek. Top image by<a href="http://evankaucher.tumblr.com/"> Evan Kaucher</a>. Bottom image by <a href="http://foodfitnessfreshair.com/">Grace Dickinson</a></span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-529130703001022623.post-22374882122377397242010-07-19T13:54:00.000-04:002010-07-19T13:54:00.400-04:00Notting Hill: Nirvana of Rare Albums.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba7tnDuaMX8ux0w-59nZxBDUXcrwD4wKf6_-VAoigyBJT6eJNvOa4ZQYBwGq8so6kGzSP6iB3YF1hpUkWlfCc_tCfVB1wC2VejajNfVS9wrke1wx69nWy6BJ0rdl6ql3bZtiwbqtCflo/s1600/MarkRecordStore1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjba7tnDuaMX8ux0w-59nZxBDUXcrwD4wKf6_-VAoigyBJT6eJNvOa4ZQYBwGq8so6kGzSP6iB3YF1hpUkWlfCc_tCfVB1wC2VejajNfVS9wrke1wx69nWy6BJ0rdl6ql3bZtiwbqtCflo/s400/MarkRecordStore1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495306257404863762" /></a>There’s Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and the Queen. And there’s a record store in Notting Hill.<br /><br />Right out of the Notting Hill Gate underground station, go for a two-minute walk up the main drag and you’ll find three record stores in a row. The middle one, <a href="http://www.mveshops.co.uk/">Music and Video Exchange</a> on 38 Notting Hill Gate, is where you walk into. In this nice neighborhood away from the crowds of Central London and all of the sight-seeing attractions is this chill store to buy all your musical indulgences. <br /><br />This record store has been around since the 1960’s and has two floors and a basement packed with albums. There are rare, obscure, and famous bands all present with an incredible spectrum of variety. Genres from blues to gospel to psychedelic, and from rock and pop to indie music are all well represented, including live music albums. <br /><br />Even the most pretentiously persnickety of clientele would be aptly satisfied. The store has a steady, yet calm flow of customers leaving you to browse at your own pace. The Music and Video Exchange has an immense selection of vinyl, LP’s, and CD’s. Most vinyl sells for around 15 pounds. <br /><br />The cashiers and store workers are gracious, diligent, friendly, and never over-bearing. The collection upstairs is a nirvana or rare albums.<br /><br />- <span style="font-style:italic;">Text and image by Mark Lauterbach</span>.Geohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13931847026373746798noreply@blogger.com0