Issue 2010 Issue7 •1 October • january
soundcheck w o l v e r h a m p t o n
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Joe Karchud, Music & Film Reviews… and so much more! www.wlv-soundcheck.com
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Editor: Contact:
Glenn Rossington editor@wlv-soundcheck.com
Design:
GR Creative
Advertising: Contact:
Kate Farrell kate@wlv-soundcheck.com
Contributions:
Glenn Rossington Andrew Gillard Glenn Rossington Bex Dobson
Photos: Published By:
GR Creative
Contributions: Article and photo contributions are welcome. Prints and transparencies are sent at the owner’s risk and although every care is taken, soundcheck accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. Please email photos to editor@glennrossington.co.uk (all images must be at least 300dpi) or post them to our address Legal Bit: Copyright Š2009 Soundcheck. All rights reserved. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission from Soundcheck. Information on events, products, reviews and anything else does not nessicarily imply recommendations by Soundcheck. We have done our utmost to make sure all the content in this magazine is correct and accurate, but would emphasise the we, Soundcheck, accept no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. All opinions expressed in this magazine are that of the individual contributor and are not nessicarily shared by Soundcheck Magazine
02 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Contents News 05 06 - 13
Editor’s Thoughts Music, Art & Food News
Features 14 - 23 24
Edinburgh Fringe Diary Top Tips For The Fringe
Spot Light 26 - 29 30
Joe Karchud Interview Cinema Listings
Film Reviews 31 32
DVD Reviews 33
Out Now/Soon
Reviews 34 - 35
New Albums
Live Music 36 37 38 - 39
The Vortex Delays V Festival 2010
Goings On 40 - 45
Gig Listings
The Human Centipede Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
03 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
editor’s thoughts www.wlv-soundcheck.com
So we start a new academic year both in the local school calendar, and at the higher education institutes in the area. Since our last issue (It’s been 2 months now), we have begun to forge some new conacts with the University of Wolverhampton. Particularly in the form of te Schoolof Photography. Until we can verify what means this will take, I can assure you that you will start to see some examples of fine Photography talent amongst these pages soon. Whether this be for a fine art or a commercial sense yet, I cannot say. Today local band The Lines will headline their biggest ever hometown show yet at the city’s Wulfrun Hall. They are deemed to be the next big thing in the music scene and we are talking to them now for future link ups. Int his issue, we have a detailled review of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from our Cinema/ Comedy critic Andy Gillard. We also have an interview with local hero Joe Karchud whose name you will be hearing more of over the coming months. So please read on and enjoy until next time…
Glenn Rossington (Editor)
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Trouble In Town James Blunt will embark on a headline UK tour in February and March 2011. His new single “Stay The Night” is released on October 25, followed by his third album “Some Kind of Trouble” on November 8. The new album was produced by Steve Robson (with co production by Greg Kurstin and Eg White) and sees the five times Grammy nominee start another chapter in his musical career with a sense of freshness and spontaneity pervading the whole record. However, much as he loves making new music, for Blunt the ultimate joy comes from playing the songs live and sharing them with an audience. “Put the album out and put me out on the road” he says. “Get me on tour and we’re going to have the time of our lives doing these songs”
06 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Bridges Upgraded Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall are delighted to announce that, having sold out of tickets for his show that was scheduled to take place in the Wulfrun Hall, “We have upgraded Kevin Bridges to the Civic Hall in order to meet with the huge demand for tickets!” says Civic Representitive Jonn Penney. As well as having a strong hometown following, Kevin has taken his style of observational, cutting edge comedy all over the Globe. Performing throughout Ireland, Germany, Canada along with tours of the Far East and Middle East. Tickets priced £15.00 are available from Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000 or online at www.wolvescivic.co.uk
Currie For Slade In 2010 Del Amitri’s singer/songwriter Justin Currie released his second album The Great War, which delivered a bracing set of original compositions that break yet more creative ground – and further cemented Currie’s place as an ambitious and versatile solo artist. The Great War finds Justin delivering some of his most compelling work to date, with such memorable numbers as “The Way That It Falls,” “At Home Inside of Me” and the epic “The Fight to Be Human” overflowing with catchy melodicism and vivid wordplay. Justin Currie plays The Slade Rooms on Monday 31st January 2011.
To The Gallows
After two and a half years spent channelling his energy into a very personal album, Steve Hewitt (ex Placebo drummer and cosongwriter) now returns as the rejuvenated frontman of Love Amongst Ruin... A multi-faceted hard rock band with the crunch of a stone age queen. The band play Wolverhampton’s Slade Rooms on 31st October. Tickets are on sale now priced £7.50. www.wlv-soundcheck.com
07 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
A round up of all things musical, artistic, food and fashionable…
3rd Wolves Date For Lee
Once again, Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall have announced that, due to demand for tickets to Lee Nelson’s Well Good Shows, they have had to add yet another date! The legend behind Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show (BBC3) brings some funnies to people in the UK who don’t have a TV. The creation of critically-acclaimed character comedian Simon Brodkin, Nelsy gets in among the excitable audience in this brand new show, entertaining them with cheeky banter and all manner of daft games, ably assisted by his best mate, and “fat legend”, Omelette. Lee Nelson’s Well Good Show unleashes tales of mischief-making, dubious life lessons and general scallywaggery. Tickets priced £15.00 are available from Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000
Legendary Venue To Close? LANDMARK West Midlands music club JB’s has gone into administration after more than 40 years of helping to launch the careers of a string of stars. The club has built up debts of £450,000 and now faces an uncertain future as it looks for a buyer. Up to 25 jobs could be at risk if it closes for good. JB’s, in Castle Hill, Dudley, has played host to legends such as Robert Plant, Manic Street Preachers, U2 and The Stone Roses. Half the debts are mortgage costs and £80,000 is owed to suppliers. The rest is money the directors have ploughed in themselves. Mrs Jukes, aged 59, said: “The recession has hit us, and the terrible weather in January didn’t help.” The club is open, with Mr and Mrs Jukes running it until Christmas. Band bookings are being honoured. 08 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
You And Who? Local Trance/Rap/Rock pioneers You and What Army make a triumphant return to Wolverhampton next month having made a serious noise across the nation. The fresh new band gigged with their fresh new sound. They perfected their stage show and have played to thousands of people across the country, captivating crowds and enticing new fans - this was especially true after the band won the online “Red Bull Bedroom Jam” competition, where both fans and distinguished judges voted You and What Army to play 5 festivals over the summer of 2010. And that brings us to now. The future? Well YAWA have features on Kerrang radio and BBC Introducing regional shows being lined up, interviews with Kerrang magazine, Rock Sound, and NME. There are festivals to be played and new songs to be written for their next release.
Screamadelica ‘11 Primal Scream are set to play their 1991 album ‘Screamadelica’ in full on a UK tour in March. The band had previously announced they would perform the seminal Andrew Weatherall-produced album at two London shows in November, but have now confirmed seven further dates in the UK, starting in Leeds on March 14. Primal Scream will play: November 26th London Olympia 27th London Olympia March 14th 15th 16th 18th 19th 22nd 25th
Leeds O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy Newcastle O2 Academy Glasgow SECC Manchester Apollo Brighton Centre London O2 Academy Brixton
Tickets are on sale now. www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Led Zeppelin Confirmed? Despite currently being busy promoting his new album ‘Band Of Joy‘, former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant has refused to rule out the possibility of the legendary band reforming, and revealed talks between the surviving members could get under way soon. When asked about the current mind-set of the group with regards to a reunion, Plant tantalisingly told A.V. Club: “I think we’re probably thinking about talking.” Later, Plant also discussed his feelings during Led Zeppelin’s hugely successful reunion show in 2007, when the band re-grouped for one night only to pay tribute to Atlantic Records‘ Ahmet Ertegun. “I was driven to distraction with fear and reminiscences and huge reflections of my mortality and, like, can I do it? Is it best I leave it as it was? Is it some kind of pulsing fun machine? But we had to do it,” he remembered. “We had to say goodbye to Ahmet properly and that was a great way of putting a lot of things back in the box that were all over the floor.” Plant added that the buzz he used to feel from performing Led Zeppelin songs live was still very much in evidence, and is something he would like to experience again. The ‘Band Of Joy‘ album was released earlier this month and has received strong reviews from critics. 09 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
A round up of all things musical, artistic, food and fashionable…
Emma Makes It Black
Emma Thompson has signed on to play an agent in Men In Black III. The British actress will star in the blockbuster sequel alongside returning stars Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. Thompson will play Agent Oh – who, according to the film’s press release, is an “MIB agent from the ‘60s monitoring a prison break”. The film will feature Smith’s agent travelling through time to save the world again. He ends up meeting a young Tommy Lee Jones, played by No Country For Old Men’s Josh Brolin. Barry Sonnenfeld will direct once more, his first job behind the camera since 2006’s Runaway Vacation. Men In Black III will be released in 2012. 10 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Fry Takes On Holmes
Stephen Fry has announced he will play Sherlock Holmes’ brother in a sequel to 2009’s Guy Ritchie-directed film. The actor and comedian revealed to Danny Baker on BBC 5Live that he will play Mycroft Holmes in the follow-up to the first film, which starred Robert Downey Jr as Holmes, with Jude Law playing Dr Watson. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books portray Mycroft as more intelligent than his detective brother, with a shady role in the British government. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’s Noomi Rapace will play the female lead – with the casting of Holmes’ nemesis Professor Moriarty yet to be announced.The sequel is expected in December 2011.
Star Wars To Debut In 3D
Director George Lucas has announced he will release 3D versions of the Star Wars films. According to the Hollywoodreporter.com, the conversions will begin in 2012 with the 3D release of The Phantom Menace, the first part in the saga. If successful, the remaining five films will follow at the rate of one per year. It is planned to leave a year between films to ensure that the conversions look as state-of-theart as possible, corresponding to emerging technology over the period. A 3D conversion of the Star Wars films has been rumoured for some time, but it is believed the surge of interest in the format following the release of Avatar has pushed Lucas’ timetable forward. Each film will have a cinematic release. In other Star Wars news, Lucas is planning the Blu-ray release of the six films next year, including with never-before-seen deleted scenes and new ‘making of’ documentaries. According to the Hollywoodreporter.com, the conversions will begin in 2012 with the 3D release of The Phantom Menace, the first part in the saga. www.wlv-soundcheck.com
11 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
A round up of all things musical, artistic, food and fashionable…
TION: EXCLUSIVE PUBLIC INFORMATION: EXCLUSIV
Sharing Tracks On New Metro Link Sharing tracks between freight trains and trams could shave nearly £60 million off the bill for a £289m Metro extension which is in doubt, transport bosses revealed today. It is hoped that the saving will bring the long-awaited extension between Wednesbury and Stourbridge a step closer to receiving government backing. Centro spokesman Steve Swingler said: “We are continuing with our plans for a rapid transit system linking the existing Midland Metro at Wednesbury to Stourbridge via Merry Hill and Brierley Hill. “Running freight trains on the proposed tram tracks will remove the need to build a separate track for freight, cutting overall construction costs by around 20 per cent.” The track-sharing scheme for the Metro extension has been mooted for years but bosses have now calculated the savings they could make. Proposals hit the buffers in April last year after it emerged that West Midlands councils would need to plug a £252m funding gap if the plans were to become a reality. And large-scale transport schemes including a new public transport service between Birmingham Airport and the city centre, and a new railway station in Wolverhampton have also stalled through lack of funding. But Centro chiefs have confirmed that although funding had not yet emerged for the projects, they were still on the agenda. 12 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Biggins Is Coming… He is the nation’s best known panto dame and in just a couple of months time Christopher Biggins will be heading to Wolverhampton. He will be starring as Widow Twankey in a production of Aladdin at the Grand Theatre which runs from December 11 until January 30. Ticket sales are already up 14 per cent on last year’s production of Cinderella which bosses have put down to to the “Biggins effect”. The star will be joined in the region by his close friend and Hollywood icon Joan Collins who is starring in this year’s performance of Dick Whittington at the Birmingham Hippodrome. It was Christopher Biggins who told her to give pantomime a try and he says she is looking forward to the role.
City Model Hopeful Tiffany Pisani, the 18-year-old daughter of a South Staffordshire businesswoman, has had her peroxide pixie crop transformed into a sleek and sexy bob ahead of Monday night’s live final. She will be vying to win a £1 million modelling contract, a covershoot for Company magazine and the chance to appear in the latest campaign for beauty giant Revlon. She said today: “I’m very happy to be in the top three and I am really excited for Monday night but I’m also nervous because it’s live. “All my family in Wombourne will be watching and I couldn’t have asked for more support.” The final will be on Living TV at 9pm.
More Drikers Of Ale It is usually seen as the favourite tipple of pensioners in flat caps who sit in the corner of the pub, but traditional cask ale is undergoing a makeover. A new report has revealed there are now 8.6 million people quaffing cask ales in the UK, with more and more 18 to 24-year-olds choosing the drink. The number of young people drinking cask beer has jumped by 17 per cent. www.wlv-soundcheck.com
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010 13
h g r u b Edin
Fringe Festival 2010 Reviewed by Andrew Gillard
This August the Fringe turned 30. Over these 3 decades so much has changed. The infantile years of the Fringe saw a new government moving into 10 Downing Street, leading us into a Double Dip recession, whilst stealing milk from the youngsters, and generally making everyone miserable – yes, times have changed a lot!!
Misery was the natural state in Britain, except for those who went to the comedy clubs and embraced the likes of Ben Elton, Rik Mayall and Alexei Sayle; you see it turns out a Conservative government leads to a melancholic (or is it alcoholic?) society, but the comedy being funnier. It’s hard to get angry under a Labour government ‘this bloody government doing stuff to help people who need it – grrr! It just doesn’t work.’ (to quote Jon Richardson). So 30 years on with a milk-snatching, penny-pinching Conservative/Lib-Dem “coalition” government in charge, surely this should be the best Fringe ever then?!
Our Journey Day – Saturday 7th August
After a night of (not much) sleep, myself and Rachael are up at 3:30am getting the car packed for the long haul journey from the West Midlands all the way to bonnie wee Scotland!
04:25 – We are off! Good job I’d put together a playlist on my iPod for us, early morning radio is 14 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
shockingly poor. Mind you, I can’t say Rachael will enjoy the Proclaimers tracks on the playlist... we are going to Scotland after all.
07:20-ish The “Welcome To Scotland” sign flashes by on the M6.
12:00 We get into Edinburgh, time for the Sat-
Nav and iPhone to direct us to our home for the next week. The Sat-Nav takes us right up along South Bridge, through the heart of the city. Intersecting where South Bridge meets North Bridge, is the famous Royal Mile currently decorated with a huge colourful banner at the entrance. Early impressions of the city are quite astounding. Beautiful old buildings lining the streets, a mix of Dickensian-era architecture, Gothic style churches and cobbled streets. They call Edinburgh the Athens of the North and you can see why. Immediately you can feel the www.wlv-soundcheck.com
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
atmosphere is nothing like you experience in any of the cities of England.
12:30 After being sent here, there and up the
wrong way of a one way street by the Sat-Nav, the good old A-to-Z gets us to our apartment just off Leith Walk, only about 15 minutes walk from the city, or 5 minutes by bus. Unpacked and feeling at home, the rest of Saturday was a bit of a right-off. Tired and hungry from a long journey, a Pot Noodle for lunch, a bit of a sleep for dessert. The Saturday evening consisted of a walk to Tesco and a stop off at a Chinese restaurant on the way back. Subdued ending to the arrival day, ready to brave the Fringe tomorrow.
Our First Full Day of Edinburgh Sunday 8th August
Sunday morning breakfast was accompanied with the Fringe magazine, deciding what shows we want to see, which shows clash with others, prices, distances from A to B, where A actually is and where B actually is and if it creates a right angle triangle so that Pythagoras’ theory can be applied, or so it felt like. We decided to go to the Fringe shop with a list of shows and see what they can do – in retrospect we should’ve done this before now.
16 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Half way up the Royal Mile is where the Fringe box office is situated, so this was to be our first venture through the heart of the Fringe. If you’ve seen Zack Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead, the scene where the armoured bus is trying to pull away from the Shopping Centre, but is being mobbed by the Undead – that’s something like the Royal Mile that day, the armoured bus being myself and my girlfriend, and the hoards of the Living Dead being performers and leaflet distributors trying to sell their wears. Between the 2 of us we amassed enough leaflets to decorate a medium sized bedroom since this first day! The queue for the Fringe box office started at one end of an alley way for about 50-odd yards to the rear entrance of the building. We were sitting prey for the leaflet givers. I don’t know how much more bored I could look when someone was telling me about their play on lucid dreaming, however one guy was handing out free Jelly Belly Jelly Beans, so swings and roundabouts. After waiting the best part of half an hour we get to see a sales assistant to help us, and through our list we go. Filling in something akin to a school timetable with each show we book. Tickets purchased for all bar 3 of the shows we wanted. Unfortunately it appears as though Sarah Millican (2008s Best Newcomer Winner) and Stewart Lee (The Worst Comedian Ever according to www.wlv-soundcheck.com
The Sun “newspaper”) won’t be enjoying our company this week. Most regrettably we will not be able to be a part of the audience for one of the live recordings for the Collings and Herrin Podcast. However, we did get tickets for The Ukulele Project, Fordy’s Morning Hangover Show, Jon Richardson, David O’Doherty, Josie Long, Barbershopera and Richard Herring. Plus there were a few free shows we wanted to see too (Andrew Collins and Robin Ince), and also there was the Castle, Holyrood House and the Zoo, so we had plenty to do.
Edinburgh had to offer non-fringe wise, on leaving the Royal Mile we see a camera crew and our first Celebrity find of the festival, Sue Perkins (of Mel and Sue fame) filming for BBC2’s The Culture Show.
On leaving the box office we had a walk up the Royal Mile. Every so often there was a street magician, musician, human statue, contortionist, a man and woman pretending to be a puppet and puppet master, contortionist, gymnastics and one man and his dog! On the walk back down the Royal Mile we stopped at a couple of the small stages which had been erected, very difficult to hear the performers above the din of the crowds, we didn’t linger long, until we came to the bottom of the high street where a troupe were on one of the stages singing an advertisement song for their show, Sherlock Holmes and the Sound of the Baskervilles. A funny song, lively looking group, it might just be worth a look.
First up was The Ukulele Project. The write up in the Fringe catalogue sounded interesting and fun, so we thought we would take a chance. So we headed up to the venue and on the way up we passed the man mountain that is Greg Davies (of We Are Klang and Mock The Week fame). That’s 2 famous faces now.
After a period of wandering around the Royal Mile, we decided to set off to see what else
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Our First Show Day Monday 9th August
The Monday was quite a quiet day; we only had the one show booked for this day, as we had been hoping to fill the afternoon/evening with Stewart Lee or Sarah Millican.
THE UKULELE PROJECT
The quartet took the stage and rocked out (as much as anyone can rock on Ukulele’s!), starting their set with Blur’s Britpop classic Country House. Funny, charming, handsome, great voices and talented; these kids could rule the world one day. The lead male’s voice was something which James Morrison would kill to poses, smooth yet strong. The lead female was the real star though, a voice sounding like a mix of Martha Wainwright and Regina Spektor with a little gruffness to it.
17 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Covers of Blur, The Beatles, Beach Boys, a cover of the Ukulele Orchestra’s cover Psycho Killer, Gorillaz and a James Bond medley were all received with great applause. The Ukulele Project told us that this being their first Fringe, they wanted a typically Scottish song, something traditional and something that had Scotland running through it like a stick of rock, then they played Kung-Fu Fighting. This summarised The Ukulele Project perfectly. Funny and amazing. Leaving the Belly Dancer room, everyone had a huge smile on their face; little did they know what was unfolding outside... The heavens had opened. To say it was raining, would be like saying the Ice Age was a little bit frosty. We walked around the corner to try and grab something to eat, and hopefully the rain would subside, which thankfully it did. With the Royal Mile being the centre of the universe when it comes to the Festival, we headed in that direction. On seeing an area we had yet to see we thought we would take a left and see what’s happening that way. Next thing we knew it the rain came back with a vengeance. Luckily at the top of the street was Edinburgh Castle, as we had nothing else planned and didn’t fancy the long walk in the rain we thought we would do the Castle as we were there. Not a fat lot to say about it though. It was big and very much focused on the 18 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
military. Some wonderful memorials to the fallen victims of the two world wars, lots of medals and memorabilia from the wars (captured flags, weapons, etc), the most impressive part of the tour though was the Armoury, a huge red room with many, many swords, and rifles and suits or armour adorning each wall. With the weather still howling, we traipsed back to the apartment, stopping off for me to buy a waterproof coat. A nice cooked meal, and Simon Amstell’s Grandma’s House brought
Monday to a close.
The Ukulele Project - **** Funny, charming, uplifting and toe-tapping greatness.
Our Second Day Tuesday 10th August
Another day of only the one show booked; Fordy’s Morning Hangover Show, 11:35 at Just the Tonic at The Caves. Having experienced the queue for The Ukulele Project a day earlier, we thought it best to get there a bit earlier to make sure we got good seats again, we got there a bit too early if anything so we went to a the Underbelly’s café for a coffee and a tea and meandered back down to The Caves.
FORDY’S MORNING HANGOVER SHOW
Being early meant that we were front of the www.wlv-soundcheck.com
queue when the doors open. Down a dark corridor, up a flight of stairs, round the corner, down another corridor and round another corner we walked into this room and already sat on stage was TalkSports very own Matt Forde, James Dowdswell (stand-up comedian and actor) and Matthew Crosby from Pappy’s (formerly Pappy’s Fun Club). The premise of Fordy’s Morning Hangover Show was for Fordy and his guests to go through that mornings papers and start the day off nice and gently, however this quickly turned into stories about being sick when hungover, hangover cures, more stories of being sick, with intermittent episodes of Fordy feeling up Matt. A great way to start the day. Once again we found ourselves with not much to do and plenty of time to do it in, so we tried to get tickets to see the Sherlock Holmes musical but they’d sold out for Tuesday and Wednesday, on we walked aimlessly up past the statue of Greyfriars Bobby and from here we could see in the distance a huge, civic-hall-sized purple cow on her back (yes, really!!). The giant cow was the Udderbelly (part of the Underbelly) and surrounding the cow was a seating area known as the Underbelly Pastures where you could have a drink and a bite to eat. Whilst sat in the Pasture we were once more bombarded with leaflets and one in particular stood out, The Roaring Boys Will Set You Free. The leaflet was handed to us by one of The Roaring Boys and attached to it was a free piece of rock (already liking this act), he explained that they were aiming to set us free by blowing up The One Show (they had my vote immediately!) and that the tickets were 2 for 1 today. Who could resist the combination of rock, blowing up Adrian Chiles and 2 for 1?!
Our Midweek Break Wednesday 11th August
A few busy days, a lot of walking and no shows planned until the evening turned Wednesday into a day of relaxation for us. We went up to the Royal Mile to view some free street performances. We started with a street magician, who did the ball under the cup trick in a very original way, it was a humorous way to spend some time. Then we moved on to see a guy who is a several time winner of a worldwide street magician competition, with a trick he was going to show us, after he showed us the trick which currently has him in the Guinness Book of Records. He swallowed a sword and then took a bow whilst the sword was still down his throat, something which baffles the medical community. The trick which has won him the street performer competition was even more astounding; he sat on top of a 3 metre high unicycle, blindfolded whilst juggling a tomahawk, a jungle knife and a meat cleaver. I must say this is probably the only time I’ve ever seen something like this and genuinely feared for the safety of the performer. It was amazing. The last of the street performers we saw that day, was completely different, a 5-some of Japanese performers doing physical comedy. Quite possibly the most off the wall and just plain weird
THE ROARING BOYS WILL SET YOU FREE
Jonny and Danny, The Roaring Boys talked us through the dangers of seeing the show in Underbelly in case of a fire – basically we were all going to die. Then the 2 of them lead us through a story of love, loss and hating how The One Show melts your mind into mush with its monotonous presenters and stories ranging from badgers one moment and then tales of multiple-murder the next, whilst inbetween asking Danny DeVito or Duran Duran what they think about genocide or the colour maroon. Plenty of audience interaction, and gags aplenty. Exceptionally funny! Fordy’s Morning Hangover Show - **** Exceptionally funny stuff from the man and his mates. The Roaring Boys Will Set You Free - ***** High energy hilarity www.wlv-soundcheck.com
19 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
thing I’ve ever seen. Occasionally they would perform some Matrix style manoeuvre which looks incredible, but then one of the actors would do a pratfall onto her large padded behind. Very odd, but not bad. After all that fun, we decided to head to the Pleasance for our shows, we got there a bit early to have a drink and a bite to eat. It turns out that this is the place to be. Whilst there we saw Jon Richardson, Matt Forde, James Dowdswell, David O’Doherty, Jack Whitehall, Emo Philips and Matt, Ben and Tom from Pappy’s all around the place having a drink and unwinding.
JON RICHARDSON: DON’T HAPPY, BE WORRY
Our first proper show of the day kicked off at 19:40, and it was worth the wait. Jon Richardson gives us what we expect, a grumpy old man in a grumpy young mans body. Following up from his 2009 Fringe nominated show, This Guy At Night was always going to be a tough feat, but I would not at all be surprised if this is nominated too. The room was packed out for Jon, it really is great seeing how much he has grown as a performer since he first came to my knowledge on the Russell Howard Show on 6music. Now we were at the half point of the week Rachael asked me what my favourite show was thus far, I could only say I don’t know, I’ve loved each one, but at a push probably the Ukulele
20 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Project it was amazing, hers was The Roaring Boys.
DAVID O’DOHERTY: SOMEWHERE OVER THE DAVID O’DOHERTY
The Irishman with an 80’s Yamaha kids keyboard and a surrealist mind. O’Doherty’s comedy places him somewhere between Bill Bailey and Dylan Moran, which is a good place to be. Whilst the number of songs the D.O’D performed weren’t as many as usual, it was still uproarious. On leaving the show both Rachael and I commented that this was the best show of Edinburgh so far... how wrong we were! Jon Richardson: Don’t Happy, Be Worry - ***** This generations Arthur Smith. David O’Doherty: Somewhere Over The David O’Doherty - ***** Pure unadulterated brilliance!
Our Longest Day Yet Thursday 12th August
After an easy Wednesday, we had 2 days to see 2 shows with a time clash, Andrew Collins and Robin Ince. So if we wanted to see them both we had to get up and get there and as they were unticketed free shows we had to make sure we got there early enough. Strangely enough whilst headed to the venue, Andrew Collins walked by us.
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
ANDREW COLLINS: SECRET DANCING
Collins is best known as many things; co-host of the Collings and Herrin Podcast (alongside Richard Herring) Film Reviewer, Radio Presenter, TV presenter, Editor of NME, Empire and the Films section of the Radio Times, but he is not known as a Stand-Up comedian. Presumably having been given tips by Herring, Collins gave a good performance. The only criticism is that at times it felt a little mish-mash, going from one story to another without any link between the two, and occasionally he would touch on the secret dancing, then moving on to something else before coming back to the secret dancing. I think with a bit of fine tuning though, this could be a very good show. After Collins had finished it was lunch time, so we went to find a bite to eat and whilst in the restaurant we saw Jim Jefferies picking up some lunch too. During our meal it started to rain even heavier than it did on the Monday. Luckily when we finished so did the rain and the sun came out, so we went exploring again, coming across a music store in the process, where by I brought myself a Ukulele.
JOSIE LONG: BE HONOURABLE!
On entering the venue we were handed a program, I said thank you to the girl handing them out, and then when she spoke back I realised it was Josie Long handing them out.
Very surreal, surely she should be backstage having employed some lackey to do the menial work for her. It was totally unexpected, but very cool. We sat down near the front, reading the program and listening to Billy Bragg. Great start to the show and it’s not even started yet! When we did get underway, we were treated to a bit of improvisation, a look into Josie’s personality her obsessions with food, her hatred of amateur photography and her hatred of David Cameron. This was the show of the Fringe for me. After this show we thought we should get something to eat. I wish we hadn’t bothered. Awful service, Rachael’s meal was brought first, 15 minutes later mine was... and it was cold. Expensive, crap service and cold food. Do not go to Candles in Edinburgh! We headed to the Pleasance Dome and waited in line for our last show of the day, whilst we were queuing Frank Skinner walked by.
BARBERSHOPERA: APOCALYPSE? NO!
In case you’ve not heard of them, it’s sort of like when R Kelly did his “masterpiece” Trapped In The Closet claiming it was Hip-Hopera, but this is Barbershop Opera and most importantly not god awful. The story is very simple, the archangels have convinced God to send the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to destroy earth. However Death has died, so the Three remaining Horsemen recruit Beth to take his place. However, Beth doesn’t want to the world to suffer an Apocalypse, so they travel through time to repair everything that is wrong with the world and change God’s mind! Genius really. Andrew Collins: Secrety Dancing - *** Great attempt for a first timer Josie Long: Be Honourable! - ***** The best show of the Fringe Barbershopera: Apocalypse? No! - **** Barbershop Opera, ‘nuff said!
Our Last Day Friday 13th August
Well today was going to be another day like yesterday, a show to see in the morning and then another one the evening, and also after the disappointment of missing out on the Sherlock Holmes musical, this is the last chance we will have to see it, and also having seen Matt Crosby in Fordy’s Morning Hangover, and seeing the posters for Pappy’s everywhere I gave the Pleasance a call to book some tickets for them tonight.
ROBIN INCE: CARL SAGAN IS MY GOD
Science is the new rock n roll, sort of. Even if they’re stupid enough to completely get it wrong to claim Science is the new religion www.wlv-soundcheck.com
21 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
(you know who you are!), science has seen an increase in popularity. From Prof. Brian Cox to Ben “Bad Science” Goldacre, Scientists have been in the newspapers and on TV and Radio more than other scientific brains at any point in recent history. Part of the reason why science has become cool, is because of a number of comedians shining a light on it; Josie Long, Chris Addison and Robin Ince who presents the Infinite Monkey Cage with Prof. Brian Cox. Carl Sagan Is My God is a show hosted by Ince, but with guests coming on to do a bit of science based humour. This show had 3 guests, most famous of which was John Otway, who had a Top 10 hit with The Bunsen Burner Song. One of the other guests was a guy who raps about science (he “treated” us to a rap about how woman are when they’re ovulating – the word treated isn’t correct, it should be subjected). Ince’s 3rd guest was founder of the Free Fringe, Peter Buckley Hill. The show was good, but really at its best when it was Ince on stage. After Robin Ince finished we walked round to pick up the Pappy’s tickets (seeing Sean Hughes on the way there) and then we went to get tickets for Sherlock Holmes of which there were a few left. So after a week of wanting to see it we got chance to.
22 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES
Sometimes I wish we weren’t so lucky, to say this was as bad as a school production would be harsh on school productions. Boring, boring, boring! The cast played it for laughs, and if something is going prevent you laughing, it’s a performer expecting you to laugh. The longest hour of the week, a really good premise completely spoiled. Who knows whether it was poorly written or poorly directed, either way it was poor! Back to the apartment get a bit of packing done, have some food and then straight back up into the city. No rest for the wicked the say!
PAPPY’S: ALL BUSINESS
Not being a big fan of sketch comedy, I didn’t expect a great deal here. Sketch comedy generally is another term for “aren’t catchphrases funny?” (the answer to which is ‘No!’). This over reliance on catchphrases was not present in Pappy’s. The show itself was postmodern, about a sketch comedy group who are about to go in to administration, who were doing sketches to impress a potential investor to pick Pappy’s over their French counterparts. The sketches were undeniably side-splittingly brilliant and the camaraderie of the group gives the impression that no two shows are the same www.wlv-soundcheck.com
as they make one another laugh mid-sketch, even pulling pranks on one another. To describe the brilliance of the sketches would not do them justice. Pappy’s is a must see show for anyone who enjoys comedy. Then the long walk across the city to see Richard Herring, a slight hint of sadness creeps in as we near the end of the festival. Edinburgh during August really does become magical. A bustling modern metropolis, set against one of the most wonderful cities in the UK. Waiting in the foyer of the Assembly rooms I notice the entrance of Richard Herring (a lot shorter than I thought he would be), Herring quietly sneaks by whilst I restrain myself from shouting “cumkin” or “aside” (that one’s for you AIOTMe fans) we also see Jennifer Coolidge posing for photos. Not bad going on the celebrity spotting this week – a dozen or so, plus several others who some people seemed to be fawning over, and whilst they looked familiar I couldn’t a name to their face.
was to do a show about Jesus, or as Herring put it himself he’s “taking the career path of Pope Benedict”. The jokes may be over a decade old now, but they still sounded fresh, and his own summarisation of religion and atheism was wonderfully presented. Yes, some people may be offended by the show, but if you stick with it you will understand what Herring is getting at. A really great show. Robin Ince – Carl Sagan Is My God - *** would’ve been better without the guests. Sherlock Holmes and the Sound of the Baskervilles - * Boring! Pappy’s: All Business - ***** incredibly funny, if you get the chance you must see!! Richard Herring – Christ On A Bike: The Second Coming - **** Good riotous fun.
RICHARD HERRING: CHRIST ON A BIKE – THE SECOND COMING
Herring returns to Edinburgh to the 20th year in a row, but this time with an old show he has revamped. Christ On A Bike was a show performed in the 90’s, but Herring decided that the best way to follow up his hit show about Hitler
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
23 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Top Tips for The Edinburgh Festival •
•
•
•
•
•
•
Stay for two weeks. As you can see we got to see a dozen shows in the end, there were several thousand shows at the fringe overall and that’s not taking in to account the museums, the castles, the zoo & other tourist/sight-seeing stuff. Consider flying. If you can get a good price it’d be cheaper than rail and might even be cheaper than driving and the parking in the city wasn’t the best. Most of the places were within walking distance and the buses were very regular. Plan and buy the tickets before you get there. Draw up a timetable and buy the tickets you want to fill it, and do it early enough to avoid disappointment. Aim for 2 to 3 shows a day. 1 isn’t enough unless you’re going to do something else, and 4 shows was too many. Make sure you have enough time to yourselves. It’s such a busy place; you will wear yourself out without a bit of downtime. Don’t hold anything sacred. If you miss out on a show there are still plenty more to see and you might just find a gem! Don’t have expectations about shows. Expecting Pappy’s to be
24 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
•
•
• •
•
rubbish – it was great. I expected Sherlock Holmes to be good – it wasn’t. Spend some time in the Pleasance Courtyard or the Underbelly Pasture, you’ll probably see a few famous faces and there’s a great, relaxed atmosphere. Have time to meander around the Royal Mile, you will see some amazing/quirky/funny/ crap/brilliant/magic/mindbending acts, and they’re free – although they will put on a plea at the end for some money, so keep a few coins spare, they work hard for your entertainment and if you enjoy it then they deserve it. It is expensive; the city puts the prices up for August. So embrace the Free Festival and the £5 Festival. Don’t have any regrets, if you see someone you want to talk to do... I still can’t believe I didn’t tell Jack Whitehall what I think of him the smug, camp, spoilt Tory boy. You will only get the experience you deserve. It might take some effort of getting there, a lot of walking around and a bit of spare cash, but the rewards are worth it. www.wlv-soundcheck.com
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Spot Light: Local Music
“as long as I’ve rehearsed and I’m prepared with a set list by my side, It will be all good” - Joe Karchud
26 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Joe Karchud Wolverhampton is currently a hive of raw and honest undiscovered musical talent. Spearheading the singer/songwriter category at the moment is a highl talented young man who goes by the name of Joe Karchud. Some people may know the name from his last band Bridge 55. Joe left the band and after working on a soundtrack for a project to promote Birmingham, he is now releasing a new solo effort, an e.p titled ‘Kids On The Bonfire’. Ahead of what is undoubtedly due to be a roller-coaster of events for this talentd young man, we caught up with hi to get to know him that little better…
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
You’ve been involved in music since the age of 15, how do you find working now as a solo artist compared to being in Bridge 55? I find it really rewarding, I used to do most of the background work with them but everything was divided by 5. Now whatever I’m up to comes and stays in my direction. My performance has changed a lot but that had to happen naturally. I work harder with writing, techniques and arrangements so, my performance is a display of all those components rolled into one. I like the fact that the final outcome of my projects are now my responsibility alone. What got you into music to begin with? Vinyl’s. I remember messing around with a Fleetwood Mac record and then stumbling upon the Formula 1 theme (The Chain) thinking wow! How did they do that? So I’d listen to the bass riff backwards and forwards, then hearing this huge accompaniment that, at about age 7, made me feel so powerful. When I was at school I was introduced to different instruments and had no trouble working out what they did. Your live dates over the next few months see you playing up and down the country, Do you find it more nerve wracking performing as a headline act or a support slot? I’ve had no issues with nerves for a while. I find that as long as I’ve rehearsed and I’m prepared 27 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Spot Light: Local Music with a set list by my side, It will be all good. I enjoy both the support slots and headliners really. I like going on stage and trying to capture all the people in the room, if they are there to see me or someone else. I’m also looking forward to the grand venues coming up, I don’t mind the travelling so that adds to the adventure. So with the new e.p, was it difficult to capture your live sound on record? I’ve been listening to a lot of Robert Johnson who recorded in 1936 so that inspired me to go for a “raw” sound for live performances. But when I was in the studio, I felt that it needed to be a fresh, bright sound... As dark as the melodies may be. Where do you take inspiration from when writing your lyrics? I find myself writing about situations that affect me. When I was younger, I lost some great friends and that had a great impact on me. There were times when I would stay out and get into the strangest of situations, they definitely got me thinking. Now I’m a bit older I think about those times but I have these pictures in my head revolving around new adventures and images of ownership, wellbeing, occupation and culture.
at Musoplex Studios. This one track gave me that feeling of when I was 7 again. Hearing something that made me feel powerful and on top, the lyrics are quite sad but if you listen closely, every line describes the characteristics of a car. You’ve done some previous work for a soundtrack for a tourism video for Birmingham, was this a learning curve for you or did it come naturally? I con only imagine that it was a different kind of pressure for you! Hahaha!! Yes it was. I took on all the managerial, financial and logistical duties. I had a great sense of achievement networking with the film company and then the marketing director of a neighbouring city. It was good pressure for Bridge 55 to “make or break“, unfortunately, the latter occurred. But a lot has happened for my career since then, I have been recognised more as an artist than just a front man. How do you think you have improved as an artist from the first e.p’s with your previous band? I have had a bigger involvement with my skills
The e.p is called ‘Kids Of The Bonfire’, where did the title come from? That’s the opening track on the e.p, Its from a time when me, my younger brother and my friends had a fire, once or twice when we were younger. We used to hang around a park drinking and messing around, one night we set fire to the trees and they went up incredibly, with the colours and smoke stuck in the fog. We all thought it was a beautiful time for the youth to have taken control, then the police came, so we had to make a move before we got caught. The lyrics from the track explain what happened a bit better. Who were your inspirations for the record? John Frusciante, BB King, Peter Gabriel, Jacquire King and Angelo Petraglia.(KOL Producer) and Arcade Fire. I felt that it was really important to try and capture the attitude and emotion for each track. I think the ambience plays a huge part for this record too. It was good for the sound of space to be involved in such a simple project of just guitar and vocals. Do you have a favourite song on the e.p? Yes, Charlie. Alpha. Romeo- The whole e.p was produced by myself, Si Reeves and Andy Ward 28 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Spot Light: Local Music and a lot more work. Fortunately I’ve had the space and time to do it in. People are commenting on the sound and strength of my voice and playing, so mission complete for now. What’s your favourite show you have played to date as a solo artist? It has to be The Indigo2 in London, July 10th 2010. There were 2500 people at the venue, all waiting to be blown away. This was a competition for all unsigned acts from around the UK. Over 10,000 entered and I came 5th in the Urban, Pop and Acoustic final, with judges votes alone. All the acts above me received text votes that were added to their judges scores. It was a task but the company who run the competition have given me some dates performing as a special guest at their next events so it means I made an impact somewhere along the line. What are your remaining plans for 2010? I’m working on new material, planning a video for C.A.R and I am due to feature my lyrics and vocals on a track created by a well respected
musician from the Midlands. On top of running my profile pages (Reverbnation, Myspace, Facebook and Twitter) and my online shop for CD’s and MP3’s. I’m also in the middle of arranging more gigs around the country. What do you think of the current West Midlands music scene? Its pretty buzzing, there are always venues where something is happening. You have to keep your eye on magazines (physical and online), social networking sites and forums because bands and acts like to keep this persona of an “underground” feel to their stuff so the public suffer in a way. I’m always talking to promoters so I get a lot of news that’s in the grapevine about shows and opportunities. All in all, I’d say its blooming. Finally, what bands/artists would you recommend to our reader’s to check out at the moment besides yourself? As well as the few mentioned in this conversation; (Fleetwood Mac, Robert Johnson, John Frusciante, BB King, Peter Gabriel, Kings of Leon and Arcade Fire). I would say check out Tantrums, they use really nice harmonies and have a real good vibe to their stuff. Campbell from Bridge 55 is working with a band called The Egos, they have a cool sound. Definitely keep and eye out for upcoming group Broad St Collective as well. Thank you for your time Joe, Good luck with everything! Joe is set to play Wolverhampton next on 10th December at the Slade Rooms. This could be one of the last chances to catch Joe on the live circuit in such an intimate setting. If you can, get along to see him and support local talent! Joe’s new e.p ‘Kids On The Bonfire’ is available now from his website: http://joekarchudmusic.bigcartel.com/
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
29 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Cinema Listings
The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT
Bentley Bridge Leisure Park, Wednesfield Way Wolverhampton, WV11 1TZ
T: 01902 716055 W: www.light-house.co.uk
T: 0871 200 2000 W: www.cineworld.co.uk
Currently Showing Winter’s Bone The Kid
Showing Later This Month 22 Bullets (L’immortel) Buried Made In Dagenham Police Adjective Mr Nice Jackboots On Whitehall Flip Film Festival
6th - 15th 6th - 15th
15 15
13th - 19th 13th - 16th 22nd - 28th 22nd - 28th 29th - 4th 29th - 4th 4th - 6th
18 15 15 TBC 18 12 --
Currently Showing
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Made In Dagenham Death And Life Of Charlie St. Cloud Life As We Know It Mr Nice Buried The Other Guys Eat Pray Love The Town The Social Network Takers
12 15 12 12 18 15 12 PG 15 TBC 12
Bentley Mill Way, Walsall, West Midlands WS2 0LE
ODEON Telford, Forgegate, Telford Town Centre Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4NE
T: 0871 220 1000 W: www.showcasecinemas.co.uk
T: 0871 22 44 007 W: www.odeon.co.uk
Currently Showing Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps Buried Eat Pray Love Grown Ups Death And Life Of Charlie St. Cloud The Other Guys The Social Network Resident Evil: Afterlife The Hole Life As We Know It Made In Dagenham Diary Of A Wimpey Kid Jackboots On Whitehall
30 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
12 15 PG 12 12 12 TBC 15 12 12 15 PG 12
Currently Showing Resident Evil: Afterlife The Hole Toy Story 3 Buried Eat Pray Love Grown Ups Karate Kid Life As We Know It Made In Dagenham Death And Life Of Charlie St. Cloud The Other Guys The Social Network Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
15 12 U 15 PG 12 PG 12 15 12 12 TBC 12
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Spot Light: Cinema
The Human Centipede (First Sequence) Starring - Akihiro Kitamura, Dieter Laser, Ashley
C. Williams and Ashlynn Yennie. Reviewed by Andrew Gillard (FRIENDLY WARNING) Those of a sensitive nature may not wish to read due to some references of the disturbing nature of the movie. A few times each year a movie comes out which causes the Daily Mail go into such a rage they will excrete a lung. A few months back a foul mouthed Hit-Girl in Kick-Ass evoked such rage, now comes The Human Centipede. The outline of the film is very basic; Dr. Heiter (Laser) is a surgeon, famous for separating conjoined twins, after years of separating he now wants to create a being with one gastric tract. He drugs and kidnaps two American tourists (Williams and Yennie) and with Katsuro (Kitamura), whose back story we never learn, he creates his “Human Centipede” by stitching the three together mouth-to-anus. With an idea such as that it is hard to fully understand what type of film this will be. The Human Centipede is very much a film of 2 halves. The first is Tom Six’s impression of David Cronenberg’s work, which is fairly interesting and at least cinematically looks good and www.wlv-soundcheck.com
you get a sense of tension being built up. The first half culminates with the creation of the “centipede”, and really here is where the film ought to end because once we have seen the creature the film maker has no where to go and thus falls into the trap of horror genre convention – the will-they-wont-they chase, will the police officers get there before it is too late, and so on. The pacing of the film is also a real issue; Cronenberg paces his films to perfection and Six hasn’t perfected this talent yet. The first half is slow leading up to the surgery, the second half is even slower when it really ought to be picking up speed, but it just plods along as fast as 3 humans who have been stitched together ass-to-mouth One large problem here is the fact that there appears absolutely no message to the movie, The New York Times said “the grotesque fusion at least silences the female leads, both of whose voices could strip”. One might argue that sort of sexism is the worst thing about the film, why else would the woman be characters who are unable to talk and the ones who are forced to eat excrement? The real problems with this film do not rise from the politics, the grotesque subject matter or the horror, it is in the poor script, poor direction and (mostly) poor acting. 4/10 31 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Spot Light: Cinema
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World Starring - Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin and Anna Kendrick. Reviewed by Andrew Gillard After the unpleasant experience that was Batman and Robin comic book movies were all but dead, but in 2002 Evil Dead (1979) director, Sam Raimi resuscitated the genre by releasing Spider-Man and since then Graphic Novels have become hot property with studios they have buying up the rights to them in abundance. So much so we’ve had smaller unknown characters starting to get their own films, such as recent release Jonah Hex and there are future plans for studios to release more relatively unheard of characters getting their own films; including AntMan and Metal Men (both currently pencilled in for a 2013 release). Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is the latest film to fall into this category of graphic novel characters without a large mainstream audience. With Michael Cera in the titular role and Mary Elizabeth Winstead as love interest Ramona, also starring other young up and comers like Kieran Culkin and Anna Kendrick and a few bigger names (Superman’s Brandon Routh and former Fantastic Four hot-head and future Captain America Chris Evans) thrown into the mix hopes have been high for success. The story is a very simple one; boy meets girl, girls evil ex sets up a League of Evil Exes, this confederacy attack boy, boy must defeat all 7 evil exes to win girls hand. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is chocked full of cultural references that any retro gamer must know, you only need to see the opening bit before the film starts where it shows the studio 32 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Universal’s name to know who the target audience is. If you’re of a certain age then the references to Zelda (the use of the theme tune for the original game), Super Mario Bros. (Scott’s band is called Sex Bob-omb), Clash at Demonhead and other NES (Nintendo Entertainment System for you kids who only know the Wii) games will be loved. There is much more than just references to computer games too, the use of Superman (Routh) and Captain America (Evans) is truly inspired, bringing them from the biggest heroes of their comic book families (DC and Marvel respectively) down to playing bad guys from quite an obscure little series. The reason why this film works is not because of the cast, yes they are all great, but it is down to the studios getting the right man in to direct. Universal could not have picked a better man to understand Pop Culture than director of Spaced, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Edgar Wright. He is much more respectful of the work laid before him, Wright has a “if I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants” [Isaac Newton] approach to his work. The visual styling of this film is easily one of the most unique of the last decade. Whilst the target audience might be the children of the 80s and retro gamers, there is more than enough for the rest to get their teeth into. Underneath all of the visual styling is a great, if unconventional love story, excellent performances from all and a lot of laugh-outloud comedy moments. It is unlikely you will see anything like this any time soon!
Rating – 8/10 www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Spot Light: DVD’s Out Now:
Out Soon:
Dear John
Kick-Ass
John (Channing Tattum) is a Special Forces soldier who falls in love with Savanna (Amanda Seyfried) whilst on leave. External forces conspire against their love, John is to return to his unit, 9/11, the subsequent war and fatal illnesses. Dear John is definitely one for women with a love of melodrama.
Going Postal
Kick-Ass (Aaron Johnson), Big Daddy (Nic Cage) and the Daily Mails’ worst nightmare, Hit-Girl (Chloe Moretz) aim to take down Mob boss Frank D’Amico (Mark Strong). Based on the excellent graphic novel of the same name, KickAss is a rip-roaring action-adventure with plenty of laughs too. Fans of action, comedy, comic books will love this movie.
A conman is conned into becoming the new Postmaster General in Ankh-Morpork. Going Postal is the third film based on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Whilst not perfect it is easily the best of the three and is probably the easiest to get into without prior Discworld knowledge.
Misstresses: Series 3 & Series 1-3 Boxset
Four Lions
Scrubs Season 8
Four Muslims form a terrorist cell aiming to make a religious-political message, except they’re dim-witted and inept. Typical of Brass Eye’s Chris Morris, Four Lions cuts a little too close to the bone for some, the film has caused a minor stink with Daily Mail readers and the families of the 7/7 victims.
Sherlock
A 3-part series of the modernisation of the adventures of Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson (Martin Freeman). Excellently received, expect another (hopefully longer) series next year!
Big Brother’s Big DVD The Best Bits: 2000-2010 This year see’s the final run of the “normal” series of Big Brother after 11 years, so to commemorate/celebrate the shows demise a DVD of the “Best Bits” has been released. Although as the DVD is released before the final series was complete, quite how they know it really is a Best of compilation is anyone’s guess, maybe they want to just get it out and make money whilst BB is still in the publics consciousness.
Cemetery Junction
From the pens of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, Cemetery Junction is about small town Reading, friendship and love. Cemetery Junction is journey of three friends wanting something more from life, and how they go about getting it. Funny, heart-warming, wonderfully well written, excellent soundtrack and a brilliant cameo from director Merchant. A must see for all. www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Described as the British Desperate Housewives, Mistresses has now come to an end after 3 successful series. The series has been described as “witty, emotional, painful, seductive and provocative”. Season 8 is as good as the early series and as heart wrenching as it has ever been. Season 8 is the last proper series of the show; as regulars Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, Judy Reyes, Neil Flynn and Ken Jenkins (to name a few) make way when the show returns in the Scrubs: Interns format, although this incarnation will be lucky if it runs much longer as it is pretty awful, even Dr. Cox and Turks presence and guest appearances from J.D. and Elliot are not enough to save it.
Lost: Season 6 & Series 1-6 Boxset
When Lost premiered back in 2004 many labelled it as the greatest show of all time, and for a while it was up there with the likes of The X-Files. However, like The X-Files, Lost should have been put to stud a few years before it was. Season 6 is a return to form of sorts, not as good as the first, but better than the other seasons.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Based on the very popular game series, it looks as though Disney are hoping that the Prince of Persia can be as big a franchise as Pirates of the Caribbean. However, like Pirates, this series should go no further than the first film. The acting is good from the main starlets (Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton), unfortunately the story is average at best.
Glee – Season 1
Glee is the hit show sensation, loved by the young and young-at-heart. What can be said about Glee that isn’t already known? You know you love it, buy this DVD! 33 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Spot Light: Albums
Manic Street Preachers - Postcards From A Young Man
9/10
(Columbia/Sony Music) Manic Street Preachers return with their 2nd album in 2 years. Hot on the heels of last years phenomenol “Journal For Plague Lovers’, Bradfield and C return with the elegaic pop of ‘Postcards From A Young Man’. The swish new single ‘(It’s Not War) Just The End Of Love’ sets the pace and leads straight into the album’s title track. Potential next single ‘Some Kind of Nothingness’ features Ian McCulloch from Echo & The Bunnymen on a perfect slice of pop. This album is full of ‘Everything Must Go’ nostalgia but with a modern twist. For the first time in their career, the Manics have used a gospel choir on a couple of tracks which gives them another edge over other groups. Duff McKagan plays bass on the rollicking ‘A Billion Balconies Facing The Sun’. The record is a highlight in their back catalogue. The world has changed drastically from the teenage rebels of 1992, but now in their 40’s, this is still angsty and current. The Manics are on top form and back in full on rock/pop mode.
34 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Spot Light: Albums Carl Barát Carl Barát
Underworld Barking
(Cooking Vinyl) It has been too long since Underworld were last in the mainstream. Comeback single ‘Scribble’ showed that the Essex boys can still cut a classic tune and have never lost it. ‘Barking’ should see the group reach out to the masses again with the likes of ‘Always Loved A Film’. Look out for them touring later this year.
8/10
(Arcady) Fresh from reforming his old band for this year’s festivals, a slot in the West End, and writing his memoirs, Carl Barát brings on his debut album. If the single ‘Run With The Boys’ is anything to go by, this record will be full of surprises in the best sense of the word. Just hope that the record is given a chance over his past glories.
8/10
Mark Ronson Record Collection
Fran Healy Wreckorder (Wreckorder) After initially stating that Travis would record an ‘album a year’ following the release of ‘J.Smith’, Fran is here with his firt solo effort. The album is in the vein of the best solo Travis b-sides. Touching, heart rendering laments to love and life. ‘Buttercups’ and ‘Holiday’ are stunning personal tales that show how underrated he has become.
7/10
(Columbia) Following on from his disasterous covers album, Mark returns with his next lp of original tracks. Collaborating with amongst others: Boy George, MNDR, Kyle Falconer, Ghostface Killah it is an album that actually surprises. “Somebody To Love Me’ with Jake Shears is a stand out on the album which deserves to do well.
8/10
KT Tunstall Tiger Suit
Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown
(E Works) The Followill brothers seem to be able to do nothing wrong at the moment. Riding the crest of their wave at the moment, ‘Come Around Sundown’ sees the boys in their usual Country-Rock mode. Lead single ‘Radioactive’ is a good indication to the overall sound of the record which will undoubtedly do well.
7.5/10
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
(Relentless) After disappearing to get married to her drummer, the Scottish lass returns with third album ‘Tiger Suit’. It sees KT in usual reflective mood with some quirky pop moments. The only problem is that whilst she has been oout of the limelight, i fear her fanbase may need tempting back. Im not convinced this will win them yet…
6/10
35 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Photography:B. Dobson
Spot Light: Live
The Vortex
2010-09-03 - Wolverhampton Varsity As I have sid before, every once in a while, a new band will emerge on the scene that sounds a little like something you’ve heard before, but has an awesome new spin on things that stops you in your tracks.
across the festival fields all over the UK. ‘Silver Fish’ is a calm serene moment in the band’s set which sees frontman John Mackie pick up n acoustic guitar and strum for all he is worth.
This is exactly the situation with Manchester’s latest export The Vortex. Now the one side of you wonders where you’ve heard that sound before… Step forward the main culpret, former Oasis axeman Bonehead. Now you know that fact, forget him and listen intently to the music.
However, the frontman is a real showman, he carries on the set as if he is playing to a larger arena. A group of girls rush forward to pose for a photo while he still sings away but still poses for it at the same time.
These guys have an epic sound. A wall of guitars built of dance drum beats and an unmistakable swagger. The guys have been doing the rounds now for over 2 years and have been touted by former Creation Boss, Alan McGee. Tracks like ‘Dirty Soul’ and ‘Revolution Sometime’ are just dying to be played on commercial radio and to be sung out 36 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Nick Repton’s bass is just slightly high in the mix tonight, but makes them sound more like Primal CScream which is not a bad thing at all. However it is Colin Ward’s thunderous drum loops and Maz Behdjet’s guitar leads that help to push the sound along at a racing pace. The set comes to a close with ‘She Don’t Yeh Yeh’ and they are gone. Currently playing around the UK at the moment, please go check them out! www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Photography:G. Rossington
Spot Light: Live
Delays
2010-10-05 - Birmingham Glee Club It has been a while since delays last hit the limelight, and tonight is the 2nd night of an already delayed (no pun intended) tour. This gig should have happened back in July, but a knee operation for frontman Greg Gilbert postponed those plans. However tonight, the 3 month wait is certainly justified. They start off with a rocking ‘Girls on Fire’ which gets the crowd moving and shaking. ‘Lost In A Melody’ fires up next and already they are showing how diverse they can be. Ranging from Rocky riffs to electropop melodies in the swift movement of a capo. Greg’s vocals have always been the key selling point of this band. After their debut album ‘Faded Seaside Glamour’, he was advised to stop singing in that manner or he could risk losing his voice. It is a risk he decided to take though as tonight he sounds heavenly. Tracks off the recent album ‘Star Tiger, Star Ariel’ sound more www.wlv-soundcheck.com 32
majestic than on record. Haunting opener ‘Find A Home’ sounds epic tonight. His vocals are bouncing off every wall in the tiny room. Recent single ‘Unsung’ rings out loud and old favourites like ‘One Night Away’, ‘Nearer Than Heaven’ and ‘Hideaway’ sound as fresh as when they first arrived. But for me it is their debut single ‘Hey Girl’ that is one of the highlights. The jingle-jngly opening riff gives way to angellic vocals over a plethora of music arrangements. There is one guy down the front who is giving it his all for the whole gig but seems to give even more for this one. ‘Valentine’ closes the set and we get a 3song encore tonight. They have played like it’s their last gig but I can vouch that they will be back. Always the underdogs, this is showing that Delays will find their time in the spotlight sometime soon. 37 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Photography: G. Rossington
Spot Light: Live
V2010 Festival
2010-08-21/22 - Weston Park, Weston-Under-Lizard, Shropshire V has become a tradition now, every year it rolls around and it’s rude not to attend with it being on your doorstep. This year was no different. Saturday morning was a bit of a mix to open the festival. On the mainstage was Pixie Lott. She had the honour of being the only female soloist to play the mainstage all weekend. Professor Green attracted a sizable crowd over on the 4Music stage to compete. Playing amongst a couple of minor rain showers, Green’s set was well received and proved his crossover Rap/Pop stylings could take him far. Next we headed over to the mainstage for the amazing Skunk Anansie. Kicking off with ‘Charlie Big Potato’ they put on a spectacular show with Skin coming down into the front rows to entertain the large crowd in her own way. Highlights include ‘Weak’ and the wealth of new material debuted today. 38 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Most of the afternoon is spent wondering the site catching glimpses of bands and artists unfamiliar to us. We head back to the main stage ready for a bit of ‘Nutty Boy’ action with the awesome Madness. The set is entertaining both with classic anthems and a mix of more recent material which stands up against the rest. The highlight had to be seeing what appeared to be the whole field dancing to ‘Baggy Trousers’ in the classic style. Eels were next on the 4Music stage and were incredible. Beard aside of course! Next was a return to the main stage for Faithless. Again as with the Wolverhampton gig (Reviewed in issue 3) the highlight was the intense build up to ‘Insomnia’. Finihig with ‘We Come 1’ saw the whole field join in in unison, just enjoying themselves. Magic! Faithless move over for Kasabian. Their first UK Festival headline slot… and for me it was www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Photography: G. Rossington
Spot Light: Live
rubbish. They lacked the oompfh that they are reknowned for and I am sure many of you will disagree, but the sound was just awful. Half way through, we escape over to catch the Prodigy who just blow the festival away completely! PA perfect end to the first day’s proceedings. Sunday starts with a bacon buttie and the chance to see Feeder open on the main stage. A classic case of wrong slot syndrome, due to the sizable crowd here to see them… but highly entertaining at the same time! Neil Hannon solo greets us on the 4Music stage and it’s his rendition of ‘National Express’ where he forgets the words that shows he is a talent, he resolves himself sheepishly but carries on regardless. ‘Songs of Love’is greeted with a huge cheer and everyone singing the ‘Father Ted Theme’ at the ‘solo’. Sheer brilliance and so highly underrated. The tent for Tinie Tempah is overflowing they have to shut it off so Magic Numbers www.wlv-soundcheck.com
are our next viewing. Gentle mid-afternoon singalongs which are lost in the mix due to the slight breeze carrying it away. Paul Weller is next on the main stage who surprisingly puts in a very mixed effort. ‘Town Called Malice’ comes half way into his set and seems the anti-climax. Rather disappointing but refreshig for hardcore fans alike. Florence and her machine grace the 4Music stage putting a climax to her touring schedule for the moment. Her voice sounding massive tonight. Next it is over to the main stage for Stereophonics followed by Kings of Leon. The Kings are awesome. Showstopping performance debuting new material alongside the big hits. However it is the Charlatans that close the festival for us. Singing out to ‘Sproston Green’ is the perfect end to a good weekend. Roll on next year! | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010 39
Box Office Details To book tickets for any of the shows above, please use the following direct numbers, or contact them via their website. Alternatively please only use official online retaillers. Wolverhampton Civic Hall
01902 552 121
www.wolvescivic.co.uk
Wolverhampton Varsity
01902 711166
www.varsityvenue.co.uk
Wolverhampton Robin 2
01902 401211
www.therobin.co.uk
Birmingham Flapper & Firkin
0121 236 2421
www.theflapper.co.uk
Birmingham 02 Academy
0844 4772000
www.o2academybirmingham.co.uk
Birmingham LG Arena
0844 338 0338
www.lgarena.co.uk
Birmingham Rainbow
0121 772 8174
www.myspace.com/rainbowevents
Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe
0121 443 4725
www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk
Coventry Kasbah
024 7655 4473
www.kasbahnightclub.com
Coventry Warwick Arts Centre
024 7652 4524
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
Dudley JB’s
01384 253597
www.jbsdudley.co.uk
40 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Spot Light: Events October 05th 05th 05th 05th
Advantage The Baseballs Sivert Hoyem Kelis
Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham HMV Institute
06th 06th
Paul Zerdin Kate Nash
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Birmingham HMV Institute
07th 07th 07th 07th
Lee Nelson’s Well Good Tour Andy Askins Go West Hurts
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham HMV Institute
08th 08th 08th 08th 08th 08th 08th 08th 08th 08th
The Lines Mitch Benn And The Distractions The Hamsters Cherry Ghost Crystal Fighters Jean Michel Jarre Eliza Doolittle Stewart Francis Mark Watson Project Presents Valve Sound System
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Alexandra Theatre Birmingham Gatecrasher
09th 09th 09th 09th 09th 09th 09th
Korn Kick Up The 80’S Michael Buble Yoso Example Doll And The Kicks Gb Presents Afrojack
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham Gatecrasher
10th 10th 10th 10th 10th 10th 10th
Imelda May Yuck The Marrakesh Express Michael Buble Level 42 Professor Green Emma Scott Presents...
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy3
11th 11th
Crystal Castles Attack Attack!
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Birmingham O2 Academy2
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
41 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Spot Light: Events 11th 12th 12th 12th 12th 12th 12th
Stiff Little Fingers Midge Ure - Solo And Acoustic Kassidy Fenech Soler Tara Chinn Ian Hunter & The Rant Band Mark Chadwick
Birmingham HMV Institute Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Glee Club
13th 13th 13th 13th 13th
Lee Nelson’s Well Good Tour The Platters Bowling For Soup Sparrow And The Workshop Marionette
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy3 Coventry Kasbah
14th 14th 14th 14th 14th
Stewart Lee Re-Genesis Arrested Development Groove Armada The Mobo Tour Featuring
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy2
15th 15th 15th 15th 15th 15th
Sean Lock Alestorm Curved Air Feat Sonja Kristina... Y&T Bryan Adams Ozric Tentacles
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham Alexandra Theatre Birmingham HMV Institute
16th 16th 16th 16th 16th 16th 16th 16th 16th
Frankie Boyle Tigertailz The Modfathers The Fillers The Cat Empire My Passion Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip Hospitality I Blame Coco
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham HMV Institute Coventry Kasbah
17th 17th 17th 17th 17th 17th 17th
Frankie Boyle Isolated Atoms The Men They Couldnt Hang Cruise Show Caravan Show Guns N’ Roses Jeff Beck
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham NEC Birmingham NEC Birmingham LG Arena Birmingham Symphony
18th 18th 18th 18th 18th 18th 18th
Joshua Radin The Reverend Peytons Big Damn Band Doctor Who Live Brandon Flowers Emma Scott Presents... With Che Badly Drawn Boy Travie Mccoy
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham O2 Academy2
42 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Spot Light: Events 18th 19th 19th 19th 19th 19th
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool Doctor Who Live Ac4 (Ex Refused) Tinie Tempah John Barrowman We Are The Ocean
Birmingham The Rainbow Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham O2 Academy2
20th 20th 20th 20th 20th 20th
Al Murray Oli Brown & His Band Doctor Who Live Beardyman Train The Jim Jones Revue
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy2
21st 21st 21st
The Anderson & Wakeman Project Gyles Brandreth Ian Parker
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2
22nd 22nd 22nd 22nd 22nd
Ross Noble Re-Take That & Big Up The 90’S The Birthday Massacre Plan B Maceo Parker
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham HMV Institute
23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd 23rd
Jim Jefferies Sarah Millican The Beat Krs-One Joe Satriani The Charlatans Marina & The Diamonds GB Presents Roger Sanchez The Charlatans OfďŹ cial Aftershow Party
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Gatecrasher Birmingham Sound Bar
24th 24th 24th 24th 24th 24th
The Gaslight Anthem KT Tunstall Josie Long Al Murray Forever Never Canterbury
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Birmingham Symphony Hall Birmingham O2 Academy3 Coventry Kasbah
25th 25th 25th 25th 25th 25th
Dara O Briain Feeder Carl Barat Alter Bridge Pull In Emergency Attack! Attack!
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham O2 Academy2
26th 26th 26th 26th
Dara O Briain Mitchell Museum Headwater Manic Street Preachers
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
43 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
Spot Light: Events 26th 26th 26th 26th 26th
Clubland Live 4 Sky Parade Tame Impala One Night Only UB40
Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham Symphony Hall
27th 27th 27th 27th 27th 27th
UB40 Fenix Tx Walter Trout Twenty Twenty The Psychedelic Furs The Strange Death Of Liberal England
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham The Flapper
28th 28th 28th 28th 28th 28th 28th 28th 28th 28th
Colin Fry Greg Davies John Otway Big Band Amy Macdonald Avenged Sevenfold / Stone Sour Egyptian Hip Hop Dillinger Escape Plan Fury Uk Nils Lofgren Darwin Deez
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham NIA Arena Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham Town Hall Coventry Kasbah
29th 29th 29th
Mike Peters Of The Alarm Adrian Edmondson &The Bad Shepherds The Return
Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy3
30th 30th 30th 30th 30th 30th 30th
The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster Francis Dunnery - The Fearless Album Micah P Hinson Kings Ov Leon Wilder Seth Lakeman Spectrum’s Halloween Fancy Dress Special
Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham HMV Institute
31st 31st 31st 31st 31st 31st 31st
The Doobie Brothers Rich Hall Love Amongst Ruin The Bootleg 60’S Imperial Never Say Die! Club Tour 2010 Lissie The Have Nots
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham The Flapper
November 01st 01st 01st
Paloma Faith Wiley - The Elusive Tour Nigel Kennedy
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham Symphony Hall
02nd 02nd
The Eastpak Antidote Tour 2010 I Blame Coco
Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy2
44 | Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
Spot Light: Events 02nd 02nd 02nd
Stornoway Jody Has A Hitlist Cancer Bats
Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham O2 Academy3 Coventry Kasbah
03rd 03rd 03rd 03rd 03rd 03rd 03rd
3 Daft Monkeys Buddy Whittington Mary J Blige Fighting With Wire Tellison The British Kicks Foals
Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham LG Arena Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham O2 Academy
04th 04th 04th 04th
Apocalyptica Sham 69 The Peacocks Lord Of The Dance
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham The Flapper Birmingham LG Arena
05th 05th 05th 05th 05th 05th 05th
Jimmy Carr White Wizzard The George Michael Experience Akala Mystery Jets Chromeo Little Fish
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham HMV Institute Birmingham O2 Academy2 Coventry Kasbah
06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th 06th
Jimmy Carr The E-Gos T-Rextasy Mike Peters (The Alarm) Less Than Jake The Complete Stone Roses Them:Youth WWE Raw
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Slade Rooms Wolverhampton Robin 2 Birmingham O2 Academy3 Birmingham O2 Academy Birmingham O2 Academy2 Birmingham The Rainbow Birmingham LG Arena
07th
The Reasoning
Wolverhampton Robin 2
08th
Cheap Trick
Wolverhampton Civic Hall
09th
Devildriver & 36 CrazyďŹ sts
Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
10th 10th
Rhod Gilbert Job For A Cowboy
Wolverhampton Civic Hall Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall
11th
Voodoo Johnson
Wolverhampton Slade Rooms
www.wlv-soundcheck.com
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010 45
| Soundcheck Magazine | October 2010
www.wlv-soundcheck.com