I think I saw you in an ice cream parlour

The Ones that got away - part 1

2012 was a year of astonishing quality when it came to music and deciding on the final festive cut was a major challenge, albeit a fun one. As promised here are some further highlights of the year for your enjoyment.

Admiral Fallow played to a small but enthusiastic crowd at the Green Store Door and ended my year of gigs on a wonderful high. Conventional in a classic way they simply enthralled with wonderful melodies and oceans of charisma thanks to the laconic Louis Abbott. The track Tree Bursts missed the cut by a whisper and opened their set. You can check it out here -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUhks82l4P8&feature=player_embedded

And you're taken aback by the length of the list you've been thrown on;
The tailback of timorous souls who've been dropped on the grey road from branches
The leaves that fall louder than backfire all orange and Halloween red
On a beautiful road

And if you want some more, here’s a taste of the live experience –

http://www.youtube.com/v/bYZziKp0axc&fs=1&source=uds&autoplay=1

Band of Skulls formed in Southampton in 2009 and their album Sweet Sour was a big favourite of mine in 2012, often played in the car at ear splitting volumn on the way to and from the pay check.

Their sound has a lovely throbbing 70s grit reminiscent of power trios of the past like the Groundhogs. Completely joyful if you like that sort of thing as I do. Their track Close to Nowhere almost made it on the round up and you can hear it below alongside the album’s title track and a blast from the past in the shape of the Groundhogs and Cherry Red. A must see for me next time they tour the UK.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNs3heMkdAM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exxs6fNlaMQ&feature=player_embedded

The Groundhogs circa 1974

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVfPJYgsNHU&feature=player_embedded

Andrew Bird’s Hole in the Ocean Floor was an early contender for the round up but at over 8 minutes it was simply too long for inclusion. I was able to see the song performed in the ornate surroundings of the Theatre Royal on a rain soaked June night and you can see a live performance below. The spinning horn is used for the tremolo, doppler and vibrato sounds it can produce. This unique speaker was created by Ian Schneller of Specimen Guitar Shop, Chicago IL.