Pop Pourri — Site News/Blog
2 Apr - The Proclaimers 2008 dates
The Proclaimers will return from an April/May 28 date North American tour to squeeze in a variety of dates in the UK. First ever visits to the historic town of Durham and four English seaside shows in Bridlington, Blackpool, Southsea and Torquay. Three somewhat contrasting festival appearances see The Proclaimers headlining Wychwood, Glastonbury (Avalon Stage) and Henley festivals.
Back in Scotland they play a fundraiser in Dunfermline for 8-year-old Ivan McGaw who suffers from a rare brain disease. The proceeds will fund sending Ivan to Florida for special therapy with Dolphins. The very wonderful Roddy Hart will be the support act.
Finally The Proclaimers end 12 months of touring around the World in great style at Edinburgh Castle and A Big Top at Inverness's Bught Park. The Reid brothers will then spend the rest of this year working on new material for their next album recording.
May
29 Durham Gala (0191 332 4041)
May 30 Wychwood Music Festival
www.wychwoodfestival.com
Jun
20 Bridlington Spa Theatre Tickets (01262-678258)
Jun 21 Blackpool Winter Gardens Tickets (0844 856 1111)
Jun 22 Southsea Kings Theatre Tickets (02392 828282)
Jun 27 Torquay Princess Theatre Tickets (08702-414120)
Jun
28 Glastonbury Festival
(Headlining The Avalon Stage at 11pm)
Jul 8 Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Tickets (Fundraiser for Ivan's Dolphin Dream) 01383 602302 www.carnegiehall.co.uk
Jul 13 Henley Festival
www.henley-festival.co.uk
Jul 19 Edinburgh Castle (SOLD OUT)
Jul 20 Inverness Bught Park On sale now
26 Mar - Jackie Leven (Cabaret Voltaire)
Before tonight's gig my only knowledge of Jackie Leven was a promo copy of "Oh What A Blow That Phantom Dealt Me!" I won in a competition. Instantly I was hooked by the psychedelic folky tunes and couldn't wait to see him live. Tonight was the night as a busy Cabaret Voltaire played host to Jackie Leven and he was ably supported by Doug Johnstone (of band Northern Alliance and book "The Ossians"). A launch party for Doug's book will be held at Waterstone's in Edinburgh's West End tomorrow night at 6pm.
Doug's set was a mixture of The Ossians' songs, Northern Alliance songs and new songs. The approximate set list was: St. Andrew's Day, My Evil Twin, Question Mark, Patron Saint of Sore Throats/Dry Your Eyes (The Streets), We Hit The Town Drinkin', Tomb of the Eagles, ? and A Song For The End Of The Set.
Jackie turned up, got out his guitar and started to play - no messin'. He kicked off with Elegy For Johnny Cash and this was followed, between stories, by Kings of Infinite Space/Me and Mrs Jones, Classic Northern Diversions, Here Come The Urban Ravens (Homage to Kevin Coyne), Another Man's Rain/Here Comes The Sun, Olivier Blues, Exit Wound, Single Father, Farm Boy (part) and Little Voice in Space/Bobby Shafto. The songs were interspersed with all manner of stories and witticisms with topics mentioned including the Norwegian fjords, armed robbers, weirdos on trains, his favourite episode of Columbo, Johnny Cash, Tony Bennett, Niles Crane, Laurence Olivier and Kevin Coyne. This gig will live with me for a long time and I can't wait to see him again.
This is The Cat reporting for jocknroll.co.uk, a confirmed Jackie-Come-Lately.
24 Mar - Vince Newman and The Veltones
I was busying himself going round Victoria Hospital this morning collecting selections for tonight's VRN request show. Whilst raking through various Mario Lanza and Dean Martin long players back at the studio, a cutting from the East Fife Mail caught my eye. Tracey (I forget her surname) was looking for details about Vince Newman and The Veltones, a 60s band her father Jim Steele had played in. There's very little on the internet about them, apart from details of some appearances at a venue called The Strathpeffer Pavilion (aka "The Strath") so if you can help Tracey out let us know and we'll pass the details on. It's believed the band issued one EP, which featured the tracks "There's Always Me", "Cryin' Shame", "Long Distance Information" and "Rockin' and A Reelin'".
Whilst looking for information on The Veltones I came across this great picture of a beat band from Buckie called The Jacobeats that I just had to share with you all. Now there's a band to bring together again!!
21 Mar - Tigerfest
Tigerfest returns to Dunfermline (along with Aberdeen and Edinburgh) this May. Featured artists will include Norman Blake (sans Fannies), The Pearlfishers' David Scott, The Twilight Sad, Paul Haig and headliners Idlewild. Many local bands will feature too with the gigs taking place at Monty's, Tower House, Carnegie Hall (all Dunfermline), The Tunnels in Aberdeen and Edinburgh's Cabaret Voltaire.
19 Mar - Get It On...Bryan Burnett
I'd like to give a wee plug to the very excellent "Get It On" show presented by Bryan Burnett on Radio Scotland every night between 1805 and 1900. Every show has a theme and listeners can choose the songs they want to hear. His show page on Radio Scotland has the themes for the week and you can e-mail him at getiton@bbc.co.uk with your choices. So send in your Scottish selections for all manner of themes by e-mail, phone (0500 929500) or by text (80295). Tonight's show just happened to be a Scottish special, for which I asked for The Close Lobsters, and I heard Jock 'n' Roll favourite Raymy requesting The Scars. Recommended post-work listening. Unless you're on a back shift of course!
The Cat has once again waxed lyrical in The Scotsman today, this time on the subject of Musical Easters. What is he like? You can also hear part of The Cat's recent chat with Martin Ingram of Original 106 FM about all things Jock 'n' Roll and game show related.
12 Mar - Chemikal Underground/Justin Currie/The Cat/Original 106
Chemikal Underground's Online Shop will shortly be selling a singing Aidan Moffat bottle opener - I kid you not! They're also available at his gigs, with a Glasgow one at The Arches, Glasgow on 1 April.
They're also releasing a remastered version of Mogwai's "Young Team" album, featuring a bonus CD of radio sessions, live tracks and covers. No release date as yet but April looks a possibility.
Chemikal Undergraound's new website and online shop are, quite simply amazing, and deserve your support - hence the banner below and on the Links page. Have a look for yourself and you'll see I don't speak with forked tongue. There are even some smashing free downloads.
The Cat has been like a dog with two dicks after hearing Justin Currie's "very wonderful" ((c) Muriel Gray) "What Is Love For" album. The Cat knows it's been out for a while but he's a bit slow on the uptake. Find out for yourself how bloody good it is at The Pleasance Theatre and Cabaret Bar in Edinburgh on Monday 24th March. Sure, it's a school night, but you won't be disappointed.
The Cat has also been a very busy puss of late and will be featuring on Martin Ingram's Sunday Brunch show on Original 106, Aberdeen's newest radio station. Tune in between 10am and 2pm to hear The Cat wax lyrical on the Jock 'n' Roll brand, as well as discussing his murky side project of appearing on television and radio game/quiz shows. It's not to be missed.
4 Mar - Brainbox Challenge/Edwyn gigs
The ubiquitous Cat makes another television appearance in the search for world humiliation domination. Blink and you'll miss him on "Brainbox Challenge" on BBC 2 at 6.30pm. Clive Anderson is the host and the Jock 'n' Roll site gets a wee plug.
If you didn't already know, Sir Edwyn of Collins, official king of Jock 'n' Roll, is playing two gigs north of the border in April. On the 21st he'll be at the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh before travelling along the M8 to the Oran Mor in Glasgow on the 22nd. The Cat will be there, will you? (The Cat will also be spreading the good Jock 'n' Roll word at gigs by Jackie Leven and I Am Kloot)
24 Feb - Caledonia Nightmare
I had forgotten to give a plug on here to Friday's "Caledonia Dreaming" programme on BBC4 and was feeling bad about it. I needn't have felt so bad because the programme, which was plugged as a look at Postcard Records and its influence since, was very poor.
It started off well enough with some good Orange Juice and Josef K footage but it soon descended into something akin to an SNP party political broadcast. The most unforgiveable part was that there was no modern footage or interview with Postcard founder Alan Horne or Aztec Camera, who barely merited a single mention in the banal commentary offered by Edith Bowman.
The programme didn't know if was about Postcard Records or the history of Scottish Rock and Pop and ended up as poor mash-up of the two. A wasted opportunity as too much time was given over to commercial "blue-eyed soul" like Deacon Blue, Wet Wet Wet and Hue and Cry while bands from the same genre, like Friends Again, Love and Money and Hipsway, were notable by their absence.
If this abomination is repeated (it's currently available on BBCiPlayer for the next 5 days) do yourself a favour and watch an old repeat of Top of the Pops 2 instead because you'll only get very, very angry.
18 Feb - Rose McDowall/Raymy
A couple of press releases, ladies first, with a few words from former Strawberry Switchblader, Rose McDowall:
"THANK YOU LISBON
January 26th saw a rare appearance by Rose and the full line-up of her backing band (as yet to be named, suggestions welcome) in the heart of beautiful Lisbon at the Music Box. She and all the musicians that appeared on the night would like to say a big thank you to everyone who attended and especially to Rui, Paula, Michael, Ema, Pedro and André whose hard work, warm hospitality and company made for a most wonderful weekend.
NEW CD
It was a special night also as it was the first night that Rose, Naevus, and SonVer shared the stage. To mark the occasion a limited-run CD-R was produced that includes 2 tracks each from SonVer, Naevus, and Rose. All tracks are exclusive to this release and unavailable elsewhere and Rose's tracks are new, original songs--her first in nearly 8 years. A very small number will be available through the usual channels for Rose-related merchandise for those who wish to purchase them at the same time as other items, otherwise it is available through Dagaz Music. Email info@dagaz-music.com for more information.
http://www.dagaz-music.com/
WEBSITE
As some of you have noticed, rosemcdowall.com is currently down after certain issues with the service provider. We hope the situation will be remedied soon. The store is still accessible.
EBAY
Rose has been cleaning out her house recently, mostly giving things away, throwing them out, or donating them to Oxfam. A close friend of hers convinced her that some items might find a better home on eBay and so some of them have been listed there and others will appear over the next 7-8 days. These will include a few items she wore onstage recently, in photo shoots many years ago, and a few random items she thought were too special to simply disappear. These can be found under eBay userID cakeknife18, by searching for "RMCD" in the title, or at the address below.
http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZcakeknife18
ASSISTANCE SOUGHT
We would also like to call your attention to two people who could use your help. Rose's very dear friend Mel, a beautiful young woman who has worked tirelessly to promote fine music in Edinburgh (incl Rose's Edinburgh concert in 2006) and as a core member of the Whitby Gothic Weekend team, is currently struggling against cancer. She and her partner have recently had to move house and have a long, difficult, and costly road ahead. Any and all donations to help would be very gratefully received. http://www.myspace.com/_lucyfur_
We would also like to call your attention to Cat Le-Huy. 31-year-old Cat Le-Huy, Head of Technology at Endemol UK, was detained and arrested during a tourist visit to Dubai for carrying melatonin, an over-the-counter jet lag aid. Though once in custody Le-Huy tested negative for drugs and his melatonin was cleared by officials, he is still in Dubai jail with no charges and no release date. Cat Le-Huy, aka Diz, is currently in custody with no official charges against him and no end in sight. For more information please see his partner's livejournal and sign the petition here. http://thetruthaboutdubai.com/
Wild wishes and fairy kisses from Rose, the Cake Knife, and all at RMcD-HQ."
...and from pure mad mental Raymy:
"Hi Folks, just to thank you again for buying my previous CD "Skeleton in The Feast" and to let
you know that the 2nd CD, "Off Kilter" is now available. It contains 15 tracks, including what I'm hoping will be Scotland's first entry at the Eurovision Song Contest. On the other hand, when
the censors get an earful of the track in question - Holyrood Polka - maybe I won't be getting
to shake Wogan's hand (or boot his arse, perhaps), after all! Anyway, the CD is available directly
from me (just email for details to raymy-music@hotmail.co.uk) or through Ebay (type in "Off Kilter").
Several of the tracks have already been played on the radio, the widest audience being Tom Robinson's show on BBC6. Older punters might remember Tom from his 2-4-6-8 Motorway and Glad To Be Gay days.
"Off Kilter" costs £5 and this includes P&P (I'll never get rich, will I?!).The proposed Eurovision entry is now up on my myspace site as the first song www.myspace.com/raymymusic. Other tracks include "Tae A Buckie", "Paddy's Market Dub", "Big Mags Haney" and "Who's The Louse In The Wendy House".
Hope to hear from you..
Awrabest
Raymy"
That's the news for this week, and finally... we've added to links to some more new bands, namely Coffeeshop 36 (from Glenrothes), The Piktures, John Irvine, Val Verde, Ross Adam and Soulstar. Most of the artists mentioned will be appearing at the Soulstar Jams night, which will take place on the last Thursday of every month, from 27th March, at PJ Molloys in Dunfermline.
11 Feb - RoddyFrame/Passionate Friends/Jackie Leven/Eurovision
Roddy Frame's website, as well as selling all his solo albums and his two live albums, has three free downloads available of demos of tracks that appeared on his last album, "Western Skies". Downloads of "Worlds In Worlds", "Marble Arch" and "Dry Land" are now available HERE. Enjoy.
Malky of Glasgow 80s funksters Passionate Friends has been in touch and we're glad to give the band a plug. The band have reformed for a series of gigs to celebrate 25 years since they famously supported Rod Stewart, Gary Glitter and JoBoxers at Ibrox. More details when we get them. (If we haven't provided a link to your band, then let us know and we'll do the needful). I've added a video to the Ya Choob page of Passionate Friends doing "Time Bandits" on The Untied Shoelaces Show from 1983.
The Cat has received a leave pass from Mrs Cat and will be at Jackie Leven's Edinburgh gig at Cabaret Voltaire on Wednesday 26 March. I shall be wearing buttless leather chaps and a pink sparkly boob-tube so do come and say hello.
As a self-confessed lover of Eurovision, The Cat is very intrigued about the possibility of Scotland going alone in the continent's annual musical bumnote fight. There's no doubt that we'd fare rather better than England because the only people we've really been at war with are the English themselves (unless you count Iceland and the cod war). Would England vote for us, would we vote for England and would City Chix come out of retirement to represent Scotland? I'm thinking, "Yes", "I doubt it" and "please god no".
21 Jan Happy New Year to all Jock 'n'Rollers
When exactly does one stop wishing people a Happy New Year?
The Artists pages have been updated with the Top 5 Unsigned Bands, as recommended by Lizzie Lewis in The Scotsman, and also X-Factor winner Leon Jackson. The Cat has also featured in recent editions of the Recommends section of The Scotsman, with his Top 5 Festive Songs and Top 5 Girl Groups. The Cat was also asked his opinion on music while you work.
The Cat's New Year's resolutions include updating this site more regularly, losing weight, getting on Deal Or No Deal and getting Grant Stott to play Camera Obscura. Dave's resolutions are to drink more coffee. Probably.
The Cat has recorded his appearance on BBC2 quiz show Brainbox Challenge and it'll be broadcast sometime in February or March. Blink and you'll miss him!!
Back to the music and Colin McIntyre (Mull Historical Society) releases a new album on 4 February called "The Water". A week later sees the release of "The Stalker" EP, which is a preview for the album (even though it's released a week later!! How does that work?). Colin will be playing at The Celtic Connections Festival and at Beanscene stores in Ayr and Glasgow to promote the records. Check his website at www.colinmacintyre.com for fuller details.
So what else has happened since Christmas? Both of The Proclaimers were exposed as "love rats", Malcolm Middleton was only 30 places off being the Christmas Number One and Leon Jackson won The X-Factor.
Finally, for now, Simon has been in touch to say hello and we thought we'd give him a plug for his ambitious project in putting together an Edinburgh Gig Archive. Simon is looking for information, photos, ticket scans, that sort of thing. If you can help, even a little bit, do get in touch with him. My indie pop list is already on it's way.
16 Dec Another Jock 'n' Roll Christmas
Dave and I would like to wish everyone who has taken the trouble to vote in one of our polls, written to us, browsde the site or (d), all of the above, a fabulous Christmas and a pished responsibly drunken New Year.
Some site news: I found a few references to our website while trawling t'internet the other night (I believe the geeks call it ego-surfing!) We featured in The Scotsman on October 27 (Internet section), November 9 (Wet Wet Wet album review) and on December 12, when Claire at The Scotsman kindly asked The Cat to provide his five favourite festive tunes for the paper's Recommends section.
Also, The Cat will be visiting your television screens in early 2008 when he'll be appearing on a brand new game show called "Brainbox Challenge".
The Attic Lights' "God" video has been added to the Ya Choob page.
It occurred to us that whilst the campaign to get Malcolm Middleton to number 1 at Christmas is laudable, although undoubtedly doomed to failure, there really hasn't been a proper Scottish Christmas record. Even the bigger Scottish acts haven't done one. Sure, the odd B-side, session track or fan club-only issue but can anyone actually think of a great Scottish Christmas record? Answers on a postcard...
By the way, as The Cat proved at his recent works Christmas Party, you can indeed do The Slosh to everything!! On that bombshell, altogether now...another Jock 'n' Roll Christmas, another Christmas Jock 'n' Roll...
30 Nov James Grant/The Abs gigs
James Grant, supported by Old Benedict, will be playing the "Heart of Hawick" auditorium (01450 360680) on Saturday 8 March 2008 and the tickets, which are £10, are available from Rory Bannerman, Redreuth, West Stewart Place, HAWICK TD9 8BH. Payment is by cheque or postal order and must include a SAE.
The Abs will touring the UK during December in support of their new single, "Maybe Tonight", including five Scottish dates:
11th December: Moshulu, Aberdeen
12th December: Fat Sams, Dundee
13th December: Mad Hatters, Inverness
14th December: Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
15th December: King Tut's, Glasgow ***SINGLE LAUNCH***
29 Nov - The Orchids/Ally Kerr
Gigs on a school night? Across the other side of the country? In the bloody rain? The Cat must be mental. Well, he is and he had the pleasure of enjoying The Orchids, The Recovery Club and Ally Kerr at Viva Melodia at Cottiers Bar on Wednesday night. Joined by world famous ligger John Nadin, The Cat supped on a shandy as each of the turns entertained a good crowd.
Ally Kerr kicked off with four or five quality tunes and he was followed by the very good The Recovery Club. Following Celtic's victory, The Orchids were in fine fettle and played a quality mini-set (what do you expect, the gig was free), including two new songs*. They played You Could Do Something To Me, A Place Called Home, Johnny Loves Methadone*, Welcome To My Curious Heart, I Need You To Believe In Me, The Last Thing (On Your Mind), The OK Song* and the bittersweet Obsession No 1.
If you can get along to support Viva Melodia please do because it's a great night, even if the drive from and to Dunfermline was a nightmare (remember John, what goes on tour, stays on tour!), especially in the pissing rain. One criticism of the venue was the price of the Hoegarden so please avoid it if you're after a cheap night.
Wed 5 Dec: National Park/The National Jazz Trio of Scotland/Ally Kerr
Wed 12 Dec: Inspector Tapehead/Tom Snowball and friends/Ally Kerr
Wed 19 Dec: Attic Lights/Dave Dixon/Ally Kerr
The Cat and Dave will be at the Will Hogkinson reading of "Guitar Man" on Sunday at the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh so feel to come up and give us a hug. We'll appreciate it.
23 Nov - He's The Shoeshine Boy
Attic Lights announced the imminent arrival of a new 45. "God" is out on limited edition 7" on Monday 3 December. They're playing some dates in support of this fine record. You catch them at:
4 Dec Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh
5 Dec King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
6 Dec Dirty Hearts Club at SNAFU, Aberdeen
7 Dec The Greenside Hotel, Leslie, Fife
19 Dec The Cottier Theatre, Glasgow
You can see the Francis Macdonald-produced video for "God" on our YaChoob page or at You Tube, along with other Attic Lights goodies.
Speaking of Francis, he performs a rare solo gig at The Accies Club, Glasgow on Friday 7 December, ably supported by Edinburgh's The Dead Beat Club. Tickets are £10 and available from Glasgow's Monorail records, promoter Alan Hendry on 0780 4447511 or Tickets Scotland.
21 Nov - No Music Day
18 Nov - Dying for Christmas
Malcolm Middleton has been quoted at 1000-1 to get the coveted Christmas number 1 spot from whichever piss-poor karaoke wannabe wins The X-Factor, Cliff Richard or The Spice Girls. "We're All Going To Die" is released digitally on Monday 17 December. Malcolm plays Glasgow's ABC on 5 December and the Liquid rooms in Edinburgh the day after. At both gigs he'll be ably supported by Make Model and The Phantom Band.
14 Nov - News Round Up
The Orchids have announced another gig. On Wednesday 28 November they'll be playing the Viva Melodia night at The Cottier Theatre in Glasgow, ably supported by The Recovery Club and resident singer/songwriter Ally Kerr. The Cat will be there so be sure and say hello. Mine's a Diet Coke, I'll be driving!
Burnsong is a national project dedicated to promoting, encouraging and nurturing songwriting in Scotland. Events include songwriting workshops for schools, professional development courses for writers as well as live music events in Dumfries and across Scotland and a national songwriting competition. It runs from 30 November until 2 December at The Queen's Hall in Edinburgh and events include appearances/performances by Will Hodgkinson (Dave and The Cat will be there), Norman Blake, Midge Ure, Roody Woomble, Louise Quinn, Martin Metcalfe and many many more. Please give it your support.
The Cat was recently fortunate enough to win a signed guitar in a competition run by the charity Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH). The guitar, which I can't play (yet!) to save my life, is signed by Mogwai, Pop Up, The Passengers and a number of other bands who played gigs in support of SAMH. If you or someone you know may be affected by mental health issues then be sure and visit the site to seek out their advice.
We've received some CDs recently and we'll endeavour to review them soon. If you'd like us to review your band's offering then get in touch and we'll give you an address to send them to. Be warned though, we don't pull any punches. When The Cat gets his claws out, no settee is safe!
The Daily Record recently gave away a CD, "Independent and Free" and I trust all you Jock 'n' Rollers got yours. The CD features tracks by Green Peppers, Our Lunar Activities, Joe Kennedy, The Golden Hour, The Ronelles, Daniel Wylie, The River Detectives, The Fast Camels, Ally Kerr and Water School. There are also guest appearance, on the Green Peppers tracks, from Justin Currie and Isobel Campbell. If you haven't got a copy then I suggest you beg, steal or borrow this fabulous sampler. Then go to Neon Tetra Records website and partake of some more treats. 36 Asda stores are featuring the entire Neon Tetra catalogue in custom display stands at £5 per CD. Great music, at THAT price - how can you resist?
The Cat is still looking for a better job. The Cat cried during "The Secret Millionaire" last week. What a pussy!
29 Oct - I Was Looking For A Job...
If anyone who likes our site is in a position of power within a creative/media/broadcasting type organisation then The Cat would be interested in any vacancies you may have. If you have a job that you think might be right up my street and can exercise my creative tendencies then get in touch at jocknroll@gmail.com and we'll discuss it. This is a serious request.
Following on from the Radio Scotland Newsdrive interview last Tuesday The Cat was interviewed on Danny Kelly's radio show on BBC Birmingham on Thursday, although I suspect the presenter was somewhat distracted by the imminent Everton game!
24 Oct - Celtic Connections + Site News
Celtic Connections returns for its fifteenth year and bands featured will include, amongst many others, Capercaillie, The Peatbog Faeries, Julie Powlis, Roddy Woomble, Kevin McDermott, Colin Hay, The Pearlfishers, Bert Jansch, King Creosote with James Yorkston, Emma Pollock, Donnie Munro, Camera Obscura, Colin McIntyre and Teenage Fanclub.
The festival runs from Wednesday 16 January until Sunday 3 February and as well as bands, will feature workshops, ceilidhs, club nights and more fiddles than Arthur Daley. So if you ever fancied learning how to play the penny whistle or bodhran this is your chance. All the details are on the Celtic connections website.
Site news: Links have been added for Singleskin from Fife and The Lion of Joppa Soundsystem. Thanks for letting us know guys.
