Midweek Music News

By london_ken Last edited 225 months ago
Midweek Music News

Thunderbolts and lightning, very, very frightening indeed! As if having to watch Coldplay play in a different postcode from them in the less-than-lovely surroundings of Crystal Palace stadium wasn't bad enough, the hordes were attacked last night by freak weather conditions created by some shadowy group intent on causing panic amongst the population so that it self-destructs. The chances of so many bad summers are a million to one but still they come.

So, to the Midweek Music News, and first off, it's news of a probable cancellation or relocation of The Eighteenth Day of May's show next Monday. It was originally due to take place at Water Rats but it looks like they may have been stitched up and will have to find another venue. No wonder they're looking so glum (right). We'll keep you informed, obviously. Meanwhile, console yourself by buying The May's brilliant debut single. We can't get Sir Casey Jones (the AA side) off our tiny little brains, it's so catchy.

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From the people who brought you Rock'N'Roll Soul comes a rather more shoegazing affair, with the return of Sonic Cathedral. Expect sounds from the Velvets to the Valentines to Ulrich Schnauss, as well as exclusive live performance from LA-based space-rockers Autolux and DJing by Erol Alkan, Ladytron and Emma Anderson (of Lush and Sing-Sing fame).

Sonic Cathedral takes place on Thursday 7th July, at The Legion, 348 Old Street, doors 7pm-midnight, entry is a fiver.

Speaking of Rock'N'Roll Soul-related events, the actual Rock'N'Roll Soul club night is back for its monthly stint at The Albany (opposite Great Portland Street tube). You'll get six solid hours of soul that rocks and rock with soul. Residents Gary, Nat, Al and Jimmy will once again be joined on the decks by Happiness Stan's and Deep Funk co-founder Danny Decourtelle after his storming seven-inch only set a couple months ago. It's the last one before a well-earned summer break so arrive early to avoid disappointment. That's Saturday 2nd July, doors 8.30pm-2.30am, entry £5 or £4 with flyer/badge/NUS ID.

If that's not your bag, also taking place on Saturday, the Marquee Club in Leicester Square will be hosting a free all-day event in aid of Oxfam, to coincide with Live8. The place will open at 12pm, and entry's free although if you don't donate on the door, you're a tight git who doesn't deserve to get in. Your donations should be especially generous because with every burger or pizza bought during the screening of the Live8 gig during the day, you'll be entitled to one free drink during the evening gig, which kicks off at 8pm. A cunning ploy to make you stay on to see the likes of My Octopus George, Neat People, Oriation and The Dave Browns.

Looking a bit further ahead, and a bit further afield, there's a gig in taking place on 26th July at The Ocean Rooms Live Lounge in Brighton which is worth thinking about, as Spear of Destiny play a gig. Former vocalist/guitarist with Theatre Of Hate, Kirk Brandon formed the first Spear Of Destiny line up in 1983. Throughout the 80s, their albums went top 20 & led to them supporting the likes of U2. This band could well be an under appreciated British institution - their punk & rock influences have been assimilated by many bands, but SOD remain unsung by the music press. Perhaps this is a good thing, as Kirk now has a musical career which spans two decades. This is the first gig on the band's forthcoming tour - expect the favourites: Who Believes in the Westworld & You'll Never Take Me Alive etc & also some new material, which recalls the dark & high powered rock which made this band so good in the first place.

Salter Crane, an alt-country-tinged Brighton-based band, support. A hit at Brighton's radio 1 live week & with a great local following, they are well worth arriving early for.

Doors are 7.30pm, entry is £9 and you have to be 18 (or be convincing at looking over 18 with some decent fake ID) to get in.

Last Updated 29 June 2005