The Skinny March 2007 by The Skinny

Instrumentalist, TBC, £15

GUITAR HERO NIGHTS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, You Know The Score, 21:00, Free , WHISTLEBINKIES, Open mic night, 21:00, Free

TUES 27 MAR

CAMERA OBSCURA, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, TBC, £9 CHRIS AGNEW, THE BLIND POET, Open mic night, 22:00, Free

EAGLEOWL PLUS THE GREAT BEAR AND SEASIDE, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Indie Rock, 20:00, £3

LEITH FOLK CLUB, STUART CASSELS, THE VILLAGE, Folk, 20:00, £5

DUTY FREE, TRAP 6 PLUS STOPSTARTS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie Rock / Pop, 19:30, Free

EMERGENZA, SUBWAY COWGATE, Battle of the Bands, 19:00, £8 (£5)

WHISTLEBINKIES, Band Showcase, 21:00, Free

WED 28 MAR

DUTY FREE, AINSLIE HENDERSON PLUS FRIGHTENED RABBIT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Acoustic singer-songwriter / Indie Rock, 19:30, 22:00, Free

Binkies-

Hen-

Eye Did This-

LISTINGS

EDINBURGH LIVE

EDINBURGH FOLK CLUB, ALLAN TAYLOR, PLEASANCE, Folk, 20:00, £6 (£5)

WE ARE… ELECTRIC, CLIENT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Electronica, 23:00, 03:00, £TBC

HALFWAY TO PARADISE: THE BILLY FURY STORY, COLIN GOLD AND FURY’S TORNADOS, EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE, Rock ‘n’ Roll Tribute, , £17 - £11.50

THE STEVIE AGNEW BAND, THE BLIND POET, Classic Rock Covers, 22:00, Free

THURS 29MAR

BOHEMOND PLUS SUBMACHINE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

JOE LONGTHORNE, USHER HALL, Crooner, 19:30, £22.50 - £19.50

SASAVA NIGHT, NICK GIBBON, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, TBC, 20:00, £TBC

TIM BERNE PARAPHRASE, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £10

FRI 30 MAR

BLACKIE AND THE RODEO KINGS, PLEASANCE, Country Supergroup, 20:00, £10

BRING ME THE HORIZON, STUDIO 24, Hardcore, TBC, £9

JAVELIN PLUS TERRA SURFER, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Electro / Punk, 20:00, £3

NU2, THE LIQUID ROOM, Tribute, 19:30, £3 THE HEADLINES PLUS CUDDLYSHARK AND FOURTEENHOURS, THE TRON, Indie Rock, 20:30, £5 V-2 SCHEIDER, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

SAT 31 MAR

DAMIEN RICE, USHER HALL, Folk Singer/Songwriter, TBC, £TBC

DAVID PATRICK

Bannermans

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

LISTINGS EDINBURGH LIVE NEW FOUND SOUND, LITTLE DOSES PLUS GILDOZA, THURS 1 MAR DEAD SEA SOULS PLUS ANICCA, BANNERMAN’S UNDER- KIDDO AND VITAMIN FLINTHEART, CABARET VOLTAIRE, WORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

Indie / AlternativeRock, 19:30, £5.50

DRESSED TO KILL, THE EXCHANGE, Kiss Tribute, TBC, £10 PAUL BURCH PLUS DARDEN SMITH, PLEASANCE, Former Lambchop Alt. Folkster, 20:00, £10 FENCE CLUB #1, KID CANAVERAL PLUS GORDON PILOTLIGHT, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, 19:00, £4 MCINTYRE, COME IN TOKYO, GUMMI BAKO, THE , WHISTLEBINKIES, Band Showcase, 21:00, Free CAVES, Power Pop / Acoustica, 20:00, £5 MY ALAMO PLUS SPIDER SIMPSON AND THE MEXI- CEILIDH CLUB, THE LOT, Ceilidh, 20:00, £6 COLAS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Alternative Rock, 19:00, £6 WED 7 MAR THE GREENMAN BLUEGRASS BOYS, OCTOPUS DIABURT MACDONALD QUINTET WITH KEITH TIPPETT, THE MOND, Alt Country, 20:00, £TBC INCITE - SAVE THE CHILDREN FUNDRAISER, V2-SCH- LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £8 NEIDER PLUS TRAP 6 AND THE PARANOID MONEYS, DAGGERS AHOY!, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Crunk / Pop, THE BONGO CLUB, Indie, 21:00, 02:00, £5

OUT OF THE BEDROOM, THE CANON’S GAIT, Open mic night, 20:00, 23:00, Free

FRI 2 MAR

FOUR CORNERS, AZYMUTH, THE BONGO CLUB, Funk / Soul, 23:00, 03:00, £10

SAFEHOUSE PLUS STEVE HAY AND THE RAVONS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie Rock, 19:30, £5

SHEILA JORDAN , THE LOT, Jazz Singer, 20:30, £10 THE HIGHLINES PLUS AUDIO FEVER, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

MADRE AND BIG GUNZ OF MOSH, SUBWAY COWGATE, Hardcore, 19:30, £5

CHARITY BAND NIGHT, MICAH CINCENT, THE VACANT TOURISTS, TIGERS OF THE FIRE AND MIKE KEARNEY TRIO, THE BONGO CLUB, Acoustica / Indie, , £5 NOULOHO PLUS THE ILLUSION PRINCIPLE AND PAGE 44, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £3 THE LOW LOWS PLUS MUSIC FOR ONE, JULIEN PEARLY AND EAGLEOWN, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie, 20:00, £5

SAT 3 MAR

10CC, EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE, Indie Rock, 20:00, £28 AMEN, THE EXCHANGE, Punk Metal, TBC, £12 DARTZ! PLUS V2-SCHNEIDER, WEE RED BAR, Indie, TBC, £6

DRIVE BY ARGUMENT PLUS THEATRE FALL, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Electro Pop, 19:00, £6

LIVESCIENCES, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Hip-hop, 20:00, £TBC

BABYTIGER, MONICA QUEEN PLUS ANDI NEATE, THE VILLAGE, Acoustica, 20:30, £4

MUMAKIL PLUS ZILLAH, FRIDAY NIGHT GUNFIGHT AND WE SHALL BE BLESSED, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, 19:00, £5

OUR LUNAR ACTIVITIES PLUS ENDOR, BAILLIE & THE FAULT AND MEURSAULT, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie / Alternative Rock, 21:00, £5

ALBUM LAUNCH, SUB-OPT, THE BONGO CLUB, Progressive Rock, 19:00, 22:00, Free

TOFFS CAN’T DANCE: THE BALLROOM BLITZ, TELLEY PLUS THE COMMON REDSTARTS AND EPIC 26, THE CAVES, Indie Rock, 21:00, £6 (£7 after 11)

THE JACKSON BLUES, THE BLIND POET, Blues, 22:00, Free

HOBO, THE NEEDLES PLUS CLEAN GEORGE IV, THE BONGO CLUB, Indie Rock, 22:30, £3

UNDERGROUND HEROES, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie Punk,

VOLTAIRE, A Trilogy of Sensational Punk and Funk, 19:00,

O.B.E PLUS THE ACUTE AND THE VIVIANS, CABARET 22:00, £5

EDINBURGH FOLK CLUB, PALAVER, THE PLEASANCE, Folk, 20:00, £6 (£5)

20:00, £5

19:30, £5

, WHISTLEBINKIES, Band Showcase, 21:00, Free

WED 14 MAR

WED 21 MAR

DIAMOND, Experimental, 20:00, £TBC

DAVE MILLIGAN TRIO, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £7 VERSACOUSTIC, EMMA POLLOCK PLUS EUGENE KELLY AND LUCKY LUKE, THE BONGO CLUB, An Evening of

20:30, £8

Acoustica, TBC, £TBC

tic night, 20:00, £5

Folk, 20:00, £6 (£5)

CLUTTER AND THE CARDBOARD LUNG, OCTOPUS

Covers, 22:00, Free

FABIAN KALLERDAHL GALORE, THE LOT, Jazz Singer,

THURS 8MAR

HOLLOW HEART PARLOUR, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Acous- EDINBURGH FOLK CLUB, MICK HANLEY, PLEASANCE,

ADRIAN CROWLEY PLUS PUMAJAW AND GARETH DICKSON, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Folk, 19:30, £7 ARCTIC CIRCLE , OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Alternative Pop,

EDINBURGH FOLK CLUB, JIM MALCOLM, THE PLEASANCE, Folk, 20:00, £6 (£5)

20:00, £TBC

Covers, 22:00, Free

TINY DANCERS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Melodic Rock, 19:00, £6

Hardcore / Stoner Rock, 19:30, £5

NERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

Punk, 20:00, £5

FRI 9 MAR

19:00, £9

DICK LEE SEPTET, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £7 FALL IDLE PLUS FOUR STAR AND THIS IS GENEVA, BANHOWLING BELLS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Alternative Rock,

CLAIRE DALY, THE LOT, Jazz Singer, 20:00, £7 DOUBLE SPEAK, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Hip-hop, 20:00,

MAN MUST DIE PLUS MADMAN IS ABSOLUTE, IMMANIS AND PARADOX, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal,

HOWARDS ALIAS PLUS TAKING CHASE AND THE 44S, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Prog / Rock / Reggae,

THE LORDS OF BASTARD, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Stoner

£TBC

21:00, £5

19:00, £5

Rock, 20:00, £TBC

THESE NEW PURITANS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie / Elec-

INTO THE FLOODLINE, FILED UNDER DISHONESTY tronica, 23:00, £5 AND THY CAME FORTH, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Metal / Hardcore / Stoner Rock, 19:30, 22:00, £4.00 RUMBA CALIENTE, THE LOT, Jazz, 23:00, £8.00

Indie / Ska, 20:30, £5.00

THE BLACK CHAIN PLUS MESSIAH COMPLEX, BLACK SUN AND GODOT, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, 19:00,

FRI 16 MAR

BABYTIGER, ASSEMBLY PLUS ENERGY PLAN, THE TRON, Rock / Power Pop, 20:30, £5

CHOCYAMO PLUS PRIVATE JACKSON, WEE RED BAR, Local Rockers EP Launch, 19:00, 22:00, Free

DIEGO PLUS THE DELOREANS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie, 19:30, £4

£5.00

SANTA KARLA PLUS THE CASINO BRAWL, DEAD AT THE SCENE AND EVERY SCAR IS A VICTORY, SUBWAY

CELLAR BAR, Indie, 19:30, £4.00

COWGATE, Metal, 19:00, £5

SAT 10 MAR

cock’s Band, 19:30, £10

THE PLASTIC ANIMALS PLUS SIMON POLLITT, HENRY’S

ART GARFUNKEL , USHER HALL, Wild Haired Crooner, 20:00, £35

THE HEADHUNTERS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Herbie HanTINY LITTLE HEARTS, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Industrial Pop, 20:00, £3

BLUE SUGAR PLUS DES BOND BLUES, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Alternative Blues, 19:30, £4

SAT 17 MAR

GREENPEACE, AUTOSAFARI, VITAMIN FLINTHEART AND THE DUST PUPPETS, THE BONGO CLUB, Hard Rock,

19:00, £6

Folk, 20:00, £8

COLD DEAD HANDS, GRAF ORLOCK PLUS CO-

ALISON BURNS, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £7 ATTIC LIGHTS PLUS THE DEAD BEAT CLUB, RICHIE GALLACHER AND RORY MCINTYRE, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Folk / Indie , 20:00, £TBC

ECHO PARADE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

SUPER ADVENTURE CLUB PLUS INDAFUSION AND VOICE OF THE MYSTERONS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Power Pop, 20:00, £4

DEUCE, WEE RED BAR, 2 Bands do Battle, 19:00, 22:00, Free

FRI 23 MAR

BALKANARAMA, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Folk, 20:00, £TBC MESH-29 PLUS THE DEBUTS AND SERGEANT, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

RUMBA CALIENTE, THE LOT, Jazz, 23:00, £8 FAST, THE LOW MIFFS, THE BONGO CLUB, Indie, 23:00, 03:00, £3

THESE GUYS PLUS THE THREAT REMAINS AND DILEMMA, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, 19:00, £TBC TOBY JEPSON PLUS STILLIFE, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Folk / Indie , 19:30, £6

TRIO AAB, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:00, £7

SAT 24 MAR

GIN GOBLINS PLUS CRITIKILL, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

STYPE, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Hip-hop, 20:00, £TBC INDIE RING, THE HURRICANES PLUS THE TOY GUNS BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB, USHER HALL, Latino / Blues AND TIE FOR JACK, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie Rock, 19:30, / Folk Legends, 20:00, £24 - £18

SUN 18 MAR

LIQUID ROOM, Punk Legend, 19:00, £16

AN EVENING WITH MARK E SMITH AND THE FALL, THE

ABDOUJAPAROV PLUS ARSE 2 MOUTH AND SCHRODINGER’S BEARD, SUBWAY COWGATE, Alternative / Pop /

19:00, £5

LEITH FOLK CLUB, GORDON GILTRAP, THE VILLAGE,

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

THE HOFFS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4 THE STEVIE AGNEW BAND, THE BLIND POET, Classic Rock

THURS 22 MAR

Free

20:00, Free

THURS 15MAR

COLD DEAD HANDS, SAVIOURS PLUS FUCTOFF, IX AND LORDS OF BASTARD, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal /

MON 12 MAR

19:30, 23:00, Free

PRESTON REED, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz, 19:00, £6 TEKAMINE PLUS DJ C64, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Electro,

Singer/Songwriters / Comedy, 20:00, £10 (£6)

CHRIS AGNEW, THE BLIND POET, Open mic night, 22:00,

TUES 6 MAR

£5

20:00, 00:00, £6

ANDI NEATE, THE BONGO CLUB, Singer/songwriter,

WHISTLEBINKIES, Open mic night, 21:00, Free

Free

LEITH FOLK CLUB, KRIS DREVER, THE VILLAGE, Folk,

COMBICHRIST, THE LIQUID ROOM, Electonica, TBC, £14 ESBJORN SVENSSON TRIO, USHER HALL, Jazz, 20:00, WEE FOLK CLUB, SIMON BRADLEY AND IAN STRETCH £20 - £18 HOBO, HOUSEHOLD PLUS BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND, MCFAYDDEN, ROYAL OAK, Folk, 20:30, £3 STEVEN SEAGAL AND THUNDERBOX, THE QUEEN’S HALL, THE BONGO CLUB, Indie Rock, 22:30, £3 I WAS A CUB SCOUT PLUS EDGAR PRAIS, CABARET Silky Voiced Ninja, 19:30, £26 HOBO, THE BISHOPS AND ARCA FEELING, THE BONGO VOLTAIRE, Indie / Electronica, 19:00, 22:00, £5 WEE FOLK CLUB, KIERAN HALPIN, ROYAL OAK, Folk, CLUB, Indie Rock, 22:30, £3

£6

CHRIS AGNEW, THE BLIND POET, Open mic night, 22:00,

Free

EPIC 26 PLUS THE STRANDS AND UNKNOWN HAGAHENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Alternative Metal, 20:00, £5 NA, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4 20:30, £5 LUDOVICO EINAUDI , USHER HALL, Classical, 20:00, SICK KIDS BENEFIT, RAY KENNY PLUS AARON WRIGHT FOUND PLUS THE NACIENTE QUARTET, OCTOPUS DIA£20-£12 & THE APRILS , BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, MOND, Alternative Pop, 20:00, £3 POPUP, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie Rock / Pop Rock, TBC, £4 BABYTIGER, RICHARD HASWELL PLUS EWAN MI£6 CHAEL RILEY, THE TRON, Acoustica, 20:30, £5 THE GUSSETS, OCTOPUS DIAMOND, Girl Punkers, 20:00, BANNERMAN’S OPEN MIC, BANNERMAN’S UNDER£TBC SEROTONE PLUS KRANK SOLO AND THE DES WORLD, Open mic afternoon, 16:00, Free TOMMY SMITH YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA WITH JOE MOINES RIOT, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, 19:00, £5 LOCKE, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £8 THE GRIT PLUS AUSLANDER AND ROUGHMUTE, THE MON 5 MAR WILLIAM DOUGLAS AND THE WHEEL, THE BLIND POET, THREE TUNS, Punk, 20:00, £5 BRYAN FERRY, EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE, Legendary Folk, 22:00, £TBC I FLY SPITFIRES VS THIS IS MUSIC, Y’ALL IS FANTASY Crooner, 19:30, £45, £35 ISLAND AND CHUTES, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie / Folk, VERSACOUSTIC, MY LATEST NOVEL, DOUGLAS T SUN 11 MAR 21:00, £3 STEWART AND SAINT JAMES INFIRMARY, THE BONGO CHAIRMAN OF THE BORED, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, ROB ST JOHN PLUS JOHN DEERY AND BEN GODDARD, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £3 THE DYKEENIES, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Power Pop, 19:30,

TUES 20 MAR

MOND, Folk, 20:00, £3

MY KAPPA ROOTS PLUS ROB ST JOHN, OCTOPUS DIA-

WEE FOLK CLUB, JEZ LOWE, ROYAL OAK, Folk, 20:30, £3 MARSHALL CHIPPED PLUS MEGAW AND SPINNING KATANA PLUS DIEGO AND SPARTACUS, BANNERMAN’S JENNYS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, 19:30, £4 UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4 BABYTIGER, NORTH FOUNDATION PLUS MIABEANIE LAFARO PLUS PROJECT: VENHELL AND REFUSE BOY, AND THE ASTHMATIC SCENE, THE TRON, Indie Pop,

CLUB, An Evening of Acoustica, TBC, £TBC

19:30, £18 - £15.50 , WHISTLEBINKIES, Open mic night, 21:00, Free

FIREWORKS FROM THE FREEWAY, THE DIALS, GOA, SWITCH & SERGEANT, THE BONGO CLUB, Indie Rock,

Rock, 19:00, £TBC

SUN 4 MAR

THE DRIFTERS, EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE, Classic Rock,

CHRIS AGNEW, THE BLIND POET, Open mic night, 22:00,

20:00, £4

THE ROHYPSTERS PLUS ARSE 2 MOUTH AND THE BIG HAND PLUS UNKNOWN HAGANA AND BOOTSIE TRIANGLEHEAD, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £7 MANNEQUINS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Psychobilly, 20:00, C & THE CADILLACS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Ska / Alternative 03:00, £4

Rock, 19:30, £6.50

TUES 13 MAR

BABYTIGER, STEALER PLUS WE WERE PROMISED JET RAB HOWAT BAND, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, House PACKS AND COLOURED DREAMS, THE TRON, Funk /

Band, 16:00, Free

MY AWESOME COMPILATION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie

LEITH FOLK CLUB, JAMIE SMITH, THE VILLAGE, Folk, 20:00,

THE STEVIE AGNEW BAND, THE BLIND POET, Classic DIRTY MONET, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, Rock Covers, 22:00, Free DIAMOND, Surf Rock, 20:00, £3 £4 TIM FINN, THE QUEEN’S HALL, Folk Pop Legend, 19:30, THE PENGUINS PLUS RECREATIONAL HOMICIDE JONAS KULLHAMMAR QUARTET, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £14 AND PLASTIC JUSTICE, SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal, 19:00, £8 EMERGENZA, SUBWAY COWGATE, Band Showcase, £5 INTERNATIONAL WOMANS DAY BENEFIT, LORNA 19:00, £8 (£5 adv) BOOKS PLUS TRACEY BRAITHWAITE, THE PLEASANCE, THE NUKES PLUS SARA AND THE SNAKES, OCTOPUS

MON 19 MAR

, WHISTLEBINKIES, Open mic night, 21:00, Free

NEW FOUND SOUND, CALLEL PLUS THE SCOTTISH ENLIGHTENMENT AND THE DEBUTS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, THE STEVIE AGNEW BAND, THE BLIND POET, Classic Rock Indie Pop, 20:00, £6

YELLOW BOX DENOTES SKINNY HIGHLIGHTS

20:30, £3

OI POLLOI, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Ska, 20:00, £5 EMERGENZA, SUBWAY COWGATE, Band Showcase, 19:00, £8 (£5 adv)

£4 (£3)

THE JAMM AND THE PAUL WELLER CONNEXION, THE BONGO CLUB, Jam Tribute, 19:45, £10

THIS MOURNING AFTER, WE SHALL BE BLESSED, THE BLACK CHAIN, MONGREL, ALROSE, PASSION BEYOND REASON, , SUBWAY COWGATE, Metal Mayhem, 17:00, £6

EXCESS BAGGAGE, THE BLIND POET, Folk, 22:00, Free

SUN 25 MAR

DOLLAR-SENT, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock, 21:00, £4

DOUBTS CAST SHADOWS PLUS DEAD AT THE SCENE, THY CAME FORTH AND INTO THE BLOODLINE, SUBWAY COWGATE, More Metal Mayhem, 19:00, £5

FRIENDLY FIRES, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie, 19:00, £5 KIERAN HEBDEN AND STEVE REID, THE LIQUID ROOM, Experimental, TBC, £10.50

WEE FOLK CLUB, MALACHY TALLACK, ROYAL OAK, Folk, 20:30, £3

HOBO, PRIVATE JACKSON PLUS LYCANTHROPE, THE BONGO CLUB, Indie Rock, 22:30, £3

SCOTT MATTHEWS, THE QUEEN’S HALL, Singer/Songwriter, 19:00, £11

MON 26 MAR

LEE SCRATCH PERRY, THE LIQUID ROOM, Legendary Multi-

LISTINGS

THE SKINNY

THE SKINNY TEAM * THE SKIN PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR GLASGOW MANAGER DEPUTY EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRODUCTION EDITOR PRODUCTION ASSISTANT SUBEDIT & ARTS EDITOR SOUNDS EDITOR GLASGOW MUSIC BEATS EDITORS

CLUBS LISTINGS ONLINE EDITOR FILM EDITOR THEATRE EDITOR BOOKS EDITOR LGBT EDITOR GAMES EDITOR DVD EDITOR FASHION EDITOR LAYOUT ASSISTANCE EDINBURGH SALES EXECUTIVE GLASGOW SALES EXECUTIVE

7.30pm, 11pm, £12.50

ARCADE FIRE, BARROWLAND, Progressive instrumentalist,

FATSO MEDIA LTD SOPHIE KYLE GRAEME PARK RUPERT THOMSON CHARLOTTE RODENSTEDT JANE FENTON LEIGH PEARSON JAY SHUKLA DAVE KERR GARETH K. VILE ALEX BURDEN & BRAM GIEBEN ANDREW COOKE ALEX KIRK PAUL GREENWOOD HUGO FLUENDY KEIR HIND NINE JOSH WILSON ALEC MCLEOD CLAIRE MORRISON IAN SINKAMBA ROBBIE THOMSON WIL CRAIG PETE BURNS

7pm, 11pm, Sold Out

DEFTONES, CARLING ACADEMY, 7pm, 11pm, £17.50 ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION , NICE N SLEAZIES, Come and Play, 8.30pm, 11pm, Free THE BISHOPS, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £5.00

CRASH MY MODEL CAR, Y’ALL IS FANTASY ISLAND, QMU, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £3

TBC, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free

TUES 13 MAR

KELLER WILLIAMS, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £8.00 LADYBIRDS CAN FLY, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free

CELTIC FROST VS KREATOR AND LEGION OF THE DAMNED, GARAGE, dark metal, 8pm, 11pm, £20.00

WED 14 MAR

^AIR, ABC, Electronic popsters, 7pm, 11pm, £17.50 5 0’CLOCK HEROES, KING TUTS, , 8.30pm, 11pm, £6.00 POISON THE WELL, GARAGE, , 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 MARSHAN, BLOC, Rock, Metal, 9pm, 11pm, Free

CONTRIBUTORS

THURS 15MAR

Marc@Alphabet Video, Steve Adams, Ryan Agee, Yasmin Ali, Liam Arnold, Fergal Baggio, Finbarr Bermingham, Ilani Blanke, Jamie Borthwick, Ally Brown, Peter Burns, Calum Carr, Colin Chapman, Philippa Cochrane, Brian Cook, Dave Cook, Andrew Cooke, Charlotte Cooper, Gemma Couper, David Coyle, Dalai Dahmer, Stephen Dent, Andrew Dewar, Declan Dineen, Natalie Doyle, Sam Eccles, Sam Eichblatt, Laura Esselmont, Stellar Feller, Neil Ferguson, Duncan Forgan, Lucy Gallwey, Derek Gray, Simone Gray, Gabriella Griffith, Billy Hamilton, Edgar Hyde, Barry Jackson, Morag Keil, Craig Hamilton, Ema Johnson, Hamza Khan, Margaret Kirk, Omar Kudos, Parker Langley, Emma Lennox, Joe Lewis, Peter Lily, Ali Maloney, CC Mapletoft, DB Matthews, Eve McCann, Jack McFarlane, Cara McGuigan, Milo McLaughlin, Rozi McLean, Sean McNamara, Sean Michaels, Nick Mitchell, Paul Mitchell, Lara Moloney, Paula Morgan, Jonny Ogg, Mark Oliver, Struan Otter, Julie Paterson, Laura Paterson, Allan Preston, Rowan Ramsay, Dylan Reed , Dave Reid, Angus Ross, Jon Seller, Klaus Von Sherbert, Cate Simpson, Graeme Strachan, Karen Taggart, Fraser Thomson, Garry Thomson, Chris Torres, Gareth K Vile, Lucy Weir, Tim Weir, Lindsay West, Rob Westwood, Ryan Van Winkle, David Winton

11pm, £15.00

PHOTOGRAPHERS Lisa Divine, Calum Barr, Ed Fisher, James Gray, Jack Waddington, David Winton, Jethro Collins, Charlotte Rodenstedt, Eilidt Baxter, Mark Dorrian, Andrew Moore, Cara Buchan

£5.00

GOD FEARING ATHEISTS, O’HENRY’S , Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £4

TEAM SALT, THE PEOPLE, FIREWATER, Indie Rock, 9pm, 11pm, Free

Tribe Called Quest, Coolio, Missy Elliot

CLUB NIGHTS 2 - feat. Ro g e r S a n c h ez, Er i c Prydz vs Pink Floyd and Body Rox

CLUB 2K7 – feat. Girls Aloud, Just Jack and Mika

COVER CREDIT: CHARLOTTE RODENSTEDT

ADVERTISING SALES INFORMATION Email: SKINNY@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK Phone: 0131 467 4630 Distribution: The Skinny is distributed monthly through a network of bars, clubs, retail outlets, music stores, cafes, venues, hostels and lifestyle centres in Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you would like to be on the distribution list please contact SKINNY@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

To get your hands on one copy of each title (we have three sets to give away),

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within this publication do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the printer OR the publisher. Printed by DC Thomson Issue 18 March 2007 © fatso media ltd

ANOTHER CHANCE:

TELL US WHAT IS BEING CARRIED AROUND THE STREETS OF NEW YORK IN THE VIDEO

FRI 16 MAR

Live Music, 7.30pm, 11pm, £4

THESE NEW PURITANS, NICE N SLEAZIES, Alt. Rock,

8.30pm, 11pm, £5

ODEON BEAT CLUB, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £5.00 THESE NEW PURITANS, NICE N SLEAZY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6.00

GOD FEARING ATHEISTS, MCCHUILLS, Album Launch,

XFM have five pairs of tickets to give away for KEANE on Thursday 8 March at The Liquid Room, Edinburgh. To be in for the draw, send an email to COMPETITIONS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK with Keane in the subject line, and include your name and DOB plus any comments that you think might give you an edge to win! Doors open 7.30pm. Deadline 6 March.

8pm, 11pm, Free

THE FALL, THE FERRY, Glam Racket, 8pm, 11pm, £16.50 THE SMYTHS, ADMIRAL BAR, Smiths’ tribute, 8pm, 11pm,

XFM have five pairs of tickets to give away for MAXIMO PARK on Saturday 31 March at The Liquid Room, Edinburgh. To be in for the draw, send an email to COMPETITIONS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK with Maximo Park in the subject line, include your name and DOB plus any comments that you think might give you an edge to win! Doors open 7.30pm.

sold out

THURS 22 MAR

8.30pm, 11pm, £3

Music, 8pm, 11pm, £12.50

11pm, £4

WARRIOR SOUL, CATHOUSE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £8.00

DOLLY PARTON, SECC, Radical feminist and country singer, 7pm, 11pm, *sold out* JUST JACK, ABC, Street poetry, 7pm, 11pm, £9.00 LORIS, NICE N SLEAZIES, Psychedelic Rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 THE SOUNDS, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £7.00 PAUL STEEL, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £6.00 THE ALIENS, CLASSIC GRAND, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £9.00 KIERAN DOCHERTY, GLASGOW ACCIES CLUB, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 STAN WEBBS CHICKEN SHACK, THE FERRY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 DAS BOOT, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free

SAT 24 MAR

MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, , 4pm, 6pm, Free PO GIRL FEATURING TRISH KLEIN (BE GOD TANYAS), ABC2, Blue-grass, 7pm, 11pm, £12.00

MUTINY! PRESENTS: LITTLE DOSES, NICE N SLEAZIES, Indie

Rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4

7pm, 11pm, £14.50

SUN 25 MAR

Central Radio Taxis have hooked up with The Skinny, so for a chance to win £25 worth of taxi vouchers and a promotional goodie bag, simply answer the following question:

A) A WALKIE TALKIE B) A GHETTO BLASTER

Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £8.50

BLACK FEAR: , LIKE A MATADOR / BLACK SUN / DISSOLVED / ALISTAIR CROSBIE, 13TH NOTE, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc

SUN 18 MAR

FAITHLESS, SECC, agit-funk, 7pm, 11pm, sold out THE CLICKS-NANOBOTS, NICE N SLEAZIES, Indie Rock,

HOW MANY TAXIS DO CENTRAL CURRENTLY OPERATE? C)190

8.30pm, 11pm, £4

MELODY CLUB, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6.00 TINY DANCERS, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6.00 SONGS OF NICK DRAKE, ARCHES, The greatest sensitive

*Hint: look for their ad!

ABC: 22,787. 1/10/06 - 31/12/06

8pm, 11pm, £27.50

SLEAZIES, Indie pop, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4

THE JAMM AND PAUL WELLER CONNEXION, ORAN

SIXNATIONSTATE, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £5.00 MARTIAL ARTS AND THE LEATHERETTES, CLASSIC GRAND, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £5.00

WEDNESDAY 13 AND MCQUEEN, GARAGE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £12.50

THE YOUNG KNIVES * NOW THE 30/03/07, QUEEN MARGARET UNION, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, ROYAL CONCERT HALL, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £27.50

SIX STAR HOTEL, BLOC, emo, 9pm, 11pm, Free

THURS 29 MAR

MIXJAM FEAT THE MODE, ORAN MOR, Live Music, 7.30pm, 11pm, £4

LINCHPIN WITH OPPORTUNITY CLUB AND AIRSPEIL, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6.00

GLASSWERKS, NICE N SLEAZIES, 8.30pm, 11pm, TINARIWEN, ARCHES, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £12.50 CLIENT AND LIL ZE, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm,

Bloc

£7.00

BRING ME THE HORIZON AND I KILLED THE PROM QUEEN, CATHOUSE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £9.00 CLIENT, FIREWATER, Indie Rock, 9pm, 11pm, Free DB68, BLOC, post-punk, 9pm, 11pm, Free TINARIWEN, ARCHES, Desert Blues, 7.30pm, 10pm, £12.50

FRI 30 MAR

SNOOP DOGG AND P DIDDY, SECC, Legends of gangsta rap, 7pm, 11pm, £35.00

THE AMPHETAMEANIES, KING TUTS, Ska, 8.30pm, 11pm, £7.50

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, From the Dark Side of the Planet, 8pm, 11pm, £24.50

ISA & THE FILTHY TONGUES , NICE N SLEAZIES, Indie Rock, GET CAPE WEAR CAPE FLY, CARLING ACADEMY, Rising

operate Edinburgh’s largest Hackney Cab fleet: proud to operate a local service second to none, to Edinburgh’s business and personal customers alike.

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON, ROYAL CONCERT HALL, Live Music,

ACADEMY IS , GARAGE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 ONE CLICK CORVETTE, BLOC, Electronic, 9pm, 11pm, Free BANDS TBC, FIREWATER, Indie Rock, 9pm, 11pm, Free TBC, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free WED 28 MAR PRESTON REED, ARCHES, Guitarist, 7.30pm, 10pm, £6 SLEEPWALKERS-COBRA GRANDE-TEAM SALT, NICE N

Free

THE FALL , THE FERRY, Glam Racket, 8pm, 11pm, £16.50 3 INCHES OF BLOOD WITH BIOMECHANICAL, BARFLY,

FUZZY FELT FOLK, NICE N SLEAZIES, Arty and Crafty,

AIR TRAFFIC, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, GOOD SHOES , ABC2, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £7.50 £6.00 UFO, CARLING ACADEMY, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £17.00 UNEARTH AND JOB FOR A COWBOY, GARAGE, Live BEERJACKET, NICE N SLEAZIES, Alt Country, 8.30pm,

DRIVE CAREFULLY RECORDS PRESENTS: COURT LAJOIE / LADDER COINS / + 1 MORE TBA / + DRIVE CAREFULLY DJS, 13TH NOTE, Live, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS, BARROWLAND, More punk revival,

CENTRAL RADIO TAXIS

B)390

JILL LEIGHTON, BLOC, Acoustic, 9pm, 11pm, Free

THEA GILMOUR AND ERIN MCKEOWN, KING TUTS, CHERRY GHOST $, NICE N SLEAZIES, Live Music, 8.30pm, Liverpudlian folk, 8.30pm, 11pm, £12.00 TBC, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free 11pm, LEMAR, CLUB-FUSE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £23.50 BUCKCHERRY AND BACKYARD BABIES, GARAGE, Live TUES 27 MAR MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, SECC, emo, 7pm, 11pm, Music, 8pm, 11pm, £15.00

strikes out alone, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 X-PERIENCE, ARCHES, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £13.00 HAMPER, CAPITOL, Live Music, 9pm, 12pm, Free

8.30pm, 11pm, £5

A) 290

SLEAZIES, Indie Rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4

13TH NOTE, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc

MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, Jazz, 4pm, 6pm,

DIRGE-MUMMY SHORT ARMS-DIRTY SALLY, NICE N

£6.00

JACKIE LEVEN, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £9.00 MACOLM MIDDLETON, CLASSIC GRAND, Ex-Strap

SAT 17 MAR

MON 26 MAR

THE LONGCUT, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm,

£7.00

ANIMAL FAM, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free CHRIST / KESER / EDGE OF THE MAP / DEEMOND,

FOR ROGER SANCHEZ’S

C) A HEART

SANTA KARLA, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free UNDERBELLY ROCKS FEAT JACK BUTLER, ORAN MOR,

HIP HOP CLASSICS – feat. Jay-Z, Snoop, Dr Dre, A

£12.50

MOR, Jam tribute, 7.30pm, 11pm, £10.00

BEYOND ALL REASON, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm,

Thanks to Hudson PR we’ve got some serious pop compilations for you to get your hands on. Specialising in hip hop, dance and dancefloor pop, the CDs are:

THE RAKES, BARROWLAND, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm,

I WAS A CUB SCOUT, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm,

COMPETITIONS

WED 21 MAR

FRI 23 MAR

DICELINES NIGHT, NICE N SLEAZIES, Live Music, 8.30pm,

HAVE A LOOK FOR MORE SKINNY FREEBIES AT WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK, ALONG WITH OUR COMPETITION REGULATIONS. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS 23 MARCH UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. SEND YOUR ANSWERS, ALONG WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND CONTACT NO. TO:COMPETITIONS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

BLOC AND JAM, BLOC, Open Mic, 9pm, 11pm, Free

STONE SOUR, CARLING ACADEMY, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £5.00

LISTINGS

GLASGOW LIVE

indie star, 7pm, 11pm, £10.50 THE SHINS, ABC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £12.50 ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION , NICE N SLEAZIES, Come and Play, 8.30pm, 11pm, Free BROMHEADS JACKET, KING TUTS, 8.30pm, 11pm, £8.00 HAFTOR MEDBOE GROUP, ARCHES, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £8.00 AZRIEL, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £7.50 FLOOD OF RED, GARAGE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £7.00 COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE, QUEEN MARGARET UNION, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £12.00 SWING GUITARS, BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 9pm, 11pm, Free

ALL SHALL PERISH WITH THE FEBRUARY SOLUTION, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £7.50

THE YOUNG KNIVES, QUEEN MARGARET UNION, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 DAS BOOT, BLOC, Dancing, 9pm, 11pm, Free

SAT 31 MAR

MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, 4pm, 6pm, Free KATE NASH, KING TUTS, , 8.30pm, 11pm, £5.00 THE GEMS , NICE N SLEAZIES, rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 MAD PROFESSOR (DUB YOU CRAZY TOUR), CLASSIC GRAND, Deep Reggae, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00

THE END OF THE MONTH CLUB:, BOZILLA / + FRIENDS, 13TH NOTE, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc

singer-songwriter, now he’s dead, 8pm, 11pm, £8.00

MUSICAL BOX PERFORM GENESIS SELLING ENGLAND BY THE POUND, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, Live Music,

ITFEELSLIKEAMINUTEISLASTINGABOUT83SECONDSTODAY BY LEWIS HOSIE

8pm, 11pm, £32.50

BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH, QUEEN MARGARET UNION, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £11.00

GRAEME THOMSON , BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 9pm, 11pm,

Free

BLOC AND JAM, BLOC, Open Mic, 9pm, 11pm, Free

mohair

MON 19 MAR

ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION (FREE, 8PM), NICE N SLEAZIES, Come and Play, 8.30pm, 11pm, Free

CORINNE BAILEY RAE * RESCHEDULED FROM 2/10/6, ROYAL CONCERT HALL, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £20.00

TBC, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free

TUES 20 MAR

MISS ATLANTA-NO KILTER, NICE N SLEAZIES, Metal, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4

Frozen butter

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

A Scanner Darkly

Liquid butter

THE SKINNY

MICHAEL BOLTON, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, Now with sensible hair cut, 8pm, 11pm, £37.50 RICHIE GALLAGHER, BLOC, Alt-country, 9pm, 11pm, Free

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

THURS 1 MAR

YELLOW BOX DENOTES SKINNY HIGHLIGHTS OUR LUNAR ACTIVITIES,SKINNY SHAKES, CORTEZ, QMU, Local YELLOW BOX DENOTES HIGHLIGHTS

bands on the cusp of breaking through, 8pm, 11pm, £3 DRIVE ARGUMENT, GARAGE, Live Music, 8pm,QMU, 11pm, OURBY LUNAR ACTIVITIES, SHAKES, CORTEZ, Local £7.00 bands on the cusp of breaking through, 8pm, 11pm, £3 PREDESTINATION RECORDS NIGHT,Live BLOC, Post-Rock, DRIVE BY ARGUMENT, GARAGE, Music, 8pm, 11pm, 9pm, 11pm, Free £7.00 £6 Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £15.00 PREDESTINATION RECORDS NIGHT, BLOC, Post-Rock, BLACKMAGIC, REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB,mid-way KING TUTS, Live WHITE CORRECTO, MONO, between 9pm, 11pm, Free Music, 8.30pm, £15.00 vaudeville and 70s11pm, folk, 8pm, 11pm, £6.50 KAISER CHIEFS, CARLING ACADEMY, Energetic and punky, WHITE MAGIC, CORRECTO, between7pm, 11pm, *sold out* AMUSEMENT PARKS ON FIRE *,MONO, BARFLY,mid-way Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, Cancelled vaudeville and 70s folk, 8pm, 11pm, £6.50 THE HOURS, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm,and £7.00 KAISER CHIEFS, CARLING ACADEMY, Energetic punky, WHITE MAGIC,PARKS MONO,ON LiveFIRE Music, 8pm, Live 11pm, £6.50 GLASSWERKS, AMUSEMENT *, BARFLY, Music, 7pm, 11pm, NICE *soldN out* SLEAZIES, Live Music, 8.30pm, 8pm, MAN 11pm,TATE, Cancelled LITTLE QUEEN MARGARET UNION, Live Music, THE HOURS, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £7.00 11pm, Free WHITE11pm, MAGIC, MONO, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £6.50 8pm, £8.00 GLASSWERKS,MISERY NICE N SLEAZIES, Live Music, 8.30pm, NECROPHAGIST INDEX *PEASE NOTE LITTLE MANWEE TATE,BEASTIE, QUEEN MARGARET Live 9pm, Music, ALFONZO, FIREWATER, UNION, Indie Rock, 11pm, Free CHANGE OF DATE FROM 7TH MARCH, CATHOUSE, 8pm, 11pm, 11pm, Free £8.00 NECROPHAGIST MISERY INDEX *PEASE NOTE Death metal, 8pm, 11pm, £12.00 ALFONZO, WEE BLOC, BEASTIE, Indie Rock, 9pm, CHANGE OF DATE FROM 7TH MARCH, CATHOUSE, BEN GODDARD, LiveFIREWATER, Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free DEAD SPIES, THE ELEGIES, BLOC, Rock and Electronics, 11pm, Free, THE JETPACK PENGUINS / CHASER / DICELINES: Death metal, 8pm, 11pm, £12.00 9pm, 11pm, Free BEN GODDARD, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free SEVENTH STAIR / THE MISSING SWIMMERS, 13TH NOTE, DEAD SPIES, THE ELEGIES, BLOC, Rock and Electronics, DICELINES: , THE JETPACK PENGUINS / CHASER / Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc 9pm, 11pm, Free SEVENTH STAIR / THE MISSING SWIMMERS, 13TH NOTE, CLUB NME, FOALS, ARCHES, Afrobeat, 10pm, 1pm, £3 MASTODON, ABC, Slow and Heavy, 7pm, 11pm, £12.00 Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc ENTER SHIKARI *PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE, CLUB NME, FOALS, ARCHES, Afrobeat, 10pm, 1pm, £3 MASTODON, ABC, Slow and Heavy, 7pm, 11pm, £12.00 BARROWLAND, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £10.00

MATT WILLIS, ABC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £12.50 OUR BELOVED, NICE N SLEAZIES, indie, 8.30pm, 11pm, THURS 1 MAR £6 MATT WILLIS, ABC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £12.50 BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, TUTS, Live OUR BELOVED, NICE N SLEAZIES, indie,KING 8.30pm, 11pm,

0871 230 4436 0871 230 4436

CALL THE SKINNY TICKET LINE FOR TICKETS TO ANY OF THE GIGS IN PINK ON THIS PAGE. CALL THE SKINNY FOR DON’T SAY WETICKET DIDN’TLINE WARN YA!TICKETS TO ANY OF THE GIGS IN PINK ON THIS PAGE. DON’T SAY WE DIDN’T WARN YA! LITTLE MAN TATE MAR - 1 QMU MARCH: JET MAR - 3 CARLING ACADEMY LITTLE MAN TATE MAR - 1- 3 QMU THE RIFLES MAR GARAGE JET THE RAPTURE MAR - 3- 4 CARLING MAR ABC ACADEMY THE LILY RIFLES MAR - 3- 8 GARAGE ALLEN MAR CARLING ACADEMY THE LCD RAPTURE MAR - 4- 9 ABC SOUND SYSTEM MAR BARROWLANDS LILY DEFTONES ALLEN MAR - 8- 12 CARLING ACADEMY MAR CARLING ACADEMY LCDAIR SOUND SYSTEM MAR - 9- 14 BARROWLANDS MAR ABC DEFTONES - 12- 18 CARLING BERDOUIN SOUNDCLASH MAR MAR QMU ACADEMY AIR THE RAKES MAR - 14- 21 ABC MAR BARROWLANDS BERDOUIN SOUNDCLASH - 18- 24 QMU MALCOLM MIDDLETON MAR MAR CLASSIC GRAND THE SCOTT RAKESMATTHEWS MAR - 21- 25 BARROWLANDS MAR CABARET VOLTAIRE MALCOLM MIDDLETON - 24 GRAND GET CAPE, WEAR CAPE, FLY!MAR MAR - 27 CLASSIC CARLING ACADEMY SCOTT MATTHEWS MAR 25 CABARET THE YOUNG KNIVES MAR - 28 QMU VOLTAIRE GETSNOOP CAPE, WEAR CAPE, FLY! MAR - 27 DOGG & P DIDDY MAR - 30 CARLING SECC ACADEMY THE SHIT YOUNG KNIVES MAR - 28 DISCO MAR - 31 QMU LIQUID ROOM SNOOP DOGG & P DIDDY MAR - 30 SECC SHIT DISCO MAR - 31 LIQUID ROOM

MARCH:

APRIL: INCUBUS APRIL: BARE NAKED LADIES

APR - 4 APR - 9 APR - 4 APR - 12 APR - 9 APR - 13 APR - 12 APR - 16 APR - 13 APR - 21 APR - 16 APR - 23 APR - 21 APR - 25 APR - 23

SECC CARLING ACADEMY SECC GARAGE CARLING ACADEMY CARLING ACADEMY GARAGE CABARET VOLTAIRE CARLING ACADEMY CARLING ACADEMY CABARET VOLTAIRE LIQUID ROOM CARLING ACADEMY USHER HALL LIQUID ROOM

GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW EDINBURGH GLASGOW GLASGOW EDINBURGH GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW EDINBURGH GLASGOW EDINBURGH

£10.00 £18.50 £10.00 £11.50 £18.50 £14.50 £11.50 £17.00 £14.50 £16.50 £17.00 £19.50 £16.50 £19.50 £19.50 £13.00 £19.50 £14.50 £13.00 £12.00 £14.50 £12.00 £12.00 £12.50 £12.00 £12.00 £12.50 £38.00 £12.00 £8.00 £38.00 £8.00

GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW GLASGOW EDINBURGH GLASGOW GLASGOW EDINBURGH EDINBURGH GLASGOW EDINBURGH EDINBURGH

£24.00 £25.00 £24.00 £15.50 £25.00 £17.50 £15.50 £11.50 £17.50 £31.50 £11.50 £16.50 £31.50 £27.00 £16.50

INCUBUS WITHIN TEMPTATION BARE NAKED LADIES TRIVIUM WITHIN TEMPTATION TINA DICO TRIVIUM JAMES TINA DICO HAYSEED DIXIE JAMES TERRYDIXIE RILEY HAYSEED TERRY RILEY APR - 25 USHER HALL EDINBURGH KLAXONS (MATINEE SHOW) MAY - 6 CARLING ACADEMY GLASGOW THE MACCABEES MAY GARAGE GLASGOW KLAXONS (MATINEE SHOW) MAY - 6- 9 CARLING ACADEMY GLASGOW LERCHE MAY KING TUTS GLASGOW THE SONDRE MACCABEES MAY - 9- 19GARAGE GLASGOW WILLYLERCHE MASON MAY - 21KING LIQUID EDINBURGH SONDRE MAY - 19 TUTSROOMS GLASGOW PATTI SMITH MAY - 22LIQUID ABC ROOMS GLASGOW WILLY MASON MAY - 21 EDINBURGH THE HOLLOWAYS MAY - 24ABC QMU GLASGOW PATTI SMITH MAY - 22 GLASGOW IN STEREO MAY - 24QMU KING TUTS GLASGOW THE APPLES HOLLOWAYS MAY - 24 GLASGOW SCOUT NIBLETT MAY - 25KING KING TUTS GLASGOW APPLES IN STEREO MAY - 24 TUTS GLASGOW SCOUT NIBLETT MAY - 25 KING TUTS GLASGOW

MAY: MAY:

ALBUM RELEASE SCHEDULE ALBUM RELEASE SCHEDULE DATE ARTIST MAR-05ARTIST !!! DATE

MAR-05!!! AIR MAR-05 MAR-05AIRAMON TOBIN MAR-05 MAR-05 TOBIN MAR-05AMON ARCADE FIRE MAR-05 MAR-05ARCADE BRYANFIRE FERRY MAR-05 FERRYBOY MAR-05BRYAN BUTCHER MAR-05 BOY HATHERLEY MAR-05BUTCHER CHARLOTTE MAR-05 MAR-05CHARLOTTE FEEDER HATHERLEY MAR-05 MAR-05FEEDER GLEN HANSARD AND MAR-05 GLEN HANSARD AND MARKETA IRGLOVA IRGLOVA MAR-05MARKETA GRINDERMAN MAR-05 MAR-05GRINDERMAN GUNS N’ ROSES MAR-05 N’ ROSES MAR-05GUNS HANSON MAR-05 MAR-05HANSON IDLEWILD MAR-05 MAR-05IDLEWILD MINT ROYALE MAR-05 ROYALE MAR-05MINT MR HUDSON & THE LIBRARY MAR-05 HUDSONBARRELL & THE LIBRARY MAR-05MRNIKOLAS MAR-05 MAR-05NIKOLAS RJD2 BARRELL MAR-05 MAR-05RJD2 THE HORRORS MAR-05 HORRORS MAR-05THETRACY THORN MAR-05 THORN MAR-05TRACY VARIOUS MAR-05 VARIOUS

TITLE MYTH TAKES TITLE

POCKET SYMPHONY MYTH TAKES FOLEYSYMPHONY ROOM POCKET FOLEY ROOM NEON BIBLE NEON BIBLE DYLANESQUE DYLANESQUE PROFIT IN YOUR POETRY PROFIT IN YOUR THE DEEP BLUEPOETRY THE DEEP BLUE PICTURE OF PERFECT YOUTH PICTURE OF PERFECT THE SWELL SEASONYOUTH THE SWELL SEASON GRINDERMAN GRINDERMAN CHINESE DEMOCRACY CHINESE DEMOCRACY THE WALK THE WALKANOTHER WORLD MAKE MAKE WORLD POPANOTHER IS… POP IS… OF TWO CITIES A TALE A TALE OF TWO THE GIN CLUBCITIES THE GIN CLUB THE THIRD HAND THE THIRD HAND STRANGE HOUSE STRANGE OUT OF HOUSE THE WOODS OUT OF THEOF WOODS BALLADS THE BOOK BALLADS OF THE BOOK

£27.00 £8.50 £8.00 £8.50 £8.00 £8.00 £9.50 £8.00 £25.00 £9.50 £9.50 £25.00 £7.00 £9.50 £7.00 £7.00 £7.00

LABEL VITAL LABEL

VIRGIN VITAL NINJATUNE VIRGIN NINJATUNE SONOVOX SONOVOX VIRGIN VIRGIN HOW DOES IT FEEL HOW DOES IT FEEL LILLE SISTER LILLE SISTER ECHO ECHO PLATEAU PLATEAU MUTE MUTE INTERSCOPE INTERSCOPE COOKING VINYL COOKING SEQUEL VINYL SEQUEL FAITH & HOPE FAITH & HOPE UNIVERSAL UNIVERSAL FOLKLAW FOLKLAW XL XL LOOG LOOG ASTRALWERKS ASTRALWERKS CHEMIKAL CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND UNDERGROUND MAR-05 WILLY MASON IF THE OCEAN GETS ROUGH VIRGIN MAR-05 WILLY MASON IF THE OCEAN GETS ROUGH VIRGIN MAR-12 MARIA TAYLOR LYNN TEETER FLOWER SADDLE CREEK MAR-12 MARIA TAYLOR LYNN TEETER FLOWER SADDLE CREEK MAR-12 THIEF SUNCHILD SONAR KOLLECTIV MAR-12 THIEF SUNCHILD SONAR KOLLECTIV MAR-19 ANTIMC IT’S FREE BUT IT’S NOT CHEAP KFM MAR-19 ANTIMC IT’S FREE BUT IT’S NOT CHEAP KFM MAR-19 ENTER SHIKARI TAKE TO THE SKIES VITAL MAR-19 ENTER SHIKARI TAKE TO THE SKIES VITAL MAR-19 GOOD CHARLOTTE GOOD MORNING REVIVAL SONY MAR-19 GOOD CHARLOTTE GOOD MORNING REVIVAL SONY MAR-19 IGGY AND THE STOOGES THE WEIRDNESS VIRGIN MAR-19 IGGY AND THE STOOGES THE WEIRDNESS VIRGIN MAR-19 KIERAN HEBDEN & STEVE REID TONGUES DOMINO MAR-19 KIERAN HEBDEN & STEVE REID TONGUES DOMINO MAR-19 RAKES TEN NEW MESSAGES V2 MAR-19 RAKES TEN NEW MESSAGES V2 MAR-19 ROB CROW LIVING WELL TEMPORARY RESIDANCE MAR-19 ROB CROW LIVING WELL TEMPORARY RESIDANCE MAR-19 SHINY TOY GUNS WE ARE PILOTS UNIVERSAL MAR-19 SHINY TOY GUNS WE ARE PILOTS UNIVERSAL MAR-19THETHE ALIENS ASTRONOMY FOR DOGS PETROCK ROCK MAR-19 ALIENS ASTRONOMY FOR DOGS PET MAR-19THETHE BEES OCTOPUS VIRGIN MAR-19 BEES OCTOPUS VIRGIN MAR-19THETHE CINEMATICS A STRANGE EDUCATION TVT MAR-19 CINEMATICS A STRANGE EDUCATION TVT MAR-19THETHE ON THE BEAT HIGHVOLTAGE VOLTAGE MAR-19 KBCKBC ON THE BEAT HIGH MAR-19THETHE LOCUST NEW ERECTIONS ANTI/EPITAPH MAR-19 LOCUST NEW ERECTIONS ANTI/EPITAPH MAR-19THETHE PONYS TURN THE LIGHTS OUT MATADOR MAR-19 PONYS TURN THE LIGHTS OUT MATADOR MAR-19TYPE TYPE O NEGATIVE DEAD AGAIN SPV MAR-19 O NEGATIVE DEAD AGAIN SPV MAR-26BRETT BRETT ANDERSON BRETT ANDERSON DROWNEDIN INSOUND SOUND MAR-26 ANDERSON BRETT ANDERSON DROWNED MAR-26CLUTCH CLUTCH FROM BEALE STREET OBLIVION DRT DRT MAR-26 FROM BEALE STREET TOTO OBLIVION MAR-26GOOD GOOD SHOES THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK BRILLE MAR-26 SHOES THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK BRILLE MAR-26KELLY KELLY JONES ONLY THE NAMES HAVECHANGED CHANGED V2 V2 MAR-26 JONES ONLY THE NAMES HAVE MAR-26MACHINE MACHINE HEAD THE BLACKENING ROADRUNNER MAR-26 HEAD THE BLACKENING ROADRUNNER

ISSUE EIGHTEENMarch March070707 ISSUE EIGHTEEN 6060ISSUE ISSUE EIGHTEEN SEVENTEEN February

TUES 6 MAR

FRI 2 MAR WHOLE LOTTA LED *PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A RESCHEDFRI 2DATE, MAR ULED CARLING ACADEMY, Led Zeppelin tribute,

WED 7 MAR WED 7 MAR

ENTERCHIEFS SHIKARI *PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE, KAISER , CARLING ACADEMY, Live Music, 7pm,

BARROWLAND, 11pm, sold out Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £10.00 WHOLE LOTTA LED *PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A RESCHED- KAISER CHIEFS , CARLING ACADEMY, Live Music, 7pm, 7pm, 11pm, £12.00 KEANE, SECC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £10.50 ULED DATE,O’CONNOR CARLING ACADEMY, Led Zeppelin tribute, 11pm, sold out EAMMON WITH SHINE, CIRO AND JOHN IRVINE-CRAIG JEFFREY-ROSS MITCHELL, NICE N 7pm, 11pm, £12.00 KEANE, SECC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £10.50 MORE, BARROWLAND 2, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £6.00 SLEAZIES, Solo acoustic indie, 8.30pm, 11pm, £3 EAMMON O’CONNOR WITH SHINE, CIRO AND JOHN IRVINE-CRAIG JEFFREY-ROSS MITCHELL, NICE N JAI ALAI SAVANT -SOME YOUNG PEDRO , NICE N THE ANSWER, GARAGE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 MORE, BARROWLAND 2, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £6.00 SLEAZIES, Solo acoustic indie, 8.30pm, 11pm, £3 SLEAZIES, alt. indie, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6 WINTER SUN, BLOC, Mellow Lo-Fi, 9pm, 11pm, JAI ALAI SAVANT -SOME YOUNG PEDRO , NICE N LOW THE ANSWER, GARAGE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £10.00 UNION OF KNIVES, KING TUTS, Synth-based rockers, Free SLEAZIES, alt. indie, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6 LOW WINTER SUN, BLOC, Mellow Lo-Fi, 9pm, 11pm, 8.30pm, 11pm, £8.00 POCKET PROMISE, 13TH NOTE, Live Music, 8.30pm, UNION OF KNIVES,NICE KING TUTS, Synth-based rockers, Free JAI-ALAI-SAVANT, N SLEAZY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc 8.30pm, 11pm, £8.00 POCKET PROMISE, 13TH NOTE, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6.00 JAI-ALAI-SAVANT, NICE N SLEAZY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc GOLDIE PRESENTS RUFIGE KRU, CLASSIC GRAND, Jun11pm, £6.00 glist Massive!, 8pm, 11pm, £15.00 GOLDIE PRESENTS RUFIGE KRU, CLASSIC GRAND, Jun- RACOO OO OON , NICE N SLEAZIES, Post Rock, 8.30pm, THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY & THE JANES, CLASSIC 11pm, £6 glist Massive!, 8pm, 11pm, £15.00 RACOO OO OON , NICE N SLEAZIES, Post Rock, 8.30pm, GRAND, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £5 ZOX/ BEAT UNION, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY & THE JANES, CLASSIC 11pm, £6 £5.00 DRESSED TO KILL, THE FERRY, Kiss Tribute, 8pm, 11pm, GRAND, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £5 ZOX/ BEAT UNION, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £11.00 £5.00 THE FERRY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £15.00 DRESSED TO KILL, THE FERRY, Kiss Tribute, 8pm, 11pm, FOCUS, ANIMAL FAM, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11pm, Free THE NEEDLES, FIREWATER, Indie Rock, 9pm, 11pm, Free £11.00 FOCUS, THE FERRY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £15.00 JOY PROMOTIONS:, 3 BANDS TBA, 13TH11pm, NOTE, Live CONNECTING BLOC, Straight Rock, 9pm,Free ANIMAL FAM, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, Free THE NEEDLES,FLIGHT, FIREWATER, Indie Rock,up9pm, 11pm, Free Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, 3 tbc JOY PROMOTIONS:, BANDS TBA, 13TH NOTE, Live 11pm, CONNECTING FLIGHT, BLOC, Straight up Rock, 9pm, CLASSIC CLAPTON PERFORMED BY AFTER MIDNIGHT, 11pm, Free Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc GRAND OLE OPRY, Slowhand tribute, 8pm, CLASSIC CLAPTON PERFORMED BY11pm, AFTER£10.00 MIDNIGHT, MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, Jazz, 4pm, 6pm, CLUB NME, CALVIN HARRIS, ARCHES, GRAND OLE OPRY, Slowhand tribute, Indie, 8pm, 10pm, 11pm, 1pm, £10.00 Free MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, Jazz, 4pm, 6pm, £3CLUB NME, CALVIN HARRIS, ARCHES, Indie, 10pm, 1pm, BAT FOR LASHES, ORAN MOR, Live Music, 7.30pm, Free £3 11pm, £8.50 BAT FOR LASHES, ORAN MOR, Live Music, 7.30pm, INSPIRAL CARPETS, ABC, The baggie revival starts here, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM AND PRINZHORN DANCE 11pm, £8.50 7pm, 11pm, £16.00 ABC, The baggie revival starts here, SCHOOL , BARROWLAND, More genre hopping- this time INSPIRAL CARPETS, LCD SOUNDSYSTEM AND PRINZHORN DANCE TRANS AM, ABC2, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £8.00 7pm, 11pm, £16.00 with an electro bent, 7pm, 11pm, SCHOOL , BARROWLAND, More £15.00 genre hopping- this time JET, CARLING Music, 7pm, 11pm, £16.50 THE ONES THAT GOT AWAY & THE CUTS, CAPITOL, Live TRANS AM, ACADEMY, ABC2, LiveLive Music, 7pm, 11pm, £8.00 with an electro bent, 7pm, 11pm, £15.00 THE YELLOW BENTINES-THE ELVIS SUICIDE-THE CUTS, JET, CARLING ACADEMY, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £16.50 Music, 7pm, 11pm, FreeAWAY & THE CUTS, CAPITOL, Live THE ONES THAT GOT NICE SLEAZIES,BENTINES-THE Rising stars, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 CUTS, THE THE NYELLOW ELVIS SUICIDE-THE FRANK AND WALTERS, Music, 7pm, 11pm, Free KING TUTS, Back to the 90s, JOURNEY, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, Epic Rock, 8pm,£4 11pm, 8.30pm, NICE N SLEAZIES, Rising stars, 8.30pm, 11pm, 11pm, £10.00 THE FRANK AND WALTERS, KING TUTS, Back to the 90s, £35.00 JOURNEY, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, Epic Rock, 8pm, 11pm, LE8.30pm, RENO AMPS-CASINO-THE SLEEP WALKERS, NICE N 11pm, £10.00 £35.00 COLOURS - PETE TONG, ARCHES, Clubbing Frenzy, LE RENO AMPS-CASINO-THE SLEAZIES, Indie/pop, 8.30pm, 11pm,SLEEP £4 WALKERS, NICE N 8pm, 11pm,- £23/18.00 COLOURS PETE TONG, ARCHES, Clubbing Frenzy, SLEAZIES, Indie/pop, 8.30pm, £4 THE GRIM NORTHERN SOCIAL,11pm, STRATHCLYDE UNION, 8pm, 11pm, £23/18.00 GALLOWS, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £6.00 THErevivalists, GRIM NORTHERN SOCIAL, Rock 8pm, 11pm, £3.00 STRATHCLYDE UNION, GALLOWS, BARFLY, Live £6.00 THE RIFLES, GARAGE, Live Music, Music, 8pm, 8pm, 11pm, £9.50 Rock revivalists, 8pm, Rush 11pm,tribute, £3.008pm, 11pm, TOM SAWYER, THE FERRY, THE RIFLES, Live Music, + 8pm, £9.50 A DAY WITHGARAGE, ELISABETH SLADEN ROY11pm, SKELTON, £10.00 TOM SAWYER, THE FERRY, Rush tribute, 8pm, 11pm, A DAY WITH ELISABETH + ROY GLASGOW CENTRAL HOTEL, SLADEN Live Music, 8pm,SKELTON, 11pm, £10.00CROWLEY, BREL, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £5.00 ADRIAN GLASGOW CENTRAL HOTEL, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £35.00 ADRIAN CROWLEY, BREL, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £5.00 MANDO DIAO, CATHOUSE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £35.00SAUNDERSON, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Live KEVIN MANDO DIAO, CATHOUSE, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £8.00 KEVIN8pm, SAUNDERSON, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Live Music, 11pm, £8.00 £8.00 MALEVOLANT CREATION AND ROTTING CHRIST, Music, 8pm, 11pm, £8.00 STINKY MUNCHKINS, POLLOCK EX-SEVICE MEN CLUB, MALEVOLANT CREATION AND ROTTING SOUNDHAUS, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £12.00 CHRIST, STINKY MUNCHKINS, POLLOCK EX-SEVICE MEN CLUB, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £4 SOUNDHAUS, LiveDancing, Music, 8pm, £12.00 DAS BOOT, BLOC, 9pm, 11pm, 11pm, Free Live Music, 8pm, £4 Music, 8pm, 11pm, MAGGIE BELL, THE11pm, FERRY, Live DAS BOOT, BLOC,SCO, Dancing, 9pm, Oratorio, 11pm, Free JOHN’S PASSION, CITY HALLS, 7.30pm, MAGGIE BELL, THE FERRY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, £15.00 JOHN’S PASSION, SCO, CITY HALLS, Oratorio, 7.30pm, 10pm, £8-24 £15.00 10pm, £8-24 BLITZKREIG BOP, VICE KILLS GLASGOW, ARCHES, ElecBLITZKREIG BOP, VICE tro-punk, 10pm, 1pm, £6 KILLS GLASGOW, ARCHES, ElecTHE EARLIES, ABC2, Genre-hopping fun, 7pm, 11pm, tro-punk, 10pm, 1pm, £6 THE EARLIES, ABC2, Genre-hopping fun, 7pm, 11pm, £11.00 £11.00 THE RAPTURE, ABC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £13.50 MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, Jazz, 4pm, 6pm, THE X RAPTURE, Music, 7pm, 11pm, £13.50 THE FACTOR ABC, LIVE,Live SECC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, Jazz, 4pm, 6pm, Free THE X FACTOR LIVE, SECC, Live Music, 7pm, 11pm, £25.00 Free MUTINY! PRESENTS: MISS THE OCCUPIER-DEGRASSI, £25.00 BLACK HISTORY MONTH-MARTINS ROOM, NICE N MUTINY! PRESENTS: MISS THE OCCUPIER-DEGRASSI, NICE N SLEAZIES, Indie Rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 BLACK HISTORY MONTH-MARTINS ROOM, NICE N SLEAZIES, Funk Rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 NICE N SLEAZIES, Indie Rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 MY LUMINARIES + KICK TO KILL, KING TUTS, Live Music, SLEAZIES, Funk Rock, 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 MY ALAMO, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, MY LUMINARIES + KICK TO KILL, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £5.00 MY ALAMO, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, £6.00 8.30pm, 11pm, £5.00 £6.00 STEVEN SEAGAL (EARLY SHOW), THE FERRY, Film star BRYAN FERRY, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, Smooth singer, 8pm, STEVEN SEAGAL (EARLY SHOW), THE FERRY, Film star BRYAN£45.00 FERRY, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, Smooth singer, 8pm, gets the blues, 8pm, 11pm, £26.00 11pm, gets the blues, 8pm, 11pm, £26.00 11pm, £45.00 STEVEN SEAGAL AND THUNDERBOX, THE FERRY, Film O.L.A. ENDOR, CLASSIC GRAND, Live Music, 8pm, STEVEN SEAGAL AND THUNDERBOX, THE FERRY, Film O.L.A. ENDOR, CLASSIC GRAND, Live Music, 8pm, star gets the blues, 8pm, 11pm, Sold Out 11pm, £5.00 star gets the blues, 8pm, 11pm, Sold Out 11pm, £5.00 VIBRATORS, BARFLY, Punk revival, 8pm, 11pm, £8.00 MICHAEL DEANS , BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 9pm, 11pm, VIBRATORS, BARFLY, Punk revival, 8pm, 11pm, £8.00 MICHAEL DEANS , BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 9pm, 11pm, O.B.E. AND KOBAI, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, Free O.B.E. AND KOBAI, BARFLY, Live Music, 8pm, 11pm, Free £5.00 BLOC AND JAM, BLOC, Open Mic, 9pm, 11pm, Free £5.00 BLOC AND JAM, BLOC, Open Mic, 9pm, 11pm, Free EDIBLE NOTE, Live Music, EDIBLEAUDIO: AUDIO:,,33BANDS BANDSTBA, TBA,13TH 13TH NOTE, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc 8.30pm, 11pm, tbc KRISTIN HERSH, ORAN MOR, Throwing Muses genius, KRISTIN HERSH, ORAN MOR, Throwing Muses genius, 7.30pm, 11pm, £12.50 7.30pm, 11pm, £12.50 ARCADE FIRE, BARROWLAND, Progressive instrumentalist, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, ABC, Sexy, heavy rovk, ARCADE FIRE, BARROWLAND, Progressive instrumentalist, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL, ABC, Sexy, heavy rovk, 7pm, 11pm, Sold OutOut 7pm, 7pm, 11pm, Sold 7pm, 11pm, 11pm,£11.00 £11.00 RED STRING-DRESDEN, NICE N SLEAZIES, Electro, RICHARD SWIFT + DAVID VANDERVELDE, ABC2, Live RED STRING-DRESDEN, NICE N SLEAZIES, Electro, RICHARD SWIFT + DAVID VANDERVELDE, ABC2, Live 8.30pm, 11pm, £4 £4 Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, Music, 7pm, 7pm,11pm, 11pm,£8.00 £8.00 THIRTEEN SENSES, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, THE THIRTEEN SENSES, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11pm, THE X XFACTOR FACTORLIVE, LIVE,SECC, SECC,Live LiveMusic, Music,7pm, 7pm,11pm, 11pm, £11.00 £25.00 £11.00 £25.00 THE LEGACY, BARFLY, LiveLive Music, 8pm, 11pm, £6.00 THE LEGACY, BARFLY, Music, 8pm, 11pm, £6.00 ACOUSTIC NN SLEAACOUSTICJAM JAMSESSION SESSION(FREE, (FREE,8PM), 8PM),NICE NICE SLEAHOWLING BELLS, CLASSIC GRAND, LiveLive Music, 8pm, HOWLING BELLS, CLASSIC GRAND, Music, 8pm, ZIES, ZIES, Come Come and andplay, play,8.30pm, 8.30pm,11pm, 11pm,Free Free 11pm, £8.50 11pm, £8.50 LOOK LOOKSEE SEEPROOF, PROOF,KING KINGTUTS, TUTS,Live LiveMusic, Music,8.30pm, 8.30pm, LIQUID JAZZ , BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 9pm, 11pm, FreeFree LIQUID JAZZ , BLACKFRIARS, Jazz, 9pm, 11pm, 11pm, 11pm, £5.00 £5.00

THURS 8MAR THURS 8MAR

SAT 3 MAR SAT 3 MAR

FRI 9 MAR FRI 9 MAR

SUN 4 MAR SUN 4 MAR

SAT 10 MAR SAT 10 MAR

SUN MAR SUN1111 MAR

MON MON55MAR MAR

LISTINGS LISTINGS

CONTENTS

6 14 16 19 20 21 22 26 28 42 50

LIFESTYLE

Go Away - Berlin They took our Lighthouse

THE SKINNY

LISTINGS GLASGOW LIVE LISTINGS GLASGOW LIVE

ISSUE 18 10 11

LGBT

When being out doesn’t get you in

FILM

Patron Saint Film News

DVD

Film Noir Collection

16 17

They took our Lighthouse, p11

GAMES Are you a closet creationist?

BOOKS Fat Buddha

Are you a closet creationist?, p20

THEATRE

Aalst 22 Glasgow Comedy Festival 24

ART

Trenton Doyle Hancock Reviews

SOUNDS Arcade Fire Deftones

BEATS RJD2 Srt Brut

26 27

Art Reviews, p27 28 32

42 48

LISTINGS

Edinburgh & Glasgow Art, Comedy, Theatre, Club and Live Music listings

RJD2, p42

THE SKINNY RATING SYSTEM EXPLAINED 1 Skinny: Anything that receives one Skinny is probably best avoided. Chances are it will suck the will to live straight out of you. In other words, god awful baws. 2 Skinnys: Boring. Bog-standard or hugely derivative. Only for hardcore aficionados of the genre.

3 Skinnys: A good, solid rating. You’ll have a fine time but you won’t be bowled over.

4 Skinnys: Excellent stuff. Unmissable if you’re into this sort of thing.

5 Skinnys: A rare honour indeed; a must-see for all and sundry. Sublime.

www.skinnymag.co.uk

www.mcclurenaismith.com Solicitors and supporter of The Skinny Contact: Euan Duncan 0141 303 7814

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI They say that if you ever meet yourself, you go mad. Well, I met myself (sort of ), and I’m okay (sort of). This month, I received an email from one Rupert Thomson. Rupert had been mistakenly contacted on Skinny business, and using the astute detection skills one might expect of such a well-named stranger, he forwarded it on. An email conversation was begun. Not only is Rupert a northern Englishman (like me), he has writerly aspirations (same). Given that there are only four Rupert Thomsons around (or so this new Rupert Thomson tells me), and that the third of our number is a successful and accomplished novelist, the situation is becoming a bit like the kind of writing identity puzzle imagined by masterly fantasist Jorge Luis Borges.There are further layers too. Rupert (the non-novelist) is an expert on ‘implicit logic problems and the inability of humans to deal with them’, which seems bizarrely appropriate. And Natalie Ibu (already a fine name), the press officer whose slip made the original connection, has been so bamboozled by this coincidence that she wants to change her name. You guessed it: soon we will be five. Mu ha ha ha! /RJT

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI THE SKINNY ON TOUR MAL & STAV OF THE RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS IN CHIANGMAI, THAILAND

Send your photos for Skinny on Tour to: LETTERS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

SKINNY-À-PORTER...

Big in Japan by Ema Johnson

“I WAS 13 AND A HALF STONE WHEN I LEFT, AND I’M ABOUT 18 STONE NOW - NO FAT”

BIG STOO IS AN EX HIP HOP MC NOW LIVING IN TOKYO AS A PRO WRESTLER. SO, WHAT’S THE (NOT SO) SKINNY ON LIFE IN JAPAN? The archipelago of Japan (the name means sunorigin) encompasses four large islands and 4,000 smaller ones, with a population of over 148m people, making it one of the most densely populated places on earth. The country is also well known for its cultural difference to the West - whether or not this is just a cliché or a result of Japan’s advanced culture. What’s it like to live there? Stewart Fulton, aka Big Stoo (he’s 6’5”, and generally, well, big), a former Edinburgh resident, was the man to ask. Stoo moved to Tokyo in 2001 to pursue his dream to fight pro Mixed Martial Arts, and has been living there since. Stoo started teaching English and trained in MMA in his spare time. Within six months he was invited to join the Takada-dojo, and following this brief meeting and physical test he was asked to move into the dojo and train under combat expert Kazushi Sakuraba. However, he didn’t continue this path for long, leaving the dojo to make his own professional debut in 2003. Big Stoo has fought in Demolition, D.O.G (cage fighting), Rise, Shootboxing, and is currently training under the famous UFC fighter, Kosaka Tsuyoshi. He’s hard as girders. KONNICHIWA STOO. I JUST CANNOT IMAGINE THE CULTURE SHOCK YOU WOULD HAVE EXPERIENCED WHEN YOU MOVED TO TOKYO FOR THE FIRST TIME, CAN YOU TELL ME YOUR IMMEDIATE THOUGHTS WHEN YOU ARRIVED? “I was struck by the signs, the street signs and everything around me. It was just so foreign, not being able to read ANYTHING. There are three different writing systems here, and I’d only mastered two of them (the easy ones) before I arrived, so that was the biggest thing for me.” HOW ARE YOU TREATED AS AN INDIVIDUAL? IS THERE A STEREOTYPICAL TAG ATTACHED TO A BRITISH/SCOTTISH MAN? I’VE JUST READ AN ARTICLE THAT STATES THAT BRITISH MEN ARE OFTEN THOUGHT TO BE OF THE HUGH GRANT ILK – REGARDLESS OF CLASS OR INDIVIDUAL PERSONALITY. IS THIS TRUE? “There is a slight Hugh Grant image of the English in particular, but when they hear you’re from Scotland, it changes things. There is still some racism against foreigners, although this seems to be dying out with the older generations. However, being my size

does work in my favour and many natives guess that I am a fighter, so they’re quite interested in the lifestyle.”

I’VE HEARD SINGLE BRITISH MEN ARE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER IN JAPAN. “If you’re a foreign guy out here, you won’t find any problem in finding a beautiful young girl who will adore you and look after you. This can make some guys’ egos swell beyond all reasonable proportions. Most girls are very shy and will not approach you, but some can be very forceful and quite determined to get you, even steal you from your girl.” WHEN YOU WERE HERE, YOU RAN WITH THE SCOTLAND YARD MCS UNDER THE MONIKER MR

RESIDENTS, PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with

HOUSEHOLD & BOYFRIEND/GIRLFRIEND, SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative

residents, 22:30, £5

music for justified sinners, 22:30, £3, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, REVEREND FUNK, THE CAVES, Classic funk,

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI

northern soul & jazz-funk, 22:30, £7 (£5) RESIDENTS, SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm RESIDENTS, TWO TIMES PARTY, THE BONGO CLUB, Funk, disco, heydays hip hop, 23:00, £6, £4 b4 1am, £2 b4 12am RESIDENTS, UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00, £3 (£2) PENDULUM & MAMPI SWIFT, XPLICIT, POTTEROW, Drum & bass, 22:00, £12 TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Big gay disco to hip hop & broken beats, 17:00, Free

(UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00,

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00, £7, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, THE MALTINGS, Open Mic, 21:30, Free JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00,

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE CHANGE OF DIET? “The diet is incredible here. Since living here, I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been. It’s so well balanced and makes it easy for me gaining muscle or cutting fat for fights. I was 13 and a half stone when I left, and I’m about 18 stone now - no fat.” UNLESS YOU’RE UP LATE WATC H I N G U LT I M AT E FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP’S CHUCK LIDDELL ON CABLE, FEW PEOPLE HERE ARE EXPOSED TO THE KIND OF FIGHTING YOU DO. ESPECIALLY CAGE FIGHTING. “My training involves three or four sparring sessions a week. Sparring can be just wrestling/grappling, boxing, kick-boxing, or any combination of the above. Obviously, for MMA sparring you need open-finger gloves so you can strike and grapple. I also weight train two or three times a week, and do more running leading up to a fight. I like to have four to six weeks of intense training before a fight but sometimes they offer one up last minute. I’ve gone into many fights already injured and not fully prepared but that’s just the nature of the game. Things can’t always be perfect.”

b4 12am

£6, free b4 12am

mixed with chart tunes, 23:00, Free

SOUNDPROOF DJS, SOUNDPROOF OPEN DECKS, BARAKA, Open decks night, 20:00, Free

FISHER & PRICE, MISS CHRIS & MARTIN VALENTINE, TASTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Legendary gay-friendly club,

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30, £6, £3 b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, LOUNGE, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT), EclecJINX. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE YARD MCS HAVE LEFT QUITE AN IMPRINT ON THE SCENE HERE, ENCOURAGING A LOT OF PEOPLE TO PICK UP MICS. HOW ARE YOU FINDING THE MUSIC SCENE IN TOKYO? “I miss the scene back home, and in the six years I’ve been away, it’s really good to see how it has grown and how healthy it is now. Here, the underground scene is strong, especially in Tokyo and Osaka, and the vibe is good. They understand the music, the DJing, the breaking. I jam every now and then at underground clubs, and have done a couple of tracks with guys out here from England and New Zealand. If I wasn’t fighting I’d like to get into working more with Japanese producers and MCs ‘cause their attitude is very healthy. They love a good party and a good vibe.” HAVE A LOOK AT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/JEDICELT FOR FOOTAGE OF BIG STOO IN ACTION. IT’S IMPRESSIVE TO THE POINT OF BEING TERRIFYING. TO CHECK OUT WHERE BIG STOO HAS COME FROM, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SCOTLANDYARDRECORDINGS WILL CLUE YOU IN. HAPPY WRESTLING.

tic mix of tunes, 20:00, Free

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts , 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO , PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00, Free RESIDENTS, RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Goth music for the old, 23:00, £5, £3 students

GARETH CRUIKSHANK, BABES & SPANKY, SATURDAY CIRCUS, RED, A Snatch style affair, 21:00, Free ERIK D’VIKING & ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live music from Tigers of Fire, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

RESIDENTS, SEITEKI SATURDAYS, TOKYO, Funky house,

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00, £7, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Saturday night soiree, 22:00, £6, free b4 12am

SUN 18 MAR

RESIDENTS, ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00, £3, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, BABY DOLL, PO NA NA, Funky house, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

TRENDY WENDY, DALE & SIMONE, BOOTYLUSHOUS, MEDINA, RnB, soul, funk & disco, 22:00, £4, £2 b4

12am

RED ALERT, WELLAZ & GUESTS, CLUB SIMBA, THE JAZZ BAR, Afro, carribean, RnB, hip hop, live pa & audio

visual images, 22:00, £3, free b4 11.30pm

RESIDENTS, CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games,

16:00, £3, free b4 11pm

PEAS & DJG, FRESHMODE, CITY CAFÉ (DOWNSTAIRS), Hip hop, breaks, funk & open mic, 20:00, Free

NO 52 IN A SERIES OF 30.000 : THE INVOLUNTARY

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION,

photo: Jethro Collins

LIQUID ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00, £4 (£2), £1

Centro card

RESIDENTS, KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00, Free

LIFESTYLE

www.skinnymag.co.uk

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00, £8

DENNIS PROBERT & YOGI HAUGHTON, SOULCIAL, BAR 99, Early soul session, 16:00, Free

ROOM, Messy night guaranteed at eclectic student bash,

RESIDENTS, TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock,

21:00, £5 (£4), £3 members

motown, alternative & soul, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

SCOTT GRANGER, TOKYO KYOUYOU, TOKYO, Funky house, RnB & hip hop, 22:00, £4 (£3)

RESIDENTS, TRAFFIC, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Indie &

GARETH SOMERVILLE & ROB MATHIE, ULTRAGROOVE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House & disco, 23:00, £8, £6 nus/b4

TUES 20 MAR

breakbeats, 21:00, Free JEZ HILL, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

21:00, Free

punk & metal, 23:00, Free

FRI 23 MAR

£4, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, ANTICS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Rock, emo, PUBLIC, DARK PLANET OPEN MUSIC, BARAKA, Come

SWINGERS, SWING DANCE CLASSES, THE BONGO

CLUB, Beginners at 7pm, advanced at 8pm, social danc-

ing at 9, 19:00, £4 (£3) for one, £6 (£5) for both JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00, £4 HOBBES, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00, £4, free b4 11pm TROUBLE DJS, PIVO CAFFE, Troublesome selection, 19:00, Free

WED 21 MAR

DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00, £5 (£4)

LISA LITTLEWOOD, HOT SUSHI, TOKYO, Funky house & club classics, 22:00, £tbc

RESIDENTS, INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternative, 22:30, £2, £1 students

COUNCIL, Fresh house tunes each week, 22:00, Free

DENNIS PROBERT & YOGI HAUGHTON, SOULCIAL, BAR nineties youth club disco, 21:00, Free PAUL DALY, PAUL DALY, PIVO CAFFE, Free flowing funk to 99, Early soul session, 16:00, Free

techno, 22:30, £4, free fancy dress RESIDENTS, TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm GARETH SOMERVILLE, TELEFUNKEN, CRUZ, House music on a ship, 22:00, £5 YUMMI DJS, YUMMI RECORDS, PIVO CAFFE, Yummi Records showcase - DJs & local talent, 17:00, Free

SNATCH RESIDENTS, SNATCH SOCIAL, THE LIQUID

23:00, £6

Records showcase - DJs & local talent, 17:00, Free

WASTED LITTLE DJS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early

RESIDENTS, TARZAN II, EGO, Drum & bass, hardcore

CAFFE, Indie classics, mash-ups & links, 19:00, Free

FRESH AIR, TWIST & SHOUT 2, WEE RED BAR, 50s & 60s

DAVA, LULU, Hip hop, funk, head nodding beats, 20:00, THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to

House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00, £8

ROOM, Popular dance legend, 22:30, £12

RESIDENTS & GUESTS, THE SKINNY INDIE DISCO, PIVO

RESIDENTS, SEITEKI SATURDAYS, TOKYO, Funky house,

rock n roll, 22:00, £4 (£3)

20:00, Free

23:00, £6

TIMO MAAS, STEREOTYPE PRESENTS MOTEL, LIQUID

dance, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am

23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

12am with flyer

MISS CHRIS, TASTE FOREPLAY, BARAKA, Pre-taste,

WARNER POWERS & CLAUDIO, INSOMNIA, PRIVE’

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY,

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco &

alternative, 23:30, Free

23:00, £8 (£6), £5 b4 11.30pm

SAT 17 MAR

21:00, Free

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

RESIDENTS, SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music

play your vinyl, CDs, iPod, mp3 player or laptop, 20:30, Free RESIDENTS, DELICIOUS, THE BONGO CLUB, Strictly hip RESIDENTS, 100% DYNAMITE, THE BONGO CLUB, Soul hop & RnB, 23:00, Free jazz journey, 23:00, £6, £4 b4 12am MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE, MASSA, Hip hop, RnB RITCHIE RUFTONE & FRIENDS, 2HOT, EGO, RnB & hip & grime, 22:00, £5 hop for under 18s only (14-17), 18:45, £5 DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House DJ ROO, JAMMY & ANDY CHRISTIE, AFTERDARK, music all night long, 22:30, Free CABARET VOLTAIRE, Funky electrohouse, 23:00, £10 (£8) RESIDENTS, ALLSORTS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Chart, cheese FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK, OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00, Free & party, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am RESIDENTS, REWIND, PRIVE’ COUNCIL, 100% upfront RnB JASON CORTEZ, BOOMBOX, EGO, House & dance, & hip hop, 22:00, £2, ladies free b4 12am 23:00, £5 RESIDENTS, DISKOKITTEN, BERLIN, Back to school theme!! RESIDENTS, SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00, Free Woo woo, bootlegs, 22:00, £8 (£6) EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running insti- house, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy midweek rave, 23:00, Free tution, 23:00, £5, £4 students/members

GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip hop,

£3

tasty tapas, 22:00, Free

house, 21:00, Free

RESIDENTS, THE PIT, SUBWAY COWGATE, Rock & metal, 23:00, Free

JAMES, CHRIS, MARC, PAUL & JAMIE, CLIMAX, RED, THE DETROIT SOUND - techno, soul & house, 22:00, £3

SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music from the past 15 years, 17:00, Free

DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm

DR. MACABRE, BRYAN FURY, MARC SMITH, DARKSIDE, STUDIO 24, Hardcore, gabba, techno, 22:00, £10 RESIDENTS, DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00, £3, free b4 12am RESIDENTS, EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30, £5 DANIEL HERAS, FAKE, STUDIO 24, Electrohouse, 23:00, £5 (£4) THE LOW MIFFS, FAST, THE BONGO CLUB, Punk, disco, electro, garage & rock n roll, 23:00, £5

RESIDENTS & GUESTS, FIMBULVETR, PLEASANCE CABARET BAR, Ambient goth, 21:00, £tbc

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

TONY MCHUGH, GROOVEJET, TOKYO, Dancefloor hits, 22:00, £6

RESIDENTS, JAM FRIDAY, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Pop & cheese, 22:00, £2

RESIDENTS, MISFITS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00, £2

RESIDENTS, NIGHT TRAIN, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT), 20:00, Free

DJ FU VS. THE JUNGLE DRUMMER, OBSCENE 5TH BIRTHDAY, EGO, Drum & bass, 11:00, £tbc RESIDENTS, PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with residents, 22:30, £5

RESIDENTS, SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm EVIL NINE, SUGARBEAT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Breakbeats, 23:00, £7

YUMMI DJS, YUMMI RECORDS, PIVO CAFFE, Yummi GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip hop,

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00, £7, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Saturday night soiree, 22:00, £6, free b4 12am

SUN 25 MAR

RESIDENTS, ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00, £3, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, BABY DOLL, PO NA NA, Funky house, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

TRENDY WENDY, DALE & SIMONE, BOOTYLUSHOUS, MEDINA, RnB, soul, funk & disco, 22:00, £4, £2 b4

12am

RED ALERT, WELLAZ & GUESTS, CLUB SIMBA, THE JAZZ BAR, Afro, carribean, RnB, hip hop, live pa & audio

visual images, 22:00, £3, free b4 11.30pm

RESIDENTS, CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games,

16:00, £3, free b4 11pm

PEAS & DJG, FRESHMODE, CITY CAFÉ (DOWNSTAIRS), Hip hop, breaks, funk & open mic, 20:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00, £4 (£2), £1

Centro card

RESIDENTS, KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00, Free

PRIVATE JACKSON & LYCAMTHROPE, SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30, £3, free b4 11pm

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00,

£3

RESIDENTS, SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00, Free

SOUNDPROOF DJS, SOUNDPROOF OPEN DECKS, BARAKA, Open decks night, 20:00, Free

FISHER & PRICE, MISS CHRIS & MARTIN VALENTINE, TASTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Legendary gay-friendly club, 23:00, £8 (£6), £5 b4 11.30pm

MISS CHRIS, TASTE FOREPLAY, BARAKA, Pre-taste, 20:00, Free

BELIEVE, SILVER STORIC, B-SIDES, WE WILL BREAK DAVA, LULU, Hip hop, funk, head nodding beats, 20:00, YOU, EGO, Breaks, 23:00, £4, £3 b4 12am £4, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00, £3 (£2)

TUES 27 MAR

broken beats, 17:00, Free

punk & metal, 23:00, Free

B-SIDES & BOOTROSS ROCK, STIR FRIED, THE OUTHOUSE, TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Big gay disco to hip hop & Pre-club with indie & rock, 19:00, Free RESIDENTS, TOASTER, CITRUS CLUB, Breaks & Bobs, 23:00, £3, free b4 11.30pm DJ NU-CLEAR , TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00, Free

LISTINGS

LIFESTYLE

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin,

RESIDENTS, ANTICS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Rock, emo, PUBLIC, DARK PLANET OPEN MUSIC, BARAKA, Come

play your vinyl, CDs, iPod, mp3 player or laptop, 20:30, Free RESIDENTS, DELICIOUS, THE BONGO CLUB, Strictly hip hop RESIDENTS, THE MALTINGS, Open Mic, 21:30, Free GARY MAC & GUESTS, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00, & RnB, 23:00, Free VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE, MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & £6, free b4 12am rotating guests in the back, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am/ grime, 22:00, £5 members DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House RESIDENTS, BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & RITCHIE RUFTONE & FRIENDS, 2HOT, EGO, RnB & hip music all night long, 22:30, Free reggae, 20:00, Free hop for under 18s only (14-17), 18:45, £5 FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK, OPAL LOUNGE, Original MASH & JON PLEASED, LULU, Past & future electronic RESIDENTS, ALLSORTS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Chart, cheese soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00, Free classics, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm & party, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am RESIDENTS, REWIND, PRIVE’ COUNCIL, 100% upfront RnB BURLESQUERS, CLUB NOIR, STUDIO 24, Burlesque shows & hip hop, 22:00, £2, ladies free b4 12am & vintage, retro sounds, 21:00, £12 (£9) RESIDENTS, SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social RESIDENTS, ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, club, 21:00, Free rock n roll & electro, 23:00, £5 (£3) punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running insti- EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of RESIDENT BAND THE GOAT STEW ORCHESTRA & RESI- tution, 23:00, £5, £4 students/members house, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy midDENT DJ B*WAX, BEAT ROOT JUICE CLUB, THE JAZZ BAR, RESIDENTS, HEADSPIN, THE BONGO CLUB, A 4 deck mix of week rave, 23:00, Free Live afrobeat, latin & ska, 22:00, Free hip hop, house & funk, 23:00, £7 CEILIDH FOLK, THE BUTTERFLY TRUST, THE BONGO CLUB, DJ LUCKY LUCIANO, CLASS!, SUBWAY COWGATE, VinMARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy Traditional Scottish Dance, 20:00, £5 tage cheese, student anthems & requests, 23:00, £2, music, 22:30, £6, £3 b4 11pm JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club play£1 students, free b4 12am RESIDENTS, LOUNGE, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT), Eclec- ing chart, 23:00, £4 RESIDENTS, GENETIC, CITRUS CLUB, Night of rock antic mix of tunes, 20:00, Free HOBBES, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00, £4, free b4 11pm thems, 23:00, £2 NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & TROUBLE DJS, PIVO CAFFE, Troublesome selection, 19:00, KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes Free funk cuts , 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm all night, 22:00, £3 (£2) JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, EGO, Ear music, RESIDENTS, HOUSEBOUND, EGO, Sexy house, funky 23:00, £8 house, RnB & hip hop, 22:00, £4 (£3) stuff, electro & disco with DJs from Edinburgh & GlasDJ PAPI & ALEX GATO , PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa RESIDENTS, TRAFFIC, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Indie & gow, 22:00, £5 night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00, Free alternative, 23:30, Free RESIDENTS, LUCKYME, CITY CAFÉ, Hip hop, soul & off RESIDENTS, RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Goth music for the THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to beats, 20:30, Free old, 23:00, £5, £3 students breakbeats, 21:00, Free SOLESCIENCE, WA...E, SPLIT, MASH UP CHARITY GARETH CRUIKSHANK, BABES & SPANKY, SATURDAY JEZ HILL, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00, £5, NIGHT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fuck knows?, 23:00, £6, £5 free b4 10pm CIRCUS, RED, A Snatch style affair, 21:00, Free b4 12am ERIK D’VIKING & ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH RESIDENTS, SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live music from Universal Sounds, 20:00, £7, free b4 12am

SAT 24 MAR

THURS 22 MAR

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

play your vinyl, CDs, iPod, mp3 player or laptop, 20:30, Free RESIDENTS, DELICIOUS, THE BONGO CLUB, Strictly hip hop & RnB, 23:00, Free MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE, MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00, £5

DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30, Free

FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK, OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00, Free RESIDENTS, REWIND, PRIVE’ COUNCIL, 100% upfront RnB & hip hop, 22:00, £2, ladies free b4 12am RESIDENTS, SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00, Free EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of house, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy midweek rave, 23:00, Free

SWINGERS, SWING DANCE CLASSES, THE BONGO CLUB, Beginners at 7pm, advanced at 8pm, social

dancing at 9, 19:00, £4 (£3) for one, £6 (£5) for both JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00, £4 HOBBES, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00, £4, free b4 11pm TROUBLE DJS, PIVO CAFFE, Troublesome selection, 19:00, Free

WED 7 MAR

DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00, £5 (£4)

LISA LITTLEWOOD, HOT SUSHI, TOKYO, Funky house & club classics, 22:00, £tbc

RESIDENTS, INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternative, 22:30, £2, £1 students

WARNER POWERS & CLAUDIO, INSOMNIA, PRIVE’ COUNCIL, Fresh house tunes each week, 22:00, Free

WASTED LITTLE DJS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00, Free

breakbeats, 21:00, Free JEZ HILL, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

FRI 9 MAR

HEBRIDEANS & KEN GOURLAY, ASSEMBLY ROOMS CEILIDH, ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Ceilidh, 20:00, £10 THE PUBLIC, BLACK TAPE, HENRYS CELLAR, Email hello@ blacktapeclub.co.uk for a shot at DJing, 23:00, £5, £4 with flyer

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

TONY MCHUGH, GROOVEJET, TOKYO, Dancefloor hits, 22:00, £6

cheese, 22:00, £2

ALAN JOY, MINGIN’, STUDIO 24, Sexy house, 23:00, £5 RESIDENTS, MISFITS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00, £2

RESIDENTS, NIGHT TRAIN, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT), 20:00, Free

B-SIDES & BOOTROSS ROCK, STIR FRIED, THE OUT-

RESIDENTS, SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the

HOUSE, Pre-club with indie & rock, 19:00, Free

special wooden dancefloor, 21:00, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm

rock, 20:00, Free

GARY MAC & GUESTS, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET

GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip hop,

MEDINA, RnB, soul, funk & disco, 22:00, £4, £2 b4

12am

RED ALERT, WELLAZ & GUESTS, CLUB SIMBA, THE JAZZ BAR, Afro, carribean, RnB, hip hop, live pa & audio

CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games,

16:00, £3, free b4 11pm

PEAS & DJG, FRESHMODE, CITY CAFÉ (DOWNSTAIRS), Hip hop, breaks, funk & open mic, 20:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00, £4 (£2), £1

Centro card

KRAZY BALDHEAD, CAGEDBABY, NOISE OF ARTRESIDENTS, KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00, LIVE AV SET, GYTOBOT, KRISTOFF TONOWSKI & BEN- Free JAMIN SHIENWALD, NOISE OF ART VS BUNKER, THE THE BISHOPS & ARCA FEELING, SCOTTISH HOBO BONGO CLUB, Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show, 23:00, SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for

techno & electro, 22:30, £5

DJ NU-CLEAR , TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard

House music all night long, 23:00, £8, £6 nus/b4 12am with flyer VEGAS RESIDENTS, VEGAS!, EGO, Retro flamboyance, 23:00, £10 (£7 for the flamboyantly dressed) YUMMI DJS, YUMMI RECORDS, PIVO CAFFE, Yummi Records showcase - DJs & local talent, 17:00, Free

RESIDENTS, HARK!, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:30, Free visual images, 22:00, £3, free b4 11.30pm RESIDENTS, JAM FRIDAY, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Pop & RESIDENTS, CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO

eclectic, electro & punk, 19:30, £4 (£3)

23:00, £3, free b4 11.30pm

GARETH SOMERVILLE, NEELU SARKAR, MIKEY INGLIS MELDRUM (XPLICIT) & TROUBLE DJS, SOLACE, THE BONGO CLUB, Drum & bass, house, freestyle fundraiser, & LORNE FINNIE, ULTRAGROOVE, CABARET VOLTAIRE,

SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTA- 21:00, Free TION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE from the past 15 years, 17:00, Free & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00, £7, free b4 12am SCOTT DONACHIE & KRISTIAN ELLIOT, CRYPTIK, WEE RESIDENTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Saturday night soiree, 22:00, RED BAR, Minimal techno & electro, 22:30, £5 (£4) £6, free b4 12am DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, RESIDENTS, ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE, Eclectic funk & RnB, 22:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm mix of personal favourites, 22:00, £3, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with RESIDENTS, BABY DOLL, PO NA NA, Funky house, 23:00, resident DJs, 23:00, £3, free b4 12am £5, free b4 11.30pm RESIDENTS, EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, TRENDY WENDY, DALE & SIMONE, BOOTYLUSHOUS, alternative beats & rock, 22:30, £5

JEWEL & ESK VALLEY STUDENTS, JEWEL & ESK VALLEY, £7 (£5) GRGSTER & RESIDENTS, NOT SO DIRTY, RED, Dirty house THE BONGO CLUB, Music , 21:00, £3 & electro, 22:00, £3 PAUL DALY, PIVO CAFFE, Free flowing funk to house, THE TIDY TITS, NUKLEAR PUPPY, EGO, Hard house pish, 21:00, Free 22:00, £12 RESIDENTS, THE PIT, SUBWAY COWGATE, Rock & metal, RESIDENTS, PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 23:00, Free residents, 22:30, £5 THE GUSSETTS & DJ SHONA 3000, POWDERBOX KEV FRASER & FLIPMODE, RESTLESS, STUDIO 24, Funky - NUS NATIONAL WOMAN WEEK, WEE RED BAR, Indie,

RESIDENTS, TOASTER, CITRUS CLUB, Breaks & Bobs,

YELLOW BOX DENOTES SKINNY HIGHLIGHTS

justified sinners, 22:30, £3, free b4 11pm

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00,

£3

RESIDENTS, SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00, Free

SOUNDPROOF DJS, SOUNDPROOF OPEN DECKS, BARAKA, Open decks night, 20:00, Free

FISHER & PRICE, MISS CHRIS & MARTIN VALENTINE, TASTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Legendary gay-friendly club, 23:00, £8 (£6), £5 b4 11.30pm

MURRAY RICHARDSON, ROB, NICK, MASTER MISS CHRIS, TASTE FOREPLAY, BARAKA, Pre-taste, CAIRD, SOLESCIENCE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, 23:00, 20:00, Free £5, £3 b4 12am DAVA, LULU, Hip hop, funk, head nodding beats, 20:00, RESIDENTS, UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie £4, free b4 11pm club, 21:00, £3 (£2)

VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with

TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Big gay disco to hip hop &

rotating guests in the back, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am/ members RESIDENTS, BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00, Free MASH & JON PLEASED, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

broken beats, 17:00, Free

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00, £7, free b4 12am

TUES 13 MAR

RESIDENTS, ANTICS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00, Free

PUBLIC, DARK PLANET OPEN MUSIC, BARAKA, Come

play your vinyl, CDs, iPod, mp3 player or laptop, 20:30, RESIDENTS, THE MALTINGS, Open Mic, 21:30, Free Free JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00, RESIDENTS, DELICIOUS, THE BONGO CLUB, Strictly hip hop £6, free b4 12am & RnB, 23:00, Free MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE, MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & RESIDENTS, ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with grime, 22:00, £5 RITCHIE RUFTONE & FRIENDS, 2HOT, EGO, RnB & hip indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00, £5 (£3) DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House hop for under 18s only (14-17), 18:45, £5 RESIDENT BAND THE GOAT STEW ORCHESTRA & music all night long, 22:30, Free RESIDENT DJ B*WAX, BEAT ROOT JUICE CLUB, THE JAZZ RESIDENTS, ALLSORTS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Chart, cheese FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK, OPAL LOUNGE, Original & party, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am BAR, Live afrobeat, latin & ska, 22:00, Free soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00, Free CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, DJ LUCKY LUCIANO, CLASS!, SUBWAY COWGATE, VinRESIDENTS, REWIND, PRIVE’ COUNCIL, 100% upfront RnB punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institage cheese, student anthems & requests, 23:00, £2, & hip hop, 22:00, £2, ladies free b4 12am tution, 23:00, £5, £4 students/members £1 students, free b4 12am RESIDENTS, SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social RED 6, GIVE IT SOME, THE BONGO CLUB, Funk, rare RESIDENTS, GENETIC, CITRUS CLUB, Night of rock anclub, 21:00, Free groove, reggae, ska, dub & hip hop, 23:00, £6, £4 b4 thems, 23:00, £2 EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT 4TH BIRTHDAY, CABARET KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes 12am VOLTAIRE, Blend of house, techno, drum & bass, breakMARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy all night, 22:00, £3 (£2) beat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00, Free music, 22:30, £6, £3 b4 11pm RESIDENTS, HOUSEBOUND, EGO, Sexy house, funky SWINGERS, SWING DANCE CLASSES, THE BONGO CLUB, RESIDENTS, LOUNGE, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT), Eclecstuff, electro & disco with DJs from Edinburgh & GlasBeginners at 7pm, advanced at 8pm, social dancing at tic mix of tunes, 20:00, Free gow, 22:00, £5 9, 19:00, £4 (£3) for one, £6 (£5) for both NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & RESIDENTS, LUCKYME, CITY CAFÉ, Hip hop, soul & off JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playfunk cuts , 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm beats, 20:30, Free ing chart, 23:00, £4 DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO , PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa RESIDENTS, SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & HOBBES, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00, £4, free b4 11pm night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00, Free tasty tapas, 22:00, Free TROUBLE DJS, PIVO CAFFE, Troublesome selection, 19:00, RESIDENTS, RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Goth music for the Free GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & old, 23:00, £5, £3 students CRAZY P (LIVE), SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, ERIK D’VIKING & ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH disco & dance, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am RESIDENTS & GUESTS, THE SKINNY INDIE DISCO, PIVO FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live music from Orange Alert, 23:00, DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, £5, free b4 11.30pm 21:00, £5 (£4) CAFFE, Indie classics, mash-ups & links, 19:00, Free RESIDENTS, SEITEKI SATURDAYS, TOKYO, Funky house, LISA LITTLEWOOD, HOT SUSHI, TOKYO, Funky house & SNATCH RESIDENTS, SNATCH SOCIAL, THE LIQUID 23:00, £6 club classics, 22:00, £tbc ROOM, Messy night guaranteed at eclectic student bash, JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, RESIDENTS, INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alterna21:00, £5 (£4), £3 members House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00, £8 BARRY FUTUREHEAD, SPIES IN THE WIRES, CABARET tive, 22:30, £2, £1 students DENNIS PROBERT & YOGI HAUGHTON, SOULCIAL, VOLTAIRE, Indie club, 23:00, £5, £3 b4 12am WARNER POWERS & CLAUDIO, INSOMNIA, PRIVE’ BAR 99, Early soul session, 16:00, Free RESIDENTS, SYNTHETIC, THE BONGO CLUB, Techno, COUNCIL, Fresh house tunes each week, 22:00, Free LE PAPE DU POP, LE MARQUIS DE JARDIN, LES BOF!, WASTED LITTLE DJS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early 22:30, £4 SUITE 69, HENRYS CELLAR, Original 60s French Pop Disco- nineties youth club disco, 21:00, Free SCOTT GRANGER, TOKYO KYOUYOU, TOKYO, Funky theque, 23:00, £5 (£4) house, RnB & hip hop, 22:00, £4 (£3) PAUL DALY, PAUL DALY, PIVO CAFFE, Free flowing funk to RESIDENTS, TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, RESIDENTS, TRAFFIC, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Indie & house, 21:00, Free motown, alternative & soul, 23:00, £5, free b4 alternative, 23:30, Free RESIDENTS, THE PIT, SUBWAY COWGATE, Rock & metal, 11.30pm THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to 23:00, Free

THURS 8 MAR

SAT 10 MAR

WED 14 MAR

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

22:30, £4, £3 b4 12am

B-SIDES & BOOTROSS ROCK, STIR FRIED, THE OUTHOUSE, Pre-club with indie & rock, 19:00, Free RESIDENTS, TOASTER, CITRUS CLUB, Breaks & Bobs, 23:00, £3, free b4 11.30pm DJ NU-CLEAR , TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00, Free

DAMIAN LAZARUS, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating

guests in the back, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am/members RESIDENTS, WHAT NEXT, EGO, Agitpop, 23:00, £3 RESIDENTS, BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00, Free MASH & JON PLEASED, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

THURS 15 MAR

RESIDENTS, ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00, £5 (£3)

RESIDENT BAND THE GOAT STEW ORCHESTRA & RESIDENT DJ B*WAX, BEAT ROOT JUICE CLUB, THE JAZZ BAR, Live afrobeat, latin & ska, 22:00, Free

THESE NEW PURITANS, CLASH!, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Disco punk, 23:00, £5, £4 nus

DJ LUCKY LUCIANO, CLASS!, SUBWAY COWGATE, Vintage cheese, student anthems & requests, 23:00, £2, £1 students, free b4 12am RESIDENTS, GENETIC, CITRUS CLUB, Night of rock anthems, 23:00, £2 KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes all night, 22:00, £3 (£2) RESIDENTS, HOUSEBOUND, EGO, Sexy house, funky stuff, electro & disco with DJs from Edinburgh & Glasgow, 22:00, £5 RESIDENTS, LUCKYME, CITY CAFÉ, Hip hop, soul & off beats, 20:30, Free RESIDENTS, ON REQUEST, EGO, Request tunes & limbo, 23:00, £3

CHEF DE PARTIE & KENNY BREAKS, RED STAR INSTITUTE, RED, House, electro, breaks & drum & bass, 21:00, Free

Ethical entertainment

LIFESTYLE

LISTINGS EDINBURGH CLUBS

by Sam Eichblatt

FAIR TRADE IS A VENERABLE INSTITUTION AND SHINING PROOF THAT HUMAN BEINGS CAN SOMETIMES PLAY NICELY TOGETHER, WITHOUT COCKING THINGS UP FOR EACH OTHER We’re constantly told that the world’s getting smaller thanks to technology and globalised communication. This can often ring a bit hollow when the most visible example of foreign culture is the ubiquitous ‘golden arches’, or when telecommunications giants shunt out yet another rabidly insincere ad campaign portraying the world as a shiny, happy, multicultural consumer playground brought together by its product. So why not do yourself a favour this March: ditch the weekend shopping circuit and re-establish your faith in humanity by popping into the Fair Trade Experience event at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Fair Trade has been around much longer than those labelled packets of coffee in your local supermarket. With its roots in 1940s non-governmental American aid groups, it became a viable model for alternative business in the 1960s. In 1968 the slogan ‘Trade not Aid’ was adopted by the United Nations to help increase focus on the establishment of fair trade relations with the developing world.

throughout Europe and North America. Globally, sales have exploded over the last decade, bringing measurable benefits to farmers and workers in disadvantaged countries. In other words, Fair Trade is a venerable institution and shining proof that human beings can sometimes play nicely together, without cocking things up for everyone else. In Glasgow there’ll be live music, a Malawian photography exhibition, kids’ activities, talks from farmers from St Lucia and Malawi, free tastings, and the chance to get your paws on more of those fine products – everything from food and drink to home wares, jewellery, fashion, music and sportswear made by grassroots producers. Suddenly another trip to New Look doesn’t look quite so appealing, does it?

FAIR TRADE EXPERIENCE, THE GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL (STRATHCLYDE SUITE), SAT 3 - SUN 4 MAR, 11-6PM BOTH DAYS. FREE ENTRY TO SKINNY READERS – JUST BRING YOUR COPY OF THE MAGAZINE!

In 1988, the first Fairtrade labelling initiative was created in Holland - an independent certification system that quickly caught on in supermarkets

WWW.HANDUPMEDIA.CO.UK/EVENTS WWW.FAIRTRADE.ORG.UK

RESIDENTS, SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00, Free

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco & dance, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS & GUESTS, THE SKINNY INDIE DISCO, PIVO CAFFE, Indie classics, mash-ups & links, 19:00, Free

SNATCH RESIDENTS, SNATCH SOCIAL, THE LIQUID

ROOM, Messy night guaranteed at eclectic student bash,

21:00, £5 (£4), £3 members

CARLA & JENNA, SPARKLE NATION, WEE RED BAR, Indie, eclectic, electro & punk, 22:00, £4 (£3)

SCOTT GRANGER, TOKYO KYOUYOU, TOKYO, Funky house, RnB & hip hop, 22:00, £4 (£3)

RESIDENTS, TRAFFIC, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Indie & alternative, 23:30, Free

RESIDENTS, URBAN ELEGANCE FASHION SHOW/ CLUB, EGO, Fashion Show with all profits going to Maggie’s, 20:00, £4

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, 21:00, Free JEZ HILL, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

FRI 16 MAR

LUKE SLATER, PYZ, ACCESS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Electro, techno, 23:00, £10

RESIDENTS, BEATROOT, EGO, House & techno, 23:00, £5 BARBA POPPA CHOPPA & PALS, BIG TOE’S HI FI, WEE RED BAR, Reggae, dub, dancehall & hip hop, 22:30, £5

(£4)

SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music from the past 15 years, 17:00, Free

DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm RESIDENTS, DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00, £3, free b4 12am RESIDENTS, EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30, £5 DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm TONY MCHUGH, GROOVEJET, TOKYO, Dancefloor hits, 22:00, £6 JUSTIN ROVERTSON, JACKHAMMER, EGO, House & techno, 22:30, £10

DIVERSE FREQUENCIES & MORPHOS, JAKN, STUDIO 24, Techno in all forms, 22:30, £7 (£6)

RESIDENTS, JAM FRIDAY, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Pop & cheese, 22:00, £2

RESIDENTS, MISFITS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00, £2

RESIDENTS, NIGHT TRAIN, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT), 20:00, Free

SEWLLEY, PINS & NEEDLES, RED, Techno, 22:00, £3, £2

LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

GLASGOW CLUBS HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco electro, 23:00, £4 (£3)

THE HUDSON HOTEL

A UNIQUE SLICE OF BIG APPLE IN THE HEART OF EDINBURGH

The Hudson Hotel is a unique slice of Big Apple in the heart of Edinburgh. Its dark brick interior and modern art evoke the hard-edged sophistication of NYC and the menu offers dishes as diverse as that city’s inhabitants. A delicious seafood and sweetcorn chowder and pork and black pudding sausages with mash (the speciality sausage changes daily) offer an element of good ole’ home cookin’ to an otherwise globally eclectic selection. Asianstyle noodles, risotto and pasta are all on offer here, and the main courses of seafood tagliatelle and lamb navarin are tasty and substantial if, like a Bronx accent, not the

most refined on the block. The portions are generous, the service is friendly and efficient and the candlelit atmosphere suitably sultry. The prices can be steep for the quality of the food, and the cocktails a tad on the watery side, but it is a reliably stylish dinner destination before a night’s drinking in Edinburgh’s New Town. [Laura Esslemont]

9-11 HOPE STREET, EDINBURGH, EH2 4EL. WWW.HUDSONHOTELEDINBURGH.CO.UK

RAB HA’ S In the 19th century Robert Hall was known as Rab Ha’. He was also known as ‘The Glasgow Glutton’. He liked his food, as do I. On this outing, I liked my lunch at the hostelry that carries his nickname. Rab Ha’s is typically described as a hidden gem, nestling on Hutcheson Street in the Merchant City. In a restored Victorian building, an open fire adds to the character of the establishment. Upstairs is a traditionally themed boutique hotel and in the basement nestles a fine restaurant experience. Rab Ha’s feels like a Highland retreat more than a country pub, and the traditional Scottish fare reflects

MY MOTHER, IF SHE KNEW, WOULD BE MAD AT MY FEELING THAT THIS DISH WAS INDEED BETTER THAN HERS. this. Vittles-wise, mince was the order of the day, and it arrived soaked in lovely brown gravy. My mother, if she knew, would be mad at my feeling that this dish was even better than hers. Not to mention the fact that it’s only £10 for two courses - a damn site cheaper than a train home. [Graeme Park]

RESIDENTS, RUBBERMENSCH, ABC2, A night for indie lovers, 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE

GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am

with PIYP

CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00, Free

FRI 23 MAR

EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS, ABC1, Genre mash-up, RAB HA’S, 81 HUTCHESON STREET, GLASGOW, G1 1SH - 0141 572 0400. WWW.RABHAS.CO.UK

23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN, BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00, £5, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, BROWN BAGGIN’ IT, THE GARAGE, Retro, britpop, alternative, chill, RnB & soul, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with PIYP RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00, Free

DER SUPER DJER GRAEME FERGUSON, DAS BOOT, BLOC, Eclectic music throughout the decades, 22:00,

Free

RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30, £tbc

LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00, £5 RESIDENTS, FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00, £6 (£4)

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House music, hip hop & lounge, 21:00, £5,

free b4 11pm/12.30am students

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro

COMPETITION

The Skinny strives to bring something special to its dedicated readers, and this year, every issue, the Miller Genuine Draft Where it’s At feature will bring you one of each of the cities’ most unique and funky bars, plus the chance to win free beer delivered to your door for a year. Now don’t say we don’t spoil you. In order to bring you something different to enjoy in

your free time, we have hunted high and low through Scotland’s city-scapes, to bring a bit of sparkle back into your social life; these places are perfect for entertaining special friends, and meeting new ones. Not only do we review the drinks, food and entertainment, but more importantly, the atmosphere, the clientele and those particular details that make these bars unique.

OK, so there is one way to review a bar .. then there is The Miller Way - with you telling us where it’s at.. For your chance to win a case of Miller Genuine Draft delivered to your door every month for a year, simply log on to www.skinnymag.co.uk/whereitsat and give us your review. To win, tell us about the clientele, the atmos-

soul, 21:00, Free

MR. LIVEWIRE & GARY CURLEY, STEREODOG, CHINAWHITE, House, 22:00, £8 (£5)

1, 23:00, £5 (£3)

SAT 24 MAR

rock & indie dance, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

HECTOR’ S, EDINBURGH

CORINTHIAN, GLASGOW

INSIDE: like the warm reaching arms of a trendy young

INSIDE: Like being about one centimetre tall, in an up-

ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4

mum, a library, or suchlike. Brown is dominant. Warm, but with a nice big windae.

side-down chandelier. Don’t let the gloriousness of your surroundings make you feel small. This is an incredible place to be.

DJ AIDEN , AUDIO, BLOC, House, techno & electro,

PROVISIONS: expert coffees and cocktails.

CLIENTÈLE: you, me, others.

MAGIC MOMENT: Scorching electro-riffs at Omerta,

sessions - supposedly for relaxing to.

the incongruous but funky weekly nite.

ATMOSPHERE: a combination of Stockbridge residents

ATMOSPHERE: In the afternoons ex-brigadiers sit read-

taking it easy on their own doorstep, and destination-visitors taking it easy on tour. Easy, then. And mixed.

ing the Spectator and query the use of modern design in a grand-old environment. At night, social-colonels rally the troops.

OPENER: “Has anyone seen Barney? If he doesn’t get a bacon sandwich soon he’ll start berating passers-by”.

OPENER: “Where’s my hat? You may know me from my high-profile media career, but I’m nothing without my hat.”

HECTOR’S, 47-49 DEANHAUGH STREET, EH4 1LR - 0131 343 1735

CORINTHIAN, 191 INGRAM ST, GLASGOW, G1 1DA - 0141 5521101

photo: Eilidh Baxter

GO TO WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK/WHEREITSAT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FREE BEER FOR A YEAR ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

11.30pm with matric.

LEYS, Jazz band downstairs, eclectic upstairs, 21:00,

Free

RESIDENTS, REPUBLIC BIER HALLE, Leftfield music & pizzas, 21:00, Free

SUN 25 MAR

MR. CRAIG GRANT, LOUIS ABBOT & KENNY REID, BLOC + JAM, BLOC, Open mic, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, CLUB CUBA!, FAVELA, Latin rhythms, 21:00, Free

boogie next door, 22:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/ 12.30pm with matric MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00, £3, free with matric JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00, £6 (£5) RESIDENTS, SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 1am with PIYP NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & electronica, 21:00, Free

MON 26 MAR

NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE BUFF CLUB, Glasgow institi-

GOFASTER & RESIDENTS, I FLY SPITFIRES, CABARET VOL-

V-2 SCHNEIDER, TRAP_6 & THE PARANOID MONKEYS, RESIDENTS, MESSENGER SOUND SYSTEM, THE BONGO INCITE, THE BONGO CLUB, Save The Children fundraiser, CLUB, Roots & dub reggae, 23:00, £7.50 22:00, £5 NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & RESIDENTS, LUCKYME, CITY CAFÉ, Hip hop, soul & off funk cuts , 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm beats, 20:30, Free

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO , PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa RESIDENTS, ONE O’CLOCK GUN FUNDRAISER, WEE RED night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00, Free BAR, Poetry, punk & pathos - live acts, poetry & spoken RESIDENTS, RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Goth music for the word, 12:00, £4 (£3)

RESIDENTS, SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance &

old, 23:00, £5, £3 students

tasty tapas, 22:00, Free

ERIK D’VIKING & ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live music from Joe Acheson Quartet &

disco & dance, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am

23:00, £6

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & NOR- Su-a, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm MAN JAY (MBE), SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, RESIDENTS, SEITEKI SATURDAYS, TOKYO, Funky house, RESIDENTS & GUESTS, THE SKINNY INDIE DISCO, PIVO CAFFE, Indie classics, mash-ups & links, 19:00, Free

SNATCH RESIDENTS, SNATCH SOCIAL, THE LIQUID

ROOM, Messy night guaranteed at eclectic student bash,

21:00, £5 (£4), £3 members

SCOTT GRANGER, TOKYO KYOUYOU, TOKYO, Funky house, RnB & hip hop, 22:00, £4 (£3)

RESIDENTS, TRAFFIC, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Indie & alternative, 23:30, Free

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, 21:00, Free JEZ HILL, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

FRI 2 MAR

SEAN TYAS, LEON WATSON, GARETH BINKS, ABSOLUTE, STUDIO 24, Hard house & techno, 22:00, £8 (£6 b4 11.30pm)

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00, £8

DENNIS PROBERT & YOGI HAUGHTON, SOULCIAL, BAR 99, Early soul session, 16:00, Free

RESIDENTS, TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

RESIDENTS, UFREAK THIRD BIRTHDAY, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Techno, 23:00, £tbc

DJ RANDOM & LEATHERFACE, VELVET, MARINERS, Women’s club night for gay girlies, 21:30, £6 (£5), £4 b4 22:30pm YUMMI DJS, YUMMI RECORDS, PIVO CAFFE, Yummi Records showcase - DJs & local talent, 17:00, Free

GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip hop, 21:00, Free

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTA& THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, TION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music 20:00, £7, free b4 12am from the past 15 years, 17:00, Free

RESIDENTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Saturday night soiree, 22:00, £6, free b4 12am

SUN 4 MAR

RESIDENTS, ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00, £3, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, BABY DOLL, PO NA NA, Funky house, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

with PIYP

AZYMUTH & THE FOUR CORNERS DJS, FOUR CORNERS, THE BONGO CLUB, Afrobest, jazz, latin, 20:00, £10 TRENDY WENDY, DALE & SIMONE, BOOTYLUSHOUS,

TUES 27 MAR

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D, MEDINA, Hip hop to

GARAGE, Pop & rock, 23:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am

(£5)

RESIDENTS, 12 HOUR TUESDAYS, SSU, Chart music & live house, 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm TONY MCHUGH, GROOVEJET, TOKYO, Dancefloor hits, comedy, 15:00, £2, free b4 3pm 22:00, £6 RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND, RESIDENTS, JAM FRIDAY, HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY, Pop & RSAMD, Brazilian martial art with dance & music, 18:00,

MEDINA, RnB, soul, funk & disco, 22:00, £4, £2 b4

12am

RED ALERT, WELLAZ & GUESTS, CLUB SIMBA, THE JAZZ BAR, Afro, carribean, RnB, hip hop, live pa & audio

visual images, 22:00, £3, free b4 11.30pm

RESIDENTS, CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO

£tbc

cheese, 22:00, £2

CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games,

ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk &

RESIDENTS, MISFITS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Indie, electro,

hip pop, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric

punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00, £2

PEAS & DJG, FRESHMODE, CITY CAFÉ (DOWNSTAIRS), Hip

RESIDENTS, NIGHT TRAIN, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT),

hop, breaks, funk & open mic, 20:00, Free

20:00, Free

RESIDENTS, OCTANE, WEE RED BAR, High powered rock,

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00, £4 (£2), £1

16:00, £3, free b4 11pm

21:00, Free

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats,

FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk

23:00, £5, £4 b4 12am

Centro card

musician session, 20:00, Free RESIDENTS, FUNKY LUV, PLAY, Driving vocal house, 22:00, £5, £3 NUS

residents, 22:30, £5

Free

Inflatables & groovy tunes, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP RESIDENTS, KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s-1980’s , 22:00, £3, free with matric. After 12am RESIDENTS, KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, Electroclash & that, 23:00, £4 (£3) MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk , 22:00, £2, £1 members PUNTERS, ROCK KARAOKE, THE CATHOUSE, Karaoke to rock, 23:00, Free b4 12am

tro & breaks, 22:30, £6

justified sinners, 22:30, £3, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00, Free

BON, Dance, 22:30, £5 (£4)

club, 21:00, £3 (£2)

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, 23:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am

cordian playing, techno, gabba & jungle, 23:00, £7 PAUL N’JIE (BEAT 106), DIRTY RECORDZ, GUU, Current tunes, open decks downstairs, 22:00, £3 (£2, £1), free b4 9pm MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5) RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00, £7 (£5) ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, House and

KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON SATURDAYS, KARBON, House & hip hop classics, 22:30,

LIFESTYLE

DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ROCKTIMISM, THE

RESIDENTS, HOUSEBOUND, EGO, Sexy house, funky

punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00, £5, £4 students/members FISHER & PRICE, FEVER, EGO, Dancefloor hits, 23:00, £10 (£8), £5 b4 11.15pm GOLDIE, LEGEND, STUDIO 24, Drum & bass, 23:00, £12 MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30, £6, £3 b4 11pm RESIDENTS, LOUNGE, LIBERTY’S BAR (HERIOT-WATT), Eclectic mix of tunes, 20:00, Free

MUNGO’S HI FI, DUB & GRUB, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00, £5, free b4 11pm/ 12.30am students RESIDENTS, I LOVE THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE, Classics, 22:30, £7 (£5), £6 (£4) b4 12am

WWW.CORINTHIAN.UK.COM

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS,

ED COX, IXINDAMIX, SCOTT KELSO, ME YOU AND YER MAN, CONFUSION, SOUNDHAUS, Clowncore, ac-

CLIENTÈLE: serious, funny, fun.

MAGIC MOMENT: Sunday afternoon drum ‘n’ bass

PAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSOR-

tion playing underground classics, 23:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers RESIDENTS, ELETRICAT DANCE GROUP, RSAMD, BraMARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie zilian Street Dance classes, 18:00, £4 (£3.50), £3 rock party, 23:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 RSAMD 11.30pm with PIYP RESIDENTS, FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00, with house & indie, 23:00, £5 Free

GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk,

PROVISIONS: tasty all round.

TAIRE, Indie club, 23:00, £5

& classics, funky house in the Mao room, 22:00, £10 PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free

free 4 students

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free GEORGE BOWIE, CUBE FRIDAYS, Urban tunes from Clyde

thems, 23:00, £2

DJ NAEEM & MIRRIRBAW, CHINAWHITE, Main room RnB

£6 (£5), free b4 12am with PIYP

DJ PHIL, TFI FRIDAY, SSU, Chart, 16:00, £2 after 5pm,

phere, any conversation openers you heard (or used) and your magic moment. It’s easy, just tell us about it.

CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage,

RESIDENTS, GENETIC, CITRUS CLUB, Night of rock an-

stuff, electro & disco with DJs from Edinburgh & Glasgow, 22:00, £5

school tunes, 22:30, £6

£10

Eclectic electronica, 22:30, Free

BARRY & ANDY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30,

BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other

CJ BOLLAND, RELENTLESS, SUB CLUB, Techno la, 23:00,

SAT 3 MAR

£6, free b4 12am

RESIDENT BAND THE GOAT STEW ORCHESTRA & RESI- RITCHIE RUFTONE & FRIENDS, 2HOT, EGO, RnB & hip DENT DJ B*WAX, BEAT ROOT JUICE CLUB, THE JAZZ BAR, hop for under 18s only (14-17), 18:45, £5 Live afrobeat, latin & ska, 22:00, Free RESIDENTS, ALLSORTS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Chart, cheese DJ LUCKY LUCIANO, CLASS!, SUBWAY COWGATE, Vintage & party, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am cheese, student anthems & requests, 23:00, £2, £1 TOMMY KAY, DEAN NEWTON, GRUM STONE & JON students, free b4 12am EDWARDS, APOLLO 11 - LUNAR LUVELY, LIQUID ROOM, MARKO DE VAL, CLUB FREEFLOW, COCTEAU LOUNGE, Space themed gay friendly house party, 22:00, £13 (£11)

Free

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Old

22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

rock n roll & electro, 23:00, £5 (£3)

all night, 22:00, £3 (£2)

DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00,

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER,

RESIDENTS, RED & GOLD ROOM, ARTA, Soul musak,

JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00,

RESIDENTS, ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie,

ARCHES, Dance, 22:30, £18

DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00, Free

NAL BAR, Electronic/dub, 21:00, Free

THURS 1 MAR

MARIO LOPEZ, MEGARA VS. DJ LEE, X-PERIENCE, THE KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes

23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

ALI & GRAEME (SKYROCKET), OOFT PRECLUB, TERMI-

MISSION STATEMENT

soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30, £6 RESIDENTS, OPEN DEX, DEEP 6 (GUU), Bring your vinyl/ CDs if you think you can do better, 21:00, £1, £2 nonmembers HARRI & DOM, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00, £8, £5 b4 12am RESIDENTS, UN-SCENE, BLOC, New eclectic DJ night, 22:00, Free RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00, £6 (£3)

RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy,

ARCHES, Electro, techno, electronic, 22:30, £tbc

Where it’s at...

RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern

DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00, £5 (£3) RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests &

ROB DA BANK, JON KENNEDY, MIND THE GAP, THE

GIVE US YOUR REVIEW OF THE BARS FEATURED HERE EVERY ISSUE AND BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN A CASE OF MILLER GENUINE DRAFT DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EVERY MONTH FOR A YEAR. THERE IS ONE WAY TO REVIEW A BAR... THEN THERE IS THE MILLER WAY - WITH YOU TELLING US WHERE IT’S AT...

£tbc

EDINBURGH CLUBS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

LISTINGS

LIFESTYLE RESTAURANTS & BARS

ART, Snacks, meals & Mungo’s Hi Fi, 17:00, Free

NAUGHTY NICOLA, INFLATABLE FUN, THE GARAGE,

LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KAR-

PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free PAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSORLEYS, Jazz band downstairs, eclectic upstairs, 21:00,

Free

RESIDENTS, REPUBLIC BIER HALLE, Leftfield music & pizzas, 21:00, Free

RESIDENTS, PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with

RESIDENTS, KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00,

THE NEEDLES & CLEAN GEORGE IV, SCOTTISH HOBO G-SOUND, ROSS DIXON, HAPPY HANDS & DARKPITH, PROGRESSIVE ORANGE, STUDIO 24, House, elec- SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for RESIDENTS, SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm STEPHEN BROWN, SHARI VARI, THE VAULTS, Detroit sounds, disco & house in room 2, 22:30, £5, £4 b4 12am

NASTY P & GUESTS, SOUL BISCUITS, CABARET VOLTAIRE,

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI

(UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00,

£3

SOUNDPROOF DJS, SOUNDPROOF OPEN DECKS,

Old & new hip hop & funk, 23:00, £5

BARAKA, Open decks night, 20:00, Free

live percussion, 23:00, £10 (£8), £8 £6) b4 12am

23:00, £8 (£6), £5 b4 11.30pm

FISHER & PRICE, MISS CHRIS & MARTIN VALENTINE, IAIN TOKYOBLU, GEORGE T & PEPE SANTAMARIA, JOHN TOKYOBLU, TOKYOBLU, EGO, House & disco with TASTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Legendary gay-friendly club, RESIDENTS, UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie MISS CHRIS, TASTE FOREPLAY, BARAKA, Pre-taste, TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Big gay disco to hip hop & broken beats, 17:00, Free

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, 20:00, £7, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, THE MALTINGS, Open Mic, 21:30, Free

20:00, Free

DAVA, LULU, Hip hop, funk, head nodding beats, 20:00, £4, free b4 11pm

TUES 6 MAR

RESIDENTS, ANTICS, SUBWAY COWGATE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00, Free

PUBLIC, DARK PLANET OPEN MUSIC, BARAKA, Come

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

metal, emo & punk, 17:00, £6 (£3)

DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00, Free

BARRY & ANDY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30,

RESIDENTS, *.*, THE BUFF CLUB, Rock’n’roll & northern soul, 23:00, £3

RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND, RSAMD, Brazilian martial art with dance & music, 18:00,

£6 (£5), free b4 12am with PIYP

£tbc

& classics, funky house in the Mao room, 22:00, £10 PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free

£6, free b4 11pm

YELLOW BOX DENOTES SKINNY HIGHLIGHTS

BAMBOO, House music, hip hop & lounge, 21:00, £5,

free b4 11pm/12.30am students

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00, Free

DJ NAEEM & MIRRIRBAW, CHINAWHITE, Main room RnB RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00, MR. LIVEWIRE & GARY CURLEY, STEREODOG, CHINAPAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSORLEYS, Jazz band downstairs, eclectic upstairs, 21:00,

11.30pm with PIYP

hip pop, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric

SUN 11 MAR

Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 22:30, £5 (£3)

Free

erz in the bar, 23:00, £4 (£3)

MCSLEAZY (XFM), CRUSH, QMU, Bootlegs, 22:00, £2, MR. CRAIG GRANT, LOUIS ABBOT & KENNY REID, £1 members BLOC + JAM, BLOC, Open mic, 21:00, Free FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW RESIDENTS, CLUB CUBA!, FAVELA, Latin rhythms, 21:00, SCHOOL OF ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Play-

BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other

RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND,

& THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00, Free

JIM GELLATLY & RESIDENTS, CLUB NME, THE ARCHES,

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER,

comedy, 15:00, £2, free b4 3pm

free 4 students

21:00, Free

DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00, Free

RESIDENTS, 12 HOUR TUESDAYS, SSU, Chart music & live RSAMD, Brazilian martial art with dance & music, 18:00,

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY

DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00, £5 (£3) RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests &

TUES 20 MAR

& house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00, £4, free b4 11pm

Free

RESIDENTS, REPUBLIC BIER HALLE, Leftfield music & pizzas,

WHITE, House, 22:00, £8 (£5)

RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk DJ PHIL, TFI FRIDAY, SSU, Chart, 16:00, £2 after 5pm,

23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 1am with PIYP NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & electronica, 21:00, Free

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie £tbc ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & rock party, 23:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00, Free

SAT 17 MAR

D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk,

rock & indie dance, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

soul & motown, 20:00, Free

TIFF PEACHES, PROVINYLIST KARIM ILL TECHNIQUE & GROUNDSKEEPER GC, HOMEBREW, THE SUB CLUB, Hip

GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk,

tic, 22:00, Free

BON, Dance, 22:30, £5 (£4)

ARCHES, House, electrohouse, electro, 22:00, £12

WED 21 MAR

11.30pm with matric.

DJ AIDEN , AUDIO, BLOC, House, techno & electro,

Indie, rock n roll, punk & electro, 21:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm RESIDENTS, LOLLIPOP, GUU, Pop, RnB & Indie , 22:00, £3 (£2, £1), free b4 9pm DJ EUAN, ON DEMAND, THE SHED, Requests by text message at this interactive club night, 22:30, £3

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats,

MARK ROBB, TANIA & FRIENDS, PLASTIC FUNK, BAM-

NAUGHTY NICOLA, INFLATABLE FUN, THE GARAGE,

23:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am

ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4

hop to nasty electro via the rest, 23:00, £3, £2 matric. card

TEAM SALT & THE PEOPLE, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER,

£5, £3 NUS

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS,

21:00, Free

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT,

MITCHELL’S RESTAURANT MY FINAL THOUGHT ON THE EVENING WAS SIMPLY HOW COMFORTABLE I FELT, HOW HOMELY. I CAN’T THINK OF A BETTER RECOMMENDATION.

Mitchell’s restaurant once stood on North Street in Glasgow’s Charing Cross area, but has relocated to the charming village of Carmunnock on the outskirts of Glasgow’s southside. The move to the outskirts lends the establishment a level of authenticity often not found in the city centre.

MUNGO’S HI FI, DUB & GRUB, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART,

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYS- Snacks, meals & Mungo’s Hi Fi, 17:00, Free FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk TEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free GEORGE BOWIE, CUBE FRIDAYS, Urban tunes from Clyde musician session, 20:00, Free RESIDENTS, FUNKY LUV, PLAY, Driving vocal house, 22:00, 1, 23:00, £5 (£3)

JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics,

Scoots

The greetings you receive from the staff are warm and inviting, friendly hellos and genuine smiles. As we were seated at the bar, I noticed the table in front of us was actually a huge, glass exotic fish tank. A novelty for sure, but it kept me entertained while we sat and had a drink and waited for our table. Led through to the main restaurant, I noticed how cosy the whole thing felt: lots of timbered ceilings and roaring fires and leather seats. The food is uniformly excellent. The fine à la carte menu usually offers a choice between four to five main courses, and three to four desserts. While this may seem limiting, all of the dishes highlight fresh Scottish produce and present it in surprisingly diverse and ex-

otic ways. Expect dishes such as crispy pork belly and mixed leaves, langoustines and shrimp in a herb cream, slow-braised lamb shank and red wine jus or a trio of venison, pigeon and duck with caramelised shallots. We were not rushed to leave to make room once our meal was finished, and as we sat and had our coffees, my final thought on the evening was simply how comfortable I felt, how at home. I can’t think of a better recommendation. Scoot - Carmunnock is only serviced by one bus, the number 31. The 31 can be caught from the St Enoch Centre. If you’re feeling intrepid then catch the train to Busby, on the East Kilbride line, and enjoy the mile and a half country walk to Carmunnock. For that you’ll need your own map.

GLASGOW

The end of last month saw the triumphant opening night of OCTOPUS DIAMOND, in the place of the dingy but loved Left Bank. With walls decorated by local artists Craig Coulthard and Derm, the packed bar/venue saw storming sets from Chernikot and Ardent John. The management modestly tell us they’re taking their venture “month by month,” but if they can keep up such an intensely varied music line-up, they’re here to stay. SMART CITY HOSTEL continue to run nightly entertainment in their airy café-bar, open ‘til 1am every night and well worth a look for locals as well as visitors. There are wall decorations by Edinburgh stalwart Richard Demarco to look at, and they have a good range of local beers available. Meanwhile, Sarah David, head honcho of Cab Vol, is taking over the RED VODKA BAR in the Cowgate, alongside Michael McGuigan (The Pond, The Village, Thomson’s), in a new venture. The plan, after a major refurb and soundsystem overhaul, is to put on regular music-centric nights all week round, with cheap or free entry and eclectic sounds. There’s even likely to be a charity commitment behind the whole venture – we’ll keep you posted when it’s all confirmed. [Dylan Reed]

The great Glasgow bar train keeps on running in March. Cathouse owners CPL kickstart the month with the launch of their new bar: THE CATWALK. This new rock bar has been carved out of Underworld on Union Street and is only a short walk away from, yup, the Cathouse. Hemingway’s bar and grill is to change its name to CAFÉ NOIR. The fantastic seafood restaurant is located in Princess Square, formerly the site of Salty Dog. Apparently Ernest Hemingway’s estate requested an incredible sum of money to use the rum loving author’s name. Expect a new cocktail menu, even better than the last. Fans of the Republic Bier Halle on Gordon Street can soon enjoy the delights of the BIER HOF: same idea, only on Sauchiehall Street and with Hof in the title. If you’re lazy, they’re going to be doing a home delivery service as well. Excellent, ‘cause we’re lazy. Also, the brains behind KARBON and ONE UP are to augment their presence in Royal Exchange Square. Even more exciting is the rumour that they will be opening a new gay club elsewhere in the city - hopefully with the same aesthetic appeal as their other beautiful ventures. Stay golden. [Graeme Park]

Octopus Diamond

Royal Exchange Square

107 WATERSIDE ROAD, CARMUNNOCK, GLASGOW, 0141 644 2255. OPEN ALL DAY WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY. EXPECT TO PAY AROUND £30 PER HEAD FOR THREE COURSES, INCLUDING WINE. WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: YES.

CRAG, ROBBIE B & JAYSUS, BANFF CLUB, BLOC, Eclec- LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARJUSTIN ROBERTSON, TO MY BOY, DEATH DISCO, THE PAUL N’JIE (BEAT 106), DIRTY RECORDZ, GUU, Current

DJ DEC, DELIVERANCE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Alterna-

tive music, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP RESIDENTS, ELETRICAT DANCE GROUP, RSAMD, Brazilian Street Dance classes, 18:00, £4 (£3.50), £3 RSAMD RESIDENTS, 12 HOUR TUESDAYS, SSU, Chart music & DJ RICCI, GOSSIP, SSU, Gay/mixed night, 20:00, Free live comedy, 15:00, £2, free b4 3pm RESIDENTS, JOINTS & JAMS, CUBE, The Longest running RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND, RnB night in Glasgow, 23:00, £3 (£2) RSAMD, Brazilian martial art with dance & music, 18:00, £tbc CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA, LIPTONS, Salsa classes ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00, Free & hip pop, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am RESIDENTS, NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, with matric punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00, £4, £2 MUNGO’S HI FI, DUB & GRUB, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm ART, Snacks, meals & Mungo’s Hi Fi, 17:00, Free RESIDENTS, OCTOPUSSY, THE ARCHES, Student night with FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk a bouncy castle, swimming pool?, jacuzzi?? & wedding musician session, 20:00, Free chapel???, 22:00, £4 RESIDENTS, FUNKY LUV, PLAY, Driving vocal house, RESIDENTS, TONGUE IN CHEEK, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB 22:00, £5, £3 NUS & indie, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with matric MODELS, GSA FASHION SHOW, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON ANDY & BRIAN, WHATEVER, THE GARAGE, Chart music, ART, Fashion Show , 19:00, £7.50 (£5.50) SATURDAYS, KARBON, House & hip hop classics, 22:30, 23:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP NAUGHTY NICOLA, INFLATABLE FUN, THE GARAGE, £tbc EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS, ABC1, Genre mash-up, MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. Inflatables & groovy tunes, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 MOTOR, DIRTY HOSPITAL, ADAM X, MONOX, indie, 21:00, Free 12am with PIYP TURTLE & QUAILL, ANIMAL FARM, BLOC, House, techno SOUNDHAUS, TECHNO!, 23:00, £10 RESIDENTS, KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school & electro, 22:00, Free RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern RESIDENTS, *.*, THE BUFF CLUB, Rock’n’roll & northern soul, rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s-1980’s , 22:00, THE TEENAGERS, NIGHTMOVES & SPECIAL GUESTS, soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics 23:00, £3 £3, free with matric. After 12am ART OF PARTIES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Eclectic, downstairs, 22:30, £6 RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND, RESIDENTS, KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, Electroclash 23:00, £tbc RESIDENTS, OPEN DEX, DEEP 6 (GUU), Bring your vinyl/ RSAMD, Brazilian martial art with dance & music, 18:00, & that, 23:00, £4 (£3) BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER, THE CATHOUSE, Rock CDs if you think you can do better, 21:00, £1, £2 non£tbc MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk & metal, 22:30, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 members RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00, 11.30am with PIYP , 22:00, £2, £1 members PAUL WOOLFORD, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, House £6, free b4 11pm PUNTERS, ROCK KARAOKE, THE CATHOUSE, Karaoke to STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN, BLUU, Jazz, disco & from Back To Basics, Leeds, 23:00, £12, £8 b4 12am RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk house sounds, 22:00, £5, free b4 11pm rock, 23:00, Free b4 12am RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00, £4, free b4 LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KAR- RESIDENTS, BROWN BAGGIN’ IT, THE GARAGE, Retro, with metal, emo & punk, 17:00, £6 (£3) 11pm britpop, alternative, chill, RnB & soul, 23:00, £5 (£3), BON, Dance, 22:30, £5 (£4) DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00, CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & free b4 11.30pm with PIYP CHRIST, KESER, EDGE OF THE MAP & DEEMOND, Free THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00, Free MERKA, THE ROGUE ELEMENT, MASH, CHEW THE TRONIC, THE 13TH NOTE, Electronic sounds, 20:30, £6 BARRY & ANDY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30, £6 JIM GELLATLY & RESIDENTS, CLUB NME, THE ARCHES, FAT!, THE SUB CLUB, Breaks, 23:00, £10 (£5), free b4 12am with PIYP RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, ElecDJ DEC, DELIVERANCE, THE DJ NAEEM & MIRRIRBAW, CHINAWHITE, Main room RnB Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 22:30, £5 (£3) MCSLEAZY (XFM), CRUSH, QMU, Bootlegs, 22:00, £2, tronic sounds, 20:00, Free CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Alternative music, 23:00, £4 (£2), & classics, funky house in the Mao room, 22:00, £10 £1 members free b4 12am with PIYP CLYDE FUNK AUTORITY, IRREGULAR SLINKY, SHOOT PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW RESIDENTS, ELETRICAT DANCE GROUP, RSAMD, BraTHE MESSENGER, SOOM T, MONKEY TRIBE DJS & PAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSORSCHOOL OF ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playzilian Street Dance classes, 18:00, £4 (£3.50), £3 CHAZ T FRAZER, DR. ESCHATON’S MEDECINE SHOW, LEYS, Jazz band downstairs, eclectic upstairs, 21:00, erz in the bar, 23:00, £4 (£3) RSAMD Free CLASSIC GRAND, Magic, Medecine, Music & Mayhem, DJ RICCI, GOSSIP, SSU, Gay/mixed night, 20:00, Free 22:30, £7 (£5) RESIDENTS, REPUBLIC BIER HALLE, Leftfield music & pizzas, JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. MODELS, GSA FASHION SHOW, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, 21:00, Free D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, ART, Fashion Show , 19:00, £7.50 (£5.50) rock & punk, 22:30, £tbc THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, RESIDENTS, JOINTS & JAMS, CUBE, The Longest runLISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00, £5 soul & motown, 20:00, Free ning RnB night in Glasgow, 23:00, £3 (£2) RESIDENTS, FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors MR. CRAIG GRANT, LOUIS ABBOT & KENNY REID, TIFF PEACHES, PROVINYLIST KARIM ILL TECHNIQUE & BLOC + JAM, BLOC, Open mic, 21:00, Free CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA, LIPTONS, Salsa class- serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, CLUB CUBA!, FAVELA, Latin rhythms, 21:00, GROUNDSKEEPER GC, HOMEBREW, THE SUB CLUB, Hip es from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00, Free FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANFree hop to nasty electro via the rest, 23:00, £3, £2 matric. RESIDENTS, NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, KET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00, £6 (£4) card DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00, £4, £2 ROB DA BANK, BLACKGRASS, MIXED BIZNESS, THE CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER, Indie, rock ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00, £5 (£3) from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm ARCHES, Hip hop & funky, eclectic stuff, 23:00, £tbc n roll, punk & electro, 21:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & RESIDENTS, OCTOPUSSY, THE ARCHES, Student night SHED, THE WASP, SEAN MATTHEWS, NOISE POLLURESIDENTS, LOLLIPOP, GUU, Pop, RnB & Indie , 22:00, £3 DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00, Free with a bouncy castle, swimming pool?, jacuzzi?? & TION, MAGGIE MAY’S BASEMENT, Techno & electro, 23:00, DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, (£2, £1), free b4 9pm wedding chapel???, 22:00, £4 £8 DJ EUAN, ON DEMAND, THE SHED, Requests by text BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other RESIDENTS, TONGUE IN CHEEK, BAMBOO, Lounge, RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, message at this interactive club night, 22:30, £3 boogie next door, 22:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/ 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. RnB & indie, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with MARK ROBB, TANIA & FRIENDS, PLASTIC FUNK, BAMmatric ALI & GRAEME (SKYROCKET), OOFT PRECLUB, TERMI- 12.30pm with matric BOO, Funk, soul & rock n roll, 22:30, £4 (£3), free b4 MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk feaANDY & BRIAN, WHATEVER, THE GARAGE, Chart music, NAL BAR, Electronic/dub, 21:00, Free 11pm/12.30am with matric turing live percussion by Duffy, 23:00, £3, free with 23:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Old RESIDENTS, PUMP UP THE JAM, SSU, Old school cheese, matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock school tunes, 22:30, £6 JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maxi- live bands & funky house, 23:00, £2 & indie, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, RED & GOLD ROOM, ARTA, Soul musak, RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, mum eclectic, 23:00, £6 (£5) 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00, Free GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP,

TUES 13 MAR

Barspy Barspy EDINBURGH

by Declan Dineen

LIFESTYLE

LISTINGS GLASGOW CLUBS

BOO, Funk, soul & rock n roll, 22:30, £4 (£3), free b4

tunes, open decks downstairs, 22:00, £3 (£2, £1), 11pm/12.30am with matric free b4 9pm RESIDENTS, PUMP UP THE JAM, SSU, Old school cheese, MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northlive bands & funky house, 23:00, £2 ern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5) RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00, Free mix, 23:00, £7 (£5) DEPORTIVO STREET TEAM, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, BAR, Disco electro, 23:00, £4 (£3) electro & disco, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, RUBBERMENSCH, ABC2, A night for indie lov- RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showers, 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. case, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Metal, hip hop & STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & rock, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, House and GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00, £5, free b4 11pm/ 12.30am students GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP RESIDENTS, I LOVE THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE, Classics, 22:30, £7 (£5), £6 (£4) b4 12am CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00, Free

FRI 16 MAR

THURS 22 MAR

WED 14 MAR^

SUN 18 MAR

THURS 15 MAR 56

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

LIFESTYLE Stars Go Away! TO BERLIN by Stellar Feller

PISCES Give ‘em an inch, they take a mile. Give ‘em your kidney and they start singing A-ha’s Take on Me in public. This month: hell is other folks.

ARIES Oh my stars! How am I supposed to be objective about my own future? I didn’t think I wanted to be famous, but now, well, I suppose I’ll have to get used to it. Miss Crane, let’s get the car...

TAURUS You may think yourself some treacle-tongued tearaway who could sell boo to a goose, but actually people are just nodding and smiling. I am the spear of truth in the eye of your life.

GEMINI The cream rises to the top, they say. The top of what? If you’ve lost your bottle, a week on the Buckie should see you straight.

CANCER It’s not a pretty picture. But, looking in the mirror aside, things are looking up. Clearasil could be the icing on the, er, cake.

LEO ‘The love you take is equal to the love you make,’ cooed the Beatles. So, any ideas why no one likes you, wiseass?

VIRGO Theorist Theodor Adorno once drew a parallel between reason-shy fascist politics and following horoscopes. Nazi bastard.

LIBRA Shit. My girlfriend’s a Libran. Surely you can’t all be cheating this month. That’s statistically nuts. I don’t believe this for a second.

SCORPIO I don’t care who you are, and neither do your stars. Only stars that care make a difference. Actually I kind of care. Still, that’s probably not enough to live on.

SAGITTARIUS

by Edgar Hyde

THIS MONTH ERRANT SKINNY REPORTER EDGAR HYDE EXPERIENCES THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY IN TRENDY BERLIN. AND GOES DRINKING IN A SECRET BAR WITH A RADICAL PUNK. Berlin: City of Regret. If Channel 5 asked me to make a pretentious, ill-informed documentary about this city, I would call it ‘Berlin: City of Regret’. Stark monuments to guilt haunt the landscape. Stubborn, awkward, the sad city inhabitants carry their unique burden. For fans of penitence, this is still the only realistic travel destination. But that’s only half the story, and me and Ted are also here to check the scene, so to speak: find out what the hip kids of Berlin are grooving to these days. Ted’s a useful chap to have on-board, as he once loafed around this city for three months, acquiring knowledge and friends. We visit some of Ted’s friends in their beautiful, bullet-ridden apartment block on Rykestrasse, near the water tower. Students, they live on the cheap in this exquisite ruin, while the other half of the building has undergone a makeover as ghastly as the yuppies who populate it. Some of Ted’s student friends have been in higher education for almost a decade. East Berlin is a slacker paradise. However, as with all utopias, dystopia lies just around the corner: education is beginning to fail (“it’s becoming more like Britain,” they tell me), there’s no work to be had (many Berliners have scarpered to business centres like Hamburg and Munich), no one in the city seems capable of maintaining a decent patch of grass (muddy playgrounds do not augur well for Berlin’s future), and for some reason glass litters the streets (I suppose it’s because bottled beer is so readily available — those ubiquitous little kiosks are stacked with the stuff. Yet Berliners are still relatively disciplined: if this was Scotland we’d be swimming through a brittle green sea, drenched in our own blood). Here I was going to quote from Lou Reed’s classic album, Berlin, but sadly I have never heard it. Instead, I offer a quote from the landlord of my local pub back home, Big Lou: “I don’t mind peo-

ple being gay, s’long as they don’t make a big song and dance about it.” Big Lou is a fat idiot.

Stefan is sad to see us go, and we are sorry to leave him. He suggests another toast, but none of us can decide who to drink to. The pause is in Big Lou vs. Stefan, there’s an encounter I’d like to danger of becoming uncomfortably long, until see. Stefan is an old-school punk residing some- Stefan saves the day: “To Rosa Luxemburg,” he where in Prenzlauer Berg, if you can find him. announces, visibly relieved. “Rosa Luxemburg,” In Prenzlauer Berg, and probably East Germany we echo heartily, “hell of a woman.” in general, you’re best to avoid the trendy bars where the staff all have a hard-on about how many languages they can speak. Keep an eye out for the places that don’t look like bars at all, that We got a return flight with Easyjet from London termilook more like people’s houses, or derelict build- nals to Berlin-Schönefeld for about £60, but it’s only ings. If you don’t end up walking into someone’s a few pounds more to go from Glasgow Airport, and house by accident, you may find someone like no doubt there is money to be saved if one leaves at Stefan, and a bar that stays open as long as the some silly hour. owner feels like (I’m sure these places exist on the WWW.EASYJET.COM edge of the law, so I couldn’t tell you where they are even if I could remember).

GETTING AWAY

Stefan is already incoherent when we arrive. He doesn’t speak much English, but his incoherence stems less from this than his immense capacity for drink. At his invitation, we toast communist heroine Rosa Luxemburg (who has a whole area of Berlin named after her), as it happens to be the anniversary of her death. He then tells us London is the best city there is, though when pressed it transpires he has never been there (he is a “walker”, rather than a “flyer”). He knows it’s the best because of the music: 70s punk seems to be his favourite (later, after he has forced us to drink Jägermeister followed by straight vodkas, he asks us to translate the name Cock Sparrer. In our weakened state, instead of explaining that the band mutated the spelling of a well-known phrase meaning ‘plucky fellow’, we point out that ‘cock’ is a type of bird, and confusedly note that it is also a term for ‘penis’). Here Stefan is disliked for his punk ways. With vigorous physical demonstrations, he conveys to us that every time he goes out west he gets beaten up by Nazis. And when he strays too far east, he invariably finds himself pummelled by ruthless Nazis.

STAYING AWAY

The Aurora Hostel, in Prenzlauer Berg, is a sound choice of accommodation. Very convenient, very clean, and run by nice folks. WWW.AURORA-HOSTEL.COM

WANDERING AWAY

The Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park, just south-east of central Berlin, should be seen by all. Immense statues of Soviet soldiers, a series of stone carvings weirdly reminiscent of Roy Lichtenstein, and a room at the foot of the main sculpture where visitors leave flowers - all these combine for an experience at once overbearing and moving. Make sure you go and see The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, in Tiergarten. The piece begins as a few scattered paving stones on the street, which become increasingly large as you are drawn into a maze of imposing concrete slabs representing tombs. Part of the work’s impact stems from the way it dissolves the division between casually strolling through the city and engaging seriously with its past, promoting exactly the kind of heightened awareness this kind of public art aims to achieve.

7/10 actually. I don’t want to hear any more complaints.

CAPRICORN Like a single fact in a world of false hopes, you’re pretty dull really. This month you can have fun by lying to people about stuff.

AQUARIUS This month your stars are all acid hallucinations - so you can do whatever you want and fly and shit. April will probably be ropey, mind. Stock up on tinned starfruits.

Wild, crazy & fishy: Jon Bon Jovi is 45 on 2 March

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

Soviet War Memorial in Treptower Park. Inset: Aurora Hostel

LIFESTYLE

THURS 1 MAR

RESIDENTS, *.*, THE BUFF CLUB, 23:00, £3 RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND,

YELLOW BOX DENOTES SKINNY HIGHLIGHTS

MR. LIVEWIRE & GARY CURLEY, STEREODOG, CHINA-

tronica, 21:00, Free

11.30am with PIYP

WHITE, House, 22:00, £8 (£5)

TUES 6 MAR

house sounds, 22:00, £5, free b4 11pm

DJ PHIL, TFI FRIDAY, SSU, Chart, 16:00, £2 after 5pm,

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN, BLUU, Jazz, disco &

RESIDENTS, 12 HOUR TUESDAYS, SSU, Chart music & live RADIOCLIT, XVECTORS, FUTUREHEADS DJ SET, THE BLEEPS, BLITZRIEG BOP VICE MAGAZINE PARTY, THE MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie comedy, 15:00, £2, free b4 3pm RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, 22:00, £6, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND, ARCHES, Vice style party, 22:30, £6 (£4) rock party, 23:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkRSAMD, 18:00, £tbc RESIDENTS, BROWN BAGGIN’ IT, THE GARAGE, 23:00, £5 punk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00, £4, free 11.30pm with PIYP ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & (£3), free b4 11.30pm with PIYP TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, b4 11pm hip pop, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, ElecCRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY 21:00, Free ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYS- matric tronic sounds, 20:00, Free & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00, Free MUNGO’S HI FI, DUB & GRUB, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, DER SUPER DJER GRAEME FERGUSON, DAS BOOT, TEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free JIM GELLATLY & RESIDENTS, CLUB NME, THE ARCHES, Snacks, meals & Mungo’s Hi Fi, 17:00, Free GEORGE BOWIE, CUBE FRIDAYS, 23:00, £5 (£3) BLOC, 22:00, Free Indie club, 22:30, £5 (£3) FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, 20:00, Free RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock MCSLEAZY (XFM), CRUSH, QMU, Bootlegs, 22:00, £2, SAT 3 MAR RESIDENTS, FUNKY LUV, PLAY, Driving vocal house, & punk, 22:30, £tbc £1 members LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00, £5 MICALL PARKNSUN, DUBBLEDGE, DJ LG, MR. COPY, GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, 23:00, £7 (£5), 22:00, £5, £3 NUS free b4 11.30pm with matric. NAUGHTY NICOLA, INFLATABLE FUN, THE GARAGE, RESIDENTS, FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors BRE & HUDSON MOHAWK, DBLSPK, BLACKFRIARS BASEDAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00, Free MENT CLUB, Electronic and hip hop stuff, 20:00, £8 ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 RESIDENTS, KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, 22:00, £3, FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, FREAKMENOOVERS DJS & DJ RUSTIE, FREAKMOVES, 11.30pm with matric. RSAMD, 18:00, £tbc

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, 23:00, £4 (£3)

JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul & motown, 20:00, Free

TIFF PEACHES, PROVINYLIST KARIM ILL TECHNIQUE & GROUNDSKEEPER GC, HOMEBREW, THE SUB CLUB, 23:00, £3, £2 matric. card

ALFONZO & WEE BEASTIE, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER, 21:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm RESIDENTS, LOLLIPOP, GUU, Pop, RnB & Indie , 22:00, £3 (£2, £1), free b4 9pm DJ EUAN, ON DEMAND, THE SHED, Requests by text message at this interactive club night, 22:30, £3

MARK ROBB, TANIA & FRIENDS, PLASTIC FUNK, BAMBOO, Funk, soul & rock n roll, 22:30, £4 (£3), free b4

11pm/12.30am with matric

RESIDENTS, PUMP UP THE JAM, SSU, 23:00, £2 RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00, Free

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco electro, 23:00, £4 (£3)

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE

GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am

with PIYP

BEN GODDARD, BLOC, A man, 21:00, Free CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00, Free

FRI 2 MAR

EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS, ABC1, Genre mash-up,

23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. TURTLE & QUAILL, ANIMAL FARM, BLOC, House, techno & electro, 22:00, Free BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

SCOTT RADAR & SEWELLY, THE BASEMENT, SOUNDHAUS, House & techno, 22:30, £7 (£6)

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN, BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00, £5, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, BROWN BAGGIN’ IT, THE GARAGE, 23:00,

£5 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with PIYP HI-FI SEAN, BURLY, THE ARCHES, Aimed at gay & bi men aged 25+, 22:30, £10 RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00, Free RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 22:30, £tbc LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00, £5 N-TYPE, FORTIFIED SESSIONS, THE UNIVERSAL, Electronic/ dub, 22:00, £8 RESIDENTS, FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00, £6 (£4)

RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

KOSMIK KOMMANDO, LIKE A TIM, SENDEX, NUMBERS + MONOX = ACID PROLAPSE, THE SUB CLUB, ACEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIID, 22:30, £10

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30, £6

ALI & GRAEME (SKYROCKET), OOFT PRECLUB, TERMINAL BAR, Electronic/dub, 21:00, Free

RICK WITTER (SHED 7), SONNY MARVELLO, CRAIG CASEY & MARLOW, PINUP, WOODSIDE SOCIAL CLUB, Indie, punk, soul & electropop, 21:00, £6 (£5) RESIDENTS, RED & GOLD ROOM, ARTA, Soul musak, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP,

BAMBOO, House music, hip hop & lounge, 21:00, £5,

free b4 11pm/12.30am students

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00, Free

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

free 4 students

free with matric. After 12am

Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00, £6 (£4) RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. DJ AIDEN , AUDIO, BLOC, House, techno & electro, MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk , GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Old 21:00, Free 22:00, £2, £1 members school tunes, 22:30, £6 KEVIN SAUNDERSON, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW SCHOOL PUNTERS, ROCK KARAOKE, THE CATHOUSE, Karaoke to ALI & GRAEME (SKYROCKET), OOFT PRECLUB, TERMINAL OF ART, House & techno, 23:00, £8 rock, 23:00, Free b4 12am BAR, Electronic/dub, 21:00, Free CRAG, ROBBIE B & JAYSUS, BANFF CLUB, BLOC, Eclec- LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARRESIDENTS, RED & GOLD ROOM, ARTA, Soul musak, tic, 22:00, Free BON, Dance, 22:30, £5 (£4) 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

THE MOJO KINGS & DJS, ALL TORE UP, BLACKFRIARS

BASEMENT CLUB, Rock & roll & rockabilly club, 21:00, £6

PETE TONG, DANNY HOWELLS, SANDY RIVERA, MYNC PROJECT & MORE, COLOURS, THE ARCHES, Crowd friendly dance music, 22:00, £23 (£18)

LIFESTYLE

LISTINGS GLASGOW CLUBS

RESIDENTS, KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, Electroclash & that, 23:00, £4 (£3)

WED 7 MAR

DJ DEC, DELIVERANCE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Alterna-

STACEY PULLEN, OCTOGEN, RETURN TO MONO, THE SUB CLUB, Techno, 23:00, £10 (£8)

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAM-

tive music, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP PAUL N’JIE (BEAT 106), DIRTY RECORDZ, GUU, 22:00, RESIDENTS, ELETRICAT DANCE GROUP, RSAMD, Brazilian BOO, House music, hip hop & lounge, 21:00, £5, free b4 £3 (£2, £1), free b4 9pm 11pm/12.30am students MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, North- Street Dance classes, 18:00, £4 (£3.50), £3 RSAMD JOHANNES HEIL, SCOTT THEORY, SLEAZE, CLUB 69, DJ RICCI, GOSSIP, SSU, Gay/mixed night, 20:00, Free ern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5) Techno & electro, 23:00, £8 RESIDENTS, JOINTS & JAMS, CUBE, 23:00, £3 (£2) RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA, LIPTONS, free club from mix, 23:00, £7 (£5) (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro 10.15pm, 20:00, Free ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, soul, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, 22:00, £4, £2 electro & disco, 21:00, Free MR. LIVEWIRE & GARY CURLEY, STEREODOG, CHINAfrom 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showWHITE, House, 22:00, £8 (£5) RESIDENTS, OCTOPUSSY, THE ARCHES, 22:00, £4 case, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm DJ PHIL, TFI FRIDAY, SSU, Chart, 16:00, £2 after 5pm, RESIDENTS, TONGUE IN CHEEK, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & free 4 students & indie, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with matric SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, House and MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie ANDY & BRIAN, WHATEVER, THE GARAGE, Chart music, smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00, £5, free b4 11pm/ rock party, 23:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 23:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP 12.30am students 11.30pm with PIYP MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & RESIDENTS, I LOVE THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE, Classics, FABIO, GROOVERIDER & BAILEY, XPLICIT XTRABASS indie, 21:00, Free 22:30, £7 (£5), £6 (£4) b4 12am TOUR, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, 22:30, £tbc THE HORRORIST, DJ PRODUCER, DAN MONOX, TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, 21:00, Free JAMIE BALL , IMPACT, SOUNDHAUS, Hardcore, techno, ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSRESIDENTS, *.*, THE BUFF CLUB, 23:00, £3 industrial, acid, 22:00, £12 (£10) TEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free RESIDENTS, ABOLICANO CAPOEIRA SCOTLAND, KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON GEORGE BOWIE, CUBE FRIDAYS, 23:00, £5 (£3) RSAMD, 18:00, £tbc SATURDAYS, KARBON, 22:30, £tbc RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00, DAN HAAN & THE STINKY MUNCHKINS, LA ROCHE £6, free b4 11pm RUMBA 1ST BIRTHDAY, POLLOK EX-SERVICES MENS CLUB, GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, 23:00, £7 (£5), RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX, CHINAWHITE, Rock, 22:00, Italo disco, punk, northern soul, techno, 20:00, £4 free b4 11.30pm with matric. £4, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00, Free 11.30pm with matric. downstairs, 22:30, £6 CALVIN HARRIS, JIM GELLATLY & RESIDENTS, CLUB DJ AIDEN , AUDIO, BLOC, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, OPEN DEX, DEEP 6 (GUU), Bring your vinyl/ NME, THE ARCHES, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 22:30, £5 (£3) LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASCDs if you think you can do better, 21:00, £1, £2 nonMCSLEAZY (XFM), CRUSH, QMU, Bootlegs, 22:00, £2, members GOW SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00, £1 members £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am BRENDAN LONG, BABY BONES & ELECTRIC BOY FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW FRANCE COPLAND, ALAN CURRIE, STE ROBERTSON SHOCK, PURPLE SNEAKER, CLASSIC GRAND, House, SCHOOL OF ART, 23:00, £4 (£3) & HUDSON MOHAWK, DBLSPK, MAGGIE MAY’S BASEMENT, techno. Electro, punk & new wave, 21:00, £6 (£5) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, Electro, 23:00, £8 PHONIQUE, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, House from 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. PAUL N’JIE (BEAT 106), DIRTY RECORDZ, GUU, 22:00, £3 Berlin, 23:00, £12, £8 b4 12am D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY & BOOM MONK BEN, (£2, £1), free b4 9pm RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northwith metal, emo & punk, 17:00, £6 (£3) soul & motown, 20:00, Free ern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5) DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, 21:00, Free

They took our Lighthouse by Billy Hamilton

Closure – it’s what the death of every relationship needs. But when one partner seeks a premature end to a seemingly flourishing affair the resulting split is never going to be amicable. It’s in these times of turmoil when jilted lovers call on the support of their loyal friends, and for Edinburgh’s Lighthouse Studios this solace has been found in the hundreds of artists who have graced its hallowed confines.

the much-publicised calamity of claim and counterclaim, the real loser in the studio’s closure has been forgotten – the artists of Edinburgh.

ONE MORE BOOT IN Less than a year since The Venue closed its doors THE BOLLOCKS OF the f inal time, The INDEPENDENT CREATIVITY for Lighthouse Studios’ plight

With 30,000 square feet of music and multimedia recording space, The Lighthouse has been an illuminating beacon of ingenuity since its establishment in Edinburgh’s Granton area five years ago. Firmly focused on developing up and coming Scottish talent, the self-financed production company has provided the first raw recordings for acts like Aberfeldy, The Magnificents and Quinn whilst facilitating national broadcast projects by the BBC and Film Four. Yet i n October 2006 the bui ld i ng’s ow ner Waterfront Edinburgh suddenly called time on the Lighthouse Studios’ successful tenure - much to the dismay of the local arts community. Since then, accusations of illicit parties, late payments and tarnished reputations have been rife in the build up to the studios’ May demise. But amidst

reaffirms the city’s reluctance to nurture creativity. And with Studio 24 having only narrowly avoided the foreboding claws of those who would have it prematurely shut down, an almost parasitic desire to suck dry Auld Reekie’s veins in the name of economic expansion is slowly beginning to erode a vibrant subculture. For a town that offers an affectionate annual handshake to the global arts community, Edinburgh does a stellar job of sweeping the welcome mat out from under the feet of local talent. To musicians across the Central Belt, the loss of such an influential institution signifies the death of a powerful voice in Scotland’s musical landscape. Of course, there are other studios and other means of being heard, but the passing of a lynchpin such as The Lighthouse feels like one more boot in the bollocks of independent creativity. Breaking up is never easy, yet for the artistic community of Edinburgh, closure has become almost unbearable.

THURS 8 MAR

SAT 10 MAR

BARRY & ANDY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30, £6 (£5), free b4 12am with PIYP

DJ NAEEM & MIRRIRBAW, CHINAWHITE, Main room RnB & classics, funky house in the Mao room, 22:00, £10 PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free

PAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSORLEYS, 21:00, Free

RESIDENTS, REPUBLIC BIER HALLE, Leftfield music & pizzas, 21:00, Free

SUN 4 MAR

MR. CRAIG GRANT, LOUIS ABBOT & KENNY REID, BLOC + JAM, BLOC, Open mic, 21:00, Free RESIDENTS, CLUB CUBA!, FAVELA, Latin rhythms, 21:00, Free

DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00, £5 (£3) RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00, Free

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO, 22:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/12.30pm

with matric

MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00, £3, free with matric JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00, £6 (£5) RESIDENTS, SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 1am with PIYP NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & elec-

TIFF PEACHES, PROVINYLIST KARIM ILL TECHNIQUE & GROUNDSKEEPER GC, HOMEBREW, THE SUB CLUB, 23:00, £3, £2 matric. card

THE NEEDLES & TRAP 6, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER,

21:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm RESIDENTS, LOLLIPOP, GUU, Pop, RnB & Indie , 22:00, £3 (£2, £1), free b4 9pm DJ EUAN, ON DEMAND, THE SHED, 22:30, £3

MARK ROBB, TANIA & FRIENDS, PLASTIC FUNK, BAMBOO, Funk, soul & rock n roll, 22:30, £4 (£3), free b4

11pm/12.30am with matric

RESIDENTS, PUMP UP THE JAM, SSU, 23:00, £2 RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00, Free

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RECORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC

CONVEXTION, $TINKWORX, MARTIN RUBADUB, DOWNLOW MUSIC SHOWCASE, CLUB 69, Detroit Techno, Bunker Electro, bang-on DJs!, 23:00, £10 RESIDENTS, FLUX, SSU, 22:00, £4 (£3)

HARD HOUSE LINE-UP, FREEFALL, THE ARCHES, Hard house & trance, 22:00, £tbc

RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, 23:00, £7 (£5) ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00, Free

RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, HOMEGROWN, BAMBOO, 21:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12.30am students

RESIDENTS, I LOVE THE GARAGE, THE GARAGE, Classics, RESIDENTS, RUBBERMENSCH, ABC2, A night for indie lov- 22:30, £7 (£5), £6 (£4) b4 12am THE YOUNGSTERS, INNER CITY ACID, SOUNDHAUS, ers, 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. BAR, Disco electro, 23:00, £4 (£3)

DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Metal, hip hop & Techno, 23:00, £12 (£10) KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON rock, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP SATURDAYS, KARBON, 22:30, £tbc GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, 22:30, £6 RESIDENTS, OPEN DEX, DEEP 6 (GUU), Bring your vinyl/CDs with PIYP if you think you can do better, 21:00, £1, £2 non-memCJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00, Free

FRI 9 MAR

EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS, ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4

bers

KT RED &* JT HOOKER, SIREN, BLOC, 22:00, Free HARRI & DOM, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00, £8, £5 b4 12am RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with

LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

EDINBURGH COMEDY

THU 1 MAR, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND,

Jake O’Kane, Teddy, Column McDonnell and Woody. Hosted by Susan Morrison, 9pm, £3 - £7

FRI 2 MAR, THE STAND, Jake O’Kane,

Teddy, Column McDonnell and Woody. Hosted by Susan Morrison, 9pm, £5 - £9 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Alex Boardman, Dave Johns, Jack Cowley, Jason-John Whitehead, 8pm, £10

SAT 3 MAR, THE STAND, Jake O’Kane,

Teddy, Column McDonnell and Woody. Hosted by Susan Morrison, 9pm, £10 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Alex Boardman, Dave Johns, Jack Cowley, Jason-John Whitehead, 8pm, £12

SUN 4 MAR, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Improv over tasty scoff, 1pm, Free

MON 5 MAR, RED RAW, THE STAND, With John

JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Dave Williams, James Dowdeswell, Dominic Woodward, Steve Hughes, 8pm, £10 LIVE AT THE LOFT, THE THREE SISTERS, Stephen Carlin, Greg McHugh, MT, Zeb Twilight, Steven Davidson, 8pm, £6

SAT 10 MAR, THE STAND, Simon Munnery,

SAT 17 MAR, THE STAND, Martin Soan,

Greg Cook, Keir McAllister and Allan Miller. Hosted by Bruce Morton, 9pm, £10 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Miles Crawford, Christian Reilly, Smug Roberts, Neil McFarlane, 8pm, £12

Tanya WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, Lee Davis, Phil Differ and Nick Davies. Hosted by Bruce THE STAND, Improv over tasty scoff., 1pm, Free Devlin, 9pm, £10 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Dave Williams, James Dow- BEST OF IRISH SPECIAL, THE STAND, David O’Doherty, Martin Bigpig Mor and Owen O’Neill. Hosted by Michael deswell, Dominic Woodward, Steve Hughes, 8pm, £12 Redmond, 8.30pm, £7 - £8

SUN 11 MAR, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Improv over tasty scoff., 1pm, Free

THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, David Kay, Phil Differ, Antony Murray and Jim Park. Hosted by Steven Dick, 8.30pm, £1 - £5

SUN 18 MAR,

MON 19 MAR, RED RAW, THE STAND, With Gary Little and Kevin Bridges, 8.30pm, £2

TUE 20 MAR, MELTING POT, THE STAND, tbc, 8.30pm, £2 - £3

MON 12 MAR, RED RAW, THE STAND, With Scott WED 21 MAR, BENEFIT IN AID OF FIRST STEP Agnew and Michael Redmond, 8.30pm, £2

COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE STAND, Gary - Tank Com-

TUE 13 MAR, SARAH KENDALL - ATTENTION

mander, Gus Tawse and Carly Baker with more to be announced, 8.30pm, £4 - £6

Jane Mackay, AL Kennedy and Sian Bevan. Hosted by Susan Calman, 8.30pm, £3 - £6

up, and very funny all the way through, Kendall is your comic., 8.30pm, £5 - £7

THU 22 MAR, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND,

WED 7 MAR, LAUGH? I NEARLY VOTED, THE

WED 14 MAR, MARK WATSON - I’M WORRIED

Ross and Gus Tawse, 8.30pm, £2

TUE 6 MAR, SISTARS, THE STAND, Tanya Lee Davis,

STAND, Political satire, improvised sketches and celebrity

interviews - with Vladimir McTavish, Bruce Devlin and live MSP grillings. Special guest SNP Leader Nicola Sturgeon, 8.30pm, £3 - £6

THU 8 MAR, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND,

Tanya Lee Davis, Graeme Thomas, Phil Differ and Scott Agnew. Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 9pm, £3 - £7

FRI 9 MAR, THE STAND, Simon Munnery,

Tanya Lee Davis, Phil Differ and Nick Davies. Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 9pm, £5 - £9

SEEKER, THE STAND, If you like your stand up straight

THAT I’M STARTING TO HATE ALMOST EVERYONE IN THE WORLD, THE STAND, We all know that feeling. Is eve-

ryone else getting worse, or are we chosen getting less tolerant? Fun, clever and well worth a look., 8.30pm, £5 - £7

FRI 16 MAR, THE STAND, Martin Soan,

Greg Cook, Keir McAllister and Allan Miller. Hosted by Bruce Morton, 9pm, £5 - £9 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Miles Crawford, Christian Reilly, Smug Roberts, Neil McFarlane, 8pm, £10

Steve Gribbin, Michael Legge, Andrew Lawrence and Joel Israel. Hosted by Joe Heenan, 9pm, £3 - £7

FRI 23 MAR, THE STAND, Steve Gribbin,

Michael Legge, Andrew Lawrence and Joel Israel. Hosted by Susan Morrison, 9pm, £5 - £9 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, John Mann, Andy Askins, Jojo Sutherland, 8pm, £10

on a comparable comedic ‘mission’ to Stewart Lee. Definitely worth judging for yourself., 9pm, £10 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, John Mann, Andy Askins, Jojo Sutherland, 8pm, £12

SUN 25 MAR, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Improv over tasty scoff., 1pm, Free

PHIL NICHOL - THE NAKED RACIST, THE STAND, The award winner returns with his outstanding show (***** The Skinny), 8.30pm, £8 - £10

MON 26 MAR, RED RAW, THE STAND, With Phil Differ and Michael Legge, 8.30pm, £2

LISTINGS

LIFESTYLE

SKINNY FASHION

TUE 27 MAR, THE STAND, tbc, 8.30pm, £7 - £9 WED 28 MAR, BEST OF SCOTTISH, THE STAND,

Parrot, Kevin Bridges and Mark Bratchpiece. Hosted by Jane Mackay, 8.30pm, £6

THU 29 MAR, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, With Kevin Gildea, Mark Bratchpiece, Jarlath Regan and Kate Fox. Hosted by The Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolfe III, 8.30pm, £5 - £7

FRI 30 MAR, THE STAND, With Kevin Gildea,

Mark Bratchpiece, Jarlath Regan and Kate Fox. Hosted by The Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolfe III, 8.30pm, £5 - £9 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Colin Cole, Stefano Paolini, 8pm, £10

SAT 31 MAR, THE STAND, With Kevin Gildea,

SAT 24 MAR, THE STAND, Scott Capurro,

Mark Bratchpiece, Jarlath Regan and Kate Fox. Hosted by The Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolfe III, 8.30pm, £10 JONGLEURS, OMNI CENTRE, Colin Cole, Stefano Paolini, 8pm, £12

Except the tragedy in the beauty. He’d put it better than that. He’s very good., 9pm, £9 JOAN RIVERS, KINGS THEATRE, Funny miaow miaow not funny woof woof, 8pm, £15 - £25.50 JOSIE LONG, BREL, See our preview in Comedy (***** SkinnyFest), 9pm, £4 - £6

Martin Bigpig Mor, 8.30pm, £10 JONGLEURS, UGC CENTRE, 8pm, £13

Michael Legge, Andrew Lawrence and Joel Israel. Hosted by Susan Morrison. Capurro continues to attract positive but qualified praise in other media. The Skinny sees past his occasional lapses to one of the sharpest comics around,

GLASGOW COMEDY THU 1 MAR, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, With

Ian Coppinger, Graeme Thomas, Poetry Pete and Sonya Kelly. Hosted by Susan Calman, 8.30pm, £3 - £7

AUSTIN LOW, GEORGICS BAR, Modern life is funny; Low

has a growing reputation, 8pm, £5 - £6

STEWART LEE - MARCH OF THE MALLARDS, THE STAND, What

it’s all about. Read our feature in the Comedy section, John Gillick, then buy your ticket., 8pm, £8 - £10 Poetry Pete and Sonya Kelly. Hosted by Susan Calman, PATRICK ROLINK: WHAT’S UP DOC?, LAURIES ACOUSTIC ROOM, Jokes about life after 40. It’s great, I’m told., 8.30pm, £5 - £9 8pm, £6 - £7 THE COMEDY WOMB, STATE BAR, Local acts do it proper, THE STAND, Ian Coppinger, John Gil9pm, £5 - £6 lick, Poetry Pete and Sonya Kelly. Hosted by Susan BIG YIN REVISTED, OLD FRUITMARKET, Stars in Their Eyes Calman, 8.30pm, £10 Winner’s Connolly homage, 9pm, £8 - £10 JONGLEURS, UGC CENTRE, 8pm, £13 DAVID HEFFRON, GEORGICS BAR, Nerd humour joy for MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, lovers of the ZX Spectrum, Ghostbusters and sci-fi, 9.30pm, £5 - £6 THE STAND, With Sandy Nelson, Andy McPartland, Martin McAllister and Scotty Domnhallach, 8.30pm, £1 FESTIVAL CLUB, THE STAND, Best of the fest style closer with a late bar., 10.30pm, £8 - £10 - £5 LATE N LOUD, BLACKFRIARS, Varied line up, on ‘til 3…, 10.45pm, £5 - £6 DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE, THE JONGLEURS, UGC CENTRE, Michael Legge, Paul ChowSTAND, Raymond Mearns, Paul Pirie, Allen Chalmers dry, 8pm, £10 and Sandy Nelson, 8.30pm, £4

FRI 2 MAR, THE STAND, Ian Coppinger, SAT 3 MAR,

SUN 4 MAR,

MON 5 MAR,

TUE 6 MAR, RED RAW, THE STAND, With Jamie

ShineOn

Anderson and Gus Tawse, 8.30pm, £1 - £2

Character comedy in various guises, 7.45pm, £6 - £8

WED 7 MAR, SISTARS, THE STAND, With Tanya

ACOUSTIC ROOM, Trippy funny weirdness, 8pm, £6

Lee Davis, Jane Mackay, AL Kennedy and Sian Bevan. Hosted by Susan Calman, 8.30pm, £3 - £6

GLASGOW COMEDY FESTIVAL STARTS!, , , THU 8 MAR, VLADIMIR MCTAVISH, THE STAND, A

Brief History of Scotland presented in satirical fashion, 7.30pm, £6 - £7 REBUS MCTAGGART, CITIZENS THEATRE, Spoof police character acting, 7.30pm, £12

IMPROBABBLE PRESENTS MAKE ME AN OFFER, BRUNSWICK

comer, 9pm, £4 - £6

FUNNY WOMEN, STATE BAR, Fundraiser for International

Women’s Day with top female comics (line up tbc)., 9pm, £10 BOOTHBY GRAFFOE & NICK PYNN, THE STAND, Subtle, clever, folk humour with music (**** - SkinnyFest), 9.30pm, £7 - £8

FRI 9 MAR, JANEY GODLEY & ASHLEY STORRIE,

BLACKFRIARS, Mother and daughter duo, 7.45pm, £6 - £8

CRAIG HILL, GARAGE, Popular camp and charming com-

edy, 8pm, £8 - £10.50

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

NEIL MCFARLANE TAKES THE BULL BY THE HORNS, LAURIES

- £7

PHIL KAY, ABC, Very trippy very funny weirdness, 8pm,

£6 - £7

JEREMY HARDY, GARAGE, He’s on Radio 4, and can be

devatatingly dry, 8pm, £12 - £14

REG D HUNTER: PRIDE & PREJUDICE & NIGGAS, THE STAND,

Charismatic American should excel more than ever in a small space (**** - SkinnyFest), 8pm, £8 - £10

BRENDON BURNS: SOBER NOT CLEAN, OLD FRUITMARKET,

Abrasive Aussie , £9 - £10

RUSSEL BRAND: SHAME, ACADEMY, Mouthy famous feller. HOTEL, Improvisational fun. , 8pm, £4 - £5 I met him before he was famous, and he was mouthy JANEY GODLEY, GARAGE, Local girl hailed by other com- then. Naturally funny, 8.30pm, £14.50 - £16.50 ics and a large fanbase, 8pm, £7 - £9 JOHN BISHOP, BLACKFRIARS, Liverpudlian laugh-man, AL PITCHER, UNIVERSAL, Improvised banter and big 9.15pm, £6 - £8 laughs, 8.30pm, £4 - £6 JONGLEURS, UGC CENTRE, Michael Legge, Paul ChowDAN CLARK - THE DAY I LOST MY IPOD, BREL, Rated newdry, 8pm, £13

POLISH UP, AS THIS SEASON IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHEEN. FROM EIGHTIES GOLD LAMÉ DRESSES AND COPPER PLATFORM HEELS, TO FUTURISTIC SILVER LYCRA AND METALLIC ACCESSORIES, IT’S TIME TO SHINE.

SAT 10 MAR, SIMON BRODKIN, BLACKFRIARS,

LIFESTYLE

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SUN 11 MAR, ROBIN INCE LOVES BOOKS, GARAGE, Literary mental rambles; a cult hero, 8pm, £7 - £9 LIMMYDOTCOMLIVE, BLACKFRIARS, Podcast phenomenon demonstrated live, 8.15pm, £6 - £7 STEPHEN CARLIN, UNIVERSAL, Edinburgh and Glasgow favourite, 8.30pm, £4 - £6 MATT KIRSHEN, BREL, Wild-minded upstart, 9pm, £4 - £6 SIMON MUNNERY, THE STAND, Truly creative and imaginative stand up, 9.30pm, £5 - £7

MON 12 MAR, DANIEL KITSON, THE STAND, Per-

sonal, emotive comedy at the expense of nothing at all.

TUE 13 MAR, SUPER SKETCH ME, TRON THEATRE,

The Comedy Unit (Chewin’ the Fat, Rab C Nesbitt) with oddball sketch comedy, 8pm, £10.50 - £12.50

SUN 18 MAR, MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND, Die Clatterschenkenfietermaus, Barry

Dodds, Nick Morrow, Chris Forbes and Phil Differ. With host Michael Redmond, 8.30pm, £1 - £5

MON 19 MAR, THE AMAZING BASTARDS, THE

STAND, Mixing experimental stand-up, off-beat charac-

ters, and assorted bobbins, Steven Dick, Allan Miller and Teddy offer a show that won’t be for everyone. Are AND SMILING ON THE WEAK JOKES, THE STAND, Storytelling you ambitious, conscientious, confident, and consistmetaphysical humour, 7.30pm, £4 - £6 ently motivated by a desire to make a real difference to CANNON & BALL LIVE, KINGS THEATRE, 40 years experithe world? If so, probably best you don’t come. If not, ence of the business, 8pm, £13.50 - £17.50 expect laughs courtesy of kindred spirits, 8.30pm, £2 NORMAN LOVETT’S SLIDESHOW SHOW, TRON THEATRE, Dude - £3 off Red Dwarf. With slides. Solid., 8pm, £7 - £9 RED RAW, THE STAND, With Jane STEVE DAY, UNIVERSAL, Radio 4 comedian has concerns Mackay and Keir McAllister, 8.30pm, £1 - £2 about sending his kids to comprehensive school. He

WED 14 MAR, ALUN COCHRANE: TELLING STORIES

TUE 20 MAR,

went, and at least came out funny, 8.30pm, £4 - £6 KEARA MURPHY: LITTLE LOVE AFFAIRS, BREL, Charming Glaswegian, 9pm, £4 - £6

WED 21 MAR, ROUGH CUTS, THE STAND, tbc, 8.30pm, £2.50 - £5

22 MAR, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, THU 15 MAR, MARK WATSON - I’M WORRIED THAT I’M THU Trevor Crook, Des McLean, Mat Reed and Antony MurSTARTING TO HATE ALMOST EVERYONE IN THE WORLD, THE

STAND, We all know that feeling. Is everyone else getting worse, or are we chosen getting less tolerant? Fun, clever and well worth a look, 7.30pm, £5 - £7 WE ARE KLANG, TRON THEATRE, Oddball stippers with shockin’ sketches (**** - SkinnyFest), 8pm, £9 - £12 WIL HODGSON, UNIVERSAL, Seriously weird, beautifully funny (**** - SkinnyFest), 8.30pm, £4 - £6 JIM JEFFRIES, BLACKFRIARS, Rude man from Down Under, 9pm, £6 SARAH KENDALL - ATTENTION SEEKER, THE STAND, If you like your stand up straight up, and very funny all the way through, Kendall is your comic., 9.30pm, £5 - £7 JERRY SADOWITZ, TRON THEATRE, Card trick specialist (and part time misanthropist) shows off his world class skills and slags everyone off, 10.30pm, £14.50

ray. Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 8.30pm, £3 - £7

FRI 23 MAR, THE STAND, Trevor Crook,

Des McLean, Mat Reed and John Cooper. Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 8.30pm, £5 - £9 JONGLEURS, UGC CENTRE, 8pm, £10

SAT 24 MAR, THE STAND, Trevor Crook,

Des

McLean, Mat Reed and Jo

FRI 16 MAR, PAUL MERTON’S IMPRO CHUMS, KINGS THEATRE, TV’s most reliably funny comedian brings his

pals in for on the spot humour, 8pm, £15.50 - £19.50 DES CLARKE, GARAGE, Cheeky chappie on the make, with good jokes, 8pm, £10 SEAN HUGHES, ABC, For the first time in ages. See preview in Comedy, 8pm, £11 - £13 ANDREW MAXWELL, OLD FRUITMARKET, Traditionally funny Irishman making it, 9pm, £10 - £13 GARY LITTLE, BLACKFRIARS, Effective Scottish comic tells it ‘like it is’ , 9.15pm, £6 - £8

SAT 17 MAR, THE STAND, Stewart Francis,

Die Clatterschenkenfietermaus, Saj and Mark Nelson. Hosted by

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

GLASGOW ARTS

THE ARCHES, DANNY HOLCROFT, SUPPRESSED ECHO, A giant wooden mobile!, 1/3/07, 4/4/07, MonSun, 10:00(mon-sat)/12:00(Sun), 22:00, Free

THE BURRELL COLLECTION

THE EMPEROR’S TERRAPIN, THE EMPEROR’S TERRAPIN, One of the largest pieces of jade in existence,

SPRING EXHIBITION, Featuring regular gallery artists, 5/3/07, 25/3/07, Thu-Mon, 13:30(mon, thu, fri, sun)/ 11:30(sat), 17:30, Free

GLASGOW GALLERY OF MODERN ART, GROUP SHOW, BODY LANGUAGE, Figurative work

from the collection (see feature online), 14/10/06, 11/3/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00(mon-thu)/11:00(fri-sun), 17:00(friwed)/20:00(thur), Free

18/1/07, 25/3/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00(mon, thur, sat)/ 11:00(Fri/Sun), 17:00, Free V/A, 17TH CENTURY SAMPLERS, Embroidered samGLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, V/A, FLEETplers from Sir William Burrell’s wonderful collection of ING ARCADIAS, Thirty Years of British landscape British embroideries, TBC, Mon-Sun, 10:00(mon, thur, photography from the Arts Council collection, 10/3/07, sat)/11:00(Fri/Sun), 17:00, Free 19/4/07, mon-Fri, 10:00, 17:00, Free

CCA, NICK CROWE, COMMEMORATIVE GLASS, HOUSE FOR AN ART LOVER, V/A, GROUP

Featuring a memorial to those beheaded in this cenSHOW, A new show different each month featuring a tury, 16/2/07, 31/3/07, Tue-Sat, 11:00(tue-fri), 10(sat), selection of contemporary Scottish artwork, TBC, Wed18:00, Free Mon, 10:00, Varies, £3.50(£2.50

COLLINS GALLERY, SIMON CARROLL, SUG-

HUNTERIAN, V/A, ENLIGHTENMENT: COLLECT-

17/2/07, 24/3/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00(mon-fri)/12:00(sat), 16:00(sat)/17:00(mon-fri), Free

years, TBC, 28/4/07, Mon-Sat, 09:30, 17:30, Admission charge

GESTION AND STATEMENT, Unusual ceramic works,

ING FOR THE FUTURE, Acquisitions from the last six

GATEHOUSE GALLERY, GROUP SHOW,

YELLOW BOX DENOTES SKINNY HIGHLIGHTS

GALLERY COSSACHOCK, PETER DON-

GROUP SHOW, BEARSDEN ART CLUB, Work by local

SKYH, THE CITY I LIVE IN, Work from the acclaimed

artists, 17/2/07, 16/3/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 17:00, Free

Russian artist, 11/3/07, 11/4/07, Tue-Sun, 12:00(tuesat)/17:00(sun), late, Free

PROJECT ABILITY

THE LIGHTHOUSE

GROUP SHOW, GROUP SHOW, Various artists, 23/3/07, 27/4/07, Mon-Fri, 10:00, 17:00, Free

V/A, SADNESS AND GLADNESS, Films of Glasgow Corporation 1920-1978, 5/3/07, 7/5/07, Mon-Sun, 10:30(mon, wed-sat)/11:00(tue)/12:00(sun), 17:00, £3(£1.50) GROUP SHOW, THINKING INSIDE THE BOX, 21st Century interiors, 24/2/07, 7/5/07, Mon-Sun, 10:30(mon, wed-sat)/11:00(tue)/12:00(sun), 17:00, £3(£1.50) DESIGN AND BUILD, FROM THE GROUND UP, Charitable organisation investigates stimulating and sustainableconstruction, 1/2/07, 15/3/07, Mon-Sun, 10:30(mon, wed-sat)/11:00(tue)/12:00(sun), 17:00, £3(£1.50)

LILLIE ART GALLERY

GROUP SHOW, PICTURE THIS, New acquisitions from the last five years, 24/3/07, 23/5/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 17:00, Free V/A, YOUNG PEOPLE’S ART, Does what it says on the tin, 24/3/07, 13/4/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 17:00, Free

EDINBURGH ARTS AMBER ROOME

GROUP SHOW, Including work by Jessica Harrison

Bridget Riley, 24/2/07, 30/4/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free V/A, DADA REVIEWS, Rare literary artefacts relating to DADA, 27/1/07, 30/4/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

and karen Kirkwood, 8/2/07, 8/3/07, Wed-Sat, 11:00, 18:00, Free SOPHIE ASTON, UNFAMILIAR SKIES, A response to DOGGERFISHER, GROUP SHOW, LA FEMME time spent in the Louvre, Paris, studying genre paint- DE NULLE PART, Curated by Lucy Skaer and featuring ing, 15/3/07, 12/4/07, Wed-Sat, 11:00, 18:00, Free Anita Di Bianco, Sophie Macphersona and Rosalind ANALOGUE, MARCUS OAKLEY, THAT AND THIS, Nashashibi, 23/2/07, 28/4/07, Wed-Sat, 11:00(wedfri)/12:00(sat), 18:00(wed-fri)17:00(sat), Free 9/2/07, 10/3/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00, 17:00, Free

THE BONGO CLUB, TBC, Interesting,

EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS

CITY ART CENTRE, GROUP SHOW, BEYOND

years, 20/1/07, 3/3/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free JENNY MARTIN, TRACES OF LIFE, 20/1/07, 3/3/07, TueSat, 10:00, 18:00, Free JENNY MARTIN, INCUBATOR, 17/3/07, 5/5/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free

unusual work in a stimulating environment, TBC, Mon-Sat, 11:00/12:30(sat), late, Free

APPEARANCES, Painting and picturing in Scottish

modern and contemporary art, 17/3/06, 3/6/07, MonSun, 10:00/12:00(sun), 17:00, Free

CITY ART CENTRE

PETER HOWSON, PORTRAIT OF A SAINT, Research and images centering around a recent commission, 30/11/06, 4/3/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00/12:00(sun), 17:00, Free

GROUP SHOW, LIVING IN THE MODERN WORLD,

Considering srchitecture and the built environment, 9/12/06, 4/3/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00/12:00(sun), 17:00, Free

GROUP SHOW, 40 YEARS AT EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS, Groundbreaking work by key artists from the early

EMBASSY GALLERY, V/A, TEXTUAL HEALING, A show of artists/ books and text related art, 17/2/07, 18/3/07, Thur-Sun, 12:00, 18:00, Free

FRUITMARKET GALLERY, TRENTO DOYLE

HANCOCK, THE WAYWARD THINKER, First European solo show by the intriguing American, 10/2/07, 8/4/07, Mon-Sun, 11:00(mon-sat)/12:00(sun), 18:00(monsat)17:00(sun), Free

DANISH CULTURAL INSTITUTE, GROUP

GALLERA1, SHAERON AVERBUCH, WORKS

the use of digital media and computer animation as a substitute for brush and paint, 5/3/07, 27/4/07, Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM, 17:00(mon-thu), 15:00(Fri), Free

comes to Edinburgh - with a surprising twist, 1/3/07, 24/3/07, Thu-Sun, 11:00 AM, 18:00, Free

DEAN GALLERY

Academy of Art, 17/2/07, 26/3/07, , 11:00(mon-fri)/ 10:00(sun), 18:00(mon-fri)/16:00(sun), Free

SHOW, PAINT IT OVER, This Danish art group focus on

GROUP SHOW, CUTTING EDGE GEOMETRY IN TWENTIETH-CENTURY ART, From Piet Mondrian to

DOWN UNDER UPSIDE DOWN HERE, Bondi Beach

I2, V/A, CORSHAM IN THE 1950S, Work from Bath LEITH GALLERY, GROUP SHOW, NEW FACES

EDINBURGH & GLASGOW THEATRE FESTIVAL THEATRE

ROYAL LYCEUM

1 - 3 MARCH, THE LETTER, Somerset Maugham’s famous 16 FEB - 10 MARCH, MRS WARREN’S PROFESSION, GBS revival, 7.45pm, £24 - 10 tale of revenge and deceit with Anthony Andrews and 16 MARCH - 7 APRIL, MONKS, Three Glaswegians arrive Jenny Seagrove, various, £22 - 11.50 on an Italian mountain, seeking out a Monk with healing 7 - 10 MARCH, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, New ballet powers so that one of them can be freed from a terrible based on famous tale, various, £23 - 10 past. , various, £24 - 10 21 - 24 MARCH, NABUCCO, Edinburgh Grand Opera TRAVERSE presents Verdi, 7.15pm, £28 - 5 23 FEB - 17 MARCH, STRANGERS, BABIES, New work from 27-MAR, SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE, Performing two Scottish playwright Linda McLean , 8pm, £12/7/4.50 works, 7.30pm, £16 - 7 27 - 31 MARCH, THE PLAY WHAT I WROTE, Morecambe 1 - 3 MARCH, DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID, Lyceum Youth Theatre presents a shadowy tale of when a joke and Wise tribute, various, £21 - 7 goes too far, various, £12/7/4.50 28-MAR, THE BILLY FURY STORY, Musical tribute to UK 7 - 10 MARCH, WHITER THAN SNOW, Post modern retellrock’n’roller, 7.30pm, £17 - 8.50 ing of Snow White, various, £12/7/4.50 30 & 31 MARCH, AUSTRALIAN DANCE THEATRE, see 15-MAR, THE WAVE PROJECT, Two readings from works Glasgow, 8pm, £20 - 7 in progress, 7.30pm, £4/2 KINGS THEATRE 26 FEB - 3 MARCH, THE LETTER, Somerset Maugham’s tale 17-MAR, THE ALLURE OF THE SECRET WORKSHOP, of suspense starring Anthony ‘ Sebastian Flyte’ Andrews, Workshop from Strangers Babies’ Linda McLean, 11am - 5pm, £10/6 7.30pm, £21 - 7 6 - 10 MARCH, THE WIZARD OF OZ, Southern Light Op- 21 - 24 MARCH, BAD JAZZ, Robert Farquhar; a group of desperadoes come together in pursuit of a shared era production, various, £16 - 10 13 - 17 MARCH, PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Gilbert & Sul- dream, 8pm, £12/7/4.50 22-MAR, NEVER BEEN IN BAGHDAD, 7.30pm, £4/2 livan at their singalong best, various, £16 - 4 20 - 24 MARCH, TITANIC, Bohemian Lyric Opera Company present award-winning musical about the marine tragedy, various, £15 - 8 25-MAR, HITS FROM THE BLITZ, A musical celebration of wartime entertainment, 2pm, £10

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

PLAYHOUSE

7 & 8 MARCH, SLEEPIN BEAUTY, Russian Classical Ballet, 7.30pm, various 9 & 10 MARCH, SWAN LAKE, Russian Classical Ballet, 7.30pm, various 12 - 17 MARCH, FAME THE MUSICAL, 7.30pm, various

LIFESTYLE

LISTINGS THEATRE & ARTS

2007, Paintings ceramics and jewellery by recent Scottish graduates, 17/2/07, 3/3/07, Mon-Sat, 11:00 AM, 17:00(mon-fri), 16:00(sat), Free

NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND,

GROUP SHOW, WORK ON PAPER, Five artists, 12/1/07, 16/3/07, Mon-Fri, 10:00, 17:00, Free

SORCHA DALLAS

CHARLIE HAMMOND, SOLO SHOW, Playful, paradoxical and lots of fun, 3/2/07, 3/3/07, Tue-Sat, 11:00, 17:00, Free ROB CHURM, SOLO SHOW, Graphic works by the Park Attack singer, 10/3/07, 7/4/07, Tue-Sat, 11:00, 17:00, Free

TRAMWAY

KIRSTY STANSFIELD , OBJECT STONES, Investigating how people relate to objects that make sounds, 2/3/07, 1/4/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00(tue-fri), 12:00(sat, sun), 17:00, Free

KATE DOVE AND VICTORIA MORTON, SUN BY EAR, New Work, 2/3/07, 1/4/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00(tue-fri), 12:00(sat, sun), 17:00, Free

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART

GROUP SHOW, OFF THE WALL, Floor- and Ceilingbased Works from the collection, 9/12/06, 28/5/07, Mon-

GOYA, MONSTERS AND MATADORS, Original Etchings Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free (see feature this issue), TBC, 25/2/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, SEAN SCULLY, SEAN SCULLY, Large-scale abstract 17:00/19:00(thur), Free

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND

V/A, THE CUTTING EDGE, The very best of contemporary Scottish craft, 26/1/07, 29/4/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free V/A, PIXAR: 20 YEARS OF ANIMATION, Hundreds of drawings, sculptures and digital paintings, 2/3/07, 28/5/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND, V/A, COMMANDO COUNTRY, TBC, 1/2/08, Mon-Sun, 09:45, 16:45, Free

OPEN EYE GALLERY, DIANA HOPE, HORTUS CONCLUSUS - THE GARDEN WITHIN, Solo

Show, 17/3/07, 7/3/07, , 11:00(mon-fri)/10:00(sun), 18:00(mon-fri)/16:00(sun), Free

ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

ANDREW MILLER, SIXES AND SEVENS, 27/1/07, 15/4/07,

paintings, 18/11/06, 4/3/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

TRACY MACKENNA AND EDWIN JANSSEN, SHOTGUN WEDDING: SCOTS AND THE UNION OF 1707, Six new works reflecting on the Union, 9/2/07, 0605/07, MonSun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

RICIA MALLEY AND ROSS GILLESPIE, ENTREPRENEURIAL SCOTLAND, Photos of businessmen and women, 13/2/07, 22/4/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE

SONIA BIDWELL, TEXTILES, 9/1/07, 3/3/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free

V/A, SHAODWS ON THE WALL, Traditional Indonesian Puppets and the Stories they tell, 10/3/07, 5/5/07, MonSat, 10:00, 18:00, Free

TALBOT RICE, JAMIE SHOVLIN, AGGREGATE,

Tue-Sun, 10:00, 17:30, Free

Solo show, 20/1/07, 10/3/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 17:00, Free

Sun, 10:00, 17:30, Free

GREEN, HEAD EATS CIRCLES..., Drawings by the film-

JUERGEN TELLER, AWAILABLE, 27/1/07, 15/4/07, Tue-

ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY

V/A, DARKSPACE II, Emerging fine art filmmakers inScotland who push the boundaries of convention by employing the latest technologies, 1/3/07, 11/3/7, MonSun, 10:00, 17:00/19:00(thur), Free DAVID MARTIN, SOLO SHOW, 16/3/07, 15/4/07, MonSun, 10:00, 17:00/19:00(thur), Free

TOTAL KUNST AT FOREST CAFE, SIMON

maker and sculptor, 12/2/07, 10/3/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00 AM, 21:00, Free

WASPS PATRIOTHALL GALLERY, ROSS

MACGREGOR, GOD! SORT YOUR LIFE OUT, New solo show, 11/3/07, 21/3/07, Mon-Sun, 12:00(mon-wed, fri), 14:00(Thu), 10:00(sat, sun), 19:00(mon-wed, fri), 21:00(thu), 17:00(sat, sun), Free

LEFT: Silver Vintage Checked Shift Dress, Brigitte, £90; Metallic Ruffle Bag, All Saints, £65; Silver Bangles, Miss Selfridge, £2 each; Silver Knitted Scarf, Mango, £30; Gold ‘Mistress’ Court Shoes, Office, £79.99; Metallic Silver Leggings, Mango, £18.

TOP: Gold Appliqué Vest, French Connection, £20; Fine Knit Gold Pleated Skirt, H&M, £29.99; Gold ‘Mistress’ Court Shoes, Office, £79.99.

STOCKIST INFO: All Saints, Ingram St; Brigitte, King St; Dower & Hall, Princes Square; French Connection, Princes Johnson’s classic satire, 7.30pm , £12/6/3 13 - 17 MARCH, LIFE OF PI, Stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s Booker Prize-winning novel, 7.30pm , £16/9.50/6/3 13 - 17 MARCH, ANNA HEPBURN IN CONSIDER THE LILLIES, Ian Crichton Smith tackles the Highland Clearances, 7.30pm , £12/6/3 28 - 31 MARCH, ICE CREAM DREAMS, Martin McARCHES THEATRE Cardie sets his new play against the tense backdrop of 2 - 17 MARCH, HUGHIE, Eugene O’Neill’s boozy noir clas- Glasgow’s infamous ‘Ice Cream’ gang wars, 7.30pm , sic , 7pm, £6/4 £10/6/3 22-MAR, TOSCA, Chisinau National Opera, 7.30pm, various 23 & 24 MARCH, AIDA, Chisinau National Opera, 7.30pm, various 31-MAR, ROCKIN ON HEAVEN’S DOOR, Rock’n’roll musical, 7.30pm, various

TRON THEATRE

6 - 17 MARCH, LA MUSICA & FANDO AND LIS, 60s French theatre from QMU, 8pm, £6/4 6 - 17 MARCH, SLAVE ISLAND & THE MISTAKE, More French drama, 8pm, £6/4 31-MAR, PUNCH DRUNK, Charlotte Vincent directed dance, 8pm, £14/7

Square; H&M, Buchanan Galleries; Mango, Buchanan Galleries; Miss Selfridge, Buchanan Galleries; Office, Buchanan Street.

STYLIST: Claire Morrison, PHOTOS: Adrian Barry, MAKE-UP: Ashley Murphy, MODEL: Mhairi @ Superior Model Management THANKS TO: The Supper Club, 29 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow

TRAMWAY

21 - 24, 27 - 31 MARCH, AALST, UK premiere of Belgian theatre company Victoria’s hard hitting account of infamous double child murder, 8pm, £12/8/6

KINGS THEATRE

26 FEB - 3 MARCH, BOOGIE NIGHTS, 70s musical, 7.30pm, £22.50 - 11 CITIZEN’S THEATRE 6 - 10 MARCH, ANYTHING GOES, 7.30pm, £18 - 10 27 FEB - 3 MARCH, THE LITTLE WORLD OF DON CAMILLO, 20 - 24 MARCH, HOT FLUSH, New comic musical with cast The Valley Po, 7.30pm , £12/6/3 including Rula Lenska, various, £22.50 - 12 3-MAR, WEE FAIRY TALES, 11am / 2.30pm, £6 THEATRE ROYAL 6 - 10 MARCH, THE RISE AND FALL OF LITTLE VOICE, 2 - 3 MARCH, HELD, Australian Dance Theatre, 8pm, A brand new touring production of this much loved £20.50 - 15.25 backstreet fairytale from the acclaimed Visible Fictions., 5 - 10 MARCH, HAY FEVER, Sir Peter Hall directs all star 7.30pm , £16/9.50/6/3 cast in Noel Coward comic classic, 7.30pm, £22.50 - 10 6 - 10 MARCH, REBUS MCTAGGART, Award-winning char- FROM 28 MARCH, MADAMA BUTTERFLY, Scottish Opera acter comedian Richard Thomson takes you on a journey present Puccini, 7.15pm, £57.50 - 8.50 through the weird world of Ecclefechan’s top policeman, 7.30pm , £12/6/3 6 - 17 MARCH, VOLPONE, Theatre Babel revives Ben

LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

Themes are good, so this month the LGBT section is mostly themed around inclusion a nd exclusion. We a l l k now about the marginalisation of LGBT people in wider society, but it’s also necessary to zoom in on our own communities and recognise that they don’t always welcome everyone with open arms. We’ve come a long way, and you don’t generally need to be a walking stereotype to be accepted as queer these days, but there are still divisions drawn, subtle and not so subtle, that impact on individuals in different ways: they somehow ‘look straight’, they’re not trans enough, they’re too fat or too old or too camp... If you’re new to the scene, if you’re not fully confident whether you belong there, chances are that being knocked back from a venue may have a longer-lasting impact than just a one-off inconvenience. If you haven’t settled on a label yet (or aren’t planning to), it doesn’t feel so empowering to be greeted with “Are you gay or straight?” by someone at a queer party before you’ve even been introduced. These are things that we might take in our stride if we’ve been out for ages – but we don’t need them. You don’t really need me to join the dots for you, right? Nine

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI TOP LGBT EVENTS GOD IS WITH US, MEN, THAT IS @ ACE 4 MARCH, 17 WEST MONTGOMERY PLACE, EDINBURGH

Short film about a woman from the mountains of Albania who becomes a man. FREE/DONATION, 3PM

SCOTT AGNEW’ S “BINGO!” @ POLO LOUNGE 15 MARCH, 84 WILSON STREET, GLASGOW

Interactive sexual history prize bingo at Glasgow International Comedy Festival. £5/4, 9PM

UTTER GUTTER @ STUDIO 24 30 MARCH, 24 CALTON ROAD, EDINBURGH

Glasgow’s anything-goes club arrives on the east coast. Expect decadence and scandal.

When being out doesn’t get you in

31 MARCH

This is your final deadline for applications! MORE INFO FROM WWW.GRP.GOV.UK

CLUB REVIEW THE TUNNEL Having been coerced into going along, it turns out that Wednesday nights at The Tunnel are not altogether unpleasant. The security and door staff are attentive and polite, and stewards proffer ‘goody bags’ (condoms and lube) to every customer, promoting safer sex and simultaneously giving a knowing wink to the promise of something filthy to come later on. Bar prices are very reasonable, though actually purchasing a drink requires some deft manoeuvring and pleading glances to the bar staff. The crowd is varied, and the soundtrack is a refreshing mix of electro, pop and indie which, for a mainstream midweek gay night, makes for a nice change. The only small gripe is the repetition of several of the more popular tracks on the playlist. Not that this bothers the crowd much - everyone leaves with a smile on their faces and most are planning a return trip. While it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, Wednesdays at Tunnel are a fun alternative to most midweek nights, gay or straight, and are definitely worth a visit. [DB Matthews] 84 MITCHELL STREET, GLASGOW. WEDNESDAYS 11.30PM-3AM. ENTRY £3

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

OFF THE HOOK

Queer club nights face an awkward dilemma. On one hand, organisers don’t want them to be overrun with straight people who’ve come to gawk at the spectacle of girls kissing. On the other hand, they don’t want to be so cautious in their admission that they end up turning away gay people because they ‘look straight’ whatever that means. Clubs in Edinburgh have chosen to tackle this problem in various ways. Up until recently, Velvet laid out a very specif ic policy on its f lyers and signs, advising that gay men were welcome if accompanied by a ‘gay girlie guest’. A spokesperson for Velvet, however, asserted that these were intended only as guidelines to inform clientèle of what to expect, and that they had no policy of refusing entry to straight people. Nobody I spoke to reported difficulties gaining admission, and more recently, the club has rewritten its publicity material to say that it’s a night for ‘gay girlies and their LGBT & S friends’; new club Zeus, aimed primarily at men, does likewise. “Velvet does not discriminate or exclude,” said the spokesperson, “it’s moving towards a more tolerant, open-minded world.” Few bars and clubs make their entrance policies quite so clear, however; a shining example being CC Bloom’s. The scene is rife with tales of the establishment’s choosiness over who to admit: many have been told it’s “regulars only” when they try to enter. One woman said, “Despite my assertion that I was a regular and had been in the night before, they only let me in after deliberating for several minutes over my BLOGS [Edinburgh University’s LGBT society] card.” Nobody at CC’s was available to elaborate on their policy, but certainly no membership scheme exists there and if you’ve ever had to fight your way to the bar in CC’s on a Friday night, you will appreciate the unlikelihood of the bouncers identifying all the regulars by sight. The Polo Lounge in Glasgow seems to operate a similar reject-on-sight policy. Several women reported being turned away, one of whom arrived holding hands with her male flatmate and was again told “regulars only.” The Polo Lounge’s management was also unavailable for comment. So, are such policies creating safer spaces for LGBT clubbers, or spaces that are no less oppressive than straight clubs? The problem is that if club organisers want to prevent their LGBT patrons being outnumbered, harassed or gaped at by straight tourists, the most obvious way of doing this is just to turn away straight people, which serves to alienate straight friends a nd a l l ie s f rom the beginning. But, shor t of demanding that people announce their identities at the door, the only way for bouncers to distinguish between desirable and undesirable

cl ientèle is by appea ra nce. The i nevitable consequence is that stereotypes of what it is to be gay can be reinforced by the spaces that were originally created for us to freely express our identities - if we choose to identify as anything at all. If having long hair suddenly means you’re not gay enough to dance with the other lesbians, then where is there left to go? And what message is this sending to the queer community? What we need to ask ourselves is whether we want to promote self-identification, fluidity, the freedom

(SUB POP/WARNERS)

some wine” at clubs both home and abroad this year. [Andrew Dewar] OUT NOW WWW.DEADWASPS.CO.UK

The Brazilian sextet release their fourth single Off the Hook through Sub Pop, from their self-tilted debut album CSS. The song is arguably their most catchy offering to date: from the get go you are immediately immersed into CSS’ world of electrorock. Have a listen to the song for yourself and try to refrain from singing along with the chorus. The one thing you can say safely say about Cansei De Ser Sexy is that they are all about having fun and this is clear in everything from their joyful beats to their kooky odd-core lyrics. [Natalie Doyle]

by Cate Simpson

“HOW BENEFICIAL TO THE QUEER COMMUNITY ARE REJECT-ON-SIGHT POLICIES DESIGNED TO KEEP OUT STRAIGHT PEOPLE?”

£10

FAST-TRACK GENDER RECOGNITION

CSS (CANSEI DE SER SEXY)

to express our sexuality and gender in any way we choose. Or whether we want to categorise, label and narrow ourselves down to ever smaller groups. Are femme women going to have to establish their own spaces, in the same way that bears and leathermen have established their own? Certainly the creation of spaces catering to specific sub-groups can be empowering and valuable, but if this becomes their only option then these elements may become invisible to the majority. The community will become divided by difference instead of united behind its common interests, and ultimately the progress of advancing those interests will suffer.

OUT NOW. CATCH CSS LIVE AT THE EDINBURGH LIQUID ROOMS ON 25 APRIL, AND AT THE GLASGOW BARROWLANDS ON 26 APRIL. WWW.CANSEIDESERSEXY.COM,

DEADWASPS

MEXICOLA BARE ESSENTIALS (DEAD WASPS)

Many people still regard good old fashioned ‘dance music’ as the a n n oy i n g bac kg ro u n d to l a rg e corporate leisure clubs up and down the land. This is a shame, because by delving properly, there are some hidden gems to be found amid the cheddar. Manchester based The Dead Wasps’ debut single Mexicola Bare Essentials is a fine example of electro-pop, with a funky bass that will stay in your head for days; Hayley Mitchell’s sultry vocals sitting nicely on top. Don’t be surprised if you hear the chant of “roll a J, drink

These exclusive admission policies, whether enforced or merely suggested in big bold letters on the door, end up creating spaces that welcome only a select portion of the community. Often bisexual men and women are, if not turned away by the bouncer for showing up with their straight partners, made to feel unwelcome once inside. A bisexual woman who told me that she never brings her boyfriend to LGBT spaces because of the looks and comments they encounter, said: “In single-sex spaces I feel like I am only able to express half of my sexuality.” If you bring your mixed-sex relationship into a queer space, you risk facing the sense of betrayal you would expect if you brought a leg of lamb to a vegetarian potluck.

DR RUBBERFUNK TAKING OVER

(GPS RECORDINGS)

Following hot on the heels of his second album release My Life at 33, Dr Rubber funk returns with the funkalicious Taking Over. If it’s not broken do not fix it, and that is very much the approach for Dr R u b b e r f u n k, ke e p i n g to w h at he knows best by creating music out of mixing samples and live instrumentation. Bridgette Amofah (former Oi Va Voi vocalist) lays down the vocals, and the single also includes a remix from Ashley Beedle. A voyage of well placed handclaps and soaring saxophones, Taking Over proves to be a delightful slice of soulful (old school) R&B. [Natalie Doyle]

has a good solid groove behind it, and is much more pop minded than its partner track. Leon has already sat down to work with some of the biggest names in the business so keep your eyes peeled for this fresh talent in 2007. [Natalie Doyle]

tracks. The finisher, a rendition of Blondie’s Heart of Glass, shatters the more interesting plinky keyboard melody and off-kilter beat it first promises with a non-essential, and frankly, unsatisfying cover. [Struan Otter]

OUT NOW

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/

MR. HUDSON AND THE LIBRARY

LEONJEANMARIE

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM

NORTH AMERICAN SCUM (DFA) This is perhaps not the strongest track from James Murphy and co’s new LP The Silver Room, but it has enough of the familiar DFA cowbell and handclap action to grab your attention. The rest of the LP pushes the envelope, and this revisits past glories without sounding tired. [Bram Gieben] OUT NOW.

PRIYA THOMAS

RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH

MOTHERFUCKING WEST

WWW.FUNKYDOWN.CO.UK

(10XBETTER)

LEON JEAN-MARIE SCRATCH/MAKE IT RIGHT (GRAND SCHEME)

Leon Jean-Marie’s limited edition seven-inch Scratch/Make It Right showcases the young Londoner’s talents mixing everything from Bill Withers to Nirvana and many more in between. Leon’s first release is a captivating listen to say the least. Scratch moves along nicely with the aid of a funky bassline and Leon dives in wearing his Beck inﬂuences on his sleeve (something especially evident in the chorus). Make It Right

Garbage version two anyone? The strutting rhythms of Goldfrapp? The Sneaker Pimps? Priya can provide cut-price versions of all their material – a dash of rock, punk snarl and electronic backing. It’s not that bad per se, it’s just not terribly new or groundbreaking. Second track: no matter how nicely you sing “hot snatch”, it’s still a cringe-worthy lyric and image. Track three: do you remember the songs you sang as a disillusioned 16 year-old in front of the mirror? Those demure, repeated lyrics and voice effects set to ‘sultry’ remain a common theme in all four

“Why must I always play the clown?” If you haven’t instinctively chewed through the electrical cable of your stereo by now while screaming at the demons to leave your head, you might actually like this song. Mr. Hudson’s posh autobiographical whine is tough to begin with, but a pleasing eclectic hip hop/ reggae groove complemented by soft steel drums soon appears reminiscent of such 90s bedroom one-hit wonders as White Town’s Your Woman. Hudson and co. are annoyingly catchy enough to win amazing chart success – and with an up and coming suppor t slot with Amy Winehouse, it seems Mr. Hudson and his patented gigs in actual libraries are going to get you one way or another. [Allan Preston]

Foot-stamping beats hold together Amiga-created layers, catchy lyrics, and sparkling electro/robo disco with authentic sound effects not heard since the 80s. Colours bestows compliments on those who avoid wearing black, there are no goths allowed at Calvin’s disco parties, just accented singing to funky beats, and clavichord-esque keys. And a sense of irony does not escape Calvin – Colours even samples Visage’s Fade To Grey! The Girls professes a love for a multitude of girls in all races, colours, sizes, and nationalities, with the catchy hook of “I get all the girls”. Even if you don’t want all the girls, you’ll want to sing along. Acceptable in the 80s is genius when you consider that the average clubber in present times was born between 1980 and 1989 – Calvin declares that he’s got love and hugs for you “if you were born in the eighties”. Warped guitar solos, analog dreams and upbeat disco bass assault the senses in this hip future-disko. Harris aims to create future sounds with retro equipment, shunning a wall of technology to bring the live band back to disco. If you can beg, steal or borrow to get your hands on this (just don’t tell them we sent you), then do so. [Struan Otter]

OUT NOW.

RELEASE DATE: ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80S

CALVIN HARRIS

IS OUT 12 MAR, AND HIS DEBUT ALBUM IS

TOO LATE, TOO LATE (MERCURY RECORDS)

SINGLES COLLECTION (FLY EYE RECORDS)

Fiver bet you can’t stop yourself from turning round to your stereo and pressing repeat as soon as your first listen of Calvin Harris is over.

DUE THIS SPRING/SUMMER.

UNKLEJAM

dedicated to expressive music and their homage to Funkadelic’s 1979 album, Uncle Jam Wants You. A retro-funk intro with Prince inspired vocals starts the groovy Love Ya - while the instrumentals are quite unusual with 80s electro pop inﬂuences and James Brown grunts, the lyrics could use some serious work. With a chorus of “Shake it, shake it, shake it… girl like it’s your birthday”, you can’t help but feel that Outkast should have been consulted. There’s definite potential in their toe-tapping beats and attitude however - good voice, good beats, just a shame about the chorus. [Lara Moloney] OUT NOW. WWW.UNKLEJAM.NET

KELIS LIL’ STAR (VIRGIN)

It’s hard to stop the bile rising. If this is what happens when artists reveal their ‘vulnerable’ side they should hold onto a caustic attitude like it’s going out of fashion. Despite the addition of trademark croons from Gnarls Barclay’s Cee-Lo, they fall ﬂat in the face of emotional indulgence and half-assed soulful pop from Kelis. Save the plaintive woes for the autobiography and get back to making Milkshake. [Alex Burden] OUT NOW

LOVE YA

(DIGITAL DOWNLOAD)

A trio of men from Hawaii, Northolt and Miami make for a quirky group:

MORE REVIEWS ONLINE AT WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

A predictable response to these complaints is that there already exist numerous spaces where bisexual people can go with their partners, but this is to impose a passing demand: if you are in a gay space, you must pass as gay; if you are in a straight space then you must pass as straight. For bisexual people this means that there is nowhere they are permitted to express the entirety of their identity. A straight club that welcomes gay people so long as they don’t bring their partners or ‘flaunt’ their sexuality would not be regarded as truly welcoming. The introduction of new legislation prohibiting discrimination in the provision of goods and services on the grounds of (perceived) sexual orientation may have interesting repercussions in areas like these. Since CC’s and the Polo Lounge do not publicise their own policies, it is unclear whether their practices will change, or whether hopeful patrons will continue to be turned away for bewildering reasons. At least under the current laws there is the opportunity to advise customers what to expect, as Velvet has chosen to do. This dilemma is a difficult one to solve. Creating a safe space for a frequently oppressed minority means keeping out those elements of the majority that would threaten that safety. But everyone has dif ferent ideas about how exclusive LGBT clubs and bars must be to ensure their purpose is preserved, and where lines should be drawn – if at all - about who gets in and who doesn’t. If that decision is an arbitrary one based on appearance, then we may end up with a n at mosphere t hat i s welcoming to a few, and extremely unwelcoming to everyone else.

“DESPITE MY ASSERTION THAT I WAS A REGULAR AND HAD BEEN IN THE NIGHT BEFORE, THEY ONLY LET ME IN AFTER DELIBERATING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES OVER MY LGBT SOCIETY CARD”

LGBT

Illustration: Stuart White

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

SINGLE REVIEWS

BEATS

LGBT

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

ANTIMC

IT’S FREE BUT IT’S NOT CHEAP (KFM)

If music journalists are frustrated musicians, then are hip-hop heads frustrated rockers? Wishing they were slaying Download with Iron Maiden instead of a studio surrounded by buttons and dials? Maybe not, but Antimc’s potent brew of synthesised punk, frenetic triphop and wacked-out fuzzy post-rock beats definitely lends itself to the spandex’d legs-on-monitors pose. Veteran collaborator of underground hip-hop legends Shape Shifters and Project Blowed, Antimc jumps from genre to genre here, from street corner preaching boom-bap to dreamy summer field folk, always maximising his guests, including Busdriver and Andrew Broder of Fog. But this eclecticism ﬂows naturally, and never feels scatterbrained or ADD-fuelled. It’s been nice to see cross-pollination between the US and the UK for this nu-underground hip-hop scene or whatever you want to call it, so it’s especially nice to see this released on local label Knife Fighting Monkeys, home of Penpushers. [Ali Maloney] RELEASE DATE: 19 MARCH. WWW.KFMRECORDS.COM

CARBON BASED LIFEFORMS WORLD OF SLEEPERS (ULTIMAE RECORDS)

Swedish duo Carbon Based Lifeforms (Daniel Ringstroem and Johannes Hedberg) bring us their second full-length offering, World of Sleepers, a soft, hypnotic chill-out album, perfect for long, lazy days and nights. Warm, ethereal rhythms, smooth grooves, and soundscapes drift from song to song. Whispering and softly spoken vocals feature on a number of tracks, murmuring thoughtful musings to accompany the dreamy atmosphere and steady beats. The artwork captures the mood of the album; multi-coloured transparent jellyfish in dark waters adorn the cover, and the luxurious 16-page booklet includes further stunning photographs. If you haven’t heard of Carbon Based Lifeforms

and looking to check out new and improved ambient music, then check this out and join the fabulous World of Sleepers. [Karen Taggart] RELEASED: OUT NOW WWW.ULTIMAE.COM WWW.CARBONBASEDLIFEFORMS.NET

DISTANCE MY DEMONS (PLANET MU)

With track titles like My Demons, Fractured and Night Vision, it is no surprise that Distance’s debut album is bad-tempered, sinister and dreamy. Better known as a dubstep DJ, Distance’s beats are spaced-out and lethargic, creating a tense soundtrack to a grimy city of sordid imagination. Rarely more than sluggish, frequently threatening, this is harsh, disorientating music - techno for heroin addicts or hip-hop shorn of rappers, pumped full of valium. Stuttering drum machines, strungout electronics: the dancehall a d i s t a n t m e m o r y, D i s t a n c e paces ugly streets, occasionally mumbling bitter reﬂections. Bleak and original, My Demons is a triumph, doomed to the margins by its uncompromising sterility and restlessness. [Margaret Kirk] OUT NOW WWW.PLANET-MU.COM

INFINITE LIVEZ VS. STADE

ART BROOT FE DE YOOT (BIG DADA)

Infinite Livez’ debut LP for Big Dada was Bushmeat, a heady brew of wonky, discordant hiphop and deeply eccentric rhymes. His new LP is a collaboration with experimental jazz and noise pioneers Stade, of Switzerland, and was recorded in a series of free-flowing jam sessions. Titles such as Unbiased Reductionism In 21st Century Music Practices indicate their satirical approach to jazz pretension, and occasionally th ey ve e r of f i nto m i n i m a l i st parody. The freeform nature of the performances are vaudevillian – Infinite as the Artyfartypartynazi,

FEATURED ALBUM APATHY & CELPH TITLED

NO PLACE LIKE CHROME (ANTIDOTE)

Apathy’s mixtape It’s, The Bootleg Muthafuckas!, was an underground smash, gaining him a major label deal, but Antidote records have managed to get their hands on this little gem before his debut drops. No Place Like Chrome (what a title) is a classic diss record. This album is rude – seriously, offensively, laugh-out loud dirty. Ap and Celph’s relentless trading of beatdowns, particularly their undermining of so-called ‘conscious rappers’, is a much more intelligent deconstruction of hip-hop than Eminem’s self-pitying white trash schtick. Unlike Em, Ap and Celph never stopped writing incredible battle rhymes. The beats are raw, bass heavy boom-bap - honourable mention must go to the producer of Fix Your Face, which features Little Green Bag (from Reservoir Dogs) sped up and reimagined as minimal crunk. Fans of The Alkaholiks (one of whom features on Drink Specials) and Ol’ Dirty Bastard will get this, everyone else can follow the advice in standout track S.M.D. [Bram Gieben]

Inf inite as a conf used impe rial explorer, an evil genius. Stade’s glitch-infected, filtered rumbles and bursts of static can coalesce into anything from jacking techno (Right Here Right Now) to minimal dub (From Now On Things Are Going To Be D if fe re nt). Imagine ODB impersonating Rick James, reading William Burroughs cut-ups of Dr Seuss books and fetish porn, to a soundtrack by Pole and Can, and you’re almost there. As rewarding as it is challenging, this is the weirdest thing on Big Dada by a long, long chalk. [Bram Gieben] RELEASE DATE: 12 MAR SEE OUR INTERVIEW WITH INFINITE LIVEZ THIS ISSUE. HE PLAYS AT THE ARCHES IN GLASGOW, ON 16 MAR. WWW.INFINITELIVEZ.COM WWW.BIGDADA.COM

LOUIE AUSTEN IGUANA (KLEIN)

Following on from his recent Best Of compilation, Viennese electrojazz crooner Louie Austen returns with new studio album, Iguana. Louie sees himself as an iguana in a petting zoo - not at first approachable, but a fascinating animal you won’t forget in a hurry. This analogy describes the enigmatic 60-year-old performer perfectly. The album is a mish-mash of musical styles, encompassing everything from dance and disco to darker tracks with menacing beats and vocals. Described by the man himself as “a balancing act – just like everything else in my life”, this album shows Louie as a true entertainer, harking back to his club days in New York and Las Vegas during the Seventies. Despite his change in direction since then, he seems per fectly comfor table in his new role as sophisticated crooner for the electronic generation. Laid-back and classy, highlights include the catchy cover of Christopher Just’s Disco Dancer, and Depeche Modeinspired title track, Passion for Life. If you’re fed up of the monotonous, electronic beats saturating the scene, then take Louie’s advice and “try something new every single day”. It could open your mind to something

unique, exciting and different. [Karen Taggart] RELEASED: 26 MARCH. WWW.KLEINRECORDS.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ LOUIEAUSTENMUSIC

MAX TURNER THE PURPLE PRO (METABOOTY)

In every sense of the word, Max Turner is an enigma. Mythology suggests he’s based somewhere in Germany, but who knows? Hell, sucka don’t even have no MySpace and his album don’t come with any barcode. He just goes that far to reinforce his underground crede ntials. Onto the sonic display, however… The Purple Pro is American-suburban hip-hop, mixed with a hint of subterranean precociousness. Keeping to the political precepts and intelligent beats prescribed by the forefathers of the ge nre, T he Pu rple Pro borrows just as heavily from NWA and Jurassic 5 as DJ Shadow and even 50 Cent. Fusing in some drum ‘n’ bass just for kicks, The Purple Pro is destined to become a guilty pleasure for many an unaccustomed listener. All truth told, Max Turner has managed to piece together a dependable and credible hip-hop album that is still easy on the ears. [Neil Ferguson] RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW. WWW.METABOOTY.COM

MSTRKRFT THE LOOKS (MODULAR)

When DeathFromAbove1979 called it quits last year, few thought they had heard the last from either member. First to rise from the ashes is bassist Jesse F Keeler. The impressively swift nature of DFA1979’s rise and subsequent fall is mirrored by the length of time it takes to get bored of his new band’s debut LP, The Looks, which will come as a shame to those familiar with MSTRKRFT’s remixes. Daft Punk comparisons may be justified genre wise, but they are of a distant calibre to the Frenchmen’s early

SHARI VARI

albums. The overuse of vocoders and robotic vocals quickly grates, with little to distinguish one track from another. Few warrant second spins (the title track and Neon Knights are perhaps exceptions) in what is ultimately a disappointing offering. Without meaning to stoke the f lames of Keeler’s dispute with the litigious James Murphy, patience is recommended: LCD Soundsystem’s return is imminent. [Finbarr Bermingham] RELEASE DATE: 26 FEB. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MSTRKRFT

NAFEES

THE ART OF KEEPING IT (SUR) REAL (NAFEES MUSIC)

loving rebel mythological God. The downtempo tracks of his first outing are gone, replaced with consistent psychedelic trance. Starting with a magical and mystical track, Arcadia Magik, his harmonious production and relentless rhythmic combinations get you f loating a w a y. B e n j i i s p r o v i d i n g t h e psytrance genre with innovative and atmospheric tracks, that will burn a few feet with the manic dancing that will ensue. From the driving rhythms and ascending riffs of The Logic of Polyphonic to the throbbing beats and blurred bassline of Oz, his funky bleeps, ghostly voices and warped sounds are bound to be a hit with the trance crowd. [Lara Moloney] RELEASED: OUT 5 MAR.

Nafees has always talked a good game, stressing his diverse musical roots and intelligent approach to lyrics. With this new mixtape, he makes good on his promises, and then some. For a start, there’s Triumphant Melancholy, featuring Aroara - a mental stab at fusing rock, ceilidh and hip-hop – and astonishingly, it works. It gets better – Everybody Says takes elements from grime and hyphy, as Nafees delivers blistering, socially-conscious rhymes with impeccable rhythm and timing. Aeroplane Dope contribute to Sniff Between The Lines, which uncannily foreshadows the d&b / electro / hip-hop cocktail of DJ Kentaro’s forthcoming debut for Ninja Tune. A fantastic highlight is the head-nodding, intelligent cipher on Kurt Cobain. Mind-expanding, genre-busting collaborations with Mungo’s Hi-Fi and Dan Monox among others make this mixtape more than simply great – it’s better than most albums by major label MCs. [Bram Gieben] OUT NOW. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NAFEESMUSIC

PROMETHEUS

CORRIDOR OF MIRRORS (TWISTED)

Corridor of Mirrors, the second album from Benji Vaughan, takes a different path from his 2004 debut Robot-O-Chan, remaining under the Prometheus guise as a fire-

MORE TRANCE: YOUNGER BROTHER, BENJI AND SIMON POSFORD DUO OR BIO -TONIC FOR SOME FRENCH PSYTRANCE.

SCRATCH PERVERTS WATCH THE RIDE (HARMLESS)

The Scratch Perverts were mashing up genres and breaking the socalled ‘rules’ of mixing when Cut Copy were stroking their 2 Many DJs import CDs – it’s all hip-hop to them. They have blended everything from Nirvana to d&b in both their showcase DMC sets, and when rocking clubs worldwide. Watch The Ride manages to touch base with boom-bap (Pharoah Monch), UK hip-hop and grime (Skibadee, W i l e y, A k a l a f t. S k i n n y m a n), breaks, and even Mark Ronson’s cover of Radiohead’s Just. It all climaxes in a flurry of explosive jump-up d&b (Zinc, Shimon), but the true highlights are the Perverts’ showpiece scractches and their own tracks, such as the Ty-assisted Freaks. Sebastian’s electro monster Ross Ross Ross makes a welcome apperance, blended into a rare early mix of Spank Rock’s Bump. Prime Cuts, Tony Vegas and Edinburgh’s own Plus O ne have manage d to represent all of their diverse inﬂuences in a mix that is packed with energy and heavy bass. [Bram Gieben] RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW. WWW.METABOOTY.COM

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SHARIVARIUK

1. SVEN WEISEMANN - VIVID MEMENTO (STYRAX LEAVES)

6. UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE –

Absolute topper! This is how techno should be made - dark, melodic grooves with beautifully worked synth stabs. This is just the type of label we need, neo-Detroit at its very best!

Ultimate slide track to come from the new wave from the UR camp. This track has been in my bag for over a year now and will never leave. Absolute dynamite.

2.TRIPPY DISCO – WHAT I DIDON MY SUMMERHOLIDAY (RADIUS)

Larry Levan-inspired disco.

This is a great wee EP, 80s-esque electro, greatly shaped and worked analog sounds throughout. The stand-out track for me is Mote I Verdensrommet. Epic stuff.

3. NICKY SIANO - THE GALLERY (SOUL JAZZ) A quality 1970s NYC Underground Disco compilation.

4. DIGITALFUNKADDICTS– HIGHERLEVEL (MOODS & GROOVES)

7. TRUSSEL

MA-YA-YA (UR)

– PHREEK (BOF?)

8.DEADBEAT/MONOLAKE– RANDOM BROWN EP (CYNOSURE) If you wanted to get any deeper than this you would need a deep sea diver’s outfit: techno in the vain of Chain Reaction and Basic Channel. On the ﬂip, some satanically deep acid noises spring out of the darkness to light up your life. A work of art.

Yet another great track from the Mood & Groves camp. The track is perfectly suited for any dancefloor, with deep moving basslines and a firm beat.

9. CONVEXTION – MIRANDA (MATRIX)

5. JOVONN – DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME (THE LOST LARRY

10. MOODYMANN

HEARD REMIXES) (TRACK MODE)

Classic deep house from a few years back, but still sounds as fresh today as it did back then.

This is house at its musical best, everything Larry Heard touches turns to gold! As for Jovonn, he has made everything you want from a house record: beautiful dreamy vocals, great keys, sweeping strings and it lasts for about ten minutes.

Deep, dubby techno that had to be repressed due to its popularity and initially limited numbers. – SHADES OF JAE (KDJ) (WHITE LABEL)

NEXT SHARI VARI DATES TO LOOK OUT FOR:

BOOK REVIEWS GETTING BI:

VOICES OF BISEXUALS AROUND THE WORLD EDITED BY ROBYN OCHS AND SARAH E. ROWLEY

THE CHUBSTERS ARE A QUEER-FRIENDLY GIRLGANG THAT’S OPEN TO EVERYONE. THAT’S HOW SOCIAL CHANGE HAPPENS

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY BISEXUAL RESOURCE

Even more radical is the fact that, unlike earlier generations of identity-orientated groups, The Chubsters are a queer-friendly girl-gang that’s open to everyone. That’s how social change happens, right? You don’t have to be a girl, you don’t have to be fat, you don’t even have to be particularly mean. The thing that unites us is our hatred of Narrow Fucks (aka fatphobes).

WWW.BIRESOURCE.ORG

NOBODY PASSES: REJECTING THE RULES OF GENDER AND CONFORMITY EDITED BY MATTILDA A.K.A. MATT BERNSTEIN SYCAMORE

Holy shit, this book is so good I’m sorry I’ve read it all. In taking on the concept of passing, Mattilda and her contributors have laid out a wide range of identities and experiences to illustrate the hoops we all need to jump through in order to fit in. LGBT issues are only part of the story - the essays in here ask questions such as: what can you do to be read as an incest survivor if you can walk with your head held high and your shoulders back? If you’re an Asian femme and you walk into a gay bar, what are the chances you won’t be seen as straight, lost, and unable to speak English? How does the modern-day domestic violence movement disadvantage poor and ethnic minority women? If you wear a yarmulke why do non-religious people assume the right to pass judgement on how observant you are? How does the war on terror impact on Bangladeshi pilots and transgender passengers? And what’s with the mainstreaming of genderqueer? Nobody Passes is an inspiring, innovative anthology compiled by one of the most exciting activists on the scene today, and I’m already hoping for an extended second edition. [Nine]

Like in any gang, a large part of Chubster life is about being belligerent, sulky, intimidating and ready to attack for any reason, the more trivial the better. Gang membership also gives Chubsters a sense of belonging: after all, bare-knuckle fighting is always so much more fun when there’s a bunch of you in matching gang colours to back each other up. But there’s another dimension to this particular gang. Whilst its members span the globe, and come from all walks of life, and whilst people have their own various reasons for joining, The Chubsters throw a pro-fat spin on everything they do. Where other fat rights activists might embark on a letter-writing campaign, or a peaceful protest, or even a well-considered public debate, The Chubsters are more likely to stomp right in and blow the place apart. Subtlety is not where they’re at, but that’s good in the gang world. The Chubsters are kind of a joke, but they’re real too and represent a new kind of activism that rejects nicey-nice behaviour in favour of something with a bit more bite to it. Playing nasty is all part of the fun.

In order to become a card-carrying, badgewearing Chubster, all that you have to do is go through a simple initiation process. This involves doing and documenting something Chubsterworthy and presenting it to the gang for approval. That’s it. So what are you waiting for? Find out more at www.chubstergang.com. [Charlotte Cooper] WWW.CHUBSTERGANG.COM CHARLOTTE COOPER IS A WRITER AND FAT ACTIVIST. FIND OUT MORE AT WWW.CHARLOTTECOOPER.NET

2 MAR: STEPHEN BROWN, 6 APRIL: JASON BRUXTON (RUB A DUB), 5 VMAY: DAN MOORE (SUPERCONDUCTOR)

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY SEAL PRESS. COVER PRICE £8.99 PAPERBACK.

WWW.ANTIDOTERECORDS.CO.UK

WWW.MATTBERNSTEINSYCAMORE.COM

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

WANNA BE IN OUR GANG? The Beefer, The Weasel, Tiny and Petunia, Tubby, TripleXXX, Apple Hard and Rainbow Rotten are just a few of the members of The Chubsters, a vicious girl gang.

RELEASE DATE: 5 MAR

THE WIDE ANGLE:

I t ’s a w e l l - d o c u m e n te d f a c t t h a t e ve r y p u b l i c a ti o n relating to bisexuality has to have a pun in the title. It gets a little tiresome, you know? Nonetheless, it’s worth delving into this book as it offers inclusion and validation, not only by representing bisexual people in the first place, but by extending its vision beyond the USA, something that otherwise good resources often fail to do. The diversity of race, culture and gender is mirrored by the diversity of bisexual identities – you’ll find traces of your own experiences as well as those you don’t relate to, altogether contributing to a deeper examination of bisexuality than the occasional glossed-over portrayal afforded us by the mainstream. The section at the back is particularly useful, from an extensive list of books with bisexual themes to etiquette tips for bi people working with lesbians and gay men. Seek back-up information if you’re reading the safer sex tips part, though – it recommends using two condoms at once, which is widely recognised by health professionals as a Bad Fucking Idea. [Nine]

CENTER. COVER PRICE £11.99 PAPERBACK.

LGBT

BEATS ALBUM REVIEWS

BEATS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

Speaking Another Language

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

id Scorsese win? By the ti me you read this we’ll know the answer, but I ’m g o i n g t o st ick my neck out and say yes, h e d i d . We l l done Marty. I’ll print an apology next month if it went tits up for you. There’s some good stuff coming up in March, the pick of the bunch being A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, which features a terrific ensemble cast in a coming of age tale set in a tough New York neighbourhood. Check out our interview with the film’s producer, Trudie Styler, to find out more. Personal opinions come in to play with The Illusionist, which you might notice gets a 2 Skinny review. Don’t believe a word of it – it’s actually pretty good. Just don’t tell Lindsay I said so. The one to really look forward to is the one we unfortunately haven’t seen yet. Coming right at the end of the month, 300 should be something very special, if the footage seen so far is any guide. Looking like Sin City crossed with Lord of the Rings, it should be one of the action events of the year. Have fun and see you in April. Paul.

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI RELEASE SCHEDULE 2 MAR Freedom Writers (12A) Ghost Rider (12A) A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (15) The Illusionist (PG) Material Girls (PG) Popcorn (15)

9 MAR

After The Wedding (15) Becoming Jane (PG) Gone (15) The Good German (15) Inland Empire (15) Norbit (12A) Outlaw (18)

16 MAR

Factory Girl (15) The Family Friend (15) Fur (15) Sleeping Dogs (18) Stomp The Yard (12A)

23 MAR

300 (18) Amazing Grace (TBC) Catch a Fire (12A) Catch And Release (TBC) Fast Food Nation (15) The Hills Have Eyes 2 (18) I Want Candy (15)

30 MAR

Days of Glory (15) Duelist (12A) Meet The Robinsons (TBC) Mr Bean’s Holiday (TBC) The Namesake (12A) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TBC)

IT’S TIME FOR THE SKINNY TO KNOCK SIX BELLS OUT THE PHONE BILL WITH INTERNATIONAL INTERVIEWS WITH STEVE REID AND KIERAN HEBDEN, THE MASTERMINDS/LOONS BEHIND THE EXCHANGE SESSIONS, AND THEIR NEWEST RELEASE, TONGUES. It’s a little bit jazz, it’s a little bit folk, it’s a little bit electronica. Let’s face it, it’s a little bit of everything. The Exchange Sessions came blaring into the music world’s consciousness with an unpracticed flurry of beats and organic bleeps, and now its successor, Tongues, is taking it further. ‘Unpracticed!’ I hear muso’s cry – that’s right, all these tracks were composed, performed, and recorded in one take with no prior discussion - in a stream of unedited musical consciousness and unspoken co-ordination. It’s unfathomable for most musicians to deliver straight from the head and fly blind in the ultimate jam session, but Kieran, also known for his involvement with electronic agitators Four Tet, began work with Steve in 2005 (a man so cool he signs off his conversations with “stay in the rhythm”), to bring together their equally eclectic tastes for this prolific venture.

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

Kieran, who pre-prepares melodic sounds - the only regimental degree to their music - admits it can sound a bit ‘extreme’ at moments, but it’s interesting that an album that makes use of live percussion, reeds, saxophone and vibraphone could be thrown into a category usually reserved for the likes of death metal and gabba. How does not rehearsing and playing straight from the head affect the work they produce, and are mistakes simply an organic consequence of the style? “We don’t make any plans,” Steve confirms. “No musical discussions, no premeditations or anything like that. We just both listen to different things individually and when we come together, we put that in the mix and then totally something new is born, y’know. And that’s what keeps it fresh every moment, that we haven’t pre-planned everything. We let the music play us - we aren’t playing the music.”

Patron Saint

n A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Frank - a fabulously bitchy small-time canine exercise tycoon, who for six bucks will walk your dog for half an hour, “or till it craps” - is hooked on Job, “you know, from the bible?” Shorthand for the suffering of the righteous, and often at the heart of the “why-do-badthings-happen-to-good-people?” debate, the Book of Job isn’t exactly a laugh-a-minute, but its central message has significant parallels to the troubled birth of the film itself. “It’s never happened to me on a film before; we lost our funding twice”, explains Trudie Styler, shaking her head. “To lose everything and then to turn away 35 people who’d all committed to the time, that was really tough.” Actress, director, rainforest-defender, UNICEF ambassador and, for the past 14 yea rs, Mrs Sting, Styler is today wearing her (metaphorical, but probably still chic) producer’s hat. Said hat, you can’t help but assume, has become considerably more careworn over the past five years, having accompanied Styler to the battleground of true indie filmmaking: “When you make a movie of this size, you’re in the trenches.” With a miniscule budget of $2.5 million (compare that to Little Miss Sunshine’s $11 million), A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints has been a hard won victory.

by Lindsay West

singer of underground punk outfit Gutterboy, Calvin Klein underwear model shot by Bruce Weber, and sometime Warhol entourage member - hanging out at Factory with beat poet Allen Ginsberg, Bowie publicist/glam rock uber-babe Cherry Vanilla, and Liza-with-a-Z Minnelli Montiel is humbly summed up by Styler as “a Renaissance man, really.”

puts it “a pretty seasoned guy when it comes to being in front of a camera.” The two first met in 2002 at the BIFAs, Styler serving on the jury that awarded Compston the Most Promising Newcomer gong for Sweet Sixteen, a performance that “haunted” her. So much so, she lifted the phone when casting Dito’s friend Mike O’Shea. “Trudie’s taken me through this whole thing, I owe a lot to her,” says Compston, “I was coming A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (the book) is a to the end of Monarch of the Glen and, as all acset of vignettes, a payment of respects to the key tors do, I was thinking ‘I’m never going to work figures in Montiel’s development - his “recog- again,’ and then I got the call from Trudie.” nized saints” that guided him through. In light of this, the extraordinary run of coincidences that Twenty-four days of shooting and four weeks punctuates the making of the movie begins to of editing later, with Styler administering look a bit like another divine hand on Montiel’s cheerleading and tough love in equal measure shoulder. Having written his book and kicked throughout - “we locked horns, quite a bit, Dito around the idea of a cor- and me, in a professional way” - her unflinching relating film, by chance support came good in 2006, at the Sundance Dito Montiel meets Robert Film Festival. “We took almost a wet print to D o w n e y J r i n 20 01, Sundance, and won the Director’s prize, and through his boss at the for the first time they gave an Ensemble Cast editing suites where he works. Downey Jr. takes Award to our cast.” Going on to win the Jury the project to friend Trudie Styler - reportedly Prize at the 2006 Venice Film Festival, as well the only Hollywood producer he and Dito trusted as unprecedented critical attention for its young with their baby - whose rather noted husband stars (Channing Tatum, in particular, earning was in a small band called The Police, whose first comparisons to a Streetcar-era Brando), this kind gigs were supporting Dito’s mate Cherry Vanilla. of professional kudos, to Trudie “just puts a light Spooky, eh? Styler nods, “We all somehow linked around the film.” Heavenly or otherwise, the up, way back in the day.” aforementioned light looks like burning for some time to come. After a couple of years in production purgatory, and two false starts in the funding department, A record of acknowledgments, Dito Montiel’s the third time was certainly the charm for the original memoir is a bunch of thank you notes to Saints project. Call it more luck, fate, or divine those who made a difference - from Ginsberg and providence, but in a logistical miracle, the stars Weber, to authoritarian priest Father Angelo, to literally began to align. “It sort of seemed like, Frank, the Job-engrossed dog-walker. Having for the first time, the whole thing came right,” picked up, fought for, stuck with, and finally remembers Styler. “Diane Wiest, who was always produced, A Guide To Recognising Your Saints our first choice for Dito’s mother, who all the the movie, “locking horns” and “working all other times was never available, she was free, and the hours God sent” you can’t help wondering we said ‘OK, this bodes well.’ Chazz Palminteri whether, if the book gets a reprint, Montiel might likewise: he actually put back a film of his own add the name Trudie Styler to his list. in order to star as Monty, Dito’s father. And then Rosario Dawson got the script, and out of the blue we got a call. We thought that she’d pass, but she said, ‘Hey, when do we start? I’m in!’” DIR: DITO MONTIEL

Kieran’s urge to break down barriers and blow people’s minds hinges on a need to bring freedom back to music and live concerts in particular: “I felt that it’s become so normal now for people to try and recreate their albums in a live setting, and I find that quite boring,” he says. “I can listen to the band at home, when I see a band

live I want to see them push themselves, and see where they’re at musically at that point, what their current ideas are. I think you get that quite a lot with DJs; you can go into a club and hear what that person is trying to do at that moment, the music is very of the moment.”

in terms of jazz music a lot more, because that was the sort of world he was coming from… I wanted to find a much more bizarre assortment of sounds to work with. That’s how we suddenly had things like music boxes, harp samples, and techno types of sounds coming in.”

The Exchange Sessions attracted a mixed bag of reviews – some dismissed it as just noise, while others said it was unparalleled imagination. They’ve had positive reviews of Tongues so far, but as Steve says: “The record’s a little distance away from what we do in person”, so you can’t be sure to hear what you heard on the album when it makes the transition to the stage. They are currently on a ten-date UK tour, hitting Edinburgh on 25 March. Steve enthuses, with an endearing tobacco-deepened laugh, about looking forward to the gig and the “New York flavour” of the UK, telling fans to get ready. It might be of interest at this stage, if you didn’t already know, that Steve Reid is a sprightly music-mad teenager – in a 63 year old jazz/motown legend’s body. He has an auspicious background in music, from playing with Martha and The Vandellas, Miles Davis, to James Brown and Fela Kuti, and three years learning traditional drumming in West Africa.

Classification methods and ‘pigeon-holing’ become a fairly moot point in reviewing and discussion of Tongues – it’s a blend of modern electronic, jazz percussion, dance, and a tinge of the experimental. Dissection merely hinders any progress in trying to ‘understand’ the music - you either ‘get’ it or don’t. The beats are just consistent enough to nail it down, but any ideas of how each genre should sound are blown away when it is played as one. Steve suggests that it could be coined as nu-jazz, going through another re-birth, which has yet to be defined. There’s a more accessible edge to the album, and the melodic builds sound crafted and scored, rather than random and “intensely experimental.” It may not be a cash-rich venture or bounding down the charts to number one, but that’s not particularly important to two men who are so focused on the music. And you’re just as likely to see the duo booked for d&b/ techno clubs in the same month as a jazz festival.

But where does Tongues take up from the Exchange Sessions? Is it a clear-cut break from the past, or have sounds and ideas transferred? “It’s a continuation to show the people what we got, y’know. There’s no end to it, this is just another road we are going down – the same avenue we’re on, and that’s the road of improvisation,” says Steve. Kieran feels that the Exchange Sessions were about capturing “the musical meeting” of people from different sorts of worlds, resulting in lengthy tracks, something they wanted to change in Tongues. Steve was into the idea of making more concise tracks of four/five minutes, and Kieran wanted to do something different: “I started working on the melodic stuff I wanted to bring into the records. I think I had a different mentality [approaching this record] as well. When I first started working with Steve, I was thinking more

Is Tongues “pioneering a mental health programme”, writing a planetary-wide prescription for happiness? Steve believes it is both: “In my strange mind, I think the planet would have been destroyed if it wasn’t for the music over these years. There’s no blood on the music, that’s all I got to say about that.”

LOOK OUT FOR THE DVD OF KIERAN AND STEVE’S RECENT TRIP DOWN TO SENEGAL FOR RECORDING TIME WITH FIVE AFRICAN MUSICIANS, WHICH WILL “SURFACE SOONER OR LATER”, AND REMIXES OF TONGUES FROM JAMES HOLDEN AND AUDION. TONGUES WILL BE OUT 19 MAR ON DOMINO RECORDS. WWW.KIERANHEBDENANDSTEVEREID.COM

A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS HAS BEEN A HARD WON VICTORY.

Based loosely on the 2001 memoir of first time writer/director Dito Montiel, A Guide to Recognising Your Saints is similarly battle ready - an account of the young Dito’s education at, and graduation from, the school of hard knocks in 1980s Queens. Played as a teenager by rising star Shia LaBeouf and as an adult by Robert Downey Jr, the film is, however, only a brief snapshot of both Montiel’s life, and of the memoir itself. “It’s only almost a few chapters,” says Styler, “The bit we took from the book is him as an adult, looking back at those formative years. A sort of coming of age tale.” An authentically autobiographical movie would, in truth, have taken considerably longer to film, and cost countless millions more in royalty fees. Montiel’s biography crams in several lifetimes’ worth of experience, reading like a who’s who of the ‘80s New York in-crowd. As founder and lead

by Alex Burden

BEATS

FILM

“I THINK THE PLANET WOULD HAVE BEEN DESTROYED IF IT WASN’T FOR THE MUSIC OVER THESE YEARS. THERE’S NO BLOOD ON THE MUSIC, THAT’S ALL I GOT TO SAY ABOUT THAT.” - STEVE READ

STARS: SHIA LABEOUF, ROBERT DOWNEY JR,

Enter home-grown talent Martin Compston. Still only 22, but with an awards cabinet already boasting a BIFA (British Independent Film Award) and a BAFTA, Compston is, as Styler

CHAZZ PALMINTERI, DIANNE WIEST RELEASE DATE: 2 MAR CERT: 15

Reid & Hebden aboard their jazz spaceship

WWW.FIRSTLOOKSTUDIOS.COM/GUIDE

FILM

www.skinnymag.co.uk

photo: Jason Evans

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

FILM

BEATS Art Brut & Improvised Infinity

by Bram Gieben

INFINITE LIVEZ BUSHMEAT WAS PRETTY WHACKED OUT. SO WHAT HAPPENED WHEN HE TOOK ON SWISS EXPERIMENTAL JAZZ NOISE DUO STADE? SOMETHING PUZZLING, SOMETHING INTRIGUING – SOMETHING YOU’VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE.

The first ever Lonely Planet Film Festival comes to Edinburgh this month in its quest to inspire travellers UK-wide. Featuring films from around the world, and showing in cinemas around Britain, the festival aims to encourage travellers to visit the areas on screen. The Cameo will be showing Amelie on the 22nd and The Italian Job on the 28th and Lonely Planet authors will be at the screenings to give their take on the destinations involved and answer audience questions. Food and drink from the regions on film will be on offer and Lonely Planet guide books will be won by a lucky few.

Infinite and Stade: note FX pedals, cool sword and orange plastic whale

bscure K raut rock, elect ro and avant-garde jazz, mixed in a blender with dub and hip-hop. Stream of consciousness with a speech impediment. Discordant spoken word poetry, lurching drunkenly into soul - collision is perhaps a better word than collaboration. The edited results of a mammoth MIDI and ef fects-peddle laden recording session, Art Brut Fe De Yoot is at once a parody and pastiche of the avant garde, and a giant leap forward in its fusion with modern hip-hop technique. Unlike many ‘art’ records, it is utterly and compellingly listenable, while also being a journey into previously unexplored sonic realms. Infinite came to the attention of Swiss noiseniks Stade whilst touring his Big Dada debut, Bushmeat. His performances of tracks like White Wee Wee and Worcsestershire Sauce (a paean to crisps) struck a chord with Pierre Audetat and Christophe Calpini. Infinite was similarly impressed: “I mainly noticed them playing instrumentals, but through MIDI playback, with a drummer. They were jamming, but it was kind of different, and I was attracted to that. I also had to work, you know, and they were offering shows and stuff like that. It’s always good to work with people who are doing interesting music, but all musicians need money. They were recording their own album, we recorded some sessions, and I did some vocals on their album. I did a lot of work on the vocals from those sessions, in terms of cleaning them up, cleaning up the sessions. They made their own album, Tactile, and after that I expressed an interest in recording something that was closer to a recording session where we would all just start playing, record the songs, and fix a start and end point afterwards. It made me improvise, purely.” The purity of their improvisations was a departure for Infinite, but one he felt very comfortable with: “I do a lot of freestyling in hiphop, but freestyling tends to be fixed in the moment. Whatever has happened on the night, or in the battle, tends to be part of the context. I t ’s a l i v e c o n t e x t . With Stade, I wanted to explore things more internally, and develop songs f rom my ideas that were suggested by the stuff I was hearing, or by the kind of mood. Thi ngs would just happen, and I’d get an idea for a song while we were actually doing it. It

“USUALLY IT’S A CASE OF PICKING THE ODDEST BEAT I CAN… WITH STADE, THEIR MUSIC IS ALREADY WAY OUT THERE. I DEMANDED THAT WE DO THE WEIRDEST STUFF.” – INFINITE LIVEZ

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

was very much an internal projection of an idea. I think it worked well with the way that Stade worked – it’s very similar to what they do. They have samples and presets that they use, but the way that they play it tends to change every time. I was improvising around preset sounds, but they were affecting them live. When you’re listening to it, it sounds like badly quantized music: hip-hop with the quantizer off. It plays with your expectations – you can hear there’s something live about it, but you’re not quite sure what it is.” For Infinite, the freedom of the artistic sessions was liberating, but he was happy to pare down the sessions to the accessible tracks for release: “We gave seven CDs of material to Will (Ashon, head of Big Dada), and to be honest with you he picked his favourites, and then we agreed and disagreed on a few tracks. There are parts of the sessions which are just a little bit too out there, and we were conscious of not wanting to do anything too leftfield. It’s already a pretty unique CD, so there’s no point in having 15 minutes of noise at the end – louder and louder, faster and faster. I’m not totally into the idea that if you express something in an extreme way, that that necessarily makes it valid. But if we’re playing live, and Pierre is leading, and it starts getting louder, we can turn it up to eleven!” The various characters that Infinite portrays on the album represented a more theatrical way of working: “In order to make a lot of the vocals work I had to really try and get into character, to try and actually play another character, which is quite different to hip-hop,” he says. “I think it’s something quite important with jazz or improvised music; that you get into character and are confident with your improvisation. It’s very different to hip-hop, because although there’s a character, I tend to write rhymes about myself. With this, it was more of a mask, like vaudeville.” The characters are memorable and yet familiar, as are his vocal stylings: “A lot of the singing I do is kind of parody or cliché, a pastiche of something familiar, but perhaps you’re not quite sure where you’ve heard it,” he elaborates. “That’s quite a useful technique for this type of music – when the music starts to suggest something, it’s kind of blurry what that might be. With the vocals, I would try to bring that out and make it clearer. Rick James was a big influence – funk, soul vocals.”

by Alec McLeod

by Paul Greenwood

He has been playing live with Stade, encouraging them to push the envelope: “When we play we don’t specifically try to make it as experimental as possible, but I have been encouraging Pierre and Christophe to play a totally free set. We want to do some covers, so that for the people listening, it kind of brings the ear back to something a little bit familiar.” His work with Stade has influenced his choices of production on his next solo album, too: “Usually it’s a case of picking the oddest beat I can make up, or I can get someone to do. But with Stade, their music is already way out there. I demanded that we do the weirdest stuff. I’m making a new LP. I want to alternate between a normal hiphop track and an improvised piece. There are a lot of songs I have already written that didn’t come out on Bushmeat.”

Over at the Filmhouse, the event of the month has to be Cinema China, running from the 9th until the 18th of March. Showcasing some of the best Chinese films ever made and spanning the last eight decades, it serves as a wonderful introduction to a glorious filmmaking nation. From the silent 1934 film Goddess, through the opulent musicals and action extravaganzas of the ‘60s, to the rebirth of independent cinema in the ‘80s and ‘90s, it’s a treasure trove of classics both known and unknown. Current directing superstar Zhang Yimou is well represented with his stunning Curse of the Golden Flower as well as his earlier Ju Dou and the UK premiere of Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles. Other events include a masterclass with the highly renowned actress Maggie Cheung on the 10th, in which she will be in conversation with Mark Cousins about her life and work.

If last month’s International Film Festival has left you feeling positively stuffed full of cinematic spectacle, prepare to make some more room as the International Comedy Festival offers us its deceptively ‘waffer theen’ selection after the eighth of March. As well as classics such as Buster Keaton’s The General (11 Mar, GFT) and Dr. Strangelove (17 Mar, The Grosvenor), there is another chance to see Golden Globe winner Borat (9 Mar, The Grosvenor) and the premiere of films created by Glasgow Media Access Centre’s Little Pictures project (GMAC, 21 Mar). Brochures are available around Glasgow, and can be downloaded from www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com. For anyone wanting to get into filmmaking themselves, there’s never been a better time to learn how. Start a Diploma in Digital Filmmaking at the SAE Institute in Glasgow this month, and not only will you be trained in all aspects of production, including pre- and post-, but you will also be given a free Apple Macbook laptop to help you with your studies. This mercifully brings an end to the days when the only way to get a free notebook PC off your course was to pretend to have learning difficulties; even then, my mate once flunked the dyslexia test so badly they gave him a lapdog. For details of the course, fees and admissions, go to www.saeuk.com/glasgow.

Also worth a look at the Filmhouse is New Europe, a selection of films from some of the nations that have joined the EU in recent years, including Poland, Hungary and Estonia. Focusing largely on the social and political issues that have affected them in the time since they joined, it’s a rare chance to see some of the very best of Eastern European cinema.

If you’re already studying film, get yourself to the CCA on the 23rd for the Scottish Students on Screen 2007 event organised by BAFTA Scotland and Scottish Screen. As well as showing films made by students themselves, it will include workshops such as a pitching session for 4Talent, an Apple technology showcase (they certainly love a film student at Apple) and masterclasses by professionals. See www.baftascotland.co.uk for more.

CINEMA CHINA RUNS FROM THE 9TH UNTIL THE 18TH OF MARCH

WWW.GLASGOWCOMEDYFESTIVAL.COM

AT THE FILMHOUSE, EDINBURGH.

WWW.SAEUK.COM/GLASGOW

WWW.CINEMACHINA.ORG.UK

WWW.BAFTASCOTLAND.CO.UK

WWW.FILMHOUSECINEMA.COM

A lot of songs, and a cast of incredible improvised characters to draw on; a man who can find lyrical inspiration in everything from Unbiased Reductionism in 21st Century Music Practices to Worcestershire Sauce – Infinite Livez is likely to be making weird and wonderful hip-hop for some time to come. Stade’s own LP, Tactile, with contributions from Infinite, is also due soon. ART BROOT FE DE YOOT IS OUT ON 12 MAR, ON BIG DADA. INFINITE LIVEZ PLAYS VICE LIVE, THE ARCHES, GLASGOW ON 16 MAR - IT’S A FREE GIG, ALSO FEATURING DJ DYSU, SUBSOURCE LIVE, SAFFROLLA, TREVA WHATEVAH AND ROB RED ALERT. WWW.INFINITELIVEZ.COM & WWW.BIGDADA.COM

As to how the more experimental parts of the album will be received by fans of Bushmeat, Infinite is cautiously optimistic: “I’ve put some of the tracks on my MySpace, and I think separately, they don’t work so well for some listeners. This is music that’s made in the moment, with a fair amount of musicianship and skill, but it’s also prepared to rely on a lot of accident. We were quite matter of fact about not polishing the songs too much, and I think at the moment, in hip-hop, that’s a good thing to remind people of.”

BEATS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

FILM REVIEWS

BEATS

Music for the Senses by Sean McNamara

GLASGOW IS KNOWN FOR THE AMOUNT OF CLUB NIGHTS THAT SPRING UP AND THEN DISAPPEAR WITHOUT TRACE – BUT THE BEST ALWAYS SURVIVE WITH GOOD PROMOTION AND MUSIC THAT OFFERS SOMETHING FRESH TO THE SCENE

Becoming Jane

BECOMING JANE DIR: JULIAN JARROLD STARS: ANNE HATHAWAY, JAMES MCAVOY, JULIE WALTERS, MAGGIE SMITH

tured but, on the big screen, there’s simply nothing to make it stand out. Take your mum if you must. [Paul Greenwood]

CATCH A FIRE

RELEASE DATE: 9 MAR CERT: PG

DIR: PHILLIP NOYCE

The leafy middle England countryside of the 1790s is the setting for this tale of how a headstrong and independent young girl named Jane Austen (Hathaway) became a superstar of classic literature. We learn how her life and her stories are shaped by her family’s attempts to marry her into money and her doomed love affair with McAvoy’s charming but sk int scally wag. Becoming Jane is another in a recent run of perfectly pleasant but ultimately rather unnecessary literary biopics and adaptations (see Miss Potter or Pride and Prejudice) that might make for delightful Sunday night telly if you weren’t in the pub or watching Top Gear. The actors are all fine and the period is nicely cap-

STARS: DEREK LUKE, TIM ROBBINS, BONNIE HENNA

Outlaw acter study of these two men, it’s engaging enough. But by concerning itself more with Luke’s journey it’s playing it safe, remaining a bit soft on the big issues, and never attempting to answer the question of whether violence is justifiable as a means to an end. [Paul Greenwood]

DAYS OF GLORY

RELEASE DATE: 23 MAR CERT: 12A

DIR: RACHID BOUCHAREB

One man’s freedom fighter is another man’s terrorist, in this solid if unremarkable drama set in apartheid-ridden South Africa in the early 80s. Luke plays a peaceful family man who is imprisoned after being wrongly accused of organising an attack on the refinery where he works. The brutal treatment he and his wife receive compels him to become an ANC activist, with Robbins the cop determined to uphold the system. It’s a thoughtful take on a difficult period, with a strong and committed central performance from Luke. Robbins is well cast against type, and as a char-

STARS: JAMEL DEBBOUZE, ROSCHDY ZEM, SAMY NACERI RELEASE DATE: 30 MAR CERT: 15

With the amount of WWII movies out there already, it may seem to many that Days of Glory has arrived too late. In some respects that’s right, as a feeling occasionally arises that you have already seen this film - which features an account of a small band of brothers coming to France to fight the Germans. What’s different is that these are North Africans who - having been asked to protect the Motherland - begin to

FILM OF THE MONTH

A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS DIR: DITO MONTIEL STARS: SHIA LABEOUF, ROBERT DOWNEY JR, CHAZZ PALMINTERI, CHANNING TATUM, MARTIN COMPSTON RELEASE DATE: 2 MAR CERT: 15

New York’s mean streets have become a little too familiar in a cinematic sense. From Clinton to Crooklyn, every ‘hood seems to have had its own treatise, which makes the success of Dito Montiel’s absorbing rough guide to the Astoria district in the 1980s all the more surprising. A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints is a loosely fictionalized adaptation of Montiel’s memoirs, which were published to critical acclaim Stateside. While many of the names have remained, first-time writer/director Montiel has juggled his personal history to good dramatic effect. The film opens with the adult Dito (portrayed by Downey Jr) begrudgingly returning home to see his dying father (Palminteri) for the first time in 15 years. The story of the teenage Dito (LaBeouf) and the unlikely “saints” is told in extended flashbacks, and there’s a real vibrancy to the initial scenes of chaotic petty criminality. Antonio (Tatum) is the troubled leader of the pack, which becomes involved in an increasingly destructive feud with a rival gang. Meanwhile, Dito becomes fast friends with an immigrant Scot, Mike (Sweet Sixteen’s Compston), and the pair talk about escaping New York, to the disbelief of his father and friends.

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

So far, so uninspiring? Not quite. Montiel keeps up a cracking pace, the camera struggling to keep up with the motor-mouth characters. As tensions grow at home and life in the street descends into violence, the film begins to frequently switch back to the present, Dito slowly beginning to reconcile past events and current predicaments. Saints can be measured against many films of this ilk, but it’s more Raising Victor Vargas than Mean Streets stylistically, with its faux DIY aesthetic. In narrative terms, the shift between past and present isn’t always smooth, segueing awkwardly at inopportune moments. Even given these minor criticisms, the terrific ensemble cast makes Saints enjoyable and enthralling. The veterans are on top form, while Montiel has unearthed a future star in Tatum. Previously seen in dreadful teen flicks, he’s a revelation as the brooding Antonio. Producer Trudie Styler has worked the festival circuit tirelessly with this low budget gem, bringing Montiel the recognition this impressive debut deserves. [Parker Langley]

Ten Canoes

doubt their reasons for doing so. Angel-A’s Jamel Debbouze (who co-produced) and the Taxi tetralogy’s Samy Naceri get to play more than the 2D characters they’ve been given in the past, and the film’s steady character development leads to a fateful and visceral last stand. Raising awareness of North Africa’s overlooked contribution to France, it further reveals that those “indigenes” who defended the nation are still waiting for their pension from the government - too late for many. [Alec McLeod]

ventures down an unexpectedly philosophical path when the NWA (think Homeowners’ Association gone horribly awry) are introduced and the questioning of the concept of utopia is parodied, before a final act which, perhaps unsurprisingly, comprises about thirty minutes of superfluous, highly entertaining violence, paying tribute to those holiest of all cop action flicks, Point Break and Bad Boys II. [Ilani Blanke]

SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS

DIR: NICK LOVE

OUTLAW STARS: DANNY DYER, SEAN BEAN, BOB HOSKINS, LENNIE JAMES

DIR: TOD PHILIPS

CERT: 18

STARS: JON HEDER, BILLY BOB

Director Nick Love’s previous outing, The Business, flopped at the box office but sold 250,000 copies on DVD. Not staggering, but enough to encourage Love to churn out yet more witless and sickeningly violent Cockerney claptrap. A revenge drama, Outlaw centres on the recently de-mobbed Bryant (Bean) who, on his return from Iraq, is unable to stomach the moral decay of ASBO Britain. Confused and angry, he forms a rag-tag vigilante group which includes a widowed lawyer (the hopelessly miscast James), a bullied telesales worker (Dire, sorry, Dyer) and a psychotic hotel night watchman (Harris). They decide that a smalltime mob boss is responsible for society’s ills and plot to take him down - leading to a predictably violent denouement which is as incomprehensible as the characters’ motivations. To his usual cinematic misdemeanors of dreadful plotting and clichéd characterisation, Love has added nauseating camera technique and an indecipherable political message. Devoid of any redeeming features, Outlaw should bypass theatrical and DVD release on its way to the local landfill. [Parker Langley]

RELEASE DATE: 23 FEB CERT: 12A

Like Fight Club without the torsos, or the Masons without the handshakes and conspiracy theories, Dr. P’s hush-hush classes for the terminally uncool promise to turn losers into lotharios, rescuing those for whom self-help is no use “because your self sucks.” Roger (Heder) is one such unfortunate, whose random spasms of muteness and hysterical fainting are doing him no favours in the attempted seduction of his unattainable Aussie neighbour (Barrett). Cue Dr. P (Thornton), whose assistance only lasts until the Doctor decides he’d like the lady for himself. Shrewdly cast – Billy Bob Thornton fronting seminars on how slightly creepy men might inexplicably get girls (stand up Angelina), and Jon ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Heder as king of the nerds – with a healthy gag-ratio, School For Scoundrels’ report card gets a solid B-. By no means the pick of director Todd Philips’ frat-pack back catalogue - Old School was surely his Sgt. Pepper – but worth a punt, nonetheless. [Lindsay West]

HOT FUZZ

FAST FOOD NATION DIR: RICHARD LINKLATER STARS: GREG KINNEAR, CATALINA SANDINO MORENO, LUIS

DIR: EDGAR WRIGHT

GUZMÁN, BRUCE WILLIS

STARS: SIMON PEGG, NICK FROST,

RELEASE DATE: 23 MAR

TIMOTHY DALTON, JIM BROADBENT

CERT: 15

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

“Shit sandwich.” So went the concise review of Spinal Tap’s album, Shark Sandwich. It’s also a pretty decent summation of Fast Food Nation, wherein Kinnear’s burger chain marketing exec investigates just why there appears to be so much faecal matter in their new Mickey’s Big One. Meanwhile, the illegal Mexican immigrants who work at the meat packing plant that produces the burgers have plenty of problems of their own. But it doesn’t matter if some wetbacks lose an arm or two, as long as Mickeys can buy their meat at 40 cents a pound. Based on Eric Schlosser’s non-fiction book, Fast Food Nation is sobering, grimly funny, and positively terrifying

CERT: 15

Sergeant Nicholas Angel of the Met (Pegg) is reassigned to a small English town because his unmatched efficiency has caused the rest of the division to look like lazy bobbies. In what becomes an hilarious homage to American cop movies, the latest from the makers of Shaun of the Dead and Spaced impresses with its sharp wit and flawless timing. While Pegg and Frost carry much of the comedic bulk, cameos and bit parts from the likes of Steve Coogan and Bill Nighy work to elevate the comic cred of Hot Fuzz. The film cleverly

TEN CANOES DIR: ROLF DE HEER, PETER DJIGIRR STARS: DAVID GULPILIL, CRUSOE KURRDAL, JAMIE GULPILIL RELEASE DATE: 30 MAR CERT: 12A

RELEASE DATE: 9 MAR

THORNTON, JACINDA BARRETT

if it’s even remotely true, but it doesn’t necessarily make for good drama. Linklater overreaches himself in trying to tell so many stories, and most of the edge is lost when the Kinnear thread concludes. [PaulGreenwood]

David Gulpilil has been in just about every major Western film featuring Aboriginals you’d care to mention: from his debut in Walkabout to Crocodile Dundee, Rabbit-Proof Fence and recently The Proposition. Ten Canoes is now his opportunity to tell a story of his own. Inspired by a photo of ten men of the Arafura swamp taken in the 1930s, he and writer/ director de Heer gathered together the group’s descendants (of which narrator Gulpilil is one; his son also appears) to portray their hunting trip, during which those characters themselves tell a story of Aboriginal myth. The oral tradition is captured well by this “story within a story within a story” bringing us deeper into the plot as we journey further into history. Humour, romance, conspiracy and revenge all add up to a refreshingly different cinema experience. [Alec McLeod]

One night that has certainly done that is Sensu, now at the legendary Sub Club, and still promoted by Barry Price and Chris ‘Junior’ Ingram. The night has proved to be hard work, yet it’s definitely a labour of love. “We set up Sensu to do and play what we loved and by putting it out there we hoped people would respond and feel as passionately about it as us,” explains Barry. The night has now been running for around two and a half years and is steadily building a solid reputation. After mainly having excellent residents’ parties at the Q club, they moved to the Liquid Lounge and began to look for the best upand-coming minimal techno, techno and electro house DJs from across the globe. “We started booking guests that have never or rarely played in Scotland, kicking off with a UK exclusive for Trentemoller,” enthuses Barry. Co-promoter Junior continues: “For me Sensu was all about bringing exciting new guests from around the globe that perhaps would not feature for some of the other nights in and around Glasgow.” After the unfortunate closure of the Liquid Lounge last year, the night had to find a new home. With its cutting edge electronic music Sensu took the bold step of approaching scene heavyweights, the Sub Club. They were delighted to receive a positive response. “They gave us an opportunity to prove ourselves,” says Barry. “Since then we have run two parties at our legendary new home, both being really successful thanks to an amazing crowd, electric atmosphere and, of course excellent music

and guests, not to mention support from our excellent residents.” As well as recent top guests such as Mr C and Tobi Neumann, the talented residents Paul Ingram, Francesco Ferri and Gio Ferri have as much to do with the popularity as anyone. “I think it’s especially important to have strong residents who know the art of warming up or finishing off a night if needed, and musically and technically they’re as good as any DJ I’ve heard,” Barry tells us. The promoters both also DJ at the night, and are planning to take a live version on the road: “Myself and Junior are taking our sound to other club nights as we will be using Ableton, CDJs, controllers (A&H 3D) and fx units, as Sensu live.” The official regular residency at the Sub Club starts in summer, yet plenty more is planned before then. “We’ll be throwing some parties around Glasgow at unusual locations as well as promoting this year’s Wee Chill. If you’re interested, come be our friend on MySpace or check out the website.” Sensu is now reaping the benefits of its promoters’ commitment, and as Junior sums up: “It was always our plan to establish ourselves first. We feel this part has been achieved and it is now our plan to offer the super enthusiastic music lovers of Glasgow some parties they have been crying out for!” WWW.SENSU.CO.UK, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/SENSUEVENTS

Last month’s Sensu guest, Andre Galuzzi

photo: Sonnemondsterne

THE ILLUSIONIST DIR: NEIL BURGER STARS: EDWARD NORTON, PAUL GIAMATTI, JESSICA BIEL, RUFUS SEWELL RELEASE DATE: 2 MAR CERT: PG

There’s an unspoken contract between the magician and his audience which dictates that, even although you’re watching for the con, you’re still involuntarily willing him to pick your card from the pack. The experience of watching The Illusionist is somewhat akin to signing this contract and being made to stick to it, even as the magician chucks you his instruction book, fluffs the trick, and still expects you to applaud. Norton is Eisenheim the Illusionist, whose tricks are dreadfully impressive, and enable him to bag that girl out of Blade: Trinity. Less impressive is the pedestrian storyline and despite the audience’s willingness to be fooled - the clumsy slight of hand twist that can be spotted a mile off whilst wearing sunglasses. Norton, Sewell, and a typically (although here, justifiably) vexed looking Giamatti do their best, but the main trick The Illusionist manages to pull off is a woefully mediocre movie, despite all the advantages of a credible cast. [Lindsay West]

FILM

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

BEATS GLASGOW Bohemian Rap-Soldier

UNIVERSAL FILM NOIR COLLECTION

by Dalai Dahmer

by Alec McLeod

GLASGOW’S NAFEES HAS BEEN PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES WITH HIS MIXTAPE, THE ART OF KEEPING IT (SUR)REAL - OUR OWN DALAI DAHMER JUST NEEEDED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIS NEW DIRECTION spine-tingling lyrics at the age of 11 when he heard Nas doing his thing on If I Ruled the World, Nafees says it was actually Freddie Mercury who made it clear to him that he had to be in the music game: “I saw some of his performances, and decided I wanna give something back to the world the way he did.” Freddie needs no introduction, clearly. I sure as hell wasn’t expecting him to be the first name out of the MCs mouth as an influence, but the more Nafees shares, the more it makes perfect sense. “I love performing,” he says. ”If I’m performing to one person, or one hundred, or one thousand; I love performing.” When you think of how some big MCs perform live, it does seem apt to channel someone as engaging as the late and great Mr. Mercury. “The element that MCing added was the fact that you do not have to compromise what you want to say,” he says.

afees is earnest as he walks in, and ready to talk. His hand, cold from the walk, goes straight to mine. We meet in Glasgow’s west end beside the university he attends, in a café so hip it has its own MySpace. From chatting about music in general on our way downstairs, we get talking about Nafees’ first experiences. First infected with

Nafees doesn’t set limits on his musical direction either, working with all sorts of producers for his latest mixtape, The Art of Keeping It (Sur)real: Aroara is giein it laldy in folk rock style, Dan Monox acts as techno collaborator, and even Aeroplane Dope gets in on the action (see our LP review on P50 for more info). He spits over an eclectic mix of beats - so many that the record couldn’t really be anything other than hip hop. “It’s in my nature,” he reckons, “I’ve always been differ-

CLUB REVIEWS MARCIA BLAINE SCHOOL FOR GIRLS ALBUM LAUNCH (LIVE) KINKY AFRO, SUB CLUB, 26 JAN One of Glasgow’s more forwardthinking electronic nights, Kinky Af ro b e gins 20 07 wi th a li ve per formance from The Marcia Blaine School For Girls. Celebrating the launch of debut album, Halfway Into The Woods, the Glasgow trio follow Stuf f Records’ brilliantly monikered Pole Boakenfold and his electro-cum-hip-hop selection. From its deliciously atmospheric o p e n i n g, M a rc i a B l a i n e’s s et features a host of aural treats that combine widescreen, cinematicinfluences with neatly programmed dancefloor-friendly rhythms. From stuttering hip-hop tempos to 4/4 Detroit-flavoured moods, both the head and feet are entertained throughout, and Retina Glitch’s visual delights add extra depth to an already rounded performance. Former Club 69 resident and Rub-a-Dub Records associate, Mar tin McKay take over with a fine mixture of house and techno, easily displaying why he’s so highly regarded by Afro resident Matt Bennett. Replacing Martin on the decks, Matt rounds off the night’s proceedings with some seriously jacking business to a rapturous crowd. [Colin Chapman] WWW.MARCIABLAINE.COM

DANTON EEPROM, MIND THE GAP THE ARCHES, 16 FEB

The Arches is absolutely dead; there’s literally no more than thirty

ent.” His love of eclecticism connects with his love of multiculturalism, and he cites public attitudes as an influence on just how many styles he brings to the table. Nafees was interviewed on London radio recently and caused a wee bit of confusion: “They were kinda surprised when I said Queen, Freddie Mercury, was my biggest influence. They said hip-hop and grime MCs are all about this hard macho street image, and they would never admit to [liking Queen], but I think it’s just that they hadn’t come across someone who admits to that. Well, I don’t care what the images are, where the boundaries are. I’m just going to be honest.” Honesty is working for him, and working to his advantage: “I think it’s vital to appeal to people. There’s self expression, and there’s self expression that appeals to people and that not only expresses the artist, but the opinions of many people.” He asks of great albums gone by, “Is music going to consistently live up to this level?”. He says he remains optimistic, but you get the feeling Nafees isn’t just going to watch what happens. “In the great tradition of music, in the way that all those people who have inspired me, and inspire other artists, I hope I can inspire other artists too,” he says. His personal drive is strong, and it makes you wonder who will be citing his name as an influence in interviews ten years down the line, and just what will they sound like? [Dalai Dahmer] NAFEES MIXTAPE THE ART OF KEEPING IT (SUR)REAL IS OUT NOW, AVAILABLE FROM HIS MYSPACE WEBSITE. WWW.NAFEESMUSIC.COM

ZERO DB, FREQE THE SUB CLUB, FRI 16

The beats were flowing, but you wouldn’t say freely. That might have been the jazz, but it might have been the people listening to it. When the rhythm was rolling it was funkier than a mosquito’s tweeter, but you got the feeling folks were a bit bamboozled when it wasn’t. “How to dance?” we wondered as we grooved. Still, Zero dB featured a good collection of tracks with a groove that just got deeper, sounding like a definitive Ninja Tunes

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

posse. The basslines were fat, but it didn’t feel like the Sub Club PA was on full volume until well into the night. There was some great dancing to be had, albeit with what felt like one of the most uncertain crowds seen in the Subby since that night the door staff gave us all a fiver. They did keep us guessing, but they kept us dancing too. More of that, please. [Dalai Dahmer]

SPRIT CATCHER (LIVE)

SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, FEB 17 Belgian production duo, Spirit Catcher touched down at Glasgow’s “weekly dunt of Saturday night hedonism”, Subculture for a live/DJ set. Jean Vanesse and Thomas Sohet have been responsible for several deep, disco-influenced house moments (think Metro Area with bigger balls and you’re nearly there). Currently touring to promote debut album Night Vision, they’ve released tracks on labels such as Freerange, Moodmusic and Crosstown Rebels. Taking over from Harri’s dancefloor simmering selection of moody grooves, they followed with a disappointing hour of plodding, one-dimensional sounds that had more of a progressive-lean than Saturday’s Sub is used to. Using a midi set-up of mixing desk, effects and live keyboards coupled with decks-led Serato software, things took a turn for the better in the second hour as Jean and Thomas eventually found the funk, airing their more disco-fied output before ending on a high with Prince, New Order and Playgroup classics. [Colin Chapman] WWW.SPIRITCATCHER.BE

Merka: he’s a Berserka, or so they say

MERKA, CHEW THE FAT!

CALVIN HARRIS, CLUB NME

Chew The Fat! is the club night run by the mighty Fat! Records, and despite being one of the longest-running breakbeat labels in the UK, Merka’s debut LP Berserka is in fact their first full-length album release. This should go some way towards indicating the amount of buzz around Merka’s beats. Taking a hacksaw to rave and electro, then sticking a mighty big Fat! style breakbeat under it, Merka is a producer of the irreverent, wideboy kind - his DJ set is sure to reflect this. Joining Merka and Fat! resident Bradley C for the launch of Berserka, The Rogue Element is another hot producer du jour, having won breakspoll’s 2006 award for Best Breakthrough Producer. Championed by the likes of the Plumps and Hyper, he’s another sure bet for an interesting and diverse set. Finally, XFM’s Mash joins the crew for a rare breaks set. Get yourself down to the Sub Club for a night of big-ass basslines and fat beats. [Bram Gieben]

Club NME is making steady progress in becoming one of the best options for Glasgow clubbers on a Thursday night. On the basis of the live acts they have lined up for March, you would have to say that the Arches have got their sights set on the number one slot for this competitive night of the week. A good example of this is futuredisko purveyor Calvin Harris, who has been invited back for a second appearance at to the Arches after a thunderously positive reception during his last appearance at Death Disco. Having secured a support slot with Faithless for their March arena tour, being recently playlisted by Radio 1, and with his single Acceptable In The 80s due out on 12 March, it’s already looking peachy for Harris. He is an analog-obsessed artist who claims that his music is not for stupid people. The suspected rule would therefore be... if you’re stupid don’t go. [Peter Burns]

10.30PM-3AM, £10/£8

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CALVINHARRISTV

WWW.THEFATCLUB.COM

WWW.NME.COM/CLUBNME

THE SUB CLUB, 16 MAR

Who doesn’t like film noir? It’s probably the one genre with an equal measure of male and female fans, and its allure has not dated yet. Perhaps these films have captured so much interest because they themselves captured so much. The 1940s saw a world at war on many fronts, be it international, ideological, or between class or gender. At the centre was a man with no side but his own, a side that could be sidled up to by whichever girl was to come along. Whether they stuck a knife in it or not could sometimes only be known once it had happened.

THE ARCHES, 8 MAR

CLUB NME IS EVERY THURS, 10PM-3AM, £3 ADV.

WWW.2020RECORDINGS.COM

BEATS

be quite so easy now his wife is first a drunk, then dead. Ladd and femme fatale Veronica Lake smoulder throughout, as they do in The Glass Key and This Gun For Hire. Other Universal noirs to have their DVD debut include Mitchum classics Out Of The Past, Crossfire and The Big Steal. For those of us who, until now, had to wait in hope for these films’ appearance on Channel Four at lunchtime in order to see them, it’s a selection much-deserving of a digital transfer. OUT NOW

Film noir also showed up men’s fear of commitment (it’s been famously said that in film noir, marriage is death) as much as their fear of betrayal. But the strong female characters that were created opposite them were loved by women and men alike, allowing a sexually-charged banter in movies that was unseen previously. Universal’s latest collection of classic noirs contains some of the best of the genre, and some of the most unique. Murder My Sweet’s first-person perspective allows us to see through Philip Marlowe’s eyes even when he’s been slipped a Mickey Finn, in a Chandler adaptation that matches modern noirs such as Momento in its experimentation with the genre. Similarly, The Killers is told in flashback, as we retrace the steps of Burt Lancaster’s down-on-hisluck ex-boxer - a film that was echoed years later in Cronenberg’s A History of Violence. The Blue Dahlia has Alan Ladd returning from war expecting to start his life again, but finding it isn’t going to

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING A COPY OF THE BLUE DAHLIA AND A COPY OF MURDER MY SWEET, JUST ANSWER THIS QUESTION: Q. MURDER MY SWEET IS AN ADAPTATION OF WHICH RAYMOND CHANDLER NOVEL? SEND YOUR ANSWERS TO ALEC@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

OUT OF THE PAST THE KILLERS THE GLASS KEY CROSSFIRE THE BLUE DAHLIA THIS GUN FOR HIRE MURDER MY SWEET THE BIG STEAL

REVIEWS FILM SPECIAL

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NAFEESMUSIC

CLUB PREVIEWS people in the arch where Mind The Gap are presenting sleazefunk pur veyor Cagedbaby and chic retro-electro producer Danton Eeprom. It’s a shame that the event has not attracted more bodies, as the elegant Danton is a treat live, and deserves a far greater crowd for his deep, melodic brand of futurist electro. Sadly missing the top-hat and tuxedo that brought an outmoded elegance to the pumping beats, he remains enthusiastic, if slightly confused by the emptiness, letting loops run on whilst he takes time out to dance, drink and chainsmoke endlessly. Danton Eeprom’s early EPs showcased sleazy dancefloor grooves, wobbly beats and synth keys, but his recent Le Caprice des Temps 12” touched on elements of techy minimalism that hinted at something greater. However, his finishing rendition of Slow Blow emphasises Danton’s dancefloor roots; a pumping piece of Death Disco trash-electro accompanied by headbanging, screaming into his microphone and another 20 cigarettes. [Liam Arnold]

FILM/DVD

DVD

Michael Rapaport may ring bells from his small appearances in b i g f i l m s, u s ually playing Noo Yo i k h o o d l u m s (he stole Small Time Crooks), but in low budget flick Special he gets the opportunity of a lead role on the other side of the fight against crime. As a meter maid, Les is a pushover, despite the motivational talks of his exasperated boss, but his involvement in a sinister clinical drug trial soon convinces Les he is not so powerless. Rather than playing it just for laughs, Special goes for Taxi Driver-like unease, set in the artificially-lit interiors and exteriors of a city that manages to be familiar through it’s unreality. You’ll quickly gather that Les’ new superpowers are not all they may appear, but it’s the style, charm and sheer bizarreness of this film that keeps you watching. Overlooked on it’s brief theatrical release, a cult following is sure to welcome it on DVD. RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH

REQUIEM Requiem is based on the same “true s to r y ” a s T h e Exorcism of Emily Rose - but for those wanting to see heads turning 360 degrees, splattering blood, or even enough scares to justify cuddling up to the person sitting next to you, prepare to be disappointed. Deeply religious Michaela (Sandra Hüller) comes from a small Southern German town. She has battled with epilepsy from an early age but decides against her mother’s will to attend university. Once there she makes new friends and she even meets a boy. Knowing

DVD

that she goes against what her Mother would approve of, her attacks get worse, and her inner demons try to drive Michaela further from her faith to become everything her parents hate. She sees faces, hears voices, and the demons soon cease appearing only during her seizures, become a part of her everyday life and preventing her from praying or touching the cross. The movie ends a little too abruptly, but Sandra Hüller’s performance as 20 year-old Michaela is so accomplished that the film leaves a genuine impression on the viewer’s psyche. [Charlotte Rodenstedt] RELEASE DATE: 26 MARCH

MIDDLETOWN S et i n 19 6 0 s Northern Ireland - so miserable and damp it seeps through the T V screen - Middletown is the tale of the prodigal son in reverse. Returning to Middletown after theological college, Reverend Gabriel Hunter (Matthew McFadyen) rides into town like Ian Paisley in a ten gallon hat, the very definition of a sanctimonious prick. His feckless brother Jim (Daniel Mays) is married to the feisty and heavily pregnant local innkeeper’s daughter, Caroline (Eva Birthistle). Gabriel unfortunately decides that Caroline and her pub are the genesis of all sin in the town, firmly wedging his unfortunate brother between the proverbial rock and hard place. However, it’s not until their father decides who to leave his business to that the shit really heads fanwards. McFadyen is odious in the extreme as the unhinged Gabriel, but it’s the mud and small-mindedness that leaves the most lasting impression. It’s an interesting twist on the Irish Catholic movie cliché – that the Protestants had it just as dreich, regardless of hellfire or brimstone. [Cara McGuigan] RELEASE DATE: 26 MARCH.

NORMANMCLAREN: THEMASTER’S EDITION Norman McLaren is one of Scotla nd’s great artistic ex p or t s. The protégé of John Grierson, he ex pa nde d the boundaries of cinema - specifically animation - with his work for the GPO Film Unit and then more famously with the National Film Board of Canada. This new Master’s Edition (to be followed up by a theatrical tour of some of his films) is the most comprehensive collection of an artist’s work this reviewer has ever seen, comprising seven discs collating f ifty years of work into themes inspired by his styles and collaborators. The accompanying handbook further indexes the films alphabetically and chronologically, and the DVD menus are a joy to behold. As for the films themselves, they are nothing less than a meeting point of the histories of art and film - from documentaries of a day at the Art School to experiments in literally painting music onto film. In short, what DVD was invented for. [Alec McLeod] OUT NOW.

MUSIC LEONARD COHEN: I’M YOUR MAN Ever ybody knows that Leonard Cohen may just be the greatest songwriter of the last forty years, so the merits of a documentary te lli ng us just that for ninet y minutes are debatable. Various musical luminaries discuss his songs

and his influence, while Cohen himself reveals details of his childhood, his early days as a beat poet and his time spent as a monk. Interspersed with this are cover performances by various artists, most of whom haven’t even bothered to learn the songs by heart. Rufus and Martha Wainwright manage to get it right, but Nick Cave’s karaoke renditions are faintly embarrassing. By the time Cohen gets on stage with U2 to sing Tower of Song, it’s like the star who comes on at the end of X Factor to show everyone how it should be done. The insight is decent and the songs are for the ages, but too many of the performances will make you wish Cohen himself was singing them. [Paul Greenwood] RELEASE DATE: 19 MARCH

NINE INCH NAILS Tr e n t R e z n o r has a lot to a n s w e r f o r. Spawning a new way to b ro o d (and, resultingly, a generation of industrial rockloving malcontents), not to mention refining the genesis of Marilyn Manson, the cultural impact of his aesthetic has been abundantly clear in the two decades he has thus far been active. Now he has nicked Mazza’s bass player on Beside You In Time, a fiercer, stronger proposition than 2002’s comparatively lethargic And All That Could Have Been. Whether the sound is clearer - doubtful, given Reznor’s usual level of perfectionism - or the new players have brought some sort of magic sack of gusto with them, this is a disc rammed with ass-kicking treasures. The riffs often exceed the synths – this is the With Teeth tour after all – and, although the live shows captured here are energised affairs, it is the bonus material shot at the band’s rehearsal space that truly harnesses the undeniable electricity of Nine Inch Nails. [Dave Kerr] OUT NOW WWW.NIN.COM

FILM RELEASES PAN’S LABYRINTH - 5 MARCH Guillermo Del Torro’s lastest film is a fantastical tale set just after the Spanish Civil war. A young girl, troubled by an abusive step father and a sickly mother escapes into an alternate reality, but is it all in her imagination? Like his previous Spanish language features, Cronos and Devil’s Backbone, Del Torro skillfully blends fantasy, horror and some history to create a marvellously rich and emotive piece of cinema.

BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN - 5 MARCH

This month, Sacha Baron Cohen’s American foray appears on DVD. One of the funniest films from last year, it’s packed to the limit with laughs as he tours the States in the guise of idiotic TV reporter Borat. After the so-so Ali G. movie, Baron Cohen strikes a rich vein of comedy in his latest film. It caused plenty of controversy on its release and it’s not hard to see why - definitely not one for the easily offended.

THE HOST - 5 MARCH Joon-ho Bong’s touching Korean drama about how an estranged family can rediscover the bonds that link them together in the face of adversity. The fact that this adversity comes in the form of a giant mutated tadpole/slug created by American military experiments gone awry only adds to the fun. Bong follows on from his breakout hit Memories of Murder to construct another finely tuned tale focusing on bureaucratic inefficiency and human relations under pressure, but manages to have his cake and eat it with some tremendous images of the monster rampaging through the streets of downtown Seoul

THE VAN - 12 MARCH The Van is a little treasure from 1996 and a great addition to any cinephile’s collection. Directed by the talented Stephen Frears and starring Colm Meaney, this adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s book is a delight. It charts the (mis)adventures of Larry (Meaney) and his good friend Bimbo as they cope with unemployment and their new business venture: a chip van. The strong performances are equal to the subtle and powerful story of day to day life in mid 1990s Ireland. The Van combines drama, comedy and tragedy with people and situations that are familiar to all, frequently feeling like a more comedic Ken Loach.

THE PRESTIGE - 12 MARCH The Presitge is the latest masterpiece from Christopher Nolan (Batman Begins). A cleverly woven story of rival stage magicians, their magic and their tragedies. The well chosen cast all work well together - including a surprising and enjoyable turn from David Bowie. The real beauty of The Prestige comes from the subtle attention to detail that Nolan invests in all his films. Grounded in reality, this magical film will keep you enthralled from start to finish.

22 MARCHMONT ROAD, EDINBURGH, 0131 229 5136 93 BROUGHTON STREET, EDINBURGH, 0131 556 1866

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

BEATS

GAMES ARE YOU A closet creationist?

by Dave Cook

It’s no great secret that over the course of gaming history developers looking to create an air of controversy around their games have often used reams of violence and graphic images. Perhaps most memorable was the 1992 release of Mortal Kombat, which created an uproar through its use of gore while still managed to top the charts despite being rated for over-18s only. Violent games give players escapism from reality - such as committing crimes and getting away with them, a la Grand Theft Auto - but tend to alienate female and younger games fans. Although violence causes controversy and usually helps games increase sales it also tends to put concerned parents off from buying consoles for their children. The Xbox 360’s top titles all bear the more mature age restrictions, and while the PS2 has variety - you must be extra careful to dodge all the shite (Crazy Frog, we’re looking at you!). With the Wii still in its infancy, what can game developers do that’s new? The ‘sim’ genre has always been accessible for all gamers regardless of what floats their boat. Pioneered by iconic gaming figures such as Sid Meier and Peter Molyneux - creators of Civilisation and Populous respectively - these groundbreaking titles allowed the player to assume the role of god, controlling and coercing their people to victory through diplomacy, culture or even war. It is the aspect of control, though, that made these games great to play, and as a consequence simulation games have sold in their millions and opened up the game market to female and younger gamers. These games move beyond the standards of game design and have real depth - with the emphasis on creating worlds rather than destroying them through violence. They have always been around on PCs but lately the more market-savvy console developers have caught on to the trend and have started producing some intriguing ‘sim’ titles.

The best known simulator game, The Sims, was the highest selling PC game of all time (although it was recently piped to the post by World of Warcraft) and EA’s decision to develop it for the consoles turned out to be a great move as they sold by the bucket-load. Even the violence-riddled Xbox 360 battlefield was invaded by the charming Viva Pinata, making the console more appealing to a wider audience. The future of the ‘sim’ genre will always be more at home on PCs because they simply work better with a mouse and keyboard, but there are many new console titles on the horizon such as the brilliant Spore on Xbox 360. Spore is interesting because it takes world creation to another level. The game starts off with a single-cell organism and from that, the entire game world grows and develops depending on your actions. You can completely screw with evolution if you want or play it safe and run everything by the book - but where’s the fun in that? A massively ambitious title, a game with no clear goals, but one that allows the player total freedom.

extremely engrossing. However, Marvel Universe Online is one of many new games looking to challenge WoW’s reign at the top. Coming this year, players will take control of one of hundreds of legendary characters from the company’s last 60 years and battle tons of famous super-villains. This one is going to be huge! The range of recent games in the genre has been broad (and overall, quite successful) with titles like The Movies, Animal Crossing, Thrillville and Viva Pinata offering some stupidly addictive experiences. The desire to create and maintain a character or a world has become a driving force behind innovation, and one that is increasing the numbers of gamers with every new release - a trend that bodes very well for the future of the industry.

SINCE THE EARLY DAYS OF PC GAMING THE SIM GENRE HAS PROVEN TO BE ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL IN THE WORLD

MMORPG’s like World of Warcraft offer similar levels of freedom, and so appeal to a wide audience: male, female, young or old, there are huge worlds on offer for the player to discover. These games create friendships and rivalries just like real life and are

GAME REVIEWS GOD HAND (CAPCOM)

Set in a fictional w i l d we s t, yo u are Jean, a fighting master with a mysterious power called “God Hand” and every low-life in town wants it for themselves. The action is fullon as you create custom combos from 115 kicks and punches and take them to the streets, fighting an army of brawlers, while a tension gauge lets you unleash God Hand’s power, making you all but unstoppable. From the off this is a difficult game, which may put some people off, though generous checkpoints compensate. Mastering God Hand requires patience but there’s so much twisted fun to be had (reading pornography to power up, anyone?) that it’s worth it. This is excellent and challenging street-fighting action, with depth and a dark sense of humour. Well worth it if you have the patience, though definately not for everyone. [Dave Cook]

championships under his belt), and another 12 of today’s top players, all represented in polygonal format is, at the very least, humorous. It’s just a shame that the game feels rather pointless. The controls work very well to simulate the difficulty of the sport: the mouse is used to great effect to dictate the power of your throws, with only slight movements to the side resulting in some unwanted spin, meaning it’s still very hard to get that treble 20. There are lots of options, for every kind of darts you could imagine. It is, technically, a very good game, representing darts well. However, it’s hard to care. Darts has always been a social sport; a few games with your mates and a pint. So why would you want to sit in front of your computer to play? Answer: you wouldn’t, darts just wasn’t meant to be digitised. [Zach Morris] OUT NOW FOR PC AND PS2. WWW.OXYGENINT.COM

CASTLEVANIA: PORTRAIT OF RUIN (KONAMI)

OUT NOW FOR PS2. WWW.CAPCOM.COM/GODHAND

PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP (OXYGEN INTERACTIVE)

I’m a darts fan; I enjoy both playing and watching this sport of kings. So I was understandably intrigued by a computer game of this most noble pastime. Alas, it would appear that darts should stay in the pub. Granted, seeing Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, a true British Hero (13 world

Another year, another dive into Castlevania’s twisted world of monstrous bosses, innovative design and great playability. Set during WWII, Vampire hunters Jonathan Morris and Charlotte Aulin team up to fight evil forces trying to resurrect the dark lord Dracula. Both characters are controlled by the player and can fight side-by-side thanks to the very clever AI - or you can jump in and out of the battle fighting solo. Using both at once can allow for some devastating team attacks. Dracula’s castle seems small at first but within each of the paintings dotted around the many halls lies a separate world and this is what makes the game special. One minute you

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

are fighting in an Egyptian tomb and the next you are battling demons in a ghostly town. The range of locations is superb, with each boasting brilliant design and appropriately atmospheric music. The game throws in engaging leveling-up and combat systems, creating many weapon and magic combinations that you can experiment with to your heart’s content. It may not appeal to those who have moved out of the 2D era but appearances can be deceiving: this is a full-on platform adventure designed to grab you by the ears and never let go. You will probably still be playing this by August – truly stunning. [Dave Cook] OUT NOW ON NINTENDO DS. £29.99.

BATTLESTATIONS: MIDWAY (EIDOS) 2 War in the Pacific! One of the slightly less plundered theatres of combat during WW2 is th e fo c us of Eidos Interactive’s latest offering: an

action real time strategy giving the player the ability to control a large armada, complete with air support and submarines. Covering the major engagements between the US Navy and the Nippon Fleet over the course of the war - from the attack on Pearl Harbour to the turning point at the Battle of Midway - it offers a large campaign in addition to multiplayer action and a selection of single challenges. Sadly there are a few major problems which dampen what could have otherwise been a brilliant tactical strategy. The learning curve is steep enough to confuse even a hardened RTS fan, with bland tutorials and early levels which are both omissive and restricting, and a difficulty which ramps constantly throughout. By the time you get to grips with everything, the game is all but over and the hand-led nature of the first few levels don’t lend themselves to replaying. The lack of any skirmish modes also means that the single player campaign is really the only option for the off-line user. A pity then, as the realistically modelled units and armaments are all beautifully rendered, as are the huge explosions and the cut scenes.

God Hands screen shot

A little more scope and fun and this could have been brilliant. [Graeme Strachan] OUT NOW ON PC/XBOX 360. RRP £17.99 - £49.99. WWW.BATTLESTATIONS.NET

OKAMI (CAPCOM)

It’s rare these days: you start to play a game, and it slowly dawns on you that you’re playing a classic. As we reach the end of the PS2’s lifespan, it’s fitting we get one of its greatest titles thus far. Simply, Okami is brilliant. There’s an instant comparison between Okami (meaning “wolf” in Japanese by the way) to The Legend of Zelda. Not a comparison to shy away from by any means – Okami is a sprawling RPG, with gorgeous graphics and a subtle learning curve that makes you instantly fall in love with the game. It’s funny too – you’ll find yourself sniggering during the dialogue between Amaterasu (you, a god in wolf form) and the people

you meet. Darkness has taken over the land, and you, as Ammy, must drive back the demons. Solving puzzles, acquiring new skills - so far, so familiar. Except... you learn to paint. With a paintbrush. You might draw a slice across an enemy (like a sword) or draw a sun in the sky to light the way, or colour in a constellation to see an old friend. It’s wonderfully, bizarrely Japanese, and it works beautifully. Ammy herself is adorable, and has a little friend to help guide her along the way, giving useful advice and providing a bit of comedy. Little touches make things really enjoyable. Ammy can bark or howl, just for fun, and if you leave her alone for a while, she curls up and falls asleep. Do that in the right spot and you’ll find yourself just sitting there, peacefully watching... Stunning graphics, instinctive gameplay, and a main character you can’t help adore: Okami looks, plays and feels like a bona-fide classic. It doesn’t matter that it’s taken nearly six years to arrive – it’s here. Now stop reading and go buy it. [Steve Adams] OUT NOW FOR PS2. RRP £29.99. WWW.CAPCOM.COM/OKAMI

Okami screen shot

GAMES

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

BOOKS Books at the Buddha

by Omar Kudos

LUKE SLATER COMES TO ACCESS ON 16 MAR. IN SWEATY AND FEVERISH ANTICIPATION, OMAR KUDOS TAKES A LOOK AT THE CAREER OF ONE OF UK TECHNO’S FOUNDING FATHERS. There are still a fair few DJs knocking about who can say they were there when acid house kicked off - many of them now corporate oiks: the likes of Tong and Oakenfold and their ilk. Then there are those like Luke Slater, who have remained dedicated to exploring all the textures and sounds of electronic and dance music, quietly building on their reputations while blowing minds and shaking asses on the dancefloor. From his early start as a DJ at the seminal Troll in London, through a successful relationship with indie giants Mute, to the recent formation of Mote Evolver, an online and on-demand record label and distribution company, Slater is one of the UK’s techno pioneers. His most recent compilation was number 32 in the Fabric mix series. Slater’s mix was a welcome barrage of harder techno sounds - he set out to make an upfront, tough mix, reflecting one of the main strands in the sounds he is playing out at the moment. Featuring tracks from his own nomde-beats, Planetary Assault Systems, and modern acts like The Juan Maclean, he balanced warmer Detroit rhythms against tougher, more tech-y beats.

His recent electro offering, the Head Converter EP, signaled the possibility of an imminent return to the live approach he attempted after 2004’s album Alright On Top, featuring the vocal talents of The Aloof’s Ricky Barrow. He is due to play Access, one of Edinburgh’s premier electro clubs, on 16 Mar. Expect a mix of the tougher side of techno and his own more experimental tracks. With a wealth of his own material to draw on, and the diverse range of artists on Mote / Evolver, Slater is sure to be bringing a bag packed with only the choicest cuts. Get yourself down there to see one of techno’s true originals ply his trade.

LUKE SLATER, ACCESS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH, 16 MAR, £TBC FABRIC 32 (FABRIC) AND THE HEAD CONVERTER EP (MOTE

Slater’s own productions have shown a diverse and often experimental approach to electronic music.

EVOLVER) ARE OUT NOW. WWW.LUKESLATER.COM, WWW.MOTE-EVOLVER.COM

SPECTRUM FESTIVAL 2007 Spectrum Festival is all things to all musos. It is a meet and greet, where industry types rub shoulders with the general public to a diverse soundtrack of acoustic, rock and electronic music. Highlights this year include an audiovisual set from Creeping Bent / Benbecula artist Colditz, who has provided visual material for Sun Ra Arkestra, and Kieran Hebden and Steve Reid. Bands confirmed so far are XFM favourites Sixpeopleaway, rising stars Kiddo, who have been favourably compared with The Strokes, postrock / ambient supremo Keser, and Ten Storeys High, who will be launching their debut EP. In the main atrium, you will find a who’s who of the Scottish music industry, from hip-hop support organisation Urbanscot, to online music distributors like Safe Sell and Scotloads. The last Spectrum event had stalls selling t-shirts, vinyl, and stickers, and giveaways of a party-bag nature including CDs and postcards. If you’re a young artist or band on the make, come armed with business cards, demos and a swag bag of chat. If you’re a punter, get gussied up and roll along for an afternoon of boundarypushing music and interactive fun. A festival without the festival toilets, the mud, or the Scottish weather. Bonus. [Bram Gieben] £5. EMAIL INFO@SPECTRUMFEST.CO.UK FOR INFO. WWW.SPECTRUMFEST.CO.UK

photo: Jack Waddington

BONGO CLUB, 2 FEB

Tonight is a welcome return for one of Edinburgh’s freshest breakbeat clubs, Bass Syndicate. The night is located at the ever-popular Bongo Club for a change, and filled to the lofts with some of the bounciest breaks known to man. Silver Storic and Believe kick off the night with some funky beats and back-toback action. G*Mac follow up with a quality set, proceeding to pack out the dancefloor with some proper par t y tunes before headliners Aquasky take to the stage. This was their first excursion to the capital, and they do not disappoint - armed with a bag of bootlegs and edits, Aquasky slammed the tunes out. The crowd laps up numerous reworks of tunes like Hot Chip: the icing on the cake comes towards

the end of the evening, when they up the ante and move into a full-on drum and bass finale. [Rowan Ramsay]

MANGA 11TH BIRTHDAY WITH DJ CRAZE, MC ARMANI, TC & MC JAKES THE LIQUID ROOMS, 9 FEB Eleven years on, and Manga is still rolling along at the top of its game. Not many clubs can boast a lifespan this long, and to be packing out dancefloors just over a month since the promotion started, shows that the night remains a heavyweight in the UK’s drum and bass scene. Just after midnight as the first guest hit the stage, the floor is swarmed, and the highly animated TC dropps a feast of party tunes with a high

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

wobble factor alongside MC Jakes. Headliner DJ Craze was sure to put on a show - and what a show it is - held tightly together with the skills only a six-time world DMC champ could display. Hip hop classics and double drop d&b are crossed over effortlessly with MC Armani playing host to this flamboyant entertainment. Manga is an experience everyone should indulge in at least once - and be assured you’ll be running back for more. [Jonny Ogg]

SHY FX & CHASE & STATUS, XPLICIT BONGO CLUB, 9 FEB

Two years old and already walking, talking, and blasting through some of the biggest names in drum and bass, the first part of Xplicit’s second birthday party is packed

parochial fashion. Mostly though, Salmon Fishing is a fun story with likable characters, a fine first novel. [Rob Westwood]

it been finished with by the end of the first chapter. Ultimately, this is a patchy book that doesn’t live up to its lofty promise. [Keir Hind] OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY FABER AND

AND NICOLSON. COVER PRICE £12.99.

FABER. COVER PRICE £10.99.

IMPOSTURE

THE SONG BEFORE IT IS SUNG

civil rights struggle in America, even Hiroshima. Each collection complements the others, and as a whole this masterful book gives a comprehensive and somehow ultimately affirmative view of change in its many forms. [Ryan Agee]

collection, in need of stricter editing. [Ryan Van Winkle]

OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY WEIDENFELD

issues so important they cannot be ignored. Without being flippant, it is not merely a dry book about WW2 and the countless millions it destroyed in its wake. What makes the difference is that readers will care about the characters as if they were friends and family. Cartwright’s prose and character construction make the novel that much more personal. [CC Mapletoft]

OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY BLOODAXE

ALAA AL ASWANY

OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY BLOOMSBURY.

CLARE SHAW

FIND FAT BUDDHA AT 21 BATH STREET. WWW.FATBUDDHASTORE.COM

BOOK REVIEWS

PREVIEWS

THE QUEEN’S HALL, 1 APRIL

AQUASKY, BASS SYNDICATE

the shoppers in, so let’s say the former. This shop is more than just fashionably smart. And there are, as you may have realised, a diverse number of books to browse – just don’t spill coffee over them. A large number of those books are design orientated, which might mean that you learn things like this: Metabolist artist and architect, Kiyonori Kikutake is on record as saying that Western rooms are defined by objects while Eastern rooms are defined by information (never let it be said that The Skinny doesn’t do its research). In this respect Fat Buddha is utterly Eastern: it bubbles with information. Even the ‘objects’ are arranged as collections of objects rather than as individual items: the attraction to purchase is also one of collecting. On the other hand, it’s just a nice wee shop to browse in, full of interesting stuff.

SLATER’S APPROACH TO PRODUCTION IS ONE OF EXPERIMENTATION AND EXPLORATION, WHILE HIS DJ SETS RETAIN A CROWD-PLEASING, SOLID CONSISTENCY

CLUBS REVIEWS

Shy FX

SHOPPING FOR A COOL NEW PERSONALITY NEED NOT BE A MASSIVE CHORE

Music. Some of these categories don’t seem to connect as well as they might, with a book called Redneck Words of Wisdom an awkward fit alongside something called Designers are Wankers, (unless the latter title is an example of the former). But clashing styles are the order of the day here: you can buy Archie figures, Tales from Greenfuzz comics, vintage t-shirts, model Terminators and books with titles like Nog a Dod and Pictoplasma 2. It certainly makes for a unique shopping experience compared to Watt brothers. As well as offering variety, Fat Buddha aims to ensure that shopping for a cool new personality need not be a massive chore. Relaxing jazz music floats through the store as a kind of concession to the exciting stock. There is a sofa to crash out on in order to browse through the books at one’s leisure and the guys at the desk (who, amusingly, try to look like they’re hanging out rather than working there) will even serve you up a free cup of coffee while you do so. Smart business decision or just plain madness? It does seem to get

Fat Buddha is a subterranean shop on Glasgow’s Bath Street, an appropriately transitional location amongst the offices and pubs nestled in the middle of the bustling city center. Descend to explore this concealed grotto and you’ll see a banner above the door promising “books, clothes, toys, lifestyle.” It’s the former that we’re concerned with, but let’s consider the shop as a whole first. When entering the shop from the street, one is bombarded by a cacophony of textures and colours: the fabrics of vintage and fruitsy clothes against the paper and card of the book displays against the deliberately trashy molded plastic of the designer toys. And now let us concern ourselves with the books: upon the colourful bookshelves of Fat Buddha are many unusual, interesting and – in some cases – hard to find titles. Most of them are aimed at young mods, post-punks, graphic designers and visual artists. The shop’s website lists books under several categories: Art, Humour, Illustration, Graffiti, Design, Fashion and LifeStyle, Comics and Manga, and

From 2002’s fantastic, spooky I Can Complete You, right back to his early releases on Djax and Peacefrog, which subverted and played with the conventions of Detroit and acid, his approach to production is one of experimentation and exploration, while his DJ sets retain a crowd-pleasing, solid consistency.

by Derek Gray

GAMES/BOOKS

BEATS EDINBURGH From Mute To Mote Evolver

out from the very beginning. With a beefed-up and perfectly tweaked sound system, which was installed especially for the event, the Bongo Club (attracting more breaks and d&b clubs than ever) quickly turns into a nut-house when Chase and Status hit the stage to roll through some fresh beats. Being one of the UK’s well-known d&b DJs, Shy FX had expectations to live up to, and be assured that he doesn’t disappoint. With tunes both old and new, and a few teases along the way, he delivers superbly for the full two hours, dropping tunes like Everyday from his latest LP causes chaos to erupt from every part of the building. The dance moves on the floor are unparalleled - including some ex tra special body pops coming from the direction of the stage. Xplicit continues to be an event not to be missed. [Jonny Ogg]

PENDULUM, MAMPI SWIFT, XPLICIT’S POTTERROW TAKEOVER PARTY! POTTERROW, 16 MARCH

Xplicit have picked the 1200 person capacity student venue in a bid for the biggest drum and bass party ever thrown in Scotland: if the event sells out the title’s in the bag. Xplicit are riding high after the success of Xtrabass’ in 2006. Pendulum (Breakbeat Kaos), the Australian electronic group, are guests and have successfully dominated the d&b industry ever since their debut album Hold Your Colour was released in 2005 to international acclaim. Their heavy beats and reverbing basslines will be making a comeback with their new LP due this Easter, but until then you can get your fill at Xplicit, accompanied by MC Verse from Crunch Recordings. Mampi Swift will be back in Edinburgh after two years absence for a two hour set (on three decks). The man behind the sucessful Charge Recordings imprint - refusing to perform with CDs, embracing dubplates and vinyl all the way - and will be accompanied by labelmate MC IC3. From learning studio skills from Pete Parsons aka Voyager at the studio next door to the record store where he worked, to the eight year DJ residency he landed at Kool FM London in 1992, Swift has engineered his own fortunes with skill and dedication. Charge was launched in 1997, and has enjoyed hits with Twisted, Feel Good, and the ever-popular, The One. There will also be music and lyrics from Prophecy, Eno, Paul Reset, Morphy, and MCing from Tonn Piper and Bz. As always there will be free membership available on the night, and giveaways of CDs, T-shirts, and more. [Alex Burden] 10PM-3AM, £12 ADV. (MORE ON THE DOOR) – TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM RIPPING RECORDS AND FOPP. WWW.TICKET-SCOTLAND.COM, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CLUB_XPLICIT

BEATS

SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN PAUL TORDAY

Dr Alfred Jones is a fish out of water. Extracted from a humdrum home life and a comfortable career at the National Centre for Fisheries Excellence, he is cast into a foolhardy governmentbacked project designed to introduce salmon fishing to the parched Yemen. It’s East-meets-West time, kids. Rather than being a straight novel, Paul Torday’s debut title is a fragmented collection of documents, amongst which are soulless governmental emails, sardonic newspaper items and touching excerpts from Dr. Fred’s diary. The entries are musical and warm while the contrasting officious language of government reports is fertile ground for wry, well judged satirical humour. A problem, however, is that the story hinges on the absurdity of Dr. Fred’s situation and the apparent impossibility of his project. The reader is frequently reminded of the unsuitability of the sandy, politicallycharged country as an environment for the cultivation of freshwater fish. But while salmon in the Yemen is certainly an odd prospect, it does not defy imagination and does not require the constant playing of the ‘wacky situation’ card. It’s the Middle East, not the rings of Saturn. Because of this, the novel is undeniably guilty of Orientalism. Yet it is done in a positive fashion and asks more questions of Western attitudes than those of Islam or the East. It is always refreshing to reopen a taboo discourse even if in a marginally

BOOKS

BENJAMIN MARKOVITS

JUSTIN CARTWRIGHT

The imposture referenced here is literary imposture, specifically the way in which Dr John Polidori (17951821), author of what is probably the first modern vampire story, The Vampyre, passed his work, and himself, off as Lord Byron. The first part of this fraud, the obscuring of authorship, was perpetrated more by greedy publishers than Polidori. But posing as Byron in life is here Polidori’s idea alone, and motivated by desire for a fictitious character, one Eliza Esmond. The book itself purports to be imposture, in that Markovits claims in a deftlywoven fabricated prologue that the book is the work of an old university colleague of his. The fact that this book is to be the first in a trilogy centred around Byron proves this false. Byron does make a few appearances here, in Polidori’s memories, but to no great effect – the legendary storytelling competition that produced The Vampyre and Frankenstein isn’t explored to any great depth. Imposture does do 19th Century London well, but the rather interesting question of the plot (when will Polidori be found out?) is dragged out by Polidori and Eliza’s overdone internal monologues, which augment their rather dull courtship. Both Markovits and his Polidori would have done well emulating Byron’s more direct nature; the narrative should be more succinct, like poetry, and the romance would have been best (for characters and reader alike) had

After the runaway success of The Promise of Happiness, South African born novelist Justin Cartwright foll ow s u p w i t h what might be one of the defining books of the year. Cartwright focuses on the semi-fictional narrative of Elya Mendel (based on a real-life Oxford don) whose friendship with Count Von Gottberg (again based on a real person) progresses through the years leading up to the Second World War, culminating in the execution of Gottberg in 1944. The main account is interwoven with that of Conrad, the young researcher who is investigating Mendel’s papers and is contending with a failed marriage to boot. The similarities between Gottberg and Conrad’s own life are cleverly interspersed with discourses on the nature of love, friendship, history and existence. So, do not pick up this book expecting a comical read; instead anticipate something rather more philosophical, and often challenging. This is not just a novel that tries its damnedest to be highbrow - it has enough moments of sheer suspense and bravado to be accessible to pretty much anyone. Dwelling on the issue of how Nazism rose to the heights it did in such a ‘civilised’ part of Europe, Cartwright’s elegiac novel addresses

MICHAEL O’SIADHAIL

The Globe collection, published to mark Michael O’Siadhail’s 60th birthday, is a good place to find powerful and positive poetry. This is a compendium of four short, often jazzy sounding, poetry collections. The first collection, Shadow Marks, is about the changes that happen (and are happening) in the modern world, and the poet seems to see these changes with some wonder, some sense of the amazing, emerging world. The poem Mobile encapsulates this, beginning “Once our globe of heartache…” then, after zooming around it concludes “The face of the earth is ours.” The latter collection, Angel of Change, examines how the modern world came, and is coming, to be. But it’s the two central collections, Knot-Tying and Wounded Memory, which really stand out. Knot-Tying comprises ten biographical poems, from Shakespeare, “outriddling Hamlet in riddles left behind” to Gandhi, in whose eyes O’Siadhail detects “a glint that won’t let go.” This collection thematically connects to the others in showing how individuals interact with, or are agents of, the sort of change the rest of the book examines. Wounded Memory looks at the sharp edge of change, the abuse of aboriginal peoples, the

BOOKS. COVER PRICE £7.95.

THE YACOUBIAN BUILDING

BOOKS. COVER PRICE £8.95.

STRAIGHT AHEAD

COVER PRICE £16.99 HARDBACK.

GLOBE

OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY BLOODAXE

Clare Shaw’s debut collection, Straight Ahead, hints at the emergence of a raw, new poetic voice. Shaw’s work hits - and bruises - with a deliberate candour that is not cloaked in esoteric and cerebral nonsense. For instance, in her poem Plucked, Shaw’s clear control of violent, meaty, sexual imagery bucks and resonates with a reader. She writes, “It wasn’t like you’d expect. / It was meat. It was / yellow and greasy. Blisters of fat.” And this image at that moment in the poem is a gut ripper. Shaw has a store of excellent ideas that are conveyed without the flowery spirals or frigid coyness of other poetry. The feelings and desire of her characters are like flesh and bone on her page. These poems are not interested in secrets; they are interested in letting them go. And yet, none of them feels like a confessional; that would be slight. Unfortunately what most of them are is unrelenting. At times it just feels that Shaw has caged hundreds of rabid images and metaphors and has anxiously released them all at once. For example in her poem This Baby, it seems like the poet has merely succeeded in making an excellent list of great images to describe a baby: “a dinosaur, the light of a star, news, a fallen seed” and as excellent as all those images are, they’re uncontrolled, thoughtless and, like most poems in this

The Yacoubian building in Cairo is home to a d i v e r s e range of inhabitants, from the wealthy a n d p o w e rful to the poor families living on the roof who struggle to make ends meet. By telling all of their stories in parallel, Alaa Al Aswany’s novel has become a bestseller in the Middle East and earned enthusiastic comparisons to Tales of the City. Overall, the tone feels somewhat darker to that of its alleged Western counterpart, likely due to the themes of poverty, state-sanctioned torture and Islamic militants. The wide range of characters keep the reader’s attention, from a gay newspaper editor who maintains a relationship with a young soldier by means of financial incentives to a young woman who becomes resigned to providing her employers with sexual services in order to remain in work and an aspiring politician with a secret second wife. However, the language is overly flowery on occasion, and the passage of time somewhat vaguely c o nveye d. Pe r ha ps the s he e r number of characters prevents the reader from becoming sufficiently invested in them, but although the end result may not qualify as a masterpiece, it remains an enjoyable read. [Nine] OUT NOW. PUBLISHED BY FOURTH ESTATE. COVER PRICE £14.99 HARDBACK.

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

THEATRE The Spring season is well and truly underway this month, consigning panto’s boiled sweet-throwing drag a r t ists to the crossdressing up box of light entertainment for another year. Nowhere is this renewed seriousness more evident than at Glasgow’s Tramway where National Theatre of Scotland’s touring production Aalst (see feature) could not be further from any escapist notion of theatre as pure entertainment. If the black box is indeed the last uncensored space, then this explosive production is proof. The subject of a court battle that sought to suppress its performance, Aalst should be a timely emetic for any lingering remorse from too many sugary Xmas shows. Revivals of classics such as Eugene O’Neill’s Hughie and George Bernard Shaw’s Mrs Warren’s Profession at The Arches in Glasgow and The Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh respectively, add to the returning sense of gravitas in theatreland. What is that, you murmur: camp design duo Colin and Justin starring in Morecambe and Wise tribute The Play What I Wrote at The Edinburgh Festival Theatre? Well, theatre can’t all be gloomy Scandinavians writing about venereal disease. Bring Me Sunshine too.

Aalst

by Hugo Fluendy

What is it about Belgium? Previously best known as the motorway between France and Holland, over recent years the country has acquired a gruesome infamy for horrific child murders. None more so than the 1999 double filicide in the suburban town of Aalst which is the eponymous subject of theatre-maker Pol Heyvaert’s acclaimed play that gets its English-language premiere at The Tramway this month. In a sensational case that rocked the nation and prompted much soul searching in the media, a young couple checked into a hotel in the town during early January with their two small children. A week later the children were dead, murdered by their parents in a macabre New Year’s resolution. As the shocking details of the case emerged in the ensuing media furore, Heyvaert was moved to try to make sense of this apparently cold blooded atrocity with a docu-drama that weaves the bare facts with fictional insights of his own. He was granted privileged access to source material including statements and interviews, trial transcripts as well as media accounts. However, the reality he found when he began his research was

THEY DIDN’T EVEN TRY TO DEFEND THEM. AFTER SEEING THE PLAY I THINK YOU WILL FORM A DIFFERENT KIND OF JUDGEMENT. very different to the comfortable assumptions about good and evil which were being made in the media. “I was shocked by how things worked,” says Heyvaert. “How a prosecutor or a judge would lead or suggest, fill in the blanks as it were. They didn’t even try to defend them. After seeing the play I think you will form a different kind of judgement. People have told me that they are embarrassed at sympathising with them but what the play asks is that the audience look at them before the murders too. They were kind of losers maybe, bad parents perhaps but they weren’t killers. Yes they were failures but society also failed them in a way.” The result is a powerful and stark piece of courtroom drama with a cast of just three, one of whom is only a disembodied voice. “It was interesting to see how the people really reacted in court,” he continues. “It’s not what you would expect. We had privileged access to trial transcripts without which we would never have ended up with the play we have now. Where an actor or dramatist

Highlights Simon Bassline Smith at Sequential

might colour an account, with Aalst I think the play is authentic.” Interestingly, Heyvaert did not interview the subjects themselves during the writing process rather preferring to preserve the emotional detachment needed for his factional retelling. “It was a conscious decision not to meet them or contact them. I struggled with that but the first audience I was writing for was them, so that if one day I met them I could justify the play.” Perhaps if he had, they might not have mounted a legal bid to have the play banned. But with novelist Duncan McLean’s new English adaptation - specially commissioned by the National Theatre of Scotland currently poised for a nationwide tour, including The Traverse in Edinburgh during May, we can all get a chance to see another side of Belgium one that has disturbing relevance for us all.

Bom Monk Ben

A ALST BY POL HEY VAERT, 21–31 MARCH, TRAMWAY, GLASGOW

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

EVENTS

photo: Jack Waddington

1. WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISSOCIA BY ANTHONY NEILSON

THE D&B CURRICULUM

FEB 28 UNTIL 10 MARCH, TRON THEATRE, GLASGOW

While the drum and bass scene continues to evolve, The Skinny has decided to move with the times and give you a realistic view of the state of play inside the walls of Scotland’s d&b clubs. This column will aim to provide you with the inside story, focusing on everything from the up-coming shows from international acts, through to the cutting edge DJs in our local scene. Interviews with visiting producers will provide you with the answers to the questions you always wanted to ask, as well as gaining an insight into the UK’s forward thinking junglist movement.

NTS revival of this critically acclaimed examination of mental illness continues

2. AALST BY POL HEYVAERT FROM 21 MAR, TRAMWAY, GLASGOW

English-language premiere of powerful docu-drama about infamous double infanticide in Belgium

2007 is already shaping up to be one of the biggest years in Scotland’s drum and bass history. The building blocks have been skilfully crafted by our home-grown pioneers for well over a decade, and their expert workmanship has given way to a healthy, bustling and well respected scene. In itself, this has allowed promoters and DJs alike to flex their muscles and make in-roads to the global drum and bass network, something that the Scottish d&b community continues to respect and is utterly proud of. Seeing is definitely believing, and the only way to do this is to vote with your feet and get along to a drum and bass night near you as soon as possible. On that note, here goes for a feast of absolutely cracking nights on both sides of the country throughout March. Choose wisely my friends!

3. HUGHIE BY EUGENE O’NEILL 2 TO 17 MAR, THE ARCHES, GLASGOW

Scot tish pre mie re for Pulit zer Prize-winning playwright’s noirish tale of seedy hotels, gambling and hard drinking

4.MRS WARREN’S PROFESSION BY GEORGE BERNARD SHAW

Your first big decision comes on 2nd March in Glasgow. Dubstep with NTYPE at The Universal (10pm – 3am, £8) or GOLDIE at the Classic Grand

UNTIL 10 MAR, ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE, EDINBURGH

Nottingham Playhouse production of GBS’ protofeminist critique of prostitution

(11pm – 3am, £12). Then on Saturday 3rd Goldie shifts through to Studio 24 for his Edinburgh date (11pm – 3am, £12). On 9 March, Xplicit presents Xtrabass Live on Radio 1 & 1Xtra with FABIO, GROOVERIDER, BAILEY plus residents from The Art School, Glasgow (10:30pm – 4am, £12). CODENINE appear in Edinburgh’s City Café also on 9 March followed by AZTECH, a new breaks night at The Caves with Bradley C (10:30pm – 3am). 16 March sees Potterrow, Edinburgh open its doors for another massive Xplicit event. PENDULUM, MAMPI SWIFT (2hrs on 3 dex) plus residents appear (10:30pm – 3am, £12). On 23rd March Codenine are back at the City café prior to OBSCENE’s 5th Birthday party at Club Ego. Obscene presents The Jungle Drummer vs DJ FU & MC RUTHLESS along with THE GREAT EZCAPE and Bland n Burgh (11pm – 3am). Finally, RED ALERT makes its return to Edinburgh on 30 March with Calaco Jack and GT back to back with Alcane and JL Boco (10:30pm – 3am, £4).

5. STRANGERS, BABIES BY LINDA MCLEAN UNTIL 17 MAR, TRAVERSE THEATRE, EDINBURGH

Award-winning Scottish playwright explores one woman’s web of complex relationships

Come back next month for exclusives, hot gossip and the downlow on Scotland’s vibrant d&b culture. [Jonny Ogg]

THE HOUSE OF TECHNO

Welcome to the first of my monthly hip-hop roundup columns. I’m Chris Torres, from the organisation Bringdaruckus.com. More about us in the next few issues. Right now, I need to ask an important question - is hiphop dead?

You like? Our columns are expanding faster than our pages so we can get in-depth and informative for all you house and tech-heads. Watch this space for exclusive interviews and gig tip-offs, and the opportunity to go over the question ‘Is dance music dead?’ repeatedly. Of course, the answer will always be the same - as long as the world keeps turning, the decks will keep spinning.

Just because Nas announces to the world that hip-hop is dead, is this really the case? It’s fair to say that hip-hop has become more commercialised over the past few years, but if you take a closer look, you will see that hip-hop is alive and well within the underground scene. The UK alone has some of the most original and diverse artists in hip-hop today of the type that the good old US of A could only dream to produce, and none more so than Scotland, yes Scotland! We have arguably some of the best hip-hop coming out of the UK in years. Artists like Eastborn, Steg G & The Freestyle Master, Verse One, IQ, Loki, Project Mayhem, All Time High, Matchstick Men, Surface EMP, The Remedies, Marrik and Resepk BA are just a handful of artists producing music that is elevating the scene to new heights, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes more popular with the general public. There is a small buzz of anticipation that Scottish hip-hop in 2007 is set to get the recognition it deserves. The amount of releases in the pipeline this year is astounding. There is also talk of BBC Scotland putting together a hip-hop show that will help showcase local artists and promote the scene further. So take note, 2007 is the year for Scottish hip-hop! Here’s some highlights for March - peep these gigs, and watch close.

GLASGOW

BOOM MONK BEN, Killer Kitsch, The Buff Club (Every Tue, 11pm - 3am, £3/4). One of Glasgow’s busiest DJs has just been given a resident spot at Killer Kitsch. Expect the usual mash-up of party breaks and roller skates! Then it’s the Dropzone artists at MANIFEST, CCA (Mar 3, 7pm - 1am, £8), playing the Solidarity Party with Eastborn, Scotland Yard & Project Mayhem on show!

BANKRUPT EUROPEANS, Party Groove, Miso (Mar 3, 9pm - 12am, £FREE) - every second Saturday DJ Snafu rocks old school classics and new releases in Miso, just above Bamboo, one of the only raw hip-hop nights on Saturdays. And FREAKMENOOVERS provide regular Thurs night entertainment with Freakmoves, Glasgow Art School (Every Thur, 11pm - 3am, £3/4), with Dema and Nice continue with one of Glasgow’s longest running hip-hop nights in the oversexed sweat box that is the Art School. Expect the odd special guest appearance from some of hip-hop’s biggest names.

EDINBURGH

Check out The Remedies, NEW FOUND SOUND, City Café (Mar 17, 9pm, £4): Northan & DJ G will set the stage alight with there own brand of hiphop funk at the City Café in Edinburgh. On stage with them is Acidfairy, Ohhh!!!!, Babyshaker, Funkspiel, Satellite Dub and Sixpeopleaway.

DELICIOUS at The Bongo Club (Every Tue, 11pm – 3am, £FREE) is strictly hip-hop and R&B with lots of drink promos! FRESHMODE, City Café (Every Sun, 8pm – 1am, £FREE); Residents Peas & DJ G will be playing the latest underground and homegrown hip-hop every week as well as all your favourite old skool classics! That’s all from me for March. Look out for exclusive interviews, gossip and insider information in the coming months, and check out www. bringdaruckus.com for even more exclusive content, supporting Scottish hip-hop to the fullest. If you have a night you would like me to mention in April, you can contact me through the website.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CLUB_XPLICIT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/OBSCENEBASS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/AZ_TECH_BREAKS

Wonderful World of Dissocia

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

THEATRE

www.skinnymag.co.uk

Eastborn

HIP-HOP BY BRINGDARUCKUS

WWW.TRAMWAY.ORG

/HF

TOP

BEATS

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

CLUBBING

Peace [Chris Torres]

GLASGOW Taking on the dingiest basements and cramming them every time, DOUBLESPEAK have forged close links with local legends like Monox, and are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with: they have an ear for everything from the warm minimalism of Claro Intelecto to the noisiest pulsings of London dubstep, they’re starting to look like challengers to Numbers’ throne as king of the Glasgow underground. On 10 March, Hudson Mohawke faces off against France Copland’s glitchy, sliced-anddiced techno and Monox resident Alan Currie (Maggie May’s, 11pm-3am, £8). However, a heads up for the start of April, NUMBERS have turned the bass all the way up to eleven and proudly present DJ Pete a.k.a. Substance (6 April, Basura Blanca, 11pm-3am, £8). With releases on the iconic Chain Reaction imprint and a heavy involvement in the Hard Wax record store, this is Berlin through and through. Previously too busy with ear-fucking the world with partner-in-crime Yoko Oh No! under the Gay Against You moniker, Germlin makes his first lone appearance for nearly a year at NUTS AND SEEDS in support of Usaisamonster (11 March, 13th Note, 9pm-late, £4). With Gay Against You’s brain-rotting neon-gabba mentalism infecting the grottiest edges of New-Rave, Adaadat Records’ Glasgow acts are rising fast, and there’s a chance to check out a choice selection at the ADAADAT party on the 3rd (www.myspace.com/adaadat for details). However, Germlin’s a rarity; catch him while it’s still cheap.

EDINBURGH

To start off the month across in the capital, rising techno club SYNTHETIC will be blasting the doors off the Bongo Club (10.30pm-3am) for a bargain £4. Their past guests have included greats like Jerome Hill; wonkiness that Berlin’s soundsystem may never fully recover from. It’s a resident’s night, but don’t think that means they’ll go easy on ya!

AZ-TECH launch on 9 Mar with a mash of breaks bordering onto house, electronica and techno. Their first guests are the Scottish Jedis of breaks - Bradley C (Chew the Fat!) and Defcon 1, with support and free hugs from residents and hosts, Al Magik, Re:Tox and Siren. See our online preview for details. Needing no introductions, Evil Nine hook up with the SUGARBEAT crew (23 March, Cabaret Voltaire, 11pm-3am, £7) and mix up techno and house with some hefty breaks. They’ve played a series of storming parties throughout the last year, including Chew The Fat’s birthday party, and 2007 sees a new album launched following their FabricLive. Check it. If you can’t wait that long, an even bigger name hits the Cab in the shape of LUKE SLATER, a man with a record collection as extensive as his list of aliases. One can only presume he supplements the superstar DJ income by carrying out Jackal-like assassinations. Imagine the titles, Day of the Re-Animator, Day of the Planetary Assault Systems, all with a deep techno soundtrack. However, no amount of Detroit-style floor-movers could forgive the possible Day of the Spinach. (16 Mar, 11pm-3am. £10). SOLESCIENCE, WE ARE ELECTRIC and cheapo night SPLIT all team up in the aid of charity on the 22nd at the Cab (11pm-3am, £5) for an event monikered MISH-MASH. Proceeds go to the Edinburgh Global Partnerships’ Mongolia Project, and is an absolute bargain at this price!

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

THEATRE

BEATS

THE CRUCIBLE CITIZENS THEATRE, GLASGOW

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI The line between genius and madness is thin. At certain times of the yea r, it get s t h i n ner. March, with its first furtive spurts of Spring, is such a time. The mind begins to boil and heat in anticipation of Summer. Perhaps it’s no surprise, then, to see this month’s Beats filled with music that some would call odd, or difficult - produced by artists who some would accuse of breaking the rules. Dave Kerr talks to RJD2 about his new album, and his move to XL Records. Later on we have Big Dada rapper Infinite Livez talking about his collaboration with digital jazz weirdos Stade. Kieran Hebden and Steve Read discuss their forthcoming Edinburgh gig, and their unique take on electronic folk. Getting down to some local business, we talk to Nafees (remember him from our Glasgow Urban feature?) about his genre-busting new mixtape. As you can see, it is our Album of the Month - which means it’s a must-have. We also get all hot and bothered at the prospect of Luke Slater at Access (16 Mar), plus a whole host of reviews, previews, and a DJ chart from Shari Vari. I’d also like to welcome on board our new hip-hop columnist, Chris Torres of the fantastic website bringdaruckus.com. Each month Chris will be joining Jonny Ogg and Liam Arnold, bringing you a one-page, at-a-glance guide to the best nights out in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Check it all out, over on the facing page. It’s March - open your mind, and go mental. /Bram

Time to XL

Student productions can strike terror into a reviewer’s heart. You hardly want to set blaze to months of hard work and just-budding talent, but the responsibility to the reading audience must remain foremost.

by Dave Kerr Thankfully, despite trepidation, this production of The Crucible by Reid Kerr College is an exceptional example of what can and should be done, and can realistically stand alongside many professional productions. Discounting one or two fluffed lines, the delivery keeps the intimate audience at the Citizens’ theatre gripped. Some cast members twinkle in the spotlight while others

THE LONG-AWAITED FOLLOW-UP TO SINCE WE LAST SPOKE IS DUE IN MARCH ON XL RECORDS. DAVE KERR TALKS TO RJD2 ABOUT HIS MOVE TO XL, HIS APPROACH TO MUSIC, AND HIS THOUGHTS ON THE DEATH OF ANALOGUE.

absolutely shine, leaving the audience feeling we are watching the emergence of future stage stars. With some performances, two hours can feel like two days but this well directed piece does justice to Arthur Miller’s challenging and brilliant witch-hunt satire. Look out for future productions from Reid Kerr College. [Simone Gray]

RUN ENDED

MARJORIE’S WORLD UNHINGED

TRAVERSE THEATRE, EDINBURGH

Once upon a time there was a little girl who dreamed of being a ballet dancer when she grew up. And a ballet dancer she became. But dreams can be capricious things... The latest work from Maresa von Stockert’s company, Tilted Productions, is a wry exploration of the way in which six individuals choose to avoid the realities of life. A deadpan fairytale of the mundane, Marjorie’s World Unhinged brings a gleeful absurdity to everyday disappointments. It is no longer unusual to find performances which combine many media – in this case dance with film, theatre and storytelling - but is refreshing to see it done so confidently. The choreography is inventive, clever and funny, from bringing a squirmingly horrible dance class to life, to making the drudgery of work on a production line captivating. The dance is understated and elegant, with the performers evidently enjoying their

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

roles. Relationships are played out with poignancy and the ridiculousness of each character is laid bare for the audience with affectionate wit. Particularly enjoyable is the viciously polite confrontation between Joy Constantinides’s aging prima ballerina and Laura Caldow’s ambitious usurper from the corp. Max Reed and Matthew Morris are touching as a father and son separated by their fantasies, each no longer able to understand the other. Beneath the whimsy is a telling commentar y of human experience and this is where the power of this production lies. It certainly tells us something about life when the creature on stage which best knows its own mind is a remote-controlled dog. [Philippa Cochrane] MARJORIE’S WORLD UNHINGED, TILTED PRODUCTIONS, TRAVERSE THEATRE. WWW.TRAVERSE.CO.UK RUN ENDED

BEATS CONTENTS RJD2 CLUBBING HIGHLIGHTS LUKE SLATER EDINBURGH CLUBS NAFEES GLASGOW CLUBS SENSU INFINITE LIVEZ HEBDEN & READ ALBUMS SINGLES

TOP

INTERVIEW

ALL NEW COLUMNS

FEATURE

REVIEWS & PREVIEWS

INTERVIEW

REVIEWS & PREVIEWS

FEATURE

INTERVIEW

REVIEWS & DJ CHART

REVIEWS

ALBUMS

1. NAFEES – THE ART OF KEEPING IT (SUR) REAL (NAFEES MUSIC)

Mind-expanding, genre-busting collaborations with Mungo’s Hi-Fi and Dan Monox among others make this mixtape more than simply great – it’s better than most albums by major label MCs. OUT NOW

2. SCRATCH PERVERTS – WATCH THE RIDE (HARMLESS)

The blending theme continues with mash-up merchants The Scratch Perverts – they were breaking the socalled ‘rules’ of mixing when Cut Copy were stroking their 2 Many DJs import CDs. OUT 5 MAR

3. DJ KENTARO – ENTER

(NINJA TUNES)

The 2002 DMC Champ is back with his first artist album, enlisting the talents of Spank Rock, Pharcyde and New Flesh among others. It’s grime, blistering hiphop, reggae, d&b and electro flavours, in his inimitable ‘No-Waller’ style. OUT 2 APRIL

4. DISTANCE - MY DEMONS

(PLANET MU)

Better known as a dubstep DJ, Distance’s beats are spaced-out and lethargic, creating a tense soundtrack to a grimy city of sordid imagination. This is harsh, disorientating music - techno for heroin addicts or hiphop shorn of rappers, pumped full of valium. OUT NOW

5. ELECTROCONDUCTOR – ABOUT TIME (NUCLEON RECORDS)

Classical strings and breakbeat melodica? It definitely works, absorbing elements from DJ Shadow, Moby and Aphex Twin to relay a sense of tension, relief and even warmth. OUT 5 MAR

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

R2D2, as played by Kenny Baker. No, wait, hold on...

iven the disparate range of critical plaudits piled on top of his first two albums, some might say that it’s high time for Ramble John Krohn (aka RJD2) to make another serious advance toward achieving the mass attention that his innovative psychedelic grooves deserve, but which way will he choose to play it?

FOR A TRACK TO LOSE ITS WAY? IS IT SIMPLY A MATTER OF TRUSTING YOUR GUT? “There is an episode of The Wire where one of the cops says she needs to look at a scene with “soft eyes”. That’s exactly how I look at song structures. There’s some gremlin in the back of your brain that knows how the song needs to go, the hardest part is accessing that voice.”

Having amicably departed from hip-hop label Defjux with the recent realisation of an LP that even they found off the wall, The Third Hand quite appropriately sees RJ taking a substantial gamble, with poppy compositions riddled with subtle soul, funk and piano rock textures. The Skinny recently asked wh ich other ca rds the virtuoso producer was holding as he settled into his new spiritual abode beside the likes of Thom Yorke, M.I.A. and Ratatat at XL Recordings.

AS YOU CONTINUE TO RECORD, THERE SEEMS TO

QUALITY, YOU NOW CONSIDER THE DOWNLOAD ERA AS “THE WAY TO LIVE.” HOWEVER, AS A DJ, DO YOU FEEL AT ALL CONCERNED, EVEN IN SOME OLD ROMANTICISED SENSE, BY THE POTENTIAL FOR THE TANGIBLE QUALITIES OF VINYL TO BECOME YET MORE ECLIPSED AS THE BOOM IN DIGITAL MUSIC ENTERS THE NEXT PHASE? “I don’t want to be the guy bitching about what’s changing in the world of music, and how everything isn’t the way that it used to be, because you’ve got to take the good with the bad. I think there are ups and downs to downloading; if people don’t want a big 12” piece of cardboard and plastic, then there’s no point in lamenting its marginalisation. I do worry about one thing, which is the potential for a decline in young people to appreciate the full length album as an artistic medium.”

“HOW HILARIOUS WOULD IT BE FOR YOUNG KIDS TO BE DIGGING THROUGH PILES OF CDRS AT A FLEA MARKET IN 2050? THAT’S GOING TO BE SOME FUNNY SHIT.” - RJD2

LISTENING TO THE THIRD HAND, BIG CHANGES ARE EVIDENT. FOR EXAMPLE, YOU’RE PLAYING MANY MORE INSTRUMENTS AND - PERHAPS MORE NOTABLY FOR A DJ - EVEN SING A LOT THROUGHOUT IT. IN WHICH WAYS DO YOU PERSONALLY FEEL YOUR APPROACH HAS EVOLVED – EXCUSE THE HEINOUS PUN - SINCE WE LAST SPOKE? “(Laughs) I’ve built a studio, so I now have a lot more tools at my disposal. There are certainly a lot more elements to this record, and I think it’s more cohesive, not jumping around completely. But ultimately that’s for you to decide, I think.” WITH THE UNCONVENTIONAL SONG STRUCTURES YOU USE, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE POTENTIAL

BE MORE OF A LEANING TOWARDS A TRADITIONAL SONG STRUCTURE AND A FIRMER RELIANCE ON LIVE INSTRUMENTATION. HAVE YOU HAD ANY INCLINATIONS TO GO THE WAY OF, SAY, DAN ‘THE AUTOMATOR’ NAKAMURA (SEE HIS RECORDING RELATIONSHIP WITH JSBX) AND PRODUCE A FULL ON ROCK RECORD? “I actually think of this as a full on rock record, in a way. At the end of the day, I just see any element as a tool, just like I did doing sample-based music. I think once these things all get summed up in a setting of live instruments, it maybe starts to seem like a huge turn. I try not to think about it too much, just do my thing, you know?” GOING BY ONE OF THE RECENT BULLETINS YOU POSTED ON YOUR WEBSITE, ONE THING THAT YOU DO SEEM TO HAVE THOUGHT ABOUT MUCH RECENTLY IS THAT, GIVEN THE PROMISE OF HIGH

SO YOU DON’T WASTE TIME STRESSING OVER THE WHOLE MANUAL VINYL SCRATCHWORK VS. ADVANCEMENTIN DIGITAL SOUND MANIPULATION DEBATE? “Not really. Once I realised what Serato do (that is, to ostensibly transfer the time-stretching and pitch-shifting sensibilities of vinyl scratching to digital audio), I signed up immediately. I’m using it this week at my club gigs. Besides, how hilarious would it be for young kids to be digging through piles of CDRs at a flea market in 2050? That’s going to be some funny shit.” Unhinged? Take a look inside Marjorie’s World ... THE THIRD HAND IS RELEASED THROUGH XL RECORDINGS ON MARCH 5. WWW.RJD2SITE.COM

BEATS

Dance and Physcial Theatre will be back next month www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

SINGLE REVIEWS THE MAGNIFICENTS

RING RING OO OO EP (KFM)

by Emma Lennox

IN HIS NEW SHOW MARCH OF THE MALLARDS, VITRIOLIC COMEDY-MASTER STEWART LEE APPEARS TO BE LOOKING TO NATURE FOR INSPIRATION. ‘HOW COME?’, ASKS EMMA LENNOX IN AN EXCLUSIVE INERVIEW FOR THE SKINNY Has Stewart Lee gone soft? Not only does he describe his new style as “friendly and inclusive,” but he’s chosen the cuddly title March of the Mallards for his new stand-up show. The cute 2005 documentary, March of the Penguins, starring Hollywood’s favourite tobogganing marine bird, seems an unlikely launchpad for Lee’s cutting humour. Lee explains the reference: “March of the Penguins made out that penguins were moral therefore nature is moral. But equally you could have chosen mallards. Instead of being seasonally monogamous they reproduce by gang rape and they have sex with dead ducks. So what is our morality and is it natural? Or is it a construct that we need to keep society together?” Dissecting a flawed allegory with a damning, meticulous logic puts us firmly back into Lee territory. Lee’s stand-up mixes social satire with the ballsy antagonism of a juvenile delinquent. Incurring the wrath of the Christian right in 2005, Lee became an inadvertent comedy martyr when accused of blasphemy by funded mentalist group, Christian Voice. Lee retaliated the best way he knew how; by writing the palpably vitriolic 90s Comedian. Blatantly trespassing the boundaries of taste, the last half hour is an uncomfortable, if funny, celebration of freedom of speech. Lee admits it was a difficult show. “With people trying to ban things that I’d done, the last show was a direct response to what you could and couldn’t say. It was about trying to break the audience up into little groups and show how people react to different things. It was a kind of formal exercise. If you’ve never seen a stand-up show then it’s not a very good idea for 90s Comedian to be the first one you see.” If you know anything about comedy, however, 90s Comedian is a masterclass in delivery and crowd manipulation. Lee can split the room, turn his back on his audience or talk without the mic, bringing an intimacy to the gig whilst proving that comedy is more than just a good punchline. His experience directing theatre has had a positive impact on his performance as a stand-up. “It’s made me think a lot more about the shape of the room, how people

interact with you, the use of silences, and how to try to recreate things. It’s been really fantastic, but I think theatre can learn more from stand-up than stand-up can learn from theatre.” Such as? “To not to be boring, and talk to people in a language they understand and not patronise them.” No fan of pretension, Lee prefers anarchic comics Jerry Sadowitz and Arthur Smith to ‘slick’ and ‘polished’ American style comedy that he’s witnessed at industry-based festivals. “I’m not what the industry in Montreal want as a standup. They want a comic who looks like they could be in a sitcom: they’re not really interested in stand up as an art form in itself. Most American comedians don’t have more than about seven minutes: they’re about getting spotted. It’s weird because they invented it, and now they’ve blown it. The best comics in the world are all British, and some good Australian ones.” The critics seem to agree that Lee is one of the best, but with a career entering its 20th year, he hasn’t always received such favourable comments. The best quotes from reviewers, including “interminable” and “surly, arrogant and laboured” are now available in pin badge form from Lee’s website. “Funnily enough all the things the critics used to slag me off for, they now like,” says Lee, enjoying the irony. In the past Lee has suffered from incompetent booking agents, he lost “a life changing amount of money” with Jerry Springer the Opera, and he continues to be ignored by nervous TV execs. Nevertheless, he is rejuvenated by his work on stage. “In stand-up no one else gets in the way. You just do it and if they like it they’ll come. Then you get paid. In the last two years it’s been really great just being able to do stuff I like and make a living out of it.” With the ability to make people laugh at their own laughter, or the randomness of a discarded ballet shoe, Lee’s humour is inventive and intelligent. “Hopefully I’ll be able to hang different ideas on this March of the Mallards show, but I might not be able to. In which case I’ll just dress up as a duck.”

RELEASE DATE: 12 MARCH WWW.THEMAGNIFICENTS.CO.UK

BIFFY CLYRO

SATURDAY SUPERHOUSE (14TH FLOOR) Much excitement surrounds the return of Ayrshire’s second most famous songwriters (after Rabbie B of course) and this single might finally propel Biffy Clyro into rock’s big league. Saturday Superhouse is the sound of a band blessed with both youth and experience - one ready to hijack the glories of Grohl and Billie Joe. But their quest for success comes at a cost, because although

STEWART LEE’S THE MARCH OF THE MALLARDS, 8PM, 9 MARCH, THE STAND,

WWW.BIFFYCLYRO.COM

I WAS A CUB SCOUT

I HATE NIGHTCLUBS/OH WHAT A FIASCO (ABEANO) Do The Kooks have an emo side project? I didn’t think so either until I heard this single. Oh What a Fiasco appears to be about the singer trying to pull before his band goes on tour. There are some impressive melodies attempted, yet they are achieved with a level of success equivalent to that of Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards. Steve Lamacq may back them, but this is a poorly performed, poorly produced blast of sickly sweet punk pop. When this band run out of unattainable girls to sing about, hopefully the end will be in sight. [David Coyle] RELEASE DATE: 12 MARCH MYSPACE.COM/IWASACUBSCOUT

MASTODON

COLONY OF BIRCHMEN

(REPRISE)

RELEASE DATE: 19 MARCH WWW.MASTODONROCKS.COM

ENTER SHIKARI

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN IN THE NEXT HALF HOUR (AMBUSH REALITY) Home Countie s qua r tet Ente r Shikari are causing quite a stir. Having recently become only the second unsigned band to sell out London’s Astoria, these innovative synth-metallers are the current darlings of the young and angry. Correspondingly, Any thing Can Happen In The Next Half Hour is as foolproof an offering as could be conceived. An impressively catchy electro opening soon manifests into heavy guitars, pounding drums and shouting aplenty as vocalist Rou laments “If only she knew!” It would appear that it won’t be long before everyone knows about Enter Shikari. [Jon Seller] RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH ENTER SHIKARI PLAY BARROWLANDS,

Hunting for ogres and dwarves is the name of the game as these Atl a nta n r i f f re su r re c to r s te a r through the woods, gargling incomprehensibly in a southern drawl and spouting Middle Earth fantasy. The artistry in the fretwork is cunning, complicated and controlled, yet this is still as accessible as metal (sans

GLASGOW ON 7 MARCH WWW.ENTERSHIKARI.COM

TELLEY

AW MUM THEY MADE ME READ EP (HITBACK)

London-based Telley are the result of international friendships and well

WEARE THEPHYSICS

THE ALIENS

THE BALLROOM BLITZ AT THE CAVES,

In spite of success at the YourSound event at King Tut’s, and a busy gigging schedule, We Are The Physics are angry. Fear of Words is a breathless race through angular bass and hurtling guitar, the vocals a falsetto bellow and inaudible; This is Vanity a stentorian condemnation. Swapping rhythms and riffs at breakneck pace, the songs are short and malicious, a maelstrom of barely comprehensible frustration. They might hark back to New Wave, both in lyrical concerns and the brittle guitars, but their swirl and bustle is forcefully now. [Margaret Kirk]

The shadow of the Beta Band looms over this group like a spectre of death. Without Steve Mason’s influence, The Aliens have thus far lacked that distinctive difference which made the Beta Band so accessible. But in this single, something seems to have clicked, resulting in a charming blend of northern soul and psychedelia. Despite a dodgy Noel Gallagher style solo after two minutes, this is a fine pop song with a demented twist - the kind that Girls Aloud might write if force-fed enough LSD. [David Coyle]

EDINBURGH ON 3 MARCH.

OUT NOW

RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TELLEYUK

WWW.WEARETHEPHYSICS.COM

WWW.THEALIENS.MUSICBLOG.CO.UK

THE TWANG

LIL’ CHRIS

5TH AND PONTIAC

directed emails. They’re a disadvantaged quartet, playing live at 75% strength due to keyboardist Rene’s ‘crippling stage fright’. Luckily for the band, this release is interesting and truly original enough to leave these quirks in the shadows. Sounding at times like a kids’ TV theme tune and at others like good old rock ‘n’ roll, Aw Mum They Made Me Read opens with infectious synth action before minor key vocals build to an angry chorus bemoaning that most annoying of school teacher traits – literary forcefulness. Certainly an outfit to keep an ear alert for. [Jon Seller] RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH TELLEY PL AY TOFFS CAN’T DANCE :

WIDE AWAKE

(B-UNIQUE)

The distinguished British tradition of working-class, mouthy rock groups has a new addition - The Twang. Already touted as the sound of 2007, the Birmingham five-piece’s debut Wide Awake sounds more like the sound of the 90s, aping as it does the jangly guitars of bands like James or The Las. But at least Wide Awake is a solid, direct song and singer Phil Etheridge exudes real passion in his gnarled vocals. Expect much Gallagher-esque slagging and bragging as their egos grow, but filter that out and you have a decent, though hardly groundbreaking, outfit. [Nick Mitchell]

FEAR OF WORDS/ FEAR OF VANITY (ONE)

FIGURE IT OUT

(SONY BMG)

SETTING SUN (EMI)

TICKITY BOO

(DOGMOUNTAIN)

Glasgow’s Mark Tait, aka 5th And Pontiac is the latest in a long line of maverick one-man band performers. Using a computer instead of a bass drum strapped to his back, Tait has added a distinctly modern twist to the ancient image. On new single, ‘Tickity Boo’, he fuses the old with the new, like Primal Scream welded onto a strung out Cash, banjos and country melodies square off with the dance/ dub beats of Vanishing Point. It’s weird. It’s wonderful. It has no right to work, but it does so very well. [Neil Ferguson]

RELEASE DATE: 19 MARCH

Apparently, snobbery is the failing of the modern-day music journalist. So with this in mind, all preconceptions have been cast aside as Lil’ Chris’ new single Figure It Out chirpily blasts through the airwaves. Ridiculously over the top, it’s three minutes of brazen teeny-bop rock that oozes toe-tapping infectiousness. There’s just one flaw – Lil’ Chris. His voice sounds like the result of a constipated night of straining on the toilet seat. He might be young and heading for the top but with such a mind-grating vocal he’ll antagonise more than just Gene Simmons. That’s not snobbery, it’s fact. [Billy Hamilton]

WWW.THETWANG.CO.UK

OUT NOW

5THANDPONTIACDOGMOUNTAIN

OUT NOW MYSPACE.COM/

WWW.LILCHRIS.CO.UK

5 FREE SONGS YOU CAN LEGALLY DOWNLOAD, LISTEN TO AND LOVE

by Paul Mitchell

A VARIED AND EXCITING LINE-UP, WITH EVERY TASTE CATERED FOR Maybe it’s an East Coast thing: lump all your cultural eggs in one basket and call it the biggest arts festival in the world, then spend the rest of the year engaged in extended thumb-twiddling. Over west exists a city that knows how to stagger its artistic happenings and maybe knock a digit off the entrance fee in the process. The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival is now four years old and, therefore, all grown up. It also claims (somewhat spuriously) to be the largest comedy festival in Europe (just don’t mention that other E word). Ok, so most of the acts appearing debuted their shows at Ed*****gh 2006 but you can’t possibly have seen them all in August anyway. Most importantly, the organisers have put together a varied and exciting line-

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH

sugar coating) gets. Josh Homme even pops in for a cameo to provide his own melodious flavour, which, considering his recent output, is a surprise addition on a tune that packs as weighty a punch as this. Ding, ding, and the bogus shit heap of Bullet For My Chemical Valenprophet finally hits the canvas. [Johnny Langlands]

GLASGOW, £10 (£8).

Glasgow Comedy Festival

These days, it’s a little passé to berate Russell Brand. His shaggily coiffured bouffant and pseudo-Victorian disposition has somehow conquered a wave of public disaffection. But what of his musical inclinations? Well, by championing Edinburgh avantgardes The Magnificents, it seems the flamboyantly attired one has a more delectable taste in tunes than TV shows. Pulsating like a psychedelic freak-out, new EP Ring Ring Oo Oo is a sharp blast of transient synths and ragged Beta Band-esque percussion. With its looping bassline and warped lyricism the title track opener will undoubtedly cavor t across dancefloors like a jellified Gary Numan. The cyber-punk massacre of Caught In a Cyclone proves to be the EP’s most intelligible moment, before veering headlong into the frothing electro-acid vat of Back To The Dog Palace and Keep Running. A masterclass in robotic hypnotism. [Billy Hamilton]

this certainly rocks, it does so in a surprisingly clichéd, by-the-numbers way that recalls the sanitized punk of Jimmy Eat World. It may well be their ticket to the stars, but musically it’s more like a flight to Middle America - from Prestwick. [Nick Mitchell]

SOUNDS

COMEDY What the duck?

up, with every taste catered for. Superstar spotters will note the appearance of numerous television luminaries, notably the rare foray of ‘Fr Dougal’ - Ardal O’Hanlon - to live stand-up. Others whose pus you’ll recognise from the box include Paul Merton, Jimmy Carr, Cannon and Ball, Russell Brand and caustic NewYorker, Joan Rivers. Maybe celebrity worship isn’t your thing. Bill Hicks once said television was like taking black spray paint to your third eye. The spirit of Hicks lives on in the decidedly prime-time unfriendly guise of Brendon Burns and Jerry Sadowitz. Joining this irreverent duo will be blue-chip performers from the comedy cicuit, incuding We Are Klang, Phil Kay, Daniel Kitson, Simon Munnery, Jim Jeffries, Janey Godley, Glenn Wool, David O’Doherty and Des Clarke. The stand-up schedule is complemented by a range of shows specifically for kids, a theatre programme which includes Noel Coward’s comedy of manners Hay Fever and a series of late night comedy classics at the Grosvenor cinema.

THE MAGNERS GLASGOW COMEDY FESTIVAL IS ON AT VARIOUS VENUES AROUND GLASGOW, 8-24 MARCH. WWW.GLASGOWCOMEDYFESTIVAL.COM

COMEDY

by Sean Michaels

1. THE SHAKY HANDS - THE SLEEPLESS

3. IRAN - WE COULD GO AWAY FOR A WHILE

5. ROSIE THOMAS AND SUFJAN STEVENS - THE ONE I LOVE

Portland’s Shaky Hands take the yelp-rock that’s decidedly au-courant, and to it add romanticism, warmth, ladylike swoons. It’s the same goofy charm that made Weezer more attractive than Green Day, but this time applied to Clap Your Hands Say Yeah’s indie-boy twitches. These are hipsters you’d take home to your girlfriend; lads who The Shins might hire to play a wedding.

We Could Go Away for a While is a song that barely holds together. Aaron Aites’ vocals are gentle and folky - and somewhere in there is a pretty guitar-line, - but every bar is interrupted by a shriek of noise, a distorted buzz, a digital aberration. It’s like Sonic Youth with a slow-breaking heart; Nick Drake caught in an overloaded amp.

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://WWW.HOLOCENEMUSIC.COM/SHAKYHANDS/

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://SCJAG.COM/MP3/DO/WECOULDGOAWAYFORAWHILE.MP3

An REM cover recorded in-studio for the American net-radio station WOXY. Rosie’s voice is, as ever, mesmerising, and twinned with Sufjan the result is almost certainly *too* pretty. While with REM there was something troubled in the song (“the one I left / behind”), here all is smoothed into sad loveliness - smothering as a blanket of rose-petals. And yet it probably won’t stop you from listening, and listening, and listening again.

2. ASH REITER - ELKO (SONG 1)

4. ANDREW BIRD - HERETICS

The artist known formerly as Drunken Boat does not sound very drunk. She mumbles with a lovely American drawl, stumbles here and there on her cheap acoustic guitar, but otherwise the only sign of intoxication is the generosity of the melody. It offers us almost too much beauty, this song; like a woman bending and showing off her décolletage. “Mmmm-mm-mm,” she hums, as if a folk-song can tie two lovers together - in spite of everything.

He’s a Chicago fiddler-songwriter with a lazy tongue, and what he lacks in enunciation he makes up for with syncopation. Andrew Bird’s lyrical opacity isn’t quite at the level of Stephen Malkmus but there’s a similar swagger in his stanzas. Bird eschews electric tangents and instead chooses swoops and sweeps of strings, gathering everything together for a light-touched chorus - like Patrick Wolf without any hangups or pretensions whatsoever.

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://DRUNKENBOATBAND.COM/SONGS/INDEX.HTML

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://WWW.ANDREWBIRD.NET/LISTEN.HTM

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FEATURED SINGLE LIARS / GERRY MITCHELL & LITTLE SPARTA HOW MANY MORE TIMES / FEASTING ON MY HEART 10” The latest instalment of the Keep Mother Series (dubbed Volume 4: G&H) sees Liars creep forth with the sounds of a jungle river, morphing into a sinister jazz tempo, before surrendering to an epic 11m49s assault on Led Zeppelin’s How Many More Times. Their side of this vinyl captures an elusive vintage vibe too often lost in time, to the point that they mask their departure with the undertones of a skipping stylus and a stammering crash cymbal, as though they’re attempting – ouija boards out - to evoke the groove of Zep’s late sticksman. A delirious diatribe characterises Scottish street poet Gerry Mitchell’s Feasting On My Heart, as he spouts hazy allusions to loss, misadventure and a “spectral pus,” equating to a shotgun capture of the mystical

www.skinnymag.co.uk

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://WWW.EACHNOTESECURE.COM/NOTHING-BUT-NEW-ON-WOXY/

(FIRE)

and gritt y qualities to his gothic timbre. Meanwhile, experimental folk collective Little Sparta pick and strum a foreboding backdrop to the ultimately masochistic satisfaction derived from the subterranean ambience set by this lament. The sum of this package? It’s like a supernatural creative collision where Burns and Poe trip with Bonham and Badalamenti. [Dave Kerr]

SINGLE

1. LIARS / GERRY MITCHELL & LITTLE SPARTA – HOW MANY MORE TIMES / FEASTING ON MY HEART 10” (FIRE)

2. MASTODON

DEFTONES - MEIN GRIM NORTHERN SOCIAL - CONNECTED (EMU)

– COLONY OF BIRCHMEN (REPRISE)

THE CARDINALS – HOLD ON/HELLO (TRI-TONE)

3. WE ARE THE PHYSICS - FEAR OF WORDS/FEAR OF VANITY (ONE)

TINY DANCERS - IWILL WAIT FORYOU (PARLOPHONE)

4. THE ALIENS

– FEMININE SIDE EP (PINNACLE)

- SETTING SUN (EMI)

5. BIFFY CLYRO - SATURDAY SUPERHOUSE (14TH FLOOR) 3 SKINNYS

OUT NOW

ONLINE SINGLE REVIEWS

THE ADVENTURES OF LOKI LOVE OF DIAGRAMS - EP (MATADOR) THE MACCABEES - ABOUT YOUR DRESS (POLYDOR)

WWW.BOOMKAT.COM/ITEM.CFM?ID=24045

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

SOUNDS ALBUM REVIEWS PROFIT IN YOUR POETRY (HOW DOES IT FEEL)

B u tc h e r B o y are built around underground cult hero and Glasgow pop guru, John Blain Hunt. They are purveyors of fine British indie pop, along similar lines to fellow Glaswegians Belle and Sebastian and most notably The Smiths. It is to their huge credit then, that Hunt and Co. have managed to fuse the heavy influence of these bands to create something which sounds completely their own, whilst capturing an instant and addictive charm that even Mozza would be proud of. Profit In Your Poetry, their debut album, occupies this tricky middle ground between being influenced by and blatantly copying your musical predecessors. Hunt’s emotive and hauntingly melodic vocals, accompanied by delicate strings, carry the listener away on tales of cruel love, eloquently told and with consummate ease. The album comprises ten standout songs but the title track, There Is No-One Who Can Tell You Where You’ve Been, and I Know Who You Could Be, are flawless – disappointing only in that they have to end. Truly Beautiful. [Jon Seller] RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH WWW.HOWDOESITFEEL.CO.UK/ BUTCHERBOY.HTML

GLEN HANSARD & MARKETA IRGLOVA THE SWELL SEASON (PLATEAU)

Stop me if you’ve heard this o ne be fore. (Irish) boy meets girl; falls in love with girl; cannot be with girl and teams up with another girl to put music to his anguish over a backdrop of delicate strings and twinkling piano. Should I go on? Okay, maybe that’s a little unfair. This is by no means the most avant-garde concept from a Frames-less Glen Hansard and his new Czech accomplice, but it’s by no means a bad album. Hansard’s voice impresses throughout, at times (on Falling Away and the folksy Drown Out) mimicking Cat Stevens. The instrumental title track showcases the classically trained Irglova’s precision whilst suggesting it could be utilised to greater

ef fect on cer tain tracks ( When Your Mind’s Made Up). Album closer Alone Apart stands out, with Irglova as crystal clear as anything we’ve heard from Beth Gibbons. Certainly not awe inspiring, but not wholly uninspiring either. [Finbarr Bermingham] RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH WWW.THEFRAMES.IE MYSPACE.COM/THESWELLSEASON

GRINDERMAN GRINDERMAN (MUTE)

brained, moving without being emo, catchy without being shit. It’s almost as if they’ve got an ex-member of Faith No More playing guitar after having spent ten years in the wilderness - otherwise you could close your eyes and almost hear the same production as on Master of Puppets and Ride the Lightning. There’s something about good rock music, a rare commodity now, that has (to steal a phrase from VICE) heteroboners popping up right across the globe. [Ali Maloney]

RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH. MYSPACE.COM/GRINDERMAN

HARMFUL 7 (KOOL ARROW)

After fragmenting into a million different sub-genres in the 90s, rock music seems to have gathered up its skirt, stopped sleeping around and returned to the idea that playing in a particular tuning or wearing a certain style isn’t what makes you good - it’s your songs! That’s utter nonsense of course, but listening to Harmful’s seventh album, it’s nice to imagine that music like this is commonplace: melodic without being twee, heavy without being meat-

NIKOLAS BARRELL THE GIN CLUB (FOLKLAW)

Newcomer Nikolas Barrell’s debut has a sound that is instantly familiar, but comfortably easy on the ear. Of course, this could be a fine thing if the easygoing drivetime soundtrack is your bag, bringing the sounds of Route 66 to the M8 (or your nearest motorway). Though unmistakably influenced by Americana, The Gin Club is actually an Old Blighty birthed creation. Perhaps all that Brighton sun inspired a southern drawl? Barrell cites bands The Animals, The Stones and The Who amongst his influences. Also visibly steeped in Muddy Waters, Barrell’s sound is redolent of such 60s folk and rock influences. Dare I say, it’s even a bit Beatles-esque in places, and there are a couple of Hendrixlike licks and riffs thrown in for good measure. Grandiose comparisons aside, The Gin Club reveals a clear talent: both the lyrics and the music itself show great skill in composition and delivery. [Yasmin Ali] RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH MYSPACE.COM/THEGINCLUB

PG SIX

SLIGHTLY SORRY (DRAG CITY) If folk music is m u s i c of th e folk, then terms like post-folk, freak-folk and neo-folk are a wee bit meaningless - this is music that will always reflect the times and resources in which it was made. PG Six’s third album, Slightly Sorry, conjures the spirit of Jefferson Airplane (in the best possible way, not like some quasi-lycanthropic group’s feeble Zeppelin impersonations), and creates a psychedelic whirl that touches upon sadness and optimism, hard

(EMI)

With a career spanning five decades it should come as no surprise that a live album from someone such as John Cale should yield such intriguing promise as this. New versions of classic solo and Velvet Underground songs sit with reworked covers of Jonathan Richman and Elvis and at no point do any of these feel out of place. Beginning with a beautifully haunting rendition of the Velvets’ song Venus In Furs, the bar is set incredibly high indeed. Where Lou Reed’s vocals in the original were as synonymous as with almost any Velvets song, here Cale’s are more whispered, allowing the flow of the droning viola to dance and weave with his rolling voice. There are some eclectic choices of songs here and probably most startling is an emotional version of Heartbreak Hotel. Where the original was a straight up rock ‘n’ roll classic, here Cale laces his interpretation

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

WWW.DRAGCITY.COM

THE LOCUST NEW ERECTIONS

(ANTI/EPITAPH)

Straight up, The Locust’s Ne w Erections may prove to be the best avant crustfunk punk noise grindcore album to drop in 2007. With a legendary (and healthy) distaste for audience satisfaction and eccentric song titles that go from the bizarre (One Manometer Away From Mutually Assured Relocation, anybody?) to the observational commentary (The Unwilling... Led By the Unqualified... Doing the Unnecessary... – fuck yeah!), this third album should see these lunatics billed above the likes of Fantomas, Ruins and Melt Banana, or at least assured the position of one of the few genuine punk bands playing today. Genre-hopping at this speed can get tiresome for those without musical ADD, but The Locust’s spiraling synth vertigo, spastic vocal call-and-responses, guitars that seem to operate in their own space-time continuum and cyborg-Thor propelled drums go beyond being technically dazzling and end up sounding like the ultimate party music. Maybe. [Ali Maloney] RELEASE DATE: 19 MARCH THELOCUST.COM

THE PONYS

TURN THE LIGHTS OUT

with a lone harmonica and keyboards dreamily drifting through the speakers to create a vision that effortlessly makes the tune his own. Of his own compositions, Gun and Helen of Troy improve on the album versions - it seems that the live arena has allowed Cale to explore facets of the songs that were perhaps downplayed in the studio. Whatever the reason, this is a stunning record and it should serve as proof that live albums can be as essential as studio releases. Although, as Cale recently remarked to The Skinny, “It’s a serious piece of work,” he considered, “certainly not easy listening.” [Garry Thomson] OUT NOW. WWW.JOHN-CALE.COM

based quartet The Ponys have been running the distance, only to stutter at the final hurdle. And with the release of Turn The Lights Out, their artful garage-pop is once again set to falter before the winning post. Shooting brightly from their markers with the echoic hook of Double Vision and the title track’s multi-coloured queasiness, the band hit the wall with the overbloated complexity of Shine. A lacklustre blend of Pavement and BRMC, the sterility of Exile On My Street and Harakiri combine to ruin a sprightly start. And even with Pickpocket Song’s frantic late charge, The Ponys are just neigh quite strong enough to be real contenders. [Billy Hamilton] RELEASE DATE: 19 MARCH WWW.THEPONYS.COM

TYPE O NEGATIVE DEAD AGAIN (SPV)

No one really makes records like this anymore. Do massive rif fs and down-tuned tales of doom and gloom have a place this side of the millennium? If not, no one has bothered to tell Type O Negative. Dead Again is another ten songs in that that typical mould of their dark lord, Peter Steele: marathon monodies of melancholia and operatic bombast in that atmospheric doom-punk cast that they’ve been plugging since the early 90s - like Celtic Frost meets Danzig, meets minor key zombie marching. It’s hard to begrudge them the fact that this sounds exactly like a Type O Negative album, but the distinct lack of progression and general cashcow acquiescence of it all adds a distinctly soulless edge to the proceedings. An album for the faithful, Dead Again is one for those who bought Life Is Killing Me and World Coming Down. [Neil Ferguson] RELEASE DATE: 17 MARCH

(MATADOR)

In musical sta b l e s, th o roughbreds reign supreme. Galloping to the top of the charts, immaculately groomed stallions are the apple of their cash-hungr y owners’ eyes. But what of a young foal striving to make its way on the racetrack of rock? So far, Chicago-

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FEATURED ALBUM JOHN CALE - CIRCUS

OUT NOW

OUT NOW WWW.HARMFULWEB.COM

If you’re squeamish, cover your ears now Grinderman’s debut album takes no prisoners. It’s the wailing cry of love bludgeoned by vitriolic distortion; the haggard bones of contentment devoured by avenging bar-room vultures; and the last breath of consumerism slipping into a ratinfested quagmire. With Nick Cave biblically advocating over No Pussy Blues’ terrifying gospel-punk, little solace can be found in the record’s gruesome narrative. Yet, outside Cave’s ritualistic seething lurk more brutal beasts. Warren Ellis’ swirling Fendocaster splinters the senses on Depth Charge Ethel like an insatiable whirlwind of aggression, while Jim Sclavunos’ pneumatic drumming pummels through Honey Bee with tribalistic incessancy. Even a drop in tempo sees the band prowl menacingly, with ‘Electric Alice’ rounding up its prey to the bewitching cackle of a taunting viola. When the rampant Love Bomb comes to a shuddering halt, you’ll realise Grinderman is sheer rock’n’roll – and it sure ain’t pretty. [Billy Hamilton]

driving rock and wistful singalongs. Here, Joanna Newsom touring partner, Pat Gubler, skillfully plays a dazzling array of instruments, including hurdy-gurdy and celeste, and his considered songs are often skincrawlingly gorgeous. Although a veteran of noise rock and experimental sonics, Gubler’s PG Six outings do draw upon those sensibilities but are still heart movingly accessible. [Ali Maloney]

WWW.TYPEONEGATIVE.NET

VARIOUS ARTISTS BALLADS OF THE BOOK

(CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND)

The numerous musicians, authors and poets who have contributed to this record evidently share a love of Scotland’s rich folk and literary tradi-

ALBUMS

1. JOHN CALE - CIRCUS (EMI) 2. VARIOUS ARTISTS - BALLADS OF THE BOOK (CHEMICAL UNDERGROUND)

tions, and the resulting collaborations are as fascinating as you’d expect. Some highlights: Aidan Moffat and The Best-Ofs bring Ian Rankin’s tale of the little known Fifer who was almost a Rolling Stone to ramshackle life; Moffat’s erstwhile partner in Falkirkian grime Malcolm Middleton teams up with Alan Bisset for a brutally grim character portrait; and Sons & Daughters bring a noirish pulp fiction feel to proceedings with their A.L. Kennedy collusion. Alasdair Roberts’ voice spills out Robin Rober tson’s gut-wrenching parting shot, The Leaving, his words like slowly-twisting knives, while Foxface and Rody Gorman contribute a celtic battle march that’s part Rawhide, part Ennio Morricone. To boot, Lord Cut-Glass (the Delgado’s Alun Woodward) and Alasdair Gray give us A Sentimental Song, a sea shanty set to mournful Cat Power-esque piano, fiery strings and rollicking percussion. [Milo McLaughlin] RELEASE DATE: 5 MARCH WWW.CHEMIKAL.CO.UK/NEWS.HTM

KAISER CHIEFS

YOURS TRULY, ANGRY MOB (B-UNIQUE)

On their debut album Employment, Kaiser Chiefs combined infantile fun with a sniper-like lyrical wit. And because they seemed so new - if you were too young to remember Britpop - three million kids identified with their energetic paeans to a broken Blighty. The trouble is, now the Kaisers aren’t just your likeable trilby-wearing tykes-next-door, and whimsical observations of bingedrinking hoodies arem’t a long-term guarantee of success. So have the Kaisers, now pushing 30, finally grown up on Yours Truly, Angry Mob? Song titles like Everything is Average Nowadays and Retirement suggest they have, but elsewhere there are still the tales of nightclubs and fisticuffs: “You raise a glass or two/ You raise a fist or two/ And get a shopping basket wrapped round your head.” Yours Truly is an undeniably solid album, revealing the band’s growing confidence in writing short, punchy British pop songs that echo Supergrass, Blur and early Beatles. Wilson has mercifully capped the na-na-nas, but there are no signs of this band growing old gracefully. [Nick Mitchell] OUT NOW KAISER CHIEFS PLAY CARLING ACADEMY, GLASGOW ON 6 & 7 MARCH. WWW.KAISERCHIEFS.CO.UK/TXP

ONLINE ALBUM REVIEWS ARCADE FIRE - NEON BIBLE (ROUGH TADE)

Josie Long

by Yasmin Ali

Josie Long graces Glasgow with Kindness and Exuberance: her acclaimed solo show, as toured at the Edinburgh Festival. In 1999, Long burst onto the comedy scene as a BBC New Comedy Award Winner, and remains as exuberant as ever. Last year’s Edinburgh run won her the if.comeddie Newcomer Award, to add to other accolades such as respected comedy website Chortle.co.uk’s Newcomer Award 2005. But how long will Long remain a newcomer? Now in a second-run of her first solo show Kindness and Exuberance, and currently touring and performing sets around the country, perhaps it won’t be long before she’s a household name. She’s also received high praise from celebrity comedians: Ross Noble declared his face hurt from laughing and Stewart Lee has declared her “the funniest 22 year-old woman in the country.” Critics and commentators in comedy circles have been much enamoured with Long’s candour and natural wit, though it seems mere soundbites cannot justly describe the Josie Long experience.

5TH AND PONTIAC - TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY (DOGMOUNTAIN)

4. BUTCHER BOY - PROFIT IN YOUR POETRY (HOW DOES IT FEEL)

JESU - CONQUEROR (HYDRAHEAD)

5. THE LOCUST - NEW ERECTIONS (ANTI)

- LYNN TEETER FLOWER (SADDLE CREEK)

Offering endearing anecdotes, all delivered with natural charm, Josie Long guarantees a smile. JOSIE LONG: KINDNESS AND EXUBERANCE, BREL, MON 12 MAR, 9PM.

Sean Hughes by Craig Hamilton

TEA TIME TELEVISION’S LOSS IS STAND-UP’S GAIN It has been four years now since sardonic Irish comedian Sean Hughes left TV pop quiz Never Mind the Buzzcocks, and it has been eight years since he toured his la st st a nd up s how. In fact, if you were to catch Hughes performing live during the

THE CINEMATICS - A STRANGE EDUCATION (TVT)

- GRINDERMAN (MUTE)

Kindness… in March, judging on previous sell-out runs at Soho Theatre and The Fringe.

March sees another chance to catch Josie Long’s comedic storytelling, this time at the much-anticipated Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Josie Long brings her solo show to Bar Brel on Ashton Lane, off Byres Road (12 March, 9pm). Brel, the Glasgow West End Belgian bar and restaurant, offers a side of laughter to accompany Moules Frites and other Belgian fare. An unusual and successful entertainment venue, Brel is housed in a former stable and coach house, and has a capacity of up to a hundred. Expect a full-house for

DARTZ! - THIS IS MY SHIP (XTRA MILE)

3. GRINDERMAN

COMEDY

BUTCHER BOY

GUARANTEES A SMILE

MARIA TAYLOR DAVID KARSTEN DANIELS - SHARP TEETH (FATCAT)

THE BEES - OCTOPUS (VIRGIN)

last ten years it would most likely have been at a poetry or book reading, or appearing alongside Jude Law’s missus in the West End show As You Like It. But now, aged 41 and with a slightly more politicised take on life, the comic who sold out countless theatres during the 90s and was the youngest ever winner of the Perrier Award returns to the stage to be re-united with his ‘first love’. Why has he returned? What has possessed him to go back to a medium he had previously claimed to have taken as far as he possibly could? Simple. He was asked if he’d like to appear on Celebrity Strictly Come Dancing, the dignity-stripping TV graveyard where publicity hungry ex-celebrities go to try to shamelessly force their way back into the nation’s consciousness. “It was confirmation that nobody has any idea what I stand for” he recently said in an interview with Time Out. What Sean Hughes does stand for is honest, thoughtful comedy. And thankfully throwaway tea time television’s loss is stand-up comedy’s gain. For the first time in eight years, Hughes is hitting the road with a brand new show, a slightly fuller face and a renewed vigour for his art. SEAN HUGHES, ABC, GLASGOW, FRI 16

SOUNDS

THEATRE

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI So, the RSA’s student show ha s been a nd gone once again - two glor ious weeks during which Scotland’s graduating a rt and architecture students get to fill the capital’s most hallowed gallery space with whatever the hell they want. As always, the show was an inspiring taste of the talent we can expect to see at the degree shows in a few months’ time. Variety has always been the show’s strong suit and this year was no exception. Luke Fletcher’s Albatross - a crudely constructed space capsule bearing the identification ‘United Kingdom’, and filled with essentials such as Ryvita, crosswords and Tesco Value mineral water - drew the biggest smiles and provided a welcome reminder that good art doesn’t have to be po-faced. Traditional painting is always particularly well represented: Rachael Bibby’s wall of impressive enamel portraits approached the genre with an unusual freedom and spontanaity, whilst Sara Sinclair’s Women of Action and the Result of Action was all drama, passion and intigue. Who said abstract expressionism was dead? Particularly popular with the public was Robert Steven Cheadle’s One (Cycle) - a simple but effective photographic composite in which the protagonist is revealed to be their own murderer - surely Borges would have approved. If you can’t wait until the degree shows to see more young Scottish talent then get down to The Leith gallery in Edinburgh before 4 March to see more work by recent graduates. /MJS

Trenton Doyle Hancock

THE WAYWARD THINKER

by Gabriella Griffith

“Colour would get him where he needed to be” Trenton Doyle Hancock, the larger than life artist with a tendency to pop sleeping pills and snooze through his opening nights, has successfully created the visual art equivalent to a jar of Marmite. His work, which forms his first European solo exhibition, has the ability to either make you sick or enthral you, by sucking you into its complex, acid-trip narrative. The Wayward Thinker offers a gargantuan sensory overload that allows no viewer to hover in indifference.

pronounced theme of good verses evil. Growing up in Texas as the son of a Baptist minister has had an obvious influence on his artwork. Hancock has moved away from Christianity now but the potential of such a deep and complex narrative has remained with him, expressed in his various mediums. Collaged paintings, prints, drawings and sculpture are all present in this collection. It would not be a stretch to imagine Trenton Doyle Hancock as lady justice holding out the weighing scales, as much of his artwork is about finding equilibrium between opposites. Light verses dark and the brilliant colours of the ‘Mounds’ verses the monochrome dullness of the Vegans, are issues that scream at you from each wall of the gallery space.

HANCOCK HAS WEAVED AN ELABORATE MYTHOLOGY TO WHICH ALL OF HIS ARTWORKS ARE ANCHORED

Often describing himself as a storyteller, Hancock has weaved an elaborate mythology to which all of his artworks are anchored. The epic tale begins 50,000 years ago when an ape man masturbated into a field of flowers, from which half-human, halfplant creatures called ‘Mounds’ came to be. The artworks illustrate the Mounds’ ongoing struggle with their illegitimate siblings, the Vegans. Vegans are evil creatures that live a colourless existence below earth, sucking on fermented tofu shakes and spreading misery.

The Wayward Thinker tells the tale of St. Sesom and the Cult of Colours. The proximity of the story to that of Moses (Sesom backwards), is not a singular coincidence; much of Hancock’s work harbours biblical overtones, most clearly in the

His work takes the form both of text and image, one aiding the other every step of the way. Hancock holds that the exhibition is visually led and that the text merely pushes the paintings to a new level. His paintings are mounted on walls that are covered in his large hand-scribed text. Sesom’s Dream covers every inch of one of the gallery’s walls with both colourful and black text, a canvas sits in the centre almost engulfed by the script. Taking the time to read the giant words that saturate the once white walls only serves to enhance the experience. Without these words

much of the dry humour that permeates the exhibition could be missed. Also sitting confidently on the Trenton Doyle Hancock scales is the issue of merging high and low culture. Trained in illustration, drawing and painting, Hancock’s art is unmistakably influenced by comics and cartoons. The pieces contain intricately scribed landscapes in which the delicately drawn, monstrous characters dwell. Often a shape made in one sketch will inform the next, adding a formalist element to his work. Occasionally only small portions of the paintings contain colour, whilst others seem to explode off the walls in a technicolor burst. Miracle machine #13 - Good Vegan depicts a large, organic machine that sits boldly in the elaborate landscape of ‘the underworld’. Comparisons with artists such as Hieronymous Bosch and William Blake are hard to avoid, no-one however, could accuse the unique work of being derivative “Behold Sesom, I am painter and these are colours”, begins the visual awakening of St. Sesom, free thinking Vegan minister and the protagonist in this episode of Trenton Doyle Hancock’s artistic endeavour. Whilst the artist is speaking here as one of his characters, one could also see it as an exclamation from Hancock to the viewers. The Wayward Thinker hails our visual awakening to the complex imagination of this young, Texan artist.

by Sam Eccles

then again it could be all hype. It’s hard to take a step back and take stock of where we are: what people are saying about us, or where they say we are going.”

Two years of hard work and determination are beginning to pay off for The Hussy’s, featuring the seasoned talents of former Supernaturals alum. Glasgow gigs are often complete sellouts; Steve Lamacq, Janice Long and Bens Fold are fans; the band have just completed a Barfly tour of the UK and they’re just about to support The Inspiral Carpets following appearances with the likes of Little Man Tate and El Presidenté. Yet, as The Skinny speaks with Fili and Greg, (Singer and Keyboard player respectively), they seem remarkably calm and together about the prospect of imminent success. “We just take everything one step at a time. You know what it’s like when you’re played on XFM – you suddenly become the next big Scottish sensation – I think we just need to keep our heads screwed on and go with the flow. Perhaps we are on the crest of a wave, but

Even the connection with Ben Folds is overshadowed by the on-theroad experience. “It was really strange, someone I really admire, suddenly chatting with us via MySpace” admits Greg, “we were really looking forward to seeing him play in Glasgow, but we were in Barnsley.” Whilst meeting the whimsical performer in person would have been a moment for the group, North Yorkshire held its own allure. “We assumed that when we toured Yorkshire everyone who came to the gigs were going to be there for Little Man Tate – yet at every gig, people were really up for it, and Barnsley was something else. We were expecting a tiny venue, and got the same surprise as we did when supporting El Presidente in Alloa – instead of a community centre it was a huge space. We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to play to so many people.”

It’s good to be out there playing to new and potential fans, though we don’t want to be bothering about who may or may not be in amongst the crowd, or whether or not such and such an A&R man enjoyed the gig. At the moment we really are just getting our kicks from the unexpected.” Undoubtedly this approach to their craft sets The Hussy’s in good stead, and bodes well for keeping them in tune with an expanding, exuberant fan base. THE HUSSY’S SUPPORT THE INSPIRAL CARPETS AT THE ABC ON THE 3RD OF MARCH. TIGER EP/ NAPOLEON EP OUT NOW. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEHUSSYS

This refreshing approach makes being amongst the band members a real pleasure – they chat away with a wide-eyed wonderment and fresh faced appeal that only strengthens their enthusiastic outlook, something that is echoed in their ‘sparky, post-punk pop tune’s. Unlike many other struggling artists in the same position, Greg and Fili - who still work due to being unsigned - are far from jaded. “We could have kept going after our tour in Yorkshire. We just want to get back out there, everything is so new and exciting - we never know what size gig we’ll be playing or to how many people. We Are the Physics

FRUITMARKET, EDINBURGH UNTIL 8 APRIL. FREE.

www.kingtuts.co.uk 272 St Vincent Street, Glasgow Telephone: 0141 221 5279

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

TOP

The Hussy’s - WE EXPECT

“I THINK WE JUST NEED TO KEEP OUR HEADS SCREWED ON AND GO WITH THE FLOW

SOUNDS

ART

EXHIBITIONS

1. DARKSPACE II AT ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY, EDINBURGH UNTIL 11 MARCH

Emerging fine-art filmmakers in Scotland who push the boundaries of convention by employing the latest technologies.

2. NEW FACES 2007 AT LEITH GALLERY, EDINBURGH UNTIL 3 MARCH

An exhibition of paintings, ceramics and jewellery by graduates from Edinburgh College of Art, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Glasgow School of Art and Grays School of Art. (See picture)

3. ROB CHURM AT SORCHA DALLAS, GLASGOW, 10 MAR CH- 7 APRIL

Vocalist for avante-garde Glasgow band Park Attack displays his virtuoso graphic skill.

4. WENDY KERSHAW AT ATRIUM GALLERY, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART UNTIL 16 MARCH

Intricate works based on her residency in China.

5. LA FEMME DE NULLE PART AT DOGGERFISHER, EDINBURGH UNTIL 28 APRIL

Group show, curated by Lucy Skaer. Featuring Anita Di Bianco, Sophie Macpherson and Rosalind Nashashibi.

Work by Andrew Ingram Cooke at Leith Gallery

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

LasLuces, Looses and Losses by Trenton Doyle Hancock

ART

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

SOUNDS GLASGOW

JUERGEN TELLER AWAILABLE

RATATAT - David Winton

VAPNET - Charlotte Rodenstedt

BEN FOLDS - Calum Barr

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH - Ed Fisher

Famous for his intimate, rough and ready style of fashion photography - as seen in the likes of The Face and i-D - it was always doubtful whether Teller’s work had enough substance to enable him to mount a successful gallery exhibition. Sure enough, his brass and chutzpah, whilst momentarily distracting, has worn seriously thin by the time we make it through all four rooms of photographs. An image of some foliage, taken near Teller’s family home in Bavaria, is the most intriguing piece here - causing us to double-take in order to confirm the scale of the image we are viewing. It turns out to be a fascinating red herring amid a smorgasbord of self-indulgent miscellanea and tired narcissism. An image of Marilyn Manson, his gormless face resting against his lover’s crotch, is so empty and contrived that it might as well be a blank sheet of paper. By the time we reach the fabulously tedious Gisele In My Bath (2006), this reviewer is frankly finding it hard to stay awake. A disposable exhibition for a disposable photographer. [Jay Shukla]

faux-educational plat form. The repartition and unforgiving nature of the presentation, source material and research tools has been personalised with the introduction of the artist’s mother’s hobby of bird watching, whilst completing jigsaws. This adds an emotional edge to the original research based exhibits; blurring the lines between human observation and scientific fact. Shovlin uses meticulous methods to display personal insights, as well as information taken from The Origin of Species. The use and clear appreciation of research systems becomes the structure holding the four sections together: however, there is also mockery of them and our blind acceptance of their content. This body of work is difficult to interact with and aesthetically does not draw the viewer in. The observations and vast accumulation of research material indulge in, and isolate, themselves. The artist is playing a game of solitaire and does not seem too keen to let anyone else join in. [Morag Keil]

dren. This can be seen in Filmmaker (macaroni style) - which is oil on canvas but painted in a curly freehand style, mimicking the shapes of pasta - and Sculpture with their Head Kick In (blue) - a ceramic head sculpted using children’s footprints. The end result, whilst harking back to the familiarity of childhood experiences, has a harshness that comes only with the knowledge of age. The references run thick through the work, and the blending of childlike innocence and the corruption of knowledge adds a biblical edge to the work, in addition to discussing the acceptance of responsibility for actions: “When I was a child, I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things.” (Paul, Corinthians 13, 11). Hammond’s work is aesthetically intriguing - there is a great deal of sinister humour here, creating a paradox of sophistication and naivety. Both these elements are strengthened by his knowledge of the tools he uses. [Morag Keil]

TALBOT RICE, EDINBURGH

SORCHA DALLAS, GLASGOW

Name is Better than Your Name the artists overlay imagery of cityscape and landscape with decorative imagery of rugs and figures. Both artists seem interested in using layered imagery as a means of suggesting what is hidden and concealed within family relationships, hence their interest in the myth of Romulus and Remus, siblings who both loved one another and despaired of there family bonds. Jessica Harrison’s work deserves a long look, particularly for her skill, but also for its reference to themes in Renaissance Art, which she links with an interest in fear, vanity and desire. Screaming mouths hold mother and child imagery and in the case of Cherub Medusa suggest a kind of imaginative mania reaching out of control. Sophie McKay Knight’s body of work, The Little People, concerns the supernatural and notions of belief and superstition. She paints intriguing little creatures looking out or turning into mysterious dark worlds. A fascinating exhibition of diverse, imaginative minds. [Lucy Gallwey]

UNTIL 10 MARCH. FREE.

UNTIL MARCH 3. FREE.

AMBER ROOME, EDINBURGH

CHARLIE HAMMOND AMBER ROOME

...ANDYOUWILLKNOW USBYTHETRAILOFDEAD ORAN MOR, 14 FEB

A band famed for their anarchic live shows playing a converted church on Valentine’s day: there’s some kind of subversive message in there, but I’ll be damned if I can find it. Much the same can be said for the lyrics and melodies tonight, buried somewhere under heavy layers of guitars and drums. But then, as Conrad Keely points out after a particularly noisy rendition of Another Morning Stoner, tuning’s overrated, and if we were to abandon it completely all the conflict in the world would cease. Maybe. Whether we agree or not, this evening we’re going by Trail of Dead’s rules, and tuning’s out for the sake of the performance: intense, focused, yet surprisingly civilized. The only casualty is an over-enthusiastically thumped drum. It’s all more than a little self-indulgent at times; the posturing often a distraction from a sound not quite balanced, but they’re playing to the converted tonight, and they know it. [Eve McCann] WWW.HILLARBY.FREESERVE.CO.UK

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH BARROWLANDS, 3 FEB

It is appropriate, perhaps, that one of the hotly tipped acts of this year tonight share the bill with one of last year’s. Cold War Kids (4/5) don’t have much time to convince us, though they don’t need long. An energetic blend of classic and innovative rock is well received and by way of introduction will do the band no harm at all. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (4/5) take the Barrowlands stage to give their second album a workout in a week that saw it released to starkly contrasting reviews. In the live arena, out of the confines of the studio, this is an opportunity to showcase the songs with a freedom and rawness that is reminiscent of their eponymous debut LP. On record, Alec Ounsworth sounds deceptively animated. Tonight, the band assume a more professional

demeanour, workmanlike almost, but manage to convey the frolicsome nature of their sound effortlessly. Both albums get a substantial airing with respective centrepieces, Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth and Satan Say Dance, instigating the kind of raucous scenes they were designed to. Favourites like Home On Ice and Tidal Wave are greeted with a feverish excitement that few of the new tracks are yet to generate, but the underlying quality is unmistakable. [Finbarr Bermingham] WWW.CLAPYOURHANDSSAYYEAH.COM MYSPACE.COM/CLAPYOURHANDSSAYYEAH

RATATAT

THE ARCHES, 8 FEB Ratatat play well enough on your stereo. With layered guitars, wellcrafted beats and riffs that straddle the indie and electronic fence, all of this performs well as your flat party’s background music. Live at the Arches, all of this energy shines with a healthier glow, through the fog machine and strobe lights. The two characters, Evan Mast and Mike Stroud, both previous hired guns for other live bands (Ben Kweller, Dashboard Confessional, E*vax), pulled together in 2003 to construct something all the more meaningful, to fulfill their sonic premise. Tonight, duelling their guitars on stage brings more urgency and passion to Ratatat’s all-instrumental tracks, which can otherwise feel overly ephemeral and moody. Mast’s token spate of flipping off to the photographers alludes less to some rock n’ roll image and more to just how seriously these boys take their riffs. [David Winton]

infamy. At the sharp end of this ‘new rave’ movement are the NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB (2/5) whose strutting, shape throwing live show sums up the concept - meaning that they’ve got lots of bass but sound better on the radio.

THE SUNSHINE UNDERGROUND

(3/5) on the other hand are old hacks at the live bit and their funkified sounds get the place into the right zone. When CSS (4/5) arrive, showgirl Lovefoxxx takes the crowd even higher by giving them exactly what they want. “I just love sex!” she shrieks to the writhing bodies before stamping their set with Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death From Above. It’s a beast of a tune that has the Barrowlands bouncing by the time the clock strikes Klaxons. Vertical lighting rigs dot the stage and the pounding rock ‘n’ roll is infectious. The dark and threatening overtones really do belong in an illegal warehouse. The uplifting melodies of Golden Skans are enchanting, however it signals the fade out for the night. THE KLAXONS’ (4/5) energy is dissipated during their more gentle pop songs, though they demonstrate their versatility and in some ways even justify the ‘rave’ moniker. While the crowd may have wikipedia’d ‘Ultrasonic’ and dressed accordingly, the overwhelming innocence and acceptance captures the ethos perfectly. A genuinely gratifying event. [Graeme Park] MYSPACE.COM/KLAXONS

SOUNDS OF SWEDEN:

VAPNET & SKELETON BOB

NICE N’ SLEAZYS, 24 JAN

WWW.RATATATMUSIC.COM

NME INDIERAVE TOUR BARROWLANDS, 6 FEB

Greasy schoolboys stumble and swathe about the NME Indie Rave. Age means that many have the smacked-out physique to go with their drainpipes, while some struggle with puppy fat and skinny jeans. Overhead is a halo of multi-coloured glow chains, the cheap and cheerful version of those sticks of 90s rave

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

A Glasgow outlet for “Scandinavia’s finest purveyors of pop”, this particular ‘Sounds of Sweden’ gives Gothenburg’s Vapnet their Scottish debut. In support come local trio Skeleton Bob (3/5), whose gentle, country-tinged reflections give us Americana viewed through a Glaswegian’s pint-glass. Despite no Swedish connection they give the night’s theme a nod, upping the tempo with a cover of Abba’s Mamma Mia. Despite some moni-

tor problems threatening to scupper their gig, Vapnet 3/5) eventually follow, the sextet easily filling Sleazys’ small stage. Offering a broad musical palette, at various points they combined flute, acoustic and electric guitar, melodica, trumpet, sax, triangle and xylophone, all atop an electronic drumbeat. An off-hand comparison could be made with earlier Belle and Sebastian output. An inquisitive request for some lyric interpretation helpfully reveals that they touch upon low-self esteem, bullying and unrequited love. This certainly matches the outfit’s somewhat vulnerable sound. [Colin Chapman]

even tells stories. He’s a brilliant performer and it’s hard not to be swept along by the mood in the room. Half way through tonight’s set, however, Folds is left on stage by himself, alone with his voice and piano, and the mood turns altogether more sombre. It’s not that this wouldn’t be a welcome change, but after what has gone before this feels a little flat. As his band return he picks it back up and even includes a couple of covers in Dr Dre’s Bitches’s Ain’t Shit

and Postal Services’s Such Great Heights. With these, Folds proves that he has the knack of turning almost anything into his own brand of quirky piano pop. With Underground even surpassing the first half of his set, it seems a little unfortunate that he is unable to keep this high quality up throughout the evening. Maybe this time it’s a case of a little less would have meant a lot more. [Garry Thomson]

UNTIL 15 APRIL. FREE.

JAMIE SHOVLIN AGGREGATE

Part of a touring exhibition of four galleries that collects new works as it travels, this show is split up into four sections: Maps, Jigsaws, Books and Birds. The display takes on the form of a museum installation and

Amber Roome - Jessica Harrison, pencil on paper

UNTIL 8 MARCH. FREE.

GROUP SHOW

INVERLEITH HOUSE, ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, EDINBURGH

ART

REVIEWS

Charlie Hammond’s solo show at Sorcha Dallas plays with the aesthetics of high art, mocking it with a childlike playfulness and a knowing morbidity. Hammond is a Glasgow School of Art graduate, who is exhibiting at The Armory Show, New York this year. His work shows a diversity of interests and influences as well as a talent in manipulating his materials, sometimes referring to and using techniques taught to chil-

In this new group exhibition of work by Delia Baillie & Iain Sturrock, Jessica Harrison, Karen Kirkwood and Sophie McKay Knight, all of the artists deal with big and imaginative topics, such as the subconscious and the supernatural. Delia Baille and Iain Sturrock have collaborated on a number of works for the show, and use drawing, painting and collage as there shared medium. In My Jurgen Teller - Bill sipping

Jamie Shovlin - Plate 4 - Evil Bastard the Magpie

WWW.BENFOLDS.COM

WWW.SOUNDSOFSWEDEN.COM

by Gareth K Vile

MYSPACE.COM/VAPNET MYSPACE.COM/THEREALSKELETONBOB

HOW TO SWIM & STINKY MUNCHKINS

GLASGOWSCHOOLOFART,27JAN Inspired by the glam rock denizens of the seventies, Stinky Munchkins (3/5) aspire to the camp, catchy rock peddled by the likes of Bobby Conn. They struggle to muster an infectious groove until half way through their set tonight, but they deserve commendation for injecting some glamour into the local scene and you’d do well to take a look. That is, unless, How To Swim are playing at the same time. Led by the fabulously named Ink Wilson, How To Swim are a genuine delight of well-crafted songs and charismatic lyrics. With a roll call easily stretching into double figures they display an eclectic mix of styles based in sweeping rock epics with a hint of klezmer, a touch of afro beat and a rambunctious charm to it all. See them now before you have to camp out to get tickets. [Dave Reid] WWW.HOWTOSWIM.NET WWW.STINKYMUNCHKINS.COM

BEN FOLDS

CARLING ACADEMY, 26 JAN After striding on stage to The Final Countdown, Ben Folds is effortlessly infectious from the first note he plays. Everyone around is smiling, laughing and singing along to every word. Folds sings, he improvises, he

THE SOUND MIGHT BE FAMILIAR, BUT THE INTENTION IS NEW As winter breaks and the first buds of spring wither beneath the cold, Glasgow’s music scene basks in the warmth of nostalgia. Both Eric Clapton (on the 8th, Grand Ole Opry) and Pink Floyd (31st, SECC) receive the tribute treatment, while local legend Eugene Kelly has been added to the VERSAcoustic tour. Manda Rin from Bis will be spinning the discs at YourSound (King Tut’s, 4th) and the listings are filled with greats from the past: Dolly Parton and Snoop Dogg (alas, not appearing together) at the SECC, The Mad Professor brings his majestic dub to the Classic Grand on the 31st, and the Fall arrive at the Ferry for two nights of abrasive unpredictability (16th and 17th). Younger bands reclaim the past: The Grim Northern Social growl their way through 1970s’ rawk at Strathclyde University (9th), while the Five O’Clock Heroes, The Rifles and Union of Knives owe more than a passing nod to punk. Perhaps the past is overwhelming the present: the hottest news this year has been the emergence of nu-rave, a movement rooted in the indie-dance crossovers of the early 1990s.

mentality, as self-indulgence is often stripped away and songwriting sensibility is married to dance abandon. The sound might be familiar, but the intention is new: new paths are found, genres are slammed together. Even tribute bands - once a sign of a moribund industry - play their part, keeping alive music that was ignored at the time: the Nick Drake night at the Arches (on the 18th) being an example of how an artist can find posthumous glory. Over in America, at the prestigious South by Southwest Festival, Glasgow will aim to demonstrate its place on the international map, with a range of bands from Shitdisco, Pop Up and The Cinematics (who release their debut LP this month) showcasing their talent. Of course, The Skinny will be there to see it. Meanwhile, on home soil, it’s another full calendar month of bands clamoring to come up to play our city while our bands take on the world. WANT TICKETS TO ONE OF THE VERSACOUSTIC SHOWS HAPPENING ACROSS SCOTLAND THIS MONTH? LOG ON AND CHECK WWW. MYSPACE.COM/VERSACOUSTIC OR LISTEN TO XFM SCOTLAND’S X-POSURE SHOW (MON

Fortunately, this isn’t just senti-

- THURS, 10PM) FOR DETAILS.

SOUNDS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI Alright? We’re all about kick ass exclusives and pledging allegiance to the church of noise in Sounds this month. Sean M ichael s ha s b r e k k ie with - wait for it… just a wee bit longer - Arcade Fire in Montreal and Billy Hamilton talks democracy with Nick Cave’s new sludge rock riot, Grinderman. Meanwhile, ahead of their respective imminent gigs in Glasgow, lick lovers Mastodon get squeezed on the subject of cartoons by Hamza Khan and metal kings Deftones compare themselves to some sort of pleasant mass of baked sugary dough. Then, just when you think we’ve got nothin’ else to give, Kristin Hersh tells Paul Mitchell how to sing like a star and EODM’s Jesse Hughes tells us tales of bearded ladies and that spat with Axl. We also have a word with Glaswegian indie pop champs The Hussy’s (sic?) and a double whammy of metal experimentalists, namely Stonehaven’s Project: Venhell and St. Albans’ Enter Shikari. Oh aye, also, keep your eyes on the website for updates from our Alex as he follows some of Scotland’s finest exports and blogs us the latest craic from this year’s SXSW showcase in Texas. Yee haw. /Dave

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

SOUNDS CONTENTS ARCADE FIRE LIVE MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS METAL UP YOUR ASS ENTER SHIKARI DEFTONES MASTODON KIRSTIN HERSH GRINDERMAN EAGLES OF DETH METAL EDINBURGH PROJECT: VENHELL GLASGOW BALLADS OF THE BOOK ALBUM REVIEWS SINGLE REVIEWS THE EASY GRAMOPHONE

INTERVIEW FEATURE

DON’T MISS

COLUMN

INTERVIEW FEATURE

LIVE MUSIC

INTERVIEW FEATURE

LIVE MUSIC

FEATURE

THIS MONTH’S REVIEWS 40

! E V I S U L EXC BREAKFAST WITH Arcade by Sean Michaels

Fire

THE SKINNY SITS DOWN FOR A FACE TO FACE WITH ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ENCHANTING “People will be singing Who Let The Dogs Out? on their deathbeds,” Win Butler says. He is sitting at breakfast with his wife - and songwriting partner - Régine Chassagne. “’Don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me-’” he sings, breaking off with a wide Texan laugh. We’re talking about the way pop music can hook you; the way Butler and Chassagne’s band, Arcade Fire, snared the hearts of a million listeners. The way Funeral, their debut LP, has now been played at weddings, and maybe even at funerals. But Butler and Chassagne find it hard to accord this much weight. “Music is the most immediate emotional language,” Butler says. He shrugs. “You can say a lot less and communicate more in a shorter space.” Nobody knew Funeral would be a hit. It was recorded at the Hotel 2 Tango, a beautiful and cosy studio above a Montreal garage - a studio best known for its association not with Top of the Pops, but with Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Arcade Fire had a following, but outside Montreal were still just opening for the likes of Jim Guthrie, The Unicorns and The Hidden Cameras. And the music: bilingual new wave songs with accordion and steel drums; straining “oh-oh-oh” choruses bellowed by gangly kids without a stylist. But the album was extraordinary - The Skinny’s favourite of 2005, - and before long Arcade Fire were on their own sell-out tours, duetting with Bono, David Byrne and David Bowie, toasted by the NME and nominated for a Grammy. More than anything the buzz was due to the group’s thunderous live show - lullaby marches through the crowd, crash-helmet banging, voices pushing through a fog of glad guitar - and they stayed on the road for a very long time. “The actual experience of touring for the first time was pretty overwhelming,” Butler says. “There was a good six months when we weren’t writing at all, which was the first time since [Régine and I] were to-

gether that we weren’t writing every day. You get really used to working in a certain way. We always used to play in our apartment, with a regular way of working – and that was uprooted.”

record has taken so long: you need to save space for songs that have been refined and refined, and some that are a live band recording. It’s hard to know which is which.”

As they hiked across North America, Europe, even venturing to Japan and South America, songs simply weren’t getting written. Until something changed. “We were in the desert,” Butler says, “the [American] southwest, staying at a little hotel after a show. [Just like that] I started singing a song in the shower, and Régine started singing along – and we finished it in like a second. ...It set the tone for the way the next record was going to go. We had our vision back.” The song was called My Body is a Cage, and the album that materialised around it is markedly different from Funeral’s frenzied coming-of-age. Whereas on Funeral they yelled “We found the light!”, in My Body is a Cage Butler is less optimistic: “I’m living in an age / that calls darkness light.”

Some arrangements are more complicated than others. “Black Mirror was probably the second song we started working on after My Body is a Cage,” Butler explains, “and from the start Régine had a full orchestral string arrangement in mind.” For two or three weeks, she and friend Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) worked non-stop on the arrangements, emailing back and forth as Pallett was on tour. By the time Butler and Chassagne f lew to Budapest, they had written orchestral parts for two other songs, as well as sections for a Hungarian men’s choir.

“WE HAD OUR VISION BACK.” - WIN BUTLER

Neon Bible is an album about faith, but furthermore it’s an album about doubt, confusion and fear. On some tracks this is obscured, the alienation buried under Keep the Car Running’s galloping mandolin, or Antichrist Television Blues’s Springsteen chug. But on songs like Black Wave/ Bad Vibrations or Black Mirror, the music is unmistakably dark: synths flicker, voices echo, strings come f looding towards you. Butler’s voice is almost always the anchor, everything else crashing against it. Entire orchestras throw themselves against his baritone, now more Ian McCulloch (Echo and the Bunnymen) than Neil Young. “It’s really hard making a record sometimes,” Butler says, “because certain songs will never be better than the first time you played them. But some songs will take months, or years, to work out all the details. In some ways that’s why this

“[B-side] Surf City is about someone trying to escape from Berlin in the Eighties,” Butler explains, “so it kind of made sense to try to go to an Eastern Bloc country. We recorded in the national radio studio - a big building like the BBC or whatever, but more Seventies. I tried to explain to the choir what to song was about, but the translator was really not very good.” “I bought a book to learn some phrases in Hungarian,” Chassagne remembers, “but in a week I knew I wasn’t going to get anywhere.”

Project: Venhell - PFFT TO YOUR RULES

ACStonehaven is usually noted for its bracing wind, but

to record on the next BNBC album and we had a bunch of spare time - so myself, under the guise of HeinzHines, and Kpt.Michigan (Beckett) had some beers and spent a few days in the studio getting drunk and making some semi-improvised noisy pop from samples we had taken and just a bunch of pedals for stuff and a guitar. It was a good week of fun!”

four lads have managed to body-swerve the current and concentrate their efforts on making “terrible metal.” Project: Venhell formed in a drunken haze in the now defunct, but previously downtrodden, local nightclub, The Vennel. Mini, Rikki and Hines, undeterred by sobriety, subsequently enlisted Gav (Rikki’s Brother). After deciding to change the name to incorporate the word ‘hell’ - because “this is what cool kids do,” claims vocalist Hines, in his typically self effacing manner - Project: Venhell was born. In early 2006 P:VH released their debut album Ifeel backwhatthey’relookingatmefor through their own label, Valentine Bitch. The song titles Pfft to Your Rules and Amazing Toast should clue you in to the fact that there is more than a hint of irony to this music. “Lyrics?! Haha, everything we say is just a bunch of crap that Hines makes up on the spot about two seconds after a song has been written,” says Mini in all seriousness. But lest you begin to think that this is the work of a novelty band, rest assured that this is arguably one of the most original debut albums to have been released by a Scottish band in the last 12 months.

by David Coyle

SOUNDS

Beyond Project: Venhell, this coastal town has given life to another of Scotland’s finest alternative bands of the moment. But there is no mutual appreciation society in Stonehaven. “Copy Haho? We spit in their general direction. Despite sharing band members, they are still jerk-offs!” jokes Mini. Undoubted ly, the absence of a ny ‘scene’ i n Stonehaven has had a positive effect of Project: Venhell. Far from being insular, they have taken their innovative DIY music across Britain, soon across Europe and if their second album turns out to be anything like the first, then probably the world. And why not? They seem unaffected by the style over content scenesterism currently dominating the central belt. As they cheerfully stumbled on stage at T in the Park last year - with denim cut-offs like little boys lost - to deliver one of the most intense sets of the weekend, it soon became clear that although this band are novel, they are far from novelty.

NEXT ON THE AGENDA? “DESTROY EUROPE.”

However, it is their live performances that demonstrate the full strength of P:VH. Having played T in the Park and supported Lightning Bolt, last year was a good one for the band. “Playing with Lightning Bolt is all we ever wanted to do, and we managed to do it. Which was a pleasing moment.” Thankfully this does not mean the end of the road. Next on the agenda? “Destroy Europe.” March sees the quartet tour Scotland, England, France, Belgium and Germany

before returning to the motherland to record their second album with Schneider TM in the summer. This connection also took vocalist Hines to SXSW last year where he played with Schneider man Michael Beckett in his punk side project Beautiful New Born Children. Not content with three bands, Hines has also set up another pet project with Beckett named UncleDogsBoy: “I went out to Germany a few months back

PROJECT: VENHELL PLAY HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, EDINBURGH ON 4 MARCH AND CAPTAIN’S REST, GLASGOW ON 23 MARCH. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PROJECTVENHELL

“We stayed at this hotel – Hotel Gellert – probably in the Twenties it was the hottest place in town. Huge, palatial rooms, and an amazing Art Nouveau bathhouse, but it had really fallen on harder times. We got in and they only had a suite - enormous, bigger than the restaurant we’re in. The bedroom was all 70s’ carpet, falling apart, and the television was cereal-box sized. The bathroom had a giant bathtub and a shower [that only came up to Butler’s chest]. In the office was this huge desk - “ Chassagne smiles at the

THIS MONTH’S REVIEWS 41 FEATURE

A MUSO’ S TOP 10

THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES

TAAS bassist/guitarist and pump organist Brian Cook recently took a second to tell The Skinny his news, before laying down the top ten ditties currently floating their collective post-hardcore boat... “We just got home from our Japan/Australia tour with ISIS and head out on a US/Europe tour in three weeks. We also hope to get started on writing a new full-length in that time.”

1. NABARLEK BAND - GEMULA 2. MUSTAFA OZKENT - BURCAK TARLALARL 3. JOHN PRINE - LONG MONDAY 4. REM - 7 CHINESE BROTHERS 5. GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR - STORM 6. BOB DYLAN - VISIONS OF JOHANNA 7. DOG FACED HERMANS - HOOK AND THE WIRE 8. HEADPHONES - GAS AND MATCHES 9. AKRON/FAMILY - RAISING THE SPARKS 10. JOANNA NEWSOM - CLAM, CRAB, COCKLE, COWRIE THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES PLAY ABC2 ON 16 APRIL. WWW.THESEARMSARESNAKES.ORG

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

SOUNDS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

LIVE MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS

Arcade Fire

by Ted Maul

ACTS OF RECENT TIMES recollection: “Like the president’s desk,” she says. Back in Canada, most recording happened at a church outside Montreal, purchased by the band in 2005 and converted into a studio while they were on tour. Instead of working with a producer, they brought in engineers to help them get the sounds they wanted. “We at least think we know what we’re doing,” Butler says, “so [with a producer] it can get confusing. Too many cooks in the kitchen.” Friends from Calexico, Wolf Parade, and Bell Orchestre dropped in to provide musical flourishes.

BLOOD RED SHOES - Jethro Collins

BLOOD RED SHOES CABARET VOLTAIRE, 6 FEB

One thing you can’t accuse Blood Red Shoes of is a lack of moral fibre. With Laura-Mary Carter – the female half of the boy/girl duo – reduced to a croaking vision of misery due to a throat infection, the hotly-tipped Brighton pair could justifiably have KO’d their outing at Cabaret Voltaire. Troopers that they are, they soldier on and award a packed and enthusiastic venue with an energetic set of spiky workouts that, while hardly likely to set the world alight, at least give notice of some decent potential. Obvious comparisons with fellow bass-free, duel-gender travellers the White Stripes and the Kills have already been bandied around but, in truth, Blood Red Shoes plough a much less thrilling furrow than either of those acts. Nevertheless, the powerhouse drumming and vocals of Steven Ansell imbue their grungey material with plenty of verve and ensure that, despite Carter’s bug, the Shoes remain defiantly buckled. [Duncan Forgan] WWW.BLOODREDSHOES.CO.UK

TOFFS CAN’T DANCE: THESECONDCOMING THE CAVES, 27 JAN

tunes to match, Penny Blacks have an assured swagger that’s infectious and technically impressive in equal measure. With only enough time to run to the bar, TAM’S RAILWAYS (2/5) are next up. Unfortunately, they may suffer in the wake of such a fine opening set but they seem a bit flat, a bit safe, a bit obvious. Not really sticking their head out from the usual crowd of influences, this is capable but ultimately pretty unaffecting stuff. By the time OBE (3/5) let fly, it seems that everyone is once again ready to party like it’s at least quarter to nine. The four man disco punk funk machine gun fits in perfectly here and turns the atmosphere right back up to 11. Last band, THE DIALS (4/5) look deceptively like they should have been ID’d at the door on the way in, though their brand of power pop is mature way beyond their years. Setting themselves apart from your usual indie chancers stands them in good stead: their sound is more rock influenced but with just the right amount of pop hooks to slap a juvenile grin on your face. If there’s any justice, it won’t be long until everyone knows their name. [Garry Thomson] TOFF’S CAN’T DANCE: THE BALLROOM BLITZ TAKES PLACE AT THE CAVES ON 3 MARCH. MYSPACE.COM/TOFFSCANTDANCEEDINBURGH

The excitement that the resurrection of Toffs Can’t Dance has generated around these parts in recent weeks has been something special. The concept is simple: four great bands, 400 people, alcohol, a haunted cave and some kick ass tunes – what more could you want? In part, a night to showcase the best emerging local talent that Edinburgh can muster, but more importantly an excuse to have a rip roaring good time in one of Auld Reekie’s most unique venues. From the moment first band PENNY BLACKS (4/5) come on stage, The Caves audience somehow swells instantly and by the time the first song is over there’s a hefty crowd looking on. Coming over with more style and charisma than really should be legally allowed in such a confined space, the Blacks kick the evening off in fine style. Like the bastard sons of The Kinks and The Stones, and with the

MR HUDSON AND THE LIBRARY CABARET VOLTAIRE, 9 FEB

MR HUDSON - www.fisherphotographics.com

an interminable jazz-funk workout that brings to mind horrible visions of being stuck in a mid-eighties wine bar. To their credit, the band pull themselves out of the fire with a spirited closing spurt - but much more quality control will be needed for the public to flock to this particular Library. [Duncan Forgan] A TALE OF TWO CITIES IS RELEASED THROUGH UNIVERSAL ON 5 MARCH. MYSPACE.COM/MRHUDSON

DUKE SPECIAL

CABARET VOLTAIRE, 8 FEB

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THESPHYGS

Why Duke Special take to the stage with Teddy Bears’ Picnic crackling out of an antediluvian gramophone is anyone’s guess, but it’s bound to be some sort of ironic precursor to the vaudevillian pageant that is to follow. With all the dark underbellies and meanings forgotten, the epic singalong choruses and old dancehall verses have half of a sold out Cabaret Voltaire crowd moving from the first chord. The other half, no doubt only here to see what all the fuss is about, take a little longer to find the groove which Duke Special’s songs are so obviously designed to create. It’s hard to look cool while trying to rock out on a piano, but with errant dreadlocks and his eclectic pop mix of jazz melody and stomping beats, Peter Wilson manages it with gusto and leaves the entire crowd in no doubt as to why such ferment has been focused on a bohemian songwriter from Belfast. [Neil Ferguson] WWW.DUKESPECIAL.COM

Having a dodgy name, as giants from The Who to U2 have proven, need not be a barrier to success. Howeve r, Mr Hudson and the Library’s poor choice of moniker is matched at Cabaret Voltaire by some dreadful lapses of taste on the musical front. It all starts promisingly enough. Cutting a cocksure dash in his trilby and zoot-suit, Ben Hudson leads his well-drilled band of London fashionistas through a breezy couple of numbers which successfully meld Two Tone vocal stylings and classic pop sensibilities to crisp R&B tinged beats. Things start to go downhill fairly rapidly, however, and a mid-set nadir is reached during

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

Sphygs are meek, as their closing track proves; it’s as heavy and fast as any act on Epitaph. The lyrics are angry and caustically funny with expected jabs at closed-minded societies. However, for a band dressed in matching black (Dior Homme perhaps?) taking pot shots at the fashion industry seems cheap. The stand out song of the night, T V Dinner, brings back the Beach Boys freshness of the opener to prove rebelliousness and social angst can join sunny California in the darkest pubs in Edinburgh. [Hamza Khan]

THE SPHYGS

BANNERMANS, 14 FEB First impressions of The Sphygs are modest. A snarling four-piece in the Bannerman’s concrete tunnel can more often than not imply the risk of half an hour of homogeneous noise. But as the opening track begins - a beach punk jam with hints of the blues - expectations begin to brighten. Most noticeable is the general lack of electric guitar. Instead, an acoustic one played adroitly, providing warmth and depth to what is often a treble-heavy sound. This does not, however, mean that The

LADY MERCEDES

deprecating singer-songwriter. That is, apart from his cover of quickspitting experimental hip-hoppers Themselves, which is a rare road for any traditional performer to take. Though he says he hasn’t practiced in a while, with a varied set and an ear for a tune, this boy Blair could be one to watch. VITAMIN FLINTHEART (2/5) start as a quiet two-piece with a somewhat dour strum and overdramatic vocals, and end as a louder four-piece with rather featureless chords and over-dramatic vocals. At times, with a bit of heart, they resemble a post-grunge Cure, but good impressions are too often let

THE SPHYGS - Jane Fenton

down by the slower tracks, where nothing can shake off the shadow of Evanescence. Behind the stage, through the window, across the road and through another window, a boy can be seen practicing his guitar and singing in his room. With new talent hovering behind them, Vitamin Flintheart look vulnerable to attack – they’d be eaten alive by anyone with teeth. [Ally Brown] VITAMIN FLINTHEART PLAY HENRY’S CELLAR BAR ON 23 FEB, MERCAT ON 1 MARCH, CAB VOL ON 6 MARCH, THE 3TUNS ON 24 MARCH.

As Neon Bible neared completion the band worked with its management to assemble a network of small European labels, foregoing the traditional record label role to instead use them as distributors. “Just getting records to places,” Butler says. “Like the postal service,” answers Chassagne. In January they played their first concerts in more than a year - a secret gig in Montreal, and one for teenagers at band-member Richard Parry’s old highschool. Then a series of buzz building shows in London, New York and Montreal. And now - as Neon Bible makes its way to shelves - they return to Europe for a larger tour, playing two nights at Glasgow’s Barrowlands. The gigs sold out in five minutes. “Just making this work as a live set will be a crazy experiment,” Chassagne says. But they’re both extremely eager. “I’m jonesin’,” says Butler, and for a moment I think he’s going to burst into another verse of Who Let The Dogs Out? But he just shakes his head, looks me straight in the eyes. “The new record is better than the last record,” he says. And that’s more than we could ask for.

MYSPACE.COM/VITAMINFLINTHEART MYSPACE.COM/YOURBOYBLAIR

NEON BIBLE IS RELEASED THROUGH ROUGH TRADE ON 5 MARCH, SEE SKINNYMAG.CO.UK FOR OUR REVIEW

WHISTLEBINKIES, 27 JAN

MYSPACE.COM/LADYMERCEDESUK

VITAMIN FLINTHEART & YOURBOYBLAIR THE SOUTHERN BAR, 7 FEB

In between pulling pints at this quiet, shadow y bar, YOURBOYBLAIR (3/5) corners off a raised section of the floor, straps on his guitar and does his best impression of a self-

EDINBURGH He may be looking a bit worse for wear these days, but there’s no denying that STEVEN SEAGAL’s decision to abandon action movies in favour of blues music is both surprising and endearing. The self-styled Mojo Priest brings his guitar and his fabulously named THUNDERBOX backing band to the QUEENS HALL on 11 MARCH (following a gig at The Ferry in Glasgow on the 10th). You’ll go for the irony but stay for the surprisingly infectious licks. Fingers crossed the merch store will be selling his own-brand Lightning Bolt energy drink! Mancunian legend Mark E Smith will put the LIQUID ROOM to rights on 12+13 MARCH (plus 16+17 at The Ferry in Glasgow), assuming the daft sod doesn’t sack his entire band (again) or decide he feels like going to the pub instead. Touring in support of their new album, Reformation! Post-TLC, it’s always worth taking a gamble on THE FALL - Smith remains one of music’s most consistently unpredictable talents. You’re probably sick of hearing us go on about them, but we’re going to keep pestering you to go and see the HOWLING BELLS until you love them as much as we do. Beguiling, catchy and unconventionally beautiful, you ought to see them when they play CABARET VOLTAIRE on 15 March (following a gig at Glasgow Classic Grand on the 11th). They should shine in such an intimate venue. Scotland’s own wee national treasure, CAMERA OBSCURA, will bring their shimmering, melodic indie pop songs to the LIQUID ROOM on 27 MARCH (following a show at Glasgow ABC on 21st). Tracyanne Campbell’s songs are both personal and poignant, and recent album Let’s Get Out of this Country saw the band’s songwriting and arranging skills reach new, dizzying heights. This promises to be an intimate, memorable gig.

THE ARCADE FIRE PLAY BARROWLANDS, GLASGOW ON 11 AND 12 MARCH. BOTH DATES ARE SOLD OUT.

The Raconteurs, The Black Crowes, Aerosmith: all bands who have scaled the heights of the music world with a brand of dirty blues rock so wonderfully perfected by the likes of Cream and Zeppelin. If Lady Mercedes want to scale those same heights, they’re going to have to add their own twist to a well trodden path. The music is first rate: electric blues rock resplendent with blues harp and all. All the elements are there, from the constant motion engine room drumming of Phil Collingbourne to the rasping wail of lead singer Brett MacIntosh, they even have the bar room brawler Iwear-make-up-but-if-you-call-me-agirl-I’ll-smack-you attitude. The only thing missing is the little spark of originality which catapulted bands like the ‘Crowes from clubs like Whistlebinkies to stadiums throughout the land. Lady Mercedes are one of the best, most musically astute blues rock bands witnessed by these ears in some time. The only problem is they’ve heard it somewhere before. [Angus Ross]

THE RAKES WILL NO DOUBT TAKE THE ROOF OFF THE BARROWLANDS

WWW.ARCADEFIRE.COM

GLASGOW

by Dave Kerr March welcomes a new venue a s O c t o pu s D ia mond on Guthrie Street looks likely to ensure that the sorely missed residence of what was formerly the Left Bank isn’t laid to waste. March sees the Octopus running as its tentacles hit the ground with the stellar sounds of local instrumental hip hop collective Livesciences on 3rd, stoner rock captains Lords of Bastard on 15th and alternative pop cats Found on 17th. That’s all just the tip of the iceberg; The Caves houses Fence Club featuring Kid Canaveral o n 1s t a nd The C o m mo n Redstarts sign up for some Tof fs Can’t Dance action on 3rd. The next New Found Sound should make for another evening of riffs and thrills at Cab Vol on 6th, with sets from Little Doses (comprised of Snow Patrol and Degrassi alum), speed rockers Ki DDO, dirty rockers Vitam in Flinthea rt and funk-rock up and comers, Gildoza. Also kicking up

a fuss at the Cab: The Acute, The Vivians and O.B.E team up for an unmissable trilogy of indie punk terror on 7th. Later in the month, I Fly Spitfires duels with This Is Music at Henry’s on 17th, and the superb Household will rock a late night crowd at HOBO (Bongo Club) on 18th. Babytiger are back in the game with a bevvy of gigs at the Tron. See listings for details.

The Jesus and Mary Chai n. Va n Ha len. Ra ge A ga i n s t The Machine. The Police. Ja me s . Not ju s t a random list of bands – but bands who have recently reformed to take to the road for one last hurrah. It’s the latest trend in the musical world and it seems not a day passes without a disbanded band bandaging their ‘differences’ and announcing a comeback. You can’t help but question the legitimacy of it all. Sure, it would be great if it was for all the right reasons. Musical integrity, giving the fans one last treat, or even the anniversary of a classic album. But somehow, I think not. The big festivals are willing to pay bigger bucks to the biggest bands. The cheque book is all the enticement required. The Smiths said they have turned down £2M to reform. What would happen if Michael Eavis offered them £2.5? Rage Against the Machine said they would get together again for one show only. But The Pixies said that, and realised that the effort of rehearsing and getting a show ready was so great that - hell - why not do a tour? The same will happen with Rage. And the Mary Chain. And the rest. James on the other hand have said they will tour again, then start the process of a new album. I welcome that, or at least half of it. I was too young to ever see James live, and very much look forward to seeing them - but is the world ready for a new James album? I’m not sure it was ready their last three. Do you remember Whiplash? The one story that really irked me was the one claiming that Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler were thinking of reforming The Jam. Without Paul Weller. Maybe they just want to be friends again. Or perhaps, after a visit to the cash machine, there was a realisation that the furniture renovation industry was nowhere near as lucrative as a headline slot at Glastonbury.

!!! (aka Chk, Chk, Chk) play

HEAR FRASER THOMSON’S SHOW ON XFM SCOTLAND (105.7-

ABC2 on 19 MARCH to promote their eagerly anticipated new album, Myth Takes. Nick Offer and his sizeable posse of punk-funk visionaries realise that good dance music doesn’t have to be dumb or digital, and to this end they will attempt to hijack your synapses with their frenetic, ecstatic sound. Few bands are as genuinely, dangerously enthusiastic about their art as this lot. Expect fun and frolics.

106.1FM) FROM 10AM-1PM, MON-FRI.

The cream of the ‘the’ band crop, THE RAKES will no doubt take the roof off the BARROWLANDS when they let loose songs from forthcoming album Ten New Messages on 21 MARCH. There’s an air of purpose and intensity about these lads that sets them miles apart from their ten-a-penny contemporaries, and their witty take on modern Britain is a refreshing change from the po-faced angst of Bloc Party et al. Gig of the month.

Fi na l ly, t he ret u r n of t he Spectrum Festival at the Queen’s Hall on 1st of April is another local endeavour to look forward to. Besides the aforementioned KiDDO and folk rock collective Ten Storeys High among many others tbc, the event also comprises a marketplace for Scottish artists, promoters, gamers and filmmakers to converge.

It’s hard to believe that the brilliant See This Through and Leave was released almost five years ago, but the COOPER TEMPLE CLAUSE will look to prove that their best days aren’t behind them when they play QMU on 25 MARCH. Ambivalent critical responses to recent album Make This Your Own will no doubt have put the bit between the band’s teeth. Expect them to be hungry - it’ll be worth it to hear Panzer Attack.

Au ld Reek ie may sad ly be missing a Lighhouse, from its landscape, but an otherwise prosperous month beckons.

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propriated many styles and forms over the years, with last album Liberation comprising a mostly instrumental response to George W’s ongoing attempts to fuck up everything, everywhere, in any way he can. I honestly don’t know what to expect from this gig - and how many bands can you say that about?

ABC2 on 3 MARCH. This intriguing threesome have ap-

IT’S NOT ALL DOOM AND GLOOM.

by Fraser Thomson

It was a passion for music that drove these bands to success. It was the adoration of fans that kept them going. And at the end, it’s the bank manager that dictates the comeback. At least the Sex Pistols had the decency to call their reunion tour in 1996 “The Filthy Lucre World Tour.” Or even better, the Stiff Little Fingers’ decision to get back together because they were simply “skint and wanted to make a bit of cash to get back to Ireland for Christmas.”

TRANS AM kick things off in Glasgow with a gig at

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Van Halen, soon at a venue near you...

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March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

S T R CHA

JIM GELLATLY’ S X-POSURE TOP 10 1. THE FRATELLIS - BABY FRATELLI 2. THE ENVY CORPS - STORY PROBLEM 3. WE ARE THE PHYSICS - THIS IS VANITY 4. BIFFY CLYRO - SATURDAY SUPERHOUSE 5. UNION OF KNIVES - EVIL HAS NEVER 6. THE SOUNDS - TONY THE BEAT 7. KID CANAVERAL - SMASH HITS 8. CALVIN HARRIS - ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80S 9. THE TWANG - WIDE AWAKE 10. OUR LUNAR ACTIVITIES - SOMEBODY KILL ME

METAL UP YOUR ASS!

SYMPATHY FOR by Jamie Borthwick

FAILURE TO ATTEND AT LEAST ONE OF THESE GIGS WILL RESULT IN SEVERE PANGS OF REGRET Like a kerosene propelled juggernaut, March is already upon us. And exalt! - for with it comes the most excellent run of metal gigs to grace the year so far. GALLOWS have been causing something of a stir in recent months with some raw and honest hard punk; they’ll be caught at Glasgow Barfly on the 3rd. The following evening, feast your ears on some punishingly pacey death as Switzerland’s MUMAKIL grind their way through Edinburgh’s Subway Cowgate. Tickets cost only £5 for a great four-band bill. Promoting newest studio release Blood Mountain are metal

monsters MASTODON at the ABC theatre on the 7th while the punters continue to flock to the big riffs and smart vocals of DEFTONES. Limited tickets are still available for £17.50 for their show at Glasgow’s Carling Academy on the 12th and an interview with the Sacramento quintet (as well as one with Mastodon) is available in our very own prorawk centre pages this issue. Subway Cowgate continues to burgeon as a venue for tasty underground gigs in Edinburgh and the arrival of Sassenach metalcore acts SANTA KARLA and THE

by Dave Kerr

“WE HAD LANCE BASS AND PUFF DADDY IN THE FRONT ROW WATCHING US PLAY. CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING IN A PLACE WITH THE SORT OF ASSHOLE WHO CAN’T APPRECIATE THAT?”

CASINO BRAWL on Friday 16th will do nothing to dent that. Expect angsty vox, screams and beatdowns galore for your fiver on the door. The same venue brings touring Hamilton natives THE BLACK CHAIN to town on Saturday the 24th. Having listened to their self-release I Only Love You When You’re Out Your Face, their Converge-tinged grindcore can only be recommended in the highest terms. As a bonus, there’s a packed bill that night that includes THIS MOURNING AFTER and ALROSA. Warning: failure to attend at least one of these gigs will result in severe pangs of regret.

MUSIC:RESPONSE TOP 10 1. MAXIMO PARK - OUR VELOCITY 2. THE FRATELLIS - BABY FRATELLI 3. CALVIN HARRIS - ACCEPTABLE IN THE 80’S 4. THE TWANG - WIDE AWAKE 5. ARCADE FIRE - KEEP THE CAR RUNNING 6. THE RUMBLE STRIPS - ALARM CLOCK 7. THE RAKES - WE DANCED TOGETHER 8. SCOTT MATTHEWS - PASSING STRANGER 9. AIR TRAFFIC - CHARLOTTE 10. 1990’S - SEE YOU AT THE LIGHTS

By all accounts, guns were blazing and Rose was flailing as Axl prematurely ejected the Eagles of Death Metal from the Gn’R night train during their winter tour late last year. The Skinny recently found out more on the matter from Eagles front man Jesse “The Devil” Hughes as he sipped many beverages on his PR’s tab... HOW THE DEVIL ARE YOU? “We just played a ladies only show. The thing went off like you can’t believe: there were dudes dressing like girls to get into this gig. We served champagne and took their coats as they walked in, very formal. High brow, if you will. So there’s 400 girls with champagne glasses at a rock show with a dude like me dressed like fuckin’ Doc Holliday meets Sam Eliot, shaking it as hard as he can to the jungle rhythms of the night. I let in a Hell’s Angel that we adopted, because I’m partial to bikers and even he was dancing, that’s how swingin’ it was.” WHAT’S ALL THIS ABOUT A BRUSH WITH AXL ROSE? “I’m still somewhat confounded by the phenomenon. We weren’t thrown on the tour like a typical corporate situation; we were invited by his touring band. The invitation itself was delivered under the auspices of being an honour. It was a 20,000 seat arena with 5,000 kids who weren’t even born before Appetite For Destruction came out. We thought we were being brought out on this tour to bring the rock, but it was the Axl Rose Evil Knievel Show, they just wanted to see what the fuck he’s gonna do next. But we won them over, We didn’t have a bad show. Then Axl came on and the spectacular aspect of it is that he lost his bass player, fired his sound man and asked the crowd:

TOP 5 RECOMMENDED ALBUMS 1. THE KAISER CHIEFS - YOURS TRULY ANGRY MOB 2. ARCADE FIRE - NEON BIBLE 3. BLOC PARTY - WEEKEND IN THE CITY 4. JAMIE T - PANIC PREVENTION 5. MR HUDSON + THE LIBRARY - TALE OF TWO CITIES

“The Devil”

The Black Chain

‘how did you like the Pigeons of Shit Metal?’ – all in the same minute, during the end of November Rain. He never even saw us. I don’t know if I can buy into whatever the rumours are that are going round around, but I do know that he’s very clever, because when you’re going bald and you have hair inserts, to weave it like corn rows anyway is genius because it sort of covers up the fact that they’re corn rows of fake hair.” YOU PLAYED THE SUNDANCE FESTIVAL RECENTLY, HOW DID THAT GO? “We had Lance Bass and Puff Daddy in the front row watching us play. Can you imagine being in a place with the sort of asshole who can’t appreciate that? For the first time in my life I felt the fantasy element of it. When you play to a packed out crowd of people who are used to getting looked at it’s a different show. My friend, this has been the most surreal fuckin’ year you could ever imagine, just in general dude. It’s a trip.” WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE BAND’S FUTURE? “This is my secret fantasy, which is probably absurd, but I want Joshua (Homme) and I to make a comedy album because he’s one of the funniest motherfuckers in the world. And then I want to make a Cheech and Chong style comedy about Joshua and I and how he got me into rock n roll. It would involve transvestites, madness, drugs, rehab and all kinds of weird stuff.” WHAT’S YOUR MEMORY OF THE FIRST CONCERT YOU EVER WENT TO? “My father took me to see Kiss at the Greenville Memorial Auditorium in 1977 on the Lovegun

tour. They had Chinese dragons in the middle of the stage, fire blasts on the right and Gene Simmons had his demon lamppost up, the candle opera thing. My dad got us fifth row, we were right in front of Ace Frehley. I just remember it was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen and also the most terrifying. I remember my father being a little weirded out and cautious when Gene cut his tongue and started spitting blood, it scared the shit out of me. I was six years-old, man. He blew the fire, he did his weird walk, and then Ace Frehley did the solo on Shock Me… I’ll never forget. That’s actually the first moment I thought “my god, that’s what I want to do.” But it’s the last time I thought about it until the year 2000 when I made Peace, Love and Death Metal.”

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BESIDES FIRE BLOWING ROCK STARS WITH RICKETS, WHAT DOES THE DEVIL FEAR? “The Lord! I fear the absence of the audience, the absence of belief. I need to be believed!”

EAGLES OF DEATH METAL PLAY ABC, GLASGOW ON 5 MARCH. WWW.EAGLESOFDEATHMETAL.NET

Hertfordshire quartet Enter Shikari are the very definition of a self made band. MySpace? They already had 500 plus gigs under their belt by the time they got around to setting one of those up. Record Label? They use their own: Ambush Reality. Album production? They even took care of that themselves. In this topsy-turvy musical world of label interference and overproduction, Enter Shikari are refreshingly old school, and it seems to be working a treat. After a tour with Lostprophets and an upcoming European trek with Billy Talent this month, it seems there is hope for computer illiterates who can’t be arsed logging in to check how many ‘friends’ they have. “MySpace might make it easier to get to more people but we did it the hard way,” Chris Batten (bass and vocals) reassures The Skinny, ahead of the release of their debut LP. “For us it’s just a great way to get feedback, we came about just before the whole MySpace thing. So we just hit the road.”

think it sounds like has always been more important than what anyone else does,” he offers. So where does such a smorgasboard of styles come from? “We just got really bored of playing indie style stuff long ago, so we starting giving a metal edge to our music and eventually started getting into electronics. From there we’ve been going further down the experimental path.” We’re not going to tag

it ‘new-house’ or some such obtuse drivel, but it’s refreshing to hear a band mixing up the well travelled metal blend with an outside influence and knowing that it’s all of their own design. ENTER SHIKARI PLAY BARROWLANDS, GLASGOW ON 7 MARCH. WWW.ENTERSHIKARI.COM

by Angus Ross

The electronica-tinged post-hardcore act also have their first music video - for second single Anything Can Happen In The Next Five Minutes - in the can. The video itself is testimony that a real relationship with the audience has been built up over the long slog on the road, encapsulating the band’s unique dance sound. “We went for the illegal rave type feel and the passion from that, which we get at our gigs. It’s more a re-enactment of our light shows,” Batten says of the reportedly strobe heavy set. By all accounts so far, their live shows really are all that: lasers and lights that could have been nicked from Manumission, buzzing on-stage energy and, of course, human pyramids galore. Manumission isn’t the only dance driven comparison to be made, however. The synthesizer work on songs like Anything Can Happen... and album compatriot Labyrinth could themselves have been adopted from a night at Ministry of Sound. However, this is where the relations to dance music end, as a diet of rock sub-genre hopping ensues within their sound: heavy guitar chords and screaming vocals are played off against arpeggio melodies and complex beats. This trend is bucked only by Adieu, an acoustic ballad of sorts. Accordingly, Chris is wary of pigeonholing the band. “What we

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

“MYSPACE MIGHT MAKE IT EASIER TO GET TO MORE PEOPLE BUT WE DID IT THE HARD WAY...”

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March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

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SOUNDS Kristin Hersh - UNDER THE GUN by Paul Mitchell

“I THINK MUSICAL NOISE IS SUCH A CELEBRATION THAT IT CAN TAKE UGLY SUBJECT MATTER AND MAKE IT BEAUTIFUL” “‘Learn to Sing Like a Star’ was a strikingly inane piece of email spam I kept receiving,” Kristin Hersh reveals, in reference to the title of her latest solo album. “I assume it was some American Idol crap telling me I needed to learn how to sing, which is probably true, but it hurt my feelings anyway! I saw it so many times that the syllables became meaningless and that’s when things get beautiful to me. It began to sound like Dr. Suess or Madaleine L’Engle: ‘singing like stars’.” Hersh has been a visible talent since the early ‘80s when, as a teenage whippersnapper, she founded Throwing Muses with her stepsister, Tanya Donelly (later of Breeders fame). Her songwriting, prolific as it is, has always been marked with a keen sense of self, though Hersh bristles at the very notion. “It always bothered me when my work was described as ‘emotional turmoil’, etc. I think musical noise is such a celebration that it can take ugly subject matter and make it beautiful. Not that songs only choose ugliness to talk about, but they don’t seem to make a judgment call when it comes to subject matter. They work within a logical construct of intensity, so a song’s impression of happiness will often be noisy and excited.” “The songs are technically autobiographical, in that they use my life stories and emotions to make their own point, but I don’t feel like the result is only about me. I’ve spent the last 20 years listening, really - trying to shut up so I can hear what the song has to say. I try to do any “self expression” I need to on my own time, in

other words, so that songs can make their point without me getting in the way. My husband Billy says that I bare my throat saying ‘see what we’re like?’” The Skinny enquires: would people be forgiven for thinking you’re an intense kind of girl, it certainly appears that way when you perform live? “Hey, really I am so nice! I wouldn’t want to hang out with somebody who acted like that in real life, would you? I don’t believe my stage presence is an aspect of my personality, but rather, what I need to be in order for the song to come through. Playing music is really intense for me.” Hersh, it appears, is hooked on this intensity. As soon as she has completed touring her solo album, it’s back to work on new records from Throwing Muses and her punk-pop trio 50 Foot Wave, formed in 2003. A Throwing Muses record is the perfect opportunity to catch up with Tanya. “If the Muses aren’t working, we gotta think up some other way to get together. Tanya and I will always be close. We call ourselves the “step twins” because people mistake us not just for sisters, but twins, even though we aren’t related by blood. We had to go our separate ways for that very reason - we were wildly dependent on each other, she literally did most of my talking for me! LEARN TO SING LIKE A STAR IS OUT NOW ON 4AD. KRISTIN HERSH PLAYS ORAN MOR, 11 MARCH WWW.MYSPACE.COM/KRISTINHERSH

Grinderman - GET IT ON by Billy Hamilton

In Nick Cave’s drive to musical emancipation, The Bad Seeds provide direction without ever taking hold of the wheel. Imperative to the composition of seminal masterpieces like The Boatman’s Call and The Good Son, this unruly collective of musicians are content to take a back seat whilst their celebrated leader rides up front. But in the creation of Grinderman the unequal distribution of praise has been redressed – The Bad Seeds finally have their foot on the accelerator. Comprising of Warren Ellis, Martin Casey, Jim Sclavunos and, of course, Nick Cave, Grinderman is the creative outlet for four precociously talented individuals. Embracing a new-found group prerogative missing in The Bad Seeds, their eponymous debut LP sees Cave’s vocal recede from the foreground into a swamp of gospel-blues-punk. When The Skinny catches up with drummer Jim, we uncover just how democratic Grinderman really is.

ticular topic of our time – it’s not a political statement,” he says eloquently. “The core point of view, if I may speak for Nick and his lyrics, is that it concerns itself with being male in a world where one is powerless to influence things around oneself, and the disconnectedness that results from that. A sort of social impotence, if you like.” Such a narrative risks romanticising the demise of patriarchy but Jim believes the album’s structure contextualises the issue rather than glorifying it. “Songs like Go Tell The Women might

“WE’RE A BAND THAT CAN PLAY WITH DYNAMICS, ATMOSPHERE AND MOOD” - JIM SCLAVUNOS suggest a broader range of things but they’re treated in a lightly ironic way,” he says openly. “We sequenced the album to make an old time record – to be organised and carry you on a little journey. The songs kind of resonate off each other and inform each other with recurring motifs.” So is Grinderman a long term project? “Yeah, for us it’s a good way of sneaking in twice as much output,” he half-jokes. “Once we’ve got the next Bad Seeds album recorded we’ll be a bit more at leisure to work out the live Grinderman experience. Anyway, this way we can trick the public into being receptive to more music from us!” It looks like Nick Cave might have to wait a little longer before he gets to grips with that old steering wheel again. GRINDERMAN IS RELEASED THROUGH MUTE ON 5 MARCH. MYSPACE.COM/GRINDERMAN

“I guess you could say the album is a collaborative thing,” says the towering New Yorker unconvincingly. “There hasn’t really been a power shift – Nick is still Nick and we look to him as a guiding light. But, on the other hand, we all have an input in the music and there’s a lot of latitude for us to try to do things and run ideas past the rest of the members. So, I wouldn’t say the dynamics of the group have changed, but the inter-working of it has become more refined.” Recorded in five days, the self-titled Grinderman juxtaposes The Bad Seeds’ atmospherics with The Birthday Party’s crunching no-wave to startling and often disturbing effect. “We’re a band that can play with dynamics, atmosphere and mood and you can hear that on the record,” Jim claims brashly. “There are songs that are more mysterious sounding like Man on the Moon or When My Love Comes Down but others like Love Bomb are completely in your face. Without sounding unduly verbose we can cover a range of styles – it’s a diverse album.“ This dexterity combined with Cave’s lyrical intensity makes Grinderman more outwardly confrontational than any pseudo-political album currently saturating the airwaves. But rather than a direct reaction to global politics, Jim feels the record alludes itself to the re-appropriation of gender in society. “I don’t think it addresses any par-

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March 07 ISSUE EIGHTEEN

Deftones

BACK TO BRASS TACKS It took them almost three yea rs of i nternal strife, loggerheads w ith producers and bat tles w ith record label interests, but Sacramento’s Deftones finally appear to be back in a zone they’re comfortable with. When The Skinny catches up with Abe Cunningham in Caracas, Venezuela, it seems pretty clear that tirelessly prowling the globe is once again suiting the alternative metal outfit just fine. “It’s what we do. It’s good to be back,” he confirms. “The last few years… we’ve taken some time and there’s not been a lot going on; just trying to make a record. But now everyone’s happy again and it feels *goood*.” Abe dwells on the word as though he’s just getting into the swing of using it with any real conviction. Given the quintet’s recent history, you’d be forgiven for imagining that this is the case. It’s no big secret, but during this particular outing to the studio relations seemingly became intense beyond the usual creative collision - of emotive sensitivity vs. roaring riff aggression – which goes some way to making Deftones such a fascinating vehicle to latch on to, both live and in stereo. While it’s a flippant cliché to suggest that no good art comes without suffering, when considering the flabbergasting weight of their recent product, Saturday Night Wrist, the adage rings true. “*Product?*” Cunningham confronts the expression like an old enemy. “Product is always a funky word, but I guess, in reality, it is a product when we are signed to a record label.” As part of this (loathe to say it) production cycle, finding somebody to twiddle the knobs on SNW proved a tumultuous proposition that dogged its creation. After meet and greets with Ken Andrews (Beck) and Dan The Automator (Gorillaz) failed to materialise into something more

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“WE’RE BROTHERS AND I SUPPOSE IF THERE WASN’T THE OCCASIONAL SPAT OR A FIST THROWN BETWEEN BROTHERS THEN IT WOULDN’T BE NORMAL. FAMILIES ARE STRANGE.” - ABE CUNNINGHAM by Dave Kerr

substantial, the group wound up in the Connecticut home studio of Pink Floyd producer Bob Ezrin. Ultimately, however, the only Wall they uncovered was made of brick and a war of words between both camps soon ensued. Looks like Metallica’s shrink missed a trick. ”We didn’t vibe,” front man Chino Moreno summarises of their time with Ezrin. Though he points out that seven rearrangements of the uber-producer’s efforts nevertheless peppered the final mix. What, then, does the group ultimately feel he brought to the table? ”Really? Not much,” Abe swiftly retorts. “None of us have anything against the man, quite frankly, but if you look at his catalogue of the things that he has done, he makes two types of records: he has made the most amazing brilliant, seminal, spatial experimental rock records and he has also made some of the most straight forward basic rock records too. We thought we were hiring him for the former.” But it all comes back to the product. “I think that our record label might have been speaking to him behind our backs and trying to get some basic rock hits out of us, that’s where we clashed. We were taking a very long time and we thought we were ready to make the record that we had to. Then again, he was signed up for other things and time basically ran out, so he wasn’t able to finish the record with us. Maybe what we thought he was going to bring, we didn’t have a chance to get, because he had to go.” With the benefit of hindsight, Abe reflects on the dysfunctional lethargy that hampered the sessions. ”It was very slow; I mean the process was basically non-existent for a while. We were trying to force things; it’s frustrating when you know you *need* to make a record.” Took a while this time,” he quips, almost sarcastically, “but such is life I guess.” Finally, the lull lifted when, in the first half of 2006, the band convened with the “good ear” of old mucker Shaun Lopez (Far) to configure the remainder of the LP and track Moreno’s outstanding vocals. Only then did the band appear to publicly consolidate itself as a unit and realise what they’d accomplished with Saturday Night Wrist, an album which attacks, drives and swoons like an utter bombardment of the senses. This is the sound of a band that can’t

stop pushing itself to the brink, apparently irrespective of the cost. Newly galvanised, and emerging from the other side of uncertainty to seize what history might call their crowning moment, Cunningham addresses the nature of this turbulent dynamic. “Living through some things together, the whole band was based upon a friendship from the get go, and you know we really are very close, even when we’re not it’s hard to tell sometimes. We’re brothers and I suppose if there wasn’t the occasional spat or a fist thrown between brothers then it wouldn’t be normal. Families are strange.” Now, with each member of the family sitting comfortably around the dinner table once again, Abe considers his part as something of a motivational figure. ”I’ve always been the little dreamer in the band; I always think we can when everyone else thinks we can’t. There are obviously some strong personalities in the band and I’ve always just taken this role naturally. I just try to nurture what we’ve got and smooth things out between everyone.”

having been out touring for almost a year, really everyone’s appreciating what we do. We’re very lucky and we work our asses off too, but it’s a very special thing just to be able to go back to a town, let it be the city next door to Sacramento or to Glasgow again, to Edinburgh, wherever… after all this shit is through, it’s just great to come back and really soak it in and appreciate it. I guess that’s what it’s about. Everyone’s once again enjoying that and enjoying each other and that makes it all the stronger. I think it has all gone hand in hand to make it be what it is.” Bracing the future, Cunningham optimistically looks to a potentially producer-less follow-up, one that - judging by his upbeat tone - he believes might be conductive to a more harmonious process overall. “We know what we want. We know how we want to sound and over the years we’ve seen it and done it in the studio, we’ve learnt a lot of tricks. I think we can do the next one ourselves, for sure. Really, I know we’ve had our ups and downs, but the proof is in the pudding. Let’s everyone take a bite, but don’t eat it all too fast… got to keep the pudding around.” DEFTONES PLAY CARLING ACADEMY, GLASGOW ON 12 MARCH WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DEFTONES SATURDAY NIGHT WRIST IS OUT NOW

Of course, this nurturing of the Deftones spirit extends to Abe’s dismissal of the rumour mill’s relentless grind.

NEW SINGLE, MEIN, IS OUT THROUGH MAVERICK ON 19 MARCH

”One of the biggest misconceptions about us is that we’re breaking up, that we’re old farts who don’t enjoy ourselves anymore, that we’re bitter - it’s all of that shit, but it’s not like that at all. It’s like anything in life. It’s a dream to do what we do but then all of a sudden it becomes your occupation, your job and you *have* to do it. But at the same time, it’s what I’ve asked for. I do believe that, now,

REVITALISING A GENRE IS NO MEAN FEAT. THIS MONTH WE TALK TO MASTODON AND DEFTONES: TWO BANDS WHOSE UNIQUE APPROACH TO MUSIC HAS GIVEN METAL A NEWFOUND CROSSOVER APPEAL, AND IN THE PROCESS HAS OPENED MANY PEOPLE’S EARS TO SOUNDS THEY WOULD NEVER HAVE OTHERWISE ENCOUNTERED. PUT THOSE HORNS IN THE AIR FOR TWO OF MODERN METAL’S GREATEST INNOVATORS.

Mastodon

- RUNNING UP THAT BLOODY MOUNTAIN by Hamza Khan

“IT’S ABOUT BEING CHASED BY WOLVES AND SELF CANNIBALIZING. BUT THAT COULD ALSO BE HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT YOUR JOB.” - BRENT HINDS Georgia quartet Mastodon’s second album, Leviathan, was smart heavy metal - so extraordinary that jaded rock critics, the New York Times and even indie kids couldn’t resist. Their latest, Blood Mountain, has gone one step further and convinced the Cartoon Network as well as Grammy judges. The Skinny recently touched base with guitarist Brent Hinds in snowy Ohio to talk about the pros and cons of escalating fame. BLOOD MOUNTAIN HAS BEEN TALKED ABOUT AS THOUGH IT’S A STORY. DOES A CONCRETE LINEARITY EXIST OR IS IT MORE ABSTRACT? “Blood Mountain is vague and abstract but it has got a context of sorts. We tried to think of some interesting stories that could happen when you’re climbing this mountain. They’re just crazy ideas; you’re searching for a crystal skull which you need to bring to the top, there’s a colony of Birchmen and cannibals chasing you through the forest and there’s a [cross between a Cyclops and a sasquatch] Cysquatch who might give you directions. You’re struggling through blood sweat and tears. It’s what happens if you’re climbing a mountain and being chased

ISSUE EIGHTEEN March 07

by wolves and you start to self cannibalize. But that could be how you feel about some days of your normal life or about going to your job.” DOES IT ALLUDE TO THE DIFFICULTY IN FOLLOWING UP AN ALBUM AS ACCLAIMED AS LEVIATHAN? “I don’t know about the other guys but that’s kind of how I felt about it. It could be, like now we’re out to really work hard, now that we’re on a major there are a lot of things going on. We’re trying to climb this mountain of success, or get out of it alive.” WHAT DO YOU HOPE IS AT THE TOP OF THIS MOUNTAIN? “A chest full of gold would be nice.” HAS THIS SUDDEN RUSH OF SUCCESS, SALES AND DEALING WITH MAJOR LABEL FIGURES AFFECTED YOUR OUTLOOK AS A BAND? “I think all of us are still in our heads. You’ve got to remember who you are and that without the fans you’re nobody. You’ve got to treat the fans well and play the best show you can. Of course you get backlash from kids about selling out but it’s like whatever, you can’t survive and keep

making music if you’re not making any money, not that any of us are monetarily that much different. When popularity grows, the operation gets bigger, you start hiring people and living on a bus, it costs a lot of money. It’s not all the fame and fortune that people think it is. There’s the appearance of ‘Those guys must be living high on the lamb’ but it’s like ‘No, not really’. You tour the world but still come home to peanuts.” MASTODON TOUR HEAVILY, DOES THAT TAKE A LOT OUT OF YOU? “It’s hard to be away from families, we’re all in relationships. I have two kids and a wife, that’s the hardest part. Sleeping in your own bed and not having to travel would be nice. We’re used to it, now we have a tour bus. Just being out there puts you in front of a lot of people. You’ve got to keep on top of it, you can’t be half assed. We wouldn’t be where we want to be if we stayed at home for half the year. If this goes away I don’t have a backup plan, I’m not a doctor so I can’t say ‘Oh yeah if the band doesn’t work out I’ll just go back to that.’ I’ve got to give it my all and write some really good music while we’re still young.”

ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT PLAYING THE THEME SONG FOR AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE? “We love the show, it’s hilarious, it’s one of the funniest things we’ve seen. They’re based out of Atlanta and got in touch with us. We just happened to have a couple of days off. I think they’re going to animate us [as a bucket of popcorn, a soda, a hot dog, and a candy bar]. I can’t wait to see it.” MASTODON PLAY ABC, GLASGOW ON 7 MARCH. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLINE AT WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK WWW.MASTODONROCKS.COM BLOOD MOUNTAIN IS OUT NOW

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illustrations by Calum Carr, www.myspace.com/calumba