The Skinny September 2007 by The Skinny

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

EATING & DRINKING Anarchy gang

WHO BETTER TO LAUNCH OUR INAUGURAL EATING AND DRINKING INTERVIEW THAN RISING FRINGE COMEDY STARS PAPPY’S FUN CLUB? FRESH FROM THEIR NOMINATION FOR THE IF.COMEDY TOP PRIZE, THE SKINNY FINDS OUT ABOUT THE LADS’ CULINARY TASTES AND, ER, ACTIVITIES...

Matthew Crosby, Tom Parry, Ben Clark and Brendan Dodds, the group of mates who make up Pappy’s Fun Club, stormed the Free Fringe last year. Encouraged, they moved to a new venue for 2007, gained a new audience and praise-filled reviews, and were even nominated for the prestigious if.comedy award. Looking back, they explain that “the Free Fringe was so important; without having that last year we wouldn’t have been able to be where we are now. It was a lovely time.”

Keeping their feet on the ground even though they have been getting fantastic offers, they have no plans to move into TV. Matthew says: “There is no hurry to get involved with TV. It’s great to be asked, but we are still a new team and we don’t want to rush into anything.” Once festival madness finishes they are taking the show at The Garrick Theatre in London’s West End, and are thinking about doing a tour. But they are all heading back to their day jobs too, dispelling the myth that a nomination rolls in

the cash. As excited as a group of overactive monkeys, they talked to The Skinny about food. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SUPERMARKET? BEN: Asda. It’s cheap. Not as cheap as Tesco, but a bit more classy. TOM: I used to work in Asda and hated it. It’s a source of contention when we do the shopping. Aldi makes me very happy. HARIBO AND CHICKEN KIEVS, OR ORGANIC VEG BOX? BRENDON : Organic veg box for me, but everyone else is chicken kiev. IF YOU WERE TO PICK AN ITEM OF FOOD AS A WEAPON, WHAT WOULD IT BE? TOM: A pineapple, ‘cause it’s already more of an object of war than a fruit. I would love to shove one in some smug guy’s face. IF YOU WERE A DESERT WHAT WOULD YOU BE? TOM : I want to be a curry ‘cause I’m spicy and hot. MATTHEW: Why would I want to be inanimate food: as a human I get to leave the house and do stuff. Why would you ever want to be a food?

photo: www.faction.co.uk

BLAS Meaning ‘taste’ in Gaelic, Blas is quickly becoming Glasgow’s best option for Scottish cuisine. Paintings by Scottish artists such as Jolomo (John Louis Morrison) and Archie Forrest hang appropriately in the gaze of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the style is welcoming. The menu delivers on a promise of the finest quality food with an array of tasty options, most notably the Platter. A relatively original twist on traditional dining, the Platter allows the customer to sample dishes from across the menu. Dedication to sourcing the best ingredients Scotland has to offer is apparent in dishes such as Stornoway Black Pudding with Pear & Rosemary Chutney. The Courgette Rolls are exceptionally well prepared with marinated courgette cut into wafer thin slices and wrapped around rich goats

HAGGIS NEEPS AND TATTIES HAVE NEVER TASTED SO GOOD cheese. Haggis Neeps and Tatties have never tasted so good, with a topping of caramelised onions and a sublime whisky gravy. The portions are generous, but there’s always room for dessert and the ice cream here is a real treat. After one bite of the Cream of Galloway Chocolate you will be trying to delay the last mouthful. Alternatively, frozen honey and ginger yoghurt refreshes the palate at the end of a fine meal. The wine menu is extensive and provides enough variety for even the most dubious connoisseur. All round, then, the customer is left happily convinced by their choice of restaurant. [Peter Burns] MAIN COURSES FROM £8, APPROX £30 FOR TWO PEOPLE.

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

THE SOCIAL Where to go for a sunny Friday lunch in Dundee? New to the city, and following local recommendations, we head along to check out The Social, a large, bright and airy bar that combines chic style and kitsch wallpaper with interesting and unique fittings. The comfy seats and relaxed atmosphere let us settle in to browse their varied menu selection, which also includes the option for “cheap eats” which start at £3. From standard pub fare to more unexpected dishes, such as Mongolian beef salad or fish platters to share, there is a decent selection at very reasonable prices, including a sense of humour in dishes such as “Yesterday’s Soup”. Having ordered a Meatball Fettuccini, a strongly flavoured, creamy and huge por-

WHAT IS THE BEST MEAL YOU’VE EATEN, OR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT? TOM: I was out in Greece and went to a beautiful restaurant out in the sea: good food and a perfect setting. MATTHEW: Piemaker. WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE OR MOST HATED CHEF? MATTHEW: Ainsley Harriott – he has boundless enthusiasm for life. There are so many miserable people because Ainsley has sucked up all the enthusiasm and is using it all up. I would like to be as enthusiastic as Ainsley. WHAT DO YOU COOK FOR FRIENDS? WHAT DO YOU COOK FOR YOURSELF? BEN: We just eat Piemaker. MATTHEW: I really like those sausage lattice things. WHAT DO YOU EAT WHEN YOU ARE SAD? MATTHEW: Ice-cream. When I’m feeling down I put on my oversized tracky bottoms, big socks, get a bottle of vodka and go to town. TOM: Go to town is a euphemism for ‘have a wank’. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A FOOD FIGHT? We were at Ben’s house and it all started because I put an egg in the microwave to see it explode. It just escalated all the way around his house, throwing food in every room with about 15 or 20 people involved. There was food everywhere and Ben was in the middle of it while his house was getting trashed. Eventually he joined in. Hahaha. photo: Mike Byrne TOM:

UNEXPECTED DISHES INCLUDE MONGOLIAN BEEF SALAD tion is served up. Meanwhile while my partner was given a grilled tuna burger served with a sweet chilli sauce, which again was a large portion, cooked perfectly. Too full to order desserts, I taste a spiced berry cocktail from their classic range, brilliantly priced at just £3, which goes down a treat. Good service, prices to suit everyone, decent vegetarian options and a lovely environment make The Social a delightful place to enjoy lunch or dinner. [Lara Moloney] SOCIAL DUNDEE, 10 SOUTH TAY STREET, DUNDEE 01382 202 070

BLAS, 0141 357 4328 1397 ARGYLE STREET, KELVINGROVE, GLASGOW

photo: Stephanie Stewart

ANY ALLERGIES OR ALLERGY STORIES? MATTHEW: I’m asthmatic and allergic to dust but nothing food related. Brendon won’t eat mushrooms ‘cause he doesn’t have much room.

WHAT’S THE MOST RANK THING THAT’S EVER BEEN IN YOUR MOUTH? TOM: Ben drank a strawberry and garlic milkshake! BEN: They made me drink that, and eat a pizza with dog food, wasabi and those chili peppers that kill you on it - just because I lost at bowling.

photo: www.faction.co.uk

EAT & DRINK

EDITORIAL * EDITORIAL * E It’s official, summer is over. Here at The Skinny, instead of lamenting the lack of sunshine and wallowing in post Edinburgh Festivals trauma, we have been busying ourselves with a few things to make us all feel better. We have teamed up with the lovely people at Jack Daniel’s to bring you a competition with a prize that is sure to make your mouth water: a trip to Tennessee to see for yourself the home of the popular golden liquor. Not only will the lucky winner be taking a pal, but will be flown out, put up and invited to an exclusive gig featuring Patti Smith and Juliette Lewis. Sweet. Another happy bunch of people offering to put you up are the Glasgay! crew: two nights in a hotel in Glasgow and complimentary tickets to some of the coolest events happening as part of their best-ever line-up. The Glasgay! programme has something for all tastes, from contemporary visual art to comedy to fancy dress party nights, so these tickets are well worth nabbing.

COMPETITIONS

VOLTAIRE, Singer-Songwriter, 19:00, Free

HAVE A LOOK FOR MORE SKINNY FREEBIES AT WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK, ALONG WITH OUR COMPETITION REGULATIONS. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS 21 SEPTEMBER UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. SEND YOUR ANSWERS, ALONG WITH YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND CONTACT NO. TO: COMPETITIONS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

WILEY COMPETITION

Maggie May’s is fast becoming one of Glasgow’s most popular music venues. They stand to become even more popular, after they hand one of you lucky readers a Freshman Acoustic Guitar valued at around £600. A secret celebrity will present the prize to the winner. So, if your guitar is getting old and out of tune, or if you just want something cool to sit in the corner of your room, send in your answer to the following question:

On 19 October the king of the grime scene, Wiley, comes to the Bongo Club in Edinburgh and we have 2 pairs of tickets to give away to any clever reader who answers this question:

A – 3 BLIND MICE

We have 5 copies of this game for the Xbox 360 to give away. All you have to do to be in with a shout is answer the following question:

UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £4

SUN 2 SEP , SO SO MODERN, THE FOUNDING

DRUM CENTRAL PRESENTS…, ADRIAN ERLANDSSON (CRADLE OF FILTH), CABARET VOLTAIRE, Drumming clinic,

B – TREDDIN’ ON THIN ICE C – ROLL DEM DICE

19:30, £5

THE DOLEDRUMS, FIRESIDE ALIENS, BANNERMAN’S

21:00, Free

MIDNIGHT BLUES BAND, WHISTLEBINKIES, Blues, 18:00, Free

APPLESCRUFFS, THE BLACKLIGHTS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie, DARKWATER & SUPPORT, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, 23:59, Free

Free

21:00, £4

writer, 21:00, £5

BAR, Dub/reggae, 20:00, £4

SUN 23 SEP THE QUIET RIOT, THE DREAMT & SUP-

PORT, THE DEN @ ANDERSONS, Indie-rock, 21:00, Free THE DELOREANS, VAL VERDE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, BALDEGO, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, 21:00, Free 21:00, Free THE UN-AMERICANS, GDANSK, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, PESKY KINGS, AMBER SOULS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, Woozy blues, 20:00, £4 23:59, Free

LAP & SUPPORT, THE HIVE, Hard rock, 19:00, £TBC ANNIE CHRISTIAN, LITTLE DOSES, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Returning rockers, 19:00, £5

CIRCUS CIRCUS, ASTRONOT, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Rock/Alternative, 21:00, £4

FRI 14 SEP , DAVE KEIR’S HOT FIVE, ELLWYN STOMP-

JUNCTION POOL, JACOBS PILLOW, THE ARK, Folk collective, 19:30, £TBC

30TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR, THE MISFITS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Catchy punk veterans, 19:00, £16

MON 24 SEP , FOALS, CUT OFF YR HANDS, GREAT ESKIMO HOAX, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Dance-Rock, 19:00, £6

ERS, HERIOT’S RUGBY CLUB, Jazz ‘n’ Jive, 20:00, £5 (£4) VON SUDENFED, THE LIQUID ROOM, Gnarly beats, 19:00, £14 MON 3 SEP , JUNE PAIK, BATTLE OF WOLF 359, THE THE BAIRNS’ ALBUM LAUNCH, RACHEL UNTHANK & TUES 25 SEP NME FRESHERS TOUR, THE GO! TEAM, VALHALA PACIFISTS, FUCK WITH FIRE, KADDISH, HEN- THE WINTERSET, THE BONGO CLUB, Folk, 19:00, £8 LEE PATTERSON, WHISTLEBINKIES, Singer-Songwriter, 18:00, OPERATOR PLEASE, THE SATIN PEACHES, POTTEROW, RY’S CELLAR BAR, Thrash/screamo/hardcore, 19:30, £5 Free Fun-loving samplemashers, 19:30, £12 ATHENA, THIS IS COLOUR, THE HIVE, Metal/thrash, THE DAMAGE ROOM & SUPPORT, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, TRAGICAL HISTORY TOUR, FAT BEN & THE LOOTERS, 19:00, £TBC 21:00, Free DRUNKEN MUNKI, SCREAMING BLUE MURDER, HENJAMES HARA, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Singer-SongBLUE FRIDAY, THE BLUESFATHER, ANNA K JAROSZ, THE RY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie/acoustic/punk, 20:00, writer, 21:00, £4 GHOSTS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Blues and folk, ILIKETRAINS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Post-rock action, 19:00, TUES 4 SEP FAT CAT PRESENTS, THE TWILIGHT SAD, ELECTRIC 19:00, £3 £7 FRIGHTENED RABBIT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Brilliant, epic, RICHARD HAWLEY, THE QUEENS HALL, Retro crooner, WED 26 SEP , BEAKER, THE RADARS, WHISTLEBINKIES, noisy, 19:00, £9 19:30, £20 Rock/Alternative, 21:00, Free WED 5 SEP BLUE WEDNESDAY, THE BLUESFATHER, THE UNDERGROUND JAM, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, CAPTAIN MAGENTA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59, Free EMILY SCOTT, AL AND AL, THE FOREST CAFÉ, Blues and The Jam tribute act, 21:00, £4 folk, 20:00, Free SAT 15 SEP , SAD SOCIETY & SUPPORT, HENRY’S CELLAR XAVIER RUDD, THE LIQUID ROOM, Aussie Singer-Songwriter, 19:00, £18 KIERAN DOCHERTY, DEAD BEAT CLUB, THE RELUCBAR, Veteran punks, 19:30, £4 THURS 27 SEP , LOSE YOUR ILLUSION, JONESTOWN TANTS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Singer-Songwriter, 19:00, £6 SAFEHOUSE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, 18:00, Free MIND, FULLMETALRACKET, THE ARK, Guns’n’Roses tribTHUR 6 SEP , HYENA & SUPPORT, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, DEMONS EYE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Live Music, 21:00, Free ute band & rock support, 19:30, £TBC Punk-rock, 20:00, £4 DIGNAN, DOWELL & WHITE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Live Music, THIS IS MUSIC, CLEAN GEORGE IV, DOMINIC WAXB RAYMOND & THE VOICETTES, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rocka- 23:59, Free ING LYRICAL, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Upcoming glammy billy pop, 21:00, Free AHAB, THE ARK, Live music, 19:30, £TBC KITTO, WHISTLEBINKIES, Swedish rock/alternative, 23:59, OVER-14S, TO MY BOY, BOLT ACTION FIVE, FUTURISTIC rock band, 20:00, £4 Free RETRO CHAMPIONS, I FLY SPITFIRES DJS, CABARET VOL- DANA WALKER, STUDIO 24, Killie kids like Killswitch, 19:30, £6 OUT OF THE BEDROOM, THE CANON’S GAIT, Open-mic, TAIRE, “Electro Death Ping Pong”, it says, 18:00, £6 DEAD LETTER SOCIETY, HARRIS TWEED, WHISTLEBINKIES, 20:00, Free THE SURROGATE PINK FLOYD, THE LIQUID ROOM, PF tribRock/Alternative, 21:00, Free WHITEHOUSE, INGEN, SAVIER, CABARET VOLTAIRE, ute, 19:00, £9 Noise, 19:00, £6 SUN 16 SEP THE QUIET RIOT, STEVEN CAREY & THE HOT MANGU, CAPTAIN FACE, WHISTLEBINKIES, IndieRock, 23:59, Free FRI 7 SEP , GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDIE, THE ARK, CONSULTANTS, THE DEN @ ANDERSONS, Singer-Songwriter, ENEMY ROSE, KINGS DIE KINGS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blondie tribute act, 19:30, £TBC 21:00, Free Rock, 19:00, £6 JASON RINGE, LEE PATTERSON, LINDSAY SUGDEN, THE DISPLACEMENTS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Rock, 19:00, ELMORE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-dance, WEE RED BAR, ECA, Singer-Songwriter, 19:00, £TBC £TBC THE HOUSEROCKERS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Live Music, 18:00, MON 17 SEP , KUUPUU, HOCKYFRILLA, HENRY’S CEL- 21:00, £4 28-SEP, , DELTA MAINLINE, GUILE, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Free LAR BAR, Freaky-folk fae Finland, 19:30, £TBC STRANGE BREW, WHISTLEBINKIES, Bluesy-rock, 21:00, MONTEREY SOUL, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Pop-rock, Sleepy blues-rock, 19:00, £5 Free SHOCK AND AWE, THE HIVE, Punk-rock, 19:00, £TBC 21:00, £4 ABBAMANIA, THE PLAYHOUSE, Sparkly Swedishness, TUES 18 SEP , GUY CLARK, THE QUEENS HALL, Country LEE PATTERSON, WHISTLEBINKIES, Singer-Songwriter,

UNDERWORLD, Hillbilly indie, 21:00, £4

A) CHUCK NORRIS B) JACKIE CHAN

WHO STARRED IN THE 1980 FILM ‘THE STUNT MAN’? A) PETER O’TOOLE B) JACK NICHOLSON C) WILLEM DAFOE

KOPPARBERG PEAR AND APPLE CIDER HAS BEEN REFRESHING THE MASSES ACROSS SCOTLAND SINCE IT LAUNCHED LAST YEAR. KOPPARBERG CIDER IS MADE IN THE TOWN OF KOPPARBERG, SWEDEN WHERE IT’S THE BEST SELLING CIDER - AND IT’S FAST BECOMING A FAVOURITE HERE TOO. KOPPARBERG CIDER’S GREAT FLAVOUR IS BASED ON A RECIPE DATING BACK TO 1930 THAT COMBINES THE PUREST OF SWEDISH WATER WITH THE FINEST FRUIT. ENJOYING THE REFRESHING, CRISP TASTE OF KOPPARBERG PEAR OR APPLE CIDER IS THE PERFECT WAY TO COOL DOWN THIS SUMMER. TO GET YOUR HANDS ON TWO CRATES OF TASTY KOPPARBERG, YOU’LL NEED TO BE UP THERE WITH THE MOST KNOWLEDGEABLE - OR INTERNET-DILIGENT - OF SCOTLAND’S MUSIC LOVERS. SEND YOUR ANSWERS TO THE SKINNY KOPPARBERG MUSIC QUIZ TO COMPETITIONS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK, AND THE HIGHEST SCORE (DRAWN FROM A HAT IF IT’S A TIE) WINS THE CIDER!

1. Where is King Creosote’s hometown in Fife? 2. Name The Go! Team’s debut album 3. How many players are there in an Undectet? 4. Glasgow’s Grant, Scott, Billy and Flesh make up Frightened what? 5. Name the dance duo who have allowed Kanye West to sample their strongest track 6. True of False – Queen Latifah used to work in McDonalds

19:30, £16.50 (£12.50)

THE DIALS, COVINGTON CASE, THE ESCAPE, THE HURRICANES, STUDIO 24, Indie-Rock, 19:30, £5 ROSS CLARK, Y’ALL IS FANTASY ISLAND, ALAN BISSET, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie-folk, 19:00, £4 NOVA BELLA, GORDON HERMISTON, UNCLE BEESLY, AMY DUNCAN, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Singer-Songwriter,

7. Performed by George Baker, name the opening track in Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. 8. What was Rod Stewart’s former band? 9. Who sung this nonsense – ‘ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh’ eh? 10. Janis Joplin died from a …… overdose? 11. What do you get when you go to see the Valve Sound System?

23:00, £5 (£3)

12. What’s Mr Fender of Fender Guitars first name?

HOMELESS WORLD CUP FUNDRAISER, THE HUSSYS, BLIND SUMMIT, ATLANTIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Quirky

13. True or False – a young girl came out of a coma after hearing Eminem through some earphones 14. Top Gun theme tune ‘Take My Breath Away’ was a hit for which band?

pop, 19:00, £7

SONOROUS, THE FATALISTS, STICKFINLAYS, BANNER-

15. What does MIDI stand for?

MAN’S UNDERWORLD, Askew indie-rock, 21:00, £4

16. Allegedly, where did Puff the Magic Dragon live?

SAT 8 SEP , FUNKSPIEL, THE ARK, Ambient electronica,

17. Which Dundee band has been nominated for the Mercury Music Prize 2007?

19:30, £TBC

MAIN STREET BLUES, WHISTLEBINKIES, Blues, 18:00, Free SIZE QUEEN, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, Free RIESER, THE STRANDS, EPIC 26, CABARET VOLTAIRE, In-

18. Name the band, whose musical origins lie in techno, that recorded the albums Radiator and Guerrilla 19. Anagram – ideal braincells www.mcclurenaismith.com Solicitors and supporter of The Skinny Contact: Euan Duncan 0141 303 7814

STORY ABOUT THE BOY, COLLAR UP, BANNERMAN’S

@ ANDERSONS, Acoustic folk/blues, 21:00, Free

MUSIC QUIZ

ABC: 22,502. 1/4/07 - 30/06/07

THURS 13 SEP , FRONTLINE SELECTA, HENRY’S CELLAR

THE QUIET RIOT, TEN TONNE WASP & SUPPORT, THE DEN

ENDORSER OF THE FRESHMAN GUITAR BRAND?

Sophie

ADVERTISING SALES INFORMATION E: SALES@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK T: 0131 467 4630 The Skinny is distributed through a network of public venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. To get on the distribution list please contact SKINNY@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK 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 24 September 2007 © Radge Media ltd

18:00, Free

THE BLACKJACK BLUES BAND, WHISTLEBINKIES, Blues,

20:00, £5 (£4)

WHICH ACTOR / MARTIAL ARTIST / MUSICIAN IS AN OFFICIAL

NINE@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK.

Patti Smith

20:00, £50 (£35)

TRAMPOLINE, KID CANAVERAL, LA RENO AMPS, JOJOCOKE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Bluesy-rock, 23:59, Free JESUS H. FOXX, WEE RED BAR, ECA, Catchy Scottish Indie- HEY, THE LIQUID ROOM, Polish rock, 19:00, £12 Pop, 19:00, £TBC LAURA MARLING, NOAH & THE WHALE, KING FALL IDLE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Metallic riff-rock, CHARLES, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Singer-Song-

WHEEL, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, New Zealand punk-funk,

WHAT IS THE NAME OF WILEY’S FIRST ALBUM?

C) STEVEN SEAGAL

And our efforts to give and love as much as possible don’t stop there, as we now have an agony aunt, Nine. Granted, she is a touch character, but she works with only the most sympathetic aims at heart, and will be taking any manner of moans and groans over the next few months. All correspondence will be treated with the utmost confidentiality, and you can catch her on

local support, 19:00, £5

VAN MORRISON, THE PLAYHOUSE, Legendary Grinch,

FRESHMAN GUITAR GIVEAWAY

DOUGLAS & THE CORPS OF DISCOVERY, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Drunken blues, 19:30, £4

HI 5 ALIVE & SUPPORT, WHISTLEBINKIES, Tropical rock,

THE PENNY BLACKS, THE BREAKERS, HENRY’S CELLAR STUNTMAN IGNITION COMPETITION

£7

K&M PROMOTIONS PRESENT…, THE AGREEMENT, BORTHWICKS, KINGS DIE KINGS, DANNY COCKROACH, THE BONGO CLUB, Cheesy Belgian rock with BAR, Indie-rock, 20:00, £4

Plunge into the adrenaline-fueled role of a Hollywood stunt driver in Stuntman: Ignition, and master the most breathtaking, death-defying vehicle-based stunts ever filmed. As the newest stuntman in Hollywood, you must rise to stardom by combining reckless manoeuvring with perfect execution to unlock big-budget blockbusters and lucrative commercial deals. Create movie-magic in 6 uniquely-themed films on 36 different stunt runs with over 25 vehicles, or take the action online to challenge rival stuntmen in the ultimate backlot showdown.

VOLTAIRE, Darkly tinted set of Singer-Songwriters, 19:00,

LISTINGS

THE SKINNY

GLASGOW LIVE

SAT 1 SEP ALBUM LAUNCH, JAMES LOWE, CABARET

20. At the start of the Highland Fling, which arm is held aloft?

die-rock, 19:00, £5

music legend, 19:30, £20

THE REVERED, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, Free WILL KIMBROUGH, TOMMY WOMACK, CABARET VOL-

WED 19 SEP , YAHOO SERIOUS & SUPPORT,

ARK, Countrified pop, 19:30, £TBC

ented multi-instruMENTALISTS, 21:00, £4

SUN 9 SEP , DEVON SPROULE, CHARLIE PARR,

CHRIS GARNEAU, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Singer-Songwriter,

19:00, £10 (£8)

HEY ENEMY & SUPPORT, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Delirious Alt. Rock, 20:00, £4

THE QUIET RIOT, SIMON KEMPSTON AND THE STATEMENT, THE DEN @ ANDERSONS, Blues, swing, jazz, 21:00, Free

ERASURE, CORN EXCHANGE, Super-gay disco-pop, 19:00, £25

TAIRE, Singer-Songwriter, 19:00, £10

19:00, £5

DROPKICK, THE ECHOES, THE GALIPAYGOES, THE

WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, 21:00, Free

T*REXTASY, THE LIQUID ROOM, T-Rex tribute, 19:00, £13 THE FIRE AND I, THE STRANDS, LIONS.CHASE.TIGERS,

BAR, Acoustic night, 19:30, £5

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

OUTS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-Rock, 19:00, £5 KATE RUSBY, FESTIVAL THEATRE, Rustic folk, 19:30, £18.50

Singer-Songwriter, 19:30, £14

BOOGI LOUSHOU & SUPPORT, WHISTLEBINKIES, Live Mu-

THE DES MOINES RIOT & MORE TBC, THE ARK, Rock,

ACTS TBC, HOLLOW HEART PARLOUR, HENRY’S CELLAR

THUR 20 SEP , CAPTAIN PHOENIX, THE DOWN AND SAT 29 SEP , KING CREOSOTE, THE QUEENS HALL, NEW FOUND SOUND, THE BAYS, ACTION GROUP,

(£16.50)

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Famously funky jam-band, 19:00, £8

sic, 21:00, Free

19:30, £TBC

THE OLD SWITCHEROO & SUPPORT, WHISTLEBINKIES, Live Music, 23:59, Free

EVAN CRICHTON, YOU ALREADY KNOW, TALL SHIPS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Acoustic/Indie, 20:00, Free

BROKEN RECORDS, POLKA MADRE Y LA COMEZON, JACKIE TREEHORN, JACOB FLYNCH, THE MUNCHSPROUTING TWIGS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, TalKINS, , BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Progressive rock riff-

LOW MARKETS GIVE YOUR NEST EGG WINGS... BY LEWIS HOSIE

18:00, Free

BATTLE OF THE BANDS FUNDRAISER FOR MARROW, VINYL FRETZ, CHRISTINA CLAYHILLS & ED BENTLEY, CAPTAIN MAGNETA, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-Rock,

age, 21:00, £4

FRI 21 SEP , CARRIE MACDONALD & SUPPORT, THE ARK, Singer-Songwriter, 19:30, £TBC

PURESSENCE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-Rock, 19:00, £10 CHARITY GIG FOR UNITED ACTION FOR CHILDREN CAMEROON, THE UNDERLING, LURIN, RAW DEAL,

ROSEY BLUE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Live Music, 18:00, Free U-KNOW-HOO, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock/funk/pop, 21:00, Free

AB/CD, WHISTLEBINKIES, AC/DC act, 23:59, Free TURIN BRAKES, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie-Folk, 19:00, £16 SUN 30 SEP , INTERLOPER, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £4

THE QUIET RIOT, DANIEL VZEU & SUPPORT, THE DEN @ ANDERSONS, Singer-Songwriter, 21:00, Free

JACKIE TREEHORN, TABASCO FIASCO, LORDS OF BASTARD, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR,Progressive rock riffage,20:00,£4

INME,STUDIO 24,Nu-metal’, or ‘postgrunge’?,19:30,£11.50 BLUE TO THE BONE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Blues, 18:00, Free SOLAFLAIR & SUPPORT, WHISTLEBINKIES, Indie-rock, 21:00, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Hip-hop/jam band, 19:00, donation

Free

CONTRA, LOUDMOUTH, INSURGENCE, BANNERMAN’S ASSEMBLY ROOMS CEILIDH, HEBRIDEANS WITH KEN GOURLAY, ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Ceilidh, 20:00, £10 (£8) UNDERWORLD, Reggae-tinged punk/hardcore, 21:00, £4 OUTL4W, ROGUESTAR, EIGHT PAGE PULLOUT, THE LIQMON 10 SEP , JAZKAMER, PUTRIFIER, USURPER,

KYLIE MINOISE, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Grindcore, doom,

BOHEMOND, NOIR! NOIR!, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD,

rock, 21:00, £4

SAT 22 SEP , BRIAN WILSON, FESTIVAL THEATRE, 60’s pop

BLUESTONE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Gentle indie-

TUES 11 SEP , PARKER, THE DEBUTS, THE LOST GEN-

Fucking Shite

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

Pointless

Spinach

www.skinnymag.co.uk

UID ROOM, School-age punks, 19:00, £6

19:30, £5

ERATION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-Electro, 19:00, £5 WED 12 SEP , FRANK TURNER, JONAH MATRANGA, JOSHUA ENGLISH, JAY JAY PISTOLET, CABARET

www.skinnymag.co.uk

Pop-rock, 21:00, £4 master, 19:30, £50

KORA, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Reggae/dub/rock from NZ, 19:00, £6

FINAL GIG BY DIRTY MONET, DIRTY MONET, KEITH

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

11, tbc

YAMAN, TCHAIOVNA,

OTAGO LANE, sitar, flute and mixes,

8pm, 11, £2

DUNDEE LISTINGS CLUBS

TUES 25 SEP MILBURN, ABC, Live Music, 7pm, 11, £10 SAT 1 SEP, DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, JACKIE TREEHORN, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11, Free LUVA ANNA, PAGE 6, CAPITOL, Indie disco, 7.30pm, 11, tbc

MAGIC CARPET CABARET, TCHAIOVNA,

OTAGO LANE,

Jim McAteer presents a night of singer songwriters and bands, 8pm, 11, £2

WED 26 SEP THE MISFITS AND THE BRIEFS AND THE

DANGERFIELD, ABC, Punk horror revival, 7pm, 11, £16 HARRIS TWEED, BARFLY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, £6.00 LOCALISM, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11, Free DRAYTONES, SHAKES, CAPITOL, Live Music, 7.30pm, 11, tbc

CASCADA, CARLING ACADEMY, Live Music, 7.30pm, 11, sold out

VIVA MELODIA, ALLY KERR, ZOEY VAN GOEY, COTTIERS, Acoustic night, 8pm, 11, Free

PCL, MENOMENA, NICE’N’SLEAZY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, tbc

FEIST, ORAN MOR, Live Music, 7pm, 11, tbc NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB, QUEEN MARGARET UNION, Live Music, 7.30pm, 11, £13

Anthem, RnB, hip hop & the rest, 23:00, £TBC

BACK TO REALITY, DJ ROBERT WALKER, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, Funky housee , 23:00, £TBC

PLASTIC SOUL, DESPERATE DAN & GUESTS, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £TBC

MON 3 SEP, “I DO LIKE MONDAY’S!”, DJ JOE

BRODIE(TAY FM), FAT SAM’S, latest in the charts & old

favourites, 23:00, £TBC

TUES 4 SEP, DISCOTECA, DJ JOE BRODIE(TAY FM), FAT SAM’S, Pop RnB & indie in the mix, 23:00, £TBC

WED 5 SEP DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, student anthems with Howie on live drum percussion, 23:00, £TBC DUVET, DJ BUDDYLUV, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, urban delights, 23:00, £TBC

THURS 6 SEP ANTHEMS & CLASSICS, RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S, The oficial start to the weekend…, 23:00, £TBC

FELT ALTERNATIVE, DJ DAVID, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £3 b4 12 £5 after

FRI 7 SEP HONEY, BOOGIEBUG, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2,

DANCES ON SAND, RIO CAFÉ, Live Music, 7pm, 11, Free New and old skool house, 23:00, £TBC MICHAEL SIMONS, TCHAIOVNA, DEANSTON DRIVE, folk, DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, Chart and floor blues and beyond from this fingerstyle guitarist, 8pm, 11, £2 CANDIRU JAZZ, TCHAIOVNA, OTAGO LANE, modern jazz standards played by our resident trio, 8pm, 11, £2

THURS 27 SEP OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, ABC2, Live Music, 7pm, 11, £14

HACKENSHAW BOYS, BARFLY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, £8.00

TWIN ATLANTIC, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11, Free CHUCK PROPHET, KING TUTS, Sly country pop, 8pm, 11, £13.50

fillers, 23:00, £TBC

THE KARMA LOUNGE, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 3, All your faves from the 70’s, 23:00, £TBC

HEADWAY, RALPH LAWSON (20:20 VISON), THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £TBC

SAT 8 SEP DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, Anthem, RnB, hip hop & the rest, 23:00, £TBC

BACK TO REALITY, DJ ROBERT WALKER, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, Funky housee , 23:00, £TBC

PLASTIC SOUL, DESPERATE DAN & GUESTS, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £TBC

IS THIS MUSIC?, KID CARPET, NICE’N’SLEAZY, Live Music,

SUN 9 SEP TOUNGUE IN CHEEK, FAT SAM’S, You pick

KOSHEEN, ORAN MOR, Live Music, 7.30pm, 11, tbc THE DYKEENIES PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE,

the pop, 23:00, £TBC

9pm, 11, tbc

QUEEN MARGARET UNION, Angst driven local boys,

7.30pm, 11, £9

REAL LIVE JAZZ, RIO CAFÉ, Live Music, 7pm, 11, Free MIDGE MCKAY, TCHAIOVNA, DEANSTON DRIVE, singer songwriter and guitarist playing original material, 8pm, 11, £2 FOLK FAE FIFE, TCHAIOVNA, OTAGO LANE, music from the kingdom and beyond, 8pm, 11, £2 HORSE, THE FERRY, Big voice, strong tunes, 8pm, 11, £12.50

28-SEP, TANDY PLUS MARY LEES CORVETTE, 13TH NOTE, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, £8.00

LEANA ZACCARINI AND THE JENNY CLARK TRIO, ART DE CAFÉ, Blues, Latin, Funk and Jazz, 8pm, 11, Free

ELMORE, BARFLY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, £6.00 AIDEN, BLOC, Live Music, 9pm, 11, Free ENEMY ROSE, THE FRONT, CAPITOL, Get Loose Friday, 7.30pm, 11, tbc

HAPPY MONDAYS, CARLING ACADEMY, Now drug free, 7.30pm, 11, £25.00

LOST ALONE, CATHOUSE, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, £6.00 JACK PENATE, GARAGE, Live Music, 8pm, 11, £10.00 TOBY JEBSON, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8pm, 11, £12.00 HERCULES MANDARIN, NICE’N’SLEAZY, Live Music,

MON 10 SEP “I DO LIKE MONDAY’S!”, DJ JOE

BRODIE(TAY FM), FAT SAM’S, latest in the charts & old

favourites, 23:00, £TBC

TUES 11 SEP DISCOTECA, DJ JOE BRODIE(TAY FM), FAT SAM’S, Pop RnB & indie in the mix, 23:00, £TBC

WED 12 SEP DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, student anthems with Howie on live drum percussion,

23:00, £TBC

DUVET, DJ BUDDYLUV, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, urban delights, 23:00, £TBC

THURS 13 SEP ANTHEMS & CLASSICS, RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S, The oficial start to the weekend…, 23:00, £TBC

FELT ALTERNATIVE, DJ DAVID, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £3 b4 12 £5 after

FRI 14 SEP HONEY, BOOGIEBUG, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2,

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

TUES 25 SEP, DISCOTECA, DJ JOE BRODIE(TAY

FM), FAT SAM’S, Pop RnB & indie in the mix, 23:00, £TBC

WED 26 SEP, DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, student anthems with Howie on live drum percussion,

23:00, £TBC

WED 26 SEP, DUVET, DJ BUDDYLUV, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, urban delights , 23:00, £TBC

THURS 27 SEP, ANTHEMS & CLASSICS, RICKY

HARRISON, FAT SAM’S, The oficial start to the week-

end…, 23:00, £TBC

THURS 27 SEP, FELT ALTERNATIVE, DJ DAVID, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £3 b4 12 £5 after

FRI 28 SEP, HONEY, BOOGIEBUG, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, New and old skool house, 23:00, £TBC

DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, Chart and floor fillers, 23:00, £TBC

THE KARMA LOUNGE, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 3, All your faves from the 70’s, 23:00, £TBC

TOKYO GOLD CLUB, JOJO DE FREQ, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £TBC

SAT 29 SEP, DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, Anthem, RnB, hip hop & the rest, 23:00, £TBC

THE KARMA LOUNGE, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 3, All your faves from the 70’s, 23:00, £TBC

SAT 15 SEP DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, Anthem, RnB, hip hop & the rest, 23:00, £TBC

BACK TO REALITY, DJ ROBERT WALKER, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, Funky housee , 23:00, £TBC

the pop, 23:00, £TBC

BRODIE(TAY FM), FAT SAM’S, latest in the charts & old

2, Funky housee , 23:00, £TBC

the pop,23:00,£TBC

LIVE

SAT 1 SEP, THE LEVEE BREAKERS, THE DOGHOUSE, Led Zepplin Tribute Night, £6

THURS 6 SEP THE LIKELY LADS, BLIINSHALL + GUESTS, INTERZONE*, DEXTERS, 20:00, £TBC FRI 7 SEP THE APPLE SCRUFFS + HI 5 ALIVE + THE CARELLOS + THE LIKELY LADS, THE DOGHOUSE, £5 SAT 8 SEP BON GIOVI + ESTRELLA, THE DOGHOUSE, Bon Jovi tribute night , £8/£10

THE RAIL, THE DAZE, CARDIAC, THE FLOOR, INTERZONE*, DEXTERS, 20:00, £TBC SUN 9 SEP TOXIC TWINS, THE DOGHOUSE, Aerosmith Tribute, £8/£10

MON 10 SEP THE CARELLOS, RIOT LIGHTS, THE

NAURALS, THE LIKELY LADS & ZIMMERMAN, INTERZONE*, DEXTERS, 20:00, £TBC EVAN DANDO, BEAT GENERATOR, FAT SAM’S, 20:00, £15

SAM’S, 20:00, £6 from Grouchos

TIMES ROUND / I DRIVE HOME, BEAT GENERATOR,

from Grouchos

PAGE 6 + THE MODE + POP-UP, THE DOGHOUSE, £TBC SAT 15 SEP THE CHUTES + BROKEN RECORDS + THE SIDE, THE DOGHOUSE, £4 SUN 16 SEP THE HUSSYS + THE PESKY KINGS + MODERN CULTURE, BEAT GENERATOR, FAT SAM’S,

TUES 18 SEP GALLOWS + POISON THE WELL +

LETHAL BIZZLE + BLACKHOLE , BEAT GENERATOR, FAT SAM’S, 19:30, £8 from Grouchos

TUES 18 SEP FRANZ FERDINAND , FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, 19:30, SOLD OUT

KHODA + GUEST, THE DOGHOUSE, Rock night, Free THURS 20 SEP, ANTHEMS & CLASSICS, RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S, The oficial start to the weekend…, WED 19 SEP THE UNDERGROUND HEROES + RUSH 23:00, £TBC HOUR SOUL / THE LIKELY LADS, BEAT GENERATOR, FELT ALTERNATIVE, DJ DAVID, THE READING ROOMS, FAT SAM’S, 20:00, £6 from Grouchos 22:30, £3 b4 12 £5 after WED 19 SEP ROOTS SYSTEM + DAVE? + GUEST, THE FRI 21 SEP, HONEY, BOOGIEBUG, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, DOGHOUSE, Free New and old skool house, 23:00, £TBC THURS 20 SEP, THE BROGUES, THE LIKELY LADS, DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, Chart and floor ACUTE RIOT AND TBC, THE DOGHOUSE, Free fillers, 23:00, £TBC FRI 21 SEP, ORPHAN BOY, PARKA, THE TALKS AND THE KARMA LOUNGE, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 3, All your faves THE FAVOURS, THE DOGHOUSE, Free from the 70’s, 23:00, £TBC SAT 22 SEP, THE CARELLOS, HI 5 ALIVE, THE PENFEAT. MORPHY, PANGEA 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY, THE NY BLACKS, THE GET DOWNS, THE DOGHOUSE, £4 READING ROOMS, upfront dubplate and an armoury of SUN 23 SEP, LUVA ANNA, PAGE 6, THE ONLY fresh beats, 22:30, £5 b4 11 - £7 aft JONES, INDIANAPOLIS, ELMORE, THE DOGHOUSE, £4 SAT 22 SEP, DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, FRI 28 SEP, BIG BIG SOUND, ARGONAUT SOUND Anthem, RnB, hip hop & the rest, 23:00, £TBC SYSTEM, SWEET JAMAICA, THE DOGHOUSE, £5 BACK TO REALITY, DJ ROBERT WALKER, FAT SAM’S LEVEL SAM BROWN, BEAT GENERATOR, WESTPORT BAR , 2, Funky housee , 23:00, £TBC

, KILLA KELA LIVE, SPIDER, DJ SKELETRIK + JON KENNEDY, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £TBC SUN 23 SEP, TOUNGUE IN CHEEK, FAT SAM’S, You

a fascination with the elements so dramatically displayed within the Scottish landscape and its coastlines,8-SEP,22SEP,Mon - Sat,9:30 AM,5:30 AM,FREE

COOPER GALLERY, DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN,DUNDEE MASTERS SHOW,,As the finale to their studies, over 30 postgraduate students from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design take part in Masters Show 2007,1-SEP,13-SEP,Mon - Sat,9:30am (10:30am Sat),5p, (4:30pm Sat),FREE

THE WHITE GALLERY, ,MIXED SHOW,A mixed show of artists who have all attended Duncan of Jordanceramics ,7-SEP,2-OCT,Mon - Sat,10am (12am Sat),5pm

THEATRE

WHITEHALL THEATRE, LES MISÉRABLES, Due to the overwhelming success of Tread the Boards’ 2004 production of Les Misérables, we can now confirm that the musical phenomenon will be repeated at the Whitehall Theatre, SEP-03, SEP-08, THE NAKED TRUTH, Tailor-made for Women, The Naked Truth, is the next unmissable Comedy Play from Dave Simpson, the writer of the hit comedy “Girls Night Out”, SEP-20, SEP-22, 7:30pm (2:30pm Sat), £16.50 (£14.00 Sat) RIKKI & ME, A true comic icon, Rikki Fulton is celebrated in this fantastic show as two of Scotland’s favourite performers bring his characters back to the stage, SEP-27, SEP-29, £15.00

DUNDEE REP THEATRE, DUNDEE REP ENSEM-

BLE, PEER GYNT, An exhilarating tale of a life lived on the edge, SEP-24, OCT-13, 7:30pm (Matinees: Sats 29 Sept & 6 Oct @ 2.30pm), DUNDEE REP ENSEMBLE, TELLING STORIES, ocal youngsters just love this Saturday morning session – packed with tales of fun and adventure, sometimes sad, sometimes silly, but always hugely entertaining, SAT 15 & 29 SEP, 11:00am, £1.50 for Kids (£1 for Grown-ups and Friends)

land’s leading dance company presents a very special evening of original, breathtaking dance theatre featuring the world premieres of two works, SEP-13, 15-SEP, 8pm, £12 (£10 Senior Citizen’s & Registered Unemployed, £4 Young Persons

DOGHOUSE, Free

23:00, £TBC

EDUARDO ALESSANDRO STUDIOS,,NAEL HANNA,Paintings inspired by a deep love of nature, and

SAM’S, 21:00, £10

DRIVE BY ARGUMENT + THIS IS GENEVA + ILLUSION PRINCIPLE, BEAT GENERATOR, FAT SAM’S, 20:00, £6

FAT SAM’S, Pop RnB & indie in the mix, 23:00, £TBC

DUVET, DJ BUDDYLUV, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 2, urban delights,

& MARY DAVIDSON,New Paintings,25-AUG,22ND SEPTEMBER,Mon - Sat,10:00 AM,5:30pm (5pm Sat),FREE

SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE, NEW WORK BY LIV LORENT & RESONANCE BY MICHAL ZAHORA, Scot-

FRI 14 SEP THE GLIMMERS + SLAM DJS, SLAM, FAT

20:00, £5

23:00, £TBC

THE QUEEN’S GALLERY,,HUGH BRYNING

FAT SAM’S, 20:00, £5 from Grouchos

TUES 18 SEP DISCOTECA, DJ JOE BRODIE(TAY FM), MON 17 SEP THE RAIL +THE DAZE + KALEL , THE 1, student anthems with Howie on live drum percussion,

BILLING,Inspired by music, song lyrics and films, Johanna Billing’s films document changes occurring in the contemporary world and meditate on how they affect individuals,15-SEP,4-NOV,Tues - Sun, 10.30am (12 noon Sun),5:30pm,FREE

PLASTIC SOUL, BLACK GRASS (CATSKILLS) & DES(3pm Sat),FREE PERATE DAN,THE READING ROOMS,,22:30,£TBC SUN 20 SEP, TOUNGUE IN CHEEK,FAT SAM’S,You pick

favourites, 23:00, £TBC

WED 19 SEP DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL

DUNDEE CONTEMPORARY ARTS, GALLERIES 1 & 2,JOHANNA BILLING,JOHANNA

BACK TO REALITY, DJ ROBERT WALKER, FAT SAM’S LEVEL stone College of Art, including paintings, jewellery and

THURS 13 SEP FAILSAFE / COLE APPLEYARD / 3

MON 17 SEP “I DO LIKE MONDAY’S!”, DJ JOE

songwriter duo strongly influenced by the blues, 8pm, 11, £2 SAT 29 SEP MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK , ABC, Rescheduled from 19th June Please note change of venue, 7pm, 11, £12 PM MUSIC, CHRIS MACDONALD, ABC2, Live Music, 7pm, 11, £6 AMP FIDDLER, ARCHES, Interesting electronics, 8pm, 11, £10.50 CHARLIE AND THE BHOYS, BARROWLAND, Celtic rock, 8.30pm, 11, £15 MICHAEL DEANS QUINTET, BLOC, Jazz, 5pm, 8, Free BOLLOCKS TRADE, MUMMY SHORT ARMS, BOX, Live Music, 9pm, 11, Free SUE MCHUGH QUARTET, BREL, Jazz, 3pm, 6, Free WINTER KIDS, KESSLER, CAPITOL, Fresher’s Closing Party, 7.30pm, 11, tbc SAM BROWN, KING TUTS, Cabaret, 8pm, 11, £13.50 STONESTHROW, NICE’N’SLEAZY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, tbc ZUBA BASSA BEAT, RIO CAFÉ, Worldbeat flavours, 7pm, 11, Free THE FRATELLIS , SECC, Live Music, 7pm, 11, Sold Out SUN 30 SEP INME , CATHOUSE, please note this show is rescheduled from 2nd October , 8.30pm, 11, £10.00 MADINA LAKE , GARAGE, please note change of venue with Envy on the Coast, 8pm, 11, sold out HARRISONS, KING TUTS, Live Music, 8pm, 11, £6.00 RSPB BENEFIT NIGHT, NICE’N’SLEAZY, Live Music, 8.30pm, 11, tbc

favourites, 23:00, £TBC

fillers, 23:00, £TBC

WING AND A PRAYER, TCHAIOVNA,

OTAGO LANE, singer

BRODIE(TAY FM), FAT SAM’S, latest in the charts & old

WED 12 SEP THE DEAD 60S, BEAT GENERATOR, FAT

DJ RICKY HARRISON, FAT SAM’S LEVEL 1, Chart and floor

MIXED BIZNESS W/ LEISURE RECORDINGS & BOOM MONK BEN, THE READING ROOMS, 22:30, £TBC SUN 16 SEP TOUNGUE IN CHEEK, FAT SAM’S, You pick

9pm, 11, tbc

MON 24 SEP, “I DO LIKE MONDAY’S!”, DJ JOE

New and old skool house, 23:00, £TBC

TURIN BRAKES, ORAN MOR, Live Music, 7.30pm, 11, tbc SIN FEATURING BATTLEHEART, SOUNDHAUS, Live Music,

8.30pm, 11, tbc

pick the pop, 23:00, £TBC

CONTENTS ISSUE 24, SEPTEMBER 2007

ARTS

20:00, £13.70

SAT 29 SEP, AIR TRAFFIC + THE LAW , BEAT GEN-

ERATOR, FAT SAM’S, 20:00, £9.50 from Grouchos JEPSON (LITTLE ANGELS) WITH SUPPORT FABLES LAST NIGHT, THE DOGHOUSE, £TBC

COMEDY

8-SEP, JUST LAUGH, DEL STRAIN, DAVE TWENTYMAN, CRAIG CAMPBELL, FAT SAMS NIGHT CLUB, Doors

8pm, show starts 9pm, £8 (plus Free Entry to Nightclub, Dancing until 2:30am)

CLASSIFIEDS HOG’S HEAD Dvd’s and Cd’s bought and sold at Hog’s Head Music, 62 South Clerk Street, Edinburgh, call us on 0131 667 5274

ARC STUDIOS 61 Commerce St, Glasgow G5, Tel: 0141-418-0818 7 fully equipped rooms just south of the river PRICES: Mon-Fri 12-6 £18 for 3 hours Mon-Fri 6-12 £27 for 3 hours Sat & Sun £27 for 3 hours

6 8 10 12 14 18 22 24 26 28 42 52 62

HEADS UP Skinny jeans

FEATURES Dear Nine The Ark Canteen

8 9

LGBT

Miss Gay UK

SHOWCASE Jack Waddington

FILM

Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof, pg 14

Quentin Tarantino DVD

14 17

THEATRE Peer Gynt Comedy

18 21

BOOKS

Underrated classics

GAMES Film of games

ART

Alex Hartley

SOUNDS

The Go! Team Super Furry Animals

LISTINGS

Peer Gynt, pg 18

28 33

BEATS

µ-Ziq Andrew Weatherall

42 49

LISTINGS

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

EATING & DRINKING Pappy’s Fun Club

Super Furry Animals, pg 33

THE SKINNY TEAM * THE SKIN CONTRIBUTORS * CONTRI PUBLISHER

SOPHIE KYLE

EDITOR

RUPERT THOMSON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CHARLOTTE RODENSTEDT

PRODUCTION EDITOR

LEIGH PEARSON

ONLINE & SOUNDS EDITOR

DAVE KERR

SUBEDITOR & ARTS EDITOR

JAY SHUKLA

BEATS EDITOR

ALEX BURDEN

FILM EDITOR

PAUL GREENWOOD

THEATRE EDITOR

HUGO FLUENDY

BOOKS EDITOR

KEIR HIND

LGBT EDITOR

NINE

GAMES EDITOR

JOSH WILSON

DVD EDITOR

ALEC MCLEOD

COMEDY EDITOR

EMMA LENNOX

GLASGOW MUSIC

GARETH K VILE

CLUBS LISTINGS

ANDREW COOKE

LAYOUT ASSISTANCE

REBECCA TAGGART IAN SINKAMBA BART URBANSKI

INTERESTED IN TAKING OUT AN AD? TO ENQUIRE ABOUT PLACING AN ADVERT IN NEXT MONTH’S CLASSIFIED SECTION, PLEASE CONTACT CLASSIFIEDS@SKINNYMAG. CO.UK . RATES START FROM £20 (EXC VAT) FOR ONE MONTH’S ADVERTISING.

CONTENTS

E’BURGH CLUBS

EDINBURGH SALES EXECUTIVE

LARA MOLONEY

GLASGOW SALES EXECUTIVE

PETE BURNS

EVENTS MANAGER

BRAM GIEBEN

www.skinnymag.co.uk

Ryan Agee, Yasmin Ali, Gillian Anderson, Liam Arnold, James Ashwood, Chris Bathgate, Ed Benwell, Finbarr Bermingham, Jamie Borthwick, Gary: Tank Commander, Dave Cook, Grandmaster Bram & The Furious Few, Ally Brown, Peter Burns, Darren Carle, Colin Chapman, Michael Collins, Michael Crosby, Heather Crumley, Chris Cusack, Dee Custance, Duncan Donnert, Natalie Doyle, Duncan Forgan, Kenny Friedkin, Lucy Gallwey, Megan Garriock, Bram Gieben, Catie Guitart, Fran Hagar, Billy Hamilton, Ben Howe, Huggy, Barry Jackson, Omar Jenning, Hamza Khan, Margaret Kirk, John Lewis, Kelly Lovelady, Mack MacDonald, Ali Maloney, Franck Martin, Ted Maul, Trevor Mawhinney, Adam McCully, Jack McFarlane, Sean McNamara, Sean Michaels, Campbell Miller, Nick Mitchell, Paul Mitchell, Lara Moloney, Jonathan Robert Muirhead, Rueben Nowell, Jonny Ogg, Lauren O’Rourke, Struan Otter, Laura Patterson, Jon Seller, Captain Shitbeard, Cate Simpson, Laura Smith, Celia Sontag, Philip E Stein, Karen Taggart, Peter Walker, Caroline Walters, Lucy Weir, Lindsay West, Rosamund West, Rob Westwood, Craig Wilson, Laurel Wilson, John Wylie

PHOTOGRAPHERS/ILLUSTRATORS

Kate Anderson, Kenny Breaks, Mike Byrne, Jethro Collins, Jemima Garthwaite, Miguel Legault, Lewis Killin, Andrew Moore, Kate Robertson, Paul Ryding, Stephanie Stewart

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

HEADS UP SKINNY jeans by Lindsay West

FASHION HAS ALWAYS BEEN A SUPERFICIAL GAME, BUT RECENT HIGH-STREET RANGES BY CELEBRITY DESIGNERS HAVE PLUNGED IT TO NEW DEPTHS OF SHALLOWNESS This was the summer we learned that if there isn’t a countdown marketing campaign, a timed wristband entry system, and a queue of like-minded fashion junkies standing between you and that bag, dress, or drainpipe jean; then baby, it simply isn’t worth having.

right, Officer, please check my label – this dress is officially sanctioned.”

With her previous collection consisting predominantly of watered-down copies of her greatest wardrobe hits (which is all frightfully postmodern and self-referential, or just plain lazy, dependWith buzz being the new black, celebrity-led ing on how you look at it) it’s the style Kudos high street ranges rule. de Kate we’re ultimately There’s more f ren z y- WITH BUZZ BEING THE NEW being sold. And buy it we per-garment than your do, in our gullible droves. average couturier can BLACK, CELEBRITY-LED HIGH muster over a lap-dog. STREET RANGES RULE So is this the real draw – a Forget the th ree-yea r fashion hallmarking sysCentral St Martin’s degree: the only qualifica- tem, a pay-per-style-coup arrangement, built tion retailers are checking for is a public persona on the rotten celebrity fetishism pervading our worth trading on. culture? Blame it on J-Lo. A leading ‘personality’ merchant, whose entrepreneurial spirit never let a few sub-par movies stand in the way of self-marketing opportunities, and whose perfume and fashion ranges net her more annual revenue than Gigli and Jenny from the Block ever will. Now every pseudo-celebrity worth their column inches is at the very least a master perfumier, if not a multi-market mogul.

Sitting here, doused in Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, occasionally nudging my Gwen Stefani bag with my Lily Allen sneaker, I can’t say conclusively. But meet me in the queue for Kate’s autumn collection and we’ll discuss it.

MARIA

EVELYN

DIZZIE

JOSEPH

JONATHAN

HEATHER

GUTTER TALK DUNDEE MARIA HASHIM, 19 STUDENT WHICH 3 BANDS WOULD YOU LOVE A PRIVATE SHOWING FROM? Coldplay,

The View and Oasis. DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PUB IN DUNDEE? I’ve just moved here from Edinburgh, I have no clue. MONOGAMY OR RANDOM PLAY?

and says nothing. Later that night in bed her husband grabs her tits and says, “if you firmed these up you could get rid of your bra”. Absolutely fuming, the wife reaches over, grabs his dick and says: “Well, you know that if you firmed this up we could get rid of the milkman, the gardener and your fucking brother.”

Random play.

DIZZIE, 44 WHAT WOULD YOU PLAY? I used to play “I WORK AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE”

Thus, Lily Allen loved New Look, and Kylie love d H & M o nc e Madonna was finished with it. But the most passionat e love a f fa i r currently being conducted is undoubt e d ly K at e Moss’s tryst with Topshop. The oned ay n a t i o nw i d e retail apocalypse t h a t w a s K- D ay ’07 was the height of the fashion Beatlema nia, a nd this month, she’s back for more with the launch of her autumn-winter ra nge. Ch i ld-lab ou r allegations notwithstanding, the collection will inevitably disappear rapidly off the racks, each piece a mounting essentially to a sartorial permission-slip : “It’s al-

CAN YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT? IF NOT,

the guitar, but I would like to play the piano as it is so nice. DREADS – SEXY OR SWEATY? Sweaty.

THE SKINNY ON TOUR

ANYONE? No shout outs today. CAN YOU TELL US A JOKE? I’m really

MONOGAMY OR RANDOM PLAY?

bad with jokes.

Different times, different things – I‘ve been known to be monogamous. INSTRUMENT? Accordion at the age of 7, guitar at 12. But I haven’t played for the last 10 years – I’d like to play any wind instrument as I just can’t seem to get it. DREADS? I have my dreads stuck to my wall, but they’re hard to maintain: you need someone to keep them clean otherwise they’re minging. ANY FESTIVALS THIS YEAR? Wickerman, which was absolutely kicking. The psy-trance tent was the best and Eat Static were amazing. JOKE? Just horrible ones you can’t print!

HAVE YOU HIT UP ANY FESTIVALS THIS

Circus of Horrors which was good. DO YOU WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO

EVELYN MOONIE, 47 PART TIME IN THE BAKERS ON UNION ST 3 BANDS? Can I have operas? I would

like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. FAVOURITE PUB? The Trades – it has been my local for years. It is a homely pub and there aren’t too many dodgy characters. MONOGAMY OR RANDOM PLAY?

Monogamy! INSTRUMENT? I don’t play any, but I

SKINNY-À-PORTER...

THE TEENAGERS ENJOYING THE SKINNY AND A SUNNY DAY AT INDIAN SUMMER

3 BANDS? Frank Zappa ‘cause it’s im-

possible; Joe Zawinul, from Weather Report, who is one of the finest musicians on the planet; and Sven Väth – German techno excellence. FAVOURITE PUB? I don’t have a favourite, although I like any pub if there’s a seriously hot babe working there.

YEAR? Edinburgh Festival: I saw the

illustration: Kate Anderson, www.stormillustration.com

photos: www.faction.co.uk

would like to play the keyboard ‘cause my two daughters did and I liked it. DREADS? Not sexy no – awful, dirty & unclean! ANY FESTIVALS THIS YEAR? No, but I would have loved to have gone to T in the Park. SHOUT OUT? Evelyn, Karen & Kathryn. JOKE? A man pinches his wife’s arse and says, “if you firm this up you could get rid of your girdle”. Annoyed, she quietly bites her lip

because it’s cool. ANY FESTIVALS THIS YEAR? I went to

Rockness, T in the Park, Underage and Field Day – they were just one day festivals for me. Justice were the best bit. SHOUT OUT? My mom. No, change that: your mom!

JONATHAN DAWSON, 26 PROMOTER 3 BANDS? The Luva Anna, Beatnik

Prestige and The Enemy. FAVOURITE PUB? The Doghouse: it has a great atmosphere. MONOGAMY OR RANDOM PLAY?

Random play. INSTRUMENT? No – but I would like to play the guitar as it looks cool. DREADS? Sweaty. ANY FESTIVALS THIS YEAR? I went to Rockness and Belladrum. The most fun was at the campsite; I barely saw any bands! JOKE? I can never remember any jokes!

HEATHER ROBB, 17 STUDENT 3 BANDS? Queens of the Stone Age,

The Pigeon Detectives and Muse. FAVOURITE PUB? The Social because of its cheap cocktails every night. MONOGAMY OR RANDOM PLAY?

Random play. INSTRUMENT? I play the piano a wee bit but I want to play the guitar. DREADS? Sweaty. ANY FESTIVALS THIS YEAR ? I really JOSEPH MCEACHEN, 18 wanted to go to T in The Park but WAITING FOR UNI didn’t make it. 3 BANDS? Justice: I saw them live and SHOUT OUT? My close 9 friends! it was the best experience of my life. JOKE? No, I’m not funny. Also Daft Punk and The Fall. FAVOURITE PUB? I never have money A PISS POOR SHOWING FROM DUNDEE’S for pubs, but The Social is good for WOULD - BE JOKE -TELLERS, THEN. IF £1 drinks. YOU’RE BASED IN DUNDEE, EMAIL ANY MONOGAMY OR RANDOM PLAY?

GOOD JOKES TO LETTERS@SKINNYMAG.

Random play. CO.UK. THE BEST WILL CURRY FAVOUR INSTRUMENT? I’d like to play the sax AND MAY WIN STUFF.

COMPETITION!

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

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

NO 80,459 IN A SERIES OF 90,756: THE CREATIVE GENIUS

Every month The Skinny will be giving away a case of Miller Genuine Draft for any bar review that we print on the adjacent page, PLUS the best reviewer will get a case delivered to their door every month for a year. The best news... you can be the reviewer. Submit your writing to www.skinnymag.co.uk/ whereitsat telling us about your favourite place to socialise in, and be in to win.

photo: Jethro Collins

HEADS UP

THE EGG, CHRIS & PAUL, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00, £5, £4 students/members LIQUID SOUL, MARK B & GUESTS, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30, £6, £3 b4 11pm MUCH MORE, NASTY P & CUNNIE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts , 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm PARTY NIGHT, DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO , EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00, Free RETRIBUTION, RESIDENTS, STUDIO 24, Goth music for the old, 23:00, £5, £3 students SANCTUARY, RESIDENTS, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00, £7 (£5)

SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, ERIK D’VIKING & ASTROBOY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live music from King Kong Crew, 23:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm

SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RESIDENTS, RED, Indie social club, 21:00, Free

SPLIT, EDINBURGH LOCALS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of house, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy midweek rave, 23:00, Free SYNTHETIC LOVE, DAVA & HOBBES, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00, £4, free b4 11pm VIBE, JAMES LONGWARTH, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00, £4

WED 26 SEP BAD SEED PROMOTIONS, THE CUTS,

CITY CITY BEAT, FIASCOBRASS, THE BONGO CLUB, Live

bands, 21:00, £6

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

THE GOOD GROOVE, BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, PIVO CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks &

THE SKINNY RECOMMENDS YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS CLUB, Soul Jazz Records, 23:00, £6, £4 b4 12am

DUB2CLUB, MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip hop & breaks, 17:00, Free THE EGG, CHRIS & PAUL, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00, £5, £4 students/members KARNIVAL, TIM DELUXE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, 23:00, £10 (£8) LIQUID SOUL, MARK B & GUESTS, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30, £6, £3 b4 11pm MUCH MORE, NASTY P & CUNNIE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts , 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm PARTY NIGHT, DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO , EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00, Free RETRIBUTION, RESIDENTS, STUDIO 24, Goth music for the old, 23:00, £5, £3 students SANCTUARY, RESIDENTS, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00, £7 (£5)

SLASHDOT, ROTATING RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Techno &

house, 19:00, Free

electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00, £5, free b4 12am

tive, 22:30, £2, £1 students

SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, ERIK D’VIKING & ASTROBOY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live music from The Joy Foundation, 23:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm

£10 (£8)

Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00, £2, free b4 11pm ROLLER DISCO, MASH & JON PLEASED, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm THE PIT, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00, Free TOXIK, DJ NU-CLEAR , OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00, Free

soul, funk, retro, 23:00, £10 (£7)

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

SOPHISTIFUNK, JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00, £8 (£4) TEASE AGE, RESIDENTS, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

ULTRAGROOVE, CRAZY P, DJ DEEP, AL KENT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, disco, live band, deep house, 23:00,

VEGAS, RESIDENTS, EGO, Lounge, swing, latin, jazz, GARETH SOMERVILLE (ULTRAGROOVE) & JONNIE LYLEY (SCRATCH), ASSEMBLY BAR, House to hip hop, 21:00, Free

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

SUN 23 SEP ALL BACK TO MINE, RESIDENTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00, £3, free b4 11pm

BACK TO BASICS, IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, PIVO CAFFE, Retro dance, 90s & disco, 19:00, Free

BOOTY, DALE LUSH & FRIENDS, MEDINA, Soul, funk, disco & chart, 22:00, £5

CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, RESIDENTS, THE BONGO

INDI-GO, RESIDENTS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternaJERK ALERT, MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, RED,

WE ARE … ELECTRIC, GARY MAC & GUESTS, CABARET

rotating guests in the back, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am/ members RESIDENTS, BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00, Free THURS 27 SEP ALTER EGO, RESIDENTS, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00, £5 (£3) BUMP, RESIDENTS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30, £2 (£1)

NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00, Free PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, TRENDY WENDY, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00, £4

SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), PIANO BAR FIGHT & FRIGHTENED RABBIT, THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30, £3

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

£3

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

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

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

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

MON 24 SEP HAPPY MONDAYS, RESIDENTS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk,

23:00, £3, free for students/industry

THE LATIN QUARTER, JAMES COMBE, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin house, 22:00, Free

MOJO, RESIDENTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am

SOUNDS GOOD, ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz & funk, 19:00, Free

TRADE UNION, DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for deserving bar & club staff, 22:00, £2, £1

Trade Union members/ECCF members ZOOT SWING, SWINGERS, CAFÉ ROYAL, Swing dance classes, beginners 7pm, improvers 8pm followed by big-band swing jazz & neo-swing beats, 19:00, £4.50 (£3.50), free after 9 P-HAZE, BARAKA, Mashup, 20:30, Free JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm TUES 25 SEP ANTICS, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00, Free DARK PLANET OPEN MUSIC, PUBLIC, BARAKA, Come play your vinyl, CDs, iPod, mp3 player or laptop, 20:30, Free THE DIAMOND DICE, MR. JINX, MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00, £5 FRUNT, DJ STUART JOHNSTON, THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30, Free INDIE MIX, NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs, 21:00, Free MOTHERFUNK, FRYER & GINO, OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00, Free

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

VELVET, MISS GAYUK CONTESTANTS, THE EXCHANGE,

Miss GayScotland 2007 comp, 22:30, £7

VOLUME, RESIDENTS, COCTEAU LOUNGE (EGO), Grime, dubstep, UK hip hop & baille funk, 23:00, £5 (£3)

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

all night, 22:00, £3 (£2)

LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00, £3,

SUN 30 SEP ALL BACK TO MINE, RESIDENTS, OPAL

LIC IT, RESIDENTS, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00, £5

free b4 11pm

POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB, JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves,

CAFFE, Retro dance, 90s & disco, 19:00, Free

19:00, Free

Free

House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00, £8 (£4) SUBSTANCE, JUSTIN BERKOVI, HENRY’S CELLAR, Live techno & electro, 23:00, £tbc TEASE AGE, RESIDENTS, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 23:00, £5, free b4 11.30pm

20:00, £7, free b4 12am

GRAFITTI, KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, MEDINA, Party tunes

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

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

SOPHISTIFUNK, JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), CITY,

£4 (£3)

(£3), free b4 11.30pm

Centro card

electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00, £5, free b4 12am

GOULAG BEAT, TECHNOPHOBES, DAGGER’S AHOY DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE DJ SET, COCTEAU LOUNGE (EGO), Old school punk, 23:00, & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin,

CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00, £3, free b4 11pm

FRICTION, DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON,

SLASHDOT, ROTATING RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Techno &

REGGAE TAKE AWAY, RESIDENTS, THE BONGO CLUB, Reggae, 23:00, £5

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

SIREN, WOLFJAZZ, THE HIVE, Electro, house, breaks & techno, 23:00, Free

SOULED OUT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco & dance, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am STILETTO, JEZ HILL, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

YIN-YANG, HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, SHANGHAI (UNDER-

NEATH LE MONDE), House, 22:00, £6 (£3)

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to

BACK TO BASICS, IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, PIVO BOOTY, DALE LUSH & FRIENDS, MEDINA, Soul, funk, disco & chart, 22:00, £5

CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, RESIDENTS, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00, £3, free b4 11pm

FRICTION, DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON,

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

Centro card

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

NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00, Free PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, TRENDY WENDY, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00, £4

SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE ROHYPSTERS, THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners,

22:30, £3

SHAKE, JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHANGHAI SIENTELO!, RESIDENTS, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00, Free

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

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

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

THEATRE: GLASGOW

TRAMWAY, EK PERFORMANCE, GAME THEORY, new play about the desire to win measured against the need to reconcile. , 5-SEP, 8-SEP, 8pm, Wed - Sat, £8/6

CITIZEN’S THEATRE, CITZ, YELLOW MOON, David Greig’s reworking of Bonnie & Clyde(side), 4-SEP, 15-SEP, 7.30pm, £12 CITZ, HAMLET, Not the cigar, rather Guy Hands’ production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, 21-SEP, 13-OCT, 7.30pm, £16-3

funk & RnB, 22:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm DE LUXE, RESIDENTS, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00, £3, free b4 12am EVOL, RESIDENTS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30, £5 FOUR CORNERS, RESIDENTS, THE BONGO CLUB, Funk, soul, jazz, latin, 23:00, £5, £3 b4 12am GET FUNK’D, DOUBLE D & ISLA, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm JAKN, THE FLYING LURINSKYS, STUDIO 24, Banging techno, 22:30, £7 (£6) MISFITS, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00, £3, free b4 12am

MODERN LOVERS, RESIDENTS, COCTEAU LOUNGE (EGO),

EDINBURGH

by Smokin’ Joe

INSIDE: A grand wooden bar dominates the

INSIDE: A pub on two levels, don’t let that

center of the room and abundant seating on all sides makes it easy to settle in with a drink and a few friends. The ceiling in the upstairs auditorium houses the largest work of public art in Scotland, an as yet unfinished mural by local legend Alasdair Gray. It is truly impressive.

give you the impression that Star Bar is big. Wood panels, gig posters and knick knacks.

PROVISIONS: There is a fine selection of drinks

CLIENTÈLE: Generally there are more folks than there

with over 250 malts at the whisky bar. There are also two restaurants to choose from, with good value pub-style grub a strength.

other, both casual and sophisticated. Imagine a gathering of whimsical theatre producers at the bar, and a script writer working quietly in the corner.

are square inches, but generally it’s not a problem ‘cause Star-goers are a chilled bunch. However, I once got beaten at fussball by a guy who could do overhead kicks with his goalie (table football fans should note there’s no glass covering the Star Bar’s glorious antique table – lobs are a viable option). He made Pinball Wizard look amateur, though he wasn’t deaf dumb or blind – just really really good at fussball.

MAGIC MOMENT: The band James played a se-

MAGIC MOMENT: When comedian Simon Munnery

cret gig in the vaults here before T in the Park. The venue’s capacity is 350. Sweet.

drags his entire audience here for a post-gig pint after a stint at The Stand.

OPENER: “What’s your favourite volume of

OPENER: “Makes no difference who you are…

Lanark?”

when you wish upon a star…”

PROVISIONS: A decent selection of beers. But it’s mostly about the atmos…

ORAN MOR, 0141 357 6200, TOP OF BYRES ROAD,

STAR BAR, 0131 539 8070, 1 NORTHUMBERLAND PLACE,

GLASGOW 19 HOPE ST, GLASGOW, 0141 221 1105

EDINBURGH

TRON THEATRE, VANISHING POINT/TRON, SUB-

WAY, an epic tale of a man’s reconciliation with his father with live music from Kosovan band, 4-SEP, 8-SEP, 8pm, £14/7 SPYMONKEY, STIFF, Comic play from Mighty Boosh writer Cal McCrystal as part of Merchant City Festival, 20-SEP, 23-SEP, 8pm, £14/10

BIRDS OF PARADISE/TRON, BENEATH YOU - GIRLS ARE EVERYWHERE, A spate of unsolved burglaries plagues the inhabitants of luxury city apartments., 27-SEP, 29-SEP, 8pm, £14/7

photo: Stephanie Stewart

WHAT’S ON

MITCHELL THEATRE, ORAN MORE! THE BEST OF

A PLAY AND A PINT, AE FOND KISS/TIR NAN OG, Play

TRAVERSE THEATRE, TRAVERSE/NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND, RUPTURE, Davey Anderson’s 21st century thriller takes a scalpel to shiny city life, 22-SEP, 6-OCT, 8pm, £16

LYCEUM THEATRE, LYCEUM COMPANY, THE

Star Bar

UCI MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS

MELA

WWW.FORTWILLIAMWORLDCHAMPS.CO.UK

WWW.EDINBURGH-MELA.CO.UK

As summer dwindles, let us fully emphasise our enthusiasm for getting out and enjoying the (moderate) weather by recommending this understated but awesome international event. Firing down a dusty path at the speed of a satisfied lemming is scary enough, but at Fort William it has now become de rigeur to JUMP vast sections of the track to save precious seconds. Ever pleased to watch others defy death, we reckon you head along and then do try it at home. Only, you know, on a computer.

Held in Pilrig Park just off Leith walk, Mela is one of the fastest growing festivals in Scotland. The programme is made up mostly of musical talents, from the soaring heghts of Tibetan melodies to the Arabic fold of Iraq, Egypt and Syria, this festival brings many facets of world music and performances under one roof. The programme runs from the 1 to 3 Sepember, check out www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk for details.

FORT WILLIAM, 3-9 SEP

WWW.KNOCKENGORROCH.ORG.UK

DOORS OPEN DAYS

son tackles this later Shakespeare play, 21-SEP, 20-OCT, 7.45pm, £25-8

WWW.DOORSOPENDAYS.ORG.UK

KING’S THEATRE, HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES,

Alan Ayckbourn-penned comedy, 24-SEP, 29-SEP, 7.30pm, £22-7.50

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE, ALVIN

AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER, HOMAGE TO ALVIN AILEY, Top touring dance company, 25-SEP, 26-SEP,

7.30pm, £27-12

residents, 22:30, £5

readings including extracts from 7:84’s new work The Algebra of Freedom, 1-SEP, 2-SEP, various, free

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

Doors Open Days, Botanics Filmy Fern House, Glasgow

SUGARBEAT, FELIX DA HOUSECAT, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electrohouse, breaks, 22:30, £12

Oran Mor

photo: www.jethrocollins.co.uk

THE SKINNY BRINGS YOU THE PICK OF THIS MONTH’S EVENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH MILLER GENUINE DRAFT AND XFM

WINTER’S TALE, Lyceum Creative Director Mark Thom-

PILRIG PARK, MELA, VARIOUS, Various dramatic

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

STAR BAR

the classic musical, 4-SEP, 8-SEP, 2.30pm/7.30pm, £28-14 GIRLS BEHIND, Louise Roche penned musical, 11-SEP, 15-SEP, various, £21-8 WEST SIDE STORY, Jets v Sharks in Leonard Bernstein’s epic revamp of Romeo & Juliet, 25-SEP, 29-SEP, 7.30pm, £20-8

60s, soul & funk, 23:00, £tbc

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

by Personal Best

KING’S THEATRE, 42ND STREET, Tim Flavin stars in

EDINBURGH

CULT, DJ NICKI & GUESTS, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco,

ORAN MOR GLASGOW

CLIENTÈLE: Clever people with a lot to say to each

hall, dubstep, 22:00, £5 (£4)

from the past 15 years, 17:00, Free

EVERY MONTH YOU GIVE US THE INSIDE TRACK BY REVIEWING CHOICE BARS ACCROSS EDINBURGH, GLASGOW AND DUNDEE. SEE OUR COMPETITION ADJACENT FOR HOW TO GET YOURS PRINTED AND A CHANCE TO WIN BEER FOR A YEAR. LOOK OUT FOR THE BOTTLE FOR OUR HIGHEST RECCOMMENDATIONS.

£3

& a Pint reprise popular Scottish plays in this double bill, 3-SEP, 8-SEP, 8pm, £15/12.50

CLUB CLASSICS, SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music

LIVE YOUR LIFE THE MILLER WAY...

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

breakbeats, 21:00, Free

28-SEP, BIG TOE’S HI-FI, DIGITALDUBS SOUND SYSTEM & RESIDENTS, WEE RED BAR, Reggae, dub, dance-

THE SOCIAL SCENE

Every weekend, all over Scotland from September the public will get the chance to wander the vestibules, atriums and basements of some of Scotland’s most interesting buildings. All ages of architecture will be on show, from the new BBC head headquarters at Ocean Quay in Glasgow, to the 19th century Sherriff Court in Inverness. Tours will be hosted by the volunteers who make this event, all guided by their local knowledge and passion for the buildings. This event will ensure you get your noses into the usually secret nooks and crannies of Scottish architecture. Find out more about the buildings in your area at www.doorsopendays.org.uk

THE HAIRTH The Hairth? Is that like a hairy hearth? Well, that’s not so far off. The Hairth is the second music festival of the year run by the lovely folks at Knockengorroch, a famously friendly, tradition-heavy knees-up in Ayrshire. With headliners including The Herbaliser and Nizolpi, and a bill that also includes Skinny favourites Aberfeldy and Mungo’s Hi-Fi among many other varied acts, there’ll be plenty to listen to (as well as eat, drink and generally enjoy). We gave this rootsy hoedown a five star review last year, meaning it’s pretty damn special. Head to Ayrshire this month to find out why.

The Hairth

photo: Douglas Robertson

THE HAIRTH, 14 -16 SEP, KNOCKENGORROCH FARM, CASTLE DOUGLAS, CARSPHAIRN. 01644 460 662

UCI Mountain bike Championship

UNKNOWN PLEASURES, RESIDENTS, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00, £3 (£2)

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

GOT A GIG?

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 JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00, £6, free b4 12am

TEXT

SAT 29 SEP 100% DYNAMITE, RESIDENTS, THE BONGO LISTINGS

LET US KNOW WHAT’S ON! IF YOU HAVE A GIG OR A RECCOMMENDATION, TEXT US.

GUIDETHEN YOUR MESSAGE TO 80XFMOR VISIT WWW.XFMSCOTLAND.CO.UK/THEGUIDE

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

HEADS UP

EDINBURGH CLUBS

FEATURES DEAR NINE... Dear Nine, In a club the other night an old friend demanded I suck his cock. We were both drunk, but it was clear he meant it. I have a girlfriend, and know myself to be straight. My friend also has a girlfriend and, as far as I know, hasn’t shown any signs of interest in men before. The way he asked was aggressive, which was as troubling as the shock his demand caused me. My reaction on the night was to pretend it hadn’t happened, but since then we have seen each other and it has been weird. Have I lost my friend? Yours, Darren, Glasgow. Dear Darren, Your mate has some serious issues with boundaries, never mind sexuality. If he’s been playing straight all this time, and if alcohol was the deciding factor in his taking the plunge – perhaps for the first time? – in exploring an attraction to men, chances are you could be met with some serious denial if you try to discuss the incident with him. On the other hand, not talking about it could very well prolong the weirdness until your friendship is a thing of the past. Really, in springing this on you out of the blue and doing so in such a dodgy manner, it’s his problem if he’s not willing to sort it out. But it’s up to you whether you want to talk it out with him – do you value the friendship enough to give it another chance? Are you willing to support him (not as far as fellatio, I hasten to add) if he needs to figure some things out? His aggression isn’t justifiable, but it could be because he feels isolated, confused, or generally fucked up. You could make it clear – gently - that you’re not interested in him sexually and that you won’t tolerate behaviour like that again, but give him space to make amends and let him know that you’re there for him. If he can’t deal with that, at least you know you’ve done what you can. Nine EMAIL NINE@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK WITH YOUR PROBLEMS, DILEMMAS, CONFESSIONS AND COMMENTS. ALL CORRESPONDANCE WILL BE TREATED WITH THE UTMOST CONFIDENTIALITY.

Positive education

by Nine

FRESHERS’ WEEK IS ALMOST UPON US AGAIN, BUT EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT PART OF THE UNIVERSITY CROWD, YOU CAN STILL BENEFIT FROM GOING TO CLASS

A few years ago round these parts, learning time to do the homework and essay Polish would’ve seemed just plain quirky; writing. Ideally, you were supposed nowadays, its relevance is obvious. This to be doing another three hours a time last year, when choosing a night class, week of work at home; I was lucky if I averaged I wasn’t all that picky about which language “IN POLISH ALL MONTHS ARE an hour. This as good, to learn. But I knew I NOUNS, EXCEPT FEBRUARY, w because it would have plenty of WHICH IS AN ADJECTIVE” got me ready opportunities to pracfor the ‘you tice Polish, and I was curious to find out how Slavic languages get out of it what you put in’ environment of university. It was £100 for the year, worked. which might sound expensive, but not so much Turns out that learning Polish is pretty damn when you break it down into teaching hours, hard – it’s an uphill struggle against rules that materials, etc. get ever more absurd. “So, all months are nouns,” I told my Polish friend accusingly when we were “I chose Spanish because I had higher French, but in the pub, “except February, which is an adjec- I needed another A for a language at Higher to tive.” “February’s not an adjective!” he retorted, get on to my uni course. I got an A for it, and have then started reciting things in his head. “Oh gone on to study Spanish at uni, having dropped wait, it is.” the French after first year (it used to be my favourite language!). I’m going to Spain next year On the flipside, getting any of these things right as part of my course. I think my positive attitude makes you feel like an absolute genius. And towards the Spanish language has a lot to do with Polish is a joy to pronounce (though perhaps not the experience I had at the night class.” so much if you’re dyslexic) – sometimes, staggering drunkenly home, I pause in front of my local Whether you’re seeking a career change, taking Polish deli to gleefully read out all the ads in the the first steps towards university, or just interwindow. Beyond these simple delights, though, ested in learning something new and unusual is a connection to a country, a language and a without the pressure of being graded on it, there’s culture that I previously had given a night class out there for you. Beyond the usual very little thought to: my first visit to Poland earlier this year, though brief, is sure to have been the first of many to come. Given that I chose Polish just for the hell of it, this is a pretty good outcome. Another night class enthusiast, Ed, has taken classes in innovative fiction, screenwriting, and an introduction to film studies. He givesv a variety of reasons: “as a musician with an interest in writing; for a break from the norm; to contextualise and aid my writing of lyrics; and to see other creative disciplines in action.” Deadlines were quite tough to keep given his schedule, and some weeks it was a rush to get from work to class with a bite to eat in between, but he still found it worthwhile. Most importantly, he says, he came out with a new social group who share his interests, and pub sessions and film nights are carrying on well beyond the end of the course. At seventeen, Jen took a night class in Higher Spanish: “Before the class, I could count up to ten, say hello and goodbye. So I was almost totally new to it - no formal studying at all. Because it was only three hours a week on a Tuesday night, we had to move pretty fast to fit all the material in. To begin with it was a bit overwhelming, especially given my lack of the assumed prior knowledge. But the teacher was really patient, and after a couple of weeks to settle in, the pacing was perfect. “I struggled to make enough

photo: www.faction.co.uk

disciplines, this year Edinburgh University’s Office of Lifelong Learning is offering such gems as Archaeology of Scottish Skeletal Remains, Contemporary Native Americans in Film, EReligion, and Global Security – not to mention a daytime course on Enjoying the Conifers of Scotland, and a day dedicated to Victorian Fairy Painting. Investigate your local options, and keep an open mind - quirkiness can take you places.

DUNDEE: UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE COURSES FOR ADULTS, WWW.DUNDEE.AC.UK EDINBURGH: OFFICE OF LIFELONG LEARNING, 0131 650 4400, WWW.LIFELONG.ED.AC.UK GLASGOW: LANGSIDE COLLEGE, 0141 272 3600, WWW.LANGSIDE.AC.UK; NORTH GLASGOW COLLEGE, 0141 558 9001, WWW.NORTH-GLA.AC.UK

illustration: Lewis Killin, http://hawaiian.deviantart.com

Everyone has tough times and faces tricky problems. Sometimes a little supportive advice from someone outside the situation is just what’s needed. Here, in the first installment of a regular agony column, The Skinny’s own Nine offers her point of view.

illustration: Paul Ryding, www.paulryding.com

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

FEATURES

MJAM SALSA, CHRIS TRAYNOR, LIPTONS, Salsa class- SPARKIES 45S, MARK ROBB, CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, es from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00, Free NEW FLESH, RESIDENTS, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00, £4, £2 from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm OCTOPUSSY, STUDENTS, THE ARCHES, Bouncy Castle, swimming pool, jacuzzi, wedding chapel, 22:30, £4 POP ROCK-IT, DAVE MULHOLLAND, CATWALK, Mixed Bag, 19:00, Free

SQUARE GO!, NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00, £3

TONGUE IN CHEEK, RESIDENTS, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00, £4 (£2)

MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00, Free

THURS 27 SEP 45 KICKS, ALEX & JOHN, THE BUFF CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats,

23:00, £3

BABAZA, RESIDENTS, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00, £6, free b4 11pm

BACK TO BASICS, LIVE BANDS, BLACKFRIARS, Punk, 19:00, £4

CHILDREN OF THE 80S, RESIDENTS, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live performances, 80s, 23:00, £5 (£3) CHIX ON DEX, RESIDENTS, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, CRAIG MCGEE, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00, Free

FREAKMOVES, FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, GLASGOW

SCHOOL OF ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record

20:00, Free

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

TOXIC POP, GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, BAMBOO, House music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00, £5,

free b4 11pm/12.30am students

VIBRATIONS, DJ MINGO-GO & DJ CASIO, CLASSIC GRAND, Electro, 23:00, £6 (£4)

VICE, MARTIN BATE (XFM), THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock, 21:00, Free

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

ABC SATURDAYS, DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4

11.30pm with matric.

BAD ROBOT, LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats,

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

DECODANCE, SCOTT JILES, ROB WILDER, CLASSIC GRAND, Glamorous house, 23:00, £8

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

GLAMORAMA, LIL RICH, BOHO, 90s house, 80s clas-

ARENA, Hardcore, House, Hardcore, 21:00, £tbc

THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY sics, RnB & chart, 21:30, £8 & BOOM MONK BEN, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul GROOVEJET, RESIDENTS, MAS, Weekly house & RnB HOMEBREW, TIFF PEACHES, PROVINYLIST KARIM ILL TECHNIQUE & GROUNDSKEEPER GC, THE SUB CLUB, Hip hop & electro via the rest, 23:00, £3, £2 matric MIX GENERATOR, DJ FRAMIE, CATWALK, Classic rock, maetal & alternative, 19:00, Free ON DEMAND, DJ EUAN, THE SHED, Requests by text message at this interactive club night, 22:30, £3

PLASTIC FUNK, MARK ROBB, TANIA & FRIENDS,

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

b4 11pm/12.30am with matric

RADIOMAGNETIC, RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00, Free

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

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

THE THURSDAY CLUB, GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4

12am with PIYP

UP THE RACKET, DJ TOAST, FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm ZERO THURSDAYS, DJ NORMSKI, BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30, £3 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00, Free

FRI 28 SEP ABC FRIDAYS, EUAN NEILSON, ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00, £6 (£4

BALLBREAKER, BARRY & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP BOOGIE DOWN, STEWART REID, BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00, £5, free b4 11pm COMPUTELOVE, RESIDENTS, THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00, Free ELECTROBALL, RESIDENTS, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30, £tbc FLIRTINI FRIDAYS, JIM DA BEST, BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30, £6 FLUID, LISA LITTLEWOOD, MAS, Funky, 23:00, £5 FREAKMENOOVERS, RESIDENTS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving funk, RnB & soul, 21:00, Free

AFTERDARK, RESIDENTS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Tech-house

mix, 23:00, £7 (£5)

Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs, 21:00, Free

THE GO-GO, TALL PAUL ROBINSON & ANGUS, STUDIO

PAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSORLEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00, Free

SUN 30 SEP CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, DJ

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

DISCO BADGER, DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other

boogie next door, 22:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/ 12.30pm with matric

IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, THE FLY-

ING DUCK, Bass, percussion, 21:00, Free b4 11pm

R&B, 23:00, £5

HOME OF THE GROOVES, MARK ROBB, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00, £5

HORRORSHOW, CRAIG MCGEE, FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm NOJ, RESIDENTS, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. OLD SCHOOL, GORDIE & JACK, THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30, £6

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

PRESSURE, FELIX, VITALIC, R HAWTIN, THE ARCHES, Techno, 22:30, £tbc

RED & GOLD ROOM, RESIDENTS, ARTA, Soul musak, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

ROUTE 666, NICOLA WALKER, CATWALK, 19:00, Free SOUND MUSEUM, DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), BREL , Free

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

ing percussion by Duffy, 23:00, £3, free with matric OPTIMO, JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00, £6 (£5)

SPANK,RESIDENTS,THE CATHOUSE,Rock, punk & dance,23:00,£4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

TRICKY DISCO,JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN,KARBO N,House,23:00,£5

WE LOVE SUNDAYS,JIM DA BEST,BOHO,Party tunes & floor fillers,21:30,£3

NEIL WYPER,THE BUNKER BAR,New & old rock & electronica,21:00,Free

soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RESIDENTS, RED, Indie social club, 21:00, Free SPLIT, EDINBURGH LOCALS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of house, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy midweek rave, 23:00, Free SYNTHETIC LOVE, DAVA & HOBBES, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00, £4, free b4 11pm VIBE, JAMES LONGWARTH, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00, £4

funk cuts , 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

THE GOOD GROOVE, BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, PIVO CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks &

MUCH MORE, NASTY P & CUNNIE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & PARTY NIGHT, DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO , EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00, Free RETRIBUTION, RESIDENTS, STUDIO 24, Goth music for the old, 23:00, £5, £3 students SANCTUARY, RESIDENTS, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00, £7 (£5)

drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00, £5, free b4 12am

SOPHISTIFUNK, JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00, £8 (£4)

STEREOTYPE LIVE, FREEFORM FIVE, YOUSEF, MR. V, EDINBURGH HOUSE DJS, EGO, Live house & DJ sets, 23:00, £16

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

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

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

Centro card

KAYOS, RESIDENTS, OPIUM, Rock & indie, 20:00, Free NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00, Free PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, TRENDY WENDY, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00, £4

SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), RESIDENTS, THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners,

22:30, £3

SHAKE, JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House & funky, 23:00, £3

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

SOUNDPROOF OPEN DECKS, SOUNDPROOF DJS,

JERK ALERT, MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, RED,

WE ARE … ELECTRIC, GARY MAC & GUESTS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with

rotating guests in the back, 23:00, £2, free b4 12am/ members RESIDENTS, BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00, Free THUR 6 SEP ALTER EGO, RESIDENTS, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00, £5 (£3) BUMP, RESIDENTS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30, £2 (£1)

GETTOBLAST!, CUTMASTER SWIFT, BLUHNT & BIGG TAJ, THE BONGO CLUB, Turntablism & MCs, 23:00, £7 (£6)

GRAFITTI, KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD, MEDINA, Party tunes all night, 22:00, £3 (£2)

I FLY SPITFIRES, NOON, CATWEASELS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Pop, indie, live bands, 23:00, £3

LIC IT, RESIDENTS, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 11.30pm

OPTIMO, JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, EGO, Eclectic weegies, 23:00, £10 (£8)

POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB, JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves, 19:00, Free

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

MON 3 SEP HAPPY MONDAYS, RESIDENTS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk,

funk & latin house, 22:00, Free

MOJO, RESIDENTS, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am

TAIRE, Night for deserving bar & club staff, 22:00, £2, £1

Tam Hendry, Acting Chief Executive of the Ark Trust

Over the cacophony created by many people talking in a large uncarpeted room, Bruce Wiseman hands over a bacon roll with a bit of friendly banter. Up to the day I meet him, he has been volunteering at the Ark Café, working from 7am to 12pm, cooking food. Handsome and cleanshaven, neatly dressed and eloquent, he is not your stereotypical notion of a homeless person.

front lines of homelessness. All these resources have disappeared since the council withdrew the £167,000 funding the Ark receives per year.

Wiseman is one of the 110 people who depended on the facilities provided by the Ark Trust canteen, which operated to support the homeless and those threatened by homelessness; crucial services, but unfortunately no longer available after Edinburgh Council withdrew the funding it granted to the Trust at the end of June.

“They withdrew almost £200,000 on three months notice and expect us to be able to find that sort of money, especially when the elections are on, and it’s just after the financial year, so most of the trust funds have already allocated their money for the year.”

“Before I started volunteering here, I was just a service user. I came in here to get out, have a coffee and a chat. Since I started here, I’ve got my confidence and self-worth back, I’ve got my getup-and-go back.” Wiseman then confides: “When this place goes I don’t know what I’m going to do.” For 70 years the Ark Café on New Street provided cheap food, clothes, toiletries, telephone and fax facilities, and housing advice to those on the

Clayton Jones, a former staff member in the canteen, said: “It’s not even the fact that they are withdrawing our funding, it’s the fact that the notice they gave was so limited.

The council said the decision was made after considering the Ark’s past performance. An Edinburgh Council spokesman said: “The council made it clear that the Ark Trust Café service was not delivering a service which is considered a priority.” 56,811 Scottish households made homeless applications to their local council in 2005-2006, a 5.3% rise from the previous year. House prices

SIREN, WILL FAKE, THE HIVE, Electro, house, breaks & techno, 23:00, Free

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

YIN-YANG, HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, SHANGHAI (UNDER-

Following a report from the council that was critical of the Café and its management, the changes the report suggested were implemented. Police testified to the improvements. PC Ben Merrick, of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “We had a long term relationship with staff, which wasn’t always the best. It has improved massively; everything we recommended they do was done for us.” Clayton Jones tells me: “We run an open door policy, which means that anyone can walk in off the street. A lot of the other agencies operate a closed door system so you have to be homeless to get in. Those people who may need help because they are going to become homeless are excluded. So the prevention side of homeless services will be affected if we close.” Sitting with Wiseman, he recalls how he became homeless. “All work and no play. I was earning £35,000 a year, had my own house and car, a wife and three young kids. I was working a lot, and my marriage disintegrated. Rather than have the children run around on bare floorboards, she got everything in the divorce settlement. Everything.

He feels that the withdrawal of funding may be connected to the disputed Caltongate development, managed by privately-owned London development company Mountgrange. The building that houses the Ark is next to the development, which includes plans for offices, shops and flats.

NEATH LE MONDE), House, 22:00, £6 (£3)

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, 21:00, Free

TAIRE, Live house & DJ sets, 23:00, £7, £4 b4 12am

“They’ve managed to pull funding while the Parliament’s out, while the Council’s in limbo because of the election. It’s all very convenient. The original plan was that the council would give the Ark 18 months notice, so they’ve gained 15 months.

from the past 15 years, 17:00, Free

CULT, DJ NICKI & GUESTS, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm DE LUXE, RESIDENTS, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00, £3, free b4 12am EVOL, RESIDENTS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30, £5 FAST, HAUNTED HOUSE PARTY, THE BONGO CLUB, Punk, disco, electro, garage, rock n roll, 23:00, £5 GET FUNK’D, DOUBLE D & ISLA, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm MISFITS, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00, £3, free b4 12am PLANET EARTH, RESIDENTS, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with residents, 22:30, £5 SALSA CARIBE!, RESIDENTS, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm TOKYOBLU, RESIDENTS, EGO, Live house & DJ sets, 23:00, £10 (£6) TWISTED, GIOVANNI FERRI, STUDIO 24, House, electro, techno, 23:00, £tbc

Needles found in Canongate Kirkyard

Canongate Kirkyard

sands on machinery, men, labour costs, that’s a hell of a lot of money. They could save money by shutting this place down,” said Wiseman.

Clayton Jones says the council has not been clear on the exact reason for cutting their funds: “In the paper they’ve said it was because of poor performance on our part, but in the dialogue with our management, they said it was because of a change in strategy, so I am left confused. They were openly critical of us in our last report, but we put in place the changes they requested.”

When I meet Acting Chief Executive of the Ark “Buying a home is becoming an ever-more distant Trust, Tam Hendry, he informs me: “There were dream for f irst time changes in staf f, inbuyers, and as hous- “WHEN THIS PLACE GOES I DON’T cluding the previous ing becomes increasand they tried KNOW WHAT I’M GOING TO DO” director, to address all the issues ingly unaffordable we fear repossessions are likely to spiral and more raised by the police and council. The Ark thought families will face the nightmare of homelessness,” they had sorted things but the council still felt they hadn’t done it to satisfaction.” says Shelter Scotland director Archie Stoddart.

“I was mortgaged, respectable. Now that I’m homeless, I don’t matter anymore. It’s insulting.”

dance, 22:00, £3, free b4 12am STILETTO, JEZ HILL, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00, £5, free b4 10pm

23:00, £8 (£6), £5 b4 11.30pm 20:00, Free

According to the Bank of Scotland’s Quarterly Scottish House Price Index, Edinburgh is the most expensive place in Scotland to buy a house, and prices have risen 11% in the first quarter of 2007. Many first-time buyers desperate to climb onto the property ladder are signing up for mortgages six or seven times their salaries.

tive, 22:30, £2, £1 students

CLUB CLASSICS, SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music

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

are also on the rise. According to the Scottish Executive, the average house price in Scotland has increased from £69,961 in 2000 to £150,412 in January 2007. This is an increase of 115% in just seven years.

INDI-GO, RESIDENTS, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternaIndie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00, £2, free b4 11pm ROLLER DISCO, MASH & JON PLEASED, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm SHOE SWING, RESIDENTS, THE COUNTING HOUSE, Swing Dancing, 19:00, £4.50 THE PIT, RESIDENTS, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00, Free TOXIK, DJ NU-CLEAR , OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00, Free

by Caterina Guitart

DESPITE PROVIDING A VITAL SERVICE TO EDINBURGH’S HOMELESS, THE ARK CAFÉ WAS FORCED TO CLOSE THIS SUMMER AFTER ITS ANNUAL FUNDING WAS STOPPED BY THE COUNCIL. THE SKINNY ASKED THOSE AFFECTED WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS...

house, 19:00, Free

FRI 7 SEP 3345 LIVE, MY MATE’S ODD, CABARET VOL-

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

The Sinking of the Ark

Funk & chart, 21:00, £5 (£4)

BARAKA, Open decks night, 20:00, Free

ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN SOUNDS GOOD, ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, PIVO ELLIOT, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00, Free CAFFE, Soul, jazz & funk, 19:00, Free SOUL SUNDAYS, PAUL CRAWFORD, FIREWATER, Indie, TRADE UNION, DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, CABARET VOLpunk & rock, 16:00,Free

MOTHERFUNK, FRYER & GINO, OPAL LOUNGE, Original

WED 5 SEP CHAMBLES, DJ JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE,

FREAKMENOOVERS, FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, BLAN- JUNK, MARKY MARK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featur- 23:00, £3, free for students/industry THE LATIN QUARTER, JAMES COMBE, MEDINA, Salsa, KET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00, £6 (£4) FRIDAY STREET, RESIDENTS, BLACKFRIARS, 60s soul &

INDIE MIX, NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, PIVO CAFFE,

23:00, £13 (£11)

ROUTE 666, CIARAN O’TOOLE, CATWALK, Classic & cult 16:00, £3, free b4 11pm FRICTION, DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, rock, 19:00, Free SUBCULTURE, HARRI & DOM, THE SUB CLUB snapshot of LIQUID ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00, £4 (£2), £1 ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00, £8, £5 b4 12am UN-SCENE, DJ PAUL, BLOC, Electro, techno, 22:00, Free VOODOO, RESIDENTS, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00, £6 (£3) DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, 21:00, Free BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm 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

FRUNT, DJ STUART JOHNSTON, THE LIQUID ROOM,

Dance, indie, hip hop & breaks, 17:00, Free EDENANGELS, RESIDENTS, THE VAULTS, Sexy, tribal, funky house, 22:00, £6, £5 b4 11pm THE EGG, CHRIS & PAUL, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00, £5, £4 students/members

DUB2CLUB, MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, PIVO CAFFE,

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE HOMEGROWN, STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house & latin, MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, BAMBOO, House & RnB, jazz & 20:00, £7, free b4 12am funk, 21:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students SUN 2 SEP ALL BACK TO MINE, RESIDENTS, OPAL INSIDE OUT, RESIDENTS, THE ARCHES, 22:00, £tbc LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00, £3, KARBON SATURDAYS, KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE free b4 11pm & WOODY, KARBON, House & hip hop, 22:30, £tbc BACK TO BASICS, IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, PIVO MELTING POT, ASHLEY BEEDLE & EMERGENCY DJS, CAFFE, Retro dance, 90s & disco, 19:00, Free THE ADMIRAL, Disco, house, 23:00, £10 BOOTY, DALE LUSH & FRIENDS, MEDINA, Soul, funk, NU-SCHOOL, RESIDENTS, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern disco & chart, 22:00, £5 soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics down- CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, RESIDENTS, THE BONGO stairs, 22:30, £6

& grime, 22:00, £5

House music all night long, 22:30, Free

HANOI ROCKS, CRAIG WILSON, FIREWATER, Indie, rock TEASE AGE, RESIDENTS, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, & britpop, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm HIP DROP, ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00, Free HOME COOKIN’, RESIDENTS, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

THE DIAMOND DICE, MR. JINX, MASSA, Hip hop, RnB

& electrohouse, 23:00, £10

DIVINE!, MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, THE VIC BAR, North- SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, ERIK D’VIKING & ASTROBOY, THE JAZZ BAR, Live music from Underling, 23:00, ern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5) DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, RESIDENTS, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm SLASHDOT, KEV WRIGHT, THE HIVE, Techno & electro, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00, £5 FANTAZIA CLASH OF THE TITANS, FANNIES, BRAEHEAD

& motown, 20:00, Free

SAT 1 SEP 100% DYNAMITE, RESIDENTS, THE BONGO

CLUB, Soul Jazz Records, 23:00, £6, £4 b4 12am

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYS- 24, 60’s, garage, pop, mod, beat, soul, ska, psyche, 23:00, £5 (£4) TEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free LIQUID SOUL, MARK B & GUESTS, PO NA NA, Chirpy GEORGE BOWIE, CUBE FRIDAYS, Urban tunes, £5 (£3) SAT 29 SEP ABC SATURDAYS, GERRY LYONS, ABC1, music, 22:30, £6, £3 b4 11pm LUVELY, RESIDENTS, LIQUID ROOM, French Kiss party,

Playerz in the bar, 23:00, £4 (£3)

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

EDINBURGH CLUBS

FEATURES

GLASGOW CLUBS

“If you’re developing a property, spending thou-

Jones says: “I don’t imagine that we are the most sought-after neighbours. But I would hate to think the council’s decision had anything to do with that. That would be pretty disgusting if that’s why.” Service users and staff members alike urged the council to allow them time to demonstrate the effect of the changes, but this time were refused. “We want to carry on with the work we think is necessary: to provide a shelter, food and resources, a point in the right direction, or even just a phone call,” says Jones. The closure of the centre has left many with nowhere to go. impacting negatively upon the local area. Nearby Canongate Kirkyard, a picturesque location popular with tourists, has become equally as popular with the homeless, with reports of antisocial behaviour tarnishing what was once an idyllic spot. Although the withdrawal of funding has meant the closure of the canteen, their other services such as Space 44, a drop-in facility for women, and Supporting People, which supports service users who have moved into tenancy, are still running. The Trust is trying to raise awareness of the Ark’s plight. Members of the public can donate £3.50 to sponsor a meal ticket, and there is discussion of using the building that housed the canteen as a live music venue to raise funds. Hendry said: “The Ark still own the building, but I understand the Mountgrange developers are looking to buy it. They have offered the Ark a likefor-like resource in a brand-new facility on Calton Road as part of the development, and I think it’s a fantastic opportunity. It’s just a shame the money to run the place has been lost. “It’s also unfortunate that the funding was withdrawn and there wasn’t a transition plan,” Hendry adds. “Nobody put extra capacity in place or gave any education to help the vulnerable people. It was just taken away and shut.”

WWW.THEARKTRUST.ORG

The Ark

UNKNOWN PLEASURES, RESIDENTS, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00, £3 (£2)

TROUBLE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Big gay disco to hip hop & broken beats, 17:00, Free

DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE

LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

LGBT

Everyone’s a winner

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI I’m finding it hard to come up w it h a nything terribly LGBTspecific for my editorial this time round; all I’ve got is the reason why I shelved my plans to hitch to Manchester for Get Bent!, the radical queer alternative to Pride. And the reason is Edinburgh festival season. Every year I forget that I’m not bionic, decide that sleep is for the weak, and over-commit myself to films and plays and readings. But I don’t take time out from my day job, either! Because that would be too sensible. And so I do a lot of rushing around, delayed only by tourists who abruptly stop walking for no apparent reason, or who stagger zombie-style into the road when I’m behind the wheel. When people recommend shows to me, I act like I’m actually going to use the information, when actually I’m filing it with all the other things I know I’ll never have time for. Occasionally it occurs to me that it must be weird living in a city where this kind of madness doesn’t take place for a few weeks every year. And so, the prospect of travelling to another crowded exciting place was just too much to bear. Instead, I’m inclined to put several hundred miles between myself and everybody I know. Also, I find myself craving fjords for some reason. So I booked myself a trip to Norway for September. I still get an adventure – I don’t know where I’m going to sleep or what I’m going to do, but this suits me just fine. See you after. /Nine

by Cate Simpson

THE MISS GAY SCOTLAND COMPETITION AIMS TO SUBVERT THE TRADITIONAL BEAUTY CONTEST INTO SOMETHING MUCH MORE EMPOWERING A long time ago, I was named Miss America. Okay, I was nine years old and the contest took place in Spain, and America was just the name of the hotel, but still – the title was mine for a week. And now, despite my clippered hair and refusal to wear skirts, I can be a beauty contestant again, should I find myself so inclined.

diversity rather than to hold participants up to any particular standard. As Leah put it, “There is too much stereotyping [of lesbians and bisexual women]. We want to tell people that it’s okay to be yourself.” This event is in its first year, but I spoke to Jo, who attended a similar event in London two years ago, and whose experience suggests that Leah and Nina might just be successful in this aim: “It was really liberating. I felt carried Yes, 29 September sees the Scottish heat of Miss away with the feeling of unity and sisterhood … Gay UK 2007, the final of which will be held of course someone had to win at the end but there in Brighton in November. It’s was no judgement attached to hard to imagine anything winning. It was an incredibly “THERE IS TOO MUCH more firmly associated with STEREOTYPING. WE WANT supportive atmosphere.” mai nstrea m heterosex ual TO TELL PEOPLE THAT IT’S As for moving away from sterculture than a beauty contest, so it’s interesting that OKAY TO BE YOURSELF.” eotyping, Jo recalls entrants the LGBT community would ranging from an early 20s anchoose to appropriate such an event. We have drogynous girl in a suit, through disabled women, a long history of reclaiming the tools of our op- big women, and women dressed in nothing but pression and alienation, but is there any value in sparkling red stilettos belting out Bonnie Tyler such contests? And is it actually useful to create numbers. All of this is a long way from women a new set of beauty standards for lesbians and bi- teetering on stage in skimpy costumes and gigsexual women? There are those who might worry gling inanely at the compère’s jokes. that every contest must have its agenda, its own set of selection criteria for the one who will be Can something as patriarchal as a beauty conchosen, in this case, to represent “the modern test be successfully reclaimed and turned into a lesbian”. As much as there is power in reclaiming triumphant statement of female empowerment? the institutions of the patriarchy, there are some Perhaps Miss Gay UK will stand as a reminder that were never designed to empower anybody. that what truly is damaging to the cause of femiSo would we do our community a more valuable service by letting these fall by the wayside?

nism is to claim that a woman is being objectified whenever she is sexy and allows other people to delight in her sexiness. The thinking behind this is ‘even if you think you are doing this of your own accord, you are being manipulated by the patriarchy’. Nothing could be less empowering than the suggestion that a woman doesn’t know her own mind. The organisers of Miss Gay UK are expecting an enormous turn-out at their final in Brighton in November. In all likelihood, a month after the event no-one will remember who won. All they will remember is a room full of women who love women, cheering and shouting and confirming unequivocally that there are as many ways of being queer as there are of being human, and that all of them should give us something to celebrate. WWW.MISSGAYUK.CO.UK

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI Leah, who is organising Miss Gay UK with her partner, Nina, is more hopeful, and the event they have designed does seem worlds away from TOP LGBT EVENTS what normally comes to mind when we hear the ERASURE 8 SEPTEMBER, 7:30PM, GLASGOW CARLING ACADEMY, £25 9 SEPTEMBER, 7:30PM, EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE, £25

We’ll be together again, I’ve been waiting for a long time, etc.

LUVVIEBABES

phrase ‘beauty contest’. She points out that the judges are not looking for any particular characteristics or look, but are instructed to assess how confident the participants are with how they choose to represent themselves. There is certainly no swimsuit round; instead, the women are invited to wear whatever outfit most represents them.

19 SEPTEMBER ONWARDS, 7 – 9:30PM LGBT CENTRE FOR HEALTH & WELL-BEING, 9 HOWE ST,

Their intention is to celebrate and encourage

EDINBURGH

This new drop-in drama group run by Edinburgh’s LGBT theatre company begins a 10-week course of workshops. WWW.THELUVVIES.ORG

LADY MUNTER’S VALLEY OF THE DOLLS

TAN LINES

22 SEPTEMBER, SLOANS GRAND BALLROOM, GLASGOW

DIR: ED ALDRIDGE

The trans-anarchic clubnight returns. Wear a nice frock, and thick skin.

STARS: JACK BAXTER, DANIEL O’LEARY, LUCY MINTER

MISS GAY SCOTLAND 29 SEPTEMBER, 10:30PM – 3AM, THE EXCHANGE @ MARCO’S LEISURE CENTRE, 55 GROVE ST, EDINBURGH, £7

The only Scottish heat of Miss Gay UK. WWW.MISSGAYUK.CO.UK

OUT NOW CERT: 15

It’s the summer holidays in small town Australia, where all the kids have to sustain them for weeks on end is a combination of surfing, skateboarding and parties. But sixteen-year-old Midget (Baxter) is looking for something more. When Cass (O’Leary), his best friend’s brother, returns to town four years after leaving under a cloud, Midget is attracted to this exotic prodigal son, and the pair begin a passionate relationship that will teach Midget a few things about life. As gay-themed coming-of-age stories go, Tan Lines is some way from the top of the pile,

COMPETITION

FILM REVIEW certainly nowhere near as strong or emotionally involving as something like Summer Storm, but it at least gives us a group of characters without too much pretension or affectation, elevated by a remarkably mature performance from Baxter. As though sensing the sparseness of his story, writer/director Aldridge tries to dress it up by channelling David Lynch into Home & Away, filling the town with self-consciously quirky supporting characters instead of concentrating on Midget’s journey. As a lead he’s a terrific character, intelligent and sensitive but impudent and forthright at the same time, and why he’s attracted to the selfish and hard to like Cass is initially difficult to gauge. But it soon becomes clear that, amid the soul-crushing provincialism of his existence, Cass represents a lifestyle and a freedom that he’s just never known, and it’s this ideal that he falls for as much as the boy himself. [Paul Greenwood]

GLASGAY! 2007, running from 12 October to 11 November, promises to be one the brightest celebrations of the autumn season. It offers sparkling celebrities, haute couture, gothic drama, evocative music, boutique style musicals, hilarious confessional stand-up comedy, contemporary visual arts and fancy dress party nights. Highlights include Kylie: The Exhibition; a specially commissioned production of Louise Welsh’s novel Tamburlaine Must Die; and the National Theatre of Scotland presentation of Venus as a Boy. Comedy fans will be bowled over with the largesse of the programme, which includes Amy Lamé and Craig Hill. Party nights explore burlesque culture, electro underground dance and downright tongue-in-chic campery. As one of the coolest events in the annual calendar, Glasgay! truly offers entertainment for all ages, tastes and persuasions. THE SKINNY HAVE THE FOLLOWING PRIZES UP FOR GRABS:

- 1 X FIRST PRIZE – 5 STAR PACKAGE 2 nights at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow and complimentary tickets to events over 2 days on dates of choice (value £500) - 1 X SECOND PRIZE – 4 STAR PACKAGE

2 nights at the Fraser Suites in Glasgow and complimentary tickets to events over 2 days on dates of choice (value £300) TO ENTER, JUST ANSWER THIS SIMPLE QUESTION: HOW MUCH ARE KYLIE’S GOLD LAMÉ HOTPANTS ALLEGED TO HAVE COST? A) 50P

Erasure

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

B) £74.99

C) £250

EMAIL ANSWERS BY 21 SEP TO COMPETITIONS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK. NORMAL CONDITIONS APPLY

LGBT

JOINTS & JAMS, RESIDENTS, CUBE, The Longest running

THE SKINNY RECOMMENDS YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS SEBASTIAN, THE BEAT CLUB, Indie, punk, soul & electro-

RnB night in Glasgow, 23:00, £3 (£2)

pop, 21:00, £5 (£4)

from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00, Free NEW FLESH, RESIDENTS, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00, £4, £2 from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm OCTOPUSSY, STUDENTS, THE ARCHES, Bouncy Castle, swimming pool, jacuzzi, wedding chapel, 22:30, £4 POP ROCK-IT, DAVE MULHOLLAND, CATWALK, Mixed Bag, 19:00, Free

22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

MJAM SALSA, CHRIS TRAYNOR, LIPTONS, Salsa classes

SQUARE GO!, NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00, £3

TONGUE IN CHEEK, RESIDENTS, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00, Free

THURS 6 SEP 45 KICKS, ALEX & JOHN, THE BUFF CLUB, New York & underground inspired beats, 23:00, £3 BABAZA, RESIDENTS, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00, £6, free b4 11pm CHIX ON DEX, RESIDENTS, CHINAWHITE, Rock & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, CRAIG MCGEE, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00, Free

FREAKMOVES, FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Play-

erz in the bar, 23:00, £4 (£3)

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

RED & GOLD ROOM, RESIDENTS, ARTA, Soul musak, ROUTE 666, NICOLA WALKER, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00, Free

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

11pm/12.30am with matric

RADIOMAGNETIC, RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, GAZELLE,

IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, THE FLYING DUCK, Bass, percussion & scratching, 21:00, Free

WHITE, House, 22:00, £8 (£5)

TOXIC POP, GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, BAMBOO, House music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00, £5,

free b4 11pm/12.30am students

VIBRATIONS, DJ MINGO-GO & DJ CASIO, CLASSIC GRAND, Electro, 23:00, £6 (£4)

VICE, MARTIN BATE (XFM), THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00, Free

SOUNDHAUS, Breaks, techno, 23:00, £10 (£8)

floor fillers, 21:30, £3

tronic sounds, 20:00, Free

tronica, 21:00, Free

punk, 22:30, £tbc

punk & rock, 16:00, Free

SPANK, RESIDENTS, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, TRICKY DISCO, JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, KARWE LOVE SUNDAYS, JIM DA BEST, BOHO, Party tunes & NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & elec-

SAT 8 SEP ABC SATURDAYS, GERRY LYONS, ABC1,

with house & indie, 23:00, £5

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

BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4

Ska, dub, roots, soca, rocksteady, 20:00, £1

AUTOKRAT, RICHARD MUIR, ALEX FISHER & STU BRAZEWELL, PIVO PIVO, Electrohouse, 20:00, Free BAD ROBOT, LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats,

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

BALLERS SOCIAL CLUB, RUSTIE, ECLAIR FI, DEMA, IVY’S BASEMENT, They say - hyph, schlop hop, crunk, rnb, new

UP THE RACKET, DJ TOAST, FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop,

BON, House, 23:00, £5

ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00, Free SOUL SUNDAYS, PAUL CRAWFORD, FIREWATER, Indie,

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYS- MON 10 SEP BURN, NORMSKI & ZEUS, THE BUFF CLUB, Glasgow institition playing underground classics, TEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free GEORGE BOWIE, CUBE FRIDAYS, Urban tunes from Clyde 23:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers FRESH, RESIDENTS, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue 1, 23:00, £5 (£3)

ABC SATURDAYS, DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH),

THE THURSDAY CLUB, GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE GARAGE, Chart, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP

23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

JUNK, MARKY MARK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00, £3, free with matric 21:00, Free OPTIMO, JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, THE SUB CLUB, MaxiSPARKIES 45S, MARK ROBB, CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, mum eclectic, 23:00, £6 (£5) 20:00, Free STEREODOG, MR. LIVEWIRE & GARY CURLEY, CHINA-

12am

rock, punk, 16:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm ZERO THURSDAYS, DJ NORMSKI, BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30, £3 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00, Free FRI 14 SEP ABC FRIDAYS, EUAN NEILSON, ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. BALLBREAKER, BARRY & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, BEATBOX DJS, DEFCON1 & BRADLEY C, BLOC, Electro, beats, crunk, house, 22:00, Free BOOGIE DOWN, STEWART REID, BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00, £5, free b4 11pm

b4 11pm

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

THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 & BOOM MONK BEN, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul & 11.30pm with matric. motown, 20:00, Free AERIALS DJS, CAH SEE OH, BLOC, Techno, dance & HOMEBREW, TIFF PEACHES, PROVINYLIST KARIM ILL rock, 22:00, Free TECHNIQUE & GROUNDSKEEPER GC, THE SUB CLUB, Hip ARGONAUT SOUNDS, RESIDENTS, THE CAPTAIN’S REST, hop, nasty electro, 23:00, £3, £2 matric. card MIX GENERATOR, DJ FRAMIE, CATWALK, Classic rock, maetal & alternative, 19:00, Free ON DEMAND, DJ EUAN, THE SHED, Requests by text message at this interactive club night, 22:30, £3

boogie next door, 22:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/ 12.30pm with matric

TUES 11 SEP ALL STAR, ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, 11pm/12.30am with matric

FOLK IT!, FOLKS, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00, Free

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

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

BON, Dance, 22:30, £5 (£4)

WED 12 SEP AFTER HOURS, GERRY LYONS, THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00, £3

DELIVERANCE, DJ DEC & COLIN, THE CATHOUSE, Metal,

CAMOUFLAGE, RENNIE PILGRIM, PRO VINYLIST KARIM, COMPUTELOVE, RESIDENTS, THE MIXING ROOMS, ElecELECTROBALL, RESIDENTS, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & FLIRTINI FRIDAYS, JIM DA BEST, BOHO, 21:30, £6 FLUID, LISA LITTLEWOOD, MAS, Funky house, 23:00, £5 FREAKMENOOVERS, RESIDENTS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00, Free

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

HOME OF THE GROOVES, MARK ROBB, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00, £5

HORRORSHOW, CRAIG MCGEE, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

HORSEPOWER PRODUCTIONS, BENNY ILL, THE VIC BAR, Dubstep, 21:00, £tbc

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

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

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

PINUP NIGHTS, TERRY HALL, THE POEMS, NACIONAL, THE FIRESOULS, THE BEAT CLUB, Indie, punk, soul & electropop, 21:00, £5 (£4)

RED & GOLD ROOM, RESIDENTS, ARTA, Soul musak, emo & rock, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm JOINTS & JAMS, RESIDENTS, CUBE, The Longest running ROUTE 666, NICOLA WALKER, CATWALK, 19:00, Free RECORD PLAYERZ, HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, THE VIC DECODANCE, TOM NEVILLE & HUGGY, CLASSIC RnB night in Glasgow, 23:00, £3 (£2) SEISMIC, KAZEY, RUSTIE VS. JACKMASTER, PRO VINYLBAR, Disco electro, 23:00, £4 (£3) GRAND, Glamorous house, 23:00, £8 IST KARIM, BLACKFRIARS, Baltimore club, ghetto house, RUBBERMENSCH, RESIDENTS, ABC2, A night for indie DEFF, FLORIAN MEINDL, CAL GREEN, SCOTT BYRNE, HORRORSHOW, THE GILDED ANGELS, FIREWATER, Johnny Cash Night, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm launch of Dress 2 Sweat, 22:00, £10, £7 b4 12am lovers, 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. CLUB 69, Techno, minimal, 22:30, £8 SKINT, DJ BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, DIVINE!, MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, THE VIC BAR, North- MJAM SALSA, CHRIS TRAYNOR, LIPTONS, Salsa classes SOUND MUSEUM, DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00, Free CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), BREL, Retro soul, ern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5) 21:00, Free THE THURSDAY CLUB, GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, RESIDENTS, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie, NEW FLESH, RESIDENTS, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, SPARKIES 45S, MARK ROBB, CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00, £4, £2 rock & roll, psyche, 23:00, £5 20:00, Free with PIYP from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm GLAMORAMA, LIL RICH, BOHO, 90s house, 80s clasSTEREODOG, MR. LIVEWIRE & GARY CURLEY, CHINAUP THE RACKET, DJ TOAST, FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britOCTOPUSSY, STUDENTS, THE ARCHES, Bouncy Castle, sics, RnB & chart, 21:30, £8 WHITE, House, 22:00, £8 (£5) pop, rock, punk, 16:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm swimming pool, jacuzzi, wedding chapel, 22:30, £4 GROOVEJET, RESIDENTS, MAS, Weekly house & RnB TOXIC POP, GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, BAMZERO THURSDAYS, DJ NORMSKI, BOHO, Funk, electro & mix, 23:00, £7 (£5) POP ROCK-IT, DAVE MULHOLLAND, CATWALK, Mixed BOO, House music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00, £5, free b4 house, 21:30, £3 HANOI ROCKS, CRAIG WILSON, FIREWATER, Indie, rock Bag, 19:00, Free 11pm/12.30am students CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00, Free SQUARE GO!, NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, MAGGIE & britpop, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm VIBRATIONS, DJ MINGO-GO & DJ CASIO, CLASSIC FRI 7 SEP ABC FRIDAYS, EUAN NEILSON, ABC1, Genre HIP DROP, ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, BREL, Funk, soul, elec- MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00, £3 mash-up, 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm TONGUE IN CHEEK, RESIDENTS, BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB GRAND, Electro, 23:00, £6 (£4) tro & disco, 21:00, Free VICE, MARTIN BATE (XFM), THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, InANIMAL FARM, TURTLE & QUAILL, BLOC, House, techno HOME COOKIN’, RESIDENTS, BELO, Urban music show- & indie, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am & electro, 22:00, Free MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock die rock party, 23:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 case, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm 11.30pm with PIYP BALLBREAKER, BARRY & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & HOMEGROWN, STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC & indie, 21:00, Free TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage indie, 21:00, Free metal, 22:30, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am THURS 13 SEP 45 KICKS, ALEX & JOHN, THE BUFF MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, BAMBOO, House and smooth ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSwith PIYP CLUB, New York & underground inspired beats, 23:00, £3 RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am TEM, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free BASEMENT, DJ KAMIKAZI & MR. EYEZ, SOUNDHAUS, BABAZA, RESIDENTS, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, students GEORGE BOWIE, CUBE FRIDAYS, Urban 23:00, £5 (£3) Jacking techno, 22:30, £7 (£6), £5 b4 11.30pm 22:00, £6, free b4 11pm INNER CITY ACID, JOJO DE FREQ, SOUNDHAUS, Eclectic BOOGIE DOWN, STEWART REID, BLUU, Jazz, disco & CHIX ON DEX, RESIDENTS, CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk SAT 15 SEP ABC SATURDAYS, GERRY LYONS, ABC1, dance, 23:00, £9 (£7) Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 house sounds, 22:00, £5, free b4 11pm mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00, £4, free b4 11pm KARBON SATURDAYS, KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN BURLY, DJ MISHKA, THE ARCHES, Gay club, 22:30, £10 CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, CRAIG MCGEE, THE BUTTERFLY 11.30pm with matric. LEE & WOODY, KARBON, House & hip hop classics, ABC SATURDAYS, DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), COMPUTELOVE, RESIDENTS, THE MIXING ROOMS, Elec& THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00, Free 22:30, £tbc ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 tronic sounds, 20:00, Free CLUB TWILIGHT, RESIDENTS, BLOC, Dance, 21:00, Free NU-SCHOOL, RESIDENTS, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh north11.30pm with matric. ELECTROBALL, RESIDENTS, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock ern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics FREAKMOVES, FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, GLASGOW BAD ROBOT, LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, GLAS& punk, 22:30, £tbc Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record PlaySCHOOL OF ART, downstairs, 22:30, £6 GOW SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS, JIM DA BEST, BOHO, Party tunes & floor ROUTE 666, CIARAN O’TOOLE, CATWALK, Classic & cult erz in the bar, 23:00, £4 (£3) £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am fillers, 21:30, £6 FREAKSCENE, JOHN, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, rock, 19:00, Free BEATGLUERADIO, RESIDENTS, 13TH NOTE, 21:00, Free FLUID, LISA LITTLEWOOD, MAS, Funky house, 23:00, £5 SUBCULTURE, HARRI & DOM, THE SUB CLUB, snapshot of 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. DEATH DISCO, THE GLIMMERS, LAZARO CASANOVA, THE FUNKY PRECEDENT, D_FADE, DUNCAN HARVEY FREAKMENOOVERS, RESIDENTS, RUST BAR, Early doors the ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00, £8, THE ARCHES, Eclectic disco, 22:30, £12 & BOOM MONK BEN, SAINT JUDE’S, Hip hop, funk, soul serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00, Free UTTER GUTTER, MADAME S, DJ JAY SIN & SCREAM DECODANCE, KURD MAVERICK, CLASSIC GRAND, Glam& motown, 20:00, Free FREAKMENOOVERS, FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, BLANCLUB, CLASSIC GRAND, Electro, hip hop, punk rock, glam, orous house, 23:00, £8 HOMEBREW, TIFF PEACHES, PROVINYLIST KARIM ILL KET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00, £6 (£4) 23:00, £10 DIVINE!, MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, THE VIC BAR, Northern TECHNIQUE & GROUNDSKEEPER GC, THE SUB CLUB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MARK ROBB, MAGGIE MAYS, VOODOO, RESIDENTS, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5) nasty electro, 23:00, £3, £2 matric. card Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00, £5 with metal, emo & punk, 17:00, £6 (£3) DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, RESIDENTS, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie, HORRORSHOW, CRAIG MCGEE, FIREWATER, Indie, rock, JUSTICE, PAUL THOMPSON, BUSY P, THE ARCHES, Tech- MIX GENERATOR, DJ FRAMIE, CATWALK, Classic rock, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00, £5 maetal & alternative, 19:00, Free punk, electro, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm no, party pop electro, 22:30, £12 DOTDASH, BRIAN MCGILL, THE ADMIRAL, Rock n roll, new ON DEMAND, DJ EUAN, THE SHED, Requests by text INFEXIOUS, LADY DANA, WILLIAM DANIEL, MARK DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, 21:00, Free wave, psyche & soul, 23:00, £5 (£4) message at this interactive club night, 22:30, £3 DOC, ACID FAIRY, CLUB CLINIC, Techno, hardstyle, BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, GLAMORAMA, LIL RICH, BOHO, 90s house, 80s classics, PLASTIC FUNK, MARK ROBB, TANIA & FRIENDS, BAMschranz, 21:00, £10 22:30, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP RnB & chart, 21:30, £8 NOJ, RESIDENTS, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, DJ NAEEM & MIRRIRBAW, CHINAWHITE, Main room RnB BOO, Funk, soul & rock n roll, 22:30, £4 (£3), free b4 GROOVEJET, RESIDENTS, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 11pm/12.30am with matric 23:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric. & classics, funky house in the Mao room, 22:00, £10 23:00, £7 (£5) RADIOMAGNETIC, RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, GAZELLE, NUMBERS VS. MONOX, SURGEON, FASTGRAPH, THE PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free HANOI ROCKS, CRAIG WILSON, FIREWATER, Indie, rock & SUB CLUB, Techno, 23:00, £12 PAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSOR- Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00, Free britpop, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm RECORD PLAYERZ, HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, THE VIC OLD SCHOOL, GORDIE & JACK, THE BUFF CLUB, Old LEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00, Free HIP DROP, ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, BREL, Funk, soul, electro school tunes, 22:30, £6 SUN 9 SEP CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, DJ RICH- BAR, Disco electro, 23:00, £4 (£3) & disco, 21:00, Free RUBBERMENSCH, RESIDENTS, ABC2, A night for indie OOFT PRECLUB, ALI & GRAEME (SKYROCKET), TERMI- ARD LEVINSON, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00, £5 (£3) HOME COOKIN’, RESIDENTS, BELO, Urban music showlovers, 23:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric. NAL BAR, Electronic/dub, 21:00, Free COLD NIGHT SONG, RESIDENTS, THE GOAT, Guests & case, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm SKINT, DJ BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, ONE MORE TIME, DJ CHIKUMA, BLACKFRIARS, Electro, DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00, Free HOMEGROWN, STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP 22:00, £4 (£2) DISCO BADGER, DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, BAMBOO, House and RnB, jazz & SUB CLUB & OOFT! CLUB…, SINDEN, OOFT DJS, THE PINUP NIGHTS, MYSTERY JETS, ACRYLIC IQON, SAN BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other funk, 21:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students SUB CLUB, House, electro, garage, 23:00, £5, £3 b4 Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00, Free

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

age thump thump & that club, 22:00, Free DISTORTION, SEWELLY, BLACKFRIARS, 22:00, £4

LGBT

GLASGOW CLUBS

LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

EDINBURGH COMEDY

TAWSE, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £12.00

JASON ROUSE; JOHN SIMMIT; DAVE JOHNS; BRENDAN RILEY, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £14.00

SUN 2 SEP JIM MCCUE PLUS MORE TBC, THE SUN-

DAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, , 20:30, £5/£4/£1 MON 3 SEP SIAN BEVAN; VINCE FLUKE, RED RAW, THE STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material,

20:30, £2.00

TUES 4 SEP SARAH MILLICAN; AL KENNEDY,

WICKED WENCHES, , Hosted by Susan Calman, 20:30,

£6/£4/£3

SAT 8 SEP CHRIS CAIRNS; BRENDAN DEMPSEY;

SAT 15 SEP DAVE WILLIAMS; PHIL WALKER; IAN

SANDY NELSON; ROGER D, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

COPPINGER; SEAN MEO, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £14.00

PARROT; MAT REED; ANDY MCPARTLAND; PAUL BETIAN COPPINGER; GARY LITTLE; VINCE FLUKE; MICK NEY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Vladimir McTavish, SERGEANT, THE STAND, THE STAND, , 21:00, £12.00 SUN 9 SEP VINCE FLUKE; PLUS MORE TBC, THE SUN- 21:00, £12.00 DAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, , Hosted by Joe Heenan, 20:30, SUN 16 SEP MAT REED; ANDY MCPARTLAND, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, Hosted by David £5/£4/£1 MON 10 SEP VINCE ATTA; ANDY SIR, RED RAW, THE Kay, 20:30, £5/£4/£1 MON 17 SEP SCOTT AGNEW, RED RAW, THE STAND, STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material, 20:30, £2.00

TUES 11 SEP SKETCH TROUPE, MELTING POT, THE STAND, Performances of various sketches by new writers,

20:30, £5/£4/£2.50

THUR 6 SEP IAN COPPINGER; GARY LITTLE; VINCE FLUKE; MICK SERGEANT, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE

the alliance for Rabies Control, 20:30, £7/£5

WED 19 SEP TBA, BENEFIT, THE STAND, Benefit in aid of The Rock Trust, 20:30, £7/£5

CHRIS ROCHE, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Host-

THURS 13 SEP PARROT; MAT REED; ANDY MCPART- ed by Joe Heenan, 21:00, £7/£6/£3 LAND, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by FRI 21 SEP MIKE WILKINSON; MICK FERRY; CRAIG STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson, 21:00, £7/£6/£3 Vladimir McTavish, 21:00, £7/£6/£3 HILL; KARL SPAIN, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY FRI 7 SEP CHRIS CAIRNS; BRENDAN DEMPSEY; FRI 14 SEP DAVE WILLIAMS; PHIL WALKER; IAN CLUB, , 19:00, £11.00 SANDY NELSON; ROGER D, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COPPINGER; SEAN MEO, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS ANDY ROBINSON; JOHN GILLICK; KEVIN PRECIOUS; COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £11.00 COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £11.00 CHRIS ROCHE, THE STAND, THE STAND, , 21:00, £9/£8/£5 FRI 7 SEP IAN COPPINGER; GARY LITTLE; VINCE PARROT; MAT REED; ANDY MCPARTLAND; PAUL BET- SAT 22 SEP MIKE WILKINSON; MICK FERRY; CRAIG FLUKE; MICK SERGEANT, THE STAND, THE STAND, , 21:00, NEY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Vladimir McTavHILL; KARL SPAIN, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY £8/£5

SAT 1 SEP TOM STADE; STEVE CUMMINS; VINCE FLUKE; KEITH ANDERSON, THE STAND, THE STAND, , 21:00, £12.00

JOHN WARBUTON; DOM CARROLL; PAUL KERENSA; REX BOYD, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £15.00

SUN 2 SEP VINCE FLUKE; PLUS MORE TBC, MI-

CHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND,

Hosted by Michael Redmond, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 3 SEP RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE;

ALLEN CHALMERS, DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE,

, All round crowd pleaser from the improv boys, 20:30,

£4.00

This month it’s The Skinny’s pleasure to showcase the work of one of our regular contributors; photographer and all round nice-guy Jack Waddington. Jack has been taking photos for the magazine since its early days, his experiences with The Skinny allowing him to develop the distinctive style that is exhibited in his recent work. Over the years Jack has built up an impressive body of work, exploring his interest in human relations and interactions, particularly within the late night environment of the clubbing scene. Jack has a particular interest in youth culture, his enthusiasm and affection for his subject matter shining through in his vibrant and energetic images, an energy that springs from his open armed participation within the scene that he documents. A driven and creative person, Jack continues to explore his craft with the sort of wide-eyed enthusiasm and careful talent that will surely see him moving down to London, adopting a name like “Neon’ and demanding a 6-figure sum per picture in no time. Just remember where it all started Jack! For our showcase Jack exhibits a collection of images from this year’s T in the Park. JACK WILL BE EXHIBITING WORK IN THE BONGO CLUB, 37 HOLYROOD ROAD, EDINBURGH, THROUGHOUT OCTOBER FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY FOR THE SKINNY SHOWCASE, CONTACT CHARLOTTE@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

THE STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material,

20:30, £2/£1

WED 5 SEP SARAH MILLICAN; AL KENNEDY,

WICKED WENCHES, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Cal-

man, 20:30, £6/£4/£3

THUR 6 SEP VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; SARAH MIL-

GLASGOW COMEDY

WWW.KDY-SIDE.COM

LICAN; PATRICK ROLINK, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE

STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 20:30, £7/£6/£3

FRI 7 SEP STU WHO?; ALFIE JOEY; ANTHONY KING;

TONY LAW, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £12.00

VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; SARAH MILLICAN; PATRICK ROLINK, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

SAT 8 SEP STU WHO?; ALFIE JOEY; ANTHONY KING;

TONY LAW, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £15.00

VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; SARAH MILLICAN; PATRICK ROLINK, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £12.00

SUN 9 SEP SARAH MILLICAN; PATRICK ROLINK,

MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, , Hosted by

Michael Redmond, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 10 SEP RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE;

ALLEN CHALMERS, DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE,

THE STAND, All round crowd pleaser from the improv boys,

20:30, £4.00

TUES 11 SEP PHIL DIFFER; STEVEN DICK, RED RAW, THE STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material,

SAT 1 SEP ABC SATURDAYS, GERRY LYONS, ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

ABC SATURDAYS, DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00, £7 (£5), free b4

11.30pm with matric.

ALL TORE UP, RESIDENTS, BLACKFRIARS, 50s rock & roll record hop, 22:00, £5

BACK IN THE DAY, STEPHEN BROWN, DAN MONOX, TERRY & JASON, BIG DADDY DAZ, SOUNDHAUS, Under-

GLASGOW CLUBS

JACK WADDINGTON

TUES 4 SEP SIAN BEVAN; VINCE FLUKE, RED RAW,

ground old skool music, 23:00, £10 (£8)

BAD ROBOT, LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats,

23:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am COLOURS, SASHA, THE ARCHES, Progressive house, breaks, techno, 22:00, £tbc

DECODANCE, SHOVELL, JAMES PARKER & JAY BARKER, CLASSIC GRAND, Glamorous house, 23:00, £8 DIVINE!, MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00, £6 (£5)

DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, RESIDENTS, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00, £5

GLAMORAMA, LIL RICH, BOHO, 90s house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30, £8

GROOVEJET, RESIDENTS, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00, £7 (£5)

HANOI ROCKS, CRAIG WILSON, FIREWATER, Indie, rock

www.skinnymag.co.uk

ish, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

20:30, £2/£1

WED 12 SEP SKETCH TROUPE, ROUGH CUTS, THE STAND, Showcase of best comedy material from the

CLUB, , 19:00, £14.00

RED RAW, THE STAND, Best of beginners and raw material on the cheap!, 20:30, £2.00

Devlin, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

28-SEP, BRUCE MORTON; KEVIN HAYES; PAUL PIRIE; DEBRA-JANE APPLEBY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted

by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

MICHAEL LEGGE; STEVEN GRIBBIN; BENNETT ARRON, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £11.00 SAT 29 SEP BRUCE MORTON; KEVIN HAYES; PAUL PIRIE; DEBRA-JANE APPLEBY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £12.00

MICHAEL LEGGE; STEVEN GRIBBIN; BENNETT ARRON, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £14.00 SUN 30 SEP TONY CARTER; PAUL PIRIE, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

BUMPER VALUE COMEDY, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, MAGGIE MAY’ S, Featuring Des Clark and Neil MacFarlane,

of Limmy, 22:00, £8/£7

21:00, £6/£5

ROB ROUSE; JOE HEENAN, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

Young, gifted and funny, 22:00, £8.00

CARL HUTCHINSON, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND,

COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £12.00

FRI 14 SEP MIKE MILLIGAN; TOM STADE; DOUGIE DUNLOP; ARNAB CHANDA, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

MON 24 SEP GRAEME THOMAS; MICHAEL FABBRI,

ARS BASEMENT, Another chance to catch the strangeness

FRI 21 SEP RAYMOND MEARNS; SEAN COLLINS;

Hosted by Joe Heenan, 20:30, £7/£6/£3

Dick, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

LIMMY’S SHOW, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, BLACKFRI-

Comedy Unit, 20:30, £5/4/£2.50

THURS 13 SEP TONY LAW; PETE CAIN; PHIL DIFFER;

ANDY ROBINSON; JOHN GILLICK; KEVIN PRECIOUS; CHRIS ROCHE, THE STAND, THE STAND, , 21:00, £12.00 SUN 23 SEP KEVIN PRECIOUS; PLUS MORE TBC, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Steven

WED 26 SEP SANDY NELSON; STEVEN DICK; PHIL DIFFER, BEST OF SCOTTISH, THE STAND, , 20:30, £6.00 THURS 27 SEP KEVIN HAYES; TONY CARTER; PAUL Best of beginners and raw material on the cheap!, 20:30, PIRIE, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce £2.00

WED 5 SEP , THE STAND IMPROV, THE STAND, Presum- WED 12 SEP TBC, BENEFIT, THE STAND, Benefit in aid of THUR 20 SEP ANDY ROBINSON; JOHN GILLICK; ably improvisations, 20:30, £5/£2.5

LISTINGS

SAT 1 SEP BRENDAN DEMPSEY; JIM MCCUE; GUS

SMELL YER MAW!, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, LAURIE’S

KEVIN BRIDGES, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, TRON,

SUN 23 SEP COMEDY COACH TOUR, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, BELL STREET/ WALL STREET, Hosted by come-

ACOUSTIC ROOM, Stand up and sketches from Billy Kirkwood and Austin Low, 19:30, £6/£5

dian Alan Anderson, 14:00, £8/£6/£4

MAY’ S, Chav comedy from the wee man, 19:45, £6.00

contestants to win favour of the celebrity judging panel,

THE RAMSHORN THEATRE, Hosted by Viv Gee and featuring

mond, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

SCOTTISH COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, OLD FRUITMARKET, Des Clark introduces eight

COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £12.00

THE WEE MAN, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, MAGGIE

20:30, £9/£8/£5

IMPROBABBLE, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, BRUNSWICK 20:00, £12/£10 JOHN GILLICK; MIKE NEWALL, MICHAEL REDMOND’S HOTEL, , 20:00, £4/£3 SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND, Hosted by Michael RedCOMEDY CLASS ACTS, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL,

TONY LAW; PETE CAIN; PHIL DIFFER; CARL HUTCHINSON, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan,

SAT 15 SEP MIKE MILLIGAN; TOM STADE; DOUGIE DUNLOP; ARNAB CHANDA, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £15.00

TONY LAW; PETE CAIN; PHIL DIFFER; CARL HUTCHINSON, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan, 21:00, £12.00

SUN 16 SEP PETE CAIN; PHIL DIFFER, MICHAEL

REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND, Hosted by

Mark Nelson and You Owe Me Glue, 20:00, £8/£6

ANVIL SPRINGSTIEN; STEPHEN CARLIN; MIKE NEWALL; WOODY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by

TUES 25 SEP SUSAN CALMAN; PAUL PIRIE, RED RAW, THE STAND, Best of beginners and raw material on the

cheap!, 20:30, £2/£1

WED 26 SEP COLIN MURPHY; MAEVE HIGGINS, BUMPER VALUE COMEDY, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, BEST OF IRISH COMEDY, THE STAND, Hosted by Kevin Bruce Devlin, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

MAGGIE MAY’ S, Featuring Des Clark and Neil MacFarlane,

Hayes, 20:30, £7/£6

21:00, £6/£5

ALLEN CHALMERS, DANCE MONKEY BOY DANCE,

THURS 27 SEP PHIL WALKER; GEOFF BOYZ; ANDY ASKINS; PATRICK ROLINK, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS

ACOUSTIC ROOM, Unassuming and topical comedy from

COMEDY CLUB, , 19:00, £8.00

THE STAND, All round crowd pleaser from the improv boys,

the cynical Teddy, 21:30, £5.00

Michael Redmond, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 17 SEP RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE; 20:30, £4.00

TUES 18 SEP TBA, RED RAW, THE STAND, Best of beginners and raw material on the cheap!, 20:30, £2/£1 WED 19 SEP TBA, BENEFIT, THE STAND, Benefit in aid of Childline Scotland, 20:30, £7/£5

THUR 20 SEP ANVIL SPRINGSTIEN; STEPHEN CARLIN; MIKE NEWALL; WOODY, THE THURSDAY SHOW,

THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 20:30, £7/£6/£3

STAND UP DRINK UP!, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, LAURIE’ S ACOUSTIC ROOM, Not for the faint hearted; 5 bars,

many comedians, 19:30, £8/£6

LIMMY’S SHOW, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, Limmy’s back home with his Fringe show,

20:00, £8/£7

THE GRAND COMEDY GONG SHOW, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, MAGGIE MAY’S, Be judge and jury and cause comedic misery, 21:00, £2.00

& britpop, 12:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm HIP DROP, ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00, Free HOME COOKIN’, RESIDENTS, BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00, £7, free b4 11pm

TEDDY BARES, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, LAURIE’S GARY TANK COMMANDER, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, TRON, Character comedy about the finer points of life in Iraq, 22:00, £8.00

JOE HEENAN, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB,

, 19:00, £15.00

FRED MACAULAY, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, OLD FRUITMARKET, Witty musings from the radio and TV come-

dian, 19:30, £13/£11

THE WEE MAN, MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL, MAGGIE MAY’ S, Chav comedy from the wee man, 19:45, £6.00

ANVIL SPRINGSTIEN; STEPHEN CARLIN; MIKE NEWALL; WOODY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by

with metal, emo & punk, 17:00, £6 (£3) RESIDENTS, BLOC, Aerials DJs, 21:00, Free DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, 21:00, Free BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP DJ NAEEM & MIRRIRBAW, CHINAWHITE, Main room RnB

28-SEP, SIMON FOX; GEOFF BOYZ; ANDY ASKINS;

£9/£8/£5

SAT 29 SEP SIMON FOX; GEOFF BOYZ; ANDY

ASKINS; PHIL WALKER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY

CLUB, , 19:00, £15.00

COLIN MURPHY; STEVEN DICK; MAEVE HIGGINS, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson, 20:30, £12.00

SUN 30 SEP KEVIN BRIDGES; NIALL BROWNE, MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND

Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £12.00 & classics, funky house in the Mao room, 22:00, £10 PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00, Free

WE LOVE SUNDAYS, JIM DA BEST, BOHO, Party tunes &

PAUL CAWLEY & KARIM THE PRO-VINYLIST, MACSOR-

NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & elec-

LEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00, Free

tronica, 21:00, Free

ﬂoor fillers, 21:30, £3

SUN 2 SEP CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, DJ RICH- MON 3 SEP BURN, NORMSKI & ZEUS, THE BUFF CLUB,

RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00, Free DISCO BADGER, DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, students BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other KARBON SATURDAYS, KEV MCFARLANE, STEPHEN LEE & WOODY, KARBON, hip hop classics, 22:30, £tbc boogie next door, 22:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/ 12.30pm with matric NU-SCHOOL, RESIDENTS, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northIT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, THE FLYern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics ING DUCK, Bass, percussion & scratching, 21:00, Free downstairs, 22:30, £6 ROUTE 666, CIARAN O’TOOLE, CATWALK, Classic & cult b4 11pm JUNK, MARKY MARK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featurrock, 19:00, Free SUBCULTURE, DERRICK CARTER, THE SUB CLUB, Disco & ing live percussion by Duffy, 23:00, £3, free with matric OPTIMO, JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, THE SUB CLUB, Maxihouse classics set, 23:00, £8, £5 b4 12am mum eclectic, 23:00, £6 (£5) VEGAS, RESIDENTS, THE RENFREW FERRY, Retro, lounge,

VOODOO, RESIDENTS, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club

20:30, £7/£6/£3

PHIL WALKER, JONGLEURS, JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, , CITY FESTIVAL, BELL STREET/ WALL STREET, Hosted by come- 19:00, £12.00 COLIN MURPHY; STEVEN DICK; MAEVE HIGGINS, dian Alan Anderson, 14:00, £8/£6/£4 THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson, 20:30, RAYMOND MEARNS; SEAN COLLINS; ROB ROUSE;

SAT 22 SEP COMEDY COACH TOUR, MERCHANT

HOMEGROWN, STEVIE SOLE MIDDLETON, DOMENIC ARD LEVINSON, BLANKET, RnB, 23:00, £5 (£3) COLD NIGHT SONG, RESIDENTS, THE GOAT, Guests & MARTIN & SCOTTIE B, BAMBOO, House and smooth

swing, ratpack, 21:30, £9 (£7)

COLIN MURPHY; STEVEN DICK; MAEVE HIGGINS, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson,

Glasgow institition playing underground classics, 23:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers FRESH, RESIDENTS, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00, £5

TUES 4 SEP ALL STAR, ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop, 22:00, £4 (£2), free b4

11pm/12.30am with matric

FOLK IT!, FOLKS, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00, Free

ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00, Free T.I.T., LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, KARSOUL SUNDAYS, PAUL CRAWFORD, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock, 16:00, Free

BON, Dance, 22:30, £5 (£4)

23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00, £3

SPANK, RESIDENTS, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance,

WED 5 SEP AFTER HOURS, GERRY LYONS, THE BUFF

TRICKY DISCO, JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, KAR-

DELIVERANCE, DJ DEC & COLIN, THE CATHOUSE, Metal,

BON, House, 23:00, £5

emo & rock, 23:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

LISTINGS ARTS

THE SKINNY RECOMMENDS YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS

ART DE CAF (BRUNSWICK ST),GROUP

17:00(sun),late,Tue-Sun,Free

trained artists living in Scotland,02.08/07,20/9/ 07,10:00,10:00,Mon-Sun,Free

DEMIDOV,MAX DEMIDOV IN COLOURS,Paintings

SHOW,FURINERS,the cream of internationally

THE BURRELL COLLECTION,GROUP

SHOW,17TH CENTURY SAMPLERS,Embroidered samplers from Sir William Burrell’s wonderful collection of British embroideries,,30/9/07,10:00(mon,thur,sat)/ 11:00(Fri/Sun),17:00,Mon-Sun,Free

CARNIVAL ARTS CENTRE,FESTIVAL

CLUB,GROUP SHOW,Scottish-based artists who cre-

GLASGOW ARTS

ated work in residency at the Chandrasevana Centre, Sri-Lanka. Features Guyan Porter and Ian Smith,20/9/ 07,23/9/07,21:00,02:00,Thur-Sun,£5

CCA ,DAVID ROKEBY,SILICON REMEMBERS

CARBON,retrospective of the pioneering artist who works with new technologies,4/8/07,15/9/07,11:00 AM,18:00,Mon-Fri,Free

COLLINS GALLERY,IAIN CLARK,CAPTURE,M anipulated travel images,25/8/07,29/9/07,10:00(MonSat), 12:00(Sat),17:00(Mon-Fri), 16:00(Sat),MonSat,Free

COMPASS GALLERY,GROUP SHOW,ANNUAL

GALLERY COSSACHOCK,MAX

AMBER ROOME, RICHARD STRACHAN,

SOLO SHOW, Examining the constructed environment

through a unique geometric language, 6/9/07, 4/10/07, Tue-Sat, 11:00, 18:00, Free

ANALOGUE, MICROBO & BO130, COMPLE-

MENTARY, new paintings, drawings and prints by the

Milan based designers and illustrators, 3/9/07, 2/9/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00, 17:30, Free

ATTICSALT, HIDEKO INOUE AND FRIDE KLYK-

KEN, PATTERN RECOGNITION, explores the patterns that define and chart family ties through generations, 25/7/07, 1/9/07, Mon-Sat, 11:00, 18:00, Free

THE BONGO CLUB, Interesting,

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

BOURNE FINE ART , GROUP SHOW, VOYAGE - SCOTTISH ARTISTS ABROAD, From Cosmo Alexan-

der in the American Colonies through to the colourists in France, 3/8/07, 1/9/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00(Mon-Fri), 11:00(Sat), 18:00(Mon-Fri), 16:00(Sat), Free

CITY ART CENTRE, GROUP SHOW, HEART,

HAND AND SOUL, The Arts and Crafts Movement in Scotland. Includes work by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Phoebe Traquair, 30/6/06, 23/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00/12:00(sun), 17:00, £5(£3.50) VARIOUS, BEYOND APPEARANCES, Painting and Picturing in Scottish Modern and Contemporary Art, 30/6/07, 23/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00/12:00(sun), 17:00, Free VARIOUS, VIEW FROM THE INSIDE, Exploring the world of the interior, 4/4/07, 21/10/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00/12:00(sun), 17:00, Free

GLASGOW GALLERY OF MODERN ART,RODERICK BUCHANAN,HISTRIONICS,A

HUNTERIAN,GROUP SHOW,STARS,a collection of

PROJECT ABILITY (GALLERY 1, CDA),GROUP SHOW,MAGICAL LANDSCAPES,Work

Mackintosh’s drawings, designs and watercolours,15/6/ 07,4/9/07,09:30,17:30,Mon-Sat,£3 (£2)

created by artists using the Wasps studios,2/8/07,21/9/ 07,10:00,17:00,Mon-Fri,Free

THE LIGHTHOUSE,GROUP

PROJECT ABILITY (GALLERY 2, TRONGATE),PAUL DUFFUS,TRANSITION,New solo

response to GoMA’s social justice programme addressing sectarianism and related issues,5/4/07,28/10/ 07,10:00(mon-thu)/11:00(fri-sun),17:00(fri-wed)/ 20:00(thur),Mon-Sun,Free

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART,GROUP

SHOW,TERRA NOVA IV,The best work from the recent degree show,30/6/07,1/9/07,10:00,21:00(Mon-Thur), 19:00(Fri), 17:00(Sat, Sun),Mon-Sun,Free

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART,IAIN HETHER-

SHOW,SHIFTS,Focusing on the zone which stretches

between and connects Scotland’s two major cities,18/8/07,14/10/07,10:30(mon,wed-sat)/11:00(tue)/ 12:00(sun),17:00,Mon-Sun,£3(£1.50)

THE LIGHTHOUSE,DESIGN AND BUILD,SIX STUDENT AWARDS,the future stars of Scottish

architecture,18/8/07,4/11/07,10:30(mon,wed-sat)/ 11:00(tue)/12:00(sun),17:00,Mon-Sun,£3(£1.50)

INGTON AND LYNN HIND,EMERGENT ARTISTS,Work by LILLIE ART GALLERY,GROUP SHOW,INSPIRED,I up-and-coming talent,17/8/07,15/9/07,10:00,21:00(Mon- nvestigating artists’ inspiration through the work of five Thur), 19:00(Fri), 17:00(Sat, Sun),Mon-Sun,Free women artists,7/7/07,26/9/07,10:00,17:00,Tue-Sat,Free

GLASGOW SCULPTURE STUDIOS,ALEX

HOUSE FOR AN ART LOVER,GROUP

LILLIE ART GALLERY,GROUP SHOW,SCOTTISH

GLASS SOCIETY,Beautiful and varied work,25/8/07,26/ 9/07,10:00,17:00,Tue-Sat,Free

MONO,AUSTIN OSMAN SPARE,ZOS

SPEAKS,Previously unseen artwork by the influential occultist - recommended,29/8/07,29/9/ 07,12:00,00:00(Sun-Thur), 01:00(Fri, Sat),MonSun,Free

SHOW,GROUP SHOW,A new show different each

OLD FRUITMARKET,HUGH WATT,SUNDAY

prints, 15 drawings and 10 illustrated books, 14/7/07, 23/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free GEORGES HUGNET, SOLO SHOW, over 100 books, papers and collages that Hugnet, a very active surrealist, was involved in, 21/8/07, 23/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

Bronzes, textiles and masks from West Africa, 26/7/07, 16/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 18:00, Free

DOGGERFISHER, NATHAN COLEY, SOLO

SHOW, Examining how the values of a society are reflected in and determined by its built environment, 27/7/07, 15/9/07, Wed-Sat, 11:00(wed-fri)/12:00(sat), 18:00(wed-fri)17:00(sat), Free

EDINBURGH COLLEGE OF ART, GROUP

SHOW, WARHOL ON FILM, Offering rare glimpses into his art and life plus Ric Burns’ epic Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film, 4/8/07, 9/9/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free GROUP SHOW, NO MORE STARS, New work by international, established, emerging and new artists, 4/8/07, 9/9/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free

EDINBURGH PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, GROUP SHOW, INTERNATIONAL PHOTOG-

RAPHY, prints by over 200 photographers worldwide,

5/8/07, 2/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00(Mon-Sat), 13:00(Sun), 20:00(Mon-Sat, 17:00(Sun), £3(£2)

EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS, WILLIAM KENTRIDGE, SOLO SHOW, prints never shown in Scotland

before, plus documentary film, 21/7/07, 8/9/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free

GROUP SHOW, NEW COMMISSIONS FROM EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS, the latest work of some of Scotland’s leading contemporary artists, 22/9/07, 3/10/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free

pictures elegantly installed in a disused warehouse off Barony Street, 10/8/07, 2/9/07, Mon-Sun, 11:00, 18:00, Free

HEART GALLERY, GROUP SHOW, FORTY YEARS AGO TODAY, Experiments in art and society from the

summer of love, 3/8/07, 1/9/07, Fri-Mon, 14:00, 18:00, Free

I2, GROUP SHOW, FRENCH CONNECTION IV, etchings, lithographs and screenprints by Picasso, Braque, Chagall, Miro and more, 11/8/07, 5/9/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00, 18:00(mon-fri)/16:00(sat), Free

INGLEBY GALLERY, FRANCESCA WOODMAN AND RICHARD SERRA, DUAL SHOW, Incredible photographs and a wee bit of minimalism, 25/8/07, 6/9/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 17:00, Free

INSTITUT FRANÇAIS D’ECOSSE, HERVÉ

SENTUCQ, PHOTOGRAPHY, timeless images of the

INVERLEITH HOUSE, WILLIAM EGGLESTON,

PORTRAITS, the leading and most influential colour photographer of the 20th century, 28/7/07, 14/10/07, TueSun, 10:00, 17:30, Free

ROSIRA MCKENZIE AND LARA LATCHAM, TWO VOICES - BOTANY BEHIND THE SCENES, Photographs

by a blind artist plus work that investigates botanical research, 28/7/07, 14/10/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:30, Free

NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND,

ship between performance and visual art, 2707/2007, 15/9/07, Tue-Sat, 12:00 PM, 17:00, Free

to 2007 and featuring works by well established artists such as Barbara Rae, Calum Colvin and Moyna Flannigan, 22/9/07, 3/10/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 18:00, Free

associated with Blake, 4/8/07, 4/11/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 18:00, Free

EMBASSY GALLERY, ADAM MCLEAN, AL-

SOLO SHOW, PICASSO: FIRED WITH PASSION, an

EDINBURGH ARTS

beneath the facade of consumer culture, 17/8/07, 4/10/07, Tue-Sat, 11:00 AM, 16:30, Free

DANISH CULTURAL INSTITUTE, GROUP

SHOW, CONTEMPORARY DANISH ART AND CERAMIC DESIGN, Works by contemporary Danish artists plus work by Danish ceramic artists, 6/8/07, 28/9/07, Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM, 17:00(Mon-Thur), 15:00(Fri), Free LISE NØRHOLM, SOLO SHOW, focuses on the link between image, text and paper, using materials such as gouache, tape and labels on paper, 6/8/07, 28/9/07, Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM, 17:00(Mon-Thur), 15:00(Fri), Free

DEAN GALLERY, PABLO PICASSO, PICASSO ON PAPER, 100 of Picasso’s works, including 65

CHEMY, “Dedicated to all who are curious about this mortal coil & beyond”, 4/8/07, 2/9/07, Thur-Sun, 12:00, 18:00, Free

ESU GALLERY (23 ATHOLL CRESCENT), IAN ASTLEY, EILLIDH BAXTER, CLAIRE FOOTTIT AND AMANDA GILLIES, RADIANT IMAGE, Photographic

angles on Scotland, East Asia and Africa, highlighting the way we see the world around us, 27/8/07, 2/9/07, Mon-Sun, 11:00, 20:00(Mon-Sat), 18:00(Sun), Free

FRUITMARKET GALLERY, ALEX HARTLEY,

SOLO SHOW, an original analysis of architecture

and its relationship to landscape, 27/7/07, 21/10/07, Mon-Sun, 11:00(mon-sat)/12:00(sun), 18:00(monsat)17:00(sun), Free

GALERIE MIRAGES, GROUP SHOW, DOGON,

Q! GALLERY,DANI MARTI,SOLO SHOW,Solo Show,20/9/07,23/9/07,11:00,17:00,Thur-Sun,Free

RECOAT GALLERY,VARIOUS ARTISTS,RECOAT REFRESH,Artists include Lucy Mcleod among many others (see preview in art section),24/8/07,26/9/ 07,12:00,20:00,Tue-Sun,Free

RECOAT GALLERY,VARIOUS ARTISTS,GROUP SHOW,Group show in which no work will be priced at more than £40,28/9/07,TBC,12:00,20:00,Tue-Sun,Free

SORCHA DALLAS,CLARE STEPHENSON,SOLO SHOW,Solo show,18/8/07,22/9/07,11:00,17:00,TueSat,Free

STREET LEVEL PHOTOWORKS,ALAN DIM-

MICK & STEVE MCQUEEN,UNIMPROVED,a selection of new and archival work by the Glasgow artists,20/8/07,22/ 9/07,12:00,17:00,Thur-Sat,Free

PIZZA EXPRESS (HOLYROOD), ORIGINS, TREVOR JONES, Charity exhibition in aid of The Sick Kids Thur), 10:30 (Fri, Sat), Free

QUEEN’S GALLERY, VARIOUS ARTISTS, THE ART OF NATURAL HISTORY IN THE AGE OF DISCOVERY, Amazing inquiries into nature in collaboration with Sir David Attenborough, 2/3/07, 16/9/07, Mon-Sun, 09:30, 18:00, £5 (£4.50)

ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY, IAN MC-

CULLOCH., SOLO SHOW, Looking at the development and reworking of recurring themes in a career spanning some 40 years, 3/8/07, 30/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00/19:00(thur), Free ANDY WARHOL, SOLO SHOW, the first major show in Scotland to look at a wide range of Warhol’s subjects, themes and media, 4/8/07, 7/10/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 18:00, £8(£6)

ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY LIBRARY,

GROUP SHOW, THE CURIOUS EYE: DRAWING FROM

Scottish Highlands (closed 7 July - 4 Aug), 5/8/07, 1/9/07, NATURE, a group show of RSA members and invited artists whose work looks to nature for inspiration, 1/9/07, Mon-Sat, 09:30, 18:30(Mon-Fri, 14:00(Sat), Free 27/9/07, Mon, 10:00, 17:00/19:00(thur), Free

GROUP SHOW, 40 YEARS OF PRINTMAKING FROM EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS, PART 2, Covering 1987

CORN EXCHANGE GALLERY, FRANCES RICHARDSON, INTERNUS, sculptural wors that delve

show,2/8/07,21/9/07,10:00,17:00,Mon-Fri,Free

THE GREY GALLERY, JOCK MCFADYEN, PIC- Friends Foundation. Buy a painting and help a worthy TURES OF SCOTLAND, a selection of his smaller Scottish cause, 26/7/07, 6/9/07, Mon-Sun, 12:00, 10:00(Sun-

COLLECTIVE GALLERY, GROUP SHOW, THE COMIC BOOK PROJECT, exploring the relation-

lation projected onto multiple screens, observing the movements of families as they make their way through the Sunday market in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka,22/9/07,23/ 9/07,13:00,17:00,Sat-Sun,Free

PLEASURES,Dr William Hunter’s art collection, including work by Rembrandt and Chardin,15/6/07,1/12/ 07,09:30,17:30,Mon-Sat,Free

GROSS,CABBAGE HEAD,Works created during his ten-month studio residency at GSS,22/9/07,27/10/ ists from across the country are taking part in what has 07,19:00,21:00,Sat-Sat,Free now become a very popular annual exhibition of small GLASGOW SCULPTURE STUDIOS,SALLY paintings of around 8 inches in size,16/8/07,6/9/07,10:0 OSBORN,OH HA HMM,Solo show,11/8/07,15/9/ 0 AM,17:30,Mon-Sat,Free 07,11:00,19:00(Thur), 17:00(Fri, Sat),Thur-Sat,Free GRAY,SOLO SHOW,Solo show, part of Merchant City Festival,20/9/07,20/10/07,12:00(tue-sat)/

HUNTERIAN,GROUP SHOW,MY HIGHEST

MARKET, HIKKADUWA,a high definition video instal-

and photoworks by the resident artist are returning to Glasgow after a 3 year tour around Russia and Eastern Europe,19/8/07,15/9/07,12:00(tue-sat)/ 17:00(sun),late,Tue-Sun,Free

CABINET SHOW,Works from over 40 well known art-

GALLERY COSSACHOCK,ALASDAIR

month featuring a selection of contemporary Scottish artwork,,,10:00,Varies,Wed-Mon,£3.50(£2.50

WILLIAM BLAKE, SOLO SHOW, all of the NG’s works

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND, insight into Picasso: the man, the artist and the icon, 6/7/07, 28/10/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, £6(£5)

NATIONAL WAR MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND, GROUP SHOW, COMMANDO COUNTRY, Examining Scotland?s key role in forming Britain?s famous Commando forces, , 1/2/08, Mon-Sun, 09:45, 16:45, Free

SCOTTISH FURNITURE MAKERS ASSOCIATION, GROUP SHOW, NEW SCOTTISH FURNI-

TURE 2007, Buy, browse or commission your own piece, 8/8/07, 1/9/07, Mon-Sun, 11:00, 19:00, £2

SCOTTISH NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN ART, RICHARD LONG, WALKING AND MARKING, beautiful, thought-provoking and influential work,

investigating our relationship with the landscape, 30/6/06, 21/10/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, £6(£4)

SCOTTISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, GROUP SHOW, THE NAKED PORTRAIT, Exploring artists’ varying ways of approaching the naked body, 6/6/07, 2/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free GROUP SHOW, PAINTING IN CRAYONS, Pastel portraits from the National Galleries of Scotland, 21/8/07, 30/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

GROUP SHOW, PHOTOGRAPHY IN INDIA IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY, the fascination of British photographers with the Indian subcontinent, 21/8/07, 30/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00, 17:00, Free

OCEAN TERMINAL SHOPPING CENTRE, STILLS, JOHN STEZAKER, SOLO SHOW, Stezaker’s GROUP SHOW, ART ON THE WATER, An eclectic mix of

local and international artists, 5/8/07, 27/9/07, Mon-Sun, 10:00(Mon-Sat), 11:00(Sun), 00:00, Free

OPEN EYE GALLERY, JOHN BELLANY, SOLO SHOW, works from the 1970’s to the present day, 11/8/07, 5/9/07, Mon-Sat, 10:00, 18:00(mon-fri)/ 16:00(sat), Free

subtle yet unsettling interventions breathe new life into salvaged photographs and films, 27/7/07, 28/10/07, MonSun, 11:00, 18:00, Free

TALBOT RICE, DAVID BATCHELOR, UNPLUGGED, a new site specific installation made for Talbot Rice Gallery’s vast atrium space, 28/7/07, 29/9/07, Tue-Sat, 10:00, 17:00, Free

WHAT’ S GOING ON? GET YOUR VENUE’ S EVENTS LISTED FOR FREE BY SENDING INFO TO LISTINGS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK WANT TO ADVERTISE? GET IN TOCH WITH SALES@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK OR 01314674630 FOR PRICES

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

LISTINGS

FILM

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI The Edinburgh F i l m Fe s t iv a l w a s g r e a t w a s n’t i t ? Actually, as I write this, it hasn’t even started yet but, judging by the calibre of some of the movies, I’m pretty sure it will have all turned out well. The mostly forgettable summer season is but a distant memory, and September is stuffed with quality (and the new Adam Sandler movie). Tarantino’s Death Proof finally makes it to our screens and the man himself discusses the whole sordid Grindhouse affair in our main feature. Maybe we should be easing up on those five star reviews, but Death Proof is a riot, True North is magnificent and The Sound of Music is... well, trust me on this one - just go and see The Sound of Music. There’s also plenty of stuff that we haven’t managed to see yet but that looks very promising – Superbad, Atonement and Shoot ‘Em Up should be ones to watch.

Pulp friction

QUENTIN TARANTINO TALKS TO THE SKINNY ABOUT ALL THINGS GRINDHOUSE, AND THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING ITS VERY EXISTENCE

In the foggy haze of a drunken night outside a Texan desert bar, a girl sidles up towards a flashy muscle car, a mean looking black charger. Having left her friends behind to make her way home with a scarfaced stranger - always a winning idea - the mood turns yet more foreboding at the ominous sight of a skull printed on the hood. The scene is sheer late 70s horror and feels just like Halloween, right down to the shaky camera and grimy reel it was filmed with. Forget about the stylistics of the thing for a minute though, a young lady’s life hangs in the balance. “Is it safe?” she asks of the driver. “It’s better than safe,” he quips. “It’s Death Proof.”

Have fun and see you in October.

And she’s toast.

Paul

It took a good few hundred yards of grainy celluloid, character framing and a heavy dose of that detailed incidental dialogue we’ve come to expect from a certain director over the years, before we arrive at this point in Death Proof, where the audience begins to realise what kind of ultra violent madness the prodigal son of pastiche movie making is about to unleash this time.

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI RELEASE SCHEDULE 7 SEP Atonement (15) Disturbia (15) The Lookout (TBC) Run, Fat Boy, Run (TBC) Small Engine Repair (15) Withnail And I (15)

14 SEP 3:10 To Yuma (TBC) December Boys (12A) The Ex (TBC) A Few Days In September (15) In The Hands Of The Gods (15) The Serpent (15) Shoot ‘Em Up (18) Super Bad (15) True North (15)

21 SEP

Making his return to the silver screen this month, Quentin Tarantino offers another deliciously twisted paean to grisly retro cinema. But let’s skip the narrative and get to the crux of matters: warehouses, diners, airports and even Japanese tea houses have all previously been the pivotal scene setters of Tarantino’s realm in the past. So what’s with the car?

That structure is one perhaps more synonymous with the deliberate pacing and grisly ambience of John Carpenter’s style than most, an attribute that Tarantino doesn’t shy away from. In fact, with Death Proof he goes so far as to cast sometime Carpenter collaborator Kurt Russell as the smooth talking villain, Stuntman Mike, a slick demon who stalks and chases down groups of young ladies with a ridiculous, super-charged vehicle.

28 SEP

So far, so Michael Myers in a car with cool dialogue, right? But not quite, because it’s only when the female of the species takes the wheel, so to speak, that the real mania of Death Proof unfolds. However, when The Skinny catches up with the director at the Cannes Film Festival, Tarantino insists that he didn’t need to deviate from the traditional thriller template to achieve a pro-feminine outcome.

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

the moral fortitude to beat the bogeyman. That’s always been the staple of that genre.” Amongst Tarantino’s posse of cult sirens on board for the ride are Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Kids), Rose McGowan (Scream) and, in one of the most hair raising roles of the feature, Kiwi actress Zoe Bell, who began her internship as a Tarantino muse while stunt doubling for Uma Thurman in Kill Bill. By now, this all sounds like it could just be a vanity project for the maverick director, but Tarantino’s continued devotion to raising awareness of certain historical facets of cinema proves otherwise - something which extends to the original game plan behind Death Proof. When the film was conceived it was with the intention to pair it with Robert Rodriguez’s sci-fi zombie flick Planet Terror and call it Grindhouse. In April I was lucky enough to stumble upon the full double feature as it played at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, and to me it seems as though the Weinstein Company might be making a colossal mistake in denying audiences the option of the complete package at the cinema. As a three hour horror marathon which gives insight to the two-for-one B-movie underworld that Tarantino and Rodriguez have always talked up, bogus trailers put together by Rob Zombie, Eli Roth and Edgar Wright are used to round out an evening of pulp fiction in its realest sense - a “revival tent religious show experience”

as Tarantino still excitedly puts it. Although we now have the benefit of an extended version of Death Proof, it seems there is little to pacify Kurt Russell on the matter when The Skinny catches him waxing lyrical on the subject (again at Cannes). “These two movies are now gonna go off by themselves and live their own life but my prediction is that, twenty years from now, you’ll want the Grindhouse experience. You won’t want them separately, you’ll see them separately now and hopefully you’ll enjoy them but, at the end of the day I like the way it is [the Grindhouse edit]. But I’m interested to see this long version [of Death Proof ] to see how it stands up on its own.” Tarantino, however, sees a clear benefit in both cuts and points out the reasoning behind the restoration of key footage for his longer edit of Death Proof where he replaces the so called ‘missing reels’ that teased the Grindhouse audiences into submission. “The weird thing about it is, a lot of the grindhouse movies that have risen to the top as cult films, most people have actually seen them on DVD. They have a lot of young fans who have never had that grindhouse experience. I think it could still exist on DVD in a very good way. So, it can be experienced in a lot of different ways.” “The majority of the stuff that I put back in was stuff that I took out of Grindhouse for the simple fact that Robert and I made three movies. We made Death Proof, we made Planet Terror and then

“My starting off point was that I wanted to do a slasher film,” he rationalises. “I’m a big fan of them and I thought that it would fit in really good with our whole idea of what we were trying to do. But now, when I started thinking about the slasher film I was like, ‘ok, well, part of the thing I like about them is that they’re all so rigid and the same’. So what I tried to do is use the structure. It’s a slasher film at 200mph.”

As You Like It (12A) The Brave One (TBC) Death Proof (18) Evening (12A) I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry (12A) A Mighty Heart (15) The Sound Of Music (U) Syndromes and A Century (15) Tough Enough (15) Yella (12A)

Across The Universe (TBC) Hot Rod (TBC) Kenny (15) Michael Clayton (15) Mr Woodcock (TBC) Mrs Ratcliffe’s Revolution (12A) Right Of The Weakest (TBC) Rocket Science (15) The Singer (12A) War (18)

by Dave Kerr

“Everyone’s been talking to me about the idea: ‘oh is this a revenge film? Is this a feminist film? Are you empowering women? Because the exploitation films you take them from didn’t do that’. And I say that’s not really one hundred percent correct. Actually it was exploitation movies, and not just American exploitation movies but exploitation movies from all over the world, that actually dealt with female heroes and female avengers and female empowerment - in violent genre kind of ways - that Hollywood never did. There was no white Hollywood A-list major studio equivalent to Pam Grier in the ‘70s, she stood by herself. There was in Japan, there was in Hong Kong, there was in a lot of countries back then. But also, in terms of slasher films, that is the third act of every slasher film - the final girl who rises up and has

FILM

FILM we made Grindhouse. And they are three different movies. Death Proof and Planet Terror were always meant to stand alone but when we put it together as Grindhouse it had to work as one evening’s experience. We didn’t cut our movies to the bone, we cut them past the bone.” “You just have to remember, in the opening scene, say, you meet all the girls and they all talk and everything. Well, opening scene of the movie, that’s five minutes in the movie - we can take time, I can let my dialogue play, we can let the jokes flow. In the case of Grindhouse, that’s 95 minutes into the movie, the audience has been there so you don’t quite have the patience to let my dialogue scenes play all the way out. So aside from the scenes I lifted, that was one of the biggest cuts I made, just shortening the dialogue, especially in the first half.” However, back at Cannes, Harvey Weinstein placed both projects into direct competition and proposed that the release of either individual feature would “dwarf” Grindhouse. As he went on to suggest the possibility of tacking the trailers on too, the waft of filthy lucre hung pungent in the air, which provoked a strong rebuttal from Tarantino. “I do have one thing to say. My feeling is: I love Death Proof. I love Grindhouse. Having said that, I thought it would be wrong to try to put the trailers in Death Proof or possibly in Planet Terror because that’s not what they are now that they’re stand alone movies. I actually want to keep Grindhouse special. Grindhouse isn’t going anywhere - you’ll have the

www.skinnymag.co.uk

rest of your life to watch it on DVD. Part of the Grindhouse experience is the trailers. It’s actually cheapening it and almost prostituting it to some degree to try and split them up and to attach them to the single films. What’s that about?” Certainly, a Tarantino-only vehicle shorn of the distinctly non-British appendage of a b-movie drive-in spectacular might stand to collect a heavier box office draw in its own right, but this also denies the audience a unique opportunity to discover the full force of a fun genre. As Tarantino relates, “If you didn’t grow up with those films then everything is brand new to you, and you might even appreciate it even more. I’ve got a different agenda to what I’m trying to get across in the films, which is different to the agenda of most drive-in movies.” Oh Hollywood, curse you and your politics. But, much like everything Tarantino has touched to date, whichever way you see this tale about a quaffed stuntman and his penchant for nudging bumpers, Death Proof and Grindhouse are undeniably all about the preaching of Tarantino’s gospel. He summarises his time spent at the cinema in his early 20s with reverence: “As far as I was concerned I wasn’t going to the movies. I was going to church.” DEATH PROOF DIRECTED BY QUENTIN TARANTINO IS RELEASED ON 21 SEPTEMBER. PLANET TERROR DIRECTED BY ROBERT RODRIGUEZ CURRENTLY HAS NO UK RELEASE DATE.

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

REVIEWS

Yella

DISTURBIA DIR: D.J. CARUSO STARS: SHIA LABEOUF, SARAH ROEMER, CARRIE-ANNE MOSS RELEASE DATE: 7 SEP CERT: 15

When teenager Kale (LaBeouf) is placed under house arrest, he is forced to wear a distance restricting sensor anklet by the police. With no television or company to pass the time, he turns to another source of local entertainment: his neighbours. But, just as Hitchcock taught us, if you go looking for trouble, it just might find you. Disturbia is a fun thriller geared at the under-18s. It has wit, suspense, and just a hint of sex. LaBeouf shines as the impounded teen and is quickly proving he’s not just another cute kid onscreen. The plot stumbles in a few places, but overall Disturbia is an entertaining thriller that will make you second guess just who you share your property line with. [Megan Garriock]

The fate of a Scottish fishing boat sailing close to bankruptcy hits murky waters when the dodgy Riley (Mullan) comes up with a scheme to smuggle Chinese immigrants into Scotland from Holland by hiding them in the hold. This is done without the knowledge of the honest skipper (Lewis) but his son (Compston) sees it as the only possible way for the boat to survive, even if he really isn’t keen on the idea. This raw and unflinching drama is an absolute triumph, propelled by the magnificent central trio of the straight-down-the-line Lewis, the conflicted Compston and the initially mercenary but ultimately anguished Mullan. What starts out as a tough but grimly amusing account of the hardships of North Sea trawling slowly evolves, first into a gripping morality play, then a heart-wrenching examination of the darkest corners of the soul. [Paul Greenwood]

Disturbia line: “Are you interested in balance sheets?” might not seem the most auspicious premise, but Yella is never quite what it seems. Christian Petzold, one of the most accomplished and accessible exponents of the new wave of German cinema, applies his characteristic restraint and precision to this twisty, coolly elegant mystery. After surviving a near-drowning, the titular Yella (Hoss) finds herself seduced by the morally murky world of financial deal-making, but as the elliptical narrative unfolds we’re constantly aware of an unreality to events, an uneasiness that makes the most mundane incidents seem strangely surreal and threatening. You’ll probably work out the twist faster than you can say M. Night Shyamalan, but Yella is still a wonderfully enigmatic, taut thriller with a magnetic performance from a glacial Hoss. [Laura Smith]

up when the firm’s prosecutor (Wilkinson) has a breakdown which endangers the entire case, and Clayton finds himself embroiled in murder and conspiracy, all the while up to his neck in gambling debts and family problems. Much like Syriana, Michael Clayton sees smooth Clooney giving way to hard-assed, grumpy Clooney, and it’s a side it would be nice to see more of. Clayton is a great character, part fast-talking lawyer, part Winston Wolf, but with a personal life that’s in the toilet, and Clooney brings a world weary cynicism to what could have been a clichéd role. High tension, taut action, blistering exchanges and even some moving moments make Michael Clayton a rattling legal thriller not to be missed. [Paul Greenwood]

A MIGHTY HEART

WWW.TRUENORTH-FILM.COM

MICHAEL CLAYTON

YELLA

DIR: TONY GILROY

S TA R S : A N G E L I N A J O L I E , DA N

S TA R S : G E O R G E C L O O N E Y, TO M

FUTTERMAN, IRFAN KHAN

DIR: CHRISTIAN PETZOLD

WILKINSON, TILDA SWINTON, SYDNEY

RELEASE DATE: 21 SEP

STARS: NINA HOSS, DEVID STRIESOW,

POLLACK

CERT: 15

HINNERK SCHÖNEMANN

RELEASE DATE: 28 SEP

DIR: STEVE HUDSON

RELEASE DATE: 21 SEP

CERT: 15

S TA R S : P E T E R M U L L A N , M A R T I N

CERT: 12A

COMPSTON, GARY LEWIS

The timeless tale of two star-crossed German venture capitalists whose relationship begins with the immortal

George Clooney is Michael Clayton, a fixer at a large law firm that’s pursuing a class action against a chemical company. He’s called in to clean

A Mighty Heart recounts the true story of the kidnapping and subsequent murder of journalist Daniel Pearl (Futterman) in Pakistan and the many months of search and effort that went into trying to secure his release. It’s a heartbreaking tale, no doubt about it, filmed with immediacy, intelligence and style by Winterbottom. But due to the fact that most of the film comprises people tapping into computers or shouting on telephones, it’s one

TRUE NORTH

RELEASE DATE: 14 SEP CERT: 15

DIR: MICHAEL WINTERBOTTOM

FILM OF THE MONTH

A Mighty Heart that never quite manages to fully engage emotionally and is perhaps the sort of thing that could have worked better as a documentary than as dramatic narrative. Still, Jolie is outstanding as Marianne Pearl, who refuses to give up on her husband, and she should find herself Oscar nominated for her work, although mention should also go to Khan who is superb as the police captain giving his all for the case. [Paul Greenwood]

not for everyone, but Shakespeare knew exactly what he was doing when he bid you take his play ‘as you like it’. [Laura Smith]

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY DIR: DENNIS DUGAN STARS: ADAM SANDLER, KEVIN JAMES,

WWW.AMIGHTYHEARTMOVIE.COM

JESSICA BIEL

AS YOU LIKE IT

RELEASE DATE: 21 SEP

DIR: KENNETH BRANAGH STARS: BRYCE DALLAS HOWARD, BRIAN BLESSED, KEVIN KLINE RELEASE DATE: 21 SEP CERT: 12A

Relocating Shakespeare’s most playful comedy to the distant shores of 19th century Japan, Kenneth Branagh gets full marks for eschewing the thighslapping, cakes and ale school of Bard adaptations in favour of an energetic romp that signals a return to the breezy style of Much Ado About Nothing. Yet despite best intentions, it’s disappointingly unambitious in its staging and a little too meandering for its own good. True enough, Shakespeare’s comedies aren’t about the plots, but the lack of narrative focus doesn’t translate well to the cinema. It’s a frothy but oddly unremarkable luvvie-fest, still worth a look for some infectiously enthusiastic performances from an embarrassment of thesps all clearly having a ball. Howard in particular is a sparky, luminous Rosalind, deftly navigating us through the increasingly farcical intrigues. It’s

CERT: 12A

Two single New York firefighters embark on a fake same-sex marriage in an attempt to claim pension benefits in this dire comedy from director Dennis Dugan (Happy Gilmore). Chuck (Sandler) is a womanizing commitment-phobe and best friends with widower and single father of two, Larry (James). When Larry’s pension benefits become non-transferable to his children unless he provides a spouse, he convinces Chuck to drive up to Canada and get hitched. But the unbelievable union is soon put to the test when the happy couple are investigated for fraud. I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry is lacking in charm, wit, and overall humour despite originating from the same writing crew behind About Schmidt and Sideways. Sure, there are a few laughs, and Jessica Biel as the love interest will get most hearts racing, straight or otherwise. But any other appeal, sexual or not, was lost long ago. [Megan Garriock]

REDISCOVERED CLASSIC

DEATH PROOF DIR: QUENTIN TARANTINO STARS: ROSARIO DAWSON, KURT RUSSELL, ROSE MCGOWAN, ZOE BELL RELEASE DATE: 21 SEP CERT: 18

TARANTINO’S MOST PURELY ENJOYABLE ACTION FILM. Half a film, or the only good thing to come out of a failed experiment? Following the financial disaster that was the US release of Grindhouse, us European types are only getting to see Quentin Tarantino’s segment, Death Proof, while, as things stand, Robert Rodriguez’s reportedly inferior Planet Terror remains without a release date. The bare bones of the plot involve Stuntman Mike (Russell) picking up girls in his reinforced stunt car before subjecting them to terrifying and deadly ordeals - the car you see, is only “death proof” for the driver. The second half is more of the same, only this time the girls happen to be stunt drivers themselves, able to give as good as they get. Death Proof is Tarantino’s most purely enjoyable action film, all the style and verve of Kill Bill with none of the flab. The car crash that ends the first half is a breathtaking slice of gory mayhem, so good he shows it four times, the better to see people getting mangled in

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

slow motion. Elsewhere, he showcases his trademark dialogue and long takes, although perhaps stretching the early scenes almost to breaking point for no great reward. But the moment that Death Proof becomes something very special can be pinpointed to the exact frame, as Tarantino’s gift for rescuing iconic actors thought to be past their prime comes to the fore once again. When I was a lad, Kurt Russell was the new Clint Eastwood - lean, mean and grizzled and making beautiful music with John Carpenter. He’s been slumming it for years but, as Stuntman Mike’s first victim climbs into his car, watch him flash a smile directly at the camera and see a movie star and a director in perfect harmony. We may never experience Grindhouse as it was intended, but that may ultimately prove the salvation of Death Proof. [Paul Greenwood] WWW.GRINDHOUSEMOVIE.NET

THE SOUND OF MUSIC DIR: ROBERT WISE STARS: JULIE ANDREWS, CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER, ELEANOR PARKER, PEGGY WOOD RELEASE DATE: 21 SEP CERT: U

You don’t really need me to tell you the story - nuns, Nazis, singing weans, it’s all in there. But fear not, this re-release is no sing-a-long-a-travesty. It’s a proper cinema outing for a film that, with so much television play and so much familiarity, was in danger of becoming a parody of itself. That’s why it’s very easy to forget just how good The Sound of Music is. Taking the time to actually watch it from beginning to end, you’re quickly reminded why it’s such a favourite and why Robert Wise really was one of the greats. The first

half in particular is a thing of beauty: well structured, slyly written, fluently directed and acted with charm and commitment, topped off by song after song that have entered the public consciousness as much as any 20th century standard. Moreover, it’s absolutely breathtaking on the big screen, in a stunning digital release and restored six-track audio. Do yourself a favour, leave all your prejudices at home and go and see The Sound of Music on the big screen - if you don’t love this, you don’t love cinema. [Paul Greenwood

FILM/DVD

SCOTT WALKER

30 Century Man

Leap-frogging musical influences from Jacques Brel to Stockhausen, Walker’s songwriting style slowly went from the mundane to the ridiculous, as his voice became deeper and more tremulous. He clearly wanted to be taken seriously as an artist, and for him that meant being seen to be part of the avantgarde, creating important work. That’s a purpose for which this film gladly steps in to help achieve, perhaps too gladly. This seal of approval by the godfather of pop is high praise indeed, and is part of this film’s effort to guarOne thing that you notice first about this film is antee Walker’s reassessment as on a par with the David Bowie. Credited as executive producer, he visionaries he admires. One of the film’s main stratobviously has an interest in Walker’s work, and has egies to achieve this is to make clear from the outset done for some time. In fact, listening to Scott 4, her- that Walker is a mysterious recluse to the point of alded as Walker’s masterpiece in this film, it’s clear it being a legend. Stories get passed around about Bowie was influenced by it in his Eighties China Girl him, one of which is, Jarvis Cocker informs us, that phase, his vocal performance almost an impression. he will sometimes just sit in pubs and watch peo-

WHY WOULD A HOLLYWOOD STAR OPT FOR A BRITISH DIRECTOR’S DEBUT OFFERING? GILLIAN ANDERSON EXPLAINS I’ve wanted an opportunity to play a tough, ballsy character. I know Scully was a bit like that, but I wanted grittier. There are so many things I did not get to do as Scully - she was tough but controlled. Alice in Straightheads was much tougher and took revenge. That aspect of the character appealed to me. I particularly liked the fact that her father was ex army, and serious army - special forces. He taught her how to protect herself from a very early age. I liked the thought of living in a country cottage with your mum and dad, from which your father took you out and taught you how to use a gun and protect yourself against the world. I always have been a bit of a survivor, in a way. I recognise Alice. I have been through a huge number of changes too. Films like Straightheads are the kind I have watched through my life and have had an impact on me. It is really nice to be able to be a part of them. There are a lot of great filmmakers out there at the moment, like Dan Reed who wrote and directed this. Luckily, some talented people are finding ways to make small films. STRAIGHTHEADS IS RELEASED 24 SEPTEMBER

by Alec McLeod

uates. What is screaming out from his songs is the fact they are so love-it-or-hate-it that they demand you buy into what Walker is selling us completely, without questioning his rather odd desire to craft his persona. That this film toes the line so faithfully means it might as well have been directed by him, but this also means that it carries the same artificial quality that is the most interesting thing about his character. There are moments that are unintentionally funny, from the soundclip of his pretentious and short-lived BBC show introducing songs about sado-masochism, to one point where Bowie cracks up listening to a clip of Walker’s stuff, his mocking impression just making it under the radar into the final cut.

What’s going on is the usual trick pulled off by today’s spate of music documentaries: to make sure people get into a musician they may not have heard of, get in loads of stars they’ve definitely heard of to give testimony. So we have Bowie and Cocker, as well as Eno, Radiohead and Goldfrapp, all saying how they discovered Walker’s stuff and how ‘different’ it is. The only problem is that 30 Century Man fails to convince us the same way The Devil and Daniel Johnson or You’re Gonna Miss Me (the fantastic film about 13th Floor Elevators’ lead singer Roky Erickson) do. This is partly because there is no room for criticism of his music or character; 30 Century Man gives in completely to the image Walker perpet-

Another of Walker’s hip idols he felt obliged to let the masses know about was Sartre, but it’s probably Sartre who reveals most about Walker. Sartre describes his ‘bad faith’ definition of human self-deception with the analogy of the waiter: he isn’t really a waiter, but a man who performs all the outward gestures of the typical or ideal waiter for everyone to see, but without actually being it in his core. In doing so, Sartre cottoned on to the type of character that this film unwittingly exposes: a reclusive genius who wants everyone to know how much he doesn’t want to be known. For that reason, the film is engaging. As for his music, it’s best left to you to decide for yourself. RELEASED 10 SEP WWW.SCOTTWALKERFILM.COM

FILM REVIEWS HIGHLANDER:

THE SEARCH FOR VENGEANCE Manga to the uninitiated can be an intimidating place, with each title having a myriad of sequels and prequels, none of which explain any back story, and all of them packaged so similarly it’s difficult to tell the quality stuff from the crap. Well, here’s a good one. Taking only the basic outline of the original film, adding elements of Fist of the North Star and Escape From New York, its story involves clansman MacLeod trying to hunt down the man who crucified his wife Moya, a mission that takes him into the distant future. As well as this primary motivation, the film manages to convey a deeper grudge of the solitary barbarian against the edifice/artifice of empire, represented by Roman/ Nazi baddie Marcus. The best use yet of this mediocre franchise. [Mack MacDonald] OUT NOW

SCORPION Scorpion is a Fre n c h k i c kb o x e r, a n d you don’t get a n a m e l i ke that unless you are a seriously tough monsieur. Indeed, within the first ten minutes you’ve seen him destroy his marginally-legit boxing club’s star fighter, destroy some un-

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SCOTT WALKER IS FAMOUSLY RECLUSIVE. SO WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH A FILM PURPOSEFULLY DESIGNED TO RAISE HIS PROFILE?

ple play darts. Rrrright. It is at moments like this in 30 Century Man when doubts may creep into your head as to how even-handed this documentary’s going to be. By the time the end credits begin with a very special thank you to Walker’s managers, you’ll know the answer’s ‘not very’.

Born Stateside as Scott Engel, the man who was to become Scott Walker was already making records before his teens. It was only when he came to Britain in the Sixties with the Walker Brothers (not Walkers, not brothers) that he gained notoriety, first as a bass player, then as a singer. His deep baritone voice made songs like The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore so successful, backed up by the grand orchestral sound from the strings and brass the boys couldn’t get back home. It turns out that these two elements were to form the spine of Scott Walker’s work as he went further and further from the kind of music your mother likes towards the kind of sounds your mother and many others would refuse to even recognise as music.

STRAIGHTHEADS

FILM/DVD

DVD

fortunate young muggers, then selfdestruct in and out of prison. It’s after this promising, visceral kickoff that Scorpion turns into a tough croque monsieur, all stale cheese and ham, with some extra cheese on top. This film was never going to be believable, but it could have at least tried. By the time Scorpion enters the under-underground world of Parisian pugilism, you will have already lowered your expectations from Man Bites Dog to Dobermann to a Jean-Claude Van Damme vehicle; some half-decent fights but no more. [Mack McDonald] RELEASED 24 SEPTEMBER

THE BLOSSOMING OF MAXIMO OLIVEROS On the streets of Manila, camp young Maxi happily struts bet we e n his home and the local DVD store, occasionally stopping to perform Miss Universe pageants with his friends. Then he meets the straight-shooting new cop on the block, who triggers off Maxi’s first pangs of love, but also forces him to make some tough choices concerning his own family, who are up to their necks in the black market. The combination of documentary-style digital photography with the bright colours and loud characters creates a compelling world that is both ultra-real and yet contains a well structured story of teenage sexual awakening that manages to out-do Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet on a shoestring budget. [Kenny Friedkin] RELEASE DATE: 11 JUNE

FILM RELEASES BUY THE TICKET, TAKE THE RIDE: HUNTER S. THOMPSON (4 SEP) “The Twentieth Century’s most important comic writer...” Wild, colourful and always close to the edge, Thompson was a true original. Directed by Tom Thurman and narrated by Nick Nolte, with interviews from close family, Hollywood and Washington, this documentary is a must for dedicated fans as well as anyone familiar with his work. Next year The Rum Diary makes it to the big screen, directed by Bruce Robinson (Withnail & I) and starring Johnny Depp.

THE LIVES OF OTHERS (17 SEP) First time director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck crafts an intricate web of human emotion set in the Stasi dominated East Germany of 1984, where everyone is under suspicion and no one can be trusted. Massive acclaim and extended runs at both the Filmhouse and the Cameo suggest it should be a massive renter for us. The best of European cinema!

JINDABYNE (17 SEP) An adult drama from award-winning director Ray Lawrence (Lantana), Jindabyne is an adaptation of the Raymond Carver short story So Much Water So Close To Home. With powerful performances led by Gabriel Byrne and Laura Linney, many questions of morality and self exploration are articulately addressed.

ZODIAC (24 SEP) David Fincher returns with a sprawling depiction of a 60s and 70s West Coast America terrorised by an elusive and cunning serial killer. Over two and a half hours Fincher draws out of his characters (Ruffalo’s policeman, and Downey Jr. and Gyllenhaal’s reporters) a sence of the obsession and destruction wreaked by the killer, with attention to detail and fine performances giving a true depiction of an unresolved recent case. Definitely worthy of your attention.

22 MARCHMONT ROAD, EDINBURGH, 0131 229 5136 93 BROUGHTON STREET, EDINBURGH, 0131 556 1866

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI To be at the white-hot, pulsating epicentre of theatre for even a month is nothing if not exciting, although a shade enervating. As the stardust settles from a thousand E d i nbu rg h Fe st iva l performances, theatreland can be forgiven for kicking back and taking stock. Indeed, review is at the heart of this month’s theatre pages.

Tam Dean Burns’ Venus As A Boy was a festival highlight and rightly wins four Skinnys here. Happily, there is still imminent opportunity to catch this tour-de-force in October at Glasgow’s Citizen’s Theatre. If you like theatre that is at once both accessible and modern, with a scholarly frame of reference that takes in mystic poet and painter William Blake, then this is for you. Ray Lee’s Siren installation is documented too. Theatrical but not theatre, its mechanised drone and robotic performers were simply too special not to mention. And of course no Festival roundup would be complete without running the rule over the latest dance and physical theatre and here you will not be disappointed. You would be hard put to find a more definitive account of this year’s movement based theatre. And even that hoary old chestnut MacBeth gets a nod, albeit on stilts. However, there’s a world outside the capital and it’s still turning. In September, that means Dundee and a brand new stage adaptation of Ibsen’s picaresque poem Peer Gynt. Director Dominic Hill talks exclusively to The Skinny and explains why verse written in 19th Century Norway still has something to tell Central Scotland’s ASBOs-in-waiting. That’s on top of all this month’s listings. Enjoy! Hugo Fluendy

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

TOP

EVENTS

1. PEER GYNT DUNDEE REP & NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND, SEPTEMBER

BEATS

THEATRE Peer pressure

LABELS SPECIAL:

Scotch Bonnet

OUTGOING DUNDEE REP ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DOMINIC HILL HAS CHOSEN IBSEN’S PEER GYNT AS HIS FINALE. HUGO FLUENDY TALKS TO HIM ABOUT EXITS, EXCITEMENT AND EXPECTATIONS

by Liam Arnold

Dominic Hill

Dominic Hill is a man with a mission. Charged with the artistic direction of Edi nbu rgh’s Traverse Theatre f rom early next year, Hill will have one of the most challenging and exciting jobs in Scottish drama. But there’s a little matter of Ibsen’s Peer Gynt at the Dundee Rep first. Opening on 24 September, the Norwegian master’s sprawling, mythic tale of trolls and existential truths marks Hill’s swansong as Artistic Director at the highly regarded theatre. Penned entirely in verse in 1876, the picaresque plot roves from small town Scandinavia to Morocco via the Pyramids, as the eponymous Peer struggles with fundamental questions of identity and a perpetually adolescent fear of commitment. The play also boasts a score by that other Norwegian artistic giant, Edvard Greig, which includes the classic suite In The Hall of the Mountain King famously covered by prog rockers ELO.

THERE SEEM TO BE NO BOUNDARIES TO MUNGO’S HI-FI’S PROLIFIC NATURE: THE SKINNY GETS UP CLOSE WITH THEIR SCOTCH BONNET OPERATION. Mungo’s Hi-Fi, the soundsystem, club night and production collective, is nothing short of an institution in Glasgow, and the name sums up perfectly its mixture of the local and global that has made them so popular. With festival appearances in France, Germany, Belgium and er, Knockengorroch in the past few months, they’re competent players on the UK and international reggae scenes, but still find time to host Dub and Grub every Thursday night. Dub and Grub has run in the Maryhill Community Centre and the Art School, but now seems to have found a steady home in 78”, formerly Mono’s little sister, Stereo. It’s a steady outlet for the Mungo’s Hi-Fi boys, serving up a ‘hot like peppa’ mix of reggae, ska and dubbed out tunes weekly, as well as some cracking cheap food to boot. Despite the professionalism that sees them working a 9am-5pm week at the Scotch Bonnet studios in Glasgow’s West End, Thursday isn’t a business day for Mungo’s Hifi, as they’re usually too busy cooking and prepping for the night ahead.

Needless to say, the man tapped to lead Scotland’s new writing theatre has no truck with 19th Century anachronism or even 70s-style self absorbed noodling. Rather, Hill re-frames the play in a determinedly contemporary context. “I’ve always loved this strange, exhilarating story and find something incredibly modern and accessible about the story of

Their vocal collaborations similarly demonstrate Doug and Craig’s ability to cross between the local and the global, with reggae heavyweights such as Ranking Joe, Ras Daniel Ray and Marina P all having laid down vocals on Mungo’s tracks since the launch of their own label. They’re not above promoting rising acts though, and local boy Nafees, who seems to be in all the press at the

“A BRILLIANT NEW VERSION, VERY VISCERAL, RAW, MODERN AND ACCESSIBLE”

moment, is present on A Few Screws Loose, whilst MC Soom T, now working with Bus on Berlin’s ~scape label, worked with Mungo’s Hi-fi early in her career. Since 2005, Mungo’s Hi-Fi have released on, and run, Scotch Bonnet records, beginning with the highly successful Rasta Meditation, featuring Kenny Knots on vocal duties. This is no overnight success, and it follows four years of releases on Dubhead and Ninja Tune. They’ve definitely stepped up a gear since the launch of their own label, though their prior cuts were praised by John Peel, and their dub riddim, Ing, opened Mr. Scruff’s famed Ninja Tune mix Keep it Solid Steel Vol. 1. To hear the Mungo/Scotch Bonnet sound, you’re best checking out Songs of Zion, a CD album that bears testament to their production talents and status, with vocals from Murrayman, Marga, Ras Charmer and Prince Livijah locking horns against a backdrop of spacious, intricate riddims. With a roster including Glaswegian rappers, South American rastafarians, stars of the Kingstown heyday, and one ginger, dreadlocked Caribbean, Scotch Bonnet records is a unique label with killer tunes and an ear for all kinds of different sounds. CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST VINYLS, MP3S, AND DUBPLATES. WWW.SCOTCHBONNET.NET

24 TO OCTOBER 13 DUNDEE REP THEATRE, DUNDEE

Newly appointed Traverse Artistic Director Dominic Hill tackles Ibsen’s mythic tale

2. RUPTURE TRAVERSE THEATRE COMPANY/NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND, SEPTEMBER 22 TO OCTOBER 6 TRAVERSE THEATRE, EDINBURGH

Davey Anderson’s 21st Century thriller that takes a scalpel to the shiny surface of city life

3. YELLOW MOON CITZ COMPANY, SEPTEMBER 4 TO 15

a young guy stuck in a provincial town who dreams of being rich and famous. And yes, it’s set in a contemporary world. It’s a brilliant new version, very visceral, raw and hopefully modern and accessible with live music,” he confirms. “The main challenge - for the adapter really - is the African section in act four. In the original, this is a mad satire, full of topical jokes. We’ve taken a very particular slant on it, maintaining most of the original story but giving it a particularly contemporary context.”

CITIZEN’S THEATRE, GLASGOW

David Greig’s reworking of Bonnie & Clyde

4. AE FOND KISS/TIR NAN OG ORAN MORE! THE BEST OF A PLAY AND A PINT, SEPTEMBER 3 TO 8, MITCHELL THEATRE, GLASGOW

A reprisal of popular Scottish plays in this double bill

5. THE WINTER’S TALE LYCEUM COMPANY, SEPTEMBER 21 TO OCTOBER 20, LYCEUM THEATRE, EDINBURGH

New production of one of the Bard’s later plays

Indeed, Ibsen’s play provides a rich canvas for one of Scotland’s top theatre-makers to practice his art. Fitting then that status is a central preoccupation of Hill’s staging. “I’m interested in the themes of celebrity,” he explains. “And in the desire to not be seen to be mediocre in this world. Also the age old theme of identity - who am I and what gives me value and status in this world? It is the question that runs through the whole of the play.” Although this ambitious production is not slated to tour, it is a co-presentation by the National Theatre of Scotland (NTS), a vital factor in its genesis. Indeed without NTS’ financial clout, Hill’s Peer Gynt would never have seen the light of day in Dundee or anywhere else. “We were looking for a show to do with the National Theatre, and without their financial help we wouldn’t have been able to put this on. They paid for the commission and have allowed us to double our production budget without which we couldn’t do the show. It has a cast of twenty and took seven weeks in rehearsal.”

Keith Fleming as Peer Gynt

Hill is less forthcoming about the future for The Traverse. The current incumbent Phillip Howard has been a talented custodian of the theatre’s international reputation for producing cutting edge drama in an illustrious career spanning some 11 years. These are big shoes to fill, and perhaps it’s wiser to let the actors do the talking on stage when the time comes. No surprise then that he prefers to focus on his past achievements at Dundee. “Scenes from an Execution was a very successful show for us and helped further our reputation. Personally, Ubu the King was a great challenge as I was working in a different way - where the concept contributed as much as the text to the success of the piece. I’ve also loved having the dance company here at the Rep and working with them and their artistic director Janet Smith has been a unique opportunity. However, of all the shows I have done I probably have fond-

est memories of my production of Midsummer Night’s Dream.” But the last word on his stewardship of Dundee Rep must surely go to Peer Gynt. As our antihero prepares to abandon his lover he makes the excuse that he ‘has something heavy to fetch’. Dominic Hill too has weighty matters on his mind, but unlike the Norwegian ne’er-do-well he is honouring his commitments. With this new adaptation he is leaving Dundee Rep with its reputation riding high. Make sure you are there to witness it.

PEER GYNT, DUNDEE REP THEATRE, SEP 24 - OCT 13 WWW.DUNDEEREPTHEATRE.CO.UK WWW.NATIONALTHEATRESCOTLAND.COM

Peer Gynt

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

THEATRE

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SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

SIREN BY RAY LEE / INVISIBLE FORCES

Decodance:

DANCE YOUR CARES AWAY

SHOULD INSPIRE CONFIDENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY INTO THE UNFAIRLY QUESTIONABLE FUTURE OF NEW MUSIC AND CONCEPTUAL PERFORMANCE ART

by Sean McNamara

GLASGOW HAS YET ANOTHER CLUB TO BOAST ABOUT, AND THIS TIME IT’S DECODANCE - CLASSIC GRAND HAS ADDED ANOTHER FEATHER TO ITS CAP.

“The majority of people who are into house music are of a certain age now. I think many only listen to it in the car or dropping the kids off. Nowhere caters for them anymore,” explains Darren Laurie, one of Scotland’s most prolific promoters and the main force behind Decodance, the new weekly funky house night at Glasgow’s Classic Grand. This concept, providing a place where people can enjoy good quality dance music without the ceiling dripping on them, is a promising one for many. With most of Glasgow’s venues either providing a dark techno or hard house infused cavern, or a cheesy student based night, there is definitely a hole in the market. With Hed Kandi getting more mozzarella by the second, Darren has invited a plethora of fresh house nights to help him work it in Glasgow’s hippest new venue. Nights such as Pukka Up and the famous Stereotype will be joined by the likes of Diversion and Debunk on rotation.

the night!” Don’t let that fool you into the night being too cheesy however, as the credible list of house DJs such as Deep Groove and Dirty South are also helped by the impressive venue. The Classic Grand has been restored to its brilliant art deco best, as well as being decked out with a very special club setup. The club features a very special Moet VIP area (you can get a place via email) where the VIPs can look out but no-one can see in due to special white material. It also boasts a breathtaking soundsystem and more, as Darren explains: “The main room is a stunning space, and it has the best sound in the city.” The venue also has a third area offering a more hip-hop feel. Of the nights on offer, the end of the month special will generally be hosted by Pukka Up. A night

famous for its Ibiza parties and residencies across the UK, it’s likely to be the wildest night on offer. “I was headliner for Hed Kandi for six years,” Resident Rob Wilder tells The Skinny. “I’ve played the Arches loads through that and they’re two totally different venues. You go to the Arches to have it off for the night and get sweaty although at the Grand there is still gonna be that energy, but more vocal led.” Pukka Up’s reputation has grown with their proactive style of sending CDs out to members monthly and holding Ibiza parties that go head to head with Cocoon and DC10, and yet are regularly packed. Fresh and funky house will be played alongside old favourites in what Darren Laurie describes as the most “pay day friendly” night.

Decodance is the addition of Stereotype. “Huggy is rightly very protective of Stereotype and is bringing it out of Edinburgh for the first time in 12 years,” Darren tells us. The night is one of Edinburgh’s most renowned house nights and Huggy is known for playing credible funky music over his globe trotting career. His nights as part of Decodance will also feature many top guests such as Kurd Maverick. With other top Scottish talent such as Debunk’s Mallorca Lee and Davy Forbes also featuring regularly, this is a night that offers a glamorous excursion with a sexy crowd. FOR VIP ACCESS, EMAIL INVITES@CLASSICGRAND.COM 8 SEPT: DECODANCE IN ASSOCIATION WITH STEREOTYPE - FEATURING KURD MAVERICK AND HUGGY, 11PM-3AM, £8

One of the biggest stories in connection with

WWW.CLASSIC-GRAND.COM

Bille d as dubste p / electronic / glitch, Oscillate caters for the growing Glasgow dubstep scene while considering the wider tastes of its followers. Resident and organiser Captain Shitbeard’s regular set will be followed by local guest Jongerre, continuing the night by working through and around the core of the night’s signature low-end frequencies. With a sound sitting somewhere in a sliding scale between Baltimore hip-hop and grime, Glasgow’s leading underground producer Rustie, the first of two headliners, will shake bassbins and bob heads aplenty with airings from his Jagz The Smack EP. The night closes with dub-industrialists Cloaks, from “guerrilla record label” Werk, casting a coal cellar black cloud of static menace of a finale, set to rattle aural morality with their dense and brooding concoction of feedback loops of malevolent contortions, and stammering, mechanical percussions. Lovers of avantgarde digitalism and ominous urban rumblings of The Breezeblock kind, take note. [Jack McFarlane] DETAILS TBC WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CLOAKS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RUSTIEBEETZ

JUSTICE (LIVE) & BUSY P THE ARCHES, GLASGOW, 8 SEPT

Since Daft Punk became the template for modern dance music, their national brethren have taken it upon themselves to re-house house in their nation’s capital through a staggering contribution to the genre in recent years. Currently riding the crest of Parisian new-wave is Ed Banger records. The label’s don, Busy P, rolls into town to open for his scenester darlings Justice, who are currently lapping up praise on the back of their debut LP. For a band which claims to have no idea what’s cool (which of course automatically makes them very cool), they’re so trendy

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

Set in the ordinarily sun-drenched greenhouse of the Out of the Blue Drill Hall, by night it takes on the sordid grandeur of a looming whale carcass. Two square-suited performers, one of whom is the piece’s mastermind musical architect Ray Lee, move robotically within their three-dimensional checkerboard, one by one activating each siren pitch with screwdriver in hand, muttered scalic musings and a concentrated ear to the ground. The protagonists, the sirens themselves, take an array of variant shapes and sizes, hopefully scavenged from unwitting ambulances, police cars and security guards in an interesting sub-commentary on pain and emergency. They now find themselves strapped hostage to the extremities of each mill, waiting in anticipation for their inevitable orbit.

Siren fuses the urban sounds of musique concrète with the motives and mannerisms of John Cage. It takes a simple concept and explodes its connotations into a dynamic mixed-media manifesto, equally powerful in its literal physical experience as in its profound ability to backfire into the observer’s own rich web of associations. Whether one hears a fabulously kilted cacophony of pipers, the tune-up sequence for the Symphony of a Thousand or the comforting throb of the body as heard from inside the womb, this is surely an exercise in allowing the mind to wander free and enjoy an evolving musical experience in contrast to the analytical listening agenda of the concert hall.

VENUS AS

Despite its visual allusion to a heartless laboratory experiment, Lee puppets his sirens into characterful existence, pitches wailing into sympathetic concord, subtle tapering by the Doppler Effect, flares and streaks of colour and light as the resulting organism lives and breathes truly larger than the sum of its parts. Siren is a vibrant sonic installation, a deceptively simplistic pitch accumulation and a curiously fascinating narrative which should inspire confidence and sustainability into the unfairly questionable future of New Music and conceptual performance art. [Kelly Lovelady]

MACBETH ON A BOUNCY CASTLE ANY ONE?

PREVIEWS OSCILLATE, THE IVY, 21 SEPT

The visual ingredients bespeak a powerfully sterile urban landscape reminiscent of the abandoned set of Short Circuit. Locked in essential darkness into an unexpected gold mine in the back streets of Leith, the strength of Ray Lee’s Sirenis that it is honest, unpretentious and exactly what it professes to be: a “whirling, spinning spectacle” of mechanics, an intricately wired “forest” of tripods with motorised arms, an “extraordinary chorus of pulsing electronic drones.” This is a truly wonderful sound and light installation. From cacophony to symphony, the 40 minute show runs the full gamut of sense experience and memory.

MACBETH (WHO IS THAT BLOODIED MAN)

The special launch night pulled in over 600 people despite going up against Live at Loch Lomond, and it was certainly a lot more mud free. The night is aimed at all ages but is definitely suited to the more glamorous clubber, as Pukka Up resident Rob Wilder explains: “It’s a night maybe more for the girls, more like the scene was five years ago, people getting more dressed up and putting that special dress on for

CLOAKS

THEATRE

BEATS GLASGOW

right now it hurts your little fitted black leather jacket. Their reputation grows around their biblically bombastic live light show that isn’t set to change anytime soon. Expect dirty, maximized electro-disco with a hard rock mentality and scuzzy guitar overdrive distortion. More Ed Banger support to be confirmed. [Jack McFarlane] 10.30PM-3AM, £12 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ETJUSTICEPOURTOUS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BUSYP WWW.MYSPACE.COM/EDBANGERRECORDS

LUKID

SMUT, THE ADMIRAL, GLASGOW, 6 SEPT Onandon, released earlier this year, was a striking piece of work, a Rubik’s cube of offbeat rhythms and abstract samples that breathed fresh life into leftfield hip-hop. Released on Actress’ Werk imprint, a stable known for its grime and dub acts, Onandon seemed rather out of place, but Lukid’s production talents did not go unrecognised. The Skinny gave it five stars. His DJ set at Smut’s forthcoming first night moves away from the spliffed-out side of Boom Bip though, and showcases a predilection for mingling Dabrye’s chic beats with an array of surprisingly danceable tunes. Smut promises “open-mindedness in both music and door policy”, and a love of partying over procrastination; Caleti from Radio Magnetic/Subcity’s Build and Destroy brings her collection of jukebox 7”s, Motown vinyl, funk and soul to get the party started. Ibrahim, one half of Edinburgh weirdos Double Helix, and resident at Edinburgh’s much missed Dogma, spins a set as well. Put on the kinky boots and dance. [Liam Arnold]

WWW.INNERCITYACID.CO.UK

September holiday weekend. Taking place at Byblos in the Merchant City, aside from the host of DJ talent appearing and a 5am licence (TBC), the event offers an added enticement to those looking to squeeze the most out of their three days off. The line-up is headed by DMC World Mixing Champ, the legendary DJ Cash Money, and also includes: Back To Basics resident and 20:20 Soundsystem member, Ralph Lawson; Germany’s Sonar Kollektiv head honchos, the everversatile Jazzanova; hip-hop breaks duo, Evil Nine and Eskimo Recordings’ leftfield disco specialist, Sir Raymond Mang (aka Raj Gupta of Block 16 fame). With local talent such as Sensu (live) and DJs Danny Sharkey, Billy Woods, Scott Bios, and Freak Menoovers also appearing alongside breakdancers, The Flying Jalepenos, it’s sure to be a bit special. [Colin Chapman]

WWW.JOJODEFREQ.COM

10PM - 5AM (TBC), £10 (PRESALE UNTIL 5 SEPT, £12.50 AFTER)

FLORIAN MEINDL

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM WWW.TICKETS-SCOTLAND.

high-profile artists like Ellen Alien, Tiga, and Jacques lu Cont over the club’s five year history for punked-out electro beats. At the same time she has held down a four year residency at techno joint Bugged Out. The tag ‘neo-electro’ has been slapped on her sets, carried into clubbers’ hearts with powerful techno kicks. Her own production work makes use of vintage analogue synths and modern software: check out Make Some Noise! and Ghost in the Machine on Bugged Out Recordings. Support comes from The Animal Farm residents in room two, and ICA residents Monsieur DeLarge, Jon Virtue, and John Cannon, with visuals from Altronix. In the infamous and played out words of Big Brother’s Tracy, “Av it!”. [Struan Otter] 11PM – 4AM, £7 MEMBERS/£9

DEFF, CLUB 69, PAISLEY, 8 SEPT DEFF is getting an Austrian vibe for September with Florian Meindl (Trapez/Traum) making his Scottish debut with a style that makes nods in several directions. Meindl started out playing for such high flying acts as Claude Van Young, Gayle San and Ricardo Villalobos at the tender age of 16; fast forward to 2003 and Meindl started concentrating on producing his own minimaltinged house and techno tracks, packed with eerie synths and rumbling bass. September’s gig will be all about serious dancing and speaker-hugging action. Fingers crossed for some snippets of his upcoming LP, Trapez (Trapez), due for release this November. Check out the website for set downloads. Support comes from DEFF residents Cal Green and Scott Byrne. [Alex Burden]

DETAILS TBC

10.30PM-3AM, £8

JOJO DE FREQ

WWW.FLORIANMEINDL.COM

INNER CITY ACID, SOUNDHAUS, GLASGOW, 8 SEPT Let’s not see September become overcrowded with manly deck action again: for a feminine touch to the needles check out Nag Nag Nag and Bugged Out resident JoJo De Freq; just don’t expect any pansy floral beats. The founder and resident of Lahndahn’s electro club Nag Nag Nag, JoJo De Freq has reined in

COM AND TICKETS SCOTLAND, ARGYLE ST, GLASGOW.

Founded in 1988 by Pawel Szokotak, fringe Firstwinning Polish company Teatr Biuro Podrozy are renowned worldwide for their Carmen Funebre. This year the company returned to Edinburgh with their own interpretation of Macbeth - subtitled Who is that Bloodied Man?. Like Carmen Funebre, which dealt with the horrors of the Yugoslav confict, this production also focuses on a land torn apart by war and on the cusp of order and chaos.

by skulls rattling round an overgrown grass roller which chases Macbeth around the gravel strewn set. And of course, the company’s trademark use of fire and stilt walkers is much in evidence. The stilts are especially effective in lending the witches a grotesque, nightmarish Hieronymous Bosch aspect. The rest of the soundtrack is provided by a black shrouded figure perched on a lighting rig whose ethereal wailing rarely lets up.

Macbeth’s original 13th Centur y set ting is an appropriate template for a war torn environment where murder for power and violent death are the norm, and witches and ghosts mix with the living. This production eloquently portrays the impenetrable and confusing fog of war. The cast wear vaguely Germanic World War Two outfits, drive motorbikes and pack big guns. Percussion plays a major role. The noise of the guns, the screeches and pops of the two stroke bikes reverberate around the quad of Edinburgh University’s Old College. The witches wield outsized football rattles and, whether through happy coincidence or remarkably accurate timing, the fireworks of the nearby Tattoo fire just as Macbeth is crowned.

While the audience have to stand for the whole performance - with those at the front running the risk of getting kicked in the head by a stilt sporting harpy - the tension is held and there are certainly much worse ways to spend an hour at the fringe. Macbeth on a bouncy castle any one? [Adam McCully] WWW.TEATRBIUROPODROZY. IPOZNAN.PL

Set design, movement and sound are absolutely integral to this production with only a few lines of the original play actually delivered. A large g o n g a b ove th e m o b i l e s et bleeds when Duncan is murdered, Banquo’s ghost is represented

BACARDI B-LIVE PRESENTS THE BIG GROOVE BYBLOS, GLASGOW, 23 SEPT

Bacardi B-Live’s The Big Groove will give Glaswegians the rare oppor tunity to embrace the sounds of Legowelt house, disco and hip-hop all under one roof on the

JoJo De Freq

BEATS

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SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

BEATS

Dance and Physical Theatre by Gareth K Vile

IN A FRINGE THAT HAS BEEN CRITICISED FOR HIGH PRICES AND A LACKLUSTRE SELECTION, WHICH OF THESE VENUES CAN CLAIM TO BE 2007’S DEFINITIVE DANCE CENTRE? Three venues stood out for dance at this year’s Fringe Festival: Aurora Nova, Zoo Southside and, predictably, Dance Base. It was not that these were the only spaces offering a variety of movement-based inspired treats and insipid miseries, but that each venue demonstrated a consistent commitment to physical theatre, developed a distinctive identity and promoted a range of genres. However, in a Fringe that has been criticised for high prices and a lacklustre selection, which of these venues can claim to be 2007’s definitive dance centre? Aurora Nova invented the purpose driven programme back in 2001, and has been winning awards ever since. This year, both Victoria - a solo study of old age - and Woyzeck - a restaging of one of modern theatre’s most elusive pieces - have won Herald Angels. Yet this year, its programme seemed stretched, with works like Andrew Dawson’s charming and slight Leitmotif overshadowed by the grandeur of the venue and Lia Rodrigues Companhia de Dancas’ presentation of Incarnat appeared to be more concerned with spectacle than content. Perhaps a victim of its own success, the large programme makes it harder to identify a theme or be sure of the quality: and in physical theatre, there is always a danger that a work will launch itself into the incomprehensible. Dance Base countered this problem with a small season of four mixed bills. Many newspapers reviewed the multiple acts as if they were a single event. This played to the venue’s advantage, since only two of the bills were consistently entertaining - Timeless (another Herald Angel winner) and Global. That said, it was easy to spot the theme of the programme: small scale works at the boundaries of dance convention, drawing on the disciplines of traditional forms. Unlike the other two venues, Zoo Southside was not dedicated exclusively to physical theatre other events included a magic show. It did boast an experimental work in the form of Druthers, although the majority of its dance companies tended towards the populist. Scotland’s own XFactor performed lively contemporary and 2Faced breakdanced through a high-octane hour. While hardly as focused as Dance Base’s programme, Zoo’s shows were crowd-pleasing and diverse, incorporating many of the major genres. Across the board, certain themes emerged. Breakdance is becoming to contemporary dance what reggae used to be to punk: a crowd pleasing change of pace that is flung in regardless of its relevance to the content. Of course, the real reason for breaking’s popularity is that it attracts boys to dance, and HipHopScotch (Dance Base) and 2Faced are simply the concert wing of classes. Ballet - alongside other traditional forms - seemed

to be making a comeback as a basis for many pieces. X-Factor’s Morceaux Choisis, Duo by the Curve Foundation and the Cape Dance Company (Zoo) all revealed a debt to the plie and battement. Unsurprisingly, the Global bill at Dance Base connected this to other international systems - Preyi Shrikumar is essentially a classical Indian dancer, although her inclusion in the bill reflected on the more radical explorations of Kitt Johnson, settling it in an older continuum. Both Aurora Nova and Dance Base gave evidence of the dangers of physical theatre’s self-absorption. At Dance Base Stephen Pelton’s A Hundred Miles was an appropriation of a young woman’s experience by a man at the very edge of his dance career, and was more South Park camp than serious transgender experimentation, while Madame Bazie (Natasha Gilmore) looked like an unsteady improvisation. Over at Aurora Nova, the hero of Orpheus wore a wig that made him look like Worzel Gummidge and his mediocre quality of movement lent his surrealistic exploits an aura of Vic Reeves. Incarnat got obsessed with blood - after a promising start, it became an atrocity exhibition, as bottles of tomato sauce were splashed about stage and artists. Yet many individual performances proved dance’s supreme eloquence. The aforementioned Timeless housed two works that were not only individually stunning, but combined to a greater whole. Hawkins and Payne-Myers’ Muscular Memory Lane and Beth Cassani’s 13 attracted attention because of the performers’ ages - Cassani used her two young sons, twelve and fourteen, to discuss young manhood, and eighty year-old Diana Payne-Myers astonished with her fancy footwork and serene expression. Through juxtaposition, dry humour and duets, both pieces said something original about time and growth, and commented on each other. In Zeitgeist, Andrew Dawson’s deceptively simple monologues were interspersed with minimal dances that fleshed out his tentative and oblique character. And Chickenshed pulled out all the stops to leave an audience in tears: their recreation of the life and death of an ex-company member asked far more questions than it answered about the experience of institutional racism, but was merciless in its use of video, music, singing and sampled conversations to provoke emotions. Ultimately, it is impossible to say which of the three venues provided the best programme: subjectivity comes into play more frequently in physical theatre, where one person’s incomprehensible shambles could be another’s poignant revelation. That said, Zoo Southside consistently served up engaging shows. Rarely heading out into the abstract or dangerous, their dance companies integrated the avant-garde into the accessible: 2Faced’s State of Matter did not say much, but said it with libidinous dynamism; Cape Dance Company drummed their way through wry and

VENUS AS A BOY Cupid, or “Desiree” as he is known in the Soho circuit, is special. With one touch or kiss he can lift the fog of banal everyday experience and give a glimpse of pure ecstasy, of heaven. We meet him, as we leave him, at the end of his tale, slowly dying from the scars his gift has granted him, looking into a mirror convinced that he is turning to gold. Tam Dean Burn’s adaptation of Luke Sutherland’s acclaimed novel traces the story of Cupid. From his childhood in Orkney to his orgasmic sexual awakening in his first love affair, there is an explicit surrealism to Cupid’s story. Losing his virginity to a parachuting Scandinavian who magically appears without a plane in the sky is an image straight from one of Chagall’s sketchbooks. Burns also cites Blake’s mystically

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

intense examinations of community, honouring their African roots and their balletic discipline; X-Factor were that rare beast - a contemporary company that celebrated the uncomplicated joy of physicality. For the casual viewer, Zoo delivered approachable quality works. Excluding HipHopScotch, their family show, Dance Base was catering to a minority audience, the serious balletomane. As such, it was rewarding, but Quantum was a weak selection, and Stratospheric erratic. While Dance Base fielded two of the best programmes in the Festival - Timeless and Global - in Kitt Johnson, it had a genuine original; Rankefod twisted the body into the instrument of evolution, frightening and awesome. Aurora Nova had too much ballast in its programme. Its strategy to include as much as possible from the weird and wonderful edges of the performance art world - even stretching the definition to include monologues and site-specific

works. Out of these come some clear winners, but, more than any other venue, Aurora Nova is patchy and the prospective audience needs to keep an eye on the reviews. Finally, a word about the Festival itself. While Glasgow staunchy supports physical theatre all year round, there is a danger that the Fringe presents the only opportunity for Edinburgh to see the extremes. Two of these venues made an effort to support local artists, leaving behind a legacy for the rest of the year. The Fringe may not be the best place to see physical theatre: too much extremity in one month can be suffocating. After a week of humans as insects, bodies being pulled into shapes beyond imagination and myths enacted in half-gloom and silence, reality can take on a strange complexion. CHECK OUT WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK FOR FURTHER IN DEPTH PROFILES OF THE THREE KEY VENUES

TRAGIC, SHOCKING AND EVEN HUMOROUS AT TIMES, THIS IS A BEGUILING CONTEMPORARY IMAGINING OF THE MODERN MESSIAH

charged universe as a key influence. As he moves away from Orkney, eventually settling in London in service of an ex-Nazi Romanian taxi drivercome-pimp, Cupid’s story becomes the search for true love. Trapped by his gift into a life of prostitution, the “gorgeous Arcadian boy” with a golden heart is soon sacrificed to the post-modern Golgotha as the Biblical parallels of the story become evident. Tam Dean Burns gives a captivating quasi-solo performance on a simple stage with few props, most notably a metal cage-wardrobe full of the shimmering sequin layered garments of the Soho Desiree. “Quasisolo”, because Luke Sutherland is ever present on stage, delivering a live musical accompaniment on

guitar, violin and sampler that re-enforces the magical atmosphere of the story. Burns moves ef for tlessly between the multiple characters of the story in the same way as he slips into the glittering costume of Desiree. Whilst at times the story can become as murky as the subterranean world Cupid inhabits - and the music occasionally seems overbearing - Sutherland’s book is eloquently realised in this production. Tragic, shocking and even humorous at times, this is a beguiling contemporary imagining of the modern messiah. [Michael Collins] VENUS AS A BOY COMES TO THE CITIZENS THEARE, GLASGOW, 30 OCTOBER - 10 NOVEMBER WWW.NATIONALTHEATRESCOTLAND.COM

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SEPTEMBER 07

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ANTICON REACHES AN INDEPENDENT LABEL LANDMARK WITH ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. BRENDON WHITNEY (ALIAS) AND DAVID MADSON (ODD NOSDAM) LOOK BACK ON THEIR PAST GLORIES AND TELL DAVE KERRAND ALI MALONEY HOW THEY’VE KEPT THE WHEELS MOVING.

Odd Nosdam:

Alias:

ALL THINGS REMIXABLE When we caught up with you last summer, you were gearing up for your first ever full live band tour with your Brookland/Oaklyn recording partner, Tarsier. Since doing so, has that experience come to inform the mechanics of the way you’re doing things in the studio now?

by Dave Kerr

huge weight off my shoulders. I spent a lot of time mixing and EQing that song, just because I didn’t want to ruin what was already great.” The label you co-own with your friends, Anticon, turns ten this year. Congratulations. Thinking back on your achievements - both personally and collectively – are you pleased with how far you have travelled as a creative force in that time?

“I learned a lot from that experience. It allowed me to work closely with other people and tour closely with them as well. It made me enjoy the ”Speaking for myself, I can say I’m more than col laborat ive process pleased with where I have gone again. I took so much time thus far and what Anticon being introverted musically “I COULD QUIT MAKING has grown into since 1997. that I forgot how exciting If someone had told me back MUSIC NOW, AND FEEL then when I was 21 that I it was to bounce ideas off of someone else. She and I LIKE I ACCOMPLISHED would have travelled all over plan on working on a new the world, supported myself album sometime soon, most MORE THAN WHAT I EVER financially, and met so many likely in the same fashion great people, all because of the EXPECTED.” at first, trading files, but music I made, I would have we both agreed that this told them they were crazy. The album will be a bit more organic sounding, with idea that my music has brought me to places like more live instrumentation. I’m pretty excited at Japan, Russia, Croatia, Poland... places I never the outcome of us working together again.” would have imagined going to, it’s still mind blowing to me. I could quit making music now, In terms of your most regular forte, you’ve just and feel like I accomplished more than what I put out a compilation which covers a lot of the ever expected. I have no complaints.” breadth of your remix work. Who have you found to be the most challenging artist to rework a song Do e s t here st i l l ex i st a hea lt hy s en s e of for? competition amongst your stable of comrades there? “John Van der Slice. I’m a massive fan of his music, but also his recording and production. He ”Somewhat. I still get very inspired by these has one of the last all-analogue studios in the US, guys, Jel especially. I don’t think he’s ever Tiny Telephone. I’ve become kind of a gear nerd made something that didn’t grab my attention without the money to delve into the equipment he immediately. And I got to see him play live for the has at Tiny Telephone, so I was extremely nervous first time in a while the other night - completely about messing up the overall sound of Exodus blown away. His hands were moving so fast, they Damage, because I’m all digital in my studio. were a blur over his MPC. But all of these guys Here he is making this dope song with some of give me chills on the regular, which makes me the best gear available, and I’m in my studio with want to try and keep up.” Pro Tools and all my electronic gear. But overall, he said he really liked what I did, which was a COLLECTED REMIXES IS OUT NOW ON ANTICON. HTTP://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ALIAS

BEAT MYSTIQUE

COMEDY

COMEDIANS CUT THEIR CRITICAL EYE ON WHAT’S BRAW AND WHAT’S NAW.

by Ali Maloney

GARY:

TANK COMMANDER

With a crackle of electricity and the slow un- distinct from what that genre could be perceived dulating of monolithic, time-stretched loops, as, which is something Madson is very conscious Level Live Wires is perhaps Odd Nosdam’s of. finest expression of his crate-dug shoegaze and ethereal ambience. Most prominently “There are beats and I’m definitely influenced known as the producer behind the behe- by hip-hop very heavily, but there are so many moth dada lullabies of cLOUDEAD (and some other things you could call it before you could of Sole’s best beats – but that’s a different call it hip-hop,” he affirms. “I grew up listening sphere altogether), previous solo albums to all the classic hip-hop records and didn’t really from Nosdam (AKA David u nd e r s t a nd how t hey Madson) have felt more like were making all those “I HAVE A LOT OF scrapbooks or compilations sounds, but as I got more rather than full and coher- EMOTIONS INSIDE OF ME into samplers and that l it y I sta r ted to ent releases. THAT CAN GET PRETTY menta understand more about With new LP, Level Live Wires, INTENSE. ART IS THE ONLY what was going on. With Mad son weaves a hy pnot ic is record, a l l of the THING I CAN DO TO KEEP th kaleidoscope that mines sounds came from other MYSELF SANE.” records as I don’t really the same shafts of ethereal surrealism that served use i nst r uments li ke cLOUDEAD so well, but beefed up to compensate guitars or keyboards or whatever, so in that sense for the lack of Doseone and Why?’s interweaving it could be seen as hip-hop.” meta-narratives. But Madson is also very aware of the oft-neglected “Sound is not tangible and that’s why I love it,” fact that turntablism and sampling pre-date the Madson enthuses. “I don’t really want to get into emergence of hip-hop by a considerable margin. what is or isn’t art, but sound is definitely an “Yeah, people have been collaging sound for entirely different medium. You can be anywhere 80 years or so,” he affirms. “Musique concrète and hear a sound or sounds, but you can’t be techniques and people like Pierre Henry or Pierre anywhere and see a painting or watch a movie. Schaeffer or Vladimir Ussachevsky have been as Sound can overwhelm you physically but it’s not much of an influence as people like Prince Paul tangible and that’s why I love it.” or the RZA.”

Old people. They don’t laugh at anything. If I’d survived the Second World War I’d be happy at anything. Naw. I like cheesy pasta. It’s braw. In Iraq, the milk’s disgusting. It’s like skimmed milk but off, that’s how they seem to like it over there; must be a ‘culturism’. Bad combination with the old Weetabix. Naw. I love getting a tan – one of the perks of going into the army and going to places like Iraq. I mean, people are trying to kill you so it’s not like a holiday, but anyway... Braw I also like Gordon Brown. He’s a bit like a pirate ‘cause he’s got a glass eye and my friend says he’s got a wooden leg. Every time I see him, he looks as though he’s trying to stop himself saying “arrr!”, just like a pirate. Braw. Not a big fan of Tony Blair just because he’s a bit of a radge. He spent 48 quid on Trident, or something, which is a bit much. Naw. Also don’t like suicide radges. I was in Glasgow Airport and some joker was trying to park his car in the terminal so my flight to Malaga was delayed and I was no happy at all. Naw. GREG MCHUGH WILL APPEAR IN GARY: TANK COMMANDER AT TRON THEATRE ON FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 10.30PM AS PART OF THE MERCHANT CITY FESTIVAL.

For this reason, and to fully experience all the minutiae that make up the nuances and subtle shifts of loops, Madson insists that listeners take the time to listen to this new album on the best stereo possible. “There’s so much more you can do with sound and it can affect people in different ways depending on what situation they’re in when they experience it,” he says, hopeful that each listener will hear Level Live Wires as a unique and personal experience. Although Anticon began very much as a hip-hop label, albeit one for the “advancement of hip-hop,” it has gradually morphed and evolved into something entirely

Very pleased with his new musical independence, Madson plans to keep ma k ing solo tracks but rema i ns a mbig uous as to a ny fut u re collaborations along the lines of his cLOUDEAD work. One thing is for sure: he has no plans of slowing down any time soon. “I have a lot of emotions inside of me that can get pretty intense,” he admits. “For me, art is the only thing I can do to keep myself sane. And everything I do is part of my creative process.” LEVEL LIVE WIRES IS OUT NOW ON ANTICON. WWW.ANTICON.COM, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NOSDAM

PROFILE OF A SERIAL KIDDER:

Maeve Higgins by Dee Custance

SHE DOESN’T SO MUCH HAVE GEMS OF JOKES, AS A STRING OF COMEDY PEARLS. Maeve Higgins is naturally funny. She doesn’t so much have gems of jokes in her stand-up, as a string of comedy pearls. Higgins is a bundle of funny observations and opinions, using memories of childhood whilst throwing in the odd, dark, unsuspecting, whimsical turn of phrase. It’s a unique style of delivery, with wit and sarcasm accompanied by her cute Irish lilt. Higgins is well known in Ireland for her characters on RTE’s successful TV show, Naked Camera, where she plays pranks on unsuspecting members of the public, including dressing as a crazy

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bride and asking total strangers to marry her. Last year Higgins showed her sweet side with Fringe show Haha Yum which involved chatting with her sister and making krispie cakes. Having disposed of the sugar treats, Higgins is still a great relief from the big loud boys and will win many people over with her quietly charming brand of comedy. MAEVE HIGGINS APPEARS AT BEST OF IRISH COMEDY AT THE GLASGOW STAND 26 SEP, AND ALSO ON THE 27, 28, 29 SEP

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

US KOOKS PICK

CLUBBING

Highlights

overlooked books

THE D&B CURRICULUM Luckily we’ve not really needed to bother with Summer this year and in turn that has given us a lot more time think about which nightclubs are going to mean the most to us this winter. September is the time to be doing that trial run and we think that you should be taking on as much research as possible, so to help in your quest, here are some of the highlights coming up this month.

EVERYONE HAS THEIR FAVOURITE BOOKS, BUT THE WRITERS AT THE SKINNY HAVE A NUMBER OF FAVOURITES THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF. SO WE, THE SKINNY WRITING STAFF, PRESENT OUR CHOICE OF BOOKS WE FEEL SHOULD BE BETTER KNOWN…

Ok, so /SLASHDOT. at The Hive (Edinburgh) are stealing the show in Edinburgh with shows on 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 September... whooo! Alternating between breaks and drum and bass and with healthy line-ups all the way (11pm-3am, £5). In addition, new club SIREN also frequents The Hive every Thursday, again mixing breaks and d&b alongside many other weird and wonderful sounds (11pm-3am, free).

MARRIAGE BY SUSAN FERRIER

Marriage by Susan Ferrier, first published in 1818, would come very close to my personal short list of the best novels ever written. Think Jane Austen with a Scottish twist. It’s a period comedy/drama set in the Highlands and, as the title suggests, focuses on marriage. A controversial novel of its time, it is superbly comical and witty, introducing grotesque caricatures and absurd marital situations, then allowing us to be taken along with the demise of nuptial bliss. By far one of the most entertaining novels I have read and, I think, greatly overlooked! [Fran Hagar]

A GIRL BECOMES A COMMA LIKE THAT BY LISA GLATT

This book is divided into several parts, telling the stories of four different women in Los Angeles. The principal character, however, is Rachel Spark, frequently picking up men in the hope that one of them will still be around when her mother dies of breast cancer. It’s a poignant but beautiful story about loss, and a comfort if you’ve been through anything similar. [Nine]

GAGARIN WAY BY GREGORY BURKE

It’s sad to consider that most modern drama is going to be overlooked,

especially with gems like Gagarin Way among the dross. Written by Gregory Burke, this debut play is funny, brutal and as much of a joy to read as it is to watch. Centring on an attempted act of revolution gone wrong, the play is an incisive critique of economics, masculinity, class and terrorism. Essential reading for anyone who’s ever worked in a factory, gone through a brief (or not so brief) communist phase, or who just likes their literature with a healthy dollop of Scots dialect. [Lauren O’Rourke]

VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS BY VITEZSLAV NEZVAL, TRANSLATED FROM THE CZECH BY DAVID SHORT

Writen in 1935 at the height of Czech surrealism, this bizarre erotic fantasy of a young girl’s maturation into womanhood only became available in English in 2005. It is part fairy tale, part gothic novel. It contains all the elements: a vampire with a taste for chicken blood, a lecherous priest, the protective powers of pearl earrings, changelings, a grandmother desiring her lost youth and an androgynous merging between a brother and sister. Its power resides in Nezval’s delicate, simple and dream-like prose. It is an enchanting exploration of fundamentals: youth and

TIMOTHY PHILLIPS ANNA POLITKOVSKAYA MEMORIAL EVENT

THE MEMBER OF THE WEDDING BY CARSON MCCULLERS

Carson McCullers is often overlooked in favour of her peers - writers such as Jane Bowles, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams. Her short novel The Member of the Wedding is typical of her writing; poignant, painfully real and bursting with insight. It deserves to be as widely read as any of the modernists. The novel tells the story of Frankie, a girl on the cusp of adolescence, in the lead-up to her brother’s wedding. It exquisitely captures Frankie’s awakening to the essential loneliness of the human condition and is both beautiful and profound. [Laurel Wilson]

ATLAS OF THE HUMAN HEART BY ARIEL GORE

Ariel Gore bought a one-way ticket to Hong Kong when she was sixteen and spent the next few years bluffing and smuggling her way around Asia, befriending a child pickpocket and narrowly escaping a massacre. This book is as exciting as that sounds. By comparison, when I was sixteen I spent a lot of time drinking cider on the pier. Which was also as exciting as it sounds. [Nine]

DANGEROUS VISIONS EDITED BY HARLAN ELLISON

Dangerous Visions is an angry, delinquent, mould-breaking collection of speculative fiction stories penned exclusively for this anthology by the cream of the SF crop, “from Asimov to Zelaney” (an order both alphabetical and chronological). Curator/ editor Harlan Ellison is one of the finest SF writers of all time but never really became a household name in the UK, his fame overshadowed by Ray Bradbury and Philip K. Dick. His selections are awesome. Look out particularly for Ellison’s own Prowler in the City at the Edge of the World and Brian Aldiss’s The Night that All Time Broke Out. Just brilliant. [Rob Westwoood]

lost. The narrator is not the cutting, cynical Holden but instead the weary, warm Buddy, something of an alter-ego for Salinger. Read this, and the rest of his oeuvre. Sadly, it won’t take you long. [Lauren O’Rourke]

UNDER THE VOLCANO BY MALCOLM LOWRY

This was rightly considered a classic on its release in 1947, and it’s weird that the book is so little talked of now: the writing is incredible.

The story covers the last day of Geoffrey Firmin’s life, when his wife comes back to him only to find him unreachable in his alcoholism. Set in Mexico, where Firmin is a (nonfunctioning) British consul, it is the festival Day of the Dead, and world war is brewing. Thick with Tolstoy and Cervantes, Lowry makes no apologies for his grand ambitions. Highlights include the letter Lowry wrote to his publisher Jonathan Cape justifying the book (included in most good editions) and the brutal, stunning ending. [RJ Thomson]

FRANNY AND ZOOEY BY JD SALINGER

Let’s assume one thing: everyone’s read The Catcher in the Rye. You’ve been there and done that. Why not Franny and Zooey? This slim volume (a story and novella named ‘Franny’ and ‘Zooey’ respectively) discusses the Glass family, recurring characters in Salinger’s work. The themes of Catcher – depression, artificiality, loss - are present in a simpler, more adult form, with none of that novel’s tenderness

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BRAM’S HIP-HOP CHIP SHOP I know its sunny now, but you know what? It’s too late. Too late! You’ve ruined it now, with your “international festival” and your “Summer”. What’s festive, what’s summery, about a bunch of show-off twats and tourists in the rain? But what’s that you say? September’s packed full of amazing hip-hop gigs and clubs? Okay, my sunglasses are back on. Gig of the month has got to be SKINNYMAN and MUD FAM, who join Edinburgh hip-hop outlaws Northern Exposure at The Caves for an exclusive show (The Caves, Edinburgh, 7 Sep, £tbc). Skinnyman’s classic LP Council Estate of Mind was a benchmark in realist hip-hop, and with Mud Fam bringing extra width to his sound, this should be a formidable session to witness. Those not familiar with Northern Exposure should check them out at www.myspace.com/nrnxpo - one of Scotland’s most original hip-hop crews. Next up, KILLA KELA, the talented multivocalist and founder of beatbox crew Spit Kingdom, is coming north to rock not only Edinburgh’s Soulbiscuits (Cabaret Voltaire, 21 Sep, £tbc), but also Dundee’s Reading Rooms (22 Sep, £tbc). Support from Nasty P, Gino and Fryer at Cab. You can catch one of the grime sce ne’s most commercially successful artists, KANO, at The Arches (Glasgow, Oct 6, 7pm start, £12.50). It’s worth checking

Dundee is in for a major treat when Jungle Nation comes to visit bringing with it Full Cycle Records’ DJ DIE to the Reading Rooms on 14 Sept (£7, 10.30pm– 2.30am), and what a show it will be! Downstairs at the Art School, Glasgow sees major dubstep innovator BENNY ILL breaking out the bass also on 14 Sept (9pm3am, £tbc). A beefed-up sound system and the promise of some classics should have you on the edge of your seat. Red Alert returns to Glasgow on 21 Sept to club BACCUS with residents Alcane, JL Boco and Mossco. Entry is £1 all night, what a deal! So I don’t know what it is you’re waiting for, go forth and partake in some new nights, one-offs and old favourites. A mission for September which should put you one step ahead in the quest for breakbeat knowledge. [Jonny Ogg]

out GETTOBLAST! (Sep 6, Bongo Club, Edinburgh, £6/7), where an assortment of local headz can be heard spitting some authentic Scottish rhymes. For a laugh, go and challenge one of the rappers to a pavement battle for cash. The Skinny dares you.

UNDERLING have an album out soon. Personally, I’d sell my own head for an advance copy. Watch them rock the spot not once but two times, with the fabulous Latino-funk flavours of LURIN in support, at Henry’s Cellar Bar (Edinburgh, Sep 8 & 21, £3, profits to support Peruvian earthquake victims). So with Skinnyman, Kela and Kano hitting Scotland, is there any room for resident DJs to show their skills? Shout outs in no particular order go to DEMA & NICE (Freakmoves, The Art School, Glasgow, £2 / £3 – every Thursday, cheap bevvy), DANS LE SAC and SCROOBIUS PIP (King Tuts, Glasgow, 12 Sep £tbc), ELLIGITIMATE DJS (Marriott Hall, Dundee, 16 Sep), NAEEM and SKETCH (Cube, Glasgow, every Wednesday, £4 / £2), RED 6, DECOY ROY & DEAN ATKINS (Give It Some!, The Bongo Club, Edinburgh, Sep 22), and finally PROFISEE, whose Volume! Sessions continue this month (Ego, Sep 29, £tbc), showcasing the best in dubstep, grime and hip-hop. At the second volume there was a crew of MCs waiting to freestyle over 2-step beats. That’s what we like to see! Roll up, roll up. [Grandmaster Bram and The Furious Few]

Carson McCullers: bursting with insight

RICHARD DAWKINS Richard Dawkins spoke to a packed crowd in the Main Theatre of the Book Festival, a crowd which was hoping for controversy. He was here to speak about his book The God Delusion, an astounding success both in Britain and the United States, home of the Evangelical Right. Dawkins was surprised by its success in America, but puts it down to the idea that he has articulated what many people were thinking and helped them find the courage to admit it publicly. Dawkins spoke of the need to convince and “seduce” opponents to science with reasoned argument, such as those advocating that intelligent design be taught alongside evolution as an equal theory. His talk was relaxed, but contained a sense of the need for action. Dawkins was insightful and intellectual, without being at all superior. He was also, surprisingly, very funny - giving anecdotes with a dry and welltimed delivery. The chair of the event, Muriel Gray, provided added comic entertainment, but her questions were also excellent and kept the discussion interesting and fast-paced. Dawkins is one of the world’s leading intellectuals and made a wonderful contribution to the festival. [Laurel Wilson] HTTP://RICHARDDAWKINS.NET

photos: Andy Moore

The first Anna Politkovskaya Memorial Event was an informal speech given by Timothy Phillips, Russian translator and author of the recent book Beslan: The Tragedy of School No 1. Using the events at Beslan as a starting point, Phillips gave a sombre account of Russian society and the history of the conflict in the North Caucasus. The Chechen conflict, Phillips pointed out, began in mythology, the identities of key parties defined by mutual hatred. The facts of what happened at Beslan are still not clear and investigations are disputed. It is clear that the government’s management of the crisis was flawed, though how much they are to blame for the escalation in the conflict is contentious. Phillips found that many Russians weren’t interested in the tragedy of Beslan; their lives overflow with their own difficulties and suffering, leaving no space for the suffering of others. In Beslan itself, talk of revenge is abundant. Nothing has changed as a result of Beslan, and there seems no political will for change. Phillips’s talk was as poignant as it was insightful, giving a portrait of a broken down, divided society where life is cheap and marred by violence. Russia moves on through necessity, but the problems remain. [Laurel Wilson]

age, sexuality and death. [Caroline Walters]

BEATS

BOOKS

Kano

THE HOUSE OF TECHNO Eclecticism seems to be the key this month across Edinburgh and Glasgow, with SINDEN rocking out the Subclub, BEATGLUERADIO, VINYL and SMUT kicking off new nights, and ever-reliable techno-booty heads going all soulful on us. Keeping things simple on 23 Sept, JACKMASTER’S Seismic crew bring SECONDO and JON SOUL JAZZ (live) to Blackfriars Basement (11pm3am, £tbc). Secondo impressively blends bass heavy, innovative techno and sheer danceable disco fever in what should be an excellent night. Mash rocks out the Subby with the OOFT! DJs in September. Much like fellow dubsided labelmate, Mash, Sinden spins a heady collision of bass, booty, breaks and rhythm. It’s heady and guaranteed to make you get down. (13 Sept, 11pm–3am, £3/5). And now for something completely different; DINOSAURDEATHPENGUIN. Run by those very silly people behind Scribble and Screeb, DDP kick things off at the 13th Note on 15 Sept (9pmlate, free), promising all things surreal and confusing. Or as they put it, “everything and everyone put in a blender mixed and served with a big fuck off stupid straw that wraps around your face first before blasting it off.”

www.skinnymag.co.uk

With slightly better metaphors and promising a similarly eclectic taste, Smut takes over the Admiral for the first time on 6 Sept, with boy genius LUKID pitting his offbeat take on leftfield hip-hop and electro against Smut’s soul-funk mixture and IBRAHIM’s mashed-up, grimey electro (details tbc).

PLUS ONE (he of Scratch Perverts fame) launches Vinyl’s first night on 13 Sept. Please don’t tell me you don’t know who the Scratch Perverts are: Mr. Thing? First Rate? World DMC champions? Anyway, twisted electro and mashed up sounds are the order of the day over in Edinburgh at Club Ego, playing right across the board (11pm-3am, £4/£5). If all this seems a bit too broad-minded, on 28 Sept the FLYING LURINKSY’s (one half Monox, one half Forshaw) bring their straight-up, nasty jacking noise to JakN at Studio 24 (10.30pm-3am, £6/£7). And finally, a big heads up for October; 12 Oct sees the Scrabble crew teaming up against Camouflage with MILANESE. His show with Doublespeak earlier this year was absolutely killer. Tattoo this on your eyelids (details tbc).

Bridging the gap by Alex Burden

HE’S BEEN NOMINATED FOR AN IVOR NOVELLO AWARD, TOURED THE WORLD, AND SET ALIGHT THE CHARTS; THE SKINNY CHATS TO NICK BRIDGES FROM BODYROX So, how does a former Cambridge Law & Economics student and software company Marketing Manager become an electronic music star?

has a vast experience behind him.” The duo have been taking the global house scene by storm, launching Juki Records and releasing $treet Price to critical acclaim and five star reviews.

It seems a gradual process is the answer, and it’s certainly one that Nick Bridges has stuck to. After DJing for a number of years he was taken on as a Ministry of Sound resident in 1999. Shortly after, his disc jockeying commitments “went crazy” to the point that he could escape the marketing world. “I couldn’t hack the whole nine to five thing so I’m glad it’s turned out okay.”

Bridges currently rocks out two residencies (“DJing has always been number one for me. Producing is also great but there’s nothing like a buzzing club”): DTPM at Fabric in London, and Glasshouse at the Mission in Leeds. “I don’t think I have time for any other residencies as our diaries are so busy following the track’s global success,” he notes.

He has certainly put in the hard graft over the years, including a mammoth three year tour across Spain for Bacardi, something Bridges is proud of given that he reckons some of the best clubs in the world reside there. Bodyrox are taking things a little more slowly, going on tour for weeks at a time. Indeed, another three week tour of Australia is due this month, which Bridges is excited about. “DJING HAS ALWAYS BEEN If you happen to be down under, check it out. NUMBER ONE FOR ME.

Turned out okay indeed; if he hadn’t stuck at it, today he could have been staring at a computer screen as part of the shirts, shiny shoes and tie brigade, instead of enjoying the fruits of a solo career and partnership with Jon Pearn as Bodyrox.

After being signed up to Ministry, more offers of residencies further afield rolled in, and it was at Pacha (Ibiza) five years ago that he PRODUCING IS ALSO GREAT A lt houg h B o dy rox ha s met Pearn, who suggested BUT THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A brought Bridges and Pearn a they make a track together. wealth of success that faciliBUZZING CLUB.” Little did they know at the tates their incessant touring, time that this collaboration Nick still cherishes his early would lead to an Ivor Novello nomination, previ- work: “The first compilation I mixed for Ministry of ously won by musicians such as Neil Tennant, Elton Sound in 2000 was a milestone in my career. Yeah John and Sir John Taverner. Yeah was my first chart success so I’m obviously proud of that. Oh, and I love Put Your Hands Up For They might have lost out in the Best Contemporary Detroit...urm, no, that wasn’t us!” Song category to Amy Winehouse, but the fact they were shortlisted at all, as Nick tells us, was never- Next in the pipeline is a new Bodyrox single which theless “amazing”. Particularly because “it’s rare follows the “same ingredients” as Yeah Yeah, and that dance music producers are nominated.” you can hear advance previews on Bridges’ Myspace. He is a little cagey about further details, but also on The song in question was Yeah Yeah, featuring the schedule are numerous major label releases later vocals from Luciana, which hit the number two this year (Positiva, Data, Phonetic & Eye Industries/ spot in the national chart in November last year. Universal), under various pseudonyms, including Luci, as she is affectionately known, wrote the Another Chance and R.A.W. Plus, they’re even findlyrics with partner Nick Clow (“they are possibly ing the time to produce a new girl band. From all the best writers in the world right now”) while directions, then, Bodyrox are coming at you. Pearn and Bridges composed the music. Luci had WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DJNICKBRIDGES also worked with Pearn under the name Full WWW.BODYROX.CO.UK Intention, and both producers realised she could bring something magic to their track. The result was an addictive blend of filthy electronics which some journalists swiftly deposited into the ‘nu rave’ genre. “Journalists love tags! It makes it easy to slate when it goes out of fashion. Nu rave is cool, but it seems to be used on everything now.” So how else has working together with Pearn helped Nick’s career? “Jon has obviously been directly instrumental in my production career. He

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

REVIEWS

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI Is time really flying by this fast? Seconds are turning into months before you know it: you finish your breakfast and then it’s time to put your jim-jams back on and return to bed. It seems like only yesterday that Anticon was a fledgling idea, instead of the ten year old hip-hop mainstay it is today. And µ-Ziq - isn’t he supposed to be a mad scientist looking to the future of electronica? Now all of sudden he’s a label mogul with years of warped sound waves and beats under his belt. Not to mention Mungo’s Hi-Fi’s transition from homegrown vibes to international reggae label. And then there’s Andrew Weatherall - once upon a time he just DJ’d, and now he has the freedom to dictate to the labels and play the music he wants to play. With all this time whizzing by, you barely bat an eyelid and one club closes only for another to spring up in its place (that is, when the scene is fertile). Maybe it has been the effect of the festival, but I’m pretty sure I was munchin’ Easter eggs only yesterday, instead of zooming into Xmas. In this month’s issue we have features and interviews with all of the above, plus Nick ‘Yeah Yeah Yeah’ Bridges of Bodyrox fame, Kenny Breaks, promoter of The Hive and /Slashdot., several members of the new club/collective Decodance, and the usual reviews and previews. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it! Later, Alex

µ-Ziq: SOUND ARCHITECT

BEATS CONTENTS U-ZIQ

CLUBBING HIGHLIGHTS

NICK BRIDGES

ODD NASDAM & ALIAS

DECODANCE

GLASGOW PREVIEWS

SCOTCH BONNET

THE HIVE

EDINBURGH PREVIEWS

ANDREW WEATHERALL

ALBUMS & SINGLES & DJ CAHRT

TOP

ALBUMS

1. CADENCE WEAPON - BREAKING KAYFABE (BIG DADA)

Influenced by techno, old-school hip-hop, Bob Dylan, and grime, but sounding like none of them, this album is uniquely challenging and innovative. RELEASE DATE: 24 SEPT

2. CRISTIAN VOGEL – DOUBLE DEUX / DELICADO Obscure and disquieting, Double Deux’s noise-scapes are fascinating; bleeding-edge art that affirms Vogel’s status as a true visionary.

“I sent Rephlex a demo long ago... Richard phoned me up a week or so later saying he liked the music and we chatted from time to time about a forthcoming release. We met in Knowledge, a techno club in SE1, for the first time. Rephlex has always been a label run from the heart. I think you can tell that from their output, and it’s why I like them. I try to run my label (Planet Mu) in the same manner.”

OUT NOW

3.DOMU PRESENTS PETE SIMPSON - LOOK A LITTLE FURTHER (PAPA RECORDS) With Domu’s rigid production, Simpson’s dulcet tones, and a little help from Pete Kuzma, the duo have produced a chilled-out collection of Sunday afternoon/ bedtime treats. RELEASE DATE: 24 SEPT

4. TIM FULLER – THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH REMIXES (BOMBAY)

Although remix albums may have a reputation for occasionally missing the mark, this release would be an excellent addition to any record collection. OUT NOW

5. AFROREGGAE – FAVELA UPRISING (MR BONGO) An uplifting musical experience, with a distinctive Brazilian upbeat style infused with hip-hop, samba and reggae influences. OUT NOW

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

BY TOBY BARLOW

Sometimes it’s fun just to read a book for the qua lit y of the writing - the pure skill with which it is written, rather than what it is actually about. The New Yorker magazine is one of the best places to find such writing, and often on fascinating subjects too. The editor of that magazine is David Remnick, author of Reporting. Reporting collects Remnick’s best essays from The New Yorker, neatly split into five subjects: politics, authors, Russia, Israel and boxing. All are subjects that Remnick is enthusiastic about and expert on – he even won a Pulitzer Prize for his book Lenin’s Tomb on the collapse of the Soviet Union. The pieces here on Russia are informed and informative, accessible to anyone, yet rich enough for most experts in the field. Other pieces, such as High Water (about New Orleans), are similarly excellent. That, all of the pieces here are brilliantly written is unsurprising, because if they hadn’t been they wouldn’t have made the pages of The New Yorker, and certainly wouldn’t have made it into this collection of Remnick’s best work. What you have here then is double-filtered excellence; fun to read for the quality of the prose, and fascinating for the content itself. [Keir Hind]

In the spirit of Rober t Frost’s statement that “poetry is a way of taking life by the throat”, Toby Barlow has writ te n a ver y unique book: an e pic poe m about werewolves in modern-day Los Angeles. It initially follows a dog-catcher called Anthony, but as he becomes more and more puzzled by weird occurrences, we meet Lark, leader of the were-pack. But there are rival packs around, at first only in rumour, but soon affecting the plot dramatically. And what a plot it is, revolving around the crimes the wolves commit, the internal politics of the group, and the sexual politics of the packs, which only ever include one female, like wolves in the wild. And when the female in Lark’s pack falls in love with Anthony, things get complicated. Barlow is good on LA, referencing ancient epics on trips to burger bars or warehouses while listening to the FM radio in the car. Some of the details are too strange – it’s hard to say why some of the wolves enter a bridge tournament and the ever-twisting plot can be hard to follow. But this is an exciting experiment, and though not a classic epic poem by any means, it’s an entertaining page turner. [Ryan Agee] PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM HEINEMANN.

PUBLISHED BY PICADOR.

COVER PRICE £12.99 HARDBACK

PUBLISHED BY JONATHAN CAPE.

COVER PRICE £9.99 PAPERBACK.

COVER PRICE £14.99.

WWW.NEWYORKER.COM

DIAMOND DOVE

WAIT UNTIL SPRING, BANDINI

DREAMS FROM MY FATHER

BY JOHN FANTE

BY BARACK OBAMA

Barack Obama, the US Senator from Illinois, is at present hoping to get the Democratic Pa r t y’s n o m i nation for President of the United States. If he succeeds he would be the first African-American President. This book, first written twelve years ago when Obama was 33, is a biography exploring his upbringing as the son of a white American mother and black African father. As such it has a lot to say about race issues in America - not a new subject by any means, but a constantly evolving one. Obama mentions reading Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, James Baldwin and Malcolm X on the same subject, but where this book has an obvious advantage over their work is that it has a contemporary outlook which is notably less bleak. Unusually though, it actually stands comparison for quality of writing – Obama’s prose style is much like that of his engaging speeches, and he arranges the chapters of his life cleverly, intercutting past and present to show how he has drawn conclusions from his experiences. This is a fascinating book; a political memoir that, for once, is a pleasure to read. [Keir Hind]

IS OUT NOW

Fans of Charles B u ko w s k i a r e the people most likely to be familiar with John Fa n te’s w o r k , for despite the critical admirat i o n h i s wo r k garners, this late author has remained very much a cult figure. To anyone who has read his prose, this is a mystery. A tragi-comic tale from the author’s son in the introduction to this novel does help to explain matters, from a financial perspective. In Wait Until Spring, Bandini, the first in a quartet of novels concerning a family of Italian immigrants in America (and in particular the eldest son, Arturo), the writing is incredibly fresh, the clipped style immediately engaging. Fante deals with similar issues to other American literary heavyweights, including poverty, racism and the everelusive American Dream. However, his subject matter is always intensely personal, even close to the bone – Fante never allows the novel to become grandiose or abstract. Instead, he portrays the mundane tragedies and agonies which comprise the characters’ lives on a daily basis. While the narrator inhabits the minds of the individual characters, it is the tense love-hate dynamic between the family members which makes the novel fascinating. Fante deserves a much wider audience, however belated. [Lauren O’Rourke]

WWW.PLANET-MU.COM

OUT NOW

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DUNTISBOURNEABBOTS

PUBLISHED BY CANONGATE.

PUBLISHED BY QUERCUS.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CHILDRENOFMU

COVER PRICE £6.99 PAPERBACK

COVER PRICE £10.99.

OUT NOW

“I’m often doing remixes for the label and compiling artists’ albums. Jetting around the world DJing as well. I recently remixed Ra’s Ev.panic but mainly I am doing label work; I’m currently mastering and editing Boxcutter’s new album Glyphic which is quite a job. I’m thinking about remixing The Doubtful Guest’s Mind Detergent soon for an upcoming 12”.”

S “I NEVER REALLY CONSIDERED ANY OF THIS STUFF AS ‘ALBUM MATERIAL’ AT FIRST... IT WAS A DISCIPLINED PHASE I WAS GOING THROUGH.” On his new album Duntisbourne Abbots Soulmate Devastation Technique, Paradinas teams up with Mu label mate The Doubtful Guest on the track Acid Steak Night. “I was living with The Doubtful Guest at the time so it was only natural for us to make music together as both our laptops were on the coffee table at the same time. It was after an afternoon of watching parts 1-3 of Back To The Future. I had fallen asleep during part 3 but was fully conscious of the sound. On awakening I found that a dribbling Libby [The Doubtful Guest] was asleep on me. I woke her and we went to The King’s Head where it was Wednesday Steak Night. We shared a rump with pepper sauce and fries [strictly chips] which was pretty fucking agreeable. It was after that we made the track.” µ-Ziq’s newest offering is a departure from the intricacy of some of his previous works to date.

OUT NOW

RELEASE DATE: 21 SEP

Paradinas’ label, Planet Mu, was originally conceived in 1995 as a subsidiary of Hut Records/ Astralwerks (Virgin Music). It wasn’t until 1998 that paradinas eventually broke away from Virgin Records to set up Planet Mu independently, after the release of the Mealtime compilation on Virgin, which featured artists such as Jega, AFX and Elton Fastbrook. Despite the album’s critical acclaim, Virgin just didn’t know how to successfully market it, let alone sell it, so Paradinas decided to take matters into his own hands. Now almost a decade on, Paradinas is planning the label’s 10th birthday celebrations. The first independent release was Jenga’s Type Xero EP in June 1998 and in subsequent years Mu has blossomed into one of the leading electronic labels alongside Warp and Skam.

And it’s not easy work for Paradinas. He runs the entire operation by himself from his bedroom with nothing more than a telephone and a personal computer to aid him. Kudos indeed. All his hard work has paid off, though, and today Planet Mu is home to many artists such as Luke Vibert, Capitol K, Venetian Snares and Ayr’s very own Frog Pocket to name but a few. Recently the label has taken a darker turn with the rising popularity of dub-step, gabba and breakcore, slowly leaving behind its IDM roots. But how does µ-Ziq possibly find time to sniff out new talent for Mu along with all his other commitments? “Talent usually makes itself apparent via word of mouth or MySpace pages etcetera. The qualities I am looking for are: well dressed, with a good stage show; it doesn’t really matter these days about ‘the music’ as that part’s free. Just make a mix up of whatever you think is trendy. Good-looking young chaps are a bonus too,” says Paradinas. “Make a sleeve with bright colours. By the way, pastels are replacing the old ‘nu-rave neon’. Someone who is good at self-promotion and can create good hype regardless of actual ‘content’.” [Do we detect a hint of sarcasm there? - ed.]

BY DAVID REMNICK

Due to the way i t ’s g e n e r a l l y reported in the media, when most people in the western wor ld think of Africa they inevitably think of p ove r t y, A I D S and starving, swollen-bellied children. Few people are aware that there were prosperous par ts of Africa in the 1970s, with thriving, vibrant cultures all of their own. This is the Africa Marguerite Abouet portrays in her new graphic novel Aya de Yopougon. The story follows teenage Aya who holds aspirations of being a doctor, and so focuses on her studies while her two best friends regularly sneak out to go dancing. Despite being the heroine, Aya serves as more of a confidante to her two friends whose adventures make up most of the story, and manages for the most part not to get caught up in their crises and squabbles. Clément Oubrerie’s art is lively and beautiful, with the gift of being able to make you laugh whilst never shying away from the underlying turbulence in the lives of the main characters, and indeed all young adults. In this simple yet charming story, Abouet and Oubrerie revive an utterly enchanting world and shine a light on an Africa most people never knew existed. [Campbell Miller]

by Natalie Doyle

Who exactly is Mike Paradinas ? With so many different aliases, releases and projects under his belt sometimes it’s hard to tell. One thing is for certain: the man sure loves his music, whether it’s creating it himself or helping others get their own creations out into the greater sphere. Originally hailing from south west London, Paradinas began operating under the name µ-Ziq (that’s ‘music’ to you and me) in 1992 whilst studying for a degree in architecture. He left the course before completing it to concentrate on music full-time, and to great success. It wasn’t long before Paradinas got involved with Richard D. James’ label Rephlex with the release of his first album Tango n’vectil, which was swiftly followed ( just a few months later) by his second album under the µ-Ziq pseudonym, Bluff Limbo.

(STATION 55)

SHARP TEETH

BY MARGUERITE ABOUET, ILLUSTRATED BY CLÉMENT OUBRERIE

THE SKINNY FINDS OUT THE WHOS, WHERES, WHENS AND WHATS OF µ U-ZIQ AND HIS SNAPPILY TITLED NEW ALBUM, DUNTISBOURNE ABBOTS SOULMATE DEVASTATION TECHNIQUE

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

AYA DE YOPOUGON REPORTING

BOOKS

BEATS

“I like Duntisbourne... of course. I never really considered any of this stuff as ‘album material’ at first. Maybe because I intentionally restricted myself to using two softsynths and a day per track, and making each track out of bits from the track before. And no midi input devices – mouse only. It was a disciplined phase I was going through... But it started to grow on me, and was about a particular time in my life. I think I needed to release it somehow. It is personal to me. It isn’t about the break up from my partner though, which some people seem to think. No no, it is a love album.” DUNTISBOURNE ABBOTS SOULMATE DEVASTATION TECHNIQUE

BEATS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

RELEASE DATE: 6 SEP PUBLISHED BY CANONGATE. COVER PRICE £12.99 PAPERBACK. WWW.BARACKOBAMA.COM

BY ADRIAN HYLAND

Diamond Dove, the debut novel from Adrian Hyland, tells the sto r y of Emil y Tempest as she retu r ns to h e r home town after several years away. The novel works within the detective/crime genre, using outback Australia as its setting, as Emily investigates the murder of her old friend Lincoln Flinders. Emily is a strong, believable character, the daughter of a white miner and an Aboriginal woman. Emily’s narrative voice is filled with devious humour and intelligence; she is feisty, but confused about her identity. The cast of supporting characters are equally believable; shrewd, conniving or compelling, depending on the angle. Hyland describes the Australian landscape with beauty and poise. His in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal life and culture is clear, as is his admiration for those still living by those traditions. Hyland’s story, while hugely entertaining, also deals with the serious issues that face rural Australia today: the relations between white farmers and townspeople and the traditional owners of the land, the Aborigines. Hyland does not address the issues directly, nor provide any answers, but the problems are evident in the plot and simmer away beneath the surface. This book has been an unexpected hit in Australia, and is a good example of how well a twist can be applied to the detective genre. [Laurel Wilson]

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

SINGLE REVIEWS THE WHITE STRIPES YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT LOVE IS (XL) by Craig Wilson

The film industry owes gamers. We lap the upcoming release of Halo 3, it could at least have earned some up every single mediocre game released mainstream credibility for the genre. in conjunction with big films, most of which have been so quickly conceived The major flaw in most game to screen adaptations is that most you’d be forgiven for thinking it was have been based on games with little or no plot. Look at the list: put together on someone’s lunch break. Super Mario Bros, Street Fighter, Tomb Raider and Doom. Great games, Moreover, games designers will occa- but not one of them has a particularly engaging plot. Thus we end sionally produce classic games based on up with films featuring completely original, and undoubtedly god movies; take Goldeneye, Blade Runner awful, plots which neither satisfy fans by being respectful to the or Tie Fighter. So where on earth is the game, nor your average cinema goer by being, you know, good. movie that gamers deserve ? One that Whenever filmmakers do pick up a game with a half decent plot, say conveys the excitement, interactivity Resident Evil, they scrap its story and come up with their own which a nd pass ion of ends up being inferior anyways. Instead play ing a great of picking games with great storylines, “GAMING AND FILM HAVE game. Apparently studios have instead chosen classic games it is lying beat up BEEN IN BED TOGETHER SINCE regardless of whether they have the plot and crying under to take a film’s weight. Gaming and film SUPER MARIO BROS. IN 1993, t he s h a d ow o f have been in bed together since Super greedy studio AND EVERY SINGLE THING THEY Mario Bros. in 1993, and every single execs and directhing they have produced, without exHAVE PRODUCED, WITHOUT torial morons. emption, has been shit.

EXEMPTION, HAS BEEN SHIT.”

Morons li ke Uwe Boll, a German director who seems to specialise in bringing poor games to screen (see – or better don’t – Alone in the Dark, Bloodrayne and House of the Dead, all three of which are in imdb’s bottom 100), producing an abomination of epic proportions which harms both industries. The man is worse for films/games than George W. has been for America’s reputation abroad. The closest we have come to having a competent filmmaker approach a game was Peter Jackson with Halo. Yet this has been canned and Jackson himself wasn’t even planning to direct. This does however highlight another problem: how could Halo’s ten missions of constant shooting be successfully translated into a competent movie? It doesn’t have a particularly deep story to help produce an interesting script. Yet in conjunction with

So where does the future lie for collaboration between the industries? The gaming industry is great for films; look at Alien vs. Predator, a great game and a perfect homage to its source material. Look at Alien vs. Predator the film, a pathetic cash-in. To make matters worse, upcoming releases don’t look promising. Hitman’s trailer looked so unprofessional I’m surprised it’s not a straight to DVD feature. The trailer for Dungeon Siege, by Uwe Boll again, is as plain laughable as it is depressing. So why even bother making game adaptations? Indeed there’s rarely anything more boring than watching someone else play a game, but that’s exactly what these films are suggesting, and the cast and crew are often poor players. The main answer is of course to make money - your money. So why accept this at all? The reason is simple; there are loads of games out there with plots and characters far better realised than in many movies. Consider Metal Gear Solid or Knights of the Old Republic. Yet until priorities change, or a skilled filmmaker takes the reins of a good game adaptation then it seems that change is very far away indeed. Did you know there’s a Sims film in production? Enough said.

Since the ‘Stripes declared a departure from their minimalist guitar and drums template a few years ago, the world and its marimba have shown up on their records. For their latest single, it’s the Hammond organ’s turn to get a look-in; a look-in is about all it gets however, before this chugging country-rock stomper rams home its point about a lover who is under the thumb. With a high pitched, squealing guitar solo to jive to, White’s axe antics seem to become increasingly showy with each passing tune. [Barry Jackson] RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP THE WHITE STRIPES PLAY SECC, GLASGOW ON 24 OCT WWW.WHITESTRIPES.COM

THE PENDULUMS

NEW WORLD NOVA EP (MOON2) The new-fangled digital-era has no place for our humble grandfather clock. With the hours now calculated to the nearest zili-second, this emblem of bourgeoisie Britannia is quickly winding down for redundancy. Yet, in the name of retro-ism, Central Belt folksters The Pendulums are gently swinging into the throes of modern-day life. New EP New World Nova is awash with charming, banjoled waltzes and off-kilter shanties like the luscious melodic helter-skelter Moon Mountain. It’s comedic cultural swipes and ramshackle disposition

lacks the immediacy of today’s brazen pop-pickers but, given a little time, you’ll soon clock on to these sumptuous acoustic gems. [Billy Hamilton] RELEASE DATE: 3 SEP WWW.THEPENDULUMS.CO.UK

THE SHINS

TURN ON ME (TRANSGRESSIVE/SUB POP) Indie bands always have a predilection for underachievement; catching a perverse pleasure from being in the comfort zone of not having to try too hard. The Shins, however, have had their eyes on the commercial prize for quite a while now, and with their latest album, Wincing The Night Away, reaching number two in the Billboard charts, it seems the band are getting a measure of merited success. Turn On Me is another bright, literate indie-pop tune, soundtracking the tale of a codependent relationship, where one party plays the “most ridiculous, repulsive games.” As always with the Shins, this is a solid number. [Barry Jackson] RELEASE DATE: 3 SEP WWW.THESHINS.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THESHINS

THE MOJO FINS PINATA FACE (AMAZON)

First slated for release earlier this summer, P i n a t a Fa c e will instead be released in September as a tribute to the band’s former vocalist/guitarist Jon Chandler who died

in a car accident in May. While the title may sound like a playground taunt for a fellow pupil not blessed with the most handsome visage, the song itself is a gentle, unassuming creature, with a neat, circular acoustic riff and lilting chorus that Elliott Smith would be proud of. B-Side Between Stations sees the band flexing their musical muscles a little more with an off-beat rhythm and a ringing guitar line borrowed from Ok Computer-era Radiohead. Let’s hope this isn’t the last we hear of them. [Barry Jackson] RELEASE DATE: 3 SEP WWW.THEMOJOFINS.CO.UK

DARKWATER 1920 (NEXT)

Glasgow-based Darkwater throw a lot of sex around this release, from the risqué sleeve of singer-cummodel Lora, to the sultry vocal delivery and lyrics. Woah, guitars! Phew, electronica! Gee, suggestive lyrics! This is either playing straight at the ‘Nuts ‘n’ Zoo’ adolescent or - albeit less likely - it’s a brilliant pastiche of lad-ish consumerism. 1920 is far enough departed from the mainstream to reel in an ‘alternative’ audience while whiffing faintly enough of everything else you’ve heard slung under the ‘electro-rock’ banner to entice radio commissions and commercial glory. And, with a Klaxonsgenerated wave of dance-orientated pop to ride, expect this to surf into your ears shortly. [Jamie Borthwick] OUT NOW DARKWATER PLAY ABC, GLASGOW ON 5 OCT AND THE LIQUID ROOM, EDINBURGH ON 6 OCT WWW.DARKWATERUK.COM

BATTLE

PAPER STREET (TRANSGRESSIVE) There’s something going on in the good neighbourhood of Paper Street. The surface of it is begging anonymity, the tawdry hooks and chord patterns are nothing original and the vocals at first jar with Jason Bavanandan’s peculiarly fluctuating delivery. But it’s in this voice that the track starts to pull you in. There’s a knowing twinkle of intelligence behind the lyrics, breathing allegory and absurdity into the mix with strong echoes of Jarvis Cocker blooming life into the track. Beyond Bavanandan, there’s an energy of deft harmonising which pushes a ten-a-penny indie track above the norm, a feat alone which shows there’s plenty of fight about Battle. [Jamie Borthwick] RELEASE DATE: 13 SEP WWW.THISISBATTLE.COM

I WAS A CUB SCOUT OUR SMALLEST ADVENTURES (ABEANO/XL)

tact, trying to work up the courage to ask you if you like Grandaddy. [Chris Cusack]

EDINBURGH ON 14 SEP AND KING TUT’S,

The Bronx, but the chunky parts kick in from then onwards affording plenty of opportunities for the more tattooed listener to point righteously towards the hardcore heavens. [Chris Cusack]

GLASGOW ON 20 SEP

RELEASE DATE: 17 SEP

MYSPACE.COM/IWASACUBSCOUT

GALLOWS PLAY FAT SAMS, DUNDEE

SMASHING PUMPKINS

ON 18 SEP

RELEASE DATE: 3 SEP I WAS A CUB SCOUT PLAY TEVIOT ROW,

THAT’S THE WAY (REPRISE)

Wading in with a swagger that at first mimics ‘Trail of Dead classic It Was There That I Saw You, though it ultimately struggles to carry any of that song’s euphoric sheen, the Pumpkins’ latest single selection on their - or his - comeback quest is an anaemic jam that Billy Corgan would have done well to eject into his colossal skip of wonky rarities. The ever dextrous Jimmy Chamberlain phones in some clattering beats while his master warbles on autopilot and tinkers with abstract Moog madness before the big solo. Parts of Zeitgeist are fantastic, but this is simply lukewarm, airy fairy filler. [Philip E Stein] WWW.SMASHINGPUMPKINS.COM

Imagine elements of US cult favourites the Postal Service injected into a cheerier contemporary mould. Our Smallest Adventures is certainly destined to get some feet flapping but unlikely to fill many dancefloors. Despite its easygoing manner, it drives in places, but always within the speed limits. The hooks are there, but not quite sharp enough to pierce the skin and the lyrics are strangely reminiscent of some softspoken indie kid in an endearingly tasteless woollen sweater and old converse trainers stained with oil paint, nervously avoiding eye con-

GALLOWS

IN THE BELLY OF A SHARK (EPITAPH)

Hey, if the big-wigs at Warner say heavy is in, heavy is fucking in. End of story. Have Gallows sold out? That probably depends on whether “sold out” is determined by their ethics or yours. In any event, the fact remains that In The Belly of a Shark is about 100 times more sincere than almost anything else you’ll hear on Warner this week. Admittedly the first hundred seconds sound remarkably like

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GALLOWS

FIGURE 5 NITTY GRITTY

(SELF RELEASED)

Though it seemed like the elevator to jangling, swaggering indie hell had long since surpassed its capacity, somehow, with the arrival of Figure 5 on the scene, yet another mob of looselimbed throwbacks are shoehorned into the doomed vessel. Fake northern accents send vapid sound-bites ricocheting round the steel walls and pretty soon the accumulating mulch of inane stomping drumbeats becomes too much to bear. Slamming my hand onto the emergency button, I prise the doors open and blissfully throw myself down the lift shaft into oblivion. Dragging one of the Fratellis to his early death provides some small consolation. [Chris Cusack] RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP FIGURE 5 PLAY DUSA, DUNDEE ON 11 SEP WWW.MYSPACE.COM/FIGURE5

REVIEWS POKÉMON DIAMOND/PEARL (NINTENDO/GAME FREAK INC)

Pokémon’s back, and once again we are ordered to Catch Em’ All. B a c k i n th e day this meant hunting and trading your way to owning one hundred and fifty different creatures, a difficult yet achievable goal. Each sequel has added more and more species until now we are faced with the insurmountable challenge of imprisoning almost five hundred of these pocket monsters into little red and white balls for the rest of their natural lives. After having played for about twenty hours and with less than one hundred caught you begin to realise that it would probably be an easier task to part the Red Sea. Unfortunately, I’m not Moses and I soon lost the conviction necessary to keep catching Pokémon, fully aware that I would never have the time nor energy required to track down every last one. Little has changed in the way of gameplay mechanics: you move from gym to gym collecting badges and training up your Pokémon. The plot involves Team Galactic, a form of Poké terrorist organisation that has replaced bombs with an army of cats and is little more than a replication of previous titles. Herein lies the problem with Pokémon Pearl/Diamond: in

the last decade, despite a ridiculous number of sequels, little of the substance has changed in terms of the gameplay. Indeed original Pokémon still make the same sounds they did eight years ago. Most new additions are superficial and the touch screen, while handy, isn’t really used in any interesting way. One saving grace however is that you can now hook up on to the internet via wifi to trade and battle online, but it doesn’t really have the same energy as duelling someone in the same room. If you love Pokémon then you’ll buy this anyway, but expect to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of Pokémon if you’ve never entered this universe before. [Craig Wilson]

so slightly and then drastically cutting the track lists does not a new game make. Song highlights include Scandal’s The Warrior, Twisted Sister’s I Wanna Rock and Krokus’s Ballroom Blitz. But put them next to songs that only the keenest of 80s enthusiasts will recognise then the whole experience can leave casual rockers feeling alienated. But then again, Red Octane are fans of the music, with a passion for the genre and their games reflect this. Definitely one for the collection, although wait for the sales to avoid an unfulfilled sting. [Dave Cook] OUT NOW FOR PS2 WWW.GUITARHERO.COM/GH80S

OUT NOW FOR NINTENDO DS

MORE ROOMS

WWW.POKEMON.COM

(BOXHEAD GAMES)

GUITAR HERO:

If Capcom teamed up with Lego to produce a Resident Evil game this might resemble the end result. Anyone who ever loved Smash TV or the legendary Alien Breed will instantly fall for this game. For everyone else, the aim is to guide a cubed special forces agent around rooms viewed from above while fighting off wave after wave of the undead. Unlike Lego, the game is bloody and packs some serious firepower. Weapon upgrades are unlocked by racking up impressive combos. Obtaining the meaty rail gun will require cunning strategy. Had it not been for the upgrade system this would have fallen into the ‘game to kill a few minutes’ category. But instead it’s a fun, cleverly thought out

ROCKS THE 80S (ACTIVISION)

This should have b e e n a h a i rswinging, leather trouser-wearing solo-fest featuring the most blinding songs to c ome from the golden age of rock. Instead, what you get for your cash is lazily packaged filler material to occupy the void until Guitar Hero III launches in October. It’s not that the series is running out of steam, but using exactly the same levels and characters from Guitar Hero II, changing them ever

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

shooter spewing charisma and hot lead from every orifice. There are many levels and difficulties to try for absolutely no fee whatsoever - it is definitely worth a play (and then several more). [Dave Cook]

to school and rethink his franchise, there’s a new brainiac in town! [Dave Cook] OUT NOW FOR WII RRP £19.99

OUT NOW

SURF’S UP

WWW.BOXHEAD.SEANTCOOPER.COM

(UBISOFT)

BIG BRAIN ACADEMY (NINTENDO)

Handheld mind training games are ten a penny the se days and although the DS version of this title could never shake off the shadow of Dr. Kawashima, Big Brain Academy on the Wii, however, is a much improved game. The annoying speech tests and clumsy handwriting challenges of Brain Training are absent, replaced with fun and colourful logic tests including picture recognition and basic maths games. Such a basic premise is delivered in a cute yet in-depth package and the real selling point is enrolling your personalised Mii in the academy. Seeing your cartoon persona walk past the screen to class is a neat touch and makes the game a more personal experience. Unlike its predecessor, Big Brain Academy does not require daily play and this makes the various tests seem less of a chore. The multiplayer Mind Sprint mode is also a riot. Dr. Kawashima better go back

Hold on to your beaks because this is actually rather good. Instead of the usual lazy film tie-in, Ubisoft have created a title that almost resembles a Tony Hawk’s for younger gamers. Playing as one of many surfers from the film, each level has a number of objectives, such as reaching a certain score or collecting a set number

of items. Surfing is easy and using the giant waves as half-pipes to pull off cool tricks is great fun. Speed boosts, special moves and zany grind rails come thick and fast. Even veteran players may find this a laugh: the game has undeniable charm, and there are varying difficulty levels to keep things interesting. Surf’s Up is bright, playable and full of gags, so it already meets over half the requirements to qualify as a good filmto-game transfer. Get this for your young ones and they are in for some serious fun. (Dave Cook) OUT NOW ACCROSS ALL FORMATS RRP £19.99 - 39.99 HTTP://SURFSUPGAME.US.UBI.COM

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GAMES

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

SOUNDS

GAMES A VERY ‘special’ RELATIONSHIP

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE STRAWBERRY JAM

(DOMINO)

that sometimes his bark is worse than his bite. [Darren Carle]

GRAVENHURST

THEWESTERN LANDS (WARP)

OKKERVIL RIVER THE STAGENAMES

(JAGJAGUWAR)

JOSE GONZALEZ

THE GO! TEAM

IN OURNATURE (PEACEFROG)

PROOF OFYOUTH

RELEASE DATE: 3 SEP

(MEMPHIS INDUSTRIES)

It’s impossible to view Animal Collective through anything but rose-tinted glasses. As creator of two of the most captivating records of the past decade (Feels and Sung Tongs), the malleable New York ensemble is unrivalled in its pursuit of head-swirling aural exploration. But remove those romanticised blinkers during new LP Strawberry Jam and you uncover a gloomy proposition: Panda Bear and Avey Tare have gone pop. Well, not quite - Peacebone’s kaleidoscopic carousel spindle allays any fears of mainstream co-option – yet much of the record radiates a linearity unseen in the in-cohesive pandemonium of old. Cumbersome tracks like Cuckoo Cuckoo fail to transpire into giddy sonic whirlpools; preferring instead to loaf along to repetitious melody. And although For Reverend Green’s shamanic vigil contorts into a staggering AC opus, Strawberry Jam is too often garnished with flavourless banality. Rather disappointingly, those rouge-tinged spectacles are beginning to grey around the edges. [Billy Hamilton]

WWW.FRANKBLACK.NET

RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP

EXALTATION OFLARKS

RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/QUI

(COOKING VINYL)

CURSES (TOO PURE)

BLACK FRANCIS

PINBACK

Chances are that even if Edinburgh chanteuse Dot Allison’s name doesn’t ring a bell, she’s already infiltrated your music collection by stealth. Whether lending her beautiful, wistful vocals to Massive Attack and Death In Vegas, or working with Babyshambles and Arab Strap, the girl’s got an impressive CV. Fans of Mazzy Star will feel right at home with opening track Allelujah and throughout Exaltation of Larks, her third album proper, there’s a nod or two to Sinead O’Connor, both in content and context. But whilst Allison happily wears her influences on her vintage sleeves, she’s not averse to striking out on her own, particularly on the rousing Latitude and Longitude of Mystery, a marching cavalcade of an anthem that fuses with sprawling guitar reverb to bookend the album. She may have snuck in the back door, but she’s welcome to stay for a cup of tea. Camomile, of course. [Darren Carle]

Within 40 seconds of The Lord Hates A Coward, the brutally discordant opening track on Curses, Andrew Falkous is already chanting “violence solved everything,” making it immediately clear that the liberal-baiting vitriol of his former band Mclusky is alive and kicking in new venture Future Of The Left. If anything, Falkous sounds even angrier and certainly equally as sardonic, whether he’s venting his spleen at the Countryside Alliance (Tories! Tories!), or disgraced US senator Mark Foley (he’s a pussy, apparently). Musically, no punches are pulled either, with a thrillingly relentless barrage of hardcore punkpop and pummelling bass riffs that would rattle the fillings of the Death From Above lads. The only let up is in finale, The Contrarian, an incongruous piano-led waltz that finds the band in a sombre, reflective mood. By that point it’s a well-earned break for all and just enough time to regain your frazzled senses before doing it all over again. [Darren Carle]

RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP

GLASGOW ON 17 SEP

It was worrying there for a moment, but the polished production of Bombshell’s l e a d s i n g l e, You’ve No Clue Do You, is not indicative of this follow up album to 2005’s breakthrough, KC Rules OK. It may be a ‘radio-friendly unit-shifter’, to borrow a phrase, but on reflection and in context, it’s not a bad one. The real goods however are buried a little deeper, whether it’s the chugging, anthemic sing-a-long of Spystick, hiding at the tail end of the album, or the subtle nuances that charming, Gaelic-tinged, Admiral affords with repeated listens. Bombshell is certainly an album you can like on the surface, but delving right in will yield best results. There’s some minor sag in the middle slowing things up slightly, but it’s not enough to detract from a strong opening run and a flawless end trilogy. It seems that despite initial worries, KC still rules. [Darren Carle]

WWW.DOTALLISON.COM

HTTP://FUTUREOFTHELEFT.COM

RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP

BLUEFINGER (COOKING VINYL)

QUI

LOVE’S MIRACLE

(IPECAC)

“Strap on your fucking knee pads!” - don’t s ay you weren’t warned kids, the jarring vocals of irrepressible nutter David Yow will have anybody within striking distance dropping to the floor, clutching at their lobes in desperation until you either come around to the insanity or kill the switch. Having disappeared from the public eye after the Jesus Lizard bowed out, some didn’t find it too much of a stretch to simply assume Yow was dead. But with Love’s Miracle he emerges larger than life, extending his alliance with LA duo Qui way beyond a few guest appearances to concoct a delirious, bleary eyed sleaze-fest. For fans of nasty arsed post-punk sloganeering as much as inebriated swamp blues, this is the ugly, no holds barred soundtrack to the drunken Friday night streetbrawl. [Dave Kerr]

AUTUMN OFTHE SERAPHS (TOUCH & GO)

With the anticipated Pixies comeback album still in limbo, and a recent ‘best of’ fullstopping a nine album solo career as Frank Black, it’s perhaps timely that the man himself has decided to resurrect Black Francis, his decades-old alter-ego. Initially it seems like a wise decision, with Black back to his old self, not so much singing as shouting in tune. Opening duo Captain Pasty and Threshold Apprehension are definite highlights, inducing as they do some goosebump worthy nostalgia. It seems, though, that Black’s larynx can’t quite take the hammering it once did, his caterwauling appearing just once more on You Can’t Break A Heart And Have It. Elsewhere, there’s the distinct whiff of pony-tailed session musicians, over-egging things with ill-advised harmonica solos and uninspired drum fills. However, there’s enough here to prove there’s still plenty of life in the old dog, it’s just

How could such a fundamental element as “the drums” be so largely overlooked from an indie rock band’s makeup for eight years? Pinback, it appears, have finally blown the dust off the kit kicking around at the back of their garage in an effort to – at least partially - replace that bloody tinny machine which has curtailed too many of their otherwise dazzling songs in the past. So back up to their bedroom based studio the spring-heeled multi-instrumentalists went, to produce the mighty Autumn of the Seraphs. Picking up from the dreamy headspace of last album Summer in Abaddon’s AFK, there’s an emphatically adventurous tone – think The Goonies, seriously - to this LP. Be it in the swathing warmth of Good to Sea or the slowly mounting melodrama of Walters, this is music to turn your age into a shoesize. [Dave Kerr] RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP

Nick Talbot’s crew again craft a record i n w h i c h th e tracks blend together in a silk y odyssey of gentle, dreamlike melodies. A delicate range of guitar styles are meticulously arranged over the stripped back acoustics as Talbot’s poignant lyrical hum glides across the album surface with an abashed yet clinical romanticism. Song Among the Pine and Grand Union Canal are successfully ambient sonic realisations of their inferred locale while stand-out opening track, Saints, with a hint of Radiohead-like spontaneous discordance, uses clever harmonising and shifts in tempo to reflect the subject matter of rock star ‘martyrdom’. File The Western Lands somewhere between Gravenhurst’s touring partners Explosions in the Sky and Belle and Sebastian, but be mindful that they lack the former’s epic edge and the latter’s ear for a killer hook. [Jamie Borthwick] RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP

Named after a Russian r i v e r, t h i s Texan sextet are certainly in full flow on this, their fifth album. An album brimming with delicate melody and intelligent arrangements, The Stage Names is certainly not shy of a belting tune or six. Placing the slightly underwhelming Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe as opening track, whilst not intentional, I’m sure, would appear to be a masterstroke as the proceeding four tracks step up and shine by comparison. Unless it Kicks, A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene, and Savannah Smiles are songs of real beauty, built around Will Sheff’s crisp and powerful vocals, telling intricate stories that even a certain Mr. Oberst would be proud of. The multi-instrumental palette they draw from is also reminiscent of Arcade Fire, and it can only be a small matter of time before similar success comes the way of this troupe. [Jon Seller]

WWW.GRAVENHURSTMUSIC.COM

OUT NOW

DOT ALLISON

WWW.OKKERVILRIVER.COM

FUTURE OF THE LEFT

RELEASE DATE: 24 SEP THE FUTURE OF THE LEFT PLAY BARFLY,

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PINBACK

MOTHER & THE ADDICTS - SCIENCE FICTION ILLUSTRATED (CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND)

But new album Science Fiction Illustrated finds Mother and his troupe of zealots ripening deliciously. The jack-knife riffs and frenetic - often shambolic - structural clutters have transcended into deftly conspired new wave romanticism and although their debut’s impulsive lust has been lost, a renewed sense of longevity is embedded within the album’s intricate rhythmic arrangements.

There is nothing particularly wrong with this Swedish born Argentine’s lilting folk music; the proble m is that, to date, all of his best tunes have been written by other people. Heartbeat, his musical accompaniment to Sony Bravia’s bouncing balls, was penned by fellow Swedes The Knife, and his hear tbreaking and haunting rendition of Kylie’s Hand On Your Heart came from the Stock, Aitken & Waterman production line. On second album In Our Nature, the best song on here - by some distance - is his interpretation of Massive Attack’s nighttime classic, Teardrop, where he replaces the dark trip-hop of the original with campfire folk power with affecting results. The album’s title track may deal with the human condition with a fine Nick Drake-y flourish, and Down The Line grabs your attention with a strong and hypnotic riff, but too much of this album belongs in the background. If/when his own material measures up to the quality of his cover versions, we might have something special on our hands. [Barry Jackson] RELEASE DATE: 24 SEP

Mercury Award nominees The Go! Team are back, and this time they’ve brought some mates along for the ride. After impressing the masses with DIY debut T hu nde r-L ig hte n i ng-S tr i ke, Ia n Parton and his band of misfits have seemingly made the most of their time away. Proof of Youth is a beauty of a record, forcing the listener to appear insane by smiling and nodding throughout its 30-plus minute entirety while standout tracks come and go with impressive regularity. Lead single Grip Like A Vice starts things off with a frenzied, trebleheavy bang, which is maintained throughout and bettered on the beautifully evocative I Never Needed It So Much and Keys To The City. Whilst the rich and varied mix of old skool hip-hop and innovative guitar work recall a different image with each listen, the overriding feeling is of good times and sunshine. Way to, ahem, Go!, Team. [Jon Seller] RELEASE DATE: 10 SEP WWW.THEGOTEAM.CO.UK

WWW.JOSE-GONZALEZ.COM

THURSTON MOORE

KING CREOSOTE

(ECSTATIC PEACE)

TREESOUTSIDE THE ACADEMY

BOMBSHELL (679 RECORDS)

As Sonic Youth’s endlessly creative lead guitarist and grungey, disaffected singer, Thurston Moore’s alternative/indie street-cred wouldn’t show a scratch if his first proper solo album in 12 years was an album of B*witched covers. Luckily, Trees Outside The Academy doesn’t take such chances, roping in J Mascis for guitar help and then sounding entirely as you’d expect it to sound – like Sonic Youth meets Dinosaur Jr, but not as good as either at their best. To his great credit, Moore can move from gently driving, taunting acoustic guitar pieces, to lo-fi freeform piano, and again to raucous punk posturing, without losing the thread. With guitars and violins at times studied and serious like straight college rock, and at others screeching and yelling like the most abrasive of tantrums - Thurston Moore may be 49, but he’ll always be a teenager at heart. [Ally Brown] RELEASE DATE: 17 SEP WWW.SONICYOUTH.COM

WWW.KINGCREOSOTE.COM

TOP

FEATURED ALBUM Maturity has been the scourge of many a promising band. The transition from fancy-free scallywags to resolute role-models has seen the ballsy spontaneity of energetic indie imps like Supergrass or The Coral ravaged by adulthood. Some acts were just meant to stay young, and after the release of 2005’s Take The Lovers Home Tonight it would seem fairly astute to place Glasgow’s Mother & The Addicts in this bracket of puerility.

GAMES

ALBUM REVIEWS

ALBUMS

ONLINE ALBUM REVIEWS

1. MOTHER AND THE ADDICTS

EMMA POLLOCK

the feverous carnage of What Were The Reasons, but tracks like the Starsky & Hutch-esque Are Others and So Tough are so tightly entwined in a fusion of funk-bleeding guitar tussles and gulping synth strains, you’ll struggle to believe such dashing tunesmiths are the same band who wrote the demented Fuck Me Mummy I Feel Ugly.

- SCIENCE FICTION ILLUSTRATED (CHEMIKAL UNDERGROUND)

- WATCH THE FIREWORKS (4AD)

2. PINBACK

LIARS – LIARS (MUTE)

Album highlight Going Native perfectly exemplifies this new direction; dark, brooding and escalating in ferocity, it’s M&TA at their most lyrically brutal and sonically rapacious. Much like all the finest dames, Mother seems to only get better with age. [Billy Hamilton]

5. FUTURE OF THE LEFT

– AUTUMN OF THE SERAPHS (TOUCH & GO)

3. KING CREOSOTE

MANU CHAO

- LA RADOLINA (BECAUSE)

BOMBSHELL (679 RECORDS)

DEVASTATIONS – YES, U (BEGGARS BANQUET)

4. THE GO! TEAM

FINK - DISTANCE AND TIME (NINJA TUNE)

- PROOF OF YOUTH (MEMPHIS INDUSTRIES)

- CURSES (TOO PURE)

GOD-FEARING ATHEISTS - RUSTBELT SUN (PHANTOM 309)

SATURATION POINT – THREE (VERY FRIENDLY) REFUSE BOY - FEAR OF BEARDS (SLAP)

OUT NOW

A smattering of their former hedonistic selves lurks in

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MOTHERANDTHEADDICTS

SOUNDS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

Frightened Rabbit

Building tension

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI Proving that Edinburgh doesn’t have a monopoly on festivals, the much anticipated Merchant City Festival will light up the Glasgow art scene from 2023 Sep. Sure to be popular is the late-night Festival Club at Carnival Arts Centre, which will feature work by Scottish artists who completed a residency in Sri Lanka. Live Art favourite Ian Smith will be taking it lying down (literally), as he lies in bed and hopes that passers-by will write him a prescription to cure society’s ills, whilst Guyan Porter will present a photographic exhibition of the people of Sri Lanka.

Much of Hartley’s work deals with “buildering,” which involves climbing and traversing buildings. Not as an expert climber, you understand, more as a way of connecting with the structure itself, re-experiencing the physical space, communing with architecture if you will. Hartley admits in the accompanying interview that there is an underlying sexual element. I was quite glad he admitted that, as I was slightly concerned that my reading of these works as quite sexual and voyeuristic reflected more on me than it did on the pieces themselves. I digress. There is an element of trespass inherent in much of the artist’s work both past and present. His book “LA climbs: Alternative Uses for Architecture” features images of famous LA architecture, including the Hollywood sign, with suggested routes across the facades drawn on top. Most of the buildings are privately owned, and Hartley’s desire to create work based on their architecture apparently derived from his frustration at being unable to enter their grounds after reading about them in a guide to LA buildings.

Meanwhile, the prospect of open studios at Project Ability, Wasps and King St Studios/ Merchant Gate Gallery will give the inquisitive the opportunity to find out just what happens when artists think you aren’t watching... Another highlight will surely be Hugh Watt’s Hikkaduwa at the Old Fruitmarket: a high def video work utilising multiple projection surfaces in order to observe the behaviour of market-goers in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka. Things are bound to get all postmodern as viewers are encouraged to interact directly with both the piece and the shoppers of Hikkaduwa. Iain Clark’s acclaimed portraits at Collins Gallery, Alex Gross’ Cabbage Head at Glasgow Sculpture Studios and Dani Marti at Q! Gallery all look pretty unmissable too. Check out www. merchantcityfestival.com for full listings and details of other events. [Jay Shukla]

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

TOP

by Heather Crumley

“WE’VE GOT PHIL COLLINS ON DRUMS, BONO’S GOING TO SING ONE LINE REALLY HIGH AND EMOTIONALLY, AND STATUS QUO WILL BE PROVIDING THE DRUGS.”

ROSAMUND WEST IS ATTRACTED BY ALEX HARTLEY’S UNUSUAL APPROACHES TO ARCHITECTURE, ON DISPLAY AT THE FRUITMARKET GALLERY

Alex Hartley’s solo show is a mixture of photography and installation over the two floors of Market Street’s Fruitmarket Gallery - although some of the photography has small constructions imposed upon the surface of the prints. Does this make it installation? Sculpture? Drawing? Something to ponder, but perhaps we should just dispense with definition by genre in these troubled modern times. He’s got a show of art. It’s good. But it might make you think about form. If that’s a problem, don’t go.

EXHIBITIONS

1. AUSTIN OSMAN SPARE - ZOS SPEAKS MONO, GLASGOW, UNTIL 29 SEP

Arresting and unique artworks by one of England’s most influential occultists. Promises to be fascinating.

2. RADIANT IMAGE ESU GALLERY, 23 ATHOLL CRESCENT, EDINBURGH, UNTIL 2 SEP

Photographic angles on Scotland, East Asia and Africa, highlighting the way we see the world around us. Featuring Ian Astley, Eillidh Baxter, Claire Foottit and Amanda Gillies.

3. FRANCESCA WOODMAN AND RICHARD SERRA INGLEBY GALLERY, EDINBURGH, UNTIL 6 SEP

The much admired American photographer faces off against the heavyweight of minimalism.

4. WILLIAM BLAKE NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND, EDINBURGH UNTIL 4 NOV

A major show containing all of the National Gallery’s works which are associated with this visionary artist and poet. Should be mind-blowing.

Here the viewer observes the trophies of the voyeur without becoming complicit in the act. However, in other works Hartley draws in the viewer, beguiles us with the desire to enter the forbidden space. His installation, Case Study, shown upstairs, presents a faux interior glimpsed through smoked glass. A series of backlit photographs within a false-wall structure creates the illusion of a room, the perspective of which changes as you walk in front of the glass façade. Walking around the piece we are confronted by its forgery, which leaves us with a sense of disappointment, frustration that we cannot go inside. We can glimpse, through a smoked glass veil - but our urge to do anything but look is foiled. Elsewhere, in a series of newly commissioned photographs involving the buildering of Scottish houses, the viewer is left feeling slightly sordid, as we catch the artist traversing. In Kilmuir Traverse he is seen clamped crab-like to the cor-

ner of a small stone home. He is embracing the structure, experiencing it in a physical, intimate way which makes us feel a little voyeuristic, intrusive for watching, for having caught him in the act, as it were. The show as a whole is quite fascinating, dealing with concepts of building, architecture, landscape, and our relation to all of the above. I may have rather played up the sexual aspects of the works, but it was the issue which struck me most, I know not why. There are more, visually quite stunning works which I have not managed to mention. The gist is go, go, go. And take the time to look at the accompanying literature. All in all, you’ll never feel quite the same way about buildings again.

FRUITMARKET, EDINBURGH UNTIL 21 OCT. FREE WWW.FRUITMARKET.CO.UK/

If your knowledge of Frightened Rabbit is slight, we’ll let you off. They certainly don’t make it easy. The band’s website consists largely of photographs showing three huddled figures lying around Kelvingrove Park, faces away from the camera, and the band’s MySpace offers little more, only that their abstract influences include pens and Hawick. Of course, The Skinny’s a right nosey bugger, so we tracked the band down for a blether in an effort to find out what makes them tick, besides inky stationary and quiet Borders towns…

once-knew-someone-who-might-have-sat-next-to-someonefrom-Scotland demographic covered then. Are they about to emulate the Twilight Sad’s disappearance over to the States, and become massive overnight with the Pitchfork crowd?

Once singer Scott’s solo project wound down (“He played shows supporting Shitdisco in front of five, sometimes six people,” says Grant), he soon recruited his brother Grant on drums (NB - no surname is given, perhaps for Madonna-esque iconic status) and they continued to play Glasgow’s pub circuit with their lo-fi, often profane noodlings: one early live favourite memorably consisted largely of the words ‘get my hole’.

It seems there’s little danger of them emigrating completely, though: “The worst gig we ever played was our first night in New York in January” he shudders, “We were off the plane and straight to the venue, at 5am our time, and we were playing the same night as The Golden Globes were happening: Americans love that shit and not ours!”

Now, it’s a very different story. The band is packing venues across Glasgow, landing high profile support slots, and they also jetted across the Atlantic to play South By Southwest earlier this year. The addition of guitarist Billy (again, sans surname) saw their sound flesh out as all three members took on multi-instrumentalist roles. While some songs follow a more traditional drums and two guitars set up, don’t be surprised to hear keyboards and accordions popping up. This has allowed their earlier template to grow into something broader, textured and much more melodic. Like label mates and indeed future tour buddies The Twilight Sad, their hardedged indie is shot through with an unmistakable sense of Scottish melancholy, and recently released album Sing The Greys has caused positive stirrings among critics. “We’re clearly miserable,” offers Grant, slightly bemused by the band’s upward trajectory. “And I think that comes through in our music. There’s a lot of folk influence in there.”

“We’re off to the States mid-October for a tour with Pinback, and a few headline shows. The highlight of our career so far was the Bolognese me and Billy made in Connecticut,” Grant enthuses.

Still, with a re-mastered version of their debut album poised for imminent release, and further dates on home turf in the pipeline, it looks like the rest of 2007 will be busy for Frightened Rabbit. Surely they’re planning to finish it in style? “We’re releasing a Christmas single,” says Grant, tongue firmly in cheek. “We’ve got Phil Collins on drums, Bono’s going to sing one line really high and emotionally, and Status Quo will be providing the drugs.” A suitably off-the-wall answer from a suitably off-beat band, then. Yet while they might not make it easy to get to know them now, it’s unlikely that will remain the case for much longer. It’s only a matter of time before another of Scottish music’s best kept secrets jumps out of the hat.

FRIGHTENED RABBIT PLAY CONNECT, INVERARAY CASTLE ON 1 SEP AND CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH ON 4 SEP

Folk, eh? That’s the Scottish market and the Americans-who-

In this show he has included a series of photographs taken from the perspective of the trespasser. Or, given the location, the paparazzo. Or, given the nature of the images, the peeping tom. They are all shot from odd angles - through foliage, from a rooftop. Only tiny areas of the houses can be seen - corners, a bit of roof, a wall. These pieces reminded me of the notion of the erotic in the concealed - the Victorian obsession with sexy ankles because they were always covered, for example. These tiny bits of building, forbidden, but still captured, possessed, could be seen as the trophies of the architectural pervert.

Recoat

SOUNDS

ART

photo: David Gourley

WWW.FRIGHTENEDRABBIT.COM

Case Study by Alex Hartley

by Celia Sontag

AN AMBITIOUS GALLERY SPACE FOR GLASGOW

Recoat is the newest addition to Glasgow’s art scene: a design based gallery and retail space which stocks design books and magazines, limited edition clothes and toys, and a whole host of other desirable, beautiful objects. Launched by designers Alistair Wyllie and Amy Whiten in July, with the aim of “showcasing work that people haven’t seen before, and getting people excited about modern design.” Recoat’s first show featured work by renowned artists SuziQ, Elph and Kirsty Whiten – names no doubt familiar to those who have frequented Edinburgh’s own design and art space,

Analogue Books. Above and beyond the exhibitions and the drool-worthy merchandise, Whiten and Wyllie also run workshops based around graffiti art, where you can learn about the history, discuss relevant issues and get your hands dirty making your own work. Indeed, world famous graffiti artists Crashone and Daze have already exhibited at Recoat – a real coup for this fledgling gallery. Recoat Refresh, their second exhibition, runs until 26 Sep and features Skinny cover star Lucy MacLeod and a host of other great talent, as well as jewellery by Erica Weiner and clothing from Oddities, Illicit and Sailor

Jerry. Following on from that, a show of affordable art and design will open on 28 Sep in which no piece of work will be sold for more than £40. The future certainly looks rosy for this ambitious and unique gallery space.

RECOAT REFRESH RUNS UNTIL 26 SEP. FREE 323 NORTH WOODSIDE ROAD, KELVINBRIDGE, GLASGOW TUE-SUN, 12PM-8PM WWW.RECOATDESIGN.COM

5. DAVID BATCHELOR - UNPLUGGED TALBOT RICE, EDINBURGH UNTIL 29 SEP

A site-specific installation which examines the idea of consumption.

God writing upon the table of the covenant William Blake

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

Recoat

ART

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

WILLIAM EGGLESTON

IAN MCCULLOCH

PORTRAITS 1974

JOHN STEZAKER

Comprised of work made during the last decade or so, this compact exhibition serves as a welcome counterpoint to the high profile bombast of the RSA’s Warhol exhibition - and the contrast between the two couldn’t be more stark. Whereas Warhol aimed to demystify, depersonalise and deconstruct the artistic process, McCulloch uses found objects, detritus and recycled materials to ‘imprint reality’ onto his works. It’s McCulloch’s love of the past that shines through most brightly – Schwitters and Dada in particular – and it’s this retreading of old ground that ultimately renders much of the work impotent. McCulloch’s masks are contrived and clumsy, while other pieces look like Picasso pastiches. When the artist recycles electric cable warning markers by decorating them with aboriginal-looking figures, suddenly the work comes alive and accumulates more satisfying levels of meaning – both aesthetically and conceptually. His interest in the liquid mutability of myth also results in more weighty, and more enjoyable, work; the artist’s cartoonish figures juxtaposed with an ambiguous, occasionally classical aesthetic. The introduction of torn pieces of cloth adds a welcome design element to other pieces, while the woodcuts seem to have a charming, skewed, almost fairytale feel to them. It’s worth noting that this show will please the younger viewer in particular. [Jay Shukla]

William Eggleston’s Portraits is a small exhibition of previously unexhibited, indeed previously undeveloped, photography from 1974 Memphis. The three decade delay in the processing of the film, the time lapse between the creation and the display of the images, lends an interesting dimension of meaning, indeed a certain poignancy to the portraits. Each image can be read as a vignette-like scene, a tiny archive of a moment, a place, a personality, captured and imprisoned for all this time, suddenly displayed to a foreign, perhaps impossibly futuristic audience. You cannot help but speculate as to the people portrayed - what happened to them? What did they hope would come of being photographed? Were their hopes cruelly dashed? One image in particular, a teenage girl in a cropped t-shirt leaning against the side of a soft-top car in a mime of modelling, feels a bit sad. She has the look of someone who hopes that this might mean something, that someone may ‘discover’ her and transform her Deep South life. In a way, the artist’s decision to delay the processing of his film could be seen as an exercise in power, one containing – for this young girl at least - a certain aspect of cruelty. For us, however, it somehow renders the images much more exciting than other, contemporary images, ones which have been in the light of day all this time. For people watchers, a bit of a stolen treat. [Rosamund West]

RECYCLED LIVES

ROYAL SCOTTISH ACADEMY, EDINBURGH

INVERLEITH HOUSE, EDINBURGH UNTIL

John Stezaker’s use of the photograph is loaded with comme ntar y on the medium and its use in popular and vernacular culture. Through juxtaposing imagery from film stills, publicity photographs, studio por traits and postcards, he illuminates methods of concealing and constructing identity through image making. Advertising, television and cinema all use the face to promote fantasy and Stezaker makes us acutely aware of this through cutting and pasting images of faces together. The marriage series of 1940s and 50s film stars does this particularly well, with faces ‘fitted’ together to make new identities which blur the character and gender of the sitter. He also montages elements of landscape imagery with portraiture to suggest psychological and emotional states. In Mask XXXV, a postcard of Lydstep Cavern showing the opening of a cave looking out on blue sky is placed within the centre of the woman’s face, linking the materiality of the landscape with the physicality and possible thinking of the sitter. His recent film portrait collages bring new observations to us, playing with mirrored imagery of trees and their association with facial features. Within all the work, Stezaker reflects back on the viewer’s method of receiving the imagery and our imaginative capacity to project and create identities within what we see. An excellent show, worth a long look. [Lucy Gallwey]

UNTIL 30 SEP. FREE

14 OCT

STILLS GALLERY, EDINBURGH UNTIL 28 OCT

WWW.ROYALSCOTTISHACADEMY.ORG

WWW.RBGE.ORG.UK

WWW.STILLS.ORG

www.skinnymag.co.uk

ART

REVIEWS

Marriage (Film Portrait Collage) XXVIII by John Stezaker

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

SOUNDS

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI August has been a nightmare; setting out to cover many gigs by the likes of I nter pol, Smash i ng Pu mpk i ns, The Sh i ns, Os Mutantes, Slint, Nine Inch Nails, Emma Pollock, The Twilight Sad, Jamie T and Sonic Youth was obviously a tortuous endeavour that beheld varying measures of trauma for the Sounds crew. Yet here we are: utterly skint, riddled with tinnitus and in need of a few new livers but still finding the time to deliver you a verdict on a slew of releases coming up over the course of September. As our postie probably found out at the cost of his spine, dynamite records have been turning up by the bucketload lately. Never shy of a challenge, we listened to everything we could, sniffed out some of the players behind a few of the highlights and ended up blethering to a fair range of artists who, by lucky coincidence, fall into some sort of loose experimental pop bracket. The beauty of it is that we can now say: “this, dear readers is a ‘nu-experi-pop’ takeover special” and risk looking like a bunch of bawbags on a buckled bandwagon. So now you know our dirty little secret. /DGK

DITORIAL * EDITORIAL * EDI

SOUNDS CONTENTS PINPACK MIDASUNO KING CREOSOTE SUPER FURRY ANIMALS THE GO! TEAM GOON MOON EDINBURGH LIVE ACTION GROUP GLASGOW LIVE FRIGHTENED RABBIT ALBUMS & SINGLES

Pinback

“NOT ROCKING... BUT HEAVIER!” Pinback are a cornerstone band for early new millennium rock, important in a quiet way, known by everyone with more than a passing interest in the scene. Founding members Zach Smith and Rob Crowe have become so prolific that it’s hard to separate music from their lives. Tours blended into routine, bedrooms became recording studios, and playing became almost human nature. We sat down with Zach for the release of their new album Autumn of the Seraphs to get the lowdown on his musical life, and his life as a musical. THE TITLE OF THE NEW ALBUM ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE IT COULD BE THE TITLE FOR A LORD OF THE RINGS SPIN-OFF, EXPLAIN PLEASE SIR… “It’s just a follow on from our last one [2004’s Summer in Abbadon] and it relates as Summer being hell and Autumn as heaven and what not: they’re opposing in a yin-yang kind of way. But we didn’t think about titles until the very end; Rob has named every one of our albums and he blurted that one out. There are some hidden secrets about it too but I’m not going to give those away.”

30 32 33 34 34 36 37 38 39 40- 41

A MUSO’S TOP 10

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

Calm like a bomb, Tom Morello doles out the playlist for his own Guerilla Radio; revolutionary jams especially for you, dear Skinny reader, to track down and fight the power to... “Hold on, my i-pod’s not turning on. If I’d done this off the top of my head it’d have been easier, but now I’ve got my i-pod it’s going to take a minute.” So says Tom Morello (AKA The Nightwatchman), before he gives his machine a few good smacks and stops himself short of throwing it against the wall in a fit of, well, complete and utter fucking Rage. It’s a lucky thing Zack’s not about. “10 of the best? Let’s go with...”

OUTRAGEOUS. PINBACK HAS BEEN KNOWN AS A BEDROOM ENDEAVOUR IN THE PAST. IS THIS STILL THE CASE? “Not really, the first couple of albums were that way but Summer was over in a new place. My dad owns the building; he designed it and had a room that he turned into a studio. It just happens to be twenty feet away from my bed if I want.” FOR SOMETHING RECORDED IN A COMFORTABLE PLACE, THIS ALBUM IS MORE INTENSE THAN THE ALL OUT GOOD FUN OF THE LAST. CAN YOU PUT YOUR FINGER ON WHY? “First off, it has to do with the drums; on the past records we’ve used electronic drums and that’s really great but we wanted to have something with more beat and just, I dunno, not to say the word rocking… but heavier. It’s easy to write music that’s melodic and soft, that stuff comes natural to us but there’s this other side that’s

more raw and rough and loud and explosive. That comes across a little bit with this album.” HAVE THE FANS REACTED WELL TO THE SUBTLE SHIFT IN GENRE? “We don’t know the whole reaction quite yet but to be honest it doesn’t really matter to us. It’s not that we don’t listen to our fans but we’re super into this record and we really believe in it. The first album we wrote we just got together and wrote songs, we weren’t planning on releasing it or anything. We just finished some songs and we were like ‘Hey we have a lot of songs here, you wanna release it?!’ We were never trying to follow a genre or anything. We’re just two guys saying ‘Hey! Wanna write some music?’ We’re not trying to be rock stars, so I don’t mind if this album sells one copy or one thousand.” BUT HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT LEAKING ONLINE, MONTHS IN ADVANCE? “It only bums me out for a couple reasons: Touch and Go are putting a lot of effort into the album and the only way a record label stays alive is by selling a lot of records. When it’s leaked and people don’t buy the album, it doesn’t hurt the band as much because we can still go out and tour and the fans will support us, but it hurts the label and I don’t think the fans know about that. TaG have been around for 20 years, they’ve released some great stuff and they’re really affected by this because they don’t sell a million records. So you’re putting out the little record labels. I wouldn’t care if this was Atlantic.

by Hamza Khan

DURING YOUR DOWNTIME, YOU’VE BEEN RECORDING A NEW ALBUM WITH YOUR OLD BAND THREE MILE PILOT. HOW’S THAT GOING? “We’re best of friends, so we’ve always messed around a little here and there but we really did try and get somewhere this last time. The fans have been asking us when we’ll make another record for the last ten years so now we’re back, recording and having fun at the same time.” ROB’S ALSO IN A BAND CALLED GOBLIN COCK; DOES THAT KIND OF IMAGERY MAKE YOU UNCOMFORTABLE? “It doesn’t make me uncomfortable at all! He’s got a new band every month, depending on whatever mood he’s in. He’s a really prolific guy, he can write tons of songs and he needs outlets for it. He’s super into death metal so this was his way to get it out of his system.” SO IS THIS A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO SEPARATE HIS OTHER MODES FROM HIS ‘PINBACK STYLE?’ “We’ve been doing things so long it’s not like we have to work at the Pinback style. If he’s in another mode it doesn’t just get washed away, but when we sit down it’s our own thing. It might be an influence, sure, but Pinback isn’t sounding like Goblin Cock.” Instead, Autumn of the Seraphs sets Pinback apart from much of the pack, revealing them to be a duo of ambient indie innovators - and a deep breath of fresh air. AUTUMN OF THE SERAPHS IS RELEASED ON 10 SEP THROUGH

“The other part of it is that people set up tours around the release date. We played a show a couple of days ago and we asked the people there how many of them downloaded our new album - a ton of hands went up. So we’re sitting around waiting to do something we could be doing now and it takes the wind out of our sales. So that hurts badly, if a ton of people downloaded, heard and liked the album then, well, shoot, why aren’t we touring now? Because our album comes out in September...”

TOUCH & GO WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PINBACK

1. ARCADE FIRE – INTERVENTION 2. SATELLITE PARTY – WISH UPON A DOG STAR 3. BRIGHT EYES – SOUL SINGER IN A SESSION BAND 4. NINE INCH NAILS – MY VIOLENT HEART 5. BOB DYLAN – THUNDER ON THE MOUNTAIN 6. AEROSMITH – LET THE MUSIC DO THE TALKIN’ 7. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN – DEVILS & DUST 8. 2PAC AND DR DRE – CALIFORNIA LOVE 9. BLACK SABBATH – SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH 10. PUBLIC ENEMY – FIGHT THE POWER 11. BIKINI KILL – REBEL GIRL 12. THE CLASH – I’M SO BORED WITH THE USA

“WE’RE JUST TWO GUYS SAYING ‘HEY! WANNA WRITE SOME MUSIC?’ WE’RE NOT TRYING TO BE ROCK STARS.” - ZACH SMITH 28

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

SOUNDS

SOUNDS www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

METAL UP YOUR ASS! S T R A CH

JIM GELLATLY’S X-POSURE TOP 10

by Jamie Borthwick

1. ISOSCELES - GET YOUR HANDS OFF 2. ZOEY VAN GOEY - FOXTROT VANDALS 3. DOES IT OFFEND YOU, YEAH? - LET’S MAKE OUT 4. BIFFY CLYRO - MACHINES 5. THE WOMBATS - LET’S DANCE TO JOY DIVISION 6. THE DYKEENIES - STITCHES 7. WILLIAM - FIVE MINUTE WONDER 8. EDWYN COLLINS - YOU’LL NEVER KNOW 9. PURESSENCE - DROP DOWN TO EARTH 10. WILLIAM - FIVE MINUTE WONDER

It could be the gradual purging of decent venues, or perhaps September is just a bone dry month for the metal militia. Then again, the curse of the unsung, under-promoted and ultimately unseen show could be striking in earnest, and there are plenty of shows going on that simply aren’t being flyered and advertised effectively enough. Whatever the reason, the three shows that MUYA has got its mucky mitts on are sure to be proper beezers. Read on, mes riff adoring amigos… It’s all hands to Henry’s Cellar Bar in Edinburgh on Monday, 3 Sep for a heaving five-band bill. Top of the lot are Harrogate thrash merchants VALHALLA PACIFISTS, with punky melody from FUCK WITH FIRE, dark German hardcore with JUNE PAIK, London-based DIY chaps BATTLE OF WOLF 359 and ferocious SCOTS KADDISH. Entry £5 for a 7.30pm start.

MUSIC:RESPONSE TOP 10

1. THE HOLLOWAYS - TWO LEFT FEET 2. JACK PENATE - SECOND MINUTE OR HOUR 3. FIGURE 5 - NITTY GRITTY 4. DEAD 60S - STAND UP 5. MILBURN - WHAT WILL YOU DO (WHEN THE MONEY GOES)? 6. SILVERSUN PICKUPS - LAZY EYES 7. FIGHTSTAR - WE APOLOGISE FOR NOTHING 8. CHEMICAL BROTHERS - THE SALMON DANCE 9. THE HIVES - TICK, TICK, BOOM 10. THE CORAL - JAQUELINE

On Saturday, 15 Sep there’s a gut-busting line-up at Edinburgh’s newest venue, The Hive, on Niddrie Street. TANGAROA bring their twisting, original metal to the party that has been dubbed ‘Tonefest’. Arch masters of the timbre, ARCHIVES, join a bill which also includes a clutch of local mainstays like SECTA ROUGE (we’re sure you dug ‘em last month), FRIDAY NIGHT GUNFIGHT, ZILLAH and HITCHER. Tonefest looks to take off midafternoon, so turn up around 3pm with your £6 to catch all the bands.

TOP 5 RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

1. RUMBLE STRIPS – GIRLS AND WEATHER 2. HARD-FI – ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST 3. REVEREND AND THE MAKERS – THE STATE OF THINGS 4. THE DYKEENIES – NOTHING MEANS EVERYTHING 5. KT TUNSTALL – DRASTIC FANTASTIC

Swinging west across to Glasgow, CPL gives over enough dark Scandinavian metal to keep the masses happy with TURISAS. In town on Monday, 17 Sep, tickets for the show at the Cathouse are £8 available from all the usual outlets. Fists in the air - catch you down the front.

Turisas

Midasuno What have Daleks, Rolf Harris and Alabama 3 got in common? Easy! They all originated from Merthyr Tydfil. Well, sort of. Rolf ’s granddad was from there. The guy who built the Daleks was born there and Larry Love, Alabama 3’s frontman, hails from Merthyr too. Yet strangely, most people have still only heard of Merthyr through the Grandstand classified football results. Enter: up and coming rockers Midasuno. Songs In The Key of Fuck, their second album to date, may well be the statement of intent designed to stick the sleepy Welsh outpost on the UK music map once and for all.

THREE GUT-BUSTING LINE-UPS

“WAKING UP ON THE BUS WHEN YOU’VE DRUNK YOUR BODY WEIGHT IN METHS IS A BIT OF A BITCH...” by Finbarr Bermingham

ing from a similar lineage to be pigeonholed indiscriminately, they’ve declared their music to be “The Chemo For Emo.” A smart move, but not entirely in keeping with their overall image strategy - the band toured with compatriots and emo stalwarts Funeral For A Friend. Lead singer Scott Andrews has other ideas though. He assures us that his rock n roll credentials are fully intact. “Waking up on the bus when you’ve drunk your body weight in meths is a bit of a bitch,” he quips soberly, before going off on a diatribe about having “shitty gear and fuck all money.” So they haven’t made it quite yet.

Significantly, for a band in the space which they operate, Midasuno are keeping relatively diverse company. Limited edition single Don’t Drive Faster Than Your Angel Can Fly, features a guest vocal from Crimea frontman Davey MacManus. In the face of this revelation, maybe there’s cause to watch this space: Midasuno could well prove to surprise a few people.

MIDASUNO PLAY BLOC, GLASGOW ON 19 SEP WWW.MYSPACE.COM/MIDASUNO

Since the release of the aforementioned LP, the follow up to 2003’s Til Death Do Us Party, Midasuno have been championed by the usual genre bibles Kerrang and Rock Sound. Inevitable comparisons to more established press darlings in the likes of Muse and Biffy Clyro are therefore inevitable. Sure, they have a penchant for a good riff. OK, they do go for the angular, jerky style of writing that Biffy have been doing for years. But under scrutiny these resemblances carry a certain amount of superficiality. Their sound is undoubtedly heavier than the other two, and more experimental, but there is a shared edge which suggests commercial success is not a million miles away. In perhaps a conscious attempt to make the most credulous jump towards that achievement, Midasuno have been rather vocal in their views. Wary of the tendency of bands hail-

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

SOUNDS

THE GO! TEAM

Proof of Youth

SOUNDS

“I’D BE LYING IF I SAID THAT SESAME STREET WASN’T AN INFLUENCE” - IAN PARTON

EXPERIMENTAL POPIS IS STILL NAME OF THEIR GAME. JONSELLER SELLER SWOOPS IN ON THE EXPERIMENTAL POP STILL THETHE NAME OF THEIR GAME AND JON GO! TEAM OUT HOW THEY PLAY IT SWOOPS IN TO ONFIND THE THE GO! TEAM, LIKE BIG BIRD, TO FIND OUT HOW THEY PLAY IT... “Now let me clear this up, our first gig was not a Franz Ferdinand support slot,” stresses Go! Team captain Ian Parton when the Skinny quotes a misinformed article on the band. “We just happened to be playing the same festival as them, that’s all.” So there you go, the Go! Team’s first ever gig, at a Swedish festival and on the same bill as Franz Ferdinand, is no big deal, ok? How about this then: the band didn’t even exist until a couple of weeks before the gig. Now we’re getting somewhere. This DIY approach is what formed the very foundation of what the Go ! Team are all about; f irst album Thunder, Lightning, Strike is a much publicized bedroom-recorded affair for which Parton and his brother-cum-producer share the credit, whilst upcoming LP Proof of Youth, although featuring the now settled ‘Team line-up, was still very much an ‘our way or no way’ affair. “It [the recording] was a pretty relaxed affair, we just took each stage at a time, seeing what happened. There were elements of jamming; I wrote some lyrics; Ninja (main vocalist and principal onstage livewire) wrote some and everyone had a go. It was definitely a group effort this time round. I mean they’re all better musicians than me,” confesses Parton, “and they’ve got interesting voices which gave us far more options than with the first record.” Their latest is a sun-kissed beauty, evoking the good times of their gigs in an instant, with its treble-heavy production almost recreating a kind of early 80s TV theme vibe. For The Skinny, a certain US kids’ show is vividly recollected and we’ve got to get to the bottom of this. “I’d be lying if I said that Sesame Street wasn’t an influence,” smirks Parton, as if he’d been busted. “I’ve been checking out all these old Sesame Street scenes on Youtube, there’s some wicked shit there – it’s an untapped resource. I wouldn’t say we’re setting

out to be evocative though, I don’t know if that’s possible. We’re just trying to give our music a feel that is beyond the sound. I like throwing different elements in – I want it to sound schizo.” Such ambitions are surely tricky to recreate live, no? “Well we never try and replicate the record when we play live; we just go and do our thing. Ninja brings her own thing to the live show; she rules the roost and dictates from the stage.”

blether with the token: Do you enjoy playing Scotland? - “Yeah, they’re the best crowds we play to” exchange, we go our separate ways. Looks like Parton and co are Go!ng places. PROOF OF YOUTH IS RELEASED THROUGH MEMPHIS INDUSTRIES ON 10 SEP THE GO! TEAM PLAY ABC, GLASGOW ON 14 SEP WWW.THEGOTEAM.CO.UK

So with ambitions of a ‘mental’ side, to their records at least, are the Go! Team an anti-pop band of sorts, challenging the listener to like the tunes? “I like to think we’re a bit different, yes. I get inspired to be different by hearing anything that charts nowadays.” Whilst Parton is quick to disassociate himself from chart indie music - “it all merges into one: Editors into Bloc Party into something else” - he is well aware of the label’s interest and joy in the band’s relative success at this level: “I guess it gives us more freedom and allows us to try more things.” Like megastar collaborations, perhaps? “Yeah, the whole Chuck D thing was quite a coup by all accounts (the Public Enemy maestro guests on Flashlight Fight), apparently he turns down hundreds of them a year.” And once we’ve punctuated this

WALKING ON

Goon Moon

by Ali Maloney

JEORDIE WHITE (FORMERLY TWIGGY RAMIREZ) TELLS THE SKINNY ABOUT LIFE AFTER MARILYN MANSON AND HOW HE SHED HIS SKIN TO SET UP A SLUDGE POP SHOP OF ODDITIES WITH CHRIS GOSS... In an industry where labels and ‘so and so meets so and so’ formulas are the norm, the prospect of a ‘Marilyn Manson meets Queens of the Stone Age alum’ could be dubious to say the least. But Goon Moon’s full length debut, Licker’s Last Leg, is, to a large extent, an oddity in itself. “Some bands have a certain sound, whether it’s the Korn sound or the White Stripes sound or the AC/DC sound – and so all their music sounds the same,” Jeordie White assures The Skinny. “I would like for Goon Moon to be a unique thing where it’s different on every record.” Perhaps best known as Twiggy Ramirez and for his work with Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson and A Perfect Circle, White is shaking off past perceptions of his image and making some outlandish cocktails of hallucinogenic desert sludge pop with Masters of Reality frontman and Queens of the Stone Age/Kyuss producer Chris Goss. And it certainly is a far cry from the fetishistic shock rock of some of White’s previous incarnations. “Eventually it just gets exhausting trying to uphold that image and live up to all those dark and negative expectations,” he says. “I was getting tired of music where super-narcissistic people were bitching and moaning and complaining about all their issues. “We did the whole Goon Moon record and realised there’s not even a swear word on it. We didn’t do it on purpose – I don’t swear in my normal life so why would I need to swear in music? “On the new Marilyn Manson record it seems they throw in the F word so much just for the shock value of it, but as a person and musician you mature and grow and I’d like that to show in the music - rather than just being shocking for the sake of it at 36.” Goon Moon is almost the polar opposite of such an aesthetic, favouring sixties and seventies style production, hard stoner riffing and sweet vocal melodies that would make Brian Wilson blush.

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

“I always wanted to use some of my guilty pleasures in my music,” White confesses. “Stuff like the Bee Gees or Lionel Richie. Sure it’s silly music that you kind of like ironically, but it’s also really good music. I always wanted to show those inspirations in the music I do without coming across like Ween.” When comparing this album to his previous work, White says that Licker’s Last Leg has some of the best creative memories for him. “I’ve listened to the Goon Moon record more than any other I’ve worked on,” he says. “It was just so free. Writing and playing with Chris is just having fun with no rules and no competing to have more writing credits. “We made the record for dirt cheap... probably the cheapest record I’ve ever made. And it’s getting the best reviews out of any I’ve ever made.” Although keen to work on Goon Moon live shows, White is currently busy touring with Nine Inch Nails and hopes to rehearse with Goss towards the end of the year for some preliminary dates before taking their special brand of music on the road. “I’m really happy to have the album out on Ipecac as well,” White exclaims. “It’s also a good home for me personally as Mike Patton is someone who has been able to successfully shed his identity and go on putting out cool records without the stigma of having been in Faith No More. I’ve been around for a while and it will be very hard for people in the indie world to take me seriously after having been in Marilyn Manson. I just wanted to make music that was about nothing - not necessarily positive but definitely lighter. “It’s a different thing playing your own music; the satisfaction is worth a lot more than the paycheck and the nice hotels.” LICKER’S LAST LEG IS OUT NOW ON IPECAC. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GOONMOON

SOUNDS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

Painting the Fence

SOUNDS

KING CREOSOTE -

by Paul Mitchell

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING, BUT FENCE COLLECTIVE LYNCHPIN KING CREOSOTE IS POISED TO CAST HIS NET FAR WIDER THAN THE EAST NEUK OF FIFE WITH HIS SUPERB NEW LP, BOMBSHELLS, THIS MONTH. PAUL MITCHELL CATCHES KC IN A REFLECTIVE MOOD SELDOM SEEN SINCE SUPERMAN III... Since we spoke with him last summer, The Skinny has whiled away many an hour trying to rendezvous with Kenny Anderson. For one reason or another, things just haven’t worked out. Anderson (more familiar to the masses as King Creosote, convenor-in-chief of the uber-creative Fence Collective) has been far too busy writing, gigging and generally displaying the kind of prolific intent that should make many of the rest of us weep with envy and shame. True to form, when we do finally track him down, he’s preparing for his set at the Green Man festival in Brecon. So, does he ever pause for breath? “I don’t quite see it like that to be honest” is his frank assessment. In fact, the entire conversation with the man is a frank assessment on the highs, twists and dips of riding the gruelling industry rollercoaster, and indeed life in general. “The fact that my musical career didn’t kick off until I was a lot older meant that I’ve had a long history of my parents being disappointed and the mother of my child being disappointed and lots of people around me just looking at me in that kind of ‘when are you going to get this together and when are you going to realise that this is a dream?’ way. This isn’t meant to be a sob story but I’ve met my university peers on numerous occasions in the last 20 years and they’re all doing really well. They’re all doctors, dentists and astronauts and all sorts of things. I think I’ve kind of, either by design or trick, picked a career path that’s fraught with worry, depression and real paranoia. “Being 18 and naïve I launched into music thinking this was a harmless way to go about

your life. The choice for me was to go into elec- run a label, or at least tried to run an organisatronic engineering and design missiles and bombs tion that puts out records. Now that I’m signed for Motorola, so I picked the musical option. But to a label that actually does that, I’ve started I didn’t realise it would taking it really seribe 20 years of real ups “FIRST I HAD THE FENCE, THEN I ously and I want to do and downs, the joys have best – I know how REALISED I NEEDED SOMETHING my been amazing but the much money gets spent TO GO ON THE FENCE heartaches have been on trying to put out pretty bad. There have records, having done it CREOSOTE!” been so many occasions myself for ten years. where I’ve thought I need to give up on this, even though my heart and soul is in it; it’s not paying a “Ten years ago I had a real chip on my shoulder wage so I’m going to have to give up and do some- about record labels, now – I probably still have a thing second best. I think that’s part of the reason chip about some aspects of the industry but now I that I feel the need to prove myself all the time.” understand how much effort and how much money goes into the whole process. I’m actually quite humAnderson uses this logic to justify corporate in- bled by it in a weird way! I feel like I’ve got a musical volvement in his latest album (set for release on job now. Personal circumstances have changed in Warners’ division 679 this month), Bombshell, those ten years. I’ve got a daughter now and I’ve got despite going it alone over ten years ago and set- a mortgage and I’ve got lots of things… the chance ting up the Fence collective record label when came along and I thought ‘Why not? I’m nearly 40 there was no deal in sight. “I’ve been doing the years of age; I’ve worked really hard for 20 years same thing as I’ve always done. I don’t really see and should try this at least once’.” a change in my songwriting and I don’t see a change in my approach to music. But, the theme Doth the king protest too much? There can be behind this particular record is that I’m keen to no doubt that part of the charm of his Fence make a little chink in the mainstream market Collective is their splendid (literal and metaphoriwhich I’m all for, if it works. I’ve never tried to do cal) isolation away from the machinations of coranything in music except write songs I like and porate reality. To the curious onlooker, this turn get them recorded as best I can.” of events could be interpreted as the denouement of Anderson’s admirable rage against the ma“Before I set up the Fence thing I did try and get chine; an abdication if you will. Maybe he’s just signed, don’t get me wrong – years ago I had a getting what he wanted all along. band and I got myself into a real fix trying to do all the things you do to get you signed. So I briefly In taking that step, does he see himself as being gave up on all that, decided I’d just do it on my at risk of alienating those who have long adown, on my own terms and 12 years later it seems mired this independent approach? “I made sure like people have kind of accepted me for that. It’s my record deal allows for my back catalogue and still very daunting but at the same time I have the work that I do for Fence to remain the way it

always was. I don’t want to sound smug, but I’m in the best of both worlds in that I signed a small major deal and at the same time, safeguarded all the work I’ve done ‘til this point. The two things aren’t mutually exclusive, they’re very much part of the same thing. I’d hate it if the fans I’ve built up over the last decade suddenly left because my records have a little bit of a shine to them now. I think the songs I’ve picked are good songs. I think they’re quite indicative of the couple of years I’ve had and they’re very much me at this age, me at the age of 40. So it’s not like ‘oh here’s a guy who is 40 singing songs he wrote when he was 25’.” Anderson’s Fence Collective famously bases itself in the fishing village of Anstruther in Fife. The notion conjures up imagery of an ethereal musical Eden, a fact aided by the odd nomenclature of the members, who presently include Pictish Trail, Gummi Bako, Lone Pigeon, HMS Ginafore, Things In Herds, Down the Tiny Steps and Barbarossa along with the more conventionally monikered James Yorkston and Pip Dylan. KT Tunstall and The Beta Band have also been involved. So what’s with the alter egos? “Even when I was signed to a small Scottish label, I wanted to do my own thing on the Fence label. I just loved the duality of it: the fence for a ring of stolen goods, the fence that you can sit on, and the clearly marked boundary. First I had the Fence, then I realised I needed something to go on the fence, so that was... Creosote! and from there it became King Creosote so it’s not really a huge mystery. I think there’s a huge power if you have a synonym, it means you can act out a different life and King Creosote is a very different animal to Kenny Anderson. Sometimes I think a lot of people want to meet King Creosote and want to know about him and when they actually meet Kenny Anderson, it’s a bit of a disappointment.

“King Creosote doesn’t have the same neuroses. I’m quite a shy person and I’m not as confident, optimistic or as smart as King Creosote. King is just a channel for me to be just a little bit better than I am, or a little bit more evil than I am, or just an exaggeration of who I am. The KC lyrics are me on a good day, they’re sharp, witty. My average day isn’t like that; I’m a little bit blurry, a little bit dull and a little bit bad tempered. I don’t get to be him very often, maybe 45 minutes on stage. But even sometimes in those 45 minutes there’s still a bit of Kenny Anderson in there - I’d really like to get shot of him. I don’t have a great self image and I think most people who play and write songs find it to be their way of communicating. But if you can only communicate best through songs, there’s something a bit sad about that. It’s like: ‘Why can’t you tell your friends and family how you actually feel?’ Or: ‘Why can’t you go into the world as a balanced individual?’ The more songwriters I meet I realise we’re all slight rejects. I don’t think that’s a bad thing, just kinda weird.” Anderson’s insecurities are articulated with disarming honesty throughout our conversation. Refreshing though it is, there is an implicit admission that the rewards for moving from ‘reject’ status to public affection are quite high. The sellout tours and lucrative recording contracts of some of his former Fence collaborators bear testament to this fact. Despite the salient quality of Bombshell, the risk of alienating old fans cannot be discounted. Anderson will hope his King has played an Ace. BOMBSHELL IS RELEASED ON 17 SEP THROUGH 679. KING CREOSOTE PLAYS CONNECT, INVERARAY CASTLE ON 31 AUG AND QUEENS HALL, EDINBURGH ON 29 SEP. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/KINGCREOSOTE

SUPER FURRY ANIMALS

Talking Bunf Their status as venerable cult overlords of the British music scene has long since been assured and their new album is possibly their most commercial yet. However, no amount of conventional trappings can disguise what a long strange trip it has been for the Super Furry Animals.

by Duncan Forgan

spread the gospel on an album he believes is the band’s most coherent and direct statement of intent yet.

“We’re all immensely proud of it,” he says. “We had a bit of a break after (2005’s) Love Kraft, but when we reconvened we found that the songs we were all coming up with tended to be really poppy In the 12 years since burrowing their inimitable and direct. So the intention with Hey Venus was way into the nation’s consciousness with debut to have an album packed with potential singles. album Fuzzy Logic, the band Whether the record company “WE’LL PROBABLY have commandeered tanks will view it in the same way is for fest iva l appea ra nces, MUDDLE THROUGH BY another matter however!” donned yeti suits for Top of the Pops and crunched celery IGNORING EVERYONE AS Bunford’s aside is a reference sticks with a former Beatle to former label Epic who only USUAL” - BUNF for an album track. In besaw fit to release one single, tween they have somehow found time to amass a Lazer Beam, from Love Kraft. Now ensconced on body of work that runs the gamut from ear-split- Rough Trade after parting ways with the major ting techno forays to garage punk, from lovelorn behemoth in 2006, Bunford insists that the ballads to lilting Welsh-language psychedelia. Furries’ creative impetus has never been stronger. If ever a band were predictable in their unpredictability it is the Furries. Therefore it comes as no surprise that The Skinny’s conversation with guitarist Huw ‘Bunf’ Bunford regarding new offering Hey Venus – a loosely themed (“not a concept!”) album about a young woman’s journey from a small town to the city – should take in everything from fifties doo-wop music to an 87-year-old Japanese pop artist, Keiichi Tanaami, who replaced long-time Furries visuals guru Pete Fowler to design the record’s sleeve.

“THE KC LYRICS ARE ME ON A GOOD DAY, THEY’RE SHARP, WITTY. MY AVERAGE DAY ISN’T LIKE THAT; I’M A LITTLE BIT BLURRY, A LITTLE BIT DULL AND A LITTLE BIT BAD TEMPERED. I DON’T GET TO BE HIM VERY OFTEN, MAYBE 45 MINUTES ON STAGE. BUT EVEN SOMETIMES IN THOSE 45 MINUTES THERE’S STILL A BIT OF KENNY ANDERSON IN THERE - I’D REALLY LIKE TO GET SHOT OF HIM.” 32

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

Bunford’s predominant concern, however, is to

SOUNDS

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“It doesn’t seem like it to us sometimes but we’ve really been through the meat-grinder when you look at it,” he says. “You can practically chart the varying trends in the music business through our career. I mean, it is remarkable that we have been on four record companies (Ankst, Creation, Epic and now Rough Trade) and been given the chance to try different things, you know, starting off with the indie, moving to a bigger indie then a major then downsizing again. It’s kind of amazing really, especially when you consider that, these days, a band is lucky to get more than one album

on a record label with which to develop.” Now in the enviable position of being able to plough their own inimitable furrow without being under the hawk-like scrutiny that hamstrings many younger bands, the Furries appear to be in a relaxed place right now, a feeling reinforced by Bunford’s lugubrious affability. Even singer Gruff Rhys’ concurrent solo career – a potential bone of contention in many groups – is treated with utter magnanimity. “Gruff is so prolific, you know,” Bunford continues. “You’ve got to give someone like that the opportunity to release things.” Two years might have separated their last two albums but, according to Bunford, the next record – fostered amid the creative splurge that sired Hey Venus – is ready to go and will be released next year. “It will be a twin to this one,” he proposes. “We’re all going through a period of coming up with very direct and melodic songs. They are a lot shorter and perhaps not as experimental as in the past, so it might divide people a little. But we’ll probably muddle through by ignoring everyone as usual.” HEY VENUS! IS OUT NOW ON ROUGH TRADE SUPER FURRY ANIMALS PLAY CONNECT FESTIVAL, INVERARAY ON 31 AUG WWW.SUPERFURRY.COM

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

THE GO! TEAM

“I’D BE LYING IF I SAID THAT SESAME STREET WASN’T AN INFLUENCE” - IAN PARTON

Proof of Youth

EXPERIMENTAL POP IS STILL THE NAME OF THEIR GAME AND JON SELLER SWOOPS IN ON THE THE GO! TEAM, LIKE BIG BIRD, TO FIND OUT HOW THEY PLAY IT...

“Now let me clear this up, our first gig was not a Franz Ferdinand support slot,” stresses Go! Team captain Ian Parton when the Skinny quotes a misinformed article on the band. “We just happened to be playing the same festival as them, that’s all.” So there you go, the Go! Team’s first ever gig, at a Swedish festival and on the same bill as Franz Ferdinand, is no big deal, ok? How about this then: the band didn’t even exist until a couple of weeks before the gig. Now we’re getting somewhere. This DIY approach is what formed the very foundation of what the Go ! Team are all about; f irst album Thunder, Lightning, Strike is a much publicized bedroom-recorded affair for which Parton and his brother-cum-producer share the credit, whilst upcoming LP Proof of Youth, although featuring the now settled ‘Team line-up, was still very much an ‘our way or no way’ affair. “It [the recording] was a pretty relaxed affair, we just took each stage at a time, seeing what happened. There were elements of jamming; I wrote some lyrics; Ninja (main vocalist and principal onstage livewire) wrote some and everyone had a go. It was definitely a group effort this time round. I mean they’re all better musicians than me,” confesses Parton, “and they’ve got interesting voices which gave us far more options than with the first record.” Their latest is a sun-kissed beauty, evoking the good times of their gigs in an instant, with its treble-heavy production almost recreating a kind of early 80s TV theme vibe. For The Skinny, a certain US kids’ show is vividly recollected and we’ve got to get to the bottom of this. “I’d be lying if I said that Sesame Street wasn’t an influence,” smirks Parton, as if he’d been busted. “I’ve been checking out all these old Sesame Street scenes on Youtube, there’s some wicked shit there – it’s an untapped resource. I wouldn’t say we’re setting

WALKING ON

Goon Moon

by Ali Maloney

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

SOUNDS

by Fraser Thomson I CAN’T EVEN SHAKE OUT A 4/4 ON A YOGHURT POT FILLED WITH LENTILS I’ve just spent a week at T on the Fringe, which sounds odd. Mayb e a we e k at t he Fe s t iva l, or even seven days in Edinburgh – but no, I properly indulged myself, and my listeners, in “the widest festival in the world”. And it was a musical education.

Currently riding a major wave of interest built upon lots of international touring and a great debut album, THE TWILIGHT SAD will play CABARET VOLTAIRE ON 4 SEP. With a progressive, layered and deeply emotional sound, these boys have tons of substance and if their hugely successful US tour is anything to go by, this gig should be unmissable. They’re going to be big, so catch them in a club while you still can.

Sheffield: it’s got a lot to answer for. Aiming to redress the balance away from exaggerated regional accents, TINY DANCERS have chosen to create swirling, epic pop music that cocoons the listener in a web of lilting melody and surging emotion. They can rock too, damnit, but that’s not why we love them so much. We love them because they play from the heart and make us feel all fuzzy inside. KING TUT’S, 9 SEP.

The week started with a session from Guillemots. Now, I’ve seen Fyfe and the boys performing on TV and was pretty much ready for anything. However I wasn’t set for him turning up with a keyboard only slightly bigger than a Casiotone. His enormous musician fingers proved too big for it and we had to stop recording a few times after he accidentally triggered the preset Samba beat. Well, it was Trains To Brazil.

Also from Glasgow, THE HUSSY’ S are operating at the other end of the spectrum from TTS, delivering relentlessly upbeat and catchy pop tunes that will put a smile on your face and a shimmy in your hips. Delightfully quirky, The Hussy’s manage to pull off the trick of being hugely endearing without ever venturing into the forbidden forest of twee. There’s something of a 60s swagger about this lot which will go down well at CABARET VOLTAIRE ON 7 SEP.

CARIBOU, led by psychedelic visionary Dan Snaith, are

Next up was Willy Mason, a man whose voice must have broken on at least six occasions. It’s so deep that boats in the Forth estuary were turning round to avoid the fog. He brought a banjo, which he doesn’t really play any of his songs on, so he wrote one that morning especially for the session. He also used a tambourine, which he placed on the floor and tapped as an impromptu rhythm session. I looked on, green-eyed (my musical talents are, at best, remedial – seriously, I can’t even shake out a 4/4 on a yoghurt pot filled with lentils).

Former Million Dead man FRANK TURNER is carving out a bit of a cult following for himself at the moment, touring relentlessly with his acoustic guitar and charming crowds with his witty, touching and unique folk-influenced songs. The Skinny caught him in Dublin last year and he played a stormer – clearly this dude was born to play live. Check it out at CABARET VOLTAIRE, 12 SEP.

1. THE WEAKERTHANS - NIGHT WINDOWS These “Night Windows” aren’t the ones in your flat, come eventime. It’s the flashflash of lights on the highway, the reflections in the glass, memories superimposed over landscape. John K Samson writes the easiest kind of poetry: small, wise beauties over a catchy guitar, a clicking drumkit, a melody that will bear you through the hardest nights.

Thursday saw Kate Nash at our studio. She, and her three fabulously bohemian bandmates f loated in, performed two fantastic numbers then tripped off to a deli. I thought about offering my services on handclaps, but I was brutally aware that even my applause was out of time.

DOWNLOAD AT: WWW.EPITAPH.COM/ARTISTS/ALBUM/524

Rock that’s both sloppy and strung-out, shades of Pavement and The Minutemen, with hooks that fall stumbling out of an alleyway before you realised they were coming. You don’t expect a song like this to be so catchy: it’s more intuition than craft, more accident than design.

Throughout the week I also encountered The Pigeon Detectives, Brother Louie, The Hussy’s, Rieser, Penny Blacks and a new and unknown Seattle band called the Food Fighters (sic.). I’ve seen everything used as an instrument, from a couch to a typewriter, and I’ve never been more impressed by musicians, or been more woefully depressed at my own lack of sonic ability.

The Minnesota three-piece in a hot, dark room, storms unfurling across the sky. Once this band was “slowcore”; now they just sound angry. Guitars lift the hair on your arms; voices lift the heart in your chest; and everything else just fills your woolly head.

Before their reinvention as the Last Great Wilderness, The Skinny shed a tear at ANNIE CHRISTIAN’s farewell gig all those years ago – but now they’re back! One of the most promising bands to have come out of Scotland, they never made it as big as they deserved, but they made some astonishing music along the way. Get down to CABARET VOLTAIRE ON 13 SEP to remind yourself what made them so brilliant.

real one-offs – a band that mutates and changes before your very eyes, surprising you in new and beautiful ways when you least expect it. The Skinny digs the trippy visuals that usually accompany their shows too, so hopefully Snaith will bring his projector when he rocks up to THE ARCHES ON 9 SEP. Their new album is wonderful, too. All right-thinking people must worship at the altar of MCLUSKY – which made it doubly disappointing that Jon Chapple’s Shooting at Unarmed Men project turned out to be such a damp squib. Thankfully, Future of the Left seem to have a lot more fight in them: this is weird, fierce stuff – just the way we like it. Watch them tear shit up at BARFLY, 17 SEP. Look the fuck out, (HED) PE are in town, and they will be combusting at the BARFLY ON 18 SEP. Led by the nonemore-batshit-insane Jahred, they’ve made some incredible noise over the years, as well as some dross – but they’ve always played by their own rules. They put on some of THE most intense shows back in the day, so we recommend this on the off-chance that the touch paper ignites once more and it all goes off.

WIN A ONCE IN A LIFETIME TRIP TO THE BIRTHDAY JD SET IN LYNCHBURG, TENNESSEE Thanks to the courthouse fire that destroyed his birth certificate, no one’s really sure of Mr Jack’s exact birthday. All we know is that it was sometime in September 1850. Which is why Jack Daniel’s celebrate all September long, culminating in a spectacular Birthday JD Set gig at the distillery.

One winner and a friend will fly to the Jack Daniel’s homeland for a rock and roll weekend with flights and accommodation included. Celebrations will include a meal of authentic, southern style cooking and a tour of the distillery followed by the main event, the Birthday JD Set, where the celebrations really begin.

Just 200 people are invited - and through The Skinny you and a friend could be amongst the lucky few to attend this one off gig.

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

The legendary Patti Smith, alongside Juliette Lewis from The Licks and Shinghai from The Noisettes, will give a once-in-a-lifetime performance backed by the New Silver Cornet Band, a group of local session musicians.

B) SILVER CORNET

WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE BAND FORMED BY JACK IN 1892? A) SILVER TRUMPET C) WHISKEY BRASS SEND YOUR ANSWER TO COMPETITIONS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK BY 15 SEP. FOR T&C’S GO TO WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

Please drink responsibly.

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://TINYURL.COM/3CPBKV

3. LOW - BREAKER (DAYTROTTER SESSION)

by Ted Maul

GLASGOW

Wednesday brought on Scouting for Girls. On hearing their Mr Brightside-esque debut It’s Not About You, I assumed that here were four chaps with a love of all things Killers. I was wrong. There are only three of them. Their gig was a triumph. Songs about wanting to be He-Man and adolescent crushes on Michaela Strachan (I’m sure that’s the right way round) delighted the crowd. Thoughts of Ben Folds filled my head as I stumbled merrily off up the Cowgate.

2. THE OCTAGON - NARROW ROAD TO OKU

Highlights EDINBURGH

5 FREE SONGS YOU CAN LEGALLY DOWNLOAD, LISTEN TO AND LOVE by Sean Michaels

Sleeping States

SOUNDS

LIVE MUSIC

FRASER THOMSON PRESENTS THE XFM WEEKENDER EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT 6-10PM. XFM SCOTLAND 105.7-106.1FM WWW.XFMSCOTLAND.CO.UK

DOWNLOAD AT: WWW.DAYTROTTER.COM/ARTICLE/910/FREE-SONGS-LOW

4. DOVEMAN - AIRBAG Ten years after Ok Computer, Thomas Bartlett remakes the Radiohead song with attic noises, broken pianos, and you hear anew the shuddering power of this great, deep song. It’s the sound of a space probe hurtling through the void; and also of you and I, cold, waiting to be caught in another person’s orbit. DOWNLOAD AT: WWW.STEREOGUM.COM/OKX/

5. SLEEPING STATES - RIVERS One of the finest voices to emerge of late from this Kingdom United, Markland Starkie plays his guitars bare and a little wrong; mixes noise and murmur; sings stories soft and cold, the sleepy stuff that bleeds over from your daylight into dream. DOWNLOAD AT: WWW.MISRARECORDS.COM/MP3.PHP

Willy Mason

www.skinnymag.co.uk

photo: www.jethrocollins.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

LIVE REVIEWS

GUILLEMOTS - Jemima Garthwaite

EDINBURGH GUILLEMOTS

THE LIQUID ROOM, 20 AUG Fyfe Dangerfield seems less animated than he was this time last year. Perhaps the ‘demotion’ of tonight’s gig from the cavernous Corn Exchange to the Liquid Room has dampened his spirits. It soon appears a wise move though, and not just for audience size, as the Guillemots fail to pull off a convincing show even in these cosier confines. There are some precious moments; Made Up Love Song’s mystical forlornness particularly tingles and a solo-effort from Fyfe, keyboard slung around his neck 80s style, is treated with such hushed reverence that even the air-conditioning is turned off. However, for every step forward they take one back. One song particularly galls with the sort of ‘ska’ that makes those quotation marks almost palpable. Then, just when it seems things have evened out, an unnecessary and wholly awful encore of Franz Ferdinand’s Take Me Out, with saxophone solo, gives the whole game away. What a pity. [Darren Carle] MYSPACE.COM/GUILLEMOTSMUSIC

KHARMA 45

CABARET VOLTAIRE, 16 AUG With the room still and fractionally full but show time nigh, the sound-man looks at his watch and gives an ambivalent thumbs-up before Kharma 45 come out rocking as though Cab Vol was ten times bigger and packed to the gills. Frontman Glenn Rosborough lets loose with his best Thom Yorke — bobbing spasmodically and belting out vocals far larger than his wiry spark plug body looks like it could produce. The sound is consistently thick but never excessive or sloppy. High-hat flourishes, deft guitar picking and tasteful, melodic basslines are all discernable. Programmed backing tracks, indicative of the group’s edgy electronic sensibilities, are used to good effect to fill out the mix. In the soaring but non-pyrotechnic baiting guitar solos,

traces of U2 can be discerned; in the thrumming bass and funky rhythms, an appreciation of The Stone Roses and other Manchester acts is apparent. Yet, ultimately, these boys carry their own sound, and it’s electrifying. [Ben Howe] WWW.MYSPACE.COM/KHARMA45

FOO FIGHTERS

MEADOWBANK STADIUM, 21 AUG We’re two songs into Nine Inch Nails’ (3/5) set when Trent Reznor and co. swap their laptops for guitars, letting the audience breathe a sigh of relief. From there on in it’s rock all the way, with the band careering about the stage like men half their age. Putting the ‘industrial’ into stadium rock can’t be easy, but here they succeed, whether on the blistering, no-holds-barred March of the Pigs, or the ominous, chilling The Wretched. However, at under an hour, it’s just not long enough and when Reznor defiantly flips his guitar overhead, as the last chords of Wish blast out, he probably agrees. By comparison, the Foo Fighters (4/5) have time to kill. With extended audience call-and-responses, birthday platitudes and beer-chugging skits, Dave Grohl is the consummate stadium rock host. He even breaks into a Van Halen riff at one point, before checking himself. Fortunately, tonight’s set is watertight; a veritable Foo’s ‘best of’ where even former guitarist Pat Smear makes an ‘uncredited’, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance. Stacked Actors and the inevitable encore, All My Life, are just two highlights, whilst a cover of Keep The Car Running is surprising, but deftly handled. For all their showboating, the Foo Fighters are still the real deal. [Darren Carle] WWW.FOOFIGHTERS.COM WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NIN

THE TWILIGHT SAD BANNERMANS, 19 AUG

Bannermans is small enough to be packed to the rafters in anticipation of the first ever Edinburgh

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

gig by the Twilight Sad. Before then we’re treated to some thrilling support from Popup, and a hilarious Arab Strap-esque performance from Dumb Instrument, so it’s already been well worth the ticket price. When the main attraction does arrive, their epic power knocks crumbs off the brick walls and threatens to shatter glasses in the bar. They only have a handful of songs, but god knows what their names are: “with a knife in your chest” and then the breathtaking guitar maelstrom that stretches the skin back over our faces; “they’re standin’ outside and they’re lookin’ in”, and the paranoid, passionate rant that follows; “they’re puttin’ the boot in, tonight”, and the gale-force storm comes again. It’s hot as hell in there, and so much sweat and squall in such a small space threatens to overload the senses. By the end, the crowd is knackered, almost-deaf, and absolutely ecstatic. On their first visit, the Twilight Sad just might have left Bannerman’s with the greatest night it has ever seen. [John Wylie] THE TWILIGHT SAD PLAY CONNECT FESTIVAL ON 2 SEP, CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH ON 4 SEP AND BARFLY, GLASGOW ON 22 SEP WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THETWILIGHTSAD

INTERPOL

CORN EXCHANGE, 23 AUG There’s a reason why the Corn Exchange was sold out months in advance of Interpol’s gig here tonight. Anyone in attendance will testify that they’re not the most flamboyant and loquacious personalities you’ll see at this year’s Fringe, but then the same folk will also tell you how damn good their music is, and how brilliantly the band bring it to the live stage. There isn’t any one overriding factor that makes this performance as good as it is: it’s a combination of the chillingly impassive vocal delivery of Paul Banks, the spasmodic thrusts of Daniel Kessler, indiscriminately eliciting each note from his guitar with the same vigour as the last, and

then there’s Sam Fogarino’s drumming, difficult to appreciate how vital and innovative it is until you’ve seen it. We’ll forgive Interpol for making us wait an hour at the start; just how could you stay mad at a band as good as this? [Finbarr Bermingham] NEW SINGLE MAMMOTH IS OUT 3 SEP ON PARLOPHONE WWW.INTERPOLNYC.COM

THE BEST OF T BREAK THE LIQUID ROOM, 18 AUG

Edinburgh is buzzing, despite continuous downpour, and the Liquid Room tonight is heaving with a sellout crowd to see four of the successful unsigned acts who made it to T in the Park. First up are YASHIN (3/5), a Glasgow-based 5-piece who enjoy screaming, ear-splitting riffs and guitar arpeggios in the style of Iron Maiden. They win T-Break’s ultra-heavy competition hands down. They also win the choreographed headbanging and best mock-suicide-by-a-vocalist competitions. THEATRE FALL (3/5), from Inverness, play a hook-driven set in the current electro/four-to-the-floor disco vibe that’s been championed by The Rapture and The Killers. The drummer’s tighter than the bass player’s jeans and the duelling synths come with extra tinnitus. CHUTES (4/5), from Edinburgh, also dabble in disco, with frenetic hi-hats and slinky basslines. Daniel Abercrombie has a great voice and presence, and some tasty Peter Crouch robot moves. Choppy guitar lines and great songs make them stand out in a way that’s reminiscent of a large number of influential bands from the 70s through to the present day. BROKEN RECORDS (4/5) have an inspiring depth and breadth tonight, taking a mini-orchestra on stage with them. Jamie and Rory Sutherland lead this collective in balls-out east and western indiefolk tunes. From violin and accordion solos to full orchestration, they raise the happy crowd higher with their lilting songs and hearts on sleeves approach. A triumphant night all round. [Chris Bathgate] WWW.TBREAK.CO.UK

PREVIEWS EDINBURGH RICHARD HAWLEY QUEENS HALL, 14 SEP

There’s a multitude of factoids about Richard Hawley’s session work for other artists, his work with the Longpigs, or stories about his drug-addled spell with Pulp, that we could talk about. But with three good-to-great solo albums under his belt, Sheffield crooner Hawley now deserves attention for his own achievements as a songwriter. His peak so far, 2005’s Cole’s Corner, was nominated for the Mercury prize the following year, only to lose to some local lads half his age. Like the Monkeys’ output, Cole’s Corner was stylistically retro and described everyday pleasures, but Hawley recalls Elvis and Scott Walker, and sings love stories imbued with enough warmth and charm to seduce a snake. Richard Hawley could play the SECC and it would still feel intimate – so this gig at Queens Hall should be special, and it’s preceded by a new album, called Lady’s Bridge, in late August. [Ally Brown] 7:30, £17.50 WWW.RICHARDHAWLEY.CO.UK

FOALS

CABARET VOLTAIRE, 24 SEP To survive the rough ‘n’ tumble of today’s indie playground, a good haircut’s not going to get you anywhere – you need a bit of muscle too. Luckily, for Brighton-based quintet Foals they’ve got the brawn to stave off the bullies and the moves to get all the girls. An explosive concoction of bruising riffs and sharp-shooting electronica, these pop-techno-funk-rockers take the turbo-charged impetus of nu-rave and add to it the unique ability of actually churning out tunes to rattle your limbs. Last single Hummer was a brutal clatter of snake-hipped percussion that snapped and snarled like a pilledup Radio 4 and if ravenous new release Mathletics is anything to go by, this month’s I Fly Spitfires showing will be a sweat-soaked absorption of incessant disco-fused mastery. Joined by Aukland pop-punkers Cut Off Your Hands! and the bizarre Great Eskimo Hoax, Foals will be out to prove just how tough they really are. [Billy Hamilton] 7PM, £6 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/IFLYSPITFIRES

DARFUR NOW! THE HIVE, 5 SEP

5 September sees a one-off gig for charity – all proceeds from Darfur Now! will go towards rebuilding the village of Kerkera, home to 250 families in the east of Sudan. Kerkera’s inhabitants have faced continuing threats since violence erupted between government-backed militias and Darfur rebel groups in February 2003. A sustainable development programme will enable them to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. At the time of going to press, bands confirmed - Motion Gallery, Sellotape and the Pendulums – promise an eclectic night, bringing together indie-pop, post-punk and quirky folk hippies, but keep an eye on the website for last-minute additions. [Trevor Mawhinney] 7PM, £5(£3) WWW.DARFURNOWCONCERT.GOOGLEPAGES.COM

SOUNDS

SPONSORED BY by Finbarr Bermingham

For a band that have spent the past year producing their début album and are “absolutely skint,” suggesting corruption and mainstream radio go hand in hand may seem like shooting yourself in the foot. But over a swift half with The Skinny, the liberal tongued Action Group pull no punches. “Big stars, like Britney Spears, are marketed heavily. There’s a lot of money being sent to radio stations to play this song a certain number of times. It’s not what people like, but it’s played 20 times a day. There’s that song in my head, it’s shite, but it’s part of my brain,” insists the refreshingly honest Pete Boggon. His point is grounded on a solid notion of what makes a good tune. Greed has just been released on iTunes and after a lot of toiling to bring it to release, are the band pleased with the end product? “There’s been a strange feeling,” says Mark Donnelly. “It’s taken a long time to get to this point. A year down the line you’re like ‘what’s going on?’ There’s a difference between going ‘did I try

hard enough?’ and saying ‘fuck, I actually couldn’t have done anymore!’” What they did, incidentally, was rather good. Unwilling to dawdle

“LILY ALLEN... POSH BIRD, MUSIC’S PISH, HER FATHER’S OBVIOUSLY LIKE ‘THERE YOU GO, HAVE A RECORD DEAL FOR CHRISTMAS’. IT’S A LOADA SHITE!” - PETE BOGGON in one place, Greed justifies the time spent recording. With such diversity, then, it’s no surprise that it’s a conscious decision to try new things in recording. “If I’ve got three chords going round, I turn into a psychopath. I can’t handle it if it’s been done before,” says Boggon. Donnelly continues, “I seen an Edinburgh band on Youtube, all about 40, still doing the early punk thing. That’s dead

in the water! Open up to the idea of change!” Where does the influence to change come from? Dylan Mitchell suggests “there’s no way anyone can listen to the same music all the time. What binds us together is that we listen to such an eclectic mix, that comes across in our music.” And aside from music? “I like things that take the piss. Anything with a bit of humour. Not everybody has to try to save the world.” “I have something against being too earnest,” adds Boggon, “Like Springsteen... I can be earnest myself, on my own. Any band that goes walking with a banner... Awh!” At this stage the band’s faces contort into a look of contempt. They’re an unassuming yet opinionated bunch, unafraid to voice concern at aspects of the industry. With the eco-friendly rock star a fashionable commodity these days, Action Group are happy to go against the grain. Mitchell admits he’d “rather eat my own shite” than perform at a Live Earth style, back-slapping extravaganza. They have little time for those who subscribe to such events and other strands of “tabloid culture.” Mitchell explains his hatred of “morbid fascination.” “Well you got Lily Allen... posh bird, music’s pish, her father’s obviously like ‘there you go, have a record deal for Christmas’. It’s a loada shite!” It’s not just Lily Allen; Donnelly insists that too many bands “have a template of music which they repeat because it’s mildly acceptable. There’s an abject fear of being derided for changing.” With a stellar début under their belts, let’s hope Action Group stick to their guns for phase two.

GREED IS AVAILABLE FROM ITUNES NOW THROUGH PARDON ACTION GROUP PLAY CABARET VOLTAIRE ON 29 SEP AND KING TUT’S ON 1 OCT WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ACTIONGROUP

July in Edinburgh tends to be a strange kind of month, gig-wise. The depletion of the city’s student population, the annual calm before August’s Fringe storm, and the fact that most of the major bands are off peddling their wares on the summer festival circuit means that as the season hots up, the Capital has a habit of winding down. But, while it’s fair to say that the most pressing engagements for most of Edinburgh’s music lovers lie outwith the city limits at events such as Indian Summer in Glasgow and at T in the Park, there’s enough gold in them there venues to keep things ticking over nicely. Gig of the month (and most probably of the year in this time-warped hack’s opinion) has to be the super heavyweight soul summit at the Playhouse on 2 July featuring the right Reverend AL GREEN and southern-soul heroine CANDI STATON. Live events rarely come more seismic than this.

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 07

THE SKINNY

PREVIEWS GLASGOW

LIVE REVIEWS

VON SUDENFED THE ARCHES, 23 SEP

What do you get if you cross a shouty old man from Manchester and a trendy young duo from Germany? A krautrock-inspired indie legend with two kraftwerk-inspired krauts? The lead growler in a 30 year-old rock band with a 13-year old techno team? When Mark E. Smith and Mouse on Mars got together, they called themselves Von Sudenfed and came up with an album for Domino. Released in May this year, Tromatic Reflexxions is slowly gathering some love from press and public for its schizophrenic, clattering beats and eccentric vocals. There’s a thin line between madness and genius, and Von Sudenfed seem to play hopscotch around that line. This Skinny reviewer didn’t think much of the results, but the unlikliest trio of the year will be flooding clubs and boiling chickens in Scotland this month for the many who did. [Ally Brown] ALSO 24 SEP AT THE LIQUID ROOM, EDINBURGH 7PM, £13.50 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/VONSUDENFED

INCUBUS SECC, 23 SEP

ARI UP - www.katevrobertson.com

GLASGOW THE DEAD 60S KING TUTS, 4 AUG

Neither the Suzukis nor the Dead 60s appear to have listened to any music made since the early 1980s. Techno, riot grrl, Madchester and even New Romanticism have all passed these guys, leaving them to concentrate on loutish, heads-down punk rock. Admittedly, the Dead 60s have learnt from the Clash that a mid-paced reggae number can break up the four-beat monotony, but both bands default to the most conservative end of new wave. The Suzukis boast an alienated vocalist and guitar-driven angst, while the professional stagecraft of the Dead 60s lifts their passionate flurries of anger above the average. They are committed, enthusiastic and charismatic - yet they waste their abilities on nostalgia for a music that was supposed to banish sentimentality. They might be sincere, waving their banners for a country that has disappeared, or opportunists, herding their audience’s longing for a brighter past: either way, nothing exciting happens when the template is so obvious. [Margaret Kirk] WWW.THEDEAD60S.COM

OS MUTANTES

OLD FRUITMARKET, 29 JUL Tumbleweed moments are the last thing you would expect from an Os Mutantes live performance. Integral members of the creatively virulent Brazilian tropicalia movement of the late 1960s, the Sao Paulo pioneers were responsible for some of that decade’s most revolutionary music; their melange of British beat-pop, psychedelia, samba and all-round weirdness marking them out as unimpeachable titans. Yet an opening collaboration with JD Twitch gets a potentially valedictory evening off to a worrying start – the Optimo co-founder’s backing track getting lost in the Fruitmarket’s cavernous expanses while Mutantes mainman Sergio Dias mugs away hopefully on guitar. Things barely improve as the band strike out on their own. There’s nothing wrong with the songs – choice

Despite 2004’s A Crow Left Of The Murder spawning humunga-hit Megalomaniac, no one really seemed to notice when Incubus returned last year, and new album Light Grenades received a rather lukewarm reception. Unfazed, the band are about to embark on another arena tour, and while their hits seem to have stalled, the die-hards certainly haven’t gone anywhere. Whether it is still acceptable for Brandon Boyd to continue basing his career on removing his shirt at the six album mark is debatable, and in a climate saturated with pouty guitar-wielding men, they might not seem quite as relevant as they once were. That said, they could still teach The Fray et al a thing or two about writing alternative rock with balls and genuine emotion, and it’s worth catching them live to see how it should be done. Tenner says Brandon will be topless by the third song. [Heather Crumley] 7PM, £21.50 WWW.ENJOYINCUBUS.COM

selections from their heyday getting an airing alongside less familiar offerings – but cheesy synths and poor acoustics fail to do justice to their genius. Miraculously, the show eventually takes flight, versions of classics Ando meio desligado, A Minha Menina and a closing Bat Macumba making a last-gasp grasp for greatness that rescues an otherwise underwhelming occasion. [Duncan Forgan] WWW.MYSPACE.COM/OSMUTANTES66

KUNT AND THE GANG 13TH NOTE, 15 AUG

Unlike most scatological one-man bands, Kunt and the Gang isn’t leery: every song is delivered with the naïve enthusiasm of a primary school teacher. Armed with a rudimentary backing track, a hand puppet and a knack for parodying 80s pop melodies, Kunt quickly has the crowd singing along and laughing hysterically. God forbid that his numbers reach his natural audience in the playground: children singing Feminine Itch or The Worst Thing in the World would cause a greater moral panic than rising house prices or immigration in certain tabloids. His set is short and sweet enough to keep the humour fresh; whether he is paying tribute to friendship on Fred and Rose or warning against wearing white with an upset stomach, Kunt miraculously comes across as a pleasant young man who just happens to enjoy swearing, masturbating over ladies on television and offering himself to celebrities. [Margaret Kirk] WWW.KUNTANDTHEGANG.CO.UK

ARI UP

THE HOLD, 14 AUG Calls for more reverb on the mic so the bird sounds sound good is never the most auspicious start to a gig but if anyone could turn this around it would be Ari Up, former lead singer with legendary all girl punk band The Slits. Kicking off with Instant Hit, which was written for Sid Vicious, it’s a punk rock history lesson as she regales with tales of Sid ‘n’ Nancy and teaches the audience to skank like it’s 1976. Far

THE SKINNY SEPTEMBER 07

from a Slits-hits-by-numbers cashin she instigates a self proclaimed punky-reggae party and delivers a mix of old with new, showcasing her excellent voice which transforms even the bird sounds from the feared hippy mess into a new, unusual instrument. Refusing to settle for second best from the sound guy, her band or the audience, she shouts at the crowd for not being able to sing Newtown – from some this might seem arrogant but here it seems quite justified. Typical Girl might get the best reaction of the night, with Ari joining the crowd in dancing, but a typical girl she ain’t. [Laura Patterson] WWW.ARIUP.COM

SLINT

ABC, 20 AUG Don’t expect wisecracks or between-song banter when Slint come to town – these are serious boys, here to play serious music. There’s barely a welcome when they arrive on stage - each looking barely a day over 30 - and with singer Brian McMahon standing to the side of the stage instead of the middle, nobody seems sure that it’s really them. So they go straight into playing Spiderland, which masterfully reconstructed rock music in 1991, playing every note, in every order, as on the record. For everyone here, 99% male and including many of the key figures of Scottish music in the 90s, it’s worth close attention. Nobody is moshing, or dancing, or heckling, or chucking pints. Just watching and listening. Even between songs, there’s enthusiastic applause, and then patient silence. This is real reverence. Good Morning, Captain nearly caves the roof in, and after the EP, they leave. Job done, there’s no encore, and no-one complains. Who could possibly complain about seeing Slint live? [Ally Brown] WWW.SLINT.US

LUMINESCENT ORCHESTRII

COSSACHOK, 19 AUG The Luminescent Orchestrii are only punk in so far as they thrash: their exquisite musicianship and mas-

tery of genre is rarely heard in any amplified group. They rattle through klezmer waltzes and polkas from Eastern Europe, and switch effortlessly between Appalachian ballads and Bulgarian drones. They rock Croatian dance and Greek instrumentals, and finish up with an ironic take on New York jazz. They respect their sources, while injecting them with a furious energy. That they balance such power and subtlety is perhaps due to their acoustic nature - or perhaps the distinctive two fiddle attack. Cossachok has been promoting world music for some time, and tonight is a triumph: sadly some of the crowd are ignorant of appropriate etiquette for unamplified gigs, and bray over the entire set. This aside, the inclusive, swinging and reverential Luminescent Orchestrii stunningly demonstrate the hidden potential in ignored traditions. [Gareth K Vile] WWW.LUMII.ORG

SMASHING PUMPKINS

CARLING ACADEMY, 22 AUG “Billy, pull yer heid oot yer erse!” snaps a voice from the back of the Academy. “But I don’t understand Scottish,” Corgan retorts in robotic monotone, pausing for breath in-between bouts of pretend sobbing and cackling. It’s an understatement to say that the Pumpkins have never shied away from a bit of theatre but tonight there are moments that descend into pure pantomime. Oozing standoffish detachment from the start, Corgan’s crew nevertheless lay down goosebump inducing renditions of Soma, Drown, 1979 and Tonight, Tonight. Having lifted the crowd up high with these numbers, a by-the-numbers crack at Bullet with Butterfly Wings and a stadium rock wankathon during Heavy Metal Machine return the gig to the earth with an almost cruel, meteoric velocity. “Rock is dead!” claimed Corgan almost ten years ago, but that doesn’t stop him from striking terror into the occasion with an Eddie Van Halen inspired riff odyssey. Never mind yer erse Billy, give James Iha a bell. [Dave Kerr] WWW.SMASHINGPUMPKINS.COM

ALABAMA 3 ABC, 22 SEP

Alabama 3 does not consist of three people. Nor are they from Alabama. They’re not exactly winning us over with their honesty, are they? If we can believe anything they say, it appears that the Brixton-based septet (for that is the heartbreaking, distinctly less glamorous truth) are seeking a greater challenge than counting their royalties from The Sopranos repeats and are out on the road again, with a new single and album due this month. Expecting anything radically different from forthcoming opus M.O.R. is perhaps foolish, but they inhabit their sun-scorched wooze-rock niche so well that it’s hard to care. Plus, anything remotely summery flooding into Glasgow is to be welcomed with open arms, and heading down to the ABC to let the gravelly vocals of The Very Reverend Dr. D. Wayne Love (unsurprisingly, not his birth name) take you miles away to the deserts of, erm, Central London, is about the closest you’re going to get to an Indian Summer. [Heather Crumley] 7PM, £14 WWW.ALABAMA3.CO.UK

ILIKETRAINS KING TUT’ S, 26 SEP

What’s that name supposed to say about this band? “I’m a simple child who can’t write right”? Does that mean that they write bad songs? That they like to keep things straightforward? In the middle of a manic month-long tour of the UK, we can check out Leeds-based ILiKETRAiNS in Scotland and see where the truth lies. Previous Skinny reviewers have been divided on the issue – but a lot has happened since then. A mini-album called Progress Reform was released to good reviews in May, and debut album proper Elegies to Lessons Learnt will be released on 1 Oct on Beggars Banquet. It promises to be an expansive post-rock offering along the lines of those perennial touchstones Mogwai and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, but with morose vocals and a distinctly gloomy atmosphere. So if you’re feeling like a good pogo, it’s perhaps best avoid this lot. [Ally Brown] 8PM, £8.50 ALSO 25 SEPT AT CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ILIKETRAINS

ILiKETRAiNS