The Skinny February 2008

THE SKINNY ISSUE 29 :: FEB 2008

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WELCOME EDITORIAL

REG

Say ‘Monkey Dust’ here in The Skinny office and faces will glaze over in happy memory of one of the darkest, funniest animations to have been screened on British TV. Apart from memorable characters like the Paedofinder General, one of the most striking aspects of the show was the quality of the illustration: disconcertingly blank expressions, and striking use of techniques like perspective and timing, gave Monkey Dust a sufficiently creative look to distract – at least partially – from the grimness of the world-view on show. For those unfamiliar with Monkey Dust, naturally enough, Youtube will fill you in further.

This month we’re very pleased to be able to print a collection of images from Monkey Dust creator Andrew Rae (who is interviewed on p. 26) as what is surely one of our best covers yet. If you spent less than ten minutes checking out the carnivalesque details, you’re well advised to turn back as there is plenty of fun to be had. The placement of the desert-fatigued crocodile soldier and the Guantanamo-style prisoner on a row otherwise populated by zany animals has an unconventional humour to it, and many of the individual figures seem to offer their stories for the telling – an effect that’s only enhanced by their sheer number.

How appropriate that our cover screams multiplicity, as this is yet another issue packed with all kinds of interesting stuff.

Sounds Editor Dave Kerr catches up with sonic mavericks The Mars Volta to find out how their new album was almost curtailed by a ouija board addiction (I kid you not – p.

32 for more). In Theatre, Adam McCully is charmed by thesp’s thesp Simon Callow, as the actor enthuses about his role in the touring production of Peter Shaffer’s brutal but brilliant Equus (p. 18); also, Gareth K Vile looks forward to New Territories and the National Review of Live Art, with their usual range of experimental goodies (p. 20). And in Books (p. 22), Keir Hind gets rightly excited about what might just be the book of the year: The Brief Life of Oscar Wao by Dominican American Junot Diaz.

Apart from the big arts stories, we’re also devoting our attention to Valentine’s Day

– at least insofar as it calls general issues of love into question. We let two wayward comedians loose on a series of Agony Auntseeking letters, as well as providing a few pointers for things to do (nights out) and things not to do (tales of Valentine’s gone wrong) in the Features section (pp. 8-9), as well as giving a troubled reader a chance to benefit from our genuine agony aunt with Dear Nine. In LGBT, Cate Simpson gets back to the nitty-gritty of the matter, and asks whether monogamy is all it’s cracked up to be. I have to admit to being a fan myself, but I’m very glad The Skinny is in a position to ask these fundamentals.

Monogamy has been an issue on my mind recently, as friends turn to open relationships and report back fairly positively. Apart from my girlfriend’s general aceness, I’ve been trying to work out what the rationale behind staying ‘true’ really is – at least for myself. The answer, I think, is one of choice (as opposed to the lack of choice represented by fear of jealousy).

This conclusion came to me shortly after seeing a hot girl who wasn’t my girlfriend.

I fancied her, and it didn’t feel wrong.

‘Why would it feel wrong?’, I thought.

Well, I suppose if I was operating under the principle that if you love someone – as surely I do my girlfriend – then you should have eyes for none other on Earth, ever.

Which is of course nonsense. So why don’t I act on these desires, if they’re perfectly healthy? Why do I repress myself?

Well, quite simply, because it isn’t a question of repression (if it is, monogamy’s probably not such a great idea at all). As it is, I’ve chosen to invest my love into a relationship with one person; the act of choosing not to do something that I might otherwise want to do is a positive one, about making optimistic priorities and saving energy for something and someone great.

It’s an act of freewill, and quite empowering for it.

I suppose that’s as close as I’m likely to get to a Valentine’s message, but the principle applies across the board. See whatever you’re doing or not doing as an active decision you’ve made (and I’m alluding particularly to creative practices here), and through that self-imposed critique, not only do the possibilities seem endless but also the value of what you are doing only increases.

Christ, I should get into self-help books.

RUPERT@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

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COVER CREDIT: ANDREW RAE (SEE PAGE 26 FOR INTERVIEW)

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

WELCOME

6 8 14 16 20 24 26 28 30 44 54 62

CONTENTS

CONTENTS

ISSUE 29 : : FEBRUARY 2008

HEADS UP

We salute Marc Jacobs, and showcase some of the best fashion from around Scotland

SHOWCASE Laurie Hastings

LGBT

On non-monogamy, and a review of Edinburgh event QueerMutiny

FILM

Glasgow Film Festival, with a review of film of the month, Juno

FILM OF THE MONTH, JUNO

THEATRE

Simon Callow and Equus

DF

BOOKS

An insight into the wondrous world of Junot Diaz

GAMES

Happy Birthday to the Ministry of Gaming

ART

An interview with our cover artist, Andrew Rae

CHROMEO

SOUNDS

The Mars Volta, Los Campesinos! and Frank Black

BEATS

M.A.N.D.Y., Chromeo and TC

LISTINGS The top events from around the country

EATING & DRINKING We peek inside Glasgow’s vintage sweet shop, Glickman’s

ANDREW RAE

THE SKINNY TEAM CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER EDITOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR PRODUCTION EDITOR ENTERPRISE MANAGER SALES EXECUTIVE ONLINE & SOUNDS EDITOR BEATS EDITOR LGBT EDITOR FILM EDITOR THEATRE EDITOR COMEDY EDITOR BOOKS EDITOR GAMES EDITOR ART EDITOR SHOWCASE EDITOR EATING & DRINKING EDITOR CLUBS LISTINGS LISTINGS ASSISTANT LAYOUT ASSISTANTS SUBEDITORS

SOPHIE KYLE RUPERT THOMSON MATT MACLEOD LEIGH PEARSON LARA MOLONEY CAROLINE BAIRD DAVE KERR ALEX BURDEN NINE PAUL GREENWOOD HUGO FLUENDY EMMA LENNOX KEIR HIND JOSH WILSON ROSAMUND WEST CHARLOTTE RODENSTEDT RUTH MARSH ANDREW COOKE ALLY BROWN IAN SINKAMBA PAUL GREENWOOD NICK MITCHELL ROSAMUND WEST

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

LIAM ARNOLD, FINBARR BERMINGHAM, JAMIE BORTHWICK, LOUISE BOYLE, ALLY BROWN, DARREN CARLE, COLIN CHAPMAN, PHILIPPA COCHRANE, DAVE COOK, CHRIS CUSACK, RICHARD DENNIS, DECL AN DINEEN, JENNIFER FELTON, EMILY FOISTER, MICHAEL GALLAGHER, MATT GOLLOCK, CATIE GUITART, BILLY HAMILTON, CHRISTOPHER HAMMOND, SARAH HUNTER, REBECCA ISHERWOOD, TOBIAS KAHN, HAMZA KHAN, EMMA KILDAY, LOTTE KRAVITZ, AL MAJIK, ALI MALONEY, DEBBIE MARTIN, FRANCK MARTIN, TED MAUL, ADAM MCCULLY, KEVIN MCHUGH, ROSIE MCLEAN, JONATHAN MELVILLE, SE AN MICHAELS, NICK MITCHELL, PAUL M I TC H E L L , L A R A M O LO N E Y, J O N AT H A N R O B E R T MUIRHEAD, LUCY NICHOLAS, JULIE PATERSON, KAREN TAGGART, SCOTT RAMAGE, SUSANNAH RADFORD, CAITLIN RATTRAY, DARREN RHYMES, JON SELLER, MARK SHELLEY, JAY SHUKLA, CATE SIMPSON, MICHAEL SLEVIN, LAURA SMITH, K ATIE SMY TH, GRAEME STRACHAN, FRASER THOMPSON, GARETH K VILE, LINDSAY WEST, KIERAN WESTBROOK INTERNS LOTTE KRAVITZ, MARK JON SADDINGTON, CALLUM DE CAESTECKER

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

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HEADS UP

HE SKINNY jeans

by Lindsay West

JE T’AIME, MARC, JE T’AIME

JENNIFER

AF

JENNY

KEVIN

LAURA

RODNEY

Dear Marc Jacobs, Will you be my valentine? I know you're busy with New York Fashion Week this month and all, but hear me out. I think we can make it work. We'll divide our time between Paris and New York, we'll see other men, we'll wear tutus and carry expensive handbags.

You can keep designing up a storm for the folks at Louis Vuitton and the Marc brand, and I'll keep on fawning. Perfect.

I did think for a while there, though, that I might have to break up with you. The announcement of Victoria Beckham as your Spring/Summer 08 ad campaign clothes horse seemed like an obstacle that no love could surmount. 'No!' we squealed. 'Posh isn't a Marc girl! Marc girls are cool! Marc girls are mavericks!' Previous alumni Meg White, Sofia Coppola, Chloe Sevigny; yes, yes, and yes. Tandem announcement of M.I.A. as the Marc by Marc mannequin: a thousand times and twenty, yes. But Victoria Beckham - pop culture dress-up doll par excellence, and poster child for conspicuous consumption and self-commodification? Prosaic Spice, the ultimate fashion follower and perennial parasitic sidekick: the inconsequential Goose to M.I.A.'s Maverick? It was almost enough to prompt a metaphorical walk out. I'd have burnt my merchandise if I didn't consider it as I would my children.

But see, you had it covered. On the release

of the first Juergen Teller shots, I got it.

Nothing but Posh's Fake Baked-legs sticking out of an MJ carrier bag; and a life size box opened to reveal a Beckham dummy staring off into the middle distance. A swarm of media attention and a pithy comment on Brand Beckham™; whether or not Vicky's in on the joke, I can hear you laughing.

And that's another reason you're the one for me: that GSOH. From that line of 'Marc Jackass' shirts, to your epic, much-Googled, 'Camel Toe' Halloween costume; you're always keeping things light and bringing the funny. It's all about attitude, and the Marc approach is that fashion is fun and, crucially, not just for the broads with the gold cards.

Because in between clipping those fourfigure price tags to your Louis Vuitton handbags, you're carefully designing $8 bracelets and $3 pencil sharpeners for those of us whose taste surpasses our wallets.

Yes, outside of the clothes, the clothes; there's more that maketh the man. So it wasn't the pear-shaped watch on a chain, or purple quilted handbag I can fit my house in that sealed the deal, mon cherie, it's this: asked by an eager Elle journalist, pen poised, what women should be wearing in the season to come, you simply replied: "I think they should wear whatever they like." Oh oui, Marc, je t'aime.

Gutter Talk

BIG WORD PERFORMANCE POETRY NIGHT, EDINBURGH THIS VALENTINE'S MONTH, LOVE AND POETRY ARE HOT ON EVERYONE’S LIPS AT THE JAZZ BAR. THE SKINNY SET OUT TO FIND OUT HOW THE BIG WORD PERFORMERS ARE FEELING …

AF HARROLD, 33, PERFORMANCE POET WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOVE SONG? Ooh goodness. My favourite love song would be Noel Coward’s Someday I’ll Find You [proceeds to sing the first two lines].

WHAT’S THE MOST SENSUAL WORD? The most sensual word is Bumblebee, in a kind of fluffy, cuddly way. If that is the type of sensuality you like: fluffy cuddly sensuality… Bumblebee.

WHAT IS THE MOST ROMANTIC THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE? Put the entire future of the world at risk without a care or thought about it, by flying to California in an aeroplane - which is very naughty but you do these things for love sometimes.

SEXIEST WRITER? A poet called Nick Laird; he is hot and writes good poems.

VALENTINE’S? I don’t really do Valentine’s. I would rather do it some other time of year.

BEST BREAK UP SONG? Love Will Tear Us Apart, again.

VIRGINITY? I can’t remember who she was – it was a long time ago. But no I wasn’t in love with her.

LOST? Whoa - I think my respect for myself. And yes I got it back.

VALENTINE’S? Loving! Loving it loving it loving it!

VIRGINITY? Frederico, and yes!

HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED AT THE BIG WORD BEFORE? This is my third visit here, at my third different venue; so every time I come here the previous venue won’t let me back.

That’s all I can assume!

ROMANTIC THING? The first date that my boyfriend and I had, we got quite drunk and broke into some of the gardens in the New Town and climbed a tree and went on a swing. It was very romantic.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BIG WORD MOMENT? The last time I was here in January, when we were at City Café, I was on right at the end. It was about 11 o’clock, it was getting late, I was tired and I had been on the train for a long time. Jenny said we will have a break now and then come back for AF Harrold’s headline act. Then everybody fucks off, everybody leaves; they put their coats on and their scarfs and they left.

And I thought: I have travelled 6 hours on a Virgin cross country train for this. What I didn’t realise is that they had all just gone out for a fag. They all came back and I just thought ‘thank goodness for that’.

LOVE POEMS? I think Robert Burns’ love poems are really good actually. Because he is such a scoundrel some of the time, when he is genuinely lovely it kind of means more.

HAVE YOU EVER LOST ANYTHING AFTER A BREAK UP, AND DID YOU GET IT BACK? I have never lost anything - so yes I got it all back!

VALENTINE’S THIS YEAR: LOVING IT OR HATING IT? Ignoring it.

WHO DID YOU LOSE YOUR VIRGINITY TO AND WERE YOU IN LOVE? To someone quite scary. And no.

JENNIFER WILLIAMS, 30, POET WWW.THUNDERHEART.CO.UK

LOST? I lost a camera once. My dad gave it to me but I had given it to her as a present and couldn’t ask for it back.

JENNY LINDSAY, 25, PERFORMANCE POET & POLITICS STUDENT

BEST BREAK UP SONG? The best song to listen to after a break up, here in the Jazz Bar would be Good Bye Porkpie Hat by Charlie Mingus.

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

wouldn’t let me see him or something.

So I stayed there all night, left him a note and then drove away. So its actually pretty tragic, but still romantic.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FIRST RATE LOVE POEMS, OR A FAVOURITE LOVE POET? I am rather fond of my own book Logic in the Heart, which is a collection of love poems put together a few years ago which is very good. Otherwise, Elizabeth Barrett Browning: her Sonnets from the Portuguese.

WHO IS THE SEXIEST WRITER AROUND RIGHT NOW? Probably Jenny Lindsay.

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JETHRO COLLINS

FAVOURITE LOVE SONG? Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division.

MOST SENSUAL WORD? Ocean. I just think the sea is very sexy: wet.

MOST ROMANTIC THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE? I once stole my mom’s car and drove two states away and slept in the woods to catch a glimpse of my lover. I can’t quite remember, but I think that his Dad

FAVOURITE LOVE SONG? Joe Purdy, Wash Away.

SENSUAL WORD? Cinnamon.

BIG WORD MOMENT? Funnily enough it’s actually a bad one: the first time I ever performed at Big Word, before I ran it. It was my first ever gig and there were four people in the audience: two of them were smack heads and started a fight halfway through my set.

But it ended well actually, ‘cause the other two liked it and asked me again!

LAURA CAMERON-LEWIS, 29 ACTRESS & THEATRE DIRECTOR SENSUAL WORD? My most sensual word is ‘balloon’.

MOST ROMANTIC? The most romantic thing I have ever done is write a song for somebody that I loved.

He didn’t know that I loved him and he loves me now.

MOST MEMORABLE BIG WORD MOMENT? Taking the whole of the audience outside the Tron, outside into the middle of Market Square and standing on top of a suitcase with a megaphone sending dreams of the audience out into the night. All the pissed people walking past thought I was a nutter.

LOVE POEMS? I totally rate Don Patterson more than any other poet I have ever read - so pretty much anything from him. God’s gift to women.

BEST BREAK UP SONG? Ooh its fucking intense, it’s one of those songs you listen to and you just go: ‘Argh!

That’s the guts of the emotion.’ It’s Prayer To God by Shellac, and he sings “kill him fucking kill him” about the guy that stole his girlfriend. Fucking brilliant.

LOST? My virginity. Unsurprisingly enough I didn’t get it back, ‘cause I am not a born again Christian. Sorry.

SEXIEST WRITER? Probably Jennifer Williams. She is one of the hottest poets in town.

RODNEY RELAX, 48, POET

LOST? My virginity. Actually no! I don’t think I have lost anything.

SENSUAL WORD? Sensual. It’s a word.

VIRGINITY? I can’t answer that. My mum would kill me!

KEVIN CADWALLADER, 50 TODAY!, POET/ WRITER FAVOURITE LOVE SONG? It’d be a Joni Mitchell track.

MOST SENSUAL WORD? Seraphim.

ROMANTIC THING? I bought a balloon ride for someone which is nice. But I guess it’s the person who got it who would have to say.

LOVE SONG? That’s a hard one: Kooks, David Bowie

ROMANTIC THING? I proposed at the top of Goldberg’s but its been demolished now, its gone.

PERFORMED HERE BEFORE? I have been performing for the Big Word for about 5 or 6 years.

MOST MEMORABLE BIG WORD MOMENT? Probably be the night: the night will be the best moment as the Shellsuit Massacre debuts this evening. But I have done a lot of good gigs here.

LOVE POEMS? ee cummings probably. I write a lot of good ones too.

LOVE POEMS? I like the Auden poem from Four Weddings and a Funeral [Funeral Blues - ed.], but I’m not really into love poems.

SEXIEST WRITER? Me.

SEXIEST WRITER? I don’t know anyone right now - but I think I liked Elizabeth Smart.

VALENTINE’S? I like getting a wee cake from Gregg’s for the missus about four twenty pm. You know: the last cake.

BREAK UP SONG? The best song for after is Lovers Cross by Jim Croce.

BREAK UP SONG? Probably an Artic Monkeys song.

VIRGINITY? I’m no gonnae tell you that.

HEADS UP

HEADS UP

E SKINNY

selections

THE BEST FASHION FROM AROUND SCOTLAND

CHOICE ITEM Everyone knows that obvious T-shirts are lame, however ironic their wearers may like to think they are. This is most obviously the case with text-based Ts: ‘I’m with stupid’ reads like nothing so much as ‘I’m stupid’; whereas ‘The Last Scream of Zamiang’ emblazoned across your back suggests ‘I’m essentially mysterious and passionate’, which in turn implies ‘I’m great in bed’ – all you could ultimately hope a T-shirt might communicate.

But the same goes for image Ts: avoid the obvious.

And if you can’t see why a Japanese girl hanging around with a deer doesn’t scream ‘I’m great in bed’ it’s probably a good thing, ‘cause you’ll not be lurking around bothering the girl who makes this look hot.

TOP BY BREAD AND BUTTA AT FAT BUDDHA - £23 FAT BUDDHA, 21 BATH STREET, GLASGOW, 0141 332 2208 WWW.FATBUDDHASTORE.COM

TOP STORE Scotland has some of the best retro shops in the world. How has our small nation of underachieving sportspeople and overachieving pessimists pulled it off? You might well ask.

The trick is to cheat and to source the best retro clothes from around the world, as Claire Ross, owner of Dundee and Aberdeen’s Retrospect, has worked out. Her collections, sourced energetically from the USA and Eastern Europe, mean Retrospect is an ideal place to stock up for a party, ball, or for day-to-day style wear. We’re not the only ones to have picked the shop out as one of the best: Vogue have also singled them out for recommendation. Already a hit among locals, Retrospect is well worth the trip from the Central Belt.

RETROSPECT 9 ST ANDREW STREET, ABERDEEN, 01224 631278 13 EXCHANGE STREET, DUNDEE, 01382 221681 WWW.RETROVINTAGECLOTHING.CO.UK

THE SKINNY ON TOUR GILL SINKAMBA TAKES THE SKINNY ON A TRIP TO THE BEACON OF THE FREE WORLD: THE WHITE HOUSE, WASHINGON D.C.

SEND YOUR PHOTOS FOR SKINNY ON TOUR TO: LETTERS@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

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LAURIE HASTINGS This month's Showcase winner is ECA graduate Laurie Hastings. Since growing up in Hong Kong, Laurie has always been fascinated and inspired by buildings and spaces, urban life and interaction, and how this can be portrayed visually. Her latest work is based around these themes and explores 'The City' through memory, experience and imagination.

Laurie draws and develops ideas in her sketchbook and collages her sketches together to create cityscapes. She brings these to life through silk screen printing as part of which she develops layers and colours. She lives and works in Edinburgh as an illustrator and graphic designer, and is currently working on freelance projects and towards a solo exhibition at the Red Door Gallery in the Spring.

Last year Laurie decided to pursue her interest in fashion accessories by launching a line of purses and cotton shoppers printed with her Suki Dances design, and these are available on her website www.lauriehastings.com and in various shops in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Madrid.

NEXT MONTH THE SKINNY SHOWCASE EXPANDS ITS SCOPE WITH THE LAUNCH OF AN ACCOMPANYING EXHIBITION IN EDINBURGH'S BONGO CLUB. IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST, PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGNER OR ILLUSTRATOR AND WOULD LIKE YOUR WORK TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE SHOWCASE, EMAIL YOUR IMAGES TO SHOWCASE@ SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

SHOWCASE

SHOWCASE WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

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Broken Hearts re-broken itart Catie Gu . In 's y n in k The S d friends of trouble has a lot -Valentine's advice ti n to a r f e o h d a kin invited e Skinny for athon, Th ome of their pleas s p t abou it. round u mething o s o d d n est people help, a ided the b ce were c e d g in v Ha idan for life gu h to call on got hold of Scottis e d w n , e s comedian y legend the Rever I, d II e e m lf o co Steppenw Obadiah rt Kilmarnock and upsta st Kim, and ne Ju comedien their tuppence m for asked the oing so, we might d In earts... worth. d a few h e v a s e v a just h

DEAR SKINNY, I have been seeing a guy on my course for a few weeks now, and we really want to sleep together. There's just one problem - my third nipple. I've had a serious boyfriend before and he always said he didn't mind and never told anyone else about it, but I know I may not be so lucky this time. What if he told everyone else on our course? Should I tell him beforehand and get it all out in the open, or say nothing and hope he doesn't notice it?

NAME WITHHELD Just Kim: My advice to you is to have sex with this man, forget the nipple and stick a love heart on it so he won't notice. Then in the morning slap him awake, point out the nipple and demand to know what his STD ridden body did to you. Not only will he keep quiet about your nipple, he probably won't feel comfortable having sex with many women after that. If anything I've managed to help you get some confidence and guarantee some commitment.

Even if it is strapped together with sheer insecurity and lies, it won't make you any different from any other couple out there.

The Reverend Obadiah Steppenwolfe III: Girl, it’s a self esteem thing - a man would screw his own waste if it made him feel less self conscious. I know you’re looking for Daddy to say it’s ok. Baby, he can’t and I won’t. He stayed. I didn’t. But I will say this: if my journeys through the Great Lakes region of sub-Saharan Africa have shown me one thing, it’s that you can't have too many nipples - two nipples, three nipples, nine nipples. The only thing that matters to a man is "Do you have 'one' vagina... and where are your brothers hiding?" Shalome.

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

DEAR SKINNY, Since leaving me, my girlfriend goes to all the regular haunts I do. It is devastating to watch her gallivant with other men. I loathe every single man who talks to her now. My problem is that every time I try to masturbate, the only images that come into my head are of her having sex with one of those boys she gets chatted up by. What can I do about this?

RICHARD JOHNSON

Tell her what you’re doing. Then she will picture you masturbating when she tries to have sex with these men. That way, in a non-consensual manner, you are still having a sexual relationship. That ought to tide you over until you can afford a therapist. I know you are hurting because she left you, but really your troubles are just beginning when your fi rst and last name are euphemisms for penis.

Jesus Christ Richard! Ease up on yourself buddy. You probably didn’t get this much fun out of her when you were together. Think about it: everybody’s happy. They get to have sex with your woman, she gets to not be with you, and you get to have a great time wanking and pretending you’re not gay. Mercy! Don’t let them judge you Richard - if any people out there say they haven’t enjoyed a good paranoid psycho-sexual gangbang fantasy then they haven’t fully enjoyed coming down off Class A drugs.

WWW .GWA A ARG H.COM

DEAR SKINNY,

DEAR SKINNY,

Say I was hypothetically in love with a hypothetical lecturer, should I hypothetically tell them?

What does love feel like?

JENNIFER LYNDON Whether or not you tell him is up to you, it’s a delicate subject to broach with someone in as a trusted position as your lecturer - and so if you do tell him you must be prepared for the consequences. So take a condom.

Hypothetical living: the guys at HQ have been pioneering this shit since 5,000 B.C. The kingdom is within you Jennifer, so hypothetically ‘yes’ tell him how you feel!

Hypothetically I’m not here, I’m out hunting dolphins! So go for it sister, we could wake up tomorrow to fi nd it has all been hypothetical and we’re being molested by an orderly. In Africa. Amen.

FRANCINE CARPENTER

It feels like your tummy has butterfl ies in it, then you throw up. A common symptom of any life-threatening allergy.

First off, I think we should seek to answer your problem on a journey together through the forests of central Africa. Beneath the vines we’d eat fruits, which you’d pick, and nuts, which I would have brought with me. We could ponder God’s gift to us – love – while I attempted to pump you in a tent. There we would fi nd the answer, I hope. But for me right now, love, well: love feels like being shot out of a cannon - into a swimming pool full of dildos.

FEATURES

Valentine’s night is a tricky one. If you’re in a couple, you want to go out: because sex is always better if you’ve gone out and come home again.

But if you’re decent you’re probably not too keen to force your coupleness on others. And if you’re not in a couple you probably want to go out, because it’s good to have fun and force yourself into the world as a free individual – especially on a day when people who are distinct from you are celebrating how happy they are precisely because of that distinction.

The solution for both parties is simple: just go to the best event you can find and try to forget the context. So, here are the best couple of nights from around Scotland on Love Night.

ITHE AM GRV, EDINBURGH

Dear Nine...

♥♥

I AM is an exciting evening packed full of various artistic practises all under one roof. With photography, dance (Svenja Hamel & Jack Webb), video and animation art (from Edinburgh and Dundee), fashion, and live music (electro-funksters Digital Jones and stomp-rockers The Byrons), all from leading local practitioners, there’s sure to be something inspiring for everyone. More to the point, this kind of collaborative evening is a major break for the capital, where nights tend to be focussed on music alone, and where other art forms too rarely break out of the gallery or theatre. Good job! In keeping with this progressive approach, The Skinny will be there – with editor Rupert Thomson acting as compère for the evening. Lonliness, as ever, is the mother of invention ...

I AM, THE GRV, OFF GUTHRIE STREET, EDINBURGH, 14 FEB, 8PM, £6 WWW.THEGRV.COM

ROSS CLARK

NICE ‘N’ SLEAZY, GLASGOW There’s defi nitely an element of risk in heading out to see one of Scotland’s most moving singers relate his tales of love and loss on an evening of already tense emotional atmos – but hang it, music is music and your heart could do with the exposure. Clark’s folk pop is a sure fi re winner – reminiscent of the best of Ryan Adams before he went all Radio 2 (and that ‘best’ was pretty damn good) – but there will be further support from Arca Felix and This July to keep you guessing. With the added bonus of being able to say to your Mum, when she asks what you did for Valentine’s: ‘oh, I went to Sleazy’s’ – this is a sure fi re winner.

ROSS CLARK, NICE ‘N’ SLEAZY, 421 SAUCHIEHALL STREET, GLASGOW 14 FEB, 8.30PM, £TBC WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ELECTRICPOLYESTER WWW.NICENSLEAZY.COM

A BAD VALENTINE’S DAY SPELLS RELATIONSHIP DOOM, IT’S AS SIMPLE AS THAT. THAT’S WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT: YOU CAN’T SCREW UP OR YOU’RE SCREWED. ONE SPILT GLASS OF WINE, AND IT MEANS YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO BE. WELL NOT QUITE, BUT IT’S SAFE TO SAY NONE OF US HERE AT THE SKINNY QUITE RECOVERED OUR RELATIONSHIPS AFTER THESE VALENTINE’S INCIDENTS. WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

★

IN CONTRAST TO THE FACING PAGE’S MORE EXUBERANT ADVICE, NINE IS THE SKINNY’S REGULAR AGONY AUNT. SHE HAS ADVISED HALF THE TEAM IN SOME TIGHT SPOT OR OTHER, AND YOU CAN CONTACT HER IN TOTAL CONFIDENTIALITY AT NINE@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK I came out two months ago after ages building myself up to it. My friends and family were totally fine about it, which was great - I wanted it that way for sure. Problem is, now I don’t feel gay any more. I don’t really have any experience with either boys or girls, and all my friends have now. Am I just an attention seeker? The thought makes me depressed.

Aaargh, Stephen, Falkirk

Dear Stephen, Oops.

Still, never mind, eh? Many people come out as gay and then discover that’s not the end of the story. But what’s brought this on – realising you’re not attracted to boys at all, realising you’re attracted to girls, not feeling attracted to anybody, or falling for the myth that you need to have experience before you ‘qualify’? If it’s the latter, banish that from your head right now – there’s no such requirement. As for being an attention-seeker, the fact that you’re even worrying about that is half the battle. You’ve clearly got plenty to think about here, so cut yourself some slack.

What happens now is up to you, but I’d advise taking your time, just in case you change your mind again. If you haven’t figured out your sexuality, that’s grand – sit back and relax.

You might be gay, bi, straight, asexual, or a more complicated mixture. Your sexuality might be a constant work in progress, or you could be one of those “fuck you and your fascist labels” people. It’s all good! Your friends and family have been supportive thus far, so there’s no reason to expect any drama if you end up issuing a new press release later on.

They should understand how confusing it can be to figure out stuff like this, so if anyone objects, it’s very much their own problem.

Just remember – whether it’s about identity or experience – you’re not sitting an exam on this.

There’s no time limit.

DISJOINTED MOMENTUM BY EMILE SHEMILT

THE SKINNY’S

FEATURES

★ ★

TOP VALENTINE’S EVENTS

Good luck,

Nine

EX

FILES

“After travelling across Central America for three months, my boyfriend and I arrived in Argentina on Valentine’s day. He rented the swishest place we had stayed the whole time, and we headed out to munch on some of the tastiest steak in the world.

After eating half a cow and sampling copious amounts of local red wine, we headed back to our pad to celebrate in nudge nudge wink wink style (mostly happy that we weren’t sharing a room with 10 others). But as it turned out, eating meat after months of rice eggs and beans does not sit so well.

We spent the whole night being violently sick in the bathroom, in the bin, in the bath. Unable to get water from anywhere, general mingingness ensued. So much for romance.

Lara Moloney, Enterprise Manager

PATRIC SANDRI WWW.PATRICSANDRI.CH.VU

“It was the night before Valentine’s and, after one of the blazing, drunken rows that punctuated the first year of my relationship with a nameless ex, I stormed off trademark move - back to my halls. It was over. (It was always over.) My walking all the way back to Newington from whichever nasty Cowgate club we’d been drinking student price paintstripper in signified this tragic fact.

At 6am I woke up to him banging on my door. He’d got into the building I don’t know how. He bore gifts- a pink plastic rose from the only shop on the Royal Mile open. It had dew drops on it, made with a glue gun.

He’d also brought olives, wrapped in toilet roll and stolen from his flatmate, (I had to buy replacements the next day), along with a mug of black coffee. And, crucially, a drunkenly scrawled note in which he apologised profusely for all he’d done wrong, swore never to do it again, and declared his undying, peerless love for both me and my breasts.

In response, I complained (hypocritically) that he’d woken me so early I would be too exhausted to make it to my 9am sculpture class, on this, the one day of the year when I was definitely going to be there on time. A sip of black coffee in a token gesture of appeasement, then we both succumbed to our hangovers and went back to sleep, missing yet another day of art school.

Rosamund West, Art Editor and Sub-Editor FEBRUARY 08

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LGBT EDITORIAL I hate January.

A couple of days after Hogmanay, the January blues hit and a (greater than usual) wave of bitterness and loathing washes over me for much of the month. I’ve developed three strategies for coping with this: hiding under the duvet at great length; becoming the sort of drunk you can’t take anywhere; and re-reading all my old Dykes To Watch Out For books.

Alison Bechdel started drawing the DTWOF comic strip over twenty years ago, and it has attracted a massive following. I don’t watch TV (except sometimes in bars when I get hypnotised by the wide screen), but this is one soap opera I’m loyal to. The strip follows a community that’s expanded over the years, with Bechdel introducing bi, trans and genderqueer characters, and presenting complex narratives about parenting, affairs, and the ongoing Wal-Martisation of the American way of life. Over the years she’s tackled the lesbian sex wars of the eighties, sent her characters on dozens of protest marches, and articulately presented opposing viewpoints on pretty much everything. In the background of the strips, you’ll find additional gags, from satirical newspaper headlines to the Tom’s of Finland toothpaste. Oh, and she’s able to draw black characters who aren’t just white people with shading.

These books helped me to piece together lesbian culture when I was coming out, and get a sense of history that I hadn’t been taught in school. Which is why I mention it now, really – it’s LGBT History Month, the perfect time to learn more about how we got to where we’re at, and to reflect on where we want to go from here. There are events taking place across Scotland, so do your best to make it along.

✹

WWW.DYKESTOWATCHOUTFOR.COM

TOP

5

EVENTS

QUEER COURTESAN 8 FEB, 4PM ONWARDS

TRAMWAY THEATRE, 25 ALBERT DRIVE, GLASGOW

Qasim Riza Shaheen presents an ‘intimate yet voyeuristic’ performance inspired by the transgender sex workers of Lahore, Pakistan. £12/10

FUNNY KINDA GUY 9 FEB, 3:30PM

FILMHOUSE, 88 LOTHIAN RD, EDINBURGH

Documentary following the transition of Scottish FTM singer-songwriter Simon de Voil. Director Travis Reeves will be available for Q&A afterwards. £4.50/3

LOTHIAN GAY & LESBIAN SWITCHBOARD OSCARS BALL 16 FEB, 8PM – 1AM

ASSEMBLY ROOMS, GEORGE ST, EDINBURGH

This LGLS fundraiser has an Oscars theme – come as your favourite Hollywood actor. £17.50/14.50

THE NORMAL HEART 22 FEB, 2:30PM & 7:30PM

LOCHGELLY THEATRE, CENTRE BANK ST, LOCHGELLY, FIFE

Civil Disobedience present Larry Kramer’s play about AIDS, loss, indifference and hostility. £8/6

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT GAY PRIDE DOES MORE HARM THAN GOOD 27 FEB, 7:30PM

COMMITTEE ROOM ONE, QMU, GLASGOW UNIVERSITY

Organised by Glasgow Uni LGBT Society, this debate has got to be interesting. Bring popcorn.

FREE

12

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

Unadulterated Fun THE GLORIOUS COUPLEDOM SO CELEBRATED ON 14 FEBRUARY CAN TAKE MANY FORMS, SAYS CATE SIMPSON Nearly half of the people questioned in a US survey last year admitted to cheating at some point in their lives. Surveys like these suggest that monogamy is not as ‘natural’ as we are led to believe, and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching I wondered if love really could mean never having to say you’re sorry.

Although it’s traditionally gay men who are reputedly promiscuous and sexually adventurous, some queer women are choosing not to limit themselves to a single partner, either by having sex outside of their primary relationships or by practicing polyamory – having more than one intimate relationship at a time. One woman told me that since beginning to practice polyamory (which she terms ‘non-hierarchical love’) all her relationships have been healthier: “I had always been one of those people who ditched all my friends when I got a new lover and expected that one person to fulfil all my emotional and physical needs - and also needed that person to have all their needs fulfilled by me to feel worthwhile.” But without a primary partner she finds herself less dependent on the people she dates. “I feel so so much better when I have a bunch of people who I am emotionally close with and my sexual relationships happen because both people want it to at that time, not because they have entered a contract.”

There are a number of ways of addressing the potential for jealousy, one of which is to establish a primary relationship and ensure that your partner knows they come first.

Barbara, who is in an open relationship with her girlfriend, explained that she knows she is more important than the other women her partner sleeps with, and so any jealousy she feels is less important. (Although she did add that some degree of jealousy seems inevitable.)

Couples might choose to protect their significant relationship in a number of ways.

They might make out with other people, but rule out anything more than that. If they live together, the bed they share might be off limits to anybody else. Caitlin, who started to practise non-monogamy after she and her partner had been long-distance for a few months, established that they would tell one another if they’d slept with somebody else ‘as soon as their feet hit the floor’, and would not become emotionally involved with those they slept with.

It can be difficult though to prevent yourself from developing strong feelings for someone, particularly if you have already become physically intimate with that person.

ALI GLANVILLE JONES

Caitlin and her partner concluded that it was unrealistic to sleep with other people without becoming emotionally involved, but that with enough communication and honesty this needn’t constitute a threat to their relationship.

in together before their family and friends anticipate wedding bells, with all of the associated implications: a car, kids, a nice house with a nice master bedroom into which strangers are not invited, except maybe to marvel at a new carpet.

Non-monogamy is by no means an exclusive feature of queer relationships (I also spoke to heterosexual couples who regularly invite a third person into their bed, and a married couple who have girlfriends and boyfriends on the side), but women I spoke to claimed they had found the queer community more accepting of their relationships. This makes a certain amount of sense: same-sex relationships have only recently begun to gain recognition from society at large, so there may be less pressure to behave in a certain way. A heterosexual couple, however, have often barely begun to discuss moving

With the approach of Valentine’s Day comes another potential minefield – which one of your partners to take to dinner. If you’re casually dating a bunch of people maybe this Hallmark holiday doesn’t hold much meaning for you, but once you become seriously involved it’s hard to bodyswerve entirely the pressure to exchange cards and demonstrate your joyous union to the world. So maybe we shouldn’t be surprised if in future restaurants stop rearranging the furniture on 13 February to make way for a dozen dinners for two, and start welcoming some less traditional celebrations.

checking each other out, the usual gay scene bitchiness seems less prominent and people interact more.

The film is followed by dancing and socialising, and it’s awesome to see so many queers strewn about the hallways and stairs of the Forest. The night experiences a bit of a lull when the electro tunes (Le Tigre, Peaches, Ladytron etc) are usurped by a dancefloor-clearing rogue happy-hardcore set, but all in all, the atmosphere is unpretentious, positive, fun and welcoming.

[Lucy Nicholas]

REVIEW QUEERMUTINY @ THE FOREST CAFÉ, 18 JAN

Dubbed ‘an alternative to Edinburgh’s commercial gay scene’, the first QueerMutiny Edinburgh event represents a desire for something more critical and genuine. A group of young queers managed to do a great job of publicising the free BYO event with a prolific stickering campaign, and as a result attract a sweet (and unexpected – where are these people hiding?) motley crew of ‘queers of all sexualities’, filling the big upstairs hall of the Forest. It’s refreshing to have something other than drinking to focus on, in the form of yummy free home-made vegan haggis and a film. Although people are inevitably

The chosen movie, Fremde Haut, is gloomy in subject matter but, in drawing links between the politics of gender, sexuality, nationhood and state power, is an excellent and necessary reminder of the radical origins of the ‘Queer’ politics that motivate QueerMutiny. It illustrates the power of the state in deciding people’s eligibility for asylum, and the subtle and blithe ways that heteronormativity is enforced in everyday and institutional settings.

QUEERMUTINY IS A DIY, NON-HIERARCHICAL COLLECTIVE, AND PEOPLE ARE ENCOURAGED TO GET INVOLVED IN ORGANISING FUTURE EVENTS. THE FOREST CAFE, 3 BRISTO PLACE WWW.QUEERMUTINY.TK

LGBT

FILM EDITORIAL The film section this month celebrates all things Weegie, with the should-beexcellent Glasgow Film Festival, and the truly-isexcellent Gamerz going head to head for your attention. Who’ll win? It’s exciting. That’s assuming we first manage to survive the hype machine that is Cloverfield – some are already calling it a masterpiece, but we’ll see.

Elsewhere, keep an eye out for the return of one John J. Rambo. I must confess to getting all glassy eyed over this one. What scares me is that most of you probably view the character through the mists of history, like Ronald Reagan or Cherry Coke, whereas I was actually there for his last outings back in the 80s, a trembling underage wean getting to see his first 15 cert film at the long deid Kelburne Cinema in Paisley. Christ, I sound like I’m on one of those “During the war….” programmes. Can you believe I’m only 24?

Have fun and see you in March.

Paul.

RY RUA FEB

CLOVERFIELD (15) FREEBIRD (15) OVER HER DEAD BODY (TBC) PENELOPE (U) STILL LIFE (PG) THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE (15) UNDERDOG (U)

8 FEB

ARCTIC TALE (U) AZUR & ASMAR: THE PRINCES' QUEST (U) DEFINITELY, MAYBE (12A) THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY (12A) JUNO (12A) NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS (PG) THERE WILL BE BLOOD (15) THE UGLY DUCKLING AND ME! (U) WATERHORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP (PG)

15 FEB

JUMPER (TBC) STEP UP 2 THE STREETS (TBC) THE 11TH HOUR (PG) ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE (18) THE BUCKET LIST (12A) CHANGE OF ADDRESS (TBC)

22 FEB

AWAKE (TBC) BE KIND REWIND (12A) BLACK WATER (15) THE EDGE OF HEAVEN (TBC) GAMERZ (TBC) MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS (12A) RAMBO (TBC) WAZ (18)

29 FEB

THE ACCIDENTAL HUSBAND (TBC) THE BANK JOB (15) THE BOSS OF IT ALL (15) MARGOT AT THE WEDDING (15) MEET THE SPARTANS (TBC) UNTRACEABLE (18)

14

by Jonathan Melville

FORGET CANNES, SUNDANCE OR EVEN, DARE WE SAY IT, EDINBURGH THIS MONTH: THE GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL IS BACK FROM FEBRUARY 14 – 24, WITH OVER 20,000 PEOPLE EXPECTED TO ATTEND SCREENINGS OF OVER 100 FILMS ACROSS THE CITY.

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

CASSANDRA’S DREAM @ GFF

GALA PREMIERES Like any film festival worth its salted popcorn, there are premieres and red carpet events aplenty. Slated to open proceedings is Woody Allen’s latest, Cassandra’s Dream, starring Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell as brothers with serious financial problems. Craig Gillespie’s Lars and the Real Girl stars Ryan Gosling as a young man who buys a sex doll on the internet for a “meaningful” relationship, only to find the whole town deciding to buy into the ruse. Other recommendations include John Sayles’ Honeydripper (a musical drama set in 1950s Alabama), and Michael Haneke’s Americanised remake of his own Funny Games.

✹

RELEASE SCHEDULE 1 FEB

Glasgow Film Festival 2008

IT’S A WONDERFUL WORLD

What could be better on a damp day in Glasgow that taking off to some far flung corner of the globe via one of the following offerings? Canada’s The Tracey Fragments tells its story via hundreds of on-screen fragments of pictures taken from the thoughts and dreams of 15-year-old Tracey (Ellen Page). As she goes through puberty, her mind getting more and more confused, the fragments fracture even more. Bizarre, challenging and exhausting are just three words that seem to sum up this film best. Not another Vin Diesel sequel, XXY is the story of a 15-year-old hermaphrodite coping with her condition. Sensitive handling of the subject matter and a strong central performance has led the film to being forwarded as Argentina’s entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2008 Oscars. From France/Lebanon comes Caramel, a romantic comedy centred on the daily lives of five Lebanese women of different religions and ages who work in a beauty salon in Beirut, while South Africa’s Bunny Chow sees three comedians and a weird guy named Cope embark on a raucous weekend journey to Oppikoppi, South Africa’s biggest rock festival.

THE STATE OF INDEPENDENTS Doing their own thing outside the studio system are a number of American indie pictures, celebrated in the State of Independents strand. Standing out from the crowd is In Search of a Midnight Kiss, a sweet yet unsaccharine tale of boy randomly meeting girl in LA on New Year’s Eve: low on budget but high on charm, this is one to book early for. If ever there were a poster boy for the indie movement it’s Steve Buscemi. With the tagline “Change your outlook, change your life”, the Buscemi directed Lonesome Jim stars Casey Affleck as the titular Jim who has to move back in with his parents after deciding he can’t go it alone. It’s taken a while for the film to make it to UK shores, so take the chance to see it while you can. Teeth takes as its premise that the lead character, Dawn, has the fabled vagina dentata or “toothed vagina”. This leads to various gory situations (there’s more than one castration on show here) alongside some wicked one-liners and campy laughs.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE EAST Eastern Europe is the focus of this strand, with countries such as Romania, Poland and Hungary featured.

The Czech Republic’s official submission to the Best Foreign Language Film category at this year’s Oscars, I Served the King of England is an adaptation of a novel of the same name. A darkly comic tale, it tells of a Czech waiter who marries a Nazi gym teacher during WWII. Winning the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes in 2007 comes California Dreamin’, a Romanian drama about a railway chief who delays a NATO train transporting military equipment during the war in Kosovo in

HONEYDRIPPER @ GFF

1999. Director Cristian Nemescu tragically died while the film was still in post-production. A hit in its native Poland, Testosterone is a bawdy comedy described as the “Polish American Pie”. Children of Glory commemorates Hungary’s 1956 Revolution, when Soviet tanks destroyed Hungary as the national polo team fought for glory at the Melbourne Olympics in what became known as the bloodiest water polo match in history.

GREAT SCOTS After a healthy dose of internationalism, it’s always good to get a bit introspective. The GFF celebrates Scottish talent past and present with the Great Scots strand. One of the most publicised Scottish pictures in 2007 due to its shooting schedule (11 days) and budget (£5000) was The Inheritance. It tells of two estranged brothers who travel from Edinburgh to Skye to claim the inheritance left to them by their late father.

Director Charlie Belleville promises to look at brotherhood, identity and the stereotype of the Scotsman’s inability to express his feelings. BAFTA-award winning Consenting Adults started life as a commission for BBC Four. Set in the 1950s, the film is the story of John Wolfenden’s personal and professional struggle to reform the British law concerning homosexuality.

There are some weighty themes here that are handled well by a top-notch cast, including Charles Dance and Glasgow’s own Sean Biggerstaff. Away from films made in the noughties, Scotland’s past glories are also remembered. Scots director Frank Lloyd (1886–1960) is represented by a screening of Oliver Twist (1926) while there’s also a chance to catch that perennial favourite, Bill Forsyth’s Local Hero (1985).

THE BEST OF BRITISH Talent from across the country is celebrated in The Best of British. Winner of the FIPRESCI International Critics’ Award at the 2007 Times BFI London Film Festival, Unrelated is the story of a woman (Kathryn Worth) escaping an unhappy marriage who takes refuge with a friend’s family on holiday. Screen International called writer/director Joanna Hogg’s first feature “refreshing and unusual”. Originally made as a short film in 2005, director Justin Edgar has gone back to the drawing board to remake Special People as a feature. Co-writer and star Dominic Coleman returns as Jasper, a filmmaker assigned to help a group of wheelchair-users make a movie. In Outlanders, Adam travels from Poland to London to visit his brother and

former Polish football star Jan, who is now embroiled in the world of illegal migrant workers. From London we travel to the Arctic Circle in Asif Kapadia’s Far North, where Michelle Yeoh, Sean Bean and some spectacular locations compete for the viewers’ attention.

BETTE DAVIS RETROSPECTIVE With the centenary of Bette Davis’ birth falling in 2008, the GFF celebrates with the screening of a selection of her films, spanning six decades. From the lesser known pictures such as 1939’s tearjerker The Old Maid and romantic drama Dark Victory (co-starring former US President Ronald Reagan) through bonafide classics All About Eve (1950), Now Voyager (1942) and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) to her penultimate picture, The Whales of August (1987), this is a truly comprehensive retrospective.

EUROPEAN CINEMA European cinema is well represented in 2008 with eleven films vying for your hard earned. Among the favourites here is the Italian One Hundred Nails, which tells of a young professor from the University of Bologna who retreats to the countryside and becomes embroiled in the local inhabitants’ lives and loves. From France comes The Last Mistress, a period piece looking at love and war between the sexes. White Night is a Danish psychological thriller about Ulrich, a workaholic whose life takes a drastic turn when he is involved in a fatal accident. One other worth looking out for is the Antonio Banderas directed Summer Rain, a Spanish coming-of-age film set in the 1970s.

REEL LIFE Documentaries are often the beating heart of a festival, a chance for filmmakers to take a look at, and comment on, the world around us. Crazy Love is a love (and hate) story about Linda Riss and Burt Pagach: sixteen years after he threw acid in her face, blinding her, the couple married. The documentary tries to find out what made her forgive him. Val Lewton: The Man in the Shadows is a Martin Scorsese-narrated homage to the legendary RKO horror producer. And, following on from last year’s Ian Curtis biopic, Control, Grant Gee focuses on the music of Joy Division in his latest documentary.

THE GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL RUNS FROM 14 TO 28 FEBRUARY AT THE GFT AND VENUES ACROSS GLASGOW. SPECIAL SAVER PASSES ARE AVAILABLE NOW - SEE ANY 10 FILMS FOR £30. SEE WWW.GLASGOWFILMFESTIVAL.ORG.UK AND WWW.GFT.ORG.UK FOR DETAILS.

FILM

FILM

Let The Gamez Begin THE GLASGOW-SET FANTASY COMEDY, GAMERZ, GETS A CINEMA RELEASE THIS MONTH, BUT IT’S BEEN A LONG HARD STRUGGLE GETTING IT TO THE SCREENS, AS DIRECTOR ROBBIE FRASER EXPLAINS So how did Gamerz come about? “Gamerz arose from an idea I had on the back burner”, says Fraser.

“Scottish Screen were running a scheme called New Found Films, essentially a competition where they administered the funding, and it seemed to offer a nice structured way to write a screenplay one stage at a time and not feel like you were pissing your life away.

I had this idea to do a comedy about role playing because it was a fun part of my teenage years. It’s naturally funny because you’ve got these geeky kids tying themselves in knots over obscure rule systems.”

And then? “STV put up half the cash. The budget at that stage was £250,000, which may seem like a lot of money, but it evaporates like snow off a dyke. As soon as you breathe on it, it’s gone. But we made the film and then began the task of selling it.”

So how frustrating was the wait to get it out there?

“The sales process hasn’t been frustrating so much as chastening”, reckons Fraser. “Myself and the producer, Paul Gavin, propelled ourselves into the market and found we didn’t really know what we were doing. You hear about films becoming instant hits at Sundance, but when you’re selling a film, it takes a very long time to do business with potential partners.”

One of the most impressive aspects of the film are the gaming sequences, presented as animated silhouettes inspired by Ralph Bakshi’s 1978 version of Lord of the Rings, but Fraser reveals that they still managed to achieve startling effects on a budget: “When it came to the animated shadow-play sequences, it would have been very expensive but we came up with a solution where we basically went to the student community for help and constructed a team of remote rotoscopers to animate individual frames. They were paid by the frame and some of these guys managed to make some decent money.”

The prohibitive cost of multiple film prints was another problem facing Gamerz, but the growth of digital pres-

entations has helped enormously. “I was beginning to despair somewhat of the true efficacy of digital cinema, that it only existed to help distributors with lots of money get on to more screens, but I have to say if it hadn’t been for the D-cinema initiative, we wouldn’t be able to afford to get our film into the cinema.”

How do you think the film will be received outwith Scotland, and are there any plans to release it internationally? “We think the market for Gamerz is as big as the global fantasy market - the film has gone down extremely well in America and we’ll push to get a release in every market we can. We think it will make good sense to any distributor.”

The question remains though, can Gamerz appeal beyond the gaming crowd? “I think so. We’re getting really good feedback from girls so I think there’s something in it for everybody. I used to try and convince myself that because it was about freaks and geeks, and because it was sort of a piss take, then if you like fantasy and Dungeons and Dragons, you’d like the film because it was about something you were interested in. And if you had contempt for those things then you’d also like it because it was taking the piss out of them.

But I think that was glib and I’ve backed off from that now. I do think it will appeal to people not interested in fantasy because the characters are true to themselves - it has a humanity and it’s not a piss take. I think what I’ve tried to make is a comedy with characters that work and are appealing and it shouldn’t matter whether they’re playing D&D or puggies or poker – it’s all about people having fun with that. So I hope it does have appeal beyond the hardcore gamer; anyone who enjoys the atmosphere of Harry Potter or has a nose for the fantastical will enjoy it.” [Paul Greenwood] DIR: ROBBIE FRASER STARS: ROSS FINBOW, JAMES YOUNG, DANIELLE STEWART RELEASE DATE: 22 FEB AT CINEWORLD GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH WWW.PUREMAGICFILMS.COM/GAMERZ

GAMERZ

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

15

REVIEWS FILM OF THE MONTH: JUNO rrrr

DIR: JASON REITMAN STARS: ELLEN PAGE, JENNIFER GARNER, JASON BATEMAN, MICHAEL CERA RELEASE DATE: 8 FEB CERT: 12A

After the sixteen-year-old titular teen (Page) falls pregnant following some awkward fumbling with her best friend Bleeker (the endearingly puppyish Cera), she opts to give said bun in the oven to the adoptive parents of her choice: a picture-perfect yuppie super-couple who want a tot to complete their pristine, magnolia McMansion. Achingly indie-cool from the obligatory crayon-drawn title sequence to the sunnily lo-fi, zip-adee-doo-dah soundtrack, Juno skips blithely around the issues surrounding teen pregnancy to remind us all that there is no problem that cannot be alleviated by a hefty store of sardonic one-liners and a hamburger phone.

Together with Knocked Up and Waitress, Juno fills out the third trimester of an unlikely trilogy of unplanned pregnancy comedies to have graced our screens in recent months. But in contrast to Judd Apatow’s sanitised, testosterone-tinged crowd-pleaser, Juno’s sweetness and sympathy for its characters has much more in common with the late Adrienne Shelly’s deliciously satisfying indie gem. Granted, at times Juno feels a little too self-consciously cutesy, but director Jason Reitman’s sharp timing steers the film with a

deftness that never allows it to wander off track. The improbably named Diablo Cody – uber-blogger, onetime stripper and debut screenwriter – has crafted a script so snarky-smart that you really don’t care that no teenager this side of The Kevin Williamson School for the Lexically Precocious ever actually possessed a verbal virtuosity to match our expectant heroine.

Bristling with real originality and a deadpan eloquence, each scene fizzes with Cody’s whip-smart hipster patois. If that all sounds a little too cloyingly clever-clever, fear not. Just as the film teeters perilously close to the kind of ill-judged quirk overload that the Napoleon Dynamites of this world are guilty of, Cody’s delicate and sharp dialogue allows touches of tenderness and compassion to edge in among all those scene-curling zingers. But it’s Ellen Page – terrifyingly self-possessed in Hard Candy and equally impressive here – that the film really stands on, cracking wise with an arch insouciance and managing to balance Juno’s laid-back composure with flashes of quiet vulnerability. While never reaching the sublimely cynical heights of Thora Birch in Ghost World, Page’s Juno is still a screen teen that fairly glows with a sprightly, snarly vitality that will, I guarantee, make February 2008 seem that little bit brighter. [Laura Smith]

THE BUCKET LIST

THE BUCKET LIST rrr DIR: ROB REINER STARS: JACK NICHOLSON, MORGAN FREEMAN, SEAN HAYES RELEASE DATE: 8 FEB CERT: 12A

Two Hollywood legends showing why they’re not ready to kick the bucket is the main draw of this one. Nicholson - who is certainly showing his age - plays a wealthy businessman who shares a hospital room with retired mechanic, and marginally better wearing, Freeman. Both are diagnosed with terminal cancer and given a year to live. The veteran thesps decide to compile a list of things to do before shuffling off their mortal coil. The tick list is filled full of adventures with fantastic comedic value; from skydiving to racing cars, climbing mountains in Tibet to hunting in Africa and the final few items provide some tear-jerking moments.

The powerhouse performances

by Nicholson and Freeman show why the pair are at the top of every director’s wish list, as they and veteran director Reiner provide entertaining cinematic popcorn by the bucket load. [Kevin McHugh]

GAMERZ rrrr DIR: ROBBIE FRASER

THE SAVAGES rrrr DIR: TAMARA JENKINS S TA R S : L A U R A L I N N E Y, P H I L I P SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, PHILIP BOSCO

STARS: ROSS FINBOW, JAMES YOUNG, DANIELLE STEWART

OUT NOW

RELEASE DATE: 22 FEB

Unflinchingly unsentimental and bitingly perceptive, Tamara Jenkins’ second feature tackles the indignities of aging and the complexities of families with a strong sense of the comic potential in the everyday absurd. Linney and Hoffman are Wendy and Jon Savage, forty-ish siblings nursing the Peter Pan complexes their names suggest, suddenly forced to grow up and take charge when faced with the impending demise of their elderly, estranged father.

(Bosco). Wendy is a tightly-wound failed playwright, doggedly filling

CERT: TBC

Ralph (Finbow) is a nerdy Glasgow boy just starting out at university, living with his gran and trying to avoid run-ins with former friend t u r n e d n e d , L e n n i e ( Yo u n g).

Though used to escaping into his own fantasy world, joining a role playing group at uni sets up a love triangle between Ralph, Lennie and elf princess Marlyn (Stewart) that forces Ralph into the real world.

Beautifully filmed on location around Glasgow and shot with a panache that really doesn’t betray its meagre

THE SAVAGES

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b u d g e t , G a m e r z m ay b e t h e funniest Scottish movie since the heyday of Bill Forsyth. The gaming action sequences are presented as a stunning shadow-play that recalls Bakshi’s Lord of the Rings, visualising for the audience what would otherwise be unwatchable scenes of the team actually playing Dungeons and Dragons in real time.

Long on laughs, it is occasionally short on plot, the pace slackening slightly as it passes the midway point, though a jaunty Aberfeldy soundtrack keeps it moving. And any film that features a credit for burpers and farters has got to be alright. [Paul Greenwood]

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

CERT: 15

in endless grant applications and pilfering office supplies in her miserable temp job, while Jon – a rumpled, saturnine college professor – is equally childish and narcissistic, refusing to commit to his girlfriend and slogging glumly through his overdue book on Bertolt Brecht. Linney and Hoffman are terrific, relishing every character flaw and unattractive outburst with a lovely finesse, but that pretty much goes without saying. These are Actors with a decidedly capital A, immensely comfortable in the kind of pin-sharp indie-dramedy genre that The Savages slots into nicely.

It’s a remarkably lucid, resonant film, sometimes devastatingly so, with a sparky, astringent wit and the occasional flash of keenly observed gallows humour alleviating any creeping bleakness. Less a black comedy than a comedy in shades of grey, of ordinariness and ugliness, the humour is never contrived, springing instead from ordinary characters and situations with an engaging and vital authenticity.

[Laura Smith]

MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS rr DIR: WONG KAR WAI STARS: NORAH JONES, JUDE LAW, DAVID STRATHAIRN, RACHEL WEISZ RELEASE DATE: 22 FEB CERT: 12A

For some reason thought worthy of opening the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, My Blueberry Nights can be quietly filed away in the ‘instantly forgettable’ pile. A curiously cast, but perfectly presentable Jones is consoled by Law’s café owner after a break-up, and sets off across America, waitressing in bars and restaurants as she goes, and meeting people similarly let down by life and love. Wong brings his usual neon-glazed style and colour to his first English language feature and some of the drama along the way is moderately diverting, particularly Strathairn’s cop, who spends his nights getting drunk and waiting for his wife (Weisz) to come back to him. It’s mostly a rather drippy affair, however, the relationship between Jones and Law predictable and unengaging. The worst part is, I spent two hours queuing outside in

the sweltering heat of the south of France just to see the bloody thing.

[Paul Greenwood]

BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD rrrrr DIR: SIDNEY LUMET STARS: PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, ETHAN HAWKE, ALBERT FINNEY OUT NOW CERT: 15

Philip Seymour Hof fman plays Andy, a bank clerk who ‘borrows’ company funds for his drug habit in this Oscar-worthy melodramatic thriller that might be a certified classic. Meanwhile his down-onhis-luck younger brother Hank (Hawke) is having an affair with his wife (Tomei), and struggling to find the cash for his monthly child support payments. In desperation the two brothers plot to rob their parents’ jewellery store, but the heist goes horribly wrong. A simple story told in a thrillingly complex style, flashbacks to the same events told from different perspectives add a layer of tension and suspense.

It’s been over 50 years since 12 Angry Men, yet the 83-year-old Lumet directs a flawless cast and adds another classic to his awardwinning career. Brutal, bleak and brilliant, this is a movie experience not to be missed. [Kevin McHugh]

THERE WILL BE BLOOD rrrr DIR: PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON STARS: DANIEL DAY-LEWIS, PAUL DANO, CIARÁN HINDS RELEASE DATE: 15 FEB CERT: 15

There will be Oscars for this magnificent tale of greed and obsession.

A wordless opening 20 minutes in which Daniel Plainview (Day-Lewis) discovers oil at the dawn of the 20th century serves as a brilliantly economical character introduction this is a man of unparalleled will and determination, who’ll stop at nothing to get what he wants. The years fly by quickly after that, as Plainview inherits a son and grows rich after learning from a preacher (Dano) of abundant oil fields near his town, leading to the pair’s decades long battle between commerce and faith. Day-Lewis plays his part in

this struggle to quite astonishing effect, and for the first hour or more, There Will Be Blood is pretty much perfect cinema, a blend of storytelling and technical beauty the likes of which has rarely graced the screen.

While it begins to falter at a certain point, as the narrative loses focus and the leaps forward in time grow larger, leaving huge gaps of untold story, it’s a small price to experience such wonderful filmmaking.

[Paul Greenwood]

THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY rrrr DIR: JULIAN SCHNABEL S TA R S : M AT H I E U A M A L R I C , EMMANUELLE SEIGNER, MARIE-JOSÉE CROZE RELEASE DATE: 8 FEB CERT: 12A

After suffering a massive stroke at the age of forty-three, JeanDominique Bauby (Amalric), the swaggering, bon vivant editor of French Elle, was left lucid but utterly paralyzed except for his left eye, a victim of the rare “locked-in syndrome.” A film in which the central character can only communicate by blinking his one functioning eye doesn’t seem the most propitious of premises, but director Julian Schnabel has created an astonishingly lyrical, rhapsodic and viscerally emotional portrait of a man with only his imagination – the free-roaming butterfly of the title – to liberate him from the stultifying confines of his enforced stasis. The first twenty minutes is shot entirely from Bauby’s perspective as he wakes from his coma: blurred faces loom above him like underwater visions, and we gasp with relief when the camera finally shifts to a third-person point of view.

Moving from stillness to feverish imaginings with a buoyant fluidity, the camera twists and soars through flashback and fantasy, capturing with crystalline intensity the dream-like, hallucinatory world in which Bauby finds himself. Adapted from the extraordinary book that Bauby painstakingly dictated by blinking his way through the alphabet, Schnabel’s film is humane, funny and extremely moving. Never indulgent or mawkish in its flights of sensual beauty, this is a film to jump into head first, and marvel. [Laura Smith]

FILM

FILM/DVD

DVD REVIEWS EASTERN PROMISES rrrr

EVENING rr

DIR: DAVID CRONENBERG

DIR: LAJOS KOLTAI

STARS: VIGGO MORTENSEN, NAOMI WATTS, ARMIN MUELLER-STAHL

STARS: CLARE DANES, TONI COLLETTE, PATRICK WILSON, VANESSA REDGRAVE

RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB

RELEASE DATE: 18 FEB

Mortensen reunites with Cronenberg for another round of uber-violence and sharp suits that, like their previous collaboration A History of Violence, never disappoints. London midwife Anna (Watts) is looking for someone to translate the diary of a Russian girl who died during childbirth on her watch. Seeking help from a seemingly-kindly restaurateur (MuellerStahl), Anna finds herself sucked into the world of organised Russian crime. With the diary containing dangerous secrets about the local mob, her life and her family’s well-being are soon put in jeopardy with tattooed gangster Nikolai (Mortensen) and the intimidating and unstable Kirill (Vincent Cassell) on her tail.

With outstanding pacing and editing, violence has never looked so breathtakingly beautiful – or been so chilling. Cronenberg has delivered not just a film with stunning visuals and an excellent cast but one of his finest to date. A gripping thriller whose pace never slackens, this one fulfills all its promise. [Kevin McHugh]

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

I t ’s 19 9 8 , a n d Constance (Natasha Richardson) and N i n a (C o l l e t te) gather at the deathbed of t h e i r m o t h e r, Ann (Redgrave). But Ann’s mind is somewhere else; it’s in 1954 dreaming of the episode that changed her life forever, and it’s up to her daughters to untangle dreams from reality to reveal the mysterious past of the woman they thought they knew so well. Jampacked full of talent, Evening appears to be a hit from the outset - but don’t be fooled. Not even a bevy of award-winning actors can compensate for a frankly boring plot that moves at a snail’s pace.

Evening’s saving grace is a brief performance from Meryl Streep that injects a desperately needed dose of sparkle to counter the at best tedious, at worst cringe-worthy scenes. And there’s a couple of cheesy lines for good measure too: “Hardly anyone gets to be famous.” “You’re famous to me.”

Yuck. [Caitlin Rattray]

FAMILY GUY PRESENTS: BLUE HARVEST rrrr

RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION rr

SHORT CUTS rr

THE PLAYER rrrr

DIR: ROBERT ALTMAN

DIR: ROBERT ALTMAN

DIR: DOMINIC POLCINO

DIR: RUSSELL MULCAHY

STARS: SE TH MCFARL ANE, ALE X BORSTEIN, SETH GREEN

STARS: MILLA JOVOVICH, ALI LARTER, IAIN GLEN

STARS: JULIANNE MOORE, JACK LEMMON, ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

STARS: TIM ROBBINS, GRETA SCACCHI, WHOOPI GOLDBERG

RELEASE DATE: 4 FEB

RELEASE DATE: 8 FEB

OUT NOW

RELEASE DATE: 18 FEB

Family Guy does Star Wars in this fully Lucasendorsed crossover, complete with music and crawl (“It is a time of civil war, and renegade paragraphs floating through space....”). A more or less scene for scene retelling of A New Hope with the Griffins and their neighbours filling in for the original cast, it mostly steers clear of obvious jokes, focussing instead on the minutiae and budgetary constraints of working on the Death Star (Kevin Smith is smiling somewhere) and poking gentle fun at the plot flaws that litter the movie - “Couldn’t we just board it up?” asks Vader of the small hole that allows the space station’s destruction. It’s only 45 minutes, but it’s hilarious throughout and the casting sits naturally and comfortably (Stewie as Vader, Brian as Chewie, Lois as Leia, Chris as Luke), though it’s a bit of a stretch buying Peter as Han Solo. And just wait til you see what they do with poor Meg. [Paul Greenwood]

Russell Mulcahy - director of such epic crowd pleasers as Highlander II and Tale of the M u m m y - c e rtainly doesn’t mess around when it comes to trite brain-dead action. Resident Evil: E x tinction tells the near Shakespearean tale of one young woman’s struggle to save herself and an obligatory cast of no-mark soap stars from a planet infested with zombies. Kicking off like a cross between Mad Ma x and Deliverance, the first ten minutes throw you in at the deep end, which is what you really want from a film not pretending to be anything other than unadulterated monster mayhem. The average life expectancy of the humans is reassuringly short and mangled, munched up corpses litter the screen, allowing us to ditch pesky concepts like character development. If you like blood, violence and women wielding weapons go and see a psychiatrist, but first do feel free to check this out. [Christopher Hammond]

A bit like Love Actually on tequilla slammers, Short Cuts attempts to follow the stories of various loosely interrelated couples in dysfunctional LA. Starting from the bizarre premise of an insect infestation, it shows the seemingly perfect, the not-so-perfect and the all-out disastrous relationships as they tackle betrayal, alcoholism and yapping dogs. Director Robert Altman introduces the plots well, with poignant performances and an impressive cast portraying the range of jealousies and heartaches. Particularly memorable is Andi McDowell’s middle-class family ripped apart by the hit-and-run that leaves eight year old Casey fighting for his life.

Then there’s the calculating pilot who meticulously rips apart his exwife’s living room with a chainsaw.

The scale of the film however prevents any emotional attachment to the characters. Flitting from one disastrous situation to another, the end result is a confusing montage of skinny-dipping, phone sex and young girls being bludgeoned with beer cans that will leave you yearning for the last three hours of your life back. [Katie Smyth]

Career threatened movie exec Griffin Mill (Robbins) unintentionally kills a writer he believes has been sending hi m th r e ate ni n g letters. A tampon wielding cop (Goldberg) interrogates the edgy and only selfishly regretful Mill as he strives to distance himself from his crime and save his career.

When the threatening letters begin again, and are this time accompanied by a rattlesnake, Mill’s flashy lifestyle in Hollywood looks set to end in ruin. Portraying the cutthroat industry of Hollywood, and enjoying an incredible cast in both scale and diversity - with Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, Cher and even Columbo making small appearances – director Robert Altman’s popularity and clout in the industry he is critiquing is very apparent. Although his slow pace, long takes and lengthy conversations aren’t for everyone, The Player shows that with a strong story and an intriguing ending, he knows better than most in this ruthless industry what it’s all about.

[Kieran Westbrook]

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

17

THEATRE Horse’s Mouth EDITORIAL

Nudity! Rock'n'roll!

Cruelty to animals!

Generally strange behaviour! That’s right readers, we’ve got all the sensation that Scottish theatre has to offer this month, right here, packed into these few pages. But don’t worry that The Skinny has gone all downmarket and tabloidy: it’s all in the name of art.

For the nudity and cruelty, look no further than the hotly anticipated touring production of recent West End smash Equus which rolls into town(s) this month. Easily the best play about horse mutilation you’ll ever see, we’ve got the dope straight from the star of the show, Mr Merchant Ivory himself, Simon Callow.

If rock’n’roll floats your boat, then Suspect Culture and Graeae’s new play Static is the one for you. Suspect Culture lynchpin Graham Eatough talked to The Skinny about love, loss and, er, compilation tapes.

And on any given month, you’d be able to find some strange goings-on masquerading as capital C culture somewhere in Scotland.

This month however all the weirdness is collected in one place for that favourite Aunt Sally of mid-brow, right wing columnists, the National Review of Live Art. Notorious for its offbeat and often bizarre performances, The Skinny gives you a taste of what you can expect.

Oh and we run the rule over The Royal Lyceum’s Spring Season flagship production and Scottish Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty as well.

Until next time, happy theatre going!

✹

TOP

5

SHOWS

1. EQUUS

DAVID PUGH/DAFYDD ROGERS/ THEATRE ROYAL BATH PRODUCTIONS THEATRE ROYAL, GLASGOW 12 – 16 FEB KING’S THEATRE, EDINBURGH 18 – 23 FEB

Critically acclaimed revival of Peter Shaffer’s tale of a young man’s obsession with horses

2. STATIC

SUSPECT CULTURE/GRAEAE THEATRE COMPANY TRON THEATRE, GLASGOW, 14 – 23 FEB TRAVERSE THEATRE, EDINBURGH, 26 FEB – 1 MARCH

A young widow finds more than sentimental value in a compilation tape made by her late husband

3. HEY GIRL!

SOCIETAS RAFAELLO SANZIO TRAMWAY, GLASGOW, 29 FEB – 1 MARCH

UK premiere of new work from leading Italian choreographer is a highlight of New Territories annual international festival of cutting edge dance, physical theatre and live art

4. NATIONAL REVIEW OF LIVE ART VARIOUS

TRAMWAY, GLASGOW, 6 – 10 FEB

Wild exploration of the possibilities of theatre: not for the faint hearted

5. TESTING THE ECHO OUT OF JOINT

TRAVERSE THEATRE, EDINBURGH, 6 – 9 FEB

Max Stafford Clark’s company return to the Trav with a David Edgar-penned piece set in an English class for Muslims preparing to become UK citizens.

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

THE REVIVAL OF PETER SHAFFER’S EQUUS HAD LONDON CRITICS IN TRANSPORTS OF DELIGHT. THE SKINNY’S ADAM MCCULLY TALKS TO LEAD ACTOR AND NATIONAL INSTITUTION SIMON CALLOW

Think of Simon Callow and the rather unwelcome image of a bekilted thespian upended on a wedding reception dancefloor springs to mind. Certainly, his turn as Gareth in Four Weddings And A Funeral made him a household name, but it’s the laziest of shorthands for such a prodigious and protean talent.

Callow’s bewilderingly diverse CV takes in everything from prolific film work with Merchant Ivory costume dramas such as Howard’s End, big ticket Hollywood roles such as Shakespeare In Love through, incredibly, the camp nonsense of all three Streetfighters as well as his regular television roles. He has also found time to author a string of successful biographies on literary and theatrical characters. For now though, his formidable energies are focused on his first love: the stage, and the critically acclaimed revival of Peter Shaffers’s Equus, which this month visits the Theatre Royal in Glasgow and The King’s in Edinburgh.

A landmark of post-war theatre, Equus will be familiar to many from Sidney Lumet’s 1977 film. In this new production, Callow plays Dr Martin Dysart, a psychiatrist charged with the case of the highly disturbed Alan Strang, played here by Alfie Allen, bother of Lily and son of Keith and fresh from a triumphant role in award-winning Brit flick Atonement. Strang has become obsessed with the play’s eponymous horse god and his subverted religious fervour leads him to commit acts of horrific barbarity against the very creatures he adores. Callow’s character, whilst being repelled by Strang’s deeds, gradually comes to sympathise with and eventually envy the visceral passion of his belief. In a famous passage, Dr Dysart bemoans his own timid affection for the Greek pantheon and contrasts it with Strang’s more robust style of worship. On a trip to the Parthenon, Strang rides his God bareback and in the throes of this ecstatic communion reaches orgasm in best pagan style.

It’s all familiar territory for Callow. Shaffer is an old friend and Callow shone as an exuberant Mozart in Shaffer’s 1979 play Amadeus.

And Scottish audiences will hold no fears for the 58-year-old actor. He made his stage debut in The Three Estates at the Assembly Rooms, an experience which he found “rather overwhelming, because there was the whole of the Scottish acting profession there in front of me, and we, the Young Lyceum Theatre Company (YLT) were lying sprawled upon the step forming a sort of human soundtrack”. After a stint with the YLT, he went to the Traverse.

“The play I was in transferred to London; that transferred to the West End, and that was my big break,” he recounts succinctly.

He recently returned to the capital as the splendidly curmudgeonly and self-regarding thespian Gary Essendine in Noel Coward’s Present Laughter. When asked if this role is apposite and if the accusations of over-the-top luvviness that trail after him like a cloud of air kisses are true, he replies in his mellifluously measured cadence, “Well, I am, I should have to say, essentially guilty… [meaningful pause] I am… [dramatic pause] an actor [he says drawing out the second syllable into a long melodious diphthong].” A banality in the mouths of most, a sonnet in the voice of a master.

It was difficult to tell over the phone whether Callow was sporting a fedora and a gorgeous pink rag of a suit, but the details of wardrobe are irrelevant. If he isn’t wearing them, he should be: this is a man who relishes his role on or off the stage. He is so affable and charming that any slightly pompous demeanor is forgiven

instantly; flicked aside like the ash from a footlong cigarette holder. Inevitably however, public perception does have him typecast to a certain kind of role. You can’t do all those Merchant Ivorys, the Cowards and Wildes without creating a certain expectation. So it will surprise some that he has taken on the drier, more subdued Dr Dysart. For Callow, Dysart “is a regular guy, who expects conformity from society and is not a wild man” and “somewhat like Hamlet the actor comes to inhabit the role”. Previous incumbents of this role include Richard Griffiths, Anthonys Hopkins and Perkins, Richard Burton and in a stroke of inspired casting, Leonard Nimoy and Sideshow Mel from the Simpsons.

This revival of Equus reunites two key members of the creative team from 1973: director Thea Sharrock and John Napier, whose design for the original production is widely regarded as amongst the finest ever done for the theatre.

Callow refuses to be drawn on the details of the updated staging, save for the cryptic assertion that it is “more austere, more stripped back, and more startling.” One can safely assume however

that the brown velour tracksuits called for in the original stage directions have been binned, having accrued some unfortunate connotations since the early ‘70s.

London notices have raved about the new production, particularly the life-size horse puppets. Apparently exquisitely expressive, these are portrayed by actors with outlandish articulated head pieces and stilt-like hoof contraptions which, combined with David Heresey’s lighting, promise to lift an already epic narrative into the realms of the spectacular. While all this is tempting enough, Alfie Allen’s extended nude scenes should be ample compensation for the celebrity spotters trying to hide their disappointment that Daniel ‘Harry Potter’ Radcliffe didn’t make it past the Watford Gap.

12 - 16 FEB, THEATRE ROYAL GLASGOW 18 - 23 FEB, KING’S THEATRE WWW.EFT.CO.UK WWW.THEAMBASSADORS.COM

THEATRE

THEATRE

REVIEWS THE GLASS MENAGERIE

rrrr THE PLAY IS SET IN 1930S AMERICA BUT IT'S VERY ACCESSIBLE – DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES ARE ALWAYS RECOGNISABLE

The Glass Menagerie is not a comedy, but with director Jemima Levick’s deft touch this seamless production is often very funny, capturing both the humour in the tragedy and the pathos in the lighter moments of this famous family drama.

The play is set in 1930s America but it’s very accessible – dysfunctional families are always recognisable.

Amanda Wingfield has brought up her children alone after her husband left her. With a son itching to fly the family nest, she has set her sights on marrying off her exceedingly shy and disabled daughter to a gentleman caller.

The acting is uniformly excellent. Joseph Arkley’s warm presence fills the auditorium as son Tom, the narrator of the story. A passionate young man, he tries to free himself from his family’s clutches only to find there is no such escape. Barbara Marten’s Amanda is a tour de force: she trills and flirts her way out of despair with all the subtlety of a freight train, barely managing to conceal the neurotic fears she holds for her children’s future. Living in a fantasy world of glass figurines, Nicola Harrison’s doll-like Laura has retreated into the world of her imagination. There is a haunting, glassy quality to her eyes that emphasises her disconnection from reality. Antony Eden’s Gentleman Caller is a social chameleon however, able to adapt to all situations. A natty dresser, he is gregarious and charming, and if Amanda’s over-the-top flirting throws him, he is too suave to show it.

Part lament for lost youth, The Glass Menagerie is also about the disappointment of adulthood and the extinguishment of hope. But the play briefly, like the candle set on the floor in the last scenes, shines as

GLASS MENAGERIE RICHARD CAMPBELL

the culmination of dreams. The moments when Jim attempts to connect with the fragile Laura are magical and she is radiantly transformed by his attentions. With performances as polished as a Southern gentleman’s manners, it was well worth a visit to the Wingfield house to see this humorous and tender production.

[Susannah Radford] RUN ENDED THE ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE, EDINBURGH, UNTIL 9 FEB WWW.LYCEUM.ORG.UK

SLEEPING BEAUTY

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SLEEPING BEAUTY... I’D RATHER BE LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD This production of the classic fairytale ballet by Scottish Ballet offers a useful guide to any fairytale girl on how to bag herself her very own Prince Charming. There is the route offered by our heroine Aurora: get yourself cursed at birth, preferably as the result of an oversight on your parents’ part, prick your finger on your 16th birthday and then sleep soundly until the Prince in question wakens you with a kiss and you proceed to fall madly in love, still as a 16-year-old. Or you can follow the path chosen by the other well-known heroines who pop up in Ashley Page’s production and go wandering in the woods, accompanying a stranger on a quest and scooping up a leftover prince on the way.

Sleeping Beauty remains remarkably passive: incredibly beautiful but pure and resolutely childlike, resembling nothing so much as the ballerina on a child’s jewellery box. Tomomi Sato is graceful, precise and engaging in the lead role but the heart of the production is found elsewhere. Limor Siv as Carabosse, the fairy who originally curses Aurora, if full of malevolent fun - imagine Bette Midler in Hocus Pocus but in a tutu. Aurora’s Prince is convincingly brave while Eve Mutso’s Lilac Fairy

provides a calm and measured centre to proceedings.

However, the piece really came alive through the presence of the four other fairytale heroines who are in the woods searching for their own ‘happy ending’. When finally united with their princes, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Belle and Snow White are allowed to come of age. In an amusing stroke of postmodern intertextuality, they attend Aurora’s wedding reception in killer frocks and their dance tells of real passion and romance.

One of the stated aims of the company with this, the third of its adaptations of classic fairytales, is to attract younger audiences to ballet. On the evidence of this performance, it is achieving this aim. Certainly, any little girl longing to be a ballerina will be delighted with the story of Aurora. And perhaps they’ll go home taking a leaf from Little Red Riding Hood’s book: find yourself the prince that suits you, even if it’s where you least expect, and always, always make sure you are wearing the best dress at the party. [Philippa Cochrane] EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE, RUN ENDED WWW.SCOTTISHBALLET.COM

SLEEPING BEAUTY

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

19

Live Art & New Territories NOT ONE BUT TWO THOUGHT-PROVOKING ARTS FESTIVALS VISIT THE TRAMWAY IN QUICK SUCCESSION THIS MONTH. GARETH K. VILE MEETS THE PEOPLE BEHIND THIS HIVE OF ACTIVITY AND FINDS OUT WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

After a season in the dark, Tramway explodes back into light with two annual festivals: the National Review of Live Art (NRLA) and New Territories. From 6 February until 8 March, the Southside will be packed with performance artists and avant-garde dancers who delight in busting genres and defying categories. Glasgow will celebrate the cutting edge and inspire, excite, bemuse and challenge the world.

The National Review is a venerable institution, now in its third decade and still discovering new performers and ideas. Like a mutant hybrid of an academic conference, a busker’s paradise and an intense ‘60s happening, the NRLA is one of the few theatrical events where MC Ian Smith’s claim that “anything can happen, and probably will” is more than just lazy advertising. The purpose of live art is to challenge defi nitions, and it crosses every boundary of taste, media and acceptability. The NRLA selects the most radical artists, and provides them with a space to fulfil their fantasies - or fail miserably.

Smith has been the human face of the NRLA for “more years than I care to remember”. His down-to-earth personality and comprehensive knowledge of the genre make him the perfect guide to the “extended family of weirdos” who will be taking over Tramway for five days.

Acknowledging that Live Art can be intimidating for the uninitiated, Smith helpfully suggests that first time visitors ought not to worry too much about enjoying every artist. Since Live Art can stretch from five-minute mimes through to multimedia epics, he encourages a relaxed approach.

“The image I always use when people ask me what the hell it is all about is of a great big swimming pool. Just jump in and splash around: some of the stuff is challenging, some of it is delightful. One man’s meat is another man’s poison, and that is the point of the festival. You really just have to go in open-minded with a huge sense of humour and have fun.”

As part of Mischief la Bas, Ian Smith brings humour into his work: a quality rarely associated with the stereotypical image of the avant-garde performer. Yet it is laughter that is often the most appropriate response.

“One year, there was a fire alarm. I ended up directing the traffic outside with four hundred people milling around - which was very amusing because I don’t know how to drive and that became a performance in itself. We had to peel a performer off of the floor who was stuck there with copydex: we had to carry her out and then carry her back in to continue her piece.”

But in the communal space of Tramway, which serves as a café for local residents, there are surprises ahead.

CAROLINE SMITH @ NEW TERRITORIES

“Last year there were people sitting around in the café bar and the initial performance was a woman blowing herself up on the lawn. I don’t think that they were expecting that with their decaf lattes.”

Sister festival New Territories follows immediately. A more relaxed programme, it stages six shows over three weeks. Originally concentrating on dance, it has broadened its scope to include anything that can be considered as ‘new work’. General manager Colin RichardsonWebb admits that “it doesn’t have any definitive structure: we don’t just programme any one thing.

It changes year in, year out. In 2005 there was a lot of dance; in 2008 we have choreographers, but they reconfigure the stage, use video work. To call it just dance is dismissive.”

All of the New Territory shows, however, are large-scale, either involving established companies or demanding a relatively traditional, if flexible, theatrical space. For the most part, they can

“THE IMAGE I ALWAYS USE WHEN PEOPLE ASK ME WHAT THE HELL IT IS ALL ABOUT IS OF A GREAT BIG SWIMMING POOL. JUST JUMP IN AND SPLASH AROUND: SOME OF IT IS CHALLENGING, SOME OF IT IS DELIGHTFUL. ONE MAN’S MEAT IS ANOTHER MAN’S POISON, AND THAT IS THE POINT OF THE FESTIVAL.” - IAN SMITH be experienced as a night out rather than an endurance test - with one notable exception, as Richardson-Webb points out.

“Kurt Hentschlager, who has represented Austria at the Venice Biennale has this piece that involves a really hardcore soundtrack with bass, a lot of smoke and projections. So it is quite disorientating to the audience members and comes with quite a few health and safety notices. It will be fascinating to be immersed in this fog and strobes for almost an hour: almost a journey without moving anywhere.”

Elsewhere, Societas Raffaello Sanzio are bringing their oblique approach to dance. Interestingly, the company is calling for forty local men to perform as extras. Meanwhile, American outfit Goat Island “are doing their last ever tour,” says RichardsonWebb. “They have a massive following in Glasgow, and Nikki [Milican, New Territories’ programmer] was the first

person to bring them over to the UK. It’s a closure of a twenty-year relationship - they’ve done three educational courses for us and the response has been incredible. It will be an emotional night.”

Speaking to Smith and Richardson-Webb, it becomes clear that nobody wants to say what these festivals are supposed to be about. It’s a given that most of the interesting work in this area can be hard to pin down, and both the NRLA and New Territories are generous in allowing the artists and performers freedom. Nobody wants to be categorised or limited by genre.

The other side is that some artists do take the opportunity to make a public spectacle of themselves, managing to fi nd new ways to confi rm clichés or take adolescent temper tantrums, simplistic political ideas and received notions about revolution beyond patience. The audience can be too polite, allowing self-indulgent drivel to escape with mild applause, and the pervading atmosphere of paranoia - ‘Did I understand this in the right way?’ ‘Was it rubbish or am I ignorant?’

- protects some dismal posturing.

At the same time, there is no question that certain pieces will open up new ways of thinking and performing, shine light into darkened recesses and become, what critic and board member Mary Brennan has called “the closest I come to acts of faith. It is a huge spiritual excursion”. The modern aesthetic pilgrim needs patience and compassion, and the ability not to become too irritated by patent absurdity, but New Territories and the National Review of Live Art collect together a stunning array of original expressions.

JAMES MACKENZIE, THREE BEARS AND CLAIRE DARGO HOMOFRONTERIZUS @ NEW TERRITORIES

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

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I’M DEPRESSED, COLD, HORNY, POOR AND CYNICAL. WHO WOULDN’T BE WHEN OUR NATIONAL HEROES ARE KENNY RICHEY AND JOHN SMEATON?

THE SKINNY ISSUE 29 :: FEB 2008

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I’m depressed. That’s not surprising considering that for six months of the year us Scots live like pit ponies, confined to the darkness eating turnips. I’ve considered suicide just for the hope of walking towards some light. I’m depressed and I’m cold. It’s been minus two all month and so have I. I suspect my testicles won’t descend until they know the grass has started growing again.

If I want to see them before April I may have to coax them from my body like two frightened pensioners trapped in an attic. I’m not sure how to do this but I’ll give soup and pornography a try. I’m depressed, cold and horny. They say men think about sex every seven seconds. Asafa Powell ran the 100m in 9.74 seconds. Twenty metres from the finishing line was he really thinking ‘TITS’?

I think this busts the myth conclusively, men do not think about sex every seven tits. Last night I saw a woman so pissed she lay unconscious in the gutter. On closer examination I noticed she was wearing a crucifix around her neck. I was amused that she took her religion seriously enough to wear a cross but not seriously enough to prevent passers-by from viewing her vagina.

I’m depressed, cold, horny and poor. I often hear people say they are married to their career. As a stand-up comedian I can’t make that sort of commitment. I prefer to meet my career a couple of times a week and fuck it.

As marriage goes I think it really is the best way for two people to openly declare to their friends and family - we need some furniture and you’re fucking buying it. I’m depressed, cold, horny, poor and cynical. Who wouldn’t be when our national heroes are Kenny Richey

MUSIC I ART I THEATRE I FILM I DVD I GAMES I COMEDY I FASHION I LISTINGS

www.skinnymag.co.uk

SMEATON

SALES@SKINNYMAG.CO.UK 0131 467 4630

RICHEY

and John Smeaton? I predict in 2008 we’ll see them go on the road as a double act. You can’t deny that they would put on a memorable show. One sets fire to a kid, the other kicks it out. I’m depressed, cold, horny, poor, cynical and drunk. Yes, I’m an Amazing Bastard but deep down I’m just like you.

CATCH THE AMAZING BASTARDS AT THE GLASGOW STAND 11 FEB

2008 Comedy Festival:

Fest in the West THERE IS DEFINITELY A DIFFERENT TASTE IN THE AIR, AND IT'S NOT JUST THE MAGNERS. Launched with an ever thickening brochure of comedic talent, big names and obscure venues, The Magners Glasgow International Comedy Festival is about to tantalise your funny bone once again. Tommy Shepherd, of the Scottish Comedy Agency and owner of the lifeline of comedy that is The Stand, is organising events which he hopes will "leap the high bar" set by the festival in 2007.

With a 35% increase in tickets, they certainly look confident in doing so. It's not quite the same as a frenzied August in Edinburgh, however, and many of the performances debuted in the capital are ending their show run here.

But as the maniacally enthusiastic Karen Dunbar points out “we shouldn't be comparing the festivals; it's all part of the same thing: a really positive thing happening in Scotland.”

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

There may be some poster deja vu but there is definitely a different taste in the air, and it's not just the Magners. This festival doesn't quite descend on Glasgow so much as embrace it, with special nights taking place outside the centre in Drumchapel, Easterhouse and Castlemilk for some community entertainment with a difference. The project is typical of Tommy Shepherd's grass roots style which extends to the comedians themselves, “I want to encourage people to go to the smaller venues, see the smaller acts, find the Jimmy Carrs and Frankie Boyles of the future.” Of course the option is there to see the Jimmy Carr and Frankie Boyle of today. But more of that next issue... [Emma Lennox] MAGNERS GLASGOW INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL, MARCH 6- 23

FEBRUARY 08

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BOOKS The Wondrous World of Junot Diaz A LOOK AT WHAT COULD ALREADY BE ONE OF THE BOOKS OF THE YEAR, THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO. Junot Diaz wrote a very well received book called Drown in 1996. He’s taken over ten years to bring out the follow-up novel, but it’s out this month, and it’s fantastic. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao was described by Time magazine as ‘an immigrant-family saga for people who don’t read immigrant-family sagas’, and they made it their book of the year.

Diaz is himself an immigrant, having moved from The Dominican Republic to New Jersey at the age of six, and Drown and Oscar Wao are both largely set in these locations. They’re very different books though. Drown is a collection of interlinked short stories, and the Junot Diaz of Drown is a writer of short, harsh-edged snapshots of hard-luck lives. But in the present, with Oscar Wao, he’s developed – or maybe revealed – other facets to his writing. The book is still harsh, and full of tragic events: rape, murder, torture, beatings, kidnappings and suicide attempts all feature. But the harsh centre now has softened edges and the book is somehow, at times, a hilarious read. And it’s written in such a full and flowing style that you’ll devour its 350-plus pages. Any book where the appearance of a magic mongoose can seem appropriate has surely got to be worth recommending.

There’s a certain intentional duality at work in the book, contrasting reality and fiction, America and the Dominican Republic, or misfit Oscar with the rest of the world. This is signalled from the beginning, with two opening quotations: one is a fine poem by Derek Walcott, and the other is “Of what import are brief, nameless lives… to Galactus??” Points to anyone who’s already identified this as the work of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in The Fantastic Four. The quote is in keeping with Oscar’s interests: he’s a geeky, overweight

by Keir Hind

boy who is obsessed with women, but can’t get near them, and consequently develops obsessions with what he typically terms ‘the more speculative genres’, devouring sci-fi and fantasy novels, movies and comic books. But he remains obsessed with women, though his chat up lines are awful – he tells one girl he’d award her ‘charisma 18’ in a role playing game. As a counterpoint to this, the narrator of the book is Yunior, Oscar’s some-time roommate who portrays himself as a ‘typical’ Dominican male, with a string of girlfriends. Diaz gradually reveals through the course of the book why Yunior takes what seems an uncharacteristic interest in Oscar and his family.

The story of Oscar’s family members constantly coming to grief takes up a large part of the novel, evidence of what Yunior sees as ‘fuku’, a curse on Dominicans. This arrived with Columbus and messed up their world, and Yunior (and perhaps Diaz) sees fuku personified in the 20th century by the dictator Rafael Trujillo, who casts a large shadow over the island’s recent history. The last 80 or so years of this history is explained in some detail here, often in lively and informative footnotes.

If only it stayed in footnotes, because it’s a tale of woe, and the sorry situation on the island can’t but affect the characters in the book.

There’s a history lesson smuggled into this story – and it’s as fascinating as it is grim.

This state of affairs informs Oscar’s geekiness too. “In my youth” Junot Diaz has said, “the only people who really seemed to be interested in exploring dictator-like figures were the fantasy and science fiction writers, the comicbook artists.” And he’s let this influence the style of the novel, allowing him to show how Yunior and Oscar are able to begin to perceive

JUNOT DIAZ

the likes of Trujillo, ‘our Sauron, our Arawn, our Darkseid, our Once and Future Dictator, a personage so outlandish, so perverse, so dreadful that not even a sci-fi writer could have made his ass up.’

And so we have a book where the author somehow ties up the history of the Dominican Republic with the tragedy of one Dominican family, bound up by writing informed with

references that run the gamut from Akira to Zardoz. Junot Diaz pulls it all off superbly, writing with a finely weighted type of Spanish-tinged English which is constantly entertaining. Simply put, it’s one of the best books we’ve ever been sent.

THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO IS OUT IN LARGEFORMAT PAPERBACK ON 21 FEBRUARY, COVER PRICE £12.99.

REVIEWS AUTOFICTION

BY HITOMI KANEHARA

rrrr Hitomi Kanehara has a c o nf i de n c e in her writing that belies her years. Af ter d r o p p in g o u t of school aged 11 and leaving home as a teenager, Kanehara sent her stories via email to her literary translator father who aided her in the editing process. The outcome was the release of her first book, Snakes and Earrings, which won her the coveted Akutagawa Prize at the age of 21. Auto Fiction, her second work to be published in English, takes the reader backwards through the life of a girl called Rin, giving some reasoning for her emotional instability and her intense need to be loved. Kanehara unravels the story, a dark and affecting Tokyo-set tale, with amazing fluidity, drawing the reader into the turbulent past of this troubled young woman. The story is less about the events that occur and more about how they shape the main character. The setting may be bleak and adolescent, but the elegant and powerful narrative makes it easy to see why Kanehara has won such critical acclaim. Auto Fiction is a harsh but touching tale, and it is utterly impossible to put down - there’s

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no escaping the fact that, even in translation, Kanehara’s gritty and honest prose will get under your skin. [Rebecca Isherwood] RELEASE DATE: 8 FEB. PUBLISHED

BY VINTAGE, COVER PRICE £6.99 PAPERBACK.

COME ON IN!

BY CHARLES BUKOWSKI

rrrr Charles Bukowski’s working methods had the same boozy directness as his poetry. With classical music playing in the background, he would drink heavily and type, sometimes cranking out several free-verse poems in an evening.

Quality control was non-existent, but the sheer amount of time spent writing allowed him to develop a uniquely engaging voice, which mixes bar-room pugnacity with comic irony, tenderness and the quiet pride of a loser made good.

Come On In! is a selection from Bukowski’s unpublished poetry made by his long-time publisher and mentor John Martin. On this evidence, there’s no-one better placed than Martin to sift through Bukowski’s prodigious and inconsistent output - the quality of the poems found here in Canongate’s

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

good-looking paperback is a credit to his ability as editor. Even though Bukowski seems here to be past the brawling and the sex of earlier collections (no dates of composition are given, but the themes of the collection - impending death, fame, his own legacy as a poet - suggest these are late works), the poems are still defiantly unrefined, funny and wise. Come On In! is mainly for fans, but for those readers who aren’t familiar with his work, it’s a pretty good place to start too. [Michael Gallagher] OUT NOW, PUBLISHED BY CANONGATE, COVER PRICE £12.99

CRAP GHOSTS

BY GAVIN INGLIS

rrrr Cr ap Ghosts, as its name suggests, is a collection of s h o r t s to r i e s based around the theme of i n e p t h a u n tings by inadequate spooks. These are the kind of ghosts who really were late for their own funerals. Up-andcoming author Gavin Inglis blends Scottish humour with slightly surreal twist-in-the-tale yarns – imagine Rab.C.Nesbitt wandering into an episode of The Twilight Zone as directed by Salvador Dali. It’s a unique approach that produces

original results - not many books would include a scene with a man wrestling a possessed vacuum cleaner whilst wearing nothing but tartan boxer shorts. Inglis specialises in flash fiction - short stories of less than a thousand words. The trouble with humorous flash fiction is that it can have more in common with funny wedding speech anecdotes than fully realised narratives.

Crap Ghosts suffers from this at times. This said, Inglis is blessed with the sort of spot-on comic timing that’s given to few wedding speakers, and there are some real gems – his pastiche of ancient Chinese folklore, for instance, is inspired. While not for everyone, this first collection from independent publishers Skeleton Press will appeal to anyone who’s ever wished that Christopher Brookmyre would write a really good ghost story.

[Debbie Martin] OUT NOW, PUBLISHED BY SKELETON PRESS, COVER PRICE £5.00 PAPERBACK.

THE DELEGATES’ CHOICE

BY IAN SANSOM

rrrr Crime writers seem to be either in the habit of over-romanticising their detective (see Quentin Jardine) or going too far in the opposite direction (see Ian Rankin). Sansom’s hero Israel Armstrong falls into the latter category. And despite his depression, both apparent and un-

derstandable throughout the story of his haphazard journey to find his stolen mobile library van, this novel is incredibly funny. Poor Israel.

What a miserable life he does lead.

Stuck in the cultural wasteland that is Tumdrum, Northern Ireland, with the old-fashioned and aggressive Ted as a companion, he longs for his old life in London. However, when he finally does get to return to his old life, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. And that’s before the van goes missing. Sansom’s writing is sharp, pacey and full of laugh-outloud moments. It’s impossible not to snort with laughter when Israel and Ted meet a group of new age travellers or, as Ted calls them, a ‘bunch of work-shy, drug-using poke-shakings’. Snor ting with laughter is a habitual hazard with this novel, as Ted, Israel and sometimes even Israel’s mum bicker and snipe their way around England.

It’s a clever book, and an easy, enjoyable read. [Sarah Hunter] OUT NOW, PUBLISHED BY HARPER PERRENIAL, COVER PRICE £7.99

THE POISON THAT FASCINATES

BY JENNIFER CLEMENT

rrr Emily is obsessed with saints and serial killers. She sees no contradiction in

this. To her, the world is divided into those who exist in extremity, and those who don’t. Mexico City is viewed through her eyes as a metropolis splattered with blossom and blood. In her third novel Jennifer Clement continues to explore the theme of family secrets amongst the Mexican bourgeois.

Emily and her family appear respectable, yet circle around the idea of transgression like bull tamers in a ring. Likewise, Clement circles her own plot before pouncing – the characters drift so lightly towards narrative climax that the reader is kept guessing. Is this a tale of first love, or something darker? Clues lie in corners like the petals Emily collects, and the resolution is genuinely shocking, yet somehow inevitable. Clement moves easily through shades of light and dark - lovers picnic near scenes of ancient murder, and humour bleeds into death. If the novel has one flaw it is the way that Emily is written – never fully fleshed-out as a character so it’s hard to connect with her. Despite this Clement is an exceptional writer, and in her hands a story that could have easily descended into soap-ish melodrama appears truly fresh and original. [Debbie Martin] OUT NOW, PUBLISHED BY CANONGATE, COVER PRICE £10.99

BOOKS

GAMES The Ministry Of Gaming:

Happy Birthday

by Richard Dennis

WITH A LARGE ROOM FULL OF GLISTENING PC SCREENS PUMPING OUT THE LIKES OF CRYSIS WITH EASE, A DECENT SELECTION OF PC GAMES BOTH OLD AND NEW AND A CONSISTENT INTERNET CONNECTION ON TAP, THE MINISTRY OF GAMING COULD BE ANDROID HEAVEN Birthdays are an important time. They are a chance to pause, take stock, think about your life so far and the endless possibilities ahead. And also have a massive party. This is important.

The Ministry of Gaming, Edinburgh’s only LAN gaming centre, is well aware of this and so, to mark it’s second year on this planet, manager Craig Brown is planning – rather appropriately - a ‘Big Massive Party’ from 8-10 February.

Located at the Lothian Road end of Bread Street, The Ministry of Gaming is home to 28 gaming PCs, 4 general use PCs and an Xbox360. Craig admits that no one really plays on the 360, and this is primarily a place of PC gaming. And with a large room full of glistening PC screens pumping out the likes of Crysis with ease, a decent selection of PC games both old and new and a consistent internet connection on tap, is a pretty fair representation of Android Heaven.

The party kicks off on Friday the 8th with free gaming all weekend and tournaments where gamers can go head-to-head in solo deathmatch on Unreal Tournament 3, work together to capture those pesky flags in Team Fortress 2, blow up half the world in Call of Duty 4 while making ‘tsssk’ noises and shouting random military call-signs into the headsets, or just leg it through the labs of Aperture Science as quickly as possible in Portal, all for big prizes, including a free Counterstrike server for a month.

During the rest of the year The Ministry of Gaming is open from 10am-10pm MondaySaturday and 10am-8pm on Sunday, with prices from £2.50 per hour for gaming. There are also Student Wednesdays where valid student cards get discounts and deals; a

scheme that Craig is keen on making better soon.

Every Friday there’s a tournament that starts at 7.30pm, at the moment a Call of Duty 4 four-week ladder league is in action.

These tournaments aren’t for the weakfingered either. A semi-retired European and UK Unreal Tournament champion plays at the Ministry, as do professional Counterstrike players and Team Auxilia, a pro team who are using the Ministry as boot camp for a week in February. It’s worth going along just to see how brain-meltingly good some people can be at these games.

There’s also a Fight Club which is talked about in hushed tones and only happens occasionally; an all-night frag marathon that starts at 11.30pm and lasts till the morning or the last person drops. Usual Fight Club rules apply. So I may be in trouble.

It’s not all about trying to avoid getting pwned by a bullet in the head though. By far the most popular game is World of Warcraft which is played by about 75% of customers.

The Ministry has its own guild for those who want to play the game with local people, which can make those trickier endgame instances more enjoyable and with the Wrath of the Lich King expansion pack coming out this year along with a whole host of other MMORPGs it’s a great time to get involved.

Head down to the Ministry of Gaming and you’ll find a PC gaming community inhabited by friendly and helpful people. With its first birthday coming up, now is a great time to experience intense high-end PC gaming with others.

BREAD STREET, EDINBURGH THE MINISTRY OF GAMING EILIDH BAXTER

WWW.TMOG.CO.UK

REVIEWS GEOMETRY WARS: GALAXIES (MIDWAY)

rrr Psychedelic, retro, addictive Geometry Wars summed up in three words.

The cover certainly conveys the psychadelic element, but not the genius of the simple-yet-addictive gameplay. There is a danger here that those of us who who have not fought a Geometry War before might pass by. Do so at your peril.

This is a true retro revival harking back to the days of Asteroids.

Taking your spaceship across many galaxies the aim is to simply survive as long as possible and rack up a massive score. Endless waves of neon wireframe nasties pour into each level and all move in geometric fashion (that’s mathematically to

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REALPLAY GOLF rrrr

OMEGA FIVE S i d e s c r o l l i n g s h o ote r s h ave been done to death, but none add so much variety to the mix as Hudson’s impeccable Omega Five.

Ditching space ships in favour of zany characters riding jet packs, this is a breath of fresh air into an ageing genre. With virtually no story but reams of action, this is a treat.

Choosing either lingerie-clad Ruby or four-armed alien Tempest you travel the galaxy blowing up everything in sight. It looks fantastic too, with the best Live Arcade graphics to date as hulking 3D battleships do battle in the background. Controls are simple so you don’t get confused contending with the thousands of onscreen bullets swarming towards you with left stick for movement and the right for fire.

OUT NOW ON WII/DS

Let’s get something straight. I’m no Tiger Woods. I’m bad at Golf, on every level. So naturally the idea of playing it in secret, without having to sojourn into the vast green putting wastes only to embarrass myself, appeals. There are a fair few golfing games out there, but most can’t boast putting an actual swing into the gameplay. As part of the REALPLAY range, this comes with a wireless controller, in this case a midget golf club to swing around.

Which apart from a sporadic failure to connect to the PS2 works really well. The controls are amazingly intuitive and with a little practice even a ten-thumb fool like me managed to chip my way out of sandpits and come in under par on most of the courses. Added to this a level of re-playability and it shapes up as one of the best golf games around.

(Graeme Strachan)

RRP £29.99

OUT NOW ON PS2

WWW.GEOMETRYWARSGALAXIES.COM

RRP £39.99

you and I) so you need to think one step ahead if you are going to last long in this game.

Enemies drop currency called Geoms and these can be spent on unlocking new planets or adding upgrades to your security drone.

This new drone is a robot buddy that follows you around and attacks enemies to give you support and the genius here is in the tactical edge. For example you can use a sniper drone in a wide level to make use of its superior firing range or use a ramming drone to headbutt close enemies in tighter areas. They level up and become smarter with each play and this element will have you hooked as will adding a few hundred on to your best high score.

The hidden depth and addictive nature will have you playing well into summer and beyond in what is finetuned retro bliss. [Dave Cook]

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(HUDSON SOFT)

rrrr

Each of the characters and the three unlockables have varied attack methods so all of them make for quite different experiences. Ruby

has three upgradable weapons and a satellite that can be thrown and latched onto enemies, while Tempest has more devastating weapons but less defense.

It’s Japanese-esque image and abstract nature will put off some gamers but there is a real challenge here and one that wont get old fast.

Replay value is awesome thanks to the superb hidden characters such as samurai grandmaster Sensei and

his sword swipes and throwing star attacks.

With more technical clout than any other online release this the jewel in Live Arcade’s crown. Just overlook the weird appearance and you should see why it’s the best thing since Geometry Wars. (Dave Cook) XBOX LIVE ARCADE 800 POINTS WWW.HUDSONENTERTAINMENT.COM/ GAMEDETAIL.PHP?GAME_ID=97

OMEGA FIVE

GAMES

ART EDITORIAL This month we present an insight into the creative processes of illustrator Andrew Rae, in an interview that should provide a meditation on what it is to be a professional visual artist. I hope it will give some comfort and indeed inspiration to the many people trying to find their way in the post art school world.

February sees the year beginning in earnest for Scotland's art scene.

Talbot Rice and The Embassy have already opened their doors on exciting new shows by Alan Michael and Mike Chavez-Dawson respectively, while GRV have upped the ante with a programme of ambitious exhibitions and one-off nights of art and music to get us out the house in the dark days of the Scottish Winter. Craig Mulholland looks set to dominate the month in Glasgow, with shows in both Sorcha Dallas and GSA being supplemented by a film screening and talk in the GFT. With most of the major galleries opening shows in the course of the month, February should contain plenty to motivate and inspire in the run up to Spring.

✹

TOP

5

EVENTS

#1 GRANDES ET PETITES MACHINES: CRAIG MULHOLLAND SORCHA DALLAS, GSA, GFT. GLASGOW.

Multimedia, multi venue exhibition exploring the ethical implications of contemporary developments in information theory and technology.

#2 ARTUR ZMIJEWSKI COLLECTIVE GALLERY, EDINBURGH. 9 FEB-22 MAR

Polish artist's video work is accompanied by a 'Polish - Scottish Cultural Stimulation' programme of events.

#3 NATIONAL REVIEW OF LIVE ARTS TRAMWAY, GLASGOW

Month long programme of events and performances exploring the boundaries and the in-betweens of art, performance, dance, and theatre.

#4 BIOMIMETIC SPECTRA

ATTICSALT, EDINBURGH. 9 FEB-15 MAR 'Hortisculpturist' Mairi Gillies presents us with a visually dazzling array of meticulously constructed assemblages which inhabit the line between art and science.

Andrew Rae:

Of Beasts & Machines Andrew Rae's illustrations will be recognisable from a wide variety of media including MTV ads, TV's Monkey Dust, and his own book 'Of Beasts and Machines'. London-based, he works as a commercial illustrator both freelance and within the Peepshow collective. He is currently showing at Recoat gallery with a selection of prints and a specially-made mural. Leigh Pearson caught up with him when he came up to hang the show to talk about creativity, the nature of art, and Where's Wally.

HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR WORK FITS INTO A GALLERY SPACE?

[Exhibiting]'s never really been an intention of mine, as a commercial illustrator. But within our collective we've always made a point of doing exhibitions, mostly as a way to produce self-motivated work. If you're working for clients they're often pushing you in directions you don't necessarily want to go in. A gallery exhibition's a way to break away from that. Once people see the exhibitions, it can influence the [commercial] work you get as well. It's a weird one, though. How the art world looks on illustrators - they're not very impressed.

WHAT SORT OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU WANT TO CREATE FOR THE VIEWER WITHIN THE GALLERY?

I don't want people to come away feeling cheated and confused, I guess. As an illustrator you're trying to create work for a wider audience rather than for an elite, as you may as a fine artist. I'm not trying to be exclusive - I guess I see myself as halfway between a writer and an artist, which is why there's quite often text in my drawings. You can read them. Most of my illustrations tend to have a fairly simple point you can take away from them.

I WANTED TO ASK YOU ABOUT YOUR MTV POSTER. IT REMINDED ME OF WHERE'S WALLY ...

Well I did actually address that. There's a kind of Where's Wally character down the bottom getting beat up. There's definitely a slight similarity there. But at the same time, it's not the same in terms of the creative process.

With Where's Wally every character's quite simple and the whole thing's done in one go (I suppose. I don't actually know how they do that.) Whereas I tend to do each character individually and then put it into the computer.

Each character's drawn about so big [indicates the size of an A4 page] cos when I draw them smaller I'm never happy with the way they come out.

#5 THE REMARKABLE APPERCEPTION: MIKE CHAVEZ-DAWSON

EMBASSY GALLERY, EDINBURGH. UNTIL 10 FEB Culmination of a month-long residency that takes the form of installation and video, following an opening night gig in the GRV.

IS THERE A CERTAIN SET OF CONDITIONS THAT MAKES YOU FEEL MOST INSPIRED?

I've been thinking about that lately, actually.

When I first started working I was at home on my own generally, and now I work in a studio with nine other people [in the Peepshow collective]. It's interesting trying to fit working into a working day; to try and get home for dinner and so on. It's getting to the point now where I'm wanting to force myself out of the studio, get some time to think. I'm quite a late night sort of person, I think a lot of creative people are. I also tend to put work off a bit at the start, until I feel I have to do it, then once I'm going I can't stop until I realise I'm hungry or something.

DO YOU LOOK AT OTHER ILLUSTRATORS' WORK AT ALL?

I kind of try not to, to be honest. I kind of feel like it's too small a pool. There's so much more out there to see. I find with students now (I've been doing some teaching), they'll be really clued up about illustration, but they don't seem to look much further beyond that. You need to be reading, and watching films and…

Everything has to go into it.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ALL THESE ILLUSTRATION BOOKS BEING PUBLISHED?

I have mixed feelings about it. Some of them are done well, some aren't. I don't like it when people order the work by what looks similar.

You get people looking at it going 'who did that first?', people lying about the date they did stuff… There's also an issue as an illustrator, with people giving their work to publishers for free. Prices for illustration are going down, and part of the reason for that is people being prepared to work for less, or for nothing, and there comes a point where, as a professional, you shouldn't do that. It's like socialism really; you all have to club together and make sure that doesn't happen. But equally, when you're starting out you have to get stuff published to make a name for yourself. And that can mean working for free. It's a difficult one, we need to find a balance.

FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? ANDREW RAE MAIRI GILLIES

26

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

Publishing a book. More work with Peepshow.

It's also important to just make time to do my own work. It takes time, and it's important to remember that.

ART

@ MARY MARY

rr

AN OCCULT ALTAR TO INHERITED MODERNIST FORMULATIONS Hamilton’s ‘Composition with crab’ with Kratz’s ‘Pussy Painting’ is an example of the rough formulation of the work in this show; the traditional formal qualities of sculpture and painting holding in place an emptiedout and debased performed presence for the viewer. Hamilton’s composition is a tyre with a mannequin leg outstretched from the side of it as if provocatively nuzzling around a door.

On top of the tyre sits a plaster hand with a capsule resting in between its two fingers, a playful and pathetic emulation of two legs and a semi-erect penis. Completing the crude joke is a crab sitting on top of a tube resembling a classical column, emanating from which is a fishy smell. On the wall behind, Kratz’s Pussy Painting reduces the literal and allegorical transcendence of the picture plane by Lucio Fontana’s cut canvasses to a roughly painted vaginal opening appearing through swathes of expressionist marks reminiscent of bodily fluid.

The two sculptural compositions sitting in front of the two paintings in this first room seem to speak for painting and sculpture in general they are announced as painting + sculpture, an occult altar to inherited modernist formulations. These works rely on staging the formal qualities of their media to play out either a dystopian joke or sexualised dramatisation of the act of the viewer’s consumption. The viewer is left with painting and sculpture as cultural objects that perform their effective critical and productive boundaries as pre-determined facts.

Critically aware but not hopeful or inventive in aspiration. [Darren Rhymes] MARY MARY, GLASGOW WWW.MARYMARYGALLERY.CO.UK

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

ART

ANTHEA HAMILTON RICHARD BOX & THOMAS KRATZ @THE GRV

rr

A FULL-ON, NO DISTRACTIONS ENCOUNTER WITH BOX’S COLLECTION Edinburgh’s newest contemporary arts and media centre, the GRV, is currently showing work by the Bristol-based artist Richard Box. Best known for his 2002 large scale light installation ‘Field’, this exhibition comprises of five individual works using light. The minimal white box of a room that housed the pieces is probably as far away as you could get from the open vista that was home to ‘Field’. However, it provides the viewer with a full-on, no distractions encounter with Box’s collection. I have to say, I would have been happy with a little distraction. My disappointment kicked in early. The first stop, ‘Burger’ 2007, was actually quite quirky – a

polystyrene box in which sat a sesame bap enclosing a burger made of neon lights. The pink neon lights of ‘6 metre spool’ did nothing to lift my disappointment. The purity of the space was perfect for each piece, the vivid neon lights punched out through the blank room, but this alone was not enough to fill in the gaps. I left feeling none the wiser and wholeheartedly disappointed. [Jennifer Fenton]

THE GRV, EDINBURGH UNTIL FEB 15

BURGER

WWW.THEGRV.COM

BP PORTRAIT AWARD

rr THE CONSERVATIVE NATURE OF THE SELECTION HAS BECOME PREDICTABLE Just as this prestigious annual competition can be relied on to deliver a crowd-pleasing touring exhibition, the conservative nature of the selection has become equally predictable.

There’s talent in abundance of course, but you’ll find precious few risks being taken, least of all by the judges, whose predilection towards straightforward, front-on photorealism has led to uninspiring winners in both the general and young artist categories. In all honesty, the technical and compositional similarity of much of the work is disappointing, but thankfully there is some genuine imagination to be found here. Emmanouil Bitsakis’s compact double portrait exerts a strange hold over the viewer, suggesting both the sinister and the sublime, whilst its unusual formal qualities seem

even more delightful when juxtaposed with the prosaic efforts with which it shares wall space. Other pictures that leap off the wall include Man Staring by Maryanne AytounEllis, her spontaneous, liquid brushstrokes producing an image of monumental presence that stands in contrast to the rather laboured feel of much of the other work. The exhibition is worth taking in just to see Miriam Escofet’s show-stopping portrait of her father Jose – an image that proves mastery of technique need not necessarily predicate dreary realism. It’s a lesson that the judges of this competition would do well to learn. [Jay Shukla] SCOT TISH NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY, EDINBURGH UNTIL 27 APRIL. FREE. WWW.NPG.ORG.UK/LIVE/BP

MICHAEL SIMPSON BY PAUL EMSLEY

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

27

SOUNDS Life to Black Francis EDITORIAL

Besides the revelation that Black Francis has fallen for the Borg (see Darren Carle’s surreal interview with the legendary Pixies front man thattaway ), there’s not much opportunity for Cupid to work his magic on this issue’s cast of characters come the 14th. It seems everybody’s just too busy for lovin’…

John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats is all wrapped up in horror films, while Cedric and Omar from the Mars Volta say they’re recovering from the experience of living in one for the last year. Yan from British Sea Power and Ira of Yeasayer are all about a different kind of passion – one’s an admirer of pigeons while the other has a haggis in his crosshairs.

Better that than smack though, eh? Then we’ve got up-and-coming Welsh troupe Los Campesinos!, too involved in the challenge of top scoring some computer game to care about romantic patter. Likewise, former Sugar/ Hüsker Dü man Bob Mould is preoccupied with remixing Interpol tunes and finding the mean between guitars and electronics.

Calling in the more rock ‘n’ roll reasons to deny the cherub-chopped god of love, The Duke Spirit are trying to break on through (to the other side) and Dylan Carlson’s drone pioneers, Earth, are putting out an incredible new LP and playing it live in Glasgow this month.

Sounds salutes them all, whatever the endeavour, but Barry White’s gonnae be spinning in his grave. /Dave

✹

A MUSO’S

TOP 10

AESOP ROCK

Ian Bavitz: “On my short breaks between tours I’ve been dying to make new music, so I fit in what I can.

I produced a remix for Del’s next record, did vocals for 2 songs on DJ Signify’s next record, remixed and rapped on a song off the next Mountain Goats album, worked on beats for myself and my crew, started writing a collaboration with Tobacco (of Black Moth Super Rainbow) and conducted some interviews for Juxtapoz, and the Citrus Report (a new online mag I’m going to write for). I’m really looking forward to this touring ending so I can go full speed on the creative end of things.”

Amidst the breakfast clatter and the various children vying for his attention, Charles (let’s just call him Frank from here on in, eh?) emerges slightly dazed and confused.

“I’m multi-tasking here, I’m really sorry,” he begins before quantifying it as a particularly male form of multi-tasking. “I’m literally talking into my coffee and trying to sip my telephone!”

With a fi fth child on the way, Black’s ability to carry out two simple tasks at once will no doubt be stretched even more. However, his prolificacy in fatherhood seems to be matched by that in the studio. Last year, when asked to provide an ‘obligatory new track’ for his Frank Black retrospective, he emerged with the eleven track concept album, Bluefinger, based on the life and work of Dutch artist Herman Brood.

Then, when a b-side was required for one of the singles, Black knocked out mini-album, Svn Fngrs, due for release in March. It was written, recorded and produced in six days with the artwork following on the seventh.

“In a way, having a family has brought on the increased activity because I have less time to do it,” he explains, now sounding more focused.

“I’ve always enjoyed working in a sort of haphazard, fl ippant kind of fashion - the thrill of doing it on the fly. And now that I’ve got kids I’m doing it on the fly all the time,” he laughs before continuing with a deadpan monologue: “I’ve got a session booked on Friday. I better write some songs on Monday. Shit! It’s Thursday night and I still haven’t written any fucking songs. I go pick up an acoustic guitar, I strum a couple of chords, I say OK, there are my chords for tomorrow, then I just do it.”

However, Frank isn’t alone in juggling his musical and parental responsibilities. In Violet Clark he not only has a wife but also a talented and intuitive bass player. “Violet needed half a day or whatever to play the bass. She didn’t even know the songs. I was just like ‘OK I’ll take the kids, I’ll drop you off at the studio and you go play bass for a while!’”

“This method is really risky,” he concedes, “but I ended up with seven (songs) that I really thought were good, and I was like ‘OK screw it, it’s a mini-album’. I think this has helped in terms of getting a release because the record company isn’t quite so up in arms, like ‘Oh God you just put out a record’. It’s a different kind of thing - a smaller portion.”

IAN BAVITZ (AESOP ROCK)

To add intrigue to it all, both Bluefinger and Svn Fngrs were recorded under the Black Francis moniker. Previously the domain of his tenure with the Pixies, it has understandably raised eyebrows and expectations from fans.

So, why resurrect the decades-old alter ego now?

#1. Black Moth Super Rainbow - Sun Lips #2. EPMD - For My People #3. Clipse - Ride Around Shinin’ #4. Tom Waits - Little Drop of poison #5. Cage - Blood Boy #6. Freeway feat. Jay-Z - Big Spender #7. Mos Def - True Magic #8. Rhe Mountain Goats - Lovecraft in Brooklyn #9. Kimya Dawson - The Competition #10. Rob Sonic - Teeth Eat Her AESOP ROCK PLAYS THE VOODOO ROOMS, EDINBURGH ON 4 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/AESOPROCKWINS

28

AT TIMES HE HAS BEEN FRANK BLACK, AT OTHERS, BLACK FRANCIS. HOWEVER, WHEN DARREN CARLE PATCHES IN A CALL TO THE ERSTWHILE PIXIES FRONTMAN AT HIS HOME IN EUGENE, OREGON, HE IS SIMPLY CHARLES THOMPSON, DUTIFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER OF FOUR

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

“I guess just to kind of reclaim it or something, y’know? I always have been Black Francis. I mean, Black Francis, Frank Black, who gives a shit, whatever! It’s just a name, y’know, but there’s the association, of course, with my former band with the Black Francis moniker.”

Indeed there is, but those with their hearts set on a future Pixies project should probably avert their eyes now. “The band did a successful reunion tour but that kind of fizzled out,” he says before defi nitively adding, “They’re not going to make a record.”

It’s a statement that will end years of speculation and hope. Even in his words there is a feeling of disassociation already, and it is clear that he doesn’t want to elaborate on the reasons why. However, aspersions will no doubt

BLACK FRANCIS

be cast on his temperamental relationship with Pixies bassist Kim Deal. In fact, when The Skinny last spoke to Black in mid-2006, a new Pixies album seemed to be on the cards.

Although, perhaps tellingly, he stated that the fi nal decision lay with Deal who, due to other commitments, wasn’t interested at the time. It would seem that in the interim a more defi nitive decision has been made.

However, he is eager to make it clear that this no longer disappoints him. “I’m kind of glad. I’ve tapped into some kind of new space as a result,” he claims. “I can’t give the world the Pixies but I’ll give them Black Francis, whatever that symbolises. I’m trying to just not fight it. I’m not trying hard at any of this.

I’m trying to be really relaxed. I’m just kind of ‘using the force’.”

Whatever has brought him to this plateau, be it an exponential rate-of-increase of the Thompson clan, the dissolution of one of rock’s greatest and most influential bands, or quasireligious mythology from a sci-fi fi lm franchise, it certainly seems to have re-invigorated not only his musical output, but also the subjects he is dealing with.

“It’s about the concept of the demigod,” he states, returning somewhat swiftly to his new mini-album, Svn Fngrs. “The woman who lies with the man and then within the same evening, lies with a God. It’s the mixture of the two seeds which creates this kind of demigod character. It’s a ménage-a-trois. To me it’s fairly sexy. There’s a lusty, sexy thing running through the demigod concept.” Each to their own, we say, but he’s not fi nished fantasising yet.

“The song I Sent Away is about alternate sex fetish robots,” he states somewhat coolly.

Sorry!? “ASFRs are very specific in their… lusts, shall we say,” he continues, seemingly

unabated by The Skinny’s mild alarm. “The fantasy (of the ASFR) is to have sexual relations with an android, someone who is not entirely human, that is part machine. I mean anyone can kind of go there I suppose. You or I could go there without too much effort,” he states matter-of-factly.

He may have been bumbling Charles Thompson when we fi rst started chatting, but it seems Black Francis and his dark, twisted visions are never too far away. We can only assume that the kids are no longer in earshot.

Back in the real world, and not one that resembles a deleted sex scene from Blade Runner, Black is about to embark on a European tour promoting his new Black Francis material. On top of this he will also be performing what he has termed ‘pre-cores’, as an alternative to encores. Through the blackfrancis.net website, fans can suggest locations for Frank to play solo before his shows, with the added promise of taking requests for Pixies songs.

“Yeah, I’m going to do one in Glasgow. I just haven’t figured out where yet,” he admits. “I’m just gonna show up with my acoustic guitar at whatever street corner. I’ve even invited people to suggest their homes or apartments.”

Fancy a bona fide rock legend cracking out some classic tunes, at your request, in the comfort of your own living room? For a man effortlessly balancing his domestic and rock star lifestyles, he’ll surely feel as right at home as you.

BLACK FRANCIS PLAYS THE GARAGE, GLASGOW ON 10 FEB SVN FNGRS IS RELEASED ON 3 MARCH VIA COOKING VINYL LIKE THE IDEA OF FRANK BASHING OUT SOME PIXIES NUMBERS FOR YOUR OWN DELECTATION? GO TO WWW.BLACKFRANCIS.NET AND GET YOUR SUGGESTIONS IN.

SOUNDS

SOUNDS

Live Music

by Fraser Thompson

EVEN LYRICS THAT SEEM TO BE SO SIMPLE PROBABLY TOOK HOURS, NAY, DAYS TO WRITE

5 FREE SONGS YOU CAN LEGALLY DOWNLOAD, LISTEN TO AND LOVE

BY SEAN MICHAELS 1. THE MAIN DRAG ALL MY FRIENDS LCD Soundsystem's All My Friends was one of the finest songs of last year, strident and funky and shot through with a sage thirtysomething sentimentality. Here the Main Drag ditch the piano and instead grab every instrument in the studio: guitars, synths, strings, glockenspiel, a choir of pals. It's too late for this cover to have rung in your 2008, but there's always New Year's Eve 2009.

DOWNLOAD AT: WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEMAINDRAG

2. NEW RUINS - SHIPS Like The National, New Ruins are a band for the late, late night: the hour after last call when you're trying to stick it out just a little longer. "Ships" runs and tumbles but there's a stagger in its stride, a smear in its vision. Rock music running all the way home to bed.

D O W N L O A D AT: W W W. PA R A S O L . C O M / L A B E L S / HIDDENAGENDA/AHA087.ASP

3. WHITE HINTERLAND DREAMING OF THE PLUM TREES Even by another name, Casey Dienel still sings so sweet. The Brooklyn balladeer is back with a new moniker and her Joni Mitchell stuff is looser here, lighter, shot through with the swing & blossom of Vince Guaraldi.

I recently received a text from a listener to my Weekender show that said “Hey M8, play H8.”

Friendly enough, but being of the generation that learnt to speak English properly, it took me a while to decipher this as “Excuse me, my good man, could you possibly play the new tune by the Plain White Tees, ‘Hate’”. It got me thinking, which regular readers may know is a bad, bad thing.

As a failed musician – a subject for a future column – I know the trials and tribulations of writing a good song. Sadly, the tunes could never flow from my head. But lyrics? They’re much more my thing. I reckon that, given time, I could certainly write something that may not be Dylan, but could certainly be a passable Take That song. But to write a truly great song that speaks to people in the way that my heroes do takes something special.

Even lyrics that seem to be simple probably took hours, nay, days to write. I’m thinking of Feeder here – I’ve been listening to them a lot recently and I’ve noticed that while Grant Nicholas can write a gem of a pop song, on closer inspection, the lyrics – well, let’s just say he ain’t no Keats. That said, I imagine a lot of time and effort went into writing “I’m going out tonight / So I can get high / With my friends.” It certainly took enough effort not to be liberally translated by the text friendly generation into “I’m gng out 2nite so I cn gt hi with my m8’s.”

So, I sat and thought about some of the greatest songs of all time. Songs that mean something to people. Songs like W/E by Oasis, or BTW by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Then I thought about lyrics, strings of words that can read like life-affi rming poetry. And yes, I bastardized them so the yoof of today could understand them. See how you get on with these gems:

Highlights

by Ted Maul

ART BRUT? FUCK IT, YOU’LL BE DRUNK...

EDINBURGH

GLASGOW

OKKERVIL RIVER playing the intimate confines of Cabaret Voltaire sounds a bit special doesn’t it? We certainly think so, so best snap up your tickets for this gig on 3 Feb while you can. Will Sheff is clearly one of the most talented songwriters around at the moment, and his band are equally capable of stirring up intimate atmospheres or driving walls of gorgeous melody.

They’re known for giving their all during their live performances, so you’ve got no reason to miss this.

DROPKICK MURPHYS get things off to a hard drinking, foot-stomping start in Glasgow with a gig at the Barrowland on 2 Feb. Their ‘celtic punk’ image may sound like a gimmick on paper but their gigs are pretty full throttle affairs, and with bagpipes and accordion on standby this could be a right old knees up.

Parisian lounge legends NOUVELLE VAGUE sidle into the Queens Hall on 10 Feb for what is sure to be a unifying, must see happening for post-ironic chin-strokers and tasteless wankers alike. For the uninitiated, NV play post-punk covers in the bossa-nova style – their cover of the DK’s Too Drunk to Fuck is simultaneously laughable and incomprehensibly awesome at the same time. A weird, wonderful night is assured.

Ayr’s finest, FROG POCKET, dishes up something a little different with a set at 13th Note Cafe on 7 Feb. Incorporating breakneck beats, and live instrumentation including fiddle, this Planet Mu-signed one-man orchestra is Scotland’s best kept secret. Fresh, inventive and absurdly talented, this is one for the diary.

ART BRUT probably like Nouvelle Vague, dabbling as they do in ironic vocals and swaggering, head-nodding compositions – they play The Hive on 11 Feb. Ok, so Eddie Argos’ out-of-key, contrapuntal lyrical deliveries might be a little too William Shatner for comfort, but fuck it, you’ll be drunk and you can still dance to it.

Love them or loathe them, few bands can put on a show like the SMASHING PUMPKINS, and following last year’s solid comeback gig in Glasgow, the band will be taking no prisoners in an effort to consolidate their position as one of the unmissable live acts of their generation. Expect a mega-long set, some surprising reinterpretations of old classics and lots of fuzzy guitar goodness. SECC, 12 Feb.

Glasgow’s own SONS AND DAUGHTERS play the Queens Hall on 16 Feb, in what is surely the pick of Edinburgh’s highlights. As anticipation builds around whether or not they will properly break through with forthcoming album This Gift, this gig (plus the previous night’s at ABC Glasgow) will be the chance for veteran fans to bask in the genuine, thrilling brilliance of their new material. Gonna be ace.

Quirky electronic pop act METRONOMY round things out at King Tuts on 24 Feb with a synth-heavy set of 80sstyle tunes that take influence from the likes of Devo, Kraftwerk and The Ramones. They might not be the finished article yet but this should be an interesting night out nonetheless.

'Mma, jst klld a mn'

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://DEADOCEANS.COM/MP3.PHP

'I wld go out 2nite, bt I hvnt gt a stch 2 wr' 'Am jst sttng n d dck uv d bay'

4. DIRTY PROJECTORS - NO MORE White Hinterland's label-mates the Dirty Projectors have revisited Black Flag's canonical hardcore album, Damaged, and turned it inside-out. It's been covered "from memory", which is a vague way of saying that Henry Rollins' yelling is replaced with a kind of avantr'n'b. This version of No More is all melismatic coos, backwards guitars and afrobeat filigree. It takes a few listens to figure out, but in time its nervous beauty becomes almost transcendent.

DOWNLOAD AT: HTTP://DEADOCEANS.COM/MP3.PHP

5. TIMES NEW VIKING - (MY HEAD)/R.I.P. ALLEGORY It's a song so fuzzed out that you'll think your speakers are broken, or melting, or your eardrums have come beautifully unstuck. It's punk-pop like from the dankest, gladdest basement - lo-fi as a puddle in a concrete floor, with you jumping in it.

DOWNLOAD AT: WWW.MATADORRECORDS.COM/TIMES_ NEW_VIKING/MUSIC.HTML

I did more, but time and space constrains me from polluting your brain with them. Why not have a go yourself. Write them down. It’s pretty easy; just remove most of the vowels.

Then throw it away and curse technology for making our younger generations, for want of a better word, stpd. FFS! FRASER THOMSON PRESENTS THE XFM WEEKENDER EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT 6-10PM. XFM SCOTLAND 105.7-106.1FM

SMASHING PUMPKINS THOMAS VERFAILLE

WWW.XFMSCOTLAND.CO.UK

WIN A COPY OF MONOPOLY OF BRILLIANCE COURTESY OF SOUTHERN RECORDS

No-one should need convincing of Southern’s contribution to music, this year or any other. But if you’re recently out of a coma after a neck stamping incident at a Big Black show in ‘85, then we’ll let you off and insist you listen to this awesome compilation quick-smart.

There’s a wide spectrum of music, from avant hip-hop, folk, metal and much of what fills the gaps between, and what’s more there’s a refreshing mix of big-hitters and new names. The spastic guitar of David Yow’s Qui rubs shoulders with - and is outshined by – the twitchy Zappa-esque Chrome Hoof. Sandro Perri of Polmo Polpo, who has adopted a more acoustic sound, sits nicely alongside the torch-song ache of veteran labelmate Vic Chestnut. Despite the high standard these tracks set, highlights come in the form of Northern State’s power-pop, Odd Nosdam’s spectral hip-hop, A Whisper In The Noise’s emotive fuzz and a track from the much missed Karate’s swansong live record.

Best of all, the nice folks there have given us copies of Monopoly of Brilliance to give away to 10 of you ‘orrible lot.

All you have to do to win one is emit a satisfactory response to this simple-assed non-quandary:

Who has the biggest hairdo in rock’n’roll of all time?

A) Omar Rodriguez-Lopez

B) Jimi Hendrix

C) Southern Records’ King Buzzo

Please send your answer to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by no later than 29 February 2008.

DIRTY PROJECTORS MIA FERM

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

29

S T R A TS H C Earth’s Second Sun RTSS CHARRTS ARTTS CHAARTS AR TS CH ARTS AR TS CH ARTS HARRTS CHHARTSS HA RTS C HART S CHAARTS CCHARTTS CH ARTS CHAR TS CH ARTS CHAR TS CH ARTS CHAR TS CH ARTS CHAR TS CH ARTS CHAR TS CH ARTS CHAR TS CH ARTS CHAR CH ARTS CH DYLAN CARLSON TALKS DRONE 101 WITH TOBIAS KAHN BEFORE THE LATEST INCARNATION OF THE GROUP HIT GLASGOW IN FEBRUARY Back in the early 1990s, Earth was a three piece based in Olympia, Washington, ground zero for the grunge movement. Although, despite the fact that they were signed to its championing label, Sub Pop, and Earth’s founding member Dylan Carlson had a roommate named Kurt Cobain, there was nothing grunge about the group.

MUSIC: RESPONSE TOP 10 1. ELBOW - GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE 2. THE FUTUREHEADS -

BEGINNING OF THE TWIST 3. FOO FIGHTERS - CHEER UP BOYS (YOUR MAKE UP IS RUNNING) 4. SUPERGRASS - BAD BLOOD 5. THE ENEMY - THIS SONG 6. TEAM WATER POLO - LETTING GO 7. THE HIVES - WE RULE THE WORLD 8. MYSTERY JETS - YOUNG LOVE 9. MADINA LAKE - HOUSE OF CARDS 10. COLIN MACINTYRE - STALKER

Earth 2, the band’s seminal album from this period, consists of three epic compositions – varying between 15 and 30 minutes long – that feature heavily distorted guitar drones, slow, doom-laden repeating riffs, and howling feedback. There are no vocals or drums; it’s an incredibly dark and heavy landscape that inspired a legion of bands including Sunn O))) (who in fact formed as a tribute to Earth, naming themselves after Carlson’s amplifier of choice) and Boris.

JIM GELLATLY'S X-POSURE TOP 10

1. GLASVEGAS - IT'S MY OWN

CHEATING HEART THAT MAKES ME CRY

2. MGMT - TIME TO PRETEND 3. HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR - BLIND 4. CAGE THE ELEPHANT - IN ONE EAR 5. URBNRI - YOUNG FREE AND SIMPLE 6. ATTIC LIGHTS - NEVER

By the late 90s, the band disappeared in the tumult of Carlson’s problems with drugs.

Speaking of the group’s return Carlson says, “I consider myself very lucky … most people don’t vanish for a few years and have anyone give a shit when they show back up.”

with cleaner country-tinged guitars whose beautifully sombre melodies create vast open spaces that are miles away from Earth 2.

Carlson isn’t a man to give up easily; after his long break from the musical world he devoted himself to improvement. “When I started Earth I had a definite idea of what I wanted to do,” he says, “so most of the music flowed from that. When I took my hiatus I went for a while where I wasn’t playing guitar at all for a few years, and then when I got back into it, I tried to make up for lost time and threw myself into practice and learn as much as possible.”

Listening to the steady drones and waves of feedback of Earth’s early material, it’s difficult to imagine the fragile beauty of their new music. However, this variability makes a bit more sense when Carlson lists off some of his favorite guitarists: “Tony Iommi, Bill Frisell, Jerry Reed, Steve Cropper, Cornell Dupree, Roy Buchanan, Jerry Garcia, John Cipollina, John Lee Hooker, Carlos Santana, there’s a lot of guitar players … I try to approach the instrument with a lot of humility,” he says.

Over half a decade after abandoning music, Carlson reformed the group and released Hex: Or Printing in the Infernal Method and Hibernaculum, an album of older material revisited through the prism of Hex. These albums eschew the drones and distortion of the band’s earlier incarnation and replace them

One of the members of that list, jazz guitar legend Bill Frisell, guests on Earth’s new album The Bees Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull. “He really added to the songs; it didn’t turn into ‘here’s the two minutes of the song, now take it away!’ And the other guitarist shows off for 10 minutes.”

With its focus on the melody and dynamics of the band’s post-millennial phase combined with the primal rock of 90s Earth, The Bees Made Honey in the Lions Skull could be the best thing the band has ever done. According to Carlson, “with this album, the music came fi rst and was created in more of a band environment … there’s definitely some raaar guitar tones and a little grit. It’s not super clean like Hex was. It’s a mixture of cool guitar tones.”

GET SICK OF THE SEA

7. VAMPIRE WEEKEND - A-PUNK 8. JESUS H FOXX - TIGHTT IDEAS 9. MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA - WOLVES AT NIGHT

10. THE TING TINGS - GREAT DJ

TOP 5 RECOMMENDED ALBUMS

Earth may have been at risk of becoming another obscure footnote in music history, but in 2008 they are as inspired and vital a creative force as ever.

1. ONE NIGHT ONLY - STARTED A FIRE 2. HOT CHIP - MADE IN THE DARK 3. SONS AND DAUGHTERS - THE GIFT 4. BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE

- SCREAM AIM FIRE

EARTH PLAY STEREO, GLASGOW ON 9 FEB

5. LAURA MARLING - ALAS I CANNOT SWIM

THE ALBUM, THE BEES MADE HONEY IN THE LIONS SKULL

EARTH

IS OUT ON 11 FEB VIA SOUTHERN LORD

METAL UP YOUR ASS!

by Jamie Borthwick

All too often Metal Up Your Ass has held out its arms in despair at the lack of good, well-publicised gigs going down in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee. But, by Jaga’s beard, has February 2008 fl ipped all that on its head. A bonanza of big-time headliners, underground touring bands and local stalwarts wave goodbye to the New Year pinch as the scene kicks back into full throttle action.

English ambient rockers Manatees play with Down I Go at Sleazys in Glasgow on 3 Feb and Dexter’s, Dundee the following night, and they’ll be joined by Hitcher and Le Soleil Brille at The Hive in Edinburgh on 2 Feb. Dubbed “the future of metal”, Bullet for my Valentine bring their energetic mayhem to Glasgow Academy on 3 Feb, for what’s sure to be a fun ride. Chasing in after them, fellow Jager-tourists Fightstar hit the Barrowland on 4 Feb. Leave your girlfriend at home for both of those ones then.

The Westport Bar in Dundee will be moshing to the classic metal of Brutal

Goose and Hellbound on Wednesday, 9 Feb. Dillinger Escape Plan fi nally touch down for their much-jinxed tour when they play Glasgow Cathouse on Friday, 15 Feb, with support from Between the Buried and Me and Stolen Babies.

Back in Auld Reekie, the 20th throws up melodic metal from Manchester in the form of Life Among People – support comes from Dead at the Scene and Billy Liar (The Hive). Or, if you’re up in Dundee that night, Austrian screamo mavericks Dimitrij play the Balcony Bar with Clearer the Sky. Thrashing back across to The Catty, catch Earache Records’ Londoners Biomechanical play with Madman is Absolute on Thursday 21 while back in Reekie it’s Rise With the Fallen and Firing Blanks at Studio 24 on Friday 22. Caught your breath yet? Good, because you’ll have to be up to full fitness again by Sunday 24 for hearty Welsh metal crazies Johnny Mental at The Hive with The Death of Her Money and Departures.

DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN

FRIGHTENED RABBIT WWW.KDY-SIDE.COM

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

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Halt! Los Campesinos!

AS THE INDIE ROCK BLOGOSPHERE WHOOPS ALONG TO THE CONTAGIOUS HARMONIES OF LOS CAMPESINOS!, BILLY HAMILTON SITS DOWN WITH NEIL AND TOM TO SEE HOW THEIR NERVES ARE HOLDING UP AHEAD OF THE EAGERLY AWAITED RELEASE OF THEIR DEBUT LP THIS MONTH If 2007 taught us anything, it’s that indie rock is the new pop. Whereas once it was a treasure to browse through a music rag and squint to find a 100 word blurb on some obscure snotty-nosed lot who’d just released their first 7”, it’s now commonplace to find a clutch of cherubically-cheeked, flavour-of-the-week trendsetters peering out at you from the cover of a glossy streetwise advertorial.

And here, just a month in to 2008, this insidious co-option appears to be complete.

But is it really so bad? For every splurge of Jam-aping filth like The Enemy, there’s a Foals or Tokyo Police Club lurking in the shadows, ready to redress the balance.

One band that firmly subscribes to the latter form of idiosyncratic songsmithery is Los Campesinos! Last year the Cardiff-based septet had the blogosphere whooping along to their contagious harmonies.

With three singles, two EPs and a mountain of hyperbole under their belt, you’d expect the band to be feeling the sheer weight of expectations over their first LP. However, upon sitting down with group founders Neil and Tom (rather conveniently each member goes under the surname ‘Campesinos!’) backstage before a gig at Cabaret Voltaire, it seems clear that this young ensemble of sprightly scallywags are taking the glowing plaudits in their buoyant, glockenspiel-skipping stride.

“We try not to worry about what people write about us too much – we’re just trying not to be too self conscious and get on with playing our music,” says guitarist Tom. “It’s inevitable [the press] will turn on us one day - considering how fickle the music industry is at the moment – and if that’s going to happen then we don’t really want to think about it at all right now; we just want to get out there and enjoy doing what we’re doing.”

Initially starting out in 2006 as a jam band quartet, the antithesis to what Tom describes as Cardiff’s “crap” music scene, Los Campesinos! quickly expanded its membership to capture the triumphant, jingle-symphonic

LOS CAMPESINOS

majesty that exudes from debut single We Throw Parties! You Throw Knives! Yet for a band with its roots firmly entrenched in the quaint valleys of Wales, it’s surprising to find their obtuse moniker is an ode to Spanish peasantries: “I’m a big fan of Spain and I used to speak lots of Spanish, so it’s just a word I knew from that," says guitarist/vocalist Neil. “It’s a phrase that has lots of political connotations but that’s not really a part of our sound – we’re not a politically motivated band, far from it.”

“We were throwing around names and it appealed to us both in originality and the way it sounded,” continues Tom. “The exclamation mark at the end seemed to suit the energy of the band and the music we make. When people

say Los Campesinos! we want them to shout it with enthusiasm.”

With a trilogy of infectious singles under their arm, there was certainly no shortage of enthusiasm for the band’s signature amidst UK record labels – with the home of Bloc Party, Wichita, winning the race to release the group’s forthcoming debut LP – but was there ever any temptation to ‘pull a Radiohead’ and avoid the trappings of a long-term deal in favour of the internet’s free marketeering?

“Nah, I think we are forever destined to be puppets of the music industry,” explains Tom. “With the internet it’s much easier to build an audience without a record label but for a young band like us there are still so many advantages in having label support, such as financial

backing for touring, contacts and setting you up with a support band. It depends on what you want to achieve, I guess.”

And what would Los Campesinos! like to achieve this year?

“We just want to release the album and carry on touring. I think we’re going to have to push quite a bit to pull it off live,” says Tom before Neil looks up from his lap-top and quips: “To be honest, right now we don’t have any real goals – well, apart from getting to level four on this website.”

HOLD ON NOW, YOUNGSTER ... IS RELEASED ON 25 FEB VIA WICHITA LOS CAMPESINOS! PLAY KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 14 FEB WWW.LOSCAMPESINOS.COM

Yeasayer? Aye! ALLY BROWN TALKS CHEESESTEAK VS HAGGIS WITH IRA WOLF TUTON From Talking Heads’ work with Brian Eno in the late 70s, to TV on the Radio’s kaleidoscopic anthems of the new millennium and Vampire Weekend’s 2008 afro-pop stylings, New York has a fertile and ongoing habit of merging traditionally white and black musical elements. Yeasayer is another Brooklyn band with an indiscriminate musical ear.

Bassist and singer (they all sing) Ira Wolf Tuton explains his band’s musical philosophy: “I think we’re all interested in exploring as many avenues and flavours as possible, bringing it all into the pot. We like to keep an open ear and an open eye to different sorts of tones, styles, melodies and arrangements we can use, to keep it fresh and exciting.”

Think of the rhythms and bassline of You Can Call Me Al - or anything else from Paul Simon’s Graceland – think of Fleetwood Mac, and Peter Gabriel; but insert steel drums, falsettos, chants and screams, handclaps, synths, keyboards and the apocalypse. There are guitars too of course; they’re just not as fetishised as they often are elsewhere. “It’s a mixed-bag,” Ira says. “We all have our own home studios so we all write our own music and see how the others can improve it. It’s a pretty collaborative effort, and technology makes that possible.”

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The proliferation of easily-available music is another technical advance that benefits music: informed musicians have to stretch themselves further to find originality. “It’s such an advantage to be able to so easily listen to so many different kinds of music; it’s at your fingertips all the time. I think it helps anybody to be exposed to as many things as possible.

It can only widen your horizons and help you understand other people and other things more - and to understand yourself a little bit more, who you are and where you fit in. It opens your eyes to realise how many different things you can make of yourself.”

Yeasayer have already finished their first European tour, and are set to return this month. They’re yet to play in Scotland, despite having booked a gig at the Hive in Edinburgh last November. The gig was cancelled at the last minute because two different dates had been announced, with nobody really sure when it was actually going to happen. Of course, Ira perks up when the conversation turns to The Skinny’s obligatory golden question about the nation’s indigenous food, and reveals he’s looking forward to finally making it to these shores to sample some haggis: “Anywhere we go we try to eat the specialty. In Wales we had some meat stew, it was pretty delicious. I

YEASAYER

grew up in Philadelphia where we have a very similar specialty to haggis, it’s pretty close to the cheesesteak I think.”

Whether it’s travelling the world to sample local cuisine, or browsing the net to taste international musical flavours from the comfort of a home studio, Yeasayer display an open-minded tendency to try new things, compare them, mix them all together, and sing over the results. With more touring planned, videos to be made and singles about to hit the virtual stores, All Hour Cymbals

could yet prove a 2007 sleeper that waits until this year to awake and take a stretch.

“This album is about a lot of temporal things, issues of global conflict, some mythology too. I think our second album will be more love and relationships!” Listen out then for oysters, chocolate and smooth jazz, but in the meantime rest assured: indie-rock isn’t as narrow-minded as some people seem to think.

YEASAYER PLAY KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 8 MAR ALL HOUR CYMBALS OUT NOW VIA NOW WE ARE FREE WWW.MYSPACE.COM/YEASAYER

FEBRUARY 08

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THE MARS VOLTA

killed. So, to me, what we made contact with was the spirit of two women who were under the foot of this man. Goliath is the main warden and the album serves as this metaphor for solitary confinement.”

Besides this pivotal story at the genesis of the album, the collective problems you faced during the sessions for The Bedlam in Goliath makes for a compelling read in itself. But when record labels are seen to be clambering over themselves for a new way to sell records, does it bother you at all that cynics might dismiss the whole thing as shtick and marketing gimmickry?

Omar: “This is definitely all fact; this is what happened to us. That’s the wonderful thing about the critical mind. It comes down to environment and upbringing. Being Hispanic, we come from a culture where this is accepted, so when I do an interview with someone from South America, to them it’s not a big deal. To them it’s more like ‘well, you should’ve known better.’ We grew up with Santa Ria where it’s very normal to give things to your saints, to name your departed souls and celebrate death and the spirits. But if we go to Germany and do an interview on the exact same album, we’ll find they’re much more scientific – they’ll say: ‘No, this sounds like a fairytale and we think it’s bullshit.’ And that’s fine, that’s what makes the world so interesting.

For those of us raised in a different way, we can share yet another experience.”

Omar: “Whenever you try to approach a group with this whole idea of being democratic and everybody puts in, all you end up having is one great big compromise usually, which was the

Cedric: “It’s definitely our little baby, we have the last say. We’ve found people who are cool with that and are willing to give up their talent.

Omar and I have always said that every single member in our band could start their own band and be their own leader. But, for some reason, they understand there’s something you can’t really put your finger on about working with us and the result – the process – no one gets to rehearse anything, they pretty much learn it five minutes before they go into the studio and I think sometimes they hate that. But at the end of the day there’s scope that they could overcome that struggle, because it’s one hell of an exercise in gambling. They can walk away feeling like, ’I don’t have a Mohawk, but I feel punk as fuck.’”

You’ve assembled a group of high pedigree musicians to assist you there. Does final creative control still rest with you?

Cedric: “It felt like it was a story that didn’t want to be told because it was highly unbelievable and it would perhaps be as though we were calling attention to the new criminal in town that had just moved into your neighbourhood. This is our way of going door to door.”

“THIS BAND WILL ALWAYS HAVE A HIGH TURNAROUND RATE AS FAR AS ATTRACTING AND REPELLING FANS GOES. I WOULDN’T WANT TO CATER TO THAT KIND OF DISC JOCKEY MENTALITY OF TAKING REQUESTS.” - CEDRIC BIXLER-ZAVALA The latest LP from this El Paso prog posse is one born of late night tour bus Ouija board sessions that they claim invoked spirits strong enough to cast the band’s world into chaos. Members left or suffered mental breakdowns, songs went missing and Cedric Bixler-Zavala ultimately became obsessive to the point that Omar RodríguezLópez had to steal the soothsaying ‘gift’ back and bury it in the desert. All that transcendental drama to produce what is easily one of their heaviest, most accomplished records to date these guys clearly have a taste for the weird.

You recorded your first LP [ De-loused in the Comatorium] at Harry Houdini's old ‘cursed’ house in Hollywood, which makes you no strangers to having a brush with the occult. But is the spiritual side of life something you set out to incorporate into your music by design on this particular occasion, or would you call it a force of nature?

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

Cedric: “The way I see it is that we’re trying to be journalists (in a weird way) and tell stories that aren’t acceptable to most people. Lyrically, this album fell into place by paying attention to everything I wrote down [from the Ouija board experiences]. The core of the story deals with this love triangle, the environment that it’s in lends itself to the whole phenomena of honour killings that happen in Muslim cultures: where women lose their virginity [outwith wedlock] and, in order not to shame their families, they’re

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Dead between Cedric and I, because that’s the core of this group, that’s the sound of this group, that’s what we’re talking about. He’s my childhood friend and I wouldn’t have the desire to continue making this music and keep this project alive without him.”

The last time The Skinny spoke to you, Cedric, you said that you were trying to sound like your favourite films look. What film would you say The Bedlam in Goliath is a score to?

Cedric: “I would say Irreversible. It’s a hard movie to digest and a lot of the time you feel as though you might be having an anxiety attack – especially towards the end. Some of the scenes in there are a lot to take, and I hope we can make someone feel that repulsed as well as make someone else feel the complete opposite of that…they might think it’s beautiful.

Irreversible is one of the films to really strike fear and an emotional chord in me. If you can walk away and say ‘Jesus Christ, I hate that,’ or ‘it really got under my skin,’ then it’s a good movie.”

Most of your four albums to date - bar 2006’s Amputechture - have prided themselves on being fiercely thematic. Central to that there always seems to be a struggle of sorts at the heart of it.

Have you come to embrace those struggles as a key part of the process, or does it piss you off to be at fortune’s mercy?

Omar: “We always need some hurdle to get over to propel us into a new era, but this time it all felt quite real and very manifested… living around us all the time. Our records have

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WWW.THEBEDLAM.NET

THE MARS VOLTA PLAY THE ACADEMY, GLASGOW ON 11 MAR

THE BEDLAM IN GOLIATH IS OUT NOW VIA UNIVERSAL

Cedric: “The improv will always be there, it’ll just be in certain sections of songs that you can’t guess unless you’ve seen us a couple of times.

Having someone new like Thomas [Pridgen, drums] aboard has influenced me to go back to my older days of going off on stage…having fun.

I think for a long time I tried to prove that I could sing and that always took a lot of standing still. But now I notice that we’re all smiling and laughing on stage…generally inspired to jump off the deep end, whether that be literally or figuratively.”

From your perspective, how has the Mars Volta live experience come to change over the years?

Your gigs are notorious for relying heavily on versions of songs that bear little resemblance to the original. Does improvisation still play a dominant role?

always been a struggle, whether in terms of having technical problems or just getting over financial hurdles. Each time we make a record, somewhere throughout the year we go broke.

I’ve been lucky, or just smart enough from the beginning to collect my own gear and put together a studio so that when we’re having financial troubles we can still work and record.

One way or another it seems to be surrounding us; I think in a positive way that pushes us to not get comfortable and keep moving forward.”

SACKED MEMBERS, MENTAL BREAKDOWNS AND MISSING SONGS. DAVE KERR PUTS EGON SPENGLER ON HOLD AND SPEAKS DIRECTLY TO THE MARS VOLTA'S HELMSMEN IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE SOME SENSE OF THE BEDLAM IN GOLIATH

Bringing out The

problem with [At the Drive-in]. So when starting this group, the idea was always: ‘Here’s the music, you’re gonna play it and that’s the way it is.’ Any time I interview a person to hire them for the group, it’s the first thing I tell them. If that’s OK then it’s: ‘welcome to the group’ and if not? Well, then…not. That’s the one thing with the old drummer [Jon Theodore]; he knew the situation quite well but once the band became popular he wanted more all of a sudden. And I had to remind him, ‘well, you’ve not had a say before, you’re not gonna have one now’. In the end I had to fire him.”

You’re almost bound to catch criticism from fans arguing that Jon’s style of drumming played a big part in the Mars Volta sound. What effect did his departure have on the dynamic of the band?

Is there ever a fear that the whole thing might collapse when you lose a longstanding player?

Cedric: “There’s definitely that fear, there’s the stress of dealing with that. I don’t like certain parts of Yes because Bill Bruford isn’t there, y’know? I know that kind of thought exists, but you’ve just got to have thick skin, move forward and understand that this band will always have a high turnaround rate as far as attracting and repelling fans goes. I wouldn’t want to cater to that kind of disc jockey mentality of taking requests. This band exists to keep trying new ground. We’re appreciative and lucky that we get to make this music with these people, because when I’m 50 I’ll be able to look back at this catalogue that isn’t one colour…it’s a multitude.”

Omar: “The only thing that could ever make me have that fear is if there was a falling out

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Unorthodox and Proud

HERETIC PRIDE IS RELEASED ON 18 FEB VIA 4AD

WWW.MOUNTAIN-GOATS.COM

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With Heretic Pride’s enormous pre-release hype The Mountain Goats are no longer stalking the shadows of smoky bars at night; they’re no longer right behind you. They’re in front, on the stage, singing their lungs out, and it’s scarily good.

But after almost 20 years of recording, critics suggest Darnielle must be running dry, accomplishing his musical goals a long time ago, but he objects. “I think that’s a toxic way of looking at writing. Goals are for businesses, they’re for corporations, but writing is for people. You don’t really sit down and say ‘I have a message that I have to send to the people and the message is...’ No, I sit down and write and I learn what’s in there. Every human being is infinitely complex, so you find out what’s in there. If it comes out interesting then it’s worth doing. Hopefully, if you come to my show, you get something out of it that you could not get from another, the particular blend you get from us I don’t think you get anywhere else.”

If their latest album is any indication, that feeling visits characters doomed by design, like Janet Leigh in Psycho, whose demise is anticipated by everyone but her. “Well yeah, that’s your classic Greek tragedy and that’s what I’m in to, people coming up on the moment when they realise something bad is about to go down. That’s the most exciting moment in any narrative, when the inevitable becomes apparent to everybody. That’s the point in the novel where you go ‘OH GOD!’ It’s all about to come down, there’s nothing anybody can do about it.”

checked in to that feeling, it’s an exuberant, dark thing.”

HAMZA K CATCHES UP WITH JOHN DARNIELLE OF THE MOUNTAIN GOATS IN GLASGOW TO DISCUSS HORROR MOVIES, CHEAP THRILLS AND THE NEVER-ENDING URGE TO WRITE

The Mountain Goats are a horror movie. Not because John Darnielle writes scary death metal - although he does enjoy it - but the parallels are there: his music started off with shaky acoustic guitar recorded direct to a boombox like Sam Raimi started with shaky handicam on cheap tape; Darnielle sings about bad people in small towns and the destructive relationships people put each other through, often resulting in a catastrophic loss of blood (see TMG’s No Children or Stephen King’s Misery).

Perhaps Darnielle is attracted to the genre as commentary, summarising the state of pop culture in 90 minutes?

“Nope, I like horror movies ‘cause they’re bad ass! They’re dumb and brutal and it’s the same reason I like metal: it’s a cheap uncomfortable thrill.” He enjoys horror with an almost giddy joy. “You know which Frankenstein is my favourite now? It’s the original Edison Frankenstein that they dug up, the silent one from 1910. All that survived for many years was this one still of the monster.” He pauses, smiling “And then, a few years back, a collector in Wisconsin says ‘Oh, no I have that’. It had been missing forever, no one had seen it since 1913 or thereabouts and this guy is like ‘have it!’ It is amazing, very different from the American one in which the monster can’t talk, can’t think, it’s just a blind brute force... and that’s where you can go with horror movies. The point of a horror movie is you get punched in the face!"

The Mountain Goats may not punch you in the face, but their music is still striking, as Darnielle confesses. “I have this point somewhere on this axis of joy and depression, sort of this exultant feeling of sadness, where you have sort of agreed to be bummed out about something and you feel good that you’ve

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS

FEBRUARY 08

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British Sea Power's

Theory of Relativity ON THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LIFESTYLE…

ON ROCK MUSIC…

ON THE GREAT OUTDOORS…

ON ROCK’S UBIQUITOUS COVER STARS…

ON BRITISH SEA POWER’S LIVE SHOWS…

ON SECRET INTERESTS…

“The most rock ‘n’ roll thing I’ve ever done is probably eaten a Kit-Kat and a Jammie Dodger all in one go. That was back in my wild days. If I wasn’t in a band I’d probably be a gardener.

I did it for about a year and my speciality was ‘clearing’. You know, when someone has a big bramble patch in their garden or something?

Well I’d go and clear it. I remember it being as rewarding as getting a single out nowadays.

I’ve got bulbs in at the minute, it’s exciting waiting for them, to see which ones will come up first! I can’t remember what they are though; I just know there are three different colours.”

“I’d fancy my chances in the great outdoors.

I think I’d make a pretty good forager. I’m a vegetarian you see, so I like eating leaves. I could eat anything from dandelions to nettles.

You know you can make a cup of tea from pine needles? Apparently it’s got more Vitamin C than orange juice. But I think I could give it a go. I think most of the things I enjoy in life are natural, so to speak, so barring a disaster I think I could do it for a while.”

“Whilst it’s exaggerated quite a bit, we do have gimmicks. We had an eight foot bear on stage and were having fights with it on our first tour.

If that’s not a gimmick, I don’t know what is!

To me, it’s a case of adding a weird and random factor which is also visually interesting.

Depending who was in the bear suit, it could be a dancing bear or it could be a fighting bear.

Sometimes, he’d be pulling our guitar leads out and everything. I think it has got an artistic kiosk quality to it as well as being funny. I wouldn’t fancy my chances against a real bear though. Have you seen that Grizzly Man?”

SPEAKING TO THE BRIGHTON QUARTET’S FRONTMAN YAN AS HE LOUNGES ON HIS BRIGHTON SOFA, FINBARR BERMINGHAM FINDS OUT THAT IT REALLY IS MORE ABOUT PIGEONS THAN PETE DOHERTY 'ROUND HIS GAFF…

“With the title of our new album (Do You Like Rock Music?), we’re saying that rock music is a little dead. We wanted to breathe some fresh life into it and make it more expansive. We view rock music like you would view a… eh… deer in a forest; from a natural perspective.

It should make you feel excited and alive. It seems that at one point it was an interesting, even dangerous thing. People like Jerry Lee Lewis, or Iggy Pop weren’t scared of looking a bit stupid, but everything’s a bit safe now. I’d have loved to have been around to see Elvis in his youth. Not in a dodgy kind of way, mind. I mean when he started getting famous!”

“Johnny Borrell’s an entertaining moron. He’s sometimes funny, but not for the reasons he thinks he is. I’ve got no time for him. Pete Doherty has got some talent at least. It doesn’t show itself outwardly too often, but it’s there.

The last time I seen him, he asked me how many press ups I could do - which at the time was about 60 - then just walked off. I probably scared him with my high number! He doesn’t really look like he could do a press up, does he?”

“Sometimes silly little things mean a lot, don’t they? I probably shouldn’t say, but I’m quite a fan of pigeons. I do get moved by the sight of them on occasion. I used to take quite a lot of pictures of them and go and feed them and that. I don’t keep ‘em because I used to think I’d end up like a… I don’t know what you’d call them… a ‘male bag lady’! You know, talking to the pigeons and that?”

DO YOU LIKE ROCK MUSIC? IS OUT NOW ON ROUGH TRADE WWW.BRITISHSEAPOWER.CO.UK WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BRITISHSEAPOWER

BRITISH SEA POWER EVA VERMANDEL

The Duke Spirit

Built to Last

ANYONE WHO HAS SEEN LIELA MOSS PERFORM LIVE MIGHT FEAR FOR PAUL MITCHELL’S SAFETY AS HE VENTURES FORTH TO CHAT WITH HER ABOUT FEMININITY, BAND DEMOCRACY AND THE DUKE SPIRIT’S FEISTY NEW RECORD. WISH HIM LUCK… The lead singer of London-based rockers The Duke Spirit is a formidable, ethereal stage presence; like a bona fide banshee who happens to have infused the spirit of Jim Morrison, maybe Satan too and plugged the lot into 10,000 volts of pure frenzied energy.

In that sort of company, I wouldn’t have expected to stand a chance. Fortunately, the manic sprite of the live shows turns out to be an eloquent, sassy individual, keen to dispel any impression that she is the focal point of the group.

“We’ve always said that we feel like a gang.

That feeling is important in a group. We don’t dig the sucking of corporate cock. I don’t think it’s cool for the girl in the band to be pushed to the front and have four guys who are very blurry. That sort of stuff has happened a lot since the early nineties. It’s a) not very interesting and b) not very democratic. It’s not where we’re coming from at all. Other things

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

THE DUKE SPIRIT

are slightly out of my control. I don’t think there’s an exploitative slant to this. As a fan of music, I do think there can be a tendency to identify with the person who is singing the words, and delivering the lyrics. That’s not to say I’m afraid of shaking my hips and being quite the female. Why not?”

The Duke Spirit, formed in 2003, releasing their debut album in 2005, have led a purgatorial existence since then, such have been their travails with the machinations of the record industry. Signing with one of the big boys, Polydor, turned out to be an exercise in sheer frustration, as Moss sighs. “Well we were all set and ready to make schedules to record the second album bloody ages ago but Polydor didn’t respond very fast. It was the classic story really; they didn’t want to drop us but they didn’t want to put a new schedule in place. They were basically hedging their bets. So we just walked away, carried on writing songs and later found a much better home, a much more fertile ground to make

records. Took a bloody long time though.”

New album Neptune is released on small label You Are Here this month and was produced

by Queens of the Stone Age collaborator Chris Goss. “Goss is quite poetic, a mystical dude,” says Moss. “He’d say, ‘Man, this song is great as it is, and I’m loving your energy, but why don’t we try to gild the lily?’. But he took himself with a pinch of salt when he said stuff like that. He just encouraged us to make little perforations in what we do, with certain sounds. In the past, we had a reductive approach to what we did. He’d be like, ‘Fuck that, no way man. Sing another harmony, put those bells on it.’ Decorating the edges of what we had done was definitely the right thing to do.”

Debut album Cuts Across the Land saw frequent comparisons to alternative rock godfathers Sonic Youth and the Pixies. The same notion cannot be so easily applied to Neptune. Careful listening detects anything

from the Velvet Underground through to Nick Cave, PJ Harvey and even several of the old blues legends. In other words, it’s diverse enough to be entirely unique. Which should come as no surprise, as it’s a musical approach encapsulated in the band’s name, which Moss explains in parting.

“The Duke Spirit is an attitude; it’s like a skip and a step. We thought of the nobility behind the creative process and it describes the pomp and grandeur that you can feel when you go to create or to perform. But it’s also that uplifting, opulent sensation that you feel when you’re in the midst of a show, whether performing or watching. You should be elevated, striving for the higher plane.”

See, told you she was a little bit lizard king.

NEPTUNE IS RELEASED ON 4 FEB VIA YOU ARE HERE THE DUKE SPIRIT PLAY KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 2 APR WWW.DUKESPIRIT.COM

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SOUNDS

Bob Mould:

Spinning Plates IT HAS BEEN THREE YEARS SINCE BOB MOULD RECORDED A GUITAR ALBUM, BUT IN THAT TIME HE'S BEEN BUSY REMIXING, RELEASING ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND DJING A SUCCESSFUL CLUB NIGHT. MATT GOLLOCK SPEAKS TO THE EX-SUGAR AND HÜSKER DÜ LEGEND ABOUT HIS RETURN TO THE SIX STRINGS "In the last eight or nine years I've become a big fan of electronic music. I started listening to trance, and then got into house and progressive house…"

Whoa there, sparky. Alternative guitar hero Bob Mould listening to trance and house? Sweet lord preserve us. Given that Mould's main body of work has been of the six-stringed variety, people might be more than surprised to hear of his electronic interests, chiefly his electronic pop album under the moniker Blowoff and the monthly club night in Washington DC he runs under the same name; plus his remix work for the likes of Interpol, Low and VHS or Beta.

When prompted to consider whether fans of his previous work might consider these new ventures as side-projects, and thus not take them seriously, Mould seems unfazed. "Long time fans are more prone to this, only because they know what they like, and it might be harder to break away from that. But the Blowoff project is big now; the DJ events are pretty much selling out both in DC and New York. So it's not really a sideline anymore."

Indeed, upon hearing new album District Line it seems that these electronic influences are continuing to seep into Mould's guitar work, something that was initiated with 2002's Modulate, as he elaborates. "With Modulate, incorporating these newer influences was a case of learning in public. Now I understand the tools better, it's easier to sprinkle electronic sounds on guitar tracks and get the balance right."

Mould's recent forays as a remixer have also influenced his desire to have others give his guitar work the same treatment. "I have a list of 10 people I would like to remix Shelter Me." Highest on the list being Thomas Bangalter. "I saw Daft Punk at Coachella and it was the best thing I have seen since My Bloody Valentine

touring Loveless."

Besides keeping busy with all of the above, Mould's varied workload has already thrown up some interesting jobs in 2008. He's just finished a DJ residency on satellite radio station XMU where he played a huge range of music from Black Flag and Swervedriver to "pumped up" dance music. He also played the Concrete Frequency Festival, the premise of which was to bring together artists who felt the urban environment had influenced their work - and by this they don't mean Tesco and Poundland. Mould was slotted in between Kyp Malone (of TV on the Radio) and Daniel Rossen (Grizzly Bear) and professes that the location where he records music has a profound effect on his work. "The place that you are physically is the starting point, the canvas; the people you are with are the colour. The two songs I picked were both written in Texas.

Austin was going through this big expansion; a sprawling development was wrecking the character of the western side of the town and one of the songs specifically addressed that."

Mould's unrelenting work ethic seems to show no sign of waning, having recently undertaken a short promotional tour in support of District Line, with plans to head back for a more thorough tour – hopefully including Scottish dates - in the summer. While some of Mould’s contemporaries are drawn to pointless reformations and/or mediocrity, his willingness to broaden horizons keeps him relevant. Don't expect nosebleed dance anthems at his live shows, but if you happen to get chatting afterwards he'll be just as happy to discuss the fine distinction between microhouse and minimal-techno, as well as the different strings he uses.

DISTRICT LINE IS OUT ON 11 FEB VIA MATADOR MODULATE.BLOGSPOT.COM

BOB MOULD PETER ROSS

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

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LIVE REVIEWS EDINBURGH JOE LEAN AND THE JING JANG JONG

CABARET VOLTAIRE, 18 JAN

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DIRTYSUMMER WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RETROCHAMPS

FUTURISTIC RETRO CHAMPIONS / DIRTY SUMMER VOODOO ROOMS, JAN 3

r So they’ve got a silly name – get over it. A better reason to be snarky about Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jongs is ‘cos they’re pish.

Tonight they show the Razorlight comparisons to be flattering, as while Borrell’s best songs were stolen from ‘70s post-punk icons, Joe Lean seems to thieve his jittery jangle from Borrell’s sub-stupid album filler. But this is what happens when an aspiring ego needs a vehicle for his burgeoning social status. He gathers a tight backing band, masters the art of stage performance, and writes by-numbers indie-pop that should never escape his local pub. Hopefully the local musicians in the unimpressed crowd tonight learned some valuable lessons. Evidently, to get ahead in this biz, you don’t need imagination so much as you need indie rock star style, friends in strategic places, and a back-story to help journalists with their angles. A silly name helps, too. [Ally Brown] WWW.JINGJANGJONG.COM

shouting starts, smiles crack open both onstage and in the crowd, and the vicious sense of humour underpinning the deliberate tweeness comes to the fore. With so many disparate elements, the wonder is that they make it all sound so understated. Gorgeous summer pop melodies, with a sub current of ominous electro-riffing and turbo beats…nice. [Paul Mitchell]

rrrr Dirty Summer should bottle and sell precociousness; they certainly seem to have their own production line. The Dunfermline trio have musical ambition on a grand scale, welding it to showmanship and a polished live experience confounding their tender years. Visually, it’s Kiddie Pops as directed by David Lynch, featuring Mark E. Smith, David Byrne and Marianne Faithful (gleefully fannying around on a kettle drum). As it happens, this turns out to be a delicious prospect, and the music (crazed synth keys, psycho bass, squealed lyrics) more than matches this dystopian vision.

A ballsy bunch, they could be heirs to the Beta Band’s mantle as Fife’s kings of experimental noise.

With a daintily affected opening number, performed from a crowded stage by six art schoolers, it looks for all the world like The Waltons Musical (soundtrack, copyright Belle and Sebastian) for Futuristic Retro Champions. But then the

RUBIX

HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, 10 JAN

rrr Wooden Box and A Fist Full of Fiver s kick star t tonight’s Rubix, and what an engaging and entertaining pair they make.

With only an acoustic guitar, a harmonica , and some spar se though fine drumming they set the tone with an enjoyable and relaxed set. Kid Canaveral keep the momentum going with a string of energetic pop rockers that get feet tapping and heads bopping.

Featuring two guys and two girls, the Magic Numbers comparisons are irresistible and they certainly have a decent grasp of what makes a melody and hook. Things take a decidedly angst-ridden turn with punk rockers Come On Gang. After an indifferent start the three piece soon show that they have more to their repertoire than merely crashing drums and clashing guitars. The juxtaposition of soft poetic vocals and power punk riffs certainly have their moments, but at times they don’t quite take flight. Finally, Luva Anna emerge to much applause.

They heighten the expectation with a flawless four-part vocal harmony introduction before launching into their own brand of quirky folk rock. The banter is great, even dedicating a song to Kenny Richey amongst others, and the crowd is firmly held in rapture. Sounding like some sort of - bear with me here - supergroup formed by Axl Rose and The Flaming Lips, but hailing from Dundee, Luva Anna’s entertaining blend is held in high regard by Henry’s populace tonight.

[Neal Parsons] WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ THEVIVIANSDIVIDED

GLASGOW JUBILEE

BARFLY, 22 JAN

rr There’s an element of assumption surrounding Jubilee’s debut live appearance. Headed by Aaron North of Nine Inch Nails fame, and backed by right hand man Michael Shuman, who’s served time with heavyweights Queens of the Stone Age, Jubilee’s rock credentials are such that if they’re half as wild as their legend, this night should surely burn bright. And yes, they rock hard for the first few tracks; flying in the face of the crowd’s indifference, allowing feedback to wash through their scattered applause they hold their own. But as Shuman takes centre stage, the set shifts dramatically. As silence follows their second, ill-advised attempt to break the mould with some slurring folk-rock, an element of t r a g e d y e nte r s t h e n i g ht .

Wounded and falling back on old habits, they hit it hard again, but now they’re flailing, and the crowd are all but lost. Tonight, Jubilee are down and out, but they’re tough enough to get back up and dust themselves down. [Paul Neeson] JOE LEAN AND THE JING JANG JONG EDDIE FISHER

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/JUBILEEBAND

PHIL CAMPBELL KING TUT’S, 12 JAN

rrrr T h e f a c t t h a t Ph i l Ca m p b e l l doesn’t pen his alt-country odes on an old rockin’ chair out by the porch will come as a surprise to those who don’t already know him. Throughout tonight’s intimate set, his bourbon-sippin’, oldcountry illusion is broken only by a single, whispered apology for the lack of banter, delivered in a soft Glaswegian accent. In the absence of any patter, Campbell simply delivers a set of wounded ballads, shot through with heartfelt sorrow, telling the tale of a lost decade, through which he has struggled against the ghosts of an early, failed promise. Tonight, however, his delivery is perfect throughout, and

his talent demanding of far greater attention than the clutch of fans huddled around Tut’s small stage can provide, despite their rousing appreciation. Crooning through current single Cold Engines, this unassuming troubadour equals kindred spirit Ryan Adams from every vantage, but for now, sadly remains a great talent, tragically unrecognised. [Paul Neeson] WWW.PHILCAMPBELLMUSIC.COM

STEVE EARLE

THE GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL, 17 JAN

rrr From the “God knows how I’m no’ deid” school of country rock comes Steve Earle, the last of the hardcore troubadours. It’s a strangely low key affair, not helped by early

technical problems, underpowered vocals and out of tune guitars. “We cannae hear you Steve,” comes one shout. “I didn’t understand a fuckin’ word you just said,” comes the Texan retort. Once someone realises the amp would probably function better in the ‘on’ setting, things move up a gear, and big hitters like The Devil’s Right Hand and My Old Friend the Blues come thick and fast. But the worrying lack of drums on stage, though bizarrely compensated for by the late appearance of a guy with a mixing desk, means we’re denied the sheer bone-rattling majesty of Copperhead Road in anything but acoustic form. The bottom line is, Steve Earle just doesn’t belong at a venue as genteel as the GRCH. [Paul Greenwood] WWW.STEVEEARLE.COM

PREVIEWS EDINBURGH CARIBOU

CABARET VOLTAIRE, 20 FEB For a man with a PhD in mathematics, Dan Snaith’s music is reassuringly vague and fluid. Recorded under the name Caribou, his latest record Andorra was drenched in dreamy effects, but retained clear and catchy enough melodies to be considered a ‘pop’ record. Snaith may also be the only man in indiepop brave enough to incorporate the much-maligned sound of progressive trance into his music, as in epic album closer Niobe. While the chiming Melody Day caught most attention as his first single, it’s the extraordinary ambition of Niobe that will keep fans returning to this LP in the long-term. If that’s not worth the price of admission alone, then the promise of material from 2005’s The Milk of Human Kindness and Up In Flames (2003, recorded as Manitoba) should seal the deal. Both are stronger full-lengths than Andorra, and neither threaten a surprise appearance from Paul Oakenfold. [Ally Brown] 7PM, £11 ALSO PLAYING THE NEW STEREO, GLASGOW ON 18 FEB AND THE TUNNELS, ABERDEEN ON 19 FEB WWW.CARIBOU.FM

GLASGOW BAND OF HORSES ABC, 21 FEB

Daft Punk recently announced that they would not be releasing any DVD evidence of their award winning Alive tour from last year. This decision, they explained, was designed to keep the experience special and personal for those that attended. Taking that notion one step further last year was Band of Horses frontman Ben Bridwell who got into a verbal scrap and a whole heap of online bother after abusing fans who were using visual recording equipment at a San Diego gig. “Is there no sanctity left for live performance with going to a show and seeing it with your own eyes and remembering it?” he moaned. The South Carolina based indie-folksters gallop into Glasgow this month. After releasing two acclaimed albums in as many years, this show should be an essential date in anyone’s diary. But heed this warning, eh? Best leave the cameras at home for this one; you might not get out alive. [Finbarr Bermingham]

to and enjoying music. Which is what makes the Instal festival consistently one of the most important musical events in Scotland. Eschewing the academic chinstroking approach to experimental music, it instead favours thrilling high-octane performances from truly original artists. From dense, destructive, multi-band improvisations featuring altered saxophones, slide steel guitar and junk percussion to explorations into the very nature of what constitutes sound, and with members of Sun Ra and Fushitsusha (the best rock band in existence, forget about your 02 Arena history fetishes) in attendance, Instal once again looks to be the best place to re-evaluate your tastes in music. It does involve taking a risk on something you may never have heard of, but even one day at Instal will give you a new favourite band for life. [Ali Maloney] TIMES VARY, £25 WWW.ARIKA.ORG.UK

THE VON BONDIES

THE NEW STEREO, 20 FEB Detroit garage rockers the Von Bondies suffered a bit of a bad reputation because they emerged in the shadows of the Strokes and White Stripes way back in 2001. Often dismissed as slipstream riders who got lucky, their credibility took a further blow when singer Jason Stollsteimer got into a fight with everyone’s favourite Wacko Jacko lookalike Jack White, and lost.

Despite the bad rep, the Von Bondies are a tight and thrilling live act, particularly when ripping through side A of debut LP Lack of Communication, which was produced by White. But they’ve never been the fastest of workers, taking three years to release second full-length Pawn Shoppe Heart, which means they’ve struggled to build and sustain any kind of momentum.

Nearly four years later, after several line-up changes, and a short-lived marriage for Stollsteimer, comes third effort Love, Hate and Then There’s You. Expect sleazy blues riffing and a great big dollop of spilled beans.

[Ally Brown] 8PM, £10 WWW.VONBONDIES.COM

7PM, £11 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BANDOFHORSES

INSTAL ‘08

THE ARCHES, 15-17 FEB “Coming in at an exhausting 7,000 years long, music is weighed down by too many mid-tempo tunes, most notably Liebestraume No. 3 in A flat and Closing Time

by Semisonic.” The Onion recently ran a story covering Pitchfork’s review of music giving the “ancient art form” a mere 6.8 and saying that “if music has any chance of keeping our interest, it’s going to have to move beyond the same palatable but predictable notes, meters, melodies, tonalities, atonalities, timbres and harmonies.” It may be a cheap laugh, but also a clear case of true words said in jest. The ghosts of Bob Dylan (he ain’t dead – ed) and Jimi Hendrix hang over the entire rock genre like a ten ton anvil, with bands terrified of deviating from traditionally prescribed ways of making, thinking about, listening

INCAPACITANTS (INSTAL)

SOUNDS

Damn Shames

SPONSORED BY

BANDS ARE GETTING YOUNGER AND YOUNGER THESE DAYS. SO AT NEARLY 20, DAMN SHAMES HAVE OBVIOUSLY LEFT IT LATE. BUT, AS NICK MITCHELL FINDS, THERE’S HOPE FOR THE OLD-TIMERS YET Music journalism can be a strange, haphazard, frustrating affair, governed by tight deadlines and hectic schedules - what scientists might term ‘chaos theory’. So when The Skinny, a Scottish magazine, wants to speak to Damn Shames, an Edinburgh band, and is furnished with a London phone number, it’s no real surprise. The surreal logic of the interview is heightened by the prospect of three sounda-like band members sitting in a room at XL Recordings, all chatting away without announcing their names. On this occasion,

Damn Shames will have to speak as one.

All aged 19, Matthew Deary (vocals/guitar), Simon Richardson (vocals/guitar) and Jacob Burns (bass) met at high school in Edinburgh.

Although on the verge of leaving their teenage years behind, the band still ooze that unmistakable energy of youth. Their gigs are boisterous, their music kinetically charged, and they talk with a scant disregard for what has gone before. In reviews to date, their music is most often compared to the inescapable

Klaxons or post-punk bands like fellow Edinburghers, Fire Engines.

In conversation, Damn Shames snigger at each other, mumble a lot, and adopt an attitude of self-conscious self-confidence. When asked what makes them different, for example, an unidentified voice proffers: “A willingness to embrace technology and techniques that other indie guitar bands perhaps wouldn’t.” Which is swiftly qualified by: “Bit of a lofty statement that.”

Despite their inexperience, their creative output so far – the two 7” singles Dancing in the Aisles and Fear of Assault – has been enough to earn them a record deal with Abeano, a subsidiary of XL (the home of such differing acts as Dizzee Rascal and The White Stripes). Like so many of their contemporaries, Damn Shames owe their break partly to a certain Rupert Murdochowned website. “Someone called Richard found us on MySpace and then he got a job working at XL and played our demos in the office,” a Damn Shame says. “Then the A&R guy came up to see us play in Edinburgh. After that it took quite a while for a deal to come through. Our fi rst single with them [Fear of Assault] was released in December.”

The MySpace tracks display simmering potential. Dancing in the Aisles is a ramshackle yet blistering number with angular (post-punk?) guitars and a programmed beat, while Fear of Assault expands their sound with a session drummer and glitchy studio electronics. It’s all rattled off at breakneck speed, and possesses the kind of inimitable

DAMN SHAMES

Parka

buzz that advertisers and TV producers throw money at. Would they accept such an offer if it came their way?

- “It depends what it’s for. Probably not if it was Persil or tampons or something!”

- “I have no principle against getting money from it; there’s big bucks to be made.”

- “I wouldn’t mind having one of our songs on Top Gear when they’re driving a really fast car!”

- “Guys, as long as it wasn’t Jeremy Clarkson.

Maybe Richard Hammond or James May, haha!

- “Yeah, we’re not right-wing blokes!”

An album from this anti-Clarksonian trio is in the pipeline, but it’s too early to set a date on its arrival. “We’re just writing it at the moment,” they say. “We’re working on a lot of new stuff and we hope to just see what happens. We don’t really know how long that sort of stuff takes because it’s new to us.”

That captures quite neatly where Damn Shames are at the present time: poised between youth and adulthood, a record deal and a fi rst album. Not exactly a rock and a hard place though, that’s for sure.

DAMN SHAMES PLAY: GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART ON 2 AND 13 FEB GRV, EDINBURGH ON 5 FEB STEREO, GLASGOW ON 22 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DAMNSHAMES

SPONSORED BY

NEAL PARSONS PULLS UP A STOOL BESIDE THE GLASWEGIAN QUARTET AS THEY STOP OFF FOR A SWIFT PINT AT TUT’S - BEFORE THEY DESCEND ON THE REST OF THE UK, ONE CITY AT A TIME Bounding over to the bar of King Tut’s and offering his hand, the most immediate impression of drummer Neil – and indeed the rest of Glasgow quartet, Parka - is how enthusiastic they all are to be at this point in their young careers. The big grin on Neil’s face belies the fact that the band have just come back up to their old home turf (they recently moved south in the pursuit of the Whittington dream) on the back of a long and extensive tour. It’s a tour that has no sign of ending, as Matt (vocals and guitar) relates: “We’ve got dates coming in all the time. We’re not really thinking of it as a fi xed tour. It could go on forever.”

The catalyst for Parka’s non-stop schedule can be traced back to late 2005 where, having lost faith in his musical education, Matt began recruiting members for the band from various websites and adverts in shop windows.

Completed by bassist Ian, keyboardist Mark and saxophonist Bob, the group were offered a deal for their demo which included a version of the track currently tearing swathes through indie disco land, Disco Dancer (a track also recorded by Matt’s former band, recently disbanded Skinny favourites O.B.E). This brought Parka to London where they now reside, in an old strip club, in between touring and returning to their native Glasgow. As Neil explains, “You have to edge your way down south, or at least get your management sorted there.”

Skipping forward to the future, Parka’s debut

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

album is due for release shortly, something Matt describes as “a long time coming.” There was a time, however, when the album could have been shelved. “It was a weird time, everyone was at each others throats, and the label (Jeepster) wanted to know if we had any new material,” says Matt. “So I just started making songs up on the spot. Lazy Change and Saturday they were called. It’s a wonder we didn’t get dropped.” But they don’t regret signing to Jeepster. “They’re like friends really,” says Neil. “And they’re total music experts, so it’s been great with them,” says Matt.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PARKAMUSIC

As for the present, Parka are just enjoying touring the country - sometimes enjoying it a little too vigorously. “I remember Matt doing this leap of faith off of the stage, says Neil. “Then he just played these horrible chords, and I thought ‘Oh No, Matt’s broken something.’ I mean, he did land on his face.”

Pressed on this lunge into the unknown, Matt says it’s all in a day’s work. “There are some people who just shouldn’t be on stage,” he says. “I reckon as long as what you’re doing isn’t contrived, and you’re just having fun then people will respond to that.”

With a straight up work ethic like that, there’s just no arguing.

PARKA PLAY: CAPITOL, GLASGOW ON 5 MAR THE DOGHOUSE, DUNDEE ON 6 MAR CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH ON 7 MAR TUNNELS, ABERDEEN ON 8 MAR A NEW SINGLE IS DUE OUT IN MARCH VIA JEEPSTER

PARKA WWW.EUANANDERSONPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

SOUNDS

SOUNDS WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

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ALBUM REVIEWS LOS CAMPESINOS!

HEALTH

(WICHITA)

(LOVEPUMP UNITED)

HOLD ON NOW, YOUNGSTER

HEALTH

rrr

rrr

Yo u ’ l l h a v e gathered from the name and their anthemic debut demo “ Yo u !

Me! Dancing!” that Los Campesinos! like to exclaim! and shout! like hyperactive kids!

They don’t need any more bounce in their step, but unfortunately the much anticipated debut album Hold On Now, Youngster suffers from trying too hard to add more punch in the production, meaning the breakneck-paced first four tracks are horribly loud and annoying. It’s a real shame because the remaining half-an-hour is so strong that it clearly shows Los Campesinos! have the talent in them to make an indie-pop classic. This isn’t quite it, despite the new version of that dancefloorsmashing demo, and several more tracks that replicate its greatest strengths: witty and charming lyrics, boundless youthful energy, and violin lines that provide a harmonious counter-balance to the quick and wiry guitar and keyboard motifs. As a front-to-back listen, Hold On Now, Youngster can be trying; but if you start it at the fifth track, there’s plenty to get excited about. [Ally Brown]

First off, kudos to LA’s Health for recording, producing and mixing this, their eponymous debut.

Removing the middle-man has secured an idiosyncratic and visceral sound. Their pseudo-Gregorian multi-layered vocals and snappy, impressive drumming compliment caustic guitar and synth. In fact, caustic may well be an understatement. At points it’s like having a serrated knife pulled backwards through clenched teeth. As to whether the album is any good?

Well that’s where things get confusing. Certainly the part of you that craves wider social acceptance from happening scenesters who dress much better than you and look 100 times cooler when smoking will love it for its esoteric, Liars-esque skittishness. On the other hand, that nagging little voice - the part of you that still guiltily slips a Queen track onto a jukebox when you think no one is looking - can’t help muttering that there just aren’t any songs here. [Chris Cusack]

RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB LOS CAMPESINOS! PLAY KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 14 FEB WWW.LOSCAMPESINOS.COM

RELEASE DATE: 17 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/HEALTHMUSIC

EARTH

THE BEES MADE HONEY IN THE LION’S SKULL (SOUTHERN LORD)

COLIN MACINTYRE THE WATER

(FUTURE GODS)

rrr In The Water, Colin Macintyre (or the artist formerly known as Mull Historical Society) has crafted an album that is tantalizing and frustrating… he comes so close to creating something special. From the first seconds of its falsetto vocal intro, Famous for Being Famous is a staggeringly catchy bit of indie-pop. Stalker shifts from a jittery verse complete with a funky rhythm guitar into a forceful chorus that was made to be played live. Title track The Water is haunting and beautiful with Macintyre’s restrained yet wounded vocals.

Unfor tunately, the record isn’t so consistently rewarding all the way through and there are some eye-rolling lyrics that cannot be ignored, including the chorus of You’re a Star: “You’re a star / can’t you see / it’s inside you and it’s free.” The Water is endearing, playful, infectious, and other good things, but there are a few uninspiring detours on the way there.

[Tobias Kahn] RELEASE DATE: 4 FEB COLIN MACINTYRE PLAYS ORAN MOR, GLASGOW ON 2 FEB AND A SCOTTISH BEAN SCENE TOUR BETWEEN 5-7 FEB, SEE LISTINGS FOR DETAILS WW.MYSPACE.COM/COLINMACINTYRE

40

rrrr The Bees Made H o n ey i n th e Lion’s Skull is Earth’s first new material since 20 05 and it’s arguably the instrumental rock group’s most satisfying effort to date. The desolate trudge of their material prior to this album has given way to a collection of songs that communicate redemption and even hope through the meaty guitar tones and the celestial organs that dominate the record. Rise to Glory revolves around an ascending slide guitar hook and fulfills its promise of grandeur with a wall of white noise.

Miami Morning Coming Down II (Shine) sounds like the world the morning after a rainstorm with the meditatively repetitive twang in its guitar line, the epic dirty riffs that burst in briefly and the organ that provides the shine from the title. Like all of the band’s material, patience is the key word and the painstakingly crafted melodies paint a picture that can only be described as majestic. [Tobias Kahn] RELEASE DATE: 4 FEB WWW.THRONESANDDOMINIONS.COM

THE CAVE SINGERS INVITATION SONGS (MATADOR)

rrrr For a group containing

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

former members of Pretty Girls Make Graves and Hint-Hint, The Cave Singers are rather unexpected. Instead of expelling a waft of rampant punk-scarred noisemongering, the trio’s debut offering Invitation Songs is a sparse agglomeration of lilting Americana and understated folk that massages melodic sanguinity into the lugholes of listeners. Frontman Pete Quirk’s mesmeric strains recall a pre-electric era Dylan - bubbling with a simmering affectedness that burrows its way through Seeds Of Night’s lucid shuffling – while keenfooted percussion and billowy basslines transform grill-panned cuts Dancing On Our Graves and New Monuments into captivating, Muddy Waters-esque protestations. A strolling foray of subtle, bluegrass song-structures riddled with earthy instrumentation and an organic sense of harmony, the record climaxes during Oh Christine’s staggering conscience clearing blues. With the release of the surprising sounds of this longplayer, The Cave Singers have set out their own unique take on shock and awe. [Billy Hamilton] RELEASE DATE: 11 FEB T H E CAV E S I N G E R S PL AY A B C, GLASGOW ON 21 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ THECAVESINGERS

DEAD MEADOW OLD GROWTH (MATADOR)

rr Hairy men.

U p o n h e a ring this record, that’s about all yo u c a n p i c ture. Similar to the eminent predecessors of their sound before them – Led Zeppelin, BRMC, occasionally Jane’s Addiction - there’s lots of self indulgent soloing, but the fuzzy riffing anchors the tracks pretty well, and the sound is warm and inviting. However, after the fourth or fifth track you may think you’d be just as well listening to an E.P. as the templates of riff, solo, riff etc. used for most songs makes discerning between them all a bit difficult. This is the only qualm with an otherwise satisfactory offering; the bluesy waltz of Between Me and The Ground is infectious, and dervish-like acceleration is used

to hypnotic effect on Seven Seers.

Despite the overall same-ness of the music, you might still find yourself making chord structures with your left hand and pulling a face like you’ve trapped a nut. [Matt Gollock] RELEASE DATE: 11 FEB DEAD MEADOW PLAY KING TUT’S, GLASGOW ON 3 MAR WWW.DEADMEADOW.COM

THE BOGGS FORTS

(TANGLED UP!)

rrrr On The Boggs’ third album, Forts, the only ingredient that re surfaces often enough to rank as consistent is quality - a refreshing statement to be able to make, but also indicative of only having one permanent member (Jason Friedman).

The licence to call on floating members from as illustrious backgrounds as Liars, Au Revoir Simone and Enon offers Friedman the confidence to go off in whichever direction he chooses. From the Rapture meets B52s-esque Remember The Orphans to Little Windows, akin to the Moldy Peaches covering Sufjan Stevens, this burst of hyperactivity is almost relentlessly propelled along by seemingly 6-armed drummer Peter Hale. Only Friedman’s dangerously exposed vocal on the stripped down and carelessly placed middle track, After the Day, disappoints. Generally his penchant for constant layering is his voice’s best ally and music’s most glowing attribute, on an album that occasionally sounds as though he’s blissfully confused the mixing desk for the drawing board. [Finbarr Bermingham] RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEBOGGS

PAUL VICKERS AND THE LEG

TROPICAL FAVOURITES (SL)

rrr Having been personally invited to John Peel’s funeral, yet having to hitchhike and blag accommodation en route, Paul Vickers of Scottish ‘wonk rock’ outfit Dawn of the Replicants exemplifies how critical acclaim and commercial

FEATURED ALBUM HOT CHIP

MADE IN THE DARK

success are not always cosy bedfellows. Times may be tough but, on Tropical Favourites, Vickers is in no hurry to trade in artistic kudos for a quick buck. The scratchy garage discord of opening gambit Umbrella Propella or the following Wild Geese, where lullaby harmonies meet oompa-like dynamics, sets the kitchen sink blueprint.

Baroque becomes barnstorming and barroom shanties stumble out onto cold, miserable streets, as Vickers carelessly spits out barbs of wry wisdom to huddled passers-by. “Darling, your pony has died, and you’ll never get to heaven because I have enquired,” he snarls on Tears For Smokey. Obscurity remains a dead cert then, but those listening can only be grateful that this Replicant isn’t ready for ‘retirement’ yet. [Darren Carle] RELEASE DATE: 11 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ PAULVICKERSANDTHELEG

ATLAS SOUND

LET THE BLIND LEAD THOSE WHO CAN SEE BUT CANNOT FEEL

TALKINGMAKESNOSENSE THE WINTER DRONES (BENBECULA)

rrr The Winter Drones is probably one of the most apt monikers I have ever encountered for how a record actually sounds. The opening track, Slow Grounding, is warm drifts of Windy and Carl-esque sound sprinkled with chiming guitar that’s absorbing to the point of suffocation. This sets the stage for the rest of the album, a gorgeous mixture of Sharkcage era Papa M and Mogwai’s quieter moments played through dense gauze. Plucked guitar is noticeable on a few tracks, as are percussive clicks but, for the most part, source sounds are cloaked in heavy treatment, and soft walls of noise swell and fade in a slow and disorientating haze. The impetuous listener might argue that this is one of those albums that ‘all sounds the same,’ but for the more patient and keen of ear, the subtle textures and evolution in sounds make for exceptionally rewarding repeat listens. [Matt Gollock] RELEASE DATE: 18 FEB

(KRANKY)

WWW.TALKINGMAKESNOSENSE.COM

rrr Bradford Cox’s main band, Deerhunter, describe themselves as ‘amb i e n t p u n k ’.

That is perhaps a term intended to deliberately mislead, allowing the band to be pigeon-holed - after a fashion - by the lazy, but not to actually restrict what they can play. But with his solo album, Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel, that is a term which perfectly encapsulates what it sounds like.

It’s brash and discordant, but time stretched and cushioned by a gentle psychedelia, like The Birthday Party beat matched and drowned out by OOIOO. Whereas Deerhunter might actually be able to play clubs, Atlas Sound is purely lullabies for toad lickers, a dreamy carpet ride drifting past pop techno hypnosis on a bed of incense smoke.

Admittedly, this might put it closer to ambient than to punk, but the brash inconsideration for musical norms and DIY snarl amply satisfy the punk ethos. [Ali Maloney]

KYTE KYTE (KIDS)

rrr

RELEASE DATE: 19 FEB

If you can’t quite put your finger on what to expect of Kyte’s eponymous debut mini album from the name alone, then the tracklisting ought to give you an idea of what’s held in store. We’ve got Planet, Boundaries, Sunlight and Secular Boundaries.

Now you see? There’s more than a hint of Sigur Ros here, if a tad more electronic and a smidgen less electrifying. Scattered, fractured drum beats, fluffy xylophones and synths and breathy, restrained vocals all combine to form a fairly enjoyable if not wholly captivating first outing. Kyte will find it difficult to shake niggling adjectives like ‘subtle’, ‘delicate’ and ‘dreamlike’ – which whilst not always undesirable, are often associated with some of their illustrious peers, to whom they occasionally pale in comparison. Planet is a superb opener. Home sounds a bit like Dan Deacon using a restrictor plate, but the last brace are throwaway. With more caution cast to the wind, Kyte could really start…fuck it…soaring. [Finbarr Bermingham]

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BRADFORDCOX

RELEASE DATE: 18 FEB

TOP 5 ALBUMS 1. HOT CHIP - MADE IN THE DARK (EMI) 2. EARTH - THE BEES MADE HONEY IN THE LIONS SKULL (SOUTHERN LORD) 3. THE CAVE SINGERS – INVITATION SONGS (MATADOR)

(EMI)

4. THE BOGGS - FORTS (TANGLED UP!)

rrrr

5. LOS CAMPESINOS! - HOLD ON NOW, YOUNGSTER (WICHITA)

Describe Hot Chip to an indifferent friend in as few words as you can and you’ll struggle, because all the usual tick-box tags fade as sharply as a goldfish’s attention span when faced with a band as wilfully divergent as this one. Their first album, 2004's Coming On Strong, was largely dismissed by critics at the time as 'chill-out', that most careerstaining of rubber stamps. So it took 2006's The Warning to alert the mainstream to Hot Chip's strident, infectious creativity.

Made In The Dark only ups the idiosyncratic ante, while adding a deeper thrust to their made-in-the-shed aesthetic. One Pure Thought embodies their crossover strategy, starting with a harsh, jarring guitar and a dark, stormy synth, before unexpectedly breaking into a booty-shaking beat.

Elsewhere, Shake A Fist is a swirling blast of future-disco that just about gets away with that Todd Rundgren interlude, and the band's trade in after-hours copulation soundtracking resurfaces in soulful ditties like We're Looking For A Lot Of Love.

What prevents this from being incontestably exceptional, though, is the inclusion of one or two throwaway, whimsical tracks that should have been left on the drawing board. It may also fail to impact upon any one audience - indie kids or electro-heads - but, then again, usually it's the music that falls between the formalistic cracks that's the most intriguing. [Nick Mitchell]

ONLINE REVIEWS THE MARS VOLTA THE BEDLAM IN GOLIATH (UNIVERSAL) rrrr CORRECTO CORRECTO (DOMINO) rr THE DUKE SPIRIT NEPTUNE (YOU ARE HERE)

rrr

BOB MOULD DISTRICT LINE (BEGGARS BANQUET) rrr VAMPIRE WEEKEND VAMPIRE WEEKEND (XL) rrrr THE MOUNTAIN GOATS HERETIC PRIDE (4AD) rrrr FIONA MACKENZIE ELEVATE (LINN) rrr MONADE MONSTRE COSMIC (TOO PURE) rrr ...AND MANY MORE!

SOUNDS

RELEASE DATE: 11 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/WEARETHERAID

THE STATLER PROJECT YOUR OPINION, MY OPINION EP (SELF RELEASED)

rrrr

LITTLE DRAGONS CONSTANT SURPRISES (PEACE FROG)

rr Constant Surprises is the second single lifted from Little Dragons’ self-titled debut, and man is it chilled out. A synthesizer humming over a laid back hip-hop beat lays the groundwork for Yukimi Nagano’s vocals to slide in and make themselves at home. She sounds simultaneously soulful and understated as her airy vocals provide a warm foil to the instruments. The problem is that Little Dragons are too cool; the song skims along at a steady clip and then ends before they bring out the hooks. The musical textures on the promo CD glow with a vinyl warmth but ultimately it’s just too reserved. [Tobias Kahn] RELEASE DATE: 11 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ YOURLITTLEDRAGON

RAMEKINS

INTOXICATE ME (ST STEPHENS)

r It’s not normally a good sign when the most interesting thing about a new band is their name, as is the case with London four piece Ramekins. That these three horribly plastic melodramatic accounts of

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

young love and substance abuse, with a viable candidate for the official motivational anthem of the next Special Olympics thrown in for luck, have made it onto record, makes one wonder about the headiness of St Stephens Records’ ambitions. Incidentally, a ramekin is a glazed ceramic bowl, used for serving crème brulee, cheese dishes… even potted shrimps. Now that is something worth getting worked up about. [Finbarr Bermingham] RELEASE DATE: 4 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RAMEKINS

THE RAID

WE KNOW BEST (SELF RELEASED)

rr The Raid deliver some fairly robust, if hardly ground-breaking, indie rock and roll. Immediate comparisons to Stereophonics are inescapable, thanks largely to some distinctly Kelly-Jonesian vocals but, for the most part, We Know Best orbits an intelligent staccato guitar refrain more reminiscent of contemporaries like The Futureheads. It’s upbeat, delivering a well-judged chorus and is sensibly aware of its own brevity. The Raid could quite comfortably open for a number of Brit Rock godfathers. As to whether they have the depth of material or blind good

Already a hot live draw in their hometown of Glasgow, T he Statler Project’s debut EP does an excellent job of showcasing their powerful take on the indie-dance-rock fusion. Fans of Kasabian, Happy Mondays, Primal Scream and, more obscurely, New FADs, are advised to check them out. While all these influences are apparent, the band injects enough personality, originality and passion into its sound to make this EP an exciting proposition. Aside from the memorable lead track, Plenty grooves like an untamed beast, while No One’s Gonna Make Me Tuck My Shirt In boasts a gloriously ferocious vocal, not to mention an enjoyably rebellious sentiment. The Deep Space remix of the title track is one to win over the clubbers, suggesting that The Statler Project could even become a bona fide crossover act before long. [Graeme Blaikie] OUT NOW THE STATLER PROJECT PLAY THE BEAT CLUB, GLASGOW ON 16 FEB WWW.THESTATLERPROJECT.COM

THE DEATHSET MFDS

(COUNTER)

rr Apparently The DeathSet have shortened their name from The Motherfucking DeathSet, and one

can only assume this was done for commercial purposes. Frankly, there are bigger barriers in their way than avoidable foul-mouthed flippancy. MFDS is inane highschool punk music, slightly deconstructed, fuzzed up and set to a (rather weedy) drum machine. To boot, the remaining tracks are interspersed with some fairly naff vocal sampling. MFDS conjures images of Japanese pop; girls with pigtails and neon outfits ravenously chewing gum and pulling faux sneers. It’s a light-hearted affair but an acute lack of sophistication makes it slightly irritating more than anything else. [Chris Cusack] RELEASE DATE: 11 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/THEDEATHSET

KID HARPOON THE SECOND EP (YOUNG TURKS)

rrr For someone who claims to have over 200 songs in his repertoire, it seems a trifle odd that Kid Harpoon chooses to showcase them through consecutive EPs. There’s certainly enough evidence on this second such release to suggest the time is right for us to hear a full album. Opener, The Riverside, is an urgent and dangerous declaration of intent, a musical Jekyll and Hyde, with Harpoon’s voice switching from clear and soft to dark and harsh without warning.

This menace is evident throughout, with Lay Of The Land providing the only respite. Such is the tempo, however, that this EP doesn’t feel heavy; instead it skips along, all the while with a sarcastic grin painted on its face. [Neal Parsons] RELEASE DATE: 18 FEB K I D H A R P O O N P L AY S B A R F LY, GLASGOW ON 26 FEB AND CABARET VOLTAIRE, EDINBURGH ON 27 FEB

THE DIRTY DOZEN

by Nick Mitchell

Joe Lean & the Jing Jang Jong may have a ridiculous name, but they’ve already been tagged as a band on the rise in 2008. No surprise on the evidence of Lonely Buoy (rrr, 18 Feb), with its Bloc Party pace and Cribs-y guitars. With the exception of their last single, Biffy Clyro have been going a bit American of late, and Who’s Got a Match? (rrr, 4 Feb) is another barn-torching Foos-scale rock-out. I’m roughly a decade too old to appreciate angst-laden pop-punk - or ‘emo’, as the Daily Mail shrieks - but You’re the Designers We’re the Deciders (rr, 11 Feb) by Southampton’s Not Advised is more likeable than should be advised. The market in girlboy, minimal garage rock has been thoroughly stitched up, but Blood Red Shoes pick at the seams regardless. You Bring Me Down (rrr, 4 Feb) lacks no raw emotion, and yet still feels strained by its instrumental limitations.

What to write of a song with the Disneyland refrain, “You are all beautiful/ And you are all magical”? Well, I can’t return the compliment, because Beautiful (r, 4 Feb), by South Africans The Parlotones is just creepy, like the evil cartoon empire. Damn the NME! Because its summation of Letting Go (rrr, 25 Feb) by Preston band Team Waterpolo as “like Franz’s Take Me Out played to the tune of Mamma Mia” is spot-on, and I would have surely said the same if they hadn’t beaten me to it. This column praised The Coral’s comeback single last year, but their latest ‘60s whirl Put the Sun Back (rr, 11 Feb) is just too lacklustre to shout about. You wait for one bunch of melodic Scousers and two come along at once. Britney’s Tears (rrr, 4 Feb) by The Steeples has exactly the right sound for mainstream indie: breezy, upbeat, endearing – unlike the disastrous pop wench of the title.

Proving that ska never dies (it just hibernates in the winter), The King Blues bring a premature burst of sunshine with Mr Music Man (rrr, 18 Feb). The live buzz suggests a chaotic, renegade spirit, so it’s a shame that this is, at best, reggae-lite. You cool cats might be turned off by Eoghan Colgan’s debut single That First Time (rrr, 4 Feb), given its Lenor-conditioned softness and Coldplay guitar, but the industry is about to gobble this sweet-voiced ex-doctor up and hawk him out in massive prepackaged globules. Asobi Seksu’s Citrus was a standout album of 2007, and with Goodbye (rrrr, 25 Feb), the New Yorkers give us a wee nudge of a reminder - gorgeous, Electrelane-meets-Mary Chain guitar pop. On a first listen to I Could Love You (rrrr, 4 Feb) by former Edinburgh native Alice McLaughlin, aka Alice and the Majesty, the thing that strikes you is her voice: unique, expressive, world-weary. The pared-down alt-folk only adds to her allure - single of the month.

ALICE AND THE MAJESTY

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

41

SOUNDS

SINGLE REVIEWS

fortune to emulate these bands’ success remains to be seen. [Chris Cusack]

BEATS EDITORIAL It’s the shortest month of the year (is that a whoop of delight coming from your bank account I hear?

No? Just mine then), and actually means ‘purification’ in Latin, so if you didn’t get round to detoxing in January due to the superb line-ups across the country, here’s your chance: just don’t read the rest of the section or you’ll know what you’re missing. As usual the month is broken up by Valentine’s Day, and if you’re into it, Kim JongIl’s birthday. Less trashy cards, more slasher and Elizabeth Taylor movies though. We’re keeping away from all these things however, instead we have interviews with M.A.N.D.Y, TC, Full Phat, Atjazz, I Am Blip, Chromeo, Jez Willis (Utah Saints), Richard H Kirk (Cabaret Voltaire), and Paul Reset! We’ve also got the heads-up on Pandora’s demise in the House of Techno Highlights, and lots of other exciting snippets hidden about the pages (do you actually need any more incentives to read on?). We got all rhythms covered and we’re bursting at the seams with previews and reviews - in fact you’re just gonna have to go online to see everything that we do have!

Later/Alex.

✹

TOP

5

ALBUMS

#1 REALISTIC CREW OVERCOME (KITTY-YO)

Sounding like Boom Bip if he’d spent some yea r s drinking with gypsy caravans rather than listening to breakdance and rave, this melancholic vision of darkened cities and distorted lights is an intense trip to be savoured.

RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB

#2 TC - WATCH THE RIDE (HARMLESS RECORDS)

I want

M.A.N.D.Y. Dancing is a form of self-expression, and a beautiful thing for it. The best dance music encourages this by giving the listener a chance to interpret, a chance to feel what they want.

Fun is always connected to the experiences around it, the experiences that inform it. One of the reasons parties are such a laugh is that there are so many different individual contexts going on: everyone has their own reason for being there, for interacting, for dancing.

This is something production duo M.A.N.D.Y. (Patrick Bodmer & Philipp Jung) are intuitively aware of. Their music is a spacious form, with simple crisp beats decorated with a smattering of contrasting bleeps, drones and throbs. This is music that takes a bit of listening to get into; not in the traditional sense of multiple plays, but rather in the length of time you give it at a single hearing: it takes a while for you to find the groove.

Tracks tend to be long, and rightly so. The best thing about M.A.N.D.Y.'s music, often classified (in the UK at least) as 'minimal', is that it gives the listener a great deal of scope for interpretation.

The pair who operate as M.A.N.D.Y. do so for Get Physical records, the Berlin-based outfit headline with colleagues Booka Shade and DJ T. Since 2004, all have attracted international acclaim for their productions, and currently sit at the top of booking lists for leading promoters the world over. Their music - all three acts have a comparable style - has considerable crossover appeal, with, for example, influential indie-centric review site Pitchfork giving them considerable coverage.

It’s now early 2008, and the UK's Olympus of quality dance music, Fabric, have asked M.A.N.D.Y. to compile the 38th release of their signature series. It is, as many listeners will have been taking as a pre-release given, a corker. The record begins with an immanent combination of glitches and vocal fragments, whistling wind sounds, and a recorded siren reminiscent of one of those wee baggage trains you get at stations and airports: a

pre-emptive reminder that unrefined music is always around us. This artistic grounding established, the compilation then properly kicks off with Yello's vaguely hilarious ('I go...')

Bananas to the Beat: serious music this is, po-faced it ain't.

Hereafter there is a considerable variation in atmosphere and sound. Certain tracks bear a strong resemblance to the two-step electro releases Andrew Weatherall and Keith Tenniswood were putting out for Rotters Golf Club a few years back (a good thing), whereas others are lighter and have a disco feel to their treble melodies (less exciting, but still interesting). I managed to catch up with M.A.N.D.Y.'s Patrick Bodmer this month, between his DJ appearances over in Australia, to find out about how they successfully put together a compilation that is both challenging

“IT’S MORE THAN TALKING ABOUT MUSIC. IT’S MORE LIKE SOUL TALKING.” – PATRICK BODMER, ON TALKING ABOUT FOOD and highly listenable.

Now, it seems self-explanatory that challenging music is also challenging to make, and this was something I wanted to focus on in conversation. As a writer, describing dance music can be quite a challenge, because so many of the sounds and emotions that are portrayed are very hard to pinpoint in words. I began by asking Bodmer how, when M.A.N.D.Y. are in the studio, they go about communicating to each other what they'd like a song to sound like, which ideas work and which don't.

“Well, ten years ago we had our own studio, and I did a lot of productions for myself. But I never realised how difficult it would be to make club music with a number of people in the studio. It's very hard for us to describe what we want to create, what we're doing,

THE NEW FABRIC COMPILATION (NUMBER 38 IN THE ILLUSTRIOUS CATALOGUE) IS NOW OUT, PUT TOGETHER

BY GERMAN TECHNO MAESTROS M.A.N.D.Y. RJ THOMSON ASKED THEM WHAT MAKES IT, AND THEM, WORK SO WELL what we're looking for. Sometimes it is about making noises, like a human beatbox; sometimes it needs someone to do it [make the sound they're after], and then we talk about it; sometimes we play reference records to describe sounds; and sometimes we use technical music language, classical music language. We have really hard conflicts, often because of misunderstandings.”

As a non-musician, with little knowledge of how the nuts and bolts of a high-end techno track or compilation are put together, I find the image of these experts sitting around with their headphones on, trying to come to an agreement with limited terms of reference, fascinating (and, to be honest, mildly amusing). It commands a lot of respect, because anything that can make equal use of classical terminology and beatbox techniques to equal effect is clearly a very dynamic practice. And it must take a lot of patience.

“Yes, but there's a real band atmosphere - and that's why we enjoy it. Often we'll just sit and talk as a way of working round things: about food, about the night we played last night, girlfriend issues - and through that we get the vibe. It's more than talking about music. It's more like soul talking.”

It makes perfect sense. M.A.N.D.Y. talk about personal matters unrelated to music, as a way of finding an atmosphere that suits the music they want to make. They then labour to make music that fits this atmosphere, without feeling constrained to be specific in a way that might not suit that atmosphere. Then we, the privileged listener, get to hear music that clearly has a strong human quality to it, but that doesn't force its attitudes or meaning on to us. If you've got that purity of creation and delivery, and, like M.A.N.D.Y., you can give it a sophisticated yet irresistible beat... Well hell, I'm dancing.

FABRIC 38 IS OUT NOW WWW.PHYSICAL-MUSIC.COM WWW.FABRICLONDON.COM

This anthemic, accessible record is guaranteed to have avid d’n’b heads and novices drooling alike.

OUT NOW

#3 V/A COMPILED BY JOHN KONG- REQUIRED LISTENING 2 (DO RIGHT! MUSIC)

With this collection, Kong shows that like Gilles Peterson, he’s got an impressive ear for a tune and similarly eclectic taste.

OUT NOW

#4 GOLDFRAPP – SEVENTH TREE (MUTE RECORDS)

Alison Goldfrapp recently spoke of wishing to create songs with space to breathe. On Seventh Tree her voice inflates the natural dramatics of the material and the songs have a cinematic, otherworldly quality.

RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB

#5 V/A - FABRIC 38: M.A.N.D.Y (FABRIC RECORDS)

Magnificently representative of M.A.N.D.Y’s effervescent sound which succeeds in blending the record like a watercolour.

OUT NOW M.A.N.D.Y

42

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

BEATS

Highlights

TC: Riding High

BEATS

Clubbing

SCOTT RAMAGE SWAPS ELECTRONIC MESSAGES WITH THE CURRENT POSTER BOY OF DRUM AND BASS, TC, TO GET THE DIRT ON HIS NEW WATCH THE RIDE MIX

AFTER A JAM-PACKED JANUARY FULL OF BIRTHDAY AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS, WE CONTINUE INTO FEBRUARY WITH A WHOLE HOST OF MOUTH WATERING LINE-UPS

HIP HOP HIGHLIGHTS Four Corners, kinda like Headspin but with an African/ Latin twist, is turning three-years-old next month, turning up the live drums and beats for another Bongo Club shakedown in the capital (15 Feb, 11pm-3am, £3/£5). The club is a fusion of Big Beat and Departure Lounge, bringin’ funk, soul, hip-hop and breaks to your ears from residents Astroboy, Simon Hodge, Johnny Cashback and Breadmark. Last month even saw a random punter turn up and ably play percussion all night on stage, so who knows what the grateful crowd will give back to 4C for their birthday!?

Big Toe’s Hi-Fi are bringing in the big guns for the Wee Red Bar in Edinburgh, starting with Ghislain Poirier (Ninjatune) on 13 Feb (10.30pm-3am, £5), then Toddla T (1965 Records) on 15 Feb (10.30pm-3am, £tbc). Ghislain will darken the bar’s soundsystem with grimy hip hop beats and electronic soca rhythms, while Toddla T will be 2-stepping his way towards the controls for a dancehall glitch-up. Noizteez will be splicing it on 15 Feb (Berlin, Edinburgh, 10pm-3am, £0/£4), mixing up techno guests such as Acid Fairy with J Bostron (ragga/jungle)

and Tamobanter in a rarer hip hop and funk set; keep to room one if you’re keeping chilled for the night, as room two and three contain perilous, hardtek, d’n’b, and electro breaks! But if your budget can’t even stretch to that, if you act now you can get free advance tickets to see Maurice Fulton, A-Skillz, and Boom Monk Ben on 24 Feb playing the Southern Comfort Mardi Gras party (The Ivy, Glasgow, 8pm-12am, advance tickets from the Ivy bar). There will be free food and drink until it runs out so get funkin’ Creole style.

And rounding off this month’s highlights we have The Cool Kids and their fresh hip hop, groovin’ beside the punk soul duo, The Carps, when they hit Volume! at Ego in Edinburgh (7pm, £5 adv/£7) on 17 Feb, ten days after their 7 Feb date at How’s Your Party at the Sub Club (see preview). Finally, there’s the dark and emotive, but definitely not just dubstep, Vex’d (live), and Clark at Baller$ 5ocial Club on 8 Feb (Glasgow School of Art, 11pm-3am, £5/£7/£8/£10) with Jackmaster, Spencer, and faithful residents Hudson Mohawke and Rustie on hand. [Struan Abewt]

HOUSE OF TECHNO This month I’m taking a slightly different angle: in a recent interview with Hot Chip, Clash magazine scribe Adam Park notes that Ricardo Villalobos was so averse to people playing out his music on computer speakers that he wanted a virus encoded onto the disk that would ruin the computer of anyone doing so.

This isn’t unique, and a member of a local electro-rock band tells me how they lost a number of backing tracks after a free software disc with a computer mag was encoded with a virus that prevented the use of their pirated copy of a music program. But that was protection against theft, and though underhand, was based on legality, not aesthetics. Villalobos is advocating the complete artistic control of his product, even in the hands of a consumer. Every soundsystem, be it my knackered old fuzzboxes, or the B&W beauties that I blew half a student loan on, reproduces music differently, and creating new EQ settings or meddling with sounds to create a unique experience is an essential right of the listener. Does Villalobos really believe that every record should be released with a serving suggestion? Why not have a best-before date to prevent him sounding retro?

Or a handy recipe of lighting, social context and drug combinations to truly maximise the experience for you, the listener? Such ideas perpetuate a philosophy of artistic fascism that is frankly ridiculous, and once in the hands of an individual listener, music should be theirs to do as they please. Within the limits of law.

Copyright and reproduction laws are something else entirely, and the recent closure of Pandora.com, which has essentially ended the Music Genome Project, is

AUTECHRE

particularly pertinent to discussion over controlling music. Joining the ‘social revolution’ of the corporate controlled last.fm is opting for a bland, homogenised version of this unique phenomenon, despite its monopoly on online music. We’ll be reporting more on Pandora in further issues, but we need a quick check in with our month’s highlights, including Autechre on 1 Mar at Numbers (see preview); minimal techno from Dan Berkson and James What at OTR (Soundhaus, Glasgow, 2 Feb, 11pm-4am, £10); Swedish techno from Pär Grindvik at Sleaze (Soundhaus, 15 Feb, 10.30pm-3am, £8/£10); we bid an unfortunate adieu to house mainstay, Solescience at Cab Vol in Edinburgh on 8 Feb (11pm-3am, £4/£5); and welcome back the techno teddyboy, Andrew Weatherall to the Cab on 6 Feb (11pm-3am, £0/£2). [Liam Arnold]

DRUM & BASS CURRICULUM After a jam-packed January full of birthday and New Year celebrations, we continue into February with a whole host of mouth watering line-ups. We begin proceedings in Glasgow on 1 Feb where top drum and bass night Pangea will be starting a new monthly residency at The Art School. Headliner for the night is Linden of Nerve Recordings; speaking of which, check out our feature with them on page 49 (11pm-3am, £5). If you fancy things a bit harder then over in Edinburgh on the same night, Melly will be playing a live set at Damage down at Studio 24 (10.30pm-3am, £5/free). Staying in the capital, on Thurs 7 Feb you can catch J Bostron playing at free night Red Star Institute at Red (10pm3am). The following night, 8 Feb, sees breaks night Az-Tech return to The Caves with Breakspoll newcomer of the year, Hexadecimal (10.30pm-3am, £7/£5). On the same night at The Bongo Club, Xplicit will be displaying the talents of US-based double act Saburuko (10.30pm3am, £tbc). Back at The Caves on Fri 15 Feb, Dutch act Black Sun Empire will be providing the sounds for Technical Resistance (10.30pm-3am, £10/£9).

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

Over in Dundee on 15 Feb, Pangea will be back to their home turf at The Reading Rooms with up and coming producer Aesthetics headlining (10pm-3am, £7/£5). If you like your dubstep then check out Volume on Sat 16 Feb downstairs at Club Ego. They’ve got Skream’s favourite DJ Benga playing (11pm-3am, £7). The following Friday (22 Feb) sees top breaks act Atomic Hooligan taking over the Reading Rooms in Dundee (10pm-3am, £10/£8). Last but certainly not least, on 22 Feb Xplicit are at Potterow in Edinburgh with a colossal line-up: Dillinja, Mampi Swift and Lynx will all be headlining (10pm-3am, £tbc). Xplicit resident MC, Tonn Piper is currently in the nominations for best breakthrough MC at this year’s drum and bass awards. You can vote for him at www.drumandbassawards.com.

It’s good to see a diverse mix of club nights this month. Whether you’re into the filthiest drum and bass or the bassiest dubstep, I’m sure you’ll find something to sink your teeth into. [Al Majik]

By the time you read this TC’s new Watch the Ride mix album will have hit the streets, and if we know our music, we can predict that drum and bass fans across the country will be giving it more than a quick listen. His name is being strongly established as one of the most talented figures on the scene, bolstered by the release of last year’s debut, Evolution.

It’s the natural career path for someone who was so strongly enticed by music that he dropped out of school: “I was well into The Prodigy and my piano teacher was into electronic music.

He gave me some samplers and I was hooked!”

Soon his first Atari-based tracks caught the ear of legendary producer Dillinja, who went on to release his early material. “It was a dream come true. I sent him a three-track sampler and he liked it. It was very exciting.”

TC has certainly come a long way from those early beginnings. Evolution was chosen by Zane Lowe as his album of the week on his Radio One show. “Zane has been a big supporter of my music for a number of years. It was recognition of all the hard work that had gone into the album.” Last year also saw TC voted as 1Xtra’s producer of the year. “This means a lot to me. It was a surprise - I thought Sub Focus was going to get it. In fact, I think he deserved it. But, I guess the great thing about awards ceremonies is that the actual public voted for it.”

One of the unique qualities of Evolution is the way that many different musical inspirations work together. “I grew up in St Paul’s in Bristol – an Afro-Caribbean community. We lived opposite the Malcolm X Community Centre where a whole range of music was played all the time – dancehall, dancehall blues, reggae and drum and bass.” But he has other influences as well: “It’s not just sounds, but how I am feeling at the time. Emotion is a very important influence when creating a new track.”

It’s not just his production work that is getting TC attention - he’s also highly regarded as a DJ,

which has led to him being asked to produce the latest mix for the Watch The Ride series: a heavy, forceful compilation drawing upon a large variety of styles and influences. How did he go about this? “I just wanted to make it flow as well as make it interesting. I wanted to represent what’s going on across the board. I chose the tracks that are really working for me on the dancefloor at the moment and also the tracks that I believe in.”

It’s comments like this which show how serious and dedicated TC is to his work. When asked about his highlight of the past year he states that it was DJing in Tokyo: “It feels pretty good to have a whole club of people go mental! It’s not only good to feed off the reaction of the crowd, it’s also good to just watch what they are doing and feeling. I have a lot of VIPs and exclusives in my set at the moment. It keeps everything fresh. There’s loads of people out there that want to party to drum and bass right now. I’ve been lucky enough to travel all around the world over the last year as a DJ, and with the band, and 99% of my gigs have been fantastic.”

So, what does the future hold for TC? “Well, MC Jakes is doing an EP - so there’s that. He is so full of beans which brings such a great energy to my work. He’s also my best mate – so we have a laugh! I’m releasing a single with D Ramirez, which is exciting, and then we are thinking of doing a compilation called Soul Time later this year. There’s a lot going on.”

It’s not surprising for him to say this, considering his work is so full of energy and excitement. “The minute you get lazy, the whole thing falls apart around your ears. Sound is something that never stands still, it’s a vibration. If you want to work with sound, you’ve got to keep moving.”

TC’S WATCH THE RIDE IS OUT NOW ON HARMLESS RECORDS.

FEBRUARY 08

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Talkin’ All Atjazz WE FOLLOW UP JANUARY’S ALBUM OF THE MONTH, FULL CIRCLE, WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH ATJAZZ HIMSELF. COLIN CHAPMAN LEARNS ABOUT STRUCTURING, TALENT SWAPPING, AND HOW ATJAZZ IS TAKING BACK MUSIC

After a near seven-year hiatus, Derbybased producer Martin Iveson returns this month with his third Atjazz album, Full Circle. Utilising the talents of ten different vocalists, it’s a departure from his previous, largely instrumental efforts and its delicious combination of deep house, soul, broken beat and hip-hop highlights the benefits of his near-perfectionist approach to the production process.

“It’s taken around four and a half years to write, and this is probably its third incarnation,” he admits. “It got to the point where I couldn’t work on it anymore and had to take a decision to draw a line underneath it.” However, since 2001’s Labfunk he’s also been kept busy producing for Clara Hill, Victor Davies, Deborah Jordan, Ernesto and Rep Life, all of whom helped him increase his experience of working with vocals and in turn shaped the form of his latest release. However, he didn’t foresee it this way: “It was never really my intention when starting out to produce a full vocal album. However, the positive feedback I received for the vocal tracks on Labfunk convinced me that people appreciated lyrics and songs.”

As well as approaching particular artists, his choice of collaborators on Full Circle came about through time spent working on their productions. “Normally when I do production work for a vocalist, I’ll ask them to return the favour by singing on one of my tracks... I love to let them come up with their own lyrics and

style... I want them to do their own job, to feel that they’re really part of something not just singing someone else’s words,” he explains. One example of this ‘talent-swapping’ is his work with Clara Hill, who he feels helped to convince him of his ability with vocals. “A few years ago I was doing some work for Jazzanova’s Sonar Kollektiv label [who produced Clara’s first album] and her voice on it sounded absolutely amazing so I decided to approach her. I ended up completing a track for her follow-up while she provided vocals for two tracks that are on Full Circle. My time spent with her made me realise that I could produce a full vocal song with a structure; that I could do it over and over and get better at it each time.”

Indeed, he admits that a desire to get songs “just so” contributed to the length of time it took him to finish the album, though he found it musically challenging too. “The structure of Full Circle is different from my previous productions. I had to strip it down, make sure every single noise I threw in was really important... there’s more of a detailed painting of what I was feeling behind each of the tracks.”

Iveson’s partnership with Chicago house legend Robert Owens on Love Someone is another on the album that he is particularly proud of. “We actually worked together in the studio which was a great experience... with the other singers I usually just ended up swapping tracks via the internet. He was so relaxed... it was probably my easiest time working alongside someone.”

With vocalist contributions from Clyde, Dawne

ATJAZZ

B, Ernesto and Sarah Jane Morris to be found elsewhere, it seems natural to inquire if there’s a plan to take it out live? “Yes. Ernesto and Clara have both offered to do PAs... I’d like to travel around with them and also Robert Owens, but make it more a showcase of artists than a live set - my sound relies heavily on studio techniques so using a full band wouldn’t really represent what I’m about.. I’ll probably take the main bits of each track that can’t be reproduced and let the band play over them.”

making a single, vinyl-only album that’ll be coming out this summer on my label, Mantis Recordings. It’s my way of taking back some control over my product.. Even though Full Circle isn’t out yet, it’s already available via bit-torrent because some of those with advance copies think it’s OK to give it away for free.

It’ll be all brand new tracks and some cover versions... for me it’s a bit of an homage to vinyl and a way of saying goodbye to a dying format.”

Aside from these plans, Iveson concludes by giving The Skinny a bit of an exclusive: “I’m

FULL CIRCLE IS DUE FOR RELEASE ON 25 FEB. LOOK OUT FOR DETAILS OF A FULL UK TOUR SHORTLY.

Chromeo:

Funkin’ Fancy

by Emily Foister

FOLLOWING ON FROM OUR TIPS FOR 2008, WE DELIVER OUR PROMISED INTERVIEW WITH THE FUNKIN’ GOOD CHROMEO Late last year the electrofunk phenomenon Chromeo shone some light on the Scottish winter when they tore up Glasgow with their dancefloor-ready beats and let us all know how they do it in Montreal. During their “jet setting, globetrotting sensual conquest of planet Earth”, The Skinny managed to catch up with allegedly the only successful ArabJewish collaboration in history, Dave 1 (David Macklovitch), who plays guitar and sings lead vocals, and P-Thugg (Patrick Gemayel), displaying a slightly more gangsterish edge, who handles the keyboard, synthesizers and talk box.

Influenced heavily by hip-hop and funk, the Québécois former school companions started Chromeo as an attempt to combine two genres which they otherwise considered to be fading from the contemporary music scene. Dave 1 admits that their adolescence was a time of “geek without the chic” but after hits such as You’re So Gangsta, Needy Girl and Fancy Footwork (also the title of last year’s album) under their belts, their status has rocketed them into the limelight. In the beginning, acidic electro maestro and fellow Canadian Tiga discovered them and immediately signed the duo to Turbo Recordings. Their feet are still firmly planted on the ground despite accreditations from Spin, Rolling Stone and NME, and Dave 1 is even studying for his Phd in French Literature at Columbia University (and teaching French to undergraduates as if that wasn’t enough!).

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

Their affiliation with Scotland is perhaps closer than you’d expect. P-Thugg’s grandfather is an alumnus of Edinburgh University where he studied engineering, and they have a degree of familiarity with British politics. Chromeo’s take on Gordon Brown? “He’s a bit of a schmuck isn’t he, that guy,” says Dave 1. “Him and Tony were kind of enemies weren’t they? But after him it’s going to be David Cameron and I’m scared of him a little.” They also admit to a fondness for British culture in the not-so-ghetto form of Marks and Spencers’ Simply Food, but explain: “It’s always the same. We come to England and the first couple of days we have English breakfasts with brown sauce and everything, and we love them. Then after a couple of days we feel sick and get Pret-AManger instead.”

I daringly put it to them that my introduction of their material to a female friend didn’t hit any notes with her, and Dave 1 brushes it off, assuring me that “if she met me she’d change her mind... sometimes people just don’t get it”. Negative opinions like this have done little to sway the unfaltering support of their families in their choice of career, despite admitting they don’t seem to understand what it is they do exactly. Dave 1’s grandma unsurprisingly seems to be one of Chromeo’s biggest fans: “My grandma thinks it’s great.

She called me after she heard Mama’s Boy and she said ‘How come you didn’t write Grandma’s Boy?’”

CHROMEO

They explain their plans for 2008 are the standard-issue for artists looking to break into different continents: “We’ll be touring a lot again, pushing this album. And we still have to make videos for Mama’s Boy and Fancy Footwork.” When we ask them how they’ve changed since the success of their first album, She’s In Control, a collection of demanding women in their lives, Dave 1 just says, “I hope we got better!” As far as their own tips for fancy footwork are concerned, P-Thugg tells us that it’s about the “spins,

dips and electric slides” and Dave 1 says it’s all about the ‘techtonic’: “It’s this new dance craze in France. Look it up on Youtube, there’s like thousands of videos!” [Uh... that’s how I already dance, you mean those were laughs of admiration and not extreme mirth?!

- ed] And a final piece of advice from the Canadian allstars? “Stay in school. Get good grades.

Don’t be bums,” says Dave. You heard the man: get educated, then get funky!

BEATS

Tronic:

Exactly What it Says on the Tin

by Jonathan Robert Muirhead

TRONIC PULLS IN ONE OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN DANCE MUSIC IN THE FORM OF PHIL HARTNOLL AND NEW OUTFIT LONG RANGE FOR THEIR FEBRUARY DATE Glasgow’s clubbing scene will get a rude awakening on Friday 8 February, thanks to Tronic securing the services of Mr Phil Hartnoll’s new project, Long Range.

This event marks Phil Hartnoll’s first live appearance in Scotland since Orbital’s demise, so excitement and anticipation will be high. In their heyday, Orbital were one of the best live acts in the world. This new project is a collaboration between Phil and Nick Smith, who has released on Dragonfly and Atomic Records, even earning film credits with Ridley Scott. Their output connects into the sparse crunches of minimalism, the jarring of glitch, all poured into swathes of synths.

For the event Tronic are moving to Blackfriars, and as Tronic co-promoter Stuart Foxwell tells us, "We needed a later licence to get more folk in and attract a higher calibre of artist." February’s event will therefore be run in conjunction with Inverness-based promoters Robotone, who are hosting their own Long Range event on 9 February. The aim at the heart of Tronic is to showcase new, live electronic artists and Long Range fits the bill perfectly. Tronic’s ingredients for success in their own words are “a great atmosphere and artists having a good time”. The Skinny asks why and how the club was conceived in the first place? "We felt no-one represented live electronic acts. We knew there was a lot of good talent out there - we wanted to create something a bit different. We had been getting bored with endless DJ nights, and it seemed natural to put on a night that embodied our passion," says Stuart. Well, they've got the big name headliner, the later licence, now all they need is some memorable support, but the club already has this wrapped up: "We try hard to branch out. Hence why we booked Yimino

from London... 95% of unsigned acts we book are local."

Yimino will entice clubbers in with his cool and wholesome grooves, the Tronic boys themselves will appear under the name of Ives with two albums of material under their belt, and Glasgow-based Integra TV and I Am Blip, also long time Tronic favourites, will be appearing. Integra's crisp electronica hooks both ears and feet, while I Am Blip's lo-fi electronica does its fair share of emotional string plucking. Step forward 22year-old Andrew McManus, aka I Am Blip.

“God, I hate talking about myself,” he says, disarmingly. I Am Blip spent his teens getting into sampling and sequencing software, then while studying audio technology at university, Blip invested his student grant in a machine which was to play a major part in shaping his sound – the Korg EMX1. Even now, the EMX1 is still the only machine I Am Blip uses when performing. “Everything gets sequenced live. I enjoy the fact I’m not hiding behind a laptop, clicking away at Ableton every few minutes. The difference in sound I get from the hardware is something I love,” he says. “My tracks don’t sound too polished or perfect, they tend to sound a bit dirty and wrong and that’s how I like it.”

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TRONICGLASGOW LONG RANGE @ TRONIC

The Skinny ventures that perhaps this is why Tronic’s audiences have warmed so readily to him and he agrees: “I don’t write music in specific genres that I know people will enjoy.

If they do, then that’s a pure topper!” Or, alternatively, pure Tronic. There’s only one way to find out...

TRONIC, BLACKFRIARS, FRIDAY 8 FEBRUARY, 10PM-3AM, £10/£12 WWW.IAMBLIP.CO.UK

LONG RANGE @ TRONIC

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/LONGRANGEMUSIC

PREVIEWS GLASGOW AUTECHRE

NUMBERS, ART SCHOOL, 1 MAR Numbers’ reputation continues to grow stronger, with recent appearances from Modeselektor, Feadz and DJ Funk, and now a performance from ground-breaking pioneers, Autechre. To promote the release of new album Quaristice, Autechre are hitting the road for a European tour. Their ninth album, due for release on 3 March, is certain to be a continuation of their experimental, glitchy form of electronica, for which their label Warp is widely associated with. With work that relies on complex rhythms and harsh beats, the duo have been compared to labelmates Aphex Twin and Boards Of Canada, but they maintain their own unique identity with their heavier, relentless style. It is guaranteed that this will be an intense sensory assault for those who looking for something a bit more interesting and challenging to make them move their feet. [Scott Ramage] 11PM - 3AM, £TBC WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NUMBERS12345678

PRINS THOMAS

SUBCULTURE, SUB CLUB, 9 FEB In a recent inter view, Prins Thomas described Glasgow’s Sub Club as “one of the finest in Europe”, so it was only a matter of time before he was invited back. A key figure in the new wave of cosmic house, Thomas’s soft, spacious disco-infused style has made him popular worldwide, performing sets in places ranging from London’s Fabric to Hawaii and Japan.

Although his biggest success is considered to be his collaborative album with fellow Norwegian Lindstrom, Thomas is now an established producer in his own name, as well as producing remixes for acts such as Annie and Simian Mobile Disco, plus keeping himself busy with his recently launched Full Pupp label. Given this background and Thomas’ fondness for Sub Club, it can be certain that this will be a disco that definitely gets the crowd dancing. [Scott Ramage] 11PM-3AM, £10/£12 - WWW.SUBCLUB.CO.UK

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SHITMAT

VEX’D AND CLARK,

It is with stonking gratitude to all the forward-thinking promoters in these parts that we are now able to say Edinburgh and Glasgow between them possess a healthy breakcore and jungle scene. This monumental showdown, courtesy of website and label manager Epsion, will be the first of its kind, and sadly what looks like the last of Epsion’s events in Glasgow (you’ll just have to catch him in Berlin!). Expect to see pioneering headliner Shitmat (Wrong Music/Planet Mu) - currently astride his Headless Chicken Tour - brandishing his trademark mash-up of jungle mania and deliciously obnoxious hardcore in a live set. Glasgow’s beat-murdering Acrynym (Sublight/Deathsucker), also playing live, has a breakcore holocaust up his sleeve, and what with support from Babyshaker’s twisted, boundary quaking drill’n’bass (yes, you guessed it, live), Kings of Macumba samba drummers and Error Response’s (Hyperoctave/2Point Zero) darkly cinematic downtempo tunes, it’s magnificently obvious that this is a congregation for the drumbeat intelligentsia. [Rosie McLean]

Another crème de la crème instalment of intrepid sound chemists from Ballers Social Club, and only a relentless 24 hours after The Cool Kids. Jamie and Roley are the venturesome duo known as Vex’d. Since Degenerate (Planet Mu) opened a new channel for dubstep’s inexorable current with its crunching industrial weight and toe-jabbing bass, fans have literally slavered for new material. Chris Clark (Warp) will appropriately be playing upstairs, touting his electronic concoction of all that is crisp, acidy and thoroughly space age as the perfect airborne counterpart to Vex’d gritty subterranea. Jackmaster and Spencer will provide some meaty filling for the upper crust guests, while residents Hudson Mohawke and Rustie - with careers snowballing in their own right - form support.

[Rosie McLean]

BREAKCORE EXTRAVANGANZA, SOUNDHAUS, 8 FEB

11PM-4AM, £8/£6 (MEMBERS/STUDENTS)

MAURICE FULTON & A-SKILLZ

SOUTHERN COMFORT MARDI GRAS, IVY, 24 FEB Who doesn’t like a party? Even better, who doesn’t love a Mardi Gras party? To show their appreciation for the final day of Carnival, Southern Comfort has teamed up with Ivy to create the ultimate party. SoCo cocktails will be available, along with some tasty Creole nibbles, and with electro, leftfield and house DJ sets from the likes of Maurice Fulton, A-Skillz, Boom Monk Ben and the Ooft DJs, the tunes are guaranteed to get the dancefloor jumping for an exhilarating four hours. The fact that entry, food and drinks are completely free with advance tickets should also help in making this a Fat Tuesday celebration to remember! [Michael Slevin]

BALLERS SOCIAL CLUB, THE GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, 8 FEB

SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO (LIVE) THE ARCHES, 9 FEB

While the nation is still catching its breath following last year’s storming support slots for both the Chemical Brothers and Klaxons, Simian Mobile Disco are once again preparing to bring their live show on the road.

Formed after their old band Simian disbanded, the duo James Ford and Jas Shaw have been pursuing their love for confident electronic music ever since. This series of gigs will allow fans the chance to see unique live translations of the incendiary hits like It’s the Beat and latest release Hustler, which made their debut, Attack Decay Sustain Release, one of 2007’s must-have albums. With support coming from Kitsuné labelmates The Whip, an intriguingly brilliant electro four-piece from Manchester on the brink of releasing their debut album, it is not to be missed. [Emma Kilday] 7PM, £10 (ADV.)

11PM-3AM, £5/£7 ADVANCE/ £8/£10 ON THE DOOR

KILLER KITSCH 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY BUFF CLUB, 5 FEB

8PM-12AM, FREE - TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM BEHIND THE IVY BAR AND TICKETS SCOTLAND

It has been three years since the launch of the eclectic, electronic club night at what is arguably Glasgow’s cosiest venue, and to celebrate the event Killer Kitsch is putting on one great party. Upstairs, Dave Sinclair and Euan Neilson play a variety of current electro and house mixed with classic anthems, and downstairs Boom Monk Ben plays a selection of hip hop, disco and funk.

The wide range of styles encompassed within the night is regularly compared to Optimo, so it’s only appropriate that Optimo’s JG Wilkes is joining them for this birthday extravaganza. As if this isn’t enough, entry will be free all night and there will even be free Killer Kitsch compilation CDs given to everyone who goes - the only thing left for them to provide is the birthday cake. [Scott Ramage]

WWW.TICKETS-SCOTLAND.COM (SUBJECT TO BOOKING FEE)

11PM-4AM, FREE - WWW.KILLERKITSCH.CO.UK

SHITMAT

BEATS

BEATS

Cream of the crop:

Full Phat

by Liam Arnold

THE SKINNY MEETS ONE OF SCOTLAND’S LOCAL ARTISTS ON THE UP, FULL PHAT If you live in Glasgow, chances are you’ll have seen Full Phat performing at one time or another: either rocking out at Subcity’s block parties, facing off against the face-shredding Animal Farm in the Soundhaus, or manning the action at his own Obese nights. For a number of years now, Full Phat, also known as Moss, has been providing the city with weekly doses of fidgety rhythms, lean beats and fat bass.

He was introduced to clubbing by mix-tapes from nights like Fantasia, which his older brother would pass on, and started to produce music after being inspired by what he heard.

“I’d just mess about on my dad’s computer,” he tells us. “I’d make silly noises then put them together.” Though that’s pretty much all you need to do to have a hit single in the current musical climate, the world didn’t beat a path to Moss’s door straight away, and it would be a few years of hard work before music became a viable past-time. “Between the ages of about 15 through 19 I was constantly just sending stuff off to labels, constantly writing tracks and making demos. After a while I started making tracks just for enjoyment and stopped chasing it so hard.” In this period Moss was introduced to the wheels of steel; his brother bought a set of decks, and he began mixing tracks. “When I started out I wanted to be a hip-hop DJ, but my hands just weren’t fast enough. So I thought: fair enough, I’ll just stick to house then.” He’s honed his skills for many years, filling illustrious venues such as the Sub Club and The Hive in Edinburgh, as well as turning out a weekly show on Subcity digital radio.

About two years ago, when producing was playing second fiddle to the Obese events and show, both of which showcase his predilection for fat new grooves and classic house, labels began asking for tracks and contacting him.

“Mostly through MySpace... people started requesting stuff or saying ‘where can I get that track, I’d like to play it out the club’,” he

explains. Not that Full Phat is some blingtoting billionaire producer who thinks he’s P. Diddy; he still works full time as a chef, despite forthcoming releases on respected labels like Refo Rec and Flatpack Traxx.

He also features on Bad Advice Music’s forthcoming 12”, which features tracks from scene leaders such as Nick Maurer of The Greenskeepers and Nate Manic, alongside Fat Burdy, Full Phat’s chunky cut of Baltimoreinflected bass and scuzzy, retro synths. It’s a hands-up dancefloor anthem guaranteed to make you shake, and it’s one of his most accomplished crowd-pleasers to date.

Whilst MySpace has made it much easier for artists to make the transition from local popularity to global recognition, Full Phat epitomises how much work has to be put into music to make a successful career: “I spend most of my spare time making tracks and putting nights together. On my days off, that’s pretty much all I do. I’ll have people say ‘d’you want to come round for dinner,’ and I’ll be like, ‘nah, I’ll just do some music’.” His forthcoming 12”s should help propel Full Phat towards the success he deserves though, and move him from Glasgow’s local scene to at least a few more dates across the country. He’s got the potential to make it very big though, with a combination of technical expertise and unpretentious, devastating tunes. Full Phat’s refreshingly laid-back about the future though, and doesn’t plan on releasing an album any time soon. He tells The Skinny that he just wants to use the singles “to get heard and maybe get some more gigs off the back of it”.

Make no bones about it, this boy’s on the way up, with killer tunes and DJ sets to back him up. Check it out before he leaves all this behind.

NOT JUST A MAN… MORE THAN A BAR… A WAY OF LIFE.

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/FULLPHAT

FRESH, SEASONAL FOOD SERVED DAILY

WWW.LEBOWSKIS.CO.UK 1008 ARGYLE STREET GLASGOW 0141 564 1002

FULL PHAT

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

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Sugarbeat:

A Sweet Celebration

by Alex Burden

THE BIRTHDAYS FOR EDINBURGH CLUBS JUST KEEP COMING IN A STEADY STREAM. SUGARBEAT IS CELEBRATING ITS THIRD WITH THE HELP OF LEGENDS CABARET VOLTAIRE, EROL ALKAN AND SINDEN & HERVE

Sugarbeat is unique in its approach - today’s syndicated clubs usually come with the backing of huge budgets, big names, national media coverage and record labels, attracting crowds through clever brand-positioning and radiofriendly music. Sugarbeat certainly have not shied from bringing big names to their nights such as Felix Da Housecat, Justice and Krafty Kuts, but any proliferation of venues was achieved through toil, sweat, and the encouragement of a regular fanbase. It’s now approaching its third year at Edinburgh’s Cabaret Voltaire, while playing weekly at Sugarbeat Leeds and monthly at Sugarbeat Bristol, thanks to the support and effort of Tim Garbut and Jez Willis aka The Utah Saints, the hugely successful (and especially cherished in Scotland’s capital) ‘90s dance band.

Going by their self-proclaimed Power To The Beats philosophy, Sugarbeat has introduced an edge of affordability for cash-conscious clubbers, meaning even the most cash-strapped have the opportunity to treat themselves at the end of the month. How does Jez feel about the club and ethos he helped create? “Well, it feels good, if a little full-on sometimes - Leeds is weekly and has been for seven years. We are proud of the longevity, and the fact that Sugarbeat is getting recognised a bit now,” he explains.

And what would you say the key elements are?

“A nice club for nice people!” he says, “Actually, it’s fairly loose - we don’t really put on house DJs, there’s plenty of nights doing that already - we do try and put on interesting DJs who play a good mix, but still know how to rock the joint.

The names combined with the artwork (akin to technical sketches with robotic themes - ed) seem to attract an ace crowd of people, and the whole thing just works.”

The Sugarbeat concept arrived in Leeds in 2001, playing simply good beats from old skool hip-hop, funk, d’n’b, electro, house and techno, and after its reputation grew, they decided to launch the Scottish version in January 2005,

UTAH SAINTS (SUGARBEAT)

going on to enjoy a large-scale event last year in Princes Street Gardens. Sugarbeat is hesistant to set a definitive future for the club, saying that it is out of their hands and in those of the clubbers. “As long as people like it, we’ll be there,” Jez reassures us. “Sugarbeat and The Cab - we lock up brilliantly - the owners and the staff have a fantastic attitude and vision; everyone pulling in the same direction, to make some hopefully legendary nights happen! It would also be great when people really start to trust us, and so even if they haven’t heard of any of the DJs, they know they will have a great night!”

Now they can add electro extraordinaire Erol Alkan (again!); Sinden and Herve, the recent Domino signings and bassy dance freaks; and the legendary, industrial electronica act Cabaret Voltaire to the list of guests after their third birthday on 29 February. It was the

venue’s idea to get in Cabaret Voltaire, “true electronic pioneer artists”, for the event.

In Sheffield, 1973, Cabaret Voltaire aka Stephen Mallinder and Richard H. Kirk set out to go against the local bands that played cover versions of chart hits. It was their intention to “rip the piss out of conventional forms of music and create something that would intimidate and totally freak out people’s normal concept of music,” says Richard. Apart from the anti-art Dada movement, which found a spiritual home in the Swiss nightclub Cabaret Voltaire, and is referenced through the band’s moniker, Brian Eno, Roxy Music, and the German electronic scene of the ‘60s and ‘70s were other influences upon their music. “All this was against a backdrop of soul music, Tamla-Motown and reggae/dub. So, put all that together and you kind of end up with Cabaret Voltaire.

Plus Sheffield was a very grim northern city,

which had been heavily bombed during World War II - it still looked like it, and felt very bleak. Unemployment, urban decay. Very J.G. Ballard.”

For this Sugarbeat gig, Richard will be playing an eclectic set of sounds that he personally enjoys, “sometimes enhanced or tweaked, plus I may throw in some of my own works in progress...” says Richard. “It’s the first time I’ll have played in Scotland on my own, and I’m really looking forward to it. It was always really good coming here with Cabaret Voltaire back in the day. I’m obviously very flattered to have been asked, but don’t know very much about Sugarbeat, other than its great reputation as a club night. The name Cabaret Voltaire is very familiar!”

11PM-3AM, £15, 29 FEB WWW.MYSPACE.COM/HERVEBEATS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GRAEMESINDEN

PREVIEWS EDINBURGH ANDREW WEATHERALL

Kapital residents Michael Ford and Barry O’Connell ensuring the party goes off with a bang. Nathan Fake (and his emotive techno) is one of the label’s most successful artists, and his live set should tempt you out like snowdrops in the spring. Swedish-born Petter’s style is deep and melodic; perfect to get the dance floor grooving. Kapital only surfaces four times a year, but is an intensely exciting, innovative concept. So if you’re into your techno and downright great music, Kapital is for you. [Karen Taggart]

WE ARE ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, 6 FEB It’s always around the beginning of February that all our new year’s resolutions completely go to pot. Fags are relit, bills unpaid and good intentions of quiet nights-in morph into five-day benders. And just in case you needed another excuse to break them, the lovely folks at Edinburgh’s We Are Electric are about to give you one. This month they have the main man, Andrew Weatherall. A man with a list of credentials almost as long as his quarter-century spanning career, during which he’s released tunes as both Sabres of Paradise and Two Lone Swordsmen. When he finally got around to releasing his first full solo effort, The Bullet Catcher’s Apprentice in 2006, nobody was surprised to find the same cracking house anthems he’d played a part in creating for years. This set promises nothing less than riotous techno and scintillating electro that you’d be foolish to miss. [Emma Kilday]

10.30PM-3AM, £9+BF (ADV)/£12 WWW.KAPITALMUSIC.CO.UK, WWW.NATHANFAKE.CO.UK, NOLL8.NU (PETTER’S OFFICIAL WEBSITE)

WE ARE ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, 20 FEB

AZ-TECH, THE CAVES, 8 FEB

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

This new club takes its first bow of many to come in Edinburgh’s Cocteau Lounge. Organisers Brian Dempster and Brett King have vowed to concentrate on “prog house... house with a trancy twist” for the event, and this means cheerful music in a gay-friendly atmosphere. Dempster and King are keen to stay on the light side, so get your grimy, dirty beats somewhere else. Both bring a fine pedigree to the table with them.

Between them, they have held residencies in clubs such as Joy, Mingin, Luvely, and Tokyoblu. They’ve also headlined Ocean Terminal’s Drop The Anchor.

Satisfied is intent on bringing fun back to the table.

Check it out. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead] 11PM-3AM, £6

HEXADECIMAL

10.30PM-3AM, £5/£7

COCTEAU LOUNGE (EGO), 9 FEB

HINT

11PM-3AM, £0/£2

This has to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Edinburgh club scene’s breakbeat calendar. For their first event in two months, the boys have managed to secure the services of Hexadecimal, winner of the 2007 International Breakbeats Best Breakthrough DJ award. Hexadecimal’s set at this year’s Glade festival was reckoned by many to be the highlight of the whole festival. The bill of supporting artists, as ever, will be Siren, Al Majik and Retox. There are also hints that there will be give-aways of all manner of goodies on the night. Hexadecimal’s breakbeatridden, confrontational sets have, throughout the past year, been winning over new hearts and ears. His sets are renowned for being carefully built models of anarchy, while the supports should chill and thrill the discerning clubber in equal measures. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead]

SATISFIED

NATHAN FAKE

NATHAN FAKE

KAPITAL, THE CAVES, 1 MAR Set in the beautiful, unique Caves, Kapital is a quarterly night of electronic music, aiming to push the boundaries of minimal techno by holding a night unlike any other in the city. Previous guest Alex Smoke went down a storm, and with a showcase from the Border Community label this second event looks set to be another banging night. Border Community boys Nathan Fake and Petter DJ will be guesting on the night, with

The first date of their joint Scottish tour sees Hint (Ninja Tune, Tru Thoughts) and Boom Monk Ben (Mixed Bizness, Solid Steel) touch down for what will be an unmissable night. Labelled as one of the brightest UK talents working today, Hint’s musical career took off in 2002 when a John Peel session and an appearance at The Big Chill boosted his profile. Recently his sound has become more dancefloor friendly, and by playing a mixture of hip-hop, house, jungle, dancehall, grime, electro, and breakbeat he will not disappoint. Joining Hint is Glasgow favourite Boom Monk Ben, known for his diverse mix of banging tunes, a capella blends and three-deck mixing. Renowned for selecting the dirtiest underground tunes, incorporating heavy funk, disco, jazz and soul, if you’ve never seem him in action before you’d be mad to miss this Edinburgh date. Do whatever you gotta do to see this rare Ninja Tune experience.

[Karen Taggart] 11PM-3AM, £0/£2 WWW.THECABARETVOLTAIRE.COM, WWW.HINTERACTIVE.CO.UK, WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BOOMMONKBEN

JUSTIN MARTIN

ULTRAGROOVE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, 2 FEB San Franciscan DJ/producer Justin Martin will make his Scottish debut at Ultragroove this month. The Bay Area resident’s talents were first spotted in 2003

by Barclay Crenshaw, an independent film producer who’s now better known under his own DJ and production moniker, Claude Von Stroke. That same year, at Miami’s Winter Music Conference, his demo CD found its way into the hands of Ben Watt, who immediately signed its opening track Sad Piano for his Buzzin’ Fly label on his return to London. Five years on and Martin has now established himself as one of the west coast’s brightest talents; DJing, recording and remixing regularly for Buzzin’ Fly, Utensil, Classic and Dirtybird Records (which he co-owns with Von Stroke).

His tech-funk style went on full display with the release of his first mix CD Chaos Restored on Buzzin’ Fly last year. [Colin Chapman] 11PM-3AM, £10/£8 WWW.ULTRAGROOVE.CO.UK

BEATS

Jumpin’ Beats

BEATS

Labels Special: Nerve Recordings

by James Blake

WITH HUGE DRUM AND BASS RELEASES, EARLY SPOTS OF GREAT TALENT AND A JAM-PACKED SCHEDULE FOR 2008, THE SKINNY GETS NERVY WITH NERVE RECORDINGS Nerve Records will be a name familiar to many in the drum and bass scene, both locally and internationally: label boss Paul Reset and accomplice Pyro have been running it since 2000, and neither are strangers to any ‘heads with decks.

Pyro has produced some well-worn wax, including Sentinel and Cho on Nerve and more than fifty others. Paul is currently resident at Xplicit as well as running the label day to day.

He co-ran Live Evil for years, bringing acts such as Photek and Shy FX to Glasgow in their five years at the Art School. Unfortunately the night is no more, and Paul tells us that the club had reached a natural conclusion for all involved. Fortunately the label still continues, buoyed up by some great music and hard working ears.

So, how did Nerve start? “We were hearing a lot of amazing tracks by up and coming producers,” says Paul. “At the time, the scene was a bit more locked off to new producers, and it was hard for people to get a release even if they had some amazing tracks.” Fired up by the desire to showcase that untapped creativity and release Paul and Pyro’s own material, Nerve was born. Since then they have released debuts from artists such as Psidream and Noisia. Big names like Gridlok and SKC also released some of their earlier tunes through Nerve, further illustrating just how good Reset and Pyro’s talent finding ears are. Their latest release from ASC – The Pursuit - has been picked up by breaks and tech DJs as well as

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

the usual drum and bass spinners. That will be followed by another of Pyro’s own 12”, Time Is Broken / Resolve.

But in case you still need to play catch up, they’re also soon to re-release some of their out of print back catalogue on a new imprint, Nerve Ltd. Silicon, Noisia’s debut will also soon be available again. There’s a remix of Crisis on the way, a track played by the likes of Andy C and Marcus Intalex. Produced by Paul Reset and with a remix by Kemal, Crisis is a banger and definitely worth checking out.

With huge releases, early spots of great talent, and huge name gigs, it’s hard to fault what these guys do. In fact, you’d have to be trying spectacularly hard to avoid drum and bass to have missed the impact Nerve and its allies have had on the scene. 2008 looks set to be a big year; with Nerve 22 and 23 already in the pipeline from Morphy and Isotone it’s unlikely Paul will be doing anything other than giving drum and bass exactly what it needs. There’s also a digital release of homegrown talent to look forward to, and then late this summer is Nerve 24, featuring Pyro and the track Tuva, by a new talent going by the name of Linden.

If precedent is a guide, this Irish Dundonian could make waves.

PAUL RESET @ NERVE RECORDINGS PETE DUNLOP

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/NERVERECORDINGS WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PYRONERVE WWW.MYSPACE.COM/CLUB_XPLICIT

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

49

ALBUM REVIEWS

though even here a certain amount of effort is required to overcome the bordering-on-irritating drum samples. This record represents a real challenge yet, when bearable, evokes relaxing late nights in smoky sitting rooms. This makes for a somewhat inconvenient juxtaposition, as a challenge is surely the last thing one wants to accept after one too many. [Jon Seller] RELEASE DATE: 18 FEB

V/A COMPILED BY JOHN KONG REQUIRED LISTENING 2 (DO RIGHT! MUSIC)

rrrr Do Right! main-man John Kong has been described as Canada’s answer to Gilles Peterson. With this collection, Kong shows that like the Radio 1 DJ, he’s got an impressive ear for a tune and similarly eclectic taste. Covering several musical bases, Required Listening 2 is a showcase of both familiar and less well-known Canuck talent. Emcee Abdominal drops T-Ode, making waves in Toronto, while Anonymous and Planet Asia combine for the hip-hop soul of Sweet 16. Other Toronto highlights include the laidback jazz of Sacha Willamson and Alister Johnson’s bruk-beat soul.

Vancouver has quickly established itself as a musical hot-bed, thanks in part to the acclaimed tech-house trio Cobblestone Jazz who feature here, and now it would seem vocalist Amailia Townsend who sings on the compilation for nujazz-ists Sekoya and deep funk-soul unit, 1 Luv. Elsewhere, Ghislain Poirer represents for Montreal with bassheav y French-flecked dub and Ottawa gets in on the act courtesy of SoulJazz Orchestra’s afro-beat.

[Colin Chapman] OUT NOW WWW.DORIGHTMUSIC.COM

SIMBAD

SUPERSONIC REVELATION (RAW FUSION RECORDINGS)

rrr Simbad has worked with names such as Robert Owens and Bugz In The Attic, and that talent clearly shows on this album. This work mainly sits on the border between soul and house, but manages to encompass dancehall, hip-hop and broken-beat. A variety of guest vocalists lend their talents to different tracks, which produces mixed results. Shine, featuring Yolanda (last heard animating Pinch’s Underwater Dancehall album) launches the album with a strong combination of rich vocals, fractured beats and tense atmospherics, and the rapbased Controlversy stands out for its political content and unusual rhythm. The problem is that these highlights make the rest of the

album sound plain in comparison.

Although it’s enjoyable and pleasant to listen to, there’s very little that is striking about it. There is plenty here to suggest what Simbad is capable of, which only makes the rest a frustrating listen. [Scott Ramage] RELEASE DATE: 18 FEB

V/A - FABRIC 38: M.A.N.D.Y

(FABRIC RECORDS)

rrrr The monumental M.A.N.D.Y make their imprint on Fabric Records with this intricate construction.

Favouring a subtly minimal approach, this record is an intelligent journey through good natured party vibes and itchy head nodders, with darker material seamlessly woven into the deal. Tracks to watch out for are Gui Boratto’s Tipologia (Lucy Remix) and Lucio Aquilina’s My Cube, but otherwise lean back to enjoy the haunted sounds of Decimal’s Idiosynkratik and Djinxx and X-Pansul’s Spanish Kebab merge into the warm lulls of Get Physical’s Booka Shade and DJ T, and Audion’s remix of Dubfire’s I Feel Speed - a ride upon the chills and rushes of a good solid dab of the eponymous M. Magnifenctly representative of M.A.N.D.Y’s effervescent sound which succeeds in blending the record like a watercolour, there is also evidence of consciousness to incorporate uprisings of glitchy, stiff staccato beats and swooping bass which challenge what might otherwise be slightly too easy a listen. A true technical achievement - but what else would you expect from M.A.N.D.Y? [Rosie McLean] RELEASE DATE: 14 JAN

BLACK POCKET

BLACK POCKET THE ALBUM (EXIT)

rr Black Pocket The Album is, so we’re told, ‘instrumental soul at its best’. Whilst this listener is perhaps a little under-cooked when it comes to the genre, it’s clear that this music, an unaccommodating, inaccessible mix of disjointed samples and off-beat loops, is a specialist market. Only occasionally does this record, the first under the moniker from ‘90s dance pioneer Steve Spacek - once of Stex with one Johnny Marr - put the listener at ease as the constant jumping hints at faulty audio equipment. Sta Simonez is one such occasion, al-

FEATURED ALBUM REALISTIC CREW OVERCOME (KITTY-YO)

rrrr Sounding like Boom Bip if he’d spent some years drinking with gypsy caravans rather than listening to breakdance and rave, Realistic Crew are Hungary’s most intriguing musical export. Taking out-of-focus snapshots of the likes of Amon Tobin and Massive Attack, they fuse drugged breakbeats with a staticdrenched jazz trio and occasional lyrics from vocalist Dalma Berger and MC Zeek. Vocals are used sparingly though, in favour of instrumental soundscapes and unhurried experiments with texture. It’s slightly disappointing that the lyrics are delivered in familiar English, as the rest of the band’s sound is so uniquely ex-

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

SINGLE REVIEWS SIRIUSMO

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/BLACKPOCKET

ALLTHEGIRLS

GAV LIVZ

rrr

TWENTY’S PLENTY (GAV LIVZ)

rr Gav Livz makes a big noise, and cer tainly has the confidence it takes to be an MC, but his album lacks any immediate appeal, and the second and third listens don’t do much more. His beats sound like they were made using one of those sample packs found all over the net, perfect if you’re aiming for Generica of the American school.

It’s a shame, because he has some skills as an MC which deserve better. He can flow, and he’s comfortable enough with his own dialect to play around with it, with a natural delivery throughout. He plays with character too, but unfortunately it’s a pretty unexciting cast that Livz in Gav. The lack of interesting chat hampers him generally, and he seems to keep coming back to his favourite subject: himself. But while he has little of any real interest to say, he certainly knows how to say it. It’s an empty sort of poetry, but has scope to impress Scottish hip-hop fans nonetheless.

[Mark Shelley] OUT NOW WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GAVLIVZ

THE SUPER PHONICS INTERSTELLAR

(FREESTYLE RECORDS)

rrrr This is a pure euphoric blast from start to finish. It has Motown’s earthy horns and disco’s ecstatic funk. It treats both as sacred texts and never lets us forget it.

The full-on, fat beats and pumping bass rhythms make Interstellar a very sexy album, particularly on tracks like I’m Gonna Make You Want Me. The female vocalist here positively owns this track. It comes as no surprise to find funk, disco and ‘70s beats listed as influences.

They shine through loud and clear on every single track. Every musician plays as though their life depends on it. Not a note is soured, no song outstays its welcome. The songs gel very well as a whole.

Rather than sinking into one 50minute clump (as so many albums do) they support each other. This is a very solid, invigorating album that would also make a great ‘70s cop show soundtrack. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead] RELEASE DATE: 15 FEB

perimental that the interplay of unfamiliar sound would elevate this to the level of genius that Cappablack achieve. Zeek’s rhymes on Is it Own? are reminiscent of Dabrye’s Air, but whilst the original achieves a dark sense of menace, Zeek slips into bluff posturing and moon-spoon-june playschool rhymes. With a visuals crew and a predilection for branching into improvised passages, Realistic Crew provide a live show that takes the hip-hop template and bends it into a new, multi-sensory experience. The lyrics may come into their own when delivered live, but mostly seem like an unsuccessful attempt to sell a leftfield group as a mainstream proposition. For the most part, this is not commercial music for radios, but an introspective piece of sound-art, and Overcome’s melancholic vision of darkened cities and distorted lights is an intense trip to be savoured on big headphones in the early hours.

[Liam Arnold] RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB

(EXPLOITED)

With mixes from Modeselektor, Yu k s e k a n d Tomboy, this is a la-la-land of quality dancefloor tunes; a psychedelic paradise of bootyfunk, krunked-up hip-hop and banging electro-house. Siriusmo is Modeselektor’s mate, and the A-side’s a five-part trip through AllTheGirls, a track that could easily have been culled from Happy Birthday, including two remixes. On the flip, you get yet more mixes, and Modeselektor’s re-edit of Wow from their Boogybytes mix CD. Diet Modeselektor? Or the new face of Berlin parties? [Liam Arnold] RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB

MUNK

REMIXED

(GOMMA RECORDS)

rrr The Munich duo of Mathias Modica and Jonas Imber y, aka Munk, are the men behind Germany’s excellent Gomma label. Here they offer up a re-press of remixes that originally appeare d alongside their debut album three years ago.

Fellow Germans Digitalism give Disco Clown a punk-style makeover, throwing heavy drums, crisp snares and a buzzing guitar riff together to so-so effect. Ce Kul sees French producer and DJ Chloe add vocals to Marco Passarani’s squelchy electro-breaks, similar in feel to past Felix and Miss Kitten collaborations.

Finally, Japan’s Zongamin offers the stand-out re-rub with his take on Mein Schatzi, cutting up hip-house vocals and violins over jerky, headnodding funk. [Colin Chapman] RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

Protassov, Ancient Astronauts and Broken Beatnicks have joined together to produce this remix EP. Yam Who?’s version on Theme for a Latter-Day Lothario has a very cool, laidback soul vibe. Simple yet effective, this track is a great opener for the rest of the release.

Wrongtom provides a different slant on the classic tune, bringing in elements of drum and bass to give it a harder, edgier sound, with slow, sleazy background beats. Another stand-out is Taking Over, this time remixed by Broken Beatniks, with an electro-funk, uplifting feeling, perfectly complemented by Bridgette Amofah’s vocals and a jazzy undertone. Overall a fitting tribute to the originals. [Karen Taggart] OUT NOW WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DRRUBBERFUNK

NIA-JAI

THROW YA M’S UP

(WHITE CHALK RECORDS)

rrrr Nia Jai is Manchester’s latest contribution to the grime scene, and boy does she like to shout about it.

Throw ya M’s Up is essentially a paean to Manchester and Manc MCs Liquid Shifty, Mackas and Dreados, all of whom guest on the track. It’s refreshing to hear something other than a Hackney accent on the mic though, and Throw your M’s Up is as pertinent to London’s scene as it is laced with local pride.

It’s Premier Cru grime though, peppered with off-kilter breakbeats, prehistoric rave synths and Nia Jai’s visceral spitting. Nutten But A Link is less impressive though, full of trite northern-isms and references to the Trafford centre food court. One to watch. [Liam Arnold] RELEASE DATE: 25 FEB

WWW.GOMMA.DE

SPLITTER

WWW.MYSPACE.COM/ GOMMARECORDS

(EYE INDUSTRIES)

DR RUBBERFUNK MY LIFE AT 33 REMIX EP (GPS RECORDINGS)

rrr Since the release of My Life at 33 in 2006, Dr Rubberfunk has continued to gather fans from across the world, and various remixers including Yam Who?, Wrongtom, Dan Shannon,

ALL ALONE

rrrr Splitter is the collaboration of two of house’s biggest heavyweights, namely M a r k Ya r d l e y of the infamous Stanton Warriors and Martijn ten Velden. All Alone is their first release

DJ CHART

ABSOLUTE CHANCER

and sees the duo attempt to separate themselves from their previous musical projects and outlooks, attempting to bring something new to the ever-growing dance/rock genre. Blending elements of electro and house, it tells the tale of a lovesick clubber who just saw the one person for them, yet it fails to really get going. However, the remix B-sides show signs of promise from the duo, with A Chicken Lips Dub Malfunction and the Chicken Lips Malfunction versions both definitely warranting a listen. [Franck Martin] OUT NOW

DOM KANE

SMOKE MACHINE (FAKT RECORDINGS)

rrrr This is the coldest slice of electronica these ears have heard in a long time. It’s quite bracing, after so much warm, fuzzy electronica of the Goldfrapp and LCD Soundsystem variety. This is the genre pared down to its base elements and left to stand on its own two feet. Kane has created tracks which are for feet first and foremost. They don’t require the listener to think, they require you to move, getting the heart pounding quickly. The tracks recall mid-to-late period Orbital. It is no surprise Kane has earned the endorsement of both Hartnoll brothers and has previously remixed Orbital.

This single positively demands your attention, whether on the dancefloor or doing the dishes. [Jonathan Robert Muirhead] RELEASE DATE: 25 FEBRUARY

VETIVER

BEEN SO LONG/YOU MAY BE BLUE (FATCAT RECORDS)

rrrr Nearly two years since the release of their acclaimed second album To Find Me Gone, Vetiver are back with two stunning remixes by the Neighbours who consist of Vetiver mainman Andy Cabic and producer Thom Monahan. Both tracks are unquestionably works of polished and deconstructed breath-taking genius. The mesmerising, almost spiritual vocal harmonies and breathy, atmospheric flute playing of Alissa Anderson in Been So Long create a celestial, idyllic chill-out production which could be described as anything from mood music to a tribal naturalistic soundtrack. You May Be Blue is far faster with a busy and incredible feat of dark electronic instrumentals mainly evident through the unmistakable live electronic drum and keyboard sets played by Andy Cabic and Otto Hauser. A refreshing, unique and quite simply astounding plethora of beautiful and powerful music. [Louise Boyle] OUT NOW

WONKY WALLPAPER AND CLUTTER HOUSE PROMOTER AND RESIDENT, ABSOLUTE CHANCER, GIVES US HIS TOP TEN BANGERS ‘N’ MASH

1) SEBASTIAN - WALKMAN [RE-EDIT] (ED BANGER)

6) LUKE VIBERT - ROTTING FLESH BAGS (PLANET MU)

Drops into a slow-motion disco, glitched up and cut to shreds; typical SebastiAn style.

Very Surreal. Perfect for the start of the night of an after party meltdown.

2) DJ NARROWS - THROUGH THE STORM (STORMING RECORDINGS)

7) UFFIE - HOT CHICK (ED BANGER)

4/4 house beat with a nasty drum ‘n’ bass bassline. Absolute Madness!

3) THE ACE OF CLUBS - PATRIOTIC ACID (FSK RECORDINGS)

Rave stabs galore, funky acid bassline and old skool breaks.

4) DUKE DUMONT - LEAN AND BOUNCE (TURBO)

Dumont’s trademark bass sound tears any floor apart.

5) DMX KREW - BLIMP BEATS (BREAKING RECORDS)

Blippy Electro. Funky as Hell!

Just can’t take this one out my box. Chancer classic.

8) MR OZIO - PATRIC 122 (ED BANGER)

Remix of Gary’s Gang - Do it at the Disco. This is loads of fun in the middle of a night.

9) BENGA - CRUNKED UP (TEMPA)

Can’t get enough of this. Grimey upbeat dubstep. Wobbly as hell.

10) OUTLANDER - THE VAMP (R&S)

All time classic! 17 years old now and still sounding fresh. Throw some shapes!

BEATS

LISTINGS ARTS EDINBURGH ANALOGUE FRENCH, HIGH PRIESTESS OF THE WOODS, an exhibition of recent drawings and prints. Fri 18 Jan–Sat 16 Feb, .

ATTICSALT MAIRI GILLIES, BIOMIMETIC SPECTRA, Newly commissioned work

from the self-proclaimed hortisculpturist Sat 09 Feb–Sat 03 May, 11:00–18:00\ Wed-Sat, Free

BONGO CLUB CAFE GROUP SHOW, AFGHAN ART,

Wed 02 Jan–Sun 09 Mar, various times, Free

CITY ART CENTRE ANSEL ADAMS, CELEBRATION OF GENIUS, Inspired by the centenary

of his birth in 2002, Ansel Adams: Sat 09 Feb– Tue 19 Feb, 10:00–17:00\ Mon-Sat, £4.00

LINDSAY ROBERTSON, THE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY OF LINDSAY ROBERTSON,

This exhibition shows his ‘large scale’ prints combined with intimate studies from Scotland and the USA Sat 09 Feb–Tue 19 Feb, 10:00–17:00\ Mon-Sat, £4.00

COLLECTIVE GALLERY ARTUR ZMIJEWSKI, THEM,

Polish artist Artur Zmijewski presents video work Sat 09 Feb–Sat 22 Mar, 12:00–17:00\ Tue-Sat, Free

BRAZIL, ONE MILE COMMON ROOM FILM CLUB, Screening

of Freee’s favourite film from Tue 05 Feb, 18:00–20:00\ Tue, Free

DOGGERFISHER GROUP SHOW, with Claire Barclay, Sara Barker, Neil Clements, Sally Osborn, Jonathan Owen and Albrecht Schäfer Fri 15 Feb–Sat 26 Apr, 10:00–18:00\ Tue-Fri, Free EDINBURGH PRINTMAKERS NEGATIVNIGHTS, a provocative series

of underground and experimental films & documentaries by a variety of emerging and established artists & filmmakers 19:00–21:00\ 7/2/08, 21/2/08, 28/2/08, Free

EMBASSY GALLERY MIKE CHAVEZ-DAWSON, THE REMARKABLE APPERCEPTION, Installation by the gallery’s artist in resi-

dence Sat 19 Jan–Thu 02 Oct, 12:00–17:00\ Thurs-Sun, Free

GRV

MODERN ART GALLERIES PAUL CHIAPPE, JOHN WAT-

SON PRIZE, Taking anonymous vintage photographs as his source material, Chiappe produces highly detailed pencil drawings of groups of unknown children. Sat 01 Dec–Sun 24 Feb, 10:00–17:00\ Mon-Sun, Free THE SCIENTIFIC ASPECT OF SURREALISM, GROUP SHOW, The work of Grace Pailthorpe and

Reuben Mednikoff Sat 12 Jan–Sun 20 Apr, 10:00–17:00\ Mon-Sun, Free

NATIONAL GALLERY OF SCOTLAND RUBENS- RIBERA, REUNITED, The Gallery has negotiated the loan of an outstanding mythological painting of Drunken Silenus by Jusepe de Ribera (1591 - 1652) Thu 31 Jan–Wed 04 Jun, 10:00–17:00:00.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND JERWOOD PRIZE 2007: JEWELLERY, Discover a diverse and exciting collection of contemporary pieces that push the boundaries of what jewellery is today. Mon 10 Dec–Sun 03 Feb, 10:00–17:00\ Mon-Sun, £6(£5)

POINT HOTEL ECHO ARTIST GROUP, STARTING POINT, participating artists will use the hotel room setting to make clever interventions through installations and performance. from Wed 13 Feb, 18:00–21:00\ Weds.

PORTRAIT GALLERY BP PORTRAIT AWARD 2007, Presenting some of the very best examples of contemporary portrait painting. Fri 14 Dec– Sun 27 Apr, 10:00–17:00\ Mon-Sun, £4(£3)

JOANNA KANE, THE SOMNAMBULISTS, he Somnambulists is a

haunting series of photographic portraits taken from a famous collection of phrenological heads now on loan to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Tue 22 Jan–Wed 04 Jun, 10:00–17:00\ Mon-Sun, Free

QUEEN’S GALLERY BRUEGEL TO RUBENS: MASTERS OF FLEMISH PAINTING, The first exhibition ever mounted of Flemish paintings in the Royal Collection Fri 28 Sep– Wed 04 Jun, 09:30–18:00\ Mon-Sun, £5 (£4.50)

TALBOT RICE ALAN MICHAEL, TOUCH VOID,

SOLO SHOW, RICHARD BOX,

The first exhibition from the new venue featuring a neon burger Fri 04 Jan–Fri 15 Feb, 12:00–19:00\ Daily, Free

KNIGHTS WITHOUT ARMS, WASTE OF PAINT, One off night of

music and art from Wed 06 Feb, 22:00–03:00\ £5.00

HOME HOUSE

Sat 19 Jan–Thu 03 Jan, 10:00–17:00\ TueSat, Free

ARTS

DUNDEE

JOHN SAULT, ROCKSTAR, For

the first time, Exclusive Members Club Home House will open its doors to the public for the highly anticipated John Sault photography art exhibition. Wed 02 Jan–Fri 25 Apr, , Free

INGLEBY GALLERY SUSAN DERGES & HILIDEGARD VON BINGEN, Part of the 10th

birthday celebrations Sat 09 Feb–Sat 16 Feb, 10:00–17:00\ Free

ALEXANDER GORLIZKI & INDIAN SPELLS, DRAWINGS FROM THE 19TH CENTURY, Part

10:00–17:30 (15:30 in February), Tue-Sun, Free

TONY SWAIN, IMPURE PASSPORTS, Sat 16 Feb–Sun 20 Apr,

10:00–17:30 (15:30 in February), Tue-Sun, Free

NEVILLE RAE, A TOWN FOR TOMMORROW, Sat 16 Feb–Sun

20 Apr, 10:00–17:30 (15:30 in February), Tue-Sun, Free

52

Mon-Fri, Free

COLLINS GALLERY BREAKING THE MOULD, For the first

time in Glasgow, IAPMA presents a challenging exhibition of 2D & 3D artwork by over 30 leading, international papermakers. Mon 01 Dec–Sat 16 Feb, 12–17:00:, Mon-Sat, Free

GLASGOW GALLERY OF MODERN ART A MOMENT IN TIME, Four mixed-media collages by pupils of St Gregory’s and Wyndford primary schools, made with Victoria Skogsberg.

Fri 08 Feb–Sun 27 Apr, 10:00(mon-thu)/11:00(frisun)–17:00(fri-wed)/20:00(thur), Mon-Sun, Free GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART CRAIG MULHOLLAND, An exhibition of new work in association with Sorcha Dallas Gallery. Sat 09 Feb–Sat 22 Mar, various times.

MARKET GALLERY ARTISTS TBC, STUDIO PROJECT 10, Culmination of selected artists’ month-long

residency in the gallery workshops from Fri 29 Feb, 12:00–18:00, Tue- Sat, Free

MARY MARY LOTTE GERTZ, Solo show from the Danish artist Sun 03 Feb–Thu 03 Jan, 12:00–17:00, Thurs-Sat, Free

LOWER FOYER GALLERY

Tue-Sat, Free

PROJECT ABILITY DOUBLE ACT, Four artists with disabilities have paired up with four professional artists to create work which explores each duo’s different interests and artistic styles. Thu 31 Jan–Tue 25 Mar, 10:00–17:00, Mon-Fri, Free RECOAT GALLERY ANDREW RAE, A show by the famous illustrator and animator, Andrew Rae. The exhibition will take the title of one of his books published

by Concrete Hermit, “”Of Beasts and Machines”.

Sat 01 Nov–Wed 13 Feb, 12:00–20:00, Tue-Sun, Free INSA, BUY MY LOVE, World famous graffiti artist, object customiser and print-maker is coming to Glasgow to exhibit original paintings, limited prints on stretched latex and to paint a large spray-paint mural Fri 15 Feb–Thu 13 Mar, 12:00–20:00, Tue-Sun, Free SORCHA DALLAS CRAIG MULHOLLAND, GRANDES

ET PETITES MACHINES, Endeavours to dramatically highlight the ethical issues raised by various information theories and their related technologies Sat 09 Feb–Sat 22 Mar, 11:00–17:00, Tue-Sat, Free STREET LEVEL PHOTOWORKS STEPHEN HEALY, ETHEREAL,

A photographic body of work depicting light interventions in remote locations. Sat 09 Feb–Sat 22 Mar, .

SHORTZ, BRUNTON YOUTH

THEATRE, Selection of short plays by Scottish authors Thu 14 Feb–Thu 14 Feb, 7.30pm, £6.00

GREAT EXPECTATIONS, PRIME PRODUCTIONS, Adaptation of the Dick-

ens’ novel Sat 16 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, 7.30pm, £10.50/8.50

HEELIE-GO-LEERIE (HEAD OVER HEELS, LICKETYSPIT, Ac-

claimed children’s theatre company begin their residency ibn Musselburgh Fri 22 Feb–Sun 24 Feb, various, £6.00

SHINING CITY, RAPTURE THEATRE, Urban ghost story set in Ireland Sat 01 Mar–Sun 02 Mar, 7.30pm, £10.50/8.50/6

7.30pm, £32-7

EQUUS, DAVID PUGH/DAFYDD ROGERS/THEATRE ROYAL BATH PRODUCTIONS, Hit revival of Peter Shaeffer’s classic play Tue 19 Feb–Sun 24 Feb, 7.30pm, £25-9.50

HELLO DOLLY, Musical Wed 27 Feb–Sun 02 Mar, 7.30pm, £27.50-8

AMJAD - LA LA LA HUMAN STEPS, DANCE CONSORTIUM,

Radical interpretation of Swan Lake from acclaimed choreographer Eduard Lock Wed 13 Feb–Thu 14 Feb, 7.30pm, £20-7

GLASS MENAGERIE, ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE COMPANY,

Tennessee William’s tale of hardship in America’s Deep South during the Depression until Sun 10 Feb, 2.30/7.45pm, £25-2

SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR, ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE COMPANY IN ASSOCIATION WITHNATIONAL THEATRE SCOTLAND/CITIZEN’S THEATRE, Luigi Pirandello’s classic avant

FREEMASONS HALL

garde meta-drama Sat 16 Feb–Sun 09 Mar, 2.30/7.45pm, £25-2

OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS, XFACTOR DANCE CO.,

STILLS GALLERY

A voyage of discovery through emotionally charged landscapes Wed 20 Feb–Sun 02 Mar, 18.30 & 20.15 (not Sun or Mon), £10 (£8)

KING’S THEATRE BLONDE BOMBSHELLS OF

1943, ALAN PLATER, Forties swing musical Wed 06 Feb–Sun 10 Feb, 7.30pm, £22-7.50

WALDEN, MAGNETIC NORTH

THEATRE PRODUCTIONS, First chance to see stage adaptation of Thoreau’s inspiring account of going back to nature in 19th Century Massachusetts before touring in 2009.

Fri 01 Feb–Mon 04 Feb, various, £13/8/5 THE LOT AUDITIONS, YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE UK, Edinburgh leg of nation-

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER, BIRMINGHAM REP/TOURING CONSORTIUM, Oliver Goldsmith’s classic

wide talent drive from Mon 11 Feb, 10am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm, free

comedy of manners Wed 13 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, 7.30pm, £22-7.50

TRAVERSE

MACK AND MABEL, BOEHMIANS LYRIC OPERA COMPANY, Musical set in Twenties Hollywood Wed 27 Feb–Sun 02 Mar, 7.30pm, £16-9

ovsky’s Opera based on Pushkin’s verse novel until Sun 03 Feb, 7.15pm, £20-9 ASPECTS OF LOVE, Lloyd Webber musical romance Wed 06 Feb–Sun 10 Feb, 7.30pm, £29.50-5

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE

PLAYHOUSE NUTCRACKER, ELLEN KENT INTERNATIONAL, 120-strong all star company reprises seminal Bolshoi AD Grigorivich’s production of Tchiakovsky’s classic ballet Thu 14 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, 2.30/7.30pm,, £30.50-11

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, DISNEY THEATRICAL, Stage version of the movie Tue 19 Feb–Sun 02 Mar, various, £30-7.50

TESTING THE ECHO, OUT OF

JOINT, David Edgar’s new play about Moslems preparing for UK citizenship Thu 07 Feb–Sun 10 Feb, various, £13/8/5

PALMSTAR POPPY, DAVID PAUL JONES, Valentine’s Day special, David Jones’ ‘theatre for the ear’ Fri 15 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, 20:00:00, £13/8/5

THE VISIBLE MEN, NEW ART

CLUB, New show from comedy dance duo Tom Roden and Pete Shenton Sun 17 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, 7.30pm, £13/8/5 STATIC, SUSPECT CULTURE/

GRAEAE, A young widow becomes convinced that her late husband’s compilation tapes conceal a coded message Thu 28 Feb–Sun 02 Mar, 7.30pm, £13/8/5

SUSIE’S WHOLEFOOD DINER FRESH VEGETAR IAN & VEGAN CUISINE HOME MADE CAKE S

‰

YOB ENSED & B IC L LY L U F

LIVE MUSIC

Ø

51 WEST NICOLSON ST EDINBURGH , EH8 9DB 0131 667 8729

features ten watercolours illustrating the medieval fable of Reynard the Fox Sat 20 Oct–Sun 03 Feb, 10:00(mon,thur,sat)/11:00(Fri/Sun)–17:00, Mon-Sun, Free

THE LIGHTHOUSE ARCHITECTURE 1956-87,

GILLESPIE, KIDD & COIA, The first major retrospective of the work of one of the UK’s most distinguished architecture practices Sun 11 Mar–Sun 10 Feb, 10:30(mon,wedsat)/11:00(tue)/12:00(sun)–17:00, Mon-Sun, £3(£1.50) STUART HAYGARTH, SOLO

SHOW, Stuart Haygarth works on design projects that revolve around the collection of objects. Fri 12 Jan–Sun 24 Feb, 10:30(mon,wedsat)/11:00(tue)/12:00(sun)–17:00, Mon-Sun, Free

Loosely based around the theme of portraiture, the exhibition looks at the different ways these artists deal with painting possibly the oldest of all subject matters, ourselves. Tue 29 Jan–Sat 23 Feb, 11:00–17:00, Tue-Sun, Free

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

to the late singer/songwriter Tue 05 Feb–Tue 05 Feb, 7.30pm, £14/12

IRINA KOLESNIKOVA - SWAN LAKE, ST PETERSBURG BALLET, Valentine’s Day special from Fri 15 Feb,

CRAWHALL 2007: REYNARD THE FOX, JOSEPH CRAWHALL,

TRANSMISSION GALLERY

of art and artefacts acquired for the University Museum Sat 19 Jan–Thu 03 Jan, 09:30–20:30 (16:30), Mon-Fri (Sat), Free

OVER THE RAINBOW, THE LIFE STORY OF EVA CASSIDY, THEATRE PRODUCTIONS, Tribute

EUGENE ONEGIN, RSAMD, Tchaik-

anstone College of Art graduates’ work produced in and inspired by their three months spent in Florence on the RSA John Kinross Scholarship.

Sat 19 Jan–Tue 02 Sep, , Free

RECENT ACCESSIONS, A selection

dance theatre Sun 03 Feb–Sun 03 Feb, 7.30pm, £10.50/8.50/6

SPENCER SWEENEY, OUR GANG, Mon 01 Dec–Sat 23 Feb, 11:00–17:00,

GROUP SHOW, FOUR IN FLORENCE, An exhibition of four Duncan of Jord-

TOWER FOYER GALLERY

73 1/2 MINUTES TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION, COMPANY CHORDELIA, idiosyncratic and raucous

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL THEATRE

THE BURRELL COLLECTION

WANTED, This exhibition features a selection of mystery artworks from the Duncan of Jordanstone College Collection - from drawings and paintings to sculpture and textiles. Sat 19 Jan–Thu 03 Jan, 09:30–20:30 (16:30), Mon-Fri (Sat), Free

ern, urban fairytale of emotional courage from Britain’s leading Dance in Education Company Sat 02 Feb–Sat 02 Feb, 11:00:00–12:00:00, £4.00

MODERN INSTITUTE

plywood, colour and light, this exhibition presents four UK artists whose work abstracts and transforms the humble, everyday alphabet of domestic and urban furniture. Sat 26 Jan–Sat 23 Feb, , Free

LAMB GALLERY

NICK EVANS, PRIMARY SCHOOL, Sat 16 Feb–Sun 20 Apr,

TRAPPED, LUDUS DANCE, A mod-

T CHRISTY COLE, Sat 19 Jan–Fri 01 Feb, 12:00–18:00, Wed-Sun, Free

INSTITUT FRANCAIS D’ECOSSE

INVERLEITH HOUSE

BRUNTON THEATRE

LET ME SHOW YOU SOME THINGS, Fri 15 Feb–Sat 29 Mar, 11:00–18:00,

FROM ACANTHUS TO ZEBRAWOOD, With interventions in formica,

GENERATOR PROJECTS

THEATRE EDINBURGH

CCA

STUDIO WAREHOUSE, 100 EASTVALE PLACE

MEMBERS’ SHOW, Exhibition of Generator Members’ work Sat 26 Jan–Thu 02 Oct, 12:00–17:00, Tue-Sat, Free

of a residency in 2006, supported by the Brittany Regional Tourist Board, four Scottish photographers, Anne Darling, Alan Cairns, Silvy Weatherhall and Malcolm MacGregor spent a month working throughout Brittany. Thu 17 Jan–Thu 21 Feb, .

GLASGOW

COOPER GALLERY

of the 10th birthday celebrations Sat 23 Feb– Thu 03 Jan, 10:00–17:00\ Free

BRITTANY BY ECOSSE, As part

ARTS

GROUP SHOW, LIVE UNDEAD,

WASPS STUDIO, DENNISTOUN GROUP SHOW, CARNIVAL OF THE SOULS, 30-40 artists present work

inspired by the 1962 film of the same name. Fri 22 Feb–Fri 29 Feb, various times, Free

LISTINGS

ARCHES BAILEGANGAIRE (THE TOWN WITH NO LAUGHTER), ARCHES THEATRE COMPANY, The Arches Irish Classic season continues with Tom Murphy’s Irish Classic Thu 21 Feb–Sun 09 Mar, 7.30pm, £8/6

COMEDY GLASGOW FRI 01 FEB

THU 07 FEB

TUE 12 FEB

MON 18 FEB

SUN 24 FEB

IAN COPPINGER; ANDY SIR; RO CAMPBELL; FREDERICK COOKE., THE STAND , THE STAND,

ROGER MONKHOUSE; TANYALEE DAVIS; PAUL PIRIE, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND,

MARK NELSON, RED RAW, THE

RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE; ALLEN CHALMERS., DANCE MONKEY BOY, DANCE, THE STAND,

ADDY VAN DER BORGH; SUSAN CALMAN; PHIL DIFFER; BARRY MCDONALD., MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE

Hosted by Susan Morrison, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

TIM MINCHIN, THE TRON THEATRE, Winner of comedy prizes and composer of hilarious musical routines, if you haven’t seen him before this is a must see. If you have seen him before just go again anyway., 20:00, £15/£14

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

FRI 08 FEB ROGER MONKHOUSE; TANYALEE DAVIS; PAUL PIRIE; GARETH BERLINER, THE STAND , THE

CITIZENS THEATRE

SAT 02 FEB

STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

TRANSLATIONS, ARCHES THEATRE COMPANY, Director Andy Arnold

MARK NELSON; AUSTIN LOW; KIRSTY MOSS, COMEDY @ THE STATE, THE STATE BAR, Hosted by Chris

SAT 09 FEB

and a strong cast bring Brian Friel’s play to life for The Arches Irish Classic season until Sun 03 Feb, 7.30pm, £13-3 WEE FAIRY TALES, TAG, Return of popular holiday fun Tue 12 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, various, £6.00

Broomfield, 21:00, £ 5.00

IAN COPPINGER; ANDY SIR; RO CAMPBELL; FREDERICK COOKE., THE STAND , THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Morrison, 21:00, £ 12.00

WAITING FOR GODOT, CITIZENS THEATRE COMPANY, Citizens Guy

SUN 03 FEB

GILMOREHILL G12

ANDY SIR; RO CAMPBELL; ADEEL AMINI; MARTIN MCALLISTER; CORMAC HUNT, MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE,

Hollands tackles Beckett’s groundbreaking absurdist masterpiece Fri 15 Feb–Sun 09 Mar, 7.30/2.30pm, £16-3

FEET OF CLAY, AGAP, Drama from the Archdiocese arts group from Sat 16 Feb, 7.30pm, £5.00 HAMLET, THE GLASGOW TROUPE, Features music from H-Bomb from Sun 17 Feb, 7.30pm, £5.00

ENDGAME, THEATRE WORKSHOP, Kinetic set from Sharmanka helps

realise Beckett’s apocalyptic vision from Sun 24 Feb, 7.30pm.

KING’S THEATRE DR DOOLITTLE, Talks to the animals until Sun 10 Feb, 7.30/2.30pm, £32 - 15.75

WIZARD OF OZ, PAISLEY MUSICAL & OPERATIC SOCIETY, But will

they have the flying monkeys? Wed 13 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, 7.30pm, £18-12

CINDERELLA, RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA, Also features the Russian State Orchestra Tue 19 Feb–Wed 20 Feb, 7.30pm, £26.50-11.50

THE STAND, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

TUE 05 FEB BILLY KIRKWOOD, RED RAW, THE

STAND, Featuring new stand ups and new gags, 20:30, £2/£1

WED 06 FEB TANYALEE DAVIS; AL KENNEDY; SONYA KELLY, WICKED WENCHES, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Calman,

20:30, £6/£4/£3

FRI 01 FEB MICHAEL SMILEY; NEIL DOUGAN; KAREN BAYLEY; LIAM SPIERS, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted

by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

NUTCRACKER, RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA, Fitting finale to

MICHAEL SMILEY; NEIL DOUGAN; KAREN BAYLEY; LIAM SPIERS, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted

SAT 02 FEB

Russian touring ballet’s run Sat 23 Feb–Sun 24 Feb, 7.30pm, £26.50-11.50

by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £ 12.00

RSAMD

SUN 03 FEB

AUDITIONS, YOUTH MUSIC THEATRE UK, Glasgow leg of nationwide

STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON; KAREN BAYLEY; NICK MORROW., THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan

talent drive from Tue 12 Feb, 10am, 12.30pm & 3.30pm, free

THE TRON STATIC, SUSPECT CULTURE/ GRAEAE, A young widow becomes

convinced that her late husband’s compilation tapes conceal a coded message Fri 15 Feb–Sun 24 Feb, 20:00:00, £14-6

THE WALL, BORDERLINE THEATRE COMPANY/TRON THEATRE, Coming of age rom com set in

small West Coast town Fri 29 Feb–Sun 09 Mar, 7.30pm, £14-6

THEATRE ROYAL VARIOUS, GO DANCE 08, Dance

festival featuring local student companies until Sat 02 Feb, 7.30pm, £10/5

EQUUS, DAVID PUGH/DAFYDD ROGERS/THEATRE ROYAL BATH PRODUCTIONS, Hit revival of

Calman, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH

IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

VARIOUS, NATIONAL REVIEW OF LIVE ART, Annual celebration of off

beat performance art Thu 07 Feb–Mon 11 Feb, various, various

THEATRE DUNDEE DUNDEE REP DANCE DINNER DANCE, DAVID HUGHES DANCE & CHORDELIA COMPANY , Double helping of dance with

dinner served in-between from Sat 02 Feb, 19:00:00, £17-4

ENDGAME, THEATRE WORK-

SHOP, Kinetic set from Sharmanka helps realise Beckett’s apocalyptic vision from Sun 03 Feb, 7.45pm, £14/12 MUM’S THE WORD, Long running family comedy Wed 06 Feb–Sun 10 Feb,

STAND, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 11 FEB TEDDY; STEVEN DICK; ALLAN MILLER, THE AMAZING BASTARDS!!!, THE STAND, Crazy, lazy and

self indulgent, see the comedy section for their amazing column., 20:30, £3/£2/£1

JO CAULFIELD; GARY LITTLE; MICHAEL FABBRI; MARTIN MCALLISTER, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan. , 20:30, £7/£6/£3

Improv and calamity, 20:30, £ 4.00

STAND, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

TUE 19 FEB KEVIN BRIDGES, RED RAW, THE

MON 25 FEB

WED 20 FEB

RAYMOND MEARNS; PAUL PIRIE; ALLEN CHALMERS., DANCE MONKEY BOY, DANCE, THE STAND,

STAND, Featuring new stand ups and new gags, 20:30, £2/£1

CRAIG HILL; JILL PEACOCK, OOT II - THE SECOND COMING , THE STAND, best in gay and gay-friendly comedy. Straights welcome!, 20:30, £8/£6

FRI 15 FEB

THU 21 FEB

JO CAULFIELD; GARY LITTLE; MICHAEL FABBRI; MARTIN MCALLISTER, THE STAND ,

DAVID KAY; ADDY VAN DER BORGH; SUSAN CALMAN, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND ,

THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan. , 21:00, £9/£8/£5

SAT 16 FEB TBA, COMEDY @ THE STATE, THE

STATE BAR, Different line up each Saturday from the best of the circuit, 21:00, £ 5.00

JO CAULFIELD; GARY LITTLE; MICHAEL FABBRI; MARTIN MCALLISTER, THE STAND , THE

STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan. , 21:00, £ 12.00

SUN 17 FEB MICHAEL FABBRI; GORDON ALEXANDER; NICK MORROW., MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE STAND, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

SIMON BLIGH; MARK BRATCHPIECE; ARNAB CHANDRA; SONYA KELLY, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan.

POT, THE STAND, Freshly baked sketches, 20:30, £5/£4/£2.50

, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

THU 14 FEB

FRI 08 FEB

TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A

SIMON BLIGH; MARK BRATCHPIECE; ARNAB CHANDRA; SONYA KELLY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan. , 21:00, £9/£8/£5

SIMON BLIGH; MARK BRATCHPIECE; ARNAB CHANDRA; SONYA KELLY, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan. , 21:00, £9/£8/£5

SAT 09 FEB SIMON BLIGH; MARK BRATCHPIECE; ARNAB CHANDRA; SONYA KELLY, THE STAND, THE

STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan. , 21:00, £ 12.00

SIMON BLIGH; MARK BRATCHPIECE; ARNAB CHANDRA; SONYA KELLY, THE STAND, THE

SKETCH TROUPE, MELTING

heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

KITTY FLANAGAN; COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; ADEEL AMINI, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A

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

FRI 22 FEB DAVID KAY; ADDY VAN DER BORGH; PHIL DIFFER, THE STAND , THE STAND , Hosted by Raymond

Mearns, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

SAT 23 FEB TBA, COMEDY @ THE STATE, THE

Improv and calamity, 20:30, £ 4.00

TUE 26 FEB KEIR MCALLISTER; PADRAIG HYLAND, RED RAW, THE STAND, Featuring new stand ups and new gags, 20:30, £2/£1

WED 27 FEB MARTIN BIGPIG; PADRAIG HYLAND, BEST OF IRISH, THE STAND, Hosted by Michael Redmond, 20:30, £7/£6/£4

THU 28 FEB MARTIN BIGPIG; KEIR MCALLISTER; ANDREW LEARMONTH, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Sandy Nelson, 20:30, £7/£6/£3

STATE BAR, Different line up each Saturday from the best of the circuit, 21:00, £ 5.00

FRI 29 FEB

Mearns, 21:00, £ 12.00

Susan Morrison, 20:30, £9/£8/£5

DAVID KAY; ADDY VAN DER BORGH; PHIL DIFFER, THE STAND , THE STAND , Hosted by Raymond

MARTIN BIGPIG; KEIR MCALLISTER; ANDREW LEARMONTH, THE STAND , THE STAND, Hosted by

MON 04 FEB SCOTT AGNEW; GARY LITTLE, RED RAW, THE STAND, Showcase for new SCOTT AGNEW; GARY LITTLE, RED RAW, THE STAND, Showcase for new TUE 05 FEB TANYALEE DAVIS; AL KENNEDY; SONYA KELLY, WICKED WENCHES, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Calman,

20:30, £6/£4/£3

TANYALEE DAVIS; AL KENNEDY; SONYA KELLY, WICKED WENCHES, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Calman,

20:30, £6/£4/£3

THU 07 FEB TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

SIMON BLIGH; MARK BRATCHPIECE; ARNAB CHANDRA; SONYA KELLY, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan.

the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

ARNAB CHANDRA; GORDON ALEXANDER; BOB HENNIGAN; JIM PARK, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Gary Little, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

MON 11 FEB

FRI 15 FEB

improv style, 20:30, £5/£2.50

GARY AND STU, THE STAND IMPROV, THE STAND, Fun and games improv style, 20:30, £5/£2.50

, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

WED 13 FEB

heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

SKETCH TROUPE, MELTING POT, THE STAND, Freshly baked sketches,

TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A

KITTY FLANAGAN; COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; ADEEL AMINI, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

STEVEN DICK; JIM PARK; AUSTIN LOWE, LEMONCUSTARD, HARLEQUIN CAFE, Includes general fannying around from hosts Dee Custance and Sian Bevan, 19:30, Free

KITTY FLANAGAN; COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; ADEEL AMINI, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £ 12.00

STEVEN DICK; JIM PARK; AUSTIN LOWE, LEMONCUSTARD, HARLEQUIN CAFE, Includes general fannying around from hosts Dee Custance and Sian Bevan, 19:30, Free

SUN 17 FEB

GARY AND STU, THE STAND IMPROV, THE STAND, Fun and games

20:30, £5/£4/£2.50

GRAEME THOMAS; DAVE STRONG., RED RAW, THE STAND,

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even

Showcase for new acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

Showcase for new acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

Dick, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

MON 25 FEB

HEADLINERS TBA, RED RAW, TUE 12 FEB

JOE HEENAN; PADRAIG HYLAND; NICK MORROW; CARLY BAKER, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Steven

21:00, £7/£6/£3

HEADLINERS TBA, RED RAW,

THE STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

GRAEME THOMAS; DAVE STRONG., RED RAW, THE STAND,

TBA, BENEFIT IN AID OF THE BUTTERFLY TRUST , THE STAND,

KITTY FLANAGAN; COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; ADEEL AMINI, THE STAND, THE STAND,

THE STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

JOE HEENAN; PADRAIG HYLAND; NICK MORROW; CARLY BAKER, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Steven

SAT 16 FEB

Little, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

MON 18 FEB

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even

TBA, BENEFIT IN AID OF THE BUTTERFLY TRUST , THE STAND,

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even

the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

by Kevin Bridges, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

SUN 24 FEB

WED 20 FEB

KITTY FLANAGAN; COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; ADEEL AMINI, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Bruce Devlin,

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even

SUN 10 FEB

COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; AILSA JOHNSTON ; CORMAC HUNT, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted

heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

KITTY FLANAGAN; COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; ADEEL AMINI, THE STAND, THE STAND,

acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

TRAMWAY & OTHERS

TANYALEE DAVIS; CHRIS FORBES; CARLY BAKER; DEE CUSTANCE, MICHAEL REDMOND’S SUNDAY SERVICE, THE

THU 14 FEB

ARNAB CHANDRA; GORDON ALEXANDER; BOB HENNIGAN; JIM PARK, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Gary

Calman, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

Bawdy costume drama Wed 20 Feb–Sun 24 Feb, 7.30pm, £22.50-10

company Spring tour featuring new work from Hofesh Shechter and Liv Lorent Fri 29 Feb–Sat 01 Mar, 7.30pm, £18.50-13.50

SUN 10 FEB

new material, 20:30, £5/£4/£2.50

STAND, Hosted by Joe Heenan. , 21:00, £ 12.00

acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

SDT DEFINED, SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE, Dundee Rep’s dance

raiser night for The Jennifer Trust which helps people with spinal muscular atrophy., 21:00, £ 5.00

SKETCH TROUPE, ROUGH CUTS, THE STAND, Comedy Unit tests out

STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON; KAREN BAYLEY; NICK MORROW., THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted by Susan

Peter Shaeffer’s classic play Wed 13 Feb–Sun 17 Feb, 7.30pm, £23.50-10

SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER,

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

SCOTT AGNEW; BILLY KIRKWOOD; KEIR MCALLISTER; CHRIS BROOMFIELD, COMEDY @ THE STATE, THE STATE BAR, Fund

WED 13 FEB

COMEDY EDINBURGH

SWAN LAKE, RUSSIAN STATE BALLET OF SIBERIA, Ballet with beautiful Tchaikovsky score Thu 21 Feb–Fri 22 Feb, 7.30pm, £26.50-11.50

ROGER MONKHOUSE; TANYALEE DAVIS; PAUL PIRIE; GARETH BERLINER, THE STAND , THE

STAND, Featuring new stand ups and new gags, 20:30, £2/£1

Hosted by Bruce Devlin, 21:00, £ 12.00

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

Supporting people and families affected by Cystic Fibrosis in Scotland, 20:30, £7/£5

Supporting people and families affected by Cystic Fibrosis in Scotland, 20:30, £7/£5

THU 21 FEB VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON; AILSA JOHNSTON., THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe

Heenan. , 21:00, £7/£6/£3 TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; STUART MURPHY; GARRY DOBSON; AILSA JOHNSTON., THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Joe

Heenan. , 21:00, £7/£6/£3 TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

FRI 22 FEB

Dick, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

PADRAIG HYLAND, RED RAW, THE STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

PADRAIG HYLAND, RED RAW,

THE STAND, Showcase for new acts and new material, 20:30, £ 2.00

WED 27 FEB BRUCE MORTON; TEDDY; KEIR MCALLISTER, BEST OF SCOTTISH, THE STAND, Does what it says on the tin, 20:30, £6/£5/£3

BRUCE MORTON; TEDDY; KEIR MCALLISTER, BEST OF SCOTTISH, THE STAND, Does what it says on the

tin, 20:30, £6/£5/£3

THU 28 FEB SEAN PERCIVAL; GRAEME THOMAS, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; JOE HEENAN; PADRAIG HYLAND; JACK WHITEHALL, THE STAND,

THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Morrison, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; JOE HEENAN; PADRAIG HYLAND; JACK WHITEHALL, THE STAND,

THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Morrison, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

SAT 23 FEB

COLE PARKER; ANTONY MURRAY; AILSA JOHNSTON ; CORMAC HUNT, THE SUNDAY NIGHT LAUGH-IN, THE STAND, Hosted

VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; JOE HEENAN; PADRAIG HYLAND; JACK WHITEHALL, THE STAND,

GARY AND STU, WHOSE LUNCH IS IT ANYWAY?, THE STAND, Beat even

VLADIMIR MCTAVISH; JOE HEENAN; PADRAIG HYLAND; JACK WHITEHALL, THE STAND,

by Kevin Bridges, 20:30, £5/£4/£1

THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Morrison, 21:00, £ 12.00

the worst hangover with two hours of free improvised comedy from resident duo Garry Dobson and Stuart Murphy, 12:30, Free

THE STAND, Hosted by Susan Morrison, 21:00, £ 12.00

TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

SEAN PERCIVAL; GRAEME THOMAS, THE THURSDAY SHOW, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £7/£6/£3

TBA, HERESY, JEKYLL AND HYDE, A heady mix of weird and wonderful with a touch of darkness thrown in for good measure., 21:00, £ 3.00

FRI 29 FEB SEAN PERCIVAL; GRAEME

THOMAS, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £9/£8/£5 SEAN PERCIVAL; GRAEME

THOMAS, THE STAND, THE STAND, Hosted by Raymond Mearns, 21:00, £9/£8/£5

Get your events listed for free: email listings@skinnymag.co.uk

various, £14-2

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

53

LISTINGS

THEATRE GLASGOW

CLUBBING GLASGOW FRI 01 FEB EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS, ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

QUAIL, LAMB & TURTLE, ANIMAL FARM, BLOC, Minimal techno, electro

& house, 22:00–03:00, £2, free b4 12am

GAVIN DUNBAR, BACK TAE MINE, THE FLYING DUCK, House party,

23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY,

DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk, ska & mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5) DOLLY DJS, DOLLY MIXTURE,

THE FLYING DUCK, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am

RESIDENTS, DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s

THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, £8.00 RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

SOUNDHAUS, Techno, 22:30–04:00, £8, £5 b4 11.30pm

FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER,

SEWELLY, THE BASEMENT,

CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS,

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco,

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm DJ MISHKA, BURLY, BURLY, Gay & bi men over 25, 23:00–03:00, £10.00

RESIDENTS, CHILDREN OF THE 80S, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live performances, 80s tunes, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE,

THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR, Indie, electro, pop, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

JIM DA BEST, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS,

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £6.00 LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

RESIDENTS, FREAKME-

NOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free FREAKMENOOVERS DJS,

FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4) RESIDENTS, HELL, CLASSIC GRAND, Dance, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4) MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE

GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW,

FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DJ FEADZ, SMITH N HACK, NUMBERS, THE SUB CLUB, Disco, electro, 23:00–03:00, £10.00

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, £6.00 RESIDENTS, PANGEA, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Drum & bass, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

THE PIPETTES, SONS & DAUGHTERS, SUSAN HAY, MANDA RIN, PINUP NIGHTS LADIES NIGHT, THE BEAT CLUB, Eclectic, 21:00–03:00, £5, £3 ladies

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S,

CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12.30am students

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE,

THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free DOMU, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free

SAT 02 FEB GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance,

23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER

KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

RESIDENTS, ALL TORE UP,

BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, 1950s rock n roll record hop, 22:00–03:00, £5.00 AUDIO JACK, ALT, MAGGIE MAYS, House, techno, 23:00–04:00, £9, £7 b4 12am

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am

LOUIE VEGA, FERRY CORSTEN, BRANDON BLOCK, COLOURS 13TH BIRTHDAY, THE ARCHES, House, party anthems, 22:00–03:00, £17.50

54

RESIDENTS, FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00–03:00, £5.00 DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ROCKTIMISM, THE GARAGE, Pop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP

TUE 05 FEB ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH,

ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00–01:00, Free

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

VEX’D, CLARK, JACKMASTER, SPENCER, HUDSON MOHAWKE & RUSTIE, BALLERS SOCIAL CLUB/CTRL, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Bass, electronic, dubstep, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm

SHITMAT, ACRNYM, BABYSHAKER, KINGS OF MACUMBA, ERROR RESPONSE, BREAKCORE EXTRAVAGANZA, SOUNDHAUS,

RESIDENTS, KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk,

Breakcore, 23:00–04:00, £8 (£6)

RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’,

JG WILKES, KILLER KITSCH 3RD BIRTHDAY, THE BUFF CLUB, New wave,

RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE,

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

MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk , 22:00–02:15, £2,

21:00–01:00, Free

BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students

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

22:30–03:00, £tbc

RESIDENTS, MELTING POT,

THE ADMIRAL, House, disco, techno, soul, 23:00–03:00, £10.00 RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

BERKSON & WHAT, OFF THE

RECORD, SOUNDHAUS, Techno, minimal, 23:00–04:00, £10.00 CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

LARRY HEARD, SUBCULTURE,

THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the everevolving house blueprint, 23:00–03:00, £12, £8 b4 12am

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW

CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, electro, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 12am RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00–21:30, £6 (£3) RESIDENTS, BACCHUS, House, 21:00–01:00, Free BILLY WOODS, BLOC, Disco, techno, rock, 22:00–03:00, £2, free b4 12am DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00–03:00, Free BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free THE FRANTIC ANT, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free RESIDENTS, MACSORLEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00–03:00, Free SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free SUN 03 FEB DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET,

RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acous-

tic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO,

Classic house music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/12.30pm with matric

DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, THE FLYING DUCK,

Bass, percussion & scratching, 21:00–03:00, Free b4 11pm MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00–03:00, £3, free with matric

JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic,

23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

from the 1960’s-1980’s , 22:00–03:00, £3, free with matric. after 12am

indie, electro, 23:00–04:00, Free

£1 members

LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARBON, Dance, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

WED 06 FEB

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

21:30–03:00, £3.00 NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & electronica, 21:00–03:00, Free AARON PETRIE, METROPOLITAN, Chill & breakbeat house, 21:00–00:00, Free

MON 04 FEB NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE

BUFF CLUB, Glasgow institution playing underground classics, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

JIM DA BEST, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS,

of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

LIPTONS, Salsa classes from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00–00:00, Free RESIDENTS, NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00–03:00, £4, £2 from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP ROCK-IT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag,

19:00–03:00, Free

NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands

& club, 20:00–03:00, £3.00

RESIDENTS, TONGUE IN CHEEK,

BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

THU 07 FEB ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, £3.00 RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX,

CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF

ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playerz in the bar, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

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

funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

THE COOL KIDS, THE CARPS, HUDSON MOHAWKE, RUSTIE, HOW’S YOUR PARTY?, THE SUB

CLUB, Hip hop, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR, CATWALK, Classic rock, metal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin

grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

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

electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

RESIDENTS, RUBBERMENSCH,

ABC2, A night for indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart

FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House,

RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL,

23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

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

RESIDENTS, SPANK, THE CATHOUSE,

23:00–03:00, £5.00

THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR, Indie, electro, pop, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00–03:00, £3.00

anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP

Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

mances, 80s tunes, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £6.00 LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS,

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock,

16:00–03:00, Free

RESIDENTS, CHILDREN OF THE 80S, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live perfor-

DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET,

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURSDAYS, BOHO, Funk, electro & house,

21:30–03:00, £3.00 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free

FRI 08 FEB EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS,

ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

PAT NEVIN, BACK TAE MINE, THE FLYING DUCK, House party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm

RESIDENTS, FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh

hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE

GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk, soul, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

DJ ZANY, VINYLGROOVER, INFEXIOUS, IVORY BLACKS, Hardstyle,

hard dance, techno, 21:00–03:00, £10.00 RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666,

CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free RESIDENTS, SALSA, CLASSIC GRAND, Salsa, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S,

CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12.30am students

LONG RANGE, IVES, I AM BLIP, YIMINO, INTEGRA TV, TRONIC, BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, Electronic, 22:00–03:00, £12.00

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE,

THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP DJ CASIO, BLOC, Electro-house, new wave, post punk, disco, pop, 22:00–03:00, £2, free b4 12am TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free ASTROBOY, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free

SAT 09 FEB GERRY LYONS, ABC SATURDAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance,

23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2,

Electro, house & pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am RESIDENTS, CLUB NOIR, CARLING ACADEMY, Valentine’s night in Paris theme, vintage, retro sounds, 21:00–03:00, £14 (£10)

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk,

ska & mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

RESIDENTS, DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

SCOT PROJECT, FREEFALL, THE

ARCHES, Hard hoose, 22:00–03:00, £20.00 LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, £8.00 RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS, FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00–01:00, Free

RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’,

BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

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

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students

UNIT 4, DAVID BARBAROSSA, HUNTLEYS & PALMERS AUDIO CLUB, HETHERINGTON RESEARCH CLUB,

Italo, electro, house, 22:00–02:00, £10 (£9)

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

22:30–03:00, £tbc

DMX KREW, DIRTY HOSPITAL, MISO, THE IVY, Electro, 20:30–00:00, £6.00 RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

BASEMENT RESIDENTS, LISA LITTLEWOOD, OUR HOUSE,

SOUNDHAUS, House, 23:00–04:00, £8, £5 b4 11.30pm

CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

PRINS THOMAS, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the everevolving house blueprint, 23:00–03:00, £12, £8 b4 12am

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, elec-

tro, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 12am RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00–21:30, £6 (£3)

DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ROCKTIMISM, THE GARAGE, Pop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP

TUE 12 FEB ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH,

ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00–01:00, Free RESIDENTS, KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s-1980’s , 22:00–03:00, £3, free with matric. after 12am

RESIDENTS, KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, New wave, indie, electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLU-

TION, QMU, Rock & punk , 22:00–02:15, £2, £1 members LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARBON, Dance, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

WED 13 FEB GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS, THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00–03:00, £3.00

DJ DEC & COLIN, DELIVER-

ANCE, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, emo & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

LIPTONS, Salsa classes from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00–00:00, Free RESIDENTS, NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00–03:00, £4, £2 from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP

RESIDENTS, UTTER GUTTER,

ROCK-IT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag, 19:00–03:00, Free

ANDY BLAKE, WRONG ISLAND,

SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands & club, 20:00–03:00, £3.00

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Dance, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£8)

NICE AND SLEAZY’S, Eclectic mix, 23:30–03:00, £4.00 DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00–03:00, Free BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP EL RANCHO PICANTE, THE FLYING DUCK, Garage punk, rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free OOFT DJS, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free RESIDENTS, MACSORLEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00–03:00, Free

NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS,

RESIDENTS, TONGUE IN CHEEK,

BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

THU 14 FEB ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, £3.00 RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX,

DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT DJS,

CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

SUN 10 FEB

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF

MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, Free SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free

DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET,

RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT

SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO,

Classic house music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/12.30pm with matric

DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, THE FLYING DUCK,

Bass, percussion & scratching, 21:00–03:00, Free b4 11pm MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00–03:00, £3, free with matric

JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic,

23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL

SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock, 16:00–03:00, Free RESIDENTS, SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House,

23:00–03:00, £5.00

JIM DA BEST, WE LOVE SUN-

DAYS, BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £3.00 NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & electronica, 21:00–03:00, Free AARON PETRIE, METROPOLITAN, Chill & breakbeat house, 21:00–00:00, Free MON 11 FEB NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE BUFF CLUB, Glasgow institution playing underground classics, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers RESIDENTS, FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free

ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playerz in the bar, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

JAHCOOZI, GHISLAIN POIRIER, RUSTIE, HOW’S YOUR PARTY?, THE SUB CLUB, Digital dancehall smashup, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

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

funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR, CATWALK, Classic rock, metal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIO-

MAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RE-

CORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

RESIDENTS, RUBBERMENSCH,

ABC2, A night for indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE

THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET,

FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURS-

DAYS, BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30–03:00, £3.00 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free FRI 15 FEB EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS,

ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

JIM BRADY, BACK TAE MINE, THE FLYING DUCK, Alternative, indie, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am

LISTINGS

THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, CHILDREN OF THE 80S, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live performances, 80s tunes, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE,

THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR, Indie, electro, pop, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL,

CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS, FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco,

21:00–01:00, Free

RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’,

BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

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

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students

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

KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

22:30–03:00, £tbc

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £6.00 LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

Experimental, 16:00–20:00, £tbc

JIM DA BEST, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS,

PINCH & PEVERLIST, FORTIFIED SESSIONS, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Dubstep, electronic, experimental, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£5)

KENNETH GOLDSMITH AND OTHERS, INSTAL, THE ARCHES, URSURPER, KMVSNI AND OTHERS, INSTAL, STEREO, Experimental, 22:30–03:00, £5, free with festival ticket RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

RESIDENTS, FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving

CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh

DES, THE SINGLES NIGHT, THE FLYING DUCK, 45s, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am

of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free

hip hop & funk cuts, 23–03:00, £6 (£4) RESIDENTS, HELL, CLASSIC GRAND, Dance, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk,

soul, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW,

FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm RHODRI DAVIES, INSTAL, THE ARCHES, Experimental, 19:00–22:00, £tbc

MICHIYO YAGI, BLOOD STEREO, HARBRINGER SOUND, INSTAL, STEREO, Experimental, 22:30–03:00, £5, free with festival ticket

RESIDENTS, KOOCHIE KOO,

BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, Electro, 23:00–03:00, £5.00 RESIDENTS, LIBERATE, THE ARCHES, Hardstyle, trance, techno, 22:00–03:00, £8 (£6) RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

ANDREW DIVINE, CHRIS GED-

HARRI & DOM, SUBCULTURE,

THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the ever-evolving house blueprint, 23:00–03:00, £8, £5 b4 12am RESIDENTS, THE HOWFF, BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, £5.00

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW

CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, electro, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 12am RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00–21:30, £6 (£3) DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00–03:00, Free BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free NUMBERS DJS, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free RESIDENTS, MACSORLEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00–03:00, Free DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT DJS,

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 23:00–03:00, Free SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free

CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

SUN 17 FEB

HAUS, Techno, 22:30–04:00, £10 (£8)

DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET,

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666,

PAR GRINDVIK, SLEAZE, SOUNDDJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S,

RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT

SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acoustic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free

FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00–01:00, Free RESIDENTS, KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s-1980’s , 22:00–03:00, £3, free with matric. after 12am

RESIDENTS, KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, New wave, indie, electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk , 22:00–02:15, £2,

£1 members

LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARBON, Dance, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

WED 20 FEB GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS,

SAT 16 FEB GERRY LYONS, ABC SATUR-

DAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER

KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2, Electro, house & pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

RESIDENTS, AMPBOX, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Electronic, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

ARCHES, Japanese underground musicians, 16:00–20:00, £tbc MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00–03:00, £3, free with matric

JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OP-

RESIDENTS, TRANNY NIGHT,

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Gender bender fundraiser, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4) MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

THU 21 FEB ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF

CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, £3.00 RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX,

CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF

ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playerz in the bar, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

MON 18 FEB

HOSTAGE, DIVERSION, CLASSIC GRAND, Dance, 23:00–03:00, £8.00

BUFF CLUB, Glasgow institution playing underground classics, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers RESIDENTS, FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

electro, 22:30–03:00, £12.00

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk,

ska & mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

RESIDENTS, DON’T FIGHT IT FEEL IT, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie, rock & roll, psyche, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

N-TRANCE, BASS X, FANTAZIA ALLSTARS BALL, BRAEHEAD ARENA,

Hardcore, Helter Skelter, 19:00–04:00, £tbc LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, £8.00 RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE

DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ROCKTIMISM, THE GARAGE, Pop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP

TUE 19 FEB ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop,

22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric

LUKE’S ANGER, STICK 430, KINGS OF MACUMBA, SCRABBLE, BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT,

Live electronics, 23:00–03:00, £7, £6 b4 12am

DJ AIDEN, GARY GLOBAL, CJ,

SHIMMY SHAKE, BLOC, Electro-house, dance, 22:00–03:00, £2, free b4 12am DJ HUSHPUPPY (ART SCHOOL) & CHRIS GEDDES (BELLE & SEBASTIAN), SOUND MUSEUM, BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S,

CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12.30am students

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE,

THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP DJ FORMAT, MR. BENN, THE ARCHES, Hip hop, party, 22:30–03:00, £10.00 TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

RALPH LAWSON, SUBCULTURE, THE SUB CLUB, Weekly snapshot of the everevolving house blueprint, 23:00–03:00, £12, £10 b4 12am

MARK N, SCORPIO, DETEST, TWISTED VS. BRAINFIRE,

IVORY BLACKS, Hardcore & gabba special, 20:00–03:00, £10.00

STENGO & DERMOT C, ELECTROFUNK, MAGGIE MAYS, Techno, 23:00–03:00, £8.00

house, 80s classics, RnB & chart, 21:30–03:00, £8.00

BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, Alternative goth punk, 23:00–03:00, £5.00 RESIDENTS, GROOVEJET, MAS, Weekly house & RnB mix, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

CRAIG WILSON, HANOI ROCKS,

FIREWATER, Indie, rock & britpop, 12:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

ROBBIE ROLEX & NEL, HIP

DROP, BREL, Funk, soul, electro & disco, 21:00–01:00, Free

BLOC, Electro, disco, rock n roll, 22:00–03:00, £2, free b4 12am

CRIS BIGUZZI, MATTHEW

PERRY LOUIS, WEAK AT THE KNEES, BASURA BLANCA, Funk, boogie,

jazzfunk, 22:00–03:00, £tbc RESIDENTS, YOU & ME, THE FLYING DUCK, Performance, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 12am DJ TOAST & MASH, THE BUNKER BAR, Eclectic, 21:00–03:00, Free BARRY, ERIC & BILLY, THE CATHOUSE, All things rock, 22:30–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 11pm with PIYP PAUL NEEDLES, THE GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free HUDSON MOHAWKE, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free RESIDENTS, MACSORLEYS, Eclectic pre-club music, 21:00–03:00, Free SCOTT STRACHAN, METROPOLITAN, House & funk, 21:00–03:00, Free

SUN 24 FEB

RESIDENTS, HOME COOKIN’,

RESIDENTS, CARGO, THE FLY-

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

DJ RICHARD LEVINSON, CLUB PRIORY: RETOX ROOMS, BLANKET,

RnB, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

MATT HARDWICK, INSIDE OUT,

tic gems, 20:00–03:00, Free

BELO, Urban music showcase, 22:00–03:00, £7, free b4 11pm

smooth RnB, jazz & funk, 21:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10.30pm/12.30am students

THE ARCHES, Trance, house, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

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

22:30–03:00, £tbc

ING DUCK, Live music, DJs, writers, poets, 20:00–01:00, £tbc

RESIDENTS, COLD NIGHT SONG, THE GOAT, Guests & DJs play acousDOMINIC MARTIN, KASH &

MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO, Classic house music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/12.30pm with matric

hall, eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

CATWALK, Classic rock, metal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free

grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

HI-FI SEAN & HUSHPUPPY, RE-

RESIDENTS, RUBBERMENSCH,

ABC2, A night for indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP

FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

THE CROOKERS, IN FLAGRANTI, DEATH DISCO, THE ARCHES, Sexy

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666,

SINDEN, BOMBO, I AM BLIP,

SCREWLOOSE, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Live electronics, 23:00–03:00, £6.00

SOUTH RAKKAS CREW, HINT, BOOM MONK BEN, HOW’S YOUR PARTY?, THE SUB CLUB, Dance-

DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET,

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

CATWALK, Classic & cult rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

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

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock,

JIM DA BEST, WE LOVE SUN-

SCHOOL OF ART, Rock to techno & breakbeats, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), £2 GSA, free after 12am

MR. DIVINE & HUSHPUPPY, DIVINE!, THE VIC BAR, Northern soul, funk,

RESIDENTS, GODZ ZOO 2,

BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with matric

anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP

DAYS, BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £3.00 NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New & old rock & electronica, 21:00–03:00, Free AARON PETRIE, METROPOLITAN, Chill & breakbeat house, 21:00–00:00, Free

RESIDENTS, MUNGO’S HI-FI,

20:00–00:00, £2.00

CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

RESIDENTS, TONGUE IN CHEEK,

CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

23:00–03:00, £5.00

FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

CIARAN O’TOOLE, ROUTE 666,

CRAIG, VALDOR, VALDOR, House, electro, RnB, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5), free b4 12am RESIDENTS, VOODOO, THE CATHOUSE, Under-18 club with metal, emo & punk, 17:00–21:30, £6 (£3)

LIL RICH, GLAMORAMA, BOHO, 90s

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH,

JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House,

soul, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

BUFF CLUB, Fresh northern soul, jazz & funk featuring live percussion, classics downstairs, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

THEE MR MISTER, UN-SCENE,

Electro, house & pop, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart

RESIDENTS, SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4)

RESIDENTS, NU-SCHOOL, THE

DAVID SINCLAIR (KILLER KITSCH), ABC SATURDAYS, ABC2,

& club, 20:00–03:00, £3.00

NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands

TIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

16:00–03:00, Free

RESIDENTS, FREAKME-

NOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free

GERRY LYONS, ABC SATUR-

DAYS, ABC1, Soul, punk, rock & indie dance, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£5), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

19:00–03:00, Free

CORD PLAYERZ, THE VIC BAR, Disco electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free D-LOVE, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free

SOUNDHAUS, techno, 23:00–04:00, £tbc

ska & mod tunes, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP ROCK-IT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag,

KAZUO IMAI, YASUSHI OZAWA, MASAMI TADA, INSTAL, THE

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

MANU KENTON, FOOTWORK,

SAT 23 FEB

GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Dub, reggae, 22:00–03:00, £8 (£5) RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin

Bass, percussion & scratching, 21:00–03:00, Free b4 11pm

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £6.00 LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

LOOSE JOINTS & STEVIE ELEMENTS, BAD ROBOT, GLASGOW

LIPTONS, Salsa classes from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00–00:00, Free RESIDENTS, NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00–03:00, £4, £2 from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm

JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, THE FLYING DUCK,

Indie, electro, nu-wave, 23:00–03:00, £4.00

JIM DA BEST, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS,

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW,

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE,

THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

RESIDENTS, ARGONAUT SOUNDS, THE IVY, Reggae soundsystem,

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR,

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL,

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk,

DJ DEC & COLIN, DELIVER-

DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12.30am students

Indie, electro, pop, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free CUTS DEFINED, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free

ANCE, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, emo & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

RESIDENTS, TROT, THE ADMIRAL,

Classic house music all night long with other boogie next door, 22:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 10.30pm/12.30pm with matric

ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR,

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh

funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

band, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00–03:00, £3.00

DOMINIC MARTIN, KASH & MAX, DISCO BADGER, BAMBOO,

CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

THE KINGS OF MACUMBA, DISGO, BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, Samba

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURS-

DAYS, BOHO, Funk, electro & house, 21:30–03:00, £3.00 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free FRI 22 FEB DANSE OR DIE, 21ST CENTURY SOUND, 21ST CENTURY SOUND, THE ARCHES, Disco, electro, 22:00–03:00, £10.00

EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS, ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GERRY LOVE, BACK TAE MINE,

THE FLYING DUCK, Alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, CHILDREN OF THE 80S, CLASSIC GRAND, DJs & live performances, 80s tunes, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE, THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

55

LISTINGS

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER,

CLUBBING GLASGOW DJ TANTRUM, DISCOTHEQUE,

VALDOR, House, RnB, electro, pop, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

JUMBLESALE SOUNDS, IT SURE BEATS WAITIN’, THE FLYING DUCK,

Bass, percussion & scratching, 21:00–03:00, Free b4 11pm MARKY MARK, JUNK, THE BUFF CLUB, Jazz & funk featuring live percussion by Duffy, 23:00–03:00, £3, free with matric

JD TWITCH & JG WILKES, OPTIMO, THE SUB CLUB, Maximum eclectic,

23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

CIARAN O’TOOLE & KIERAN ELLIOT, ROCK ON THE SABBATH, CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

PAUL CRAWFORD, SOUL SUNDAYS, FIREWATER, Indie, punk & rock,

16:00–03:00, Free

MAURICE FULTON, A-SKILLZ, SOUTHERN COMFORT MARDIS GRAS PARTY, THE IVY, Disco, house,

eclectic, hip hop, 20:00–00:00, Ticket only RESIDENTS, SPANK, THE CATHOUSE, Rock, punk & dance, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

JON MANCINI & KRIS KEEGAN, TRICKY DISCO, KARBON, House,

23:00–03:00, £5.00

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

21:30–03:00, £3.00

NEIL WYPER, THE BUNKER BAR, New &

old rock & electronica, 21:00–03:00, Free AARON PETRIE, METROPOLITAN, Chill & breakbeat house, 21:00–00:00, Free

MON 25 FEB NORMSKI & ZEUS, BURN, THE BUFF CLUB, Glasgow institution playing underground classics, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free for pub/club workers RESIDENTS, FRESH, THE POLO LOUNGE, Popular gay venue with house & indie, 23:00–03:00, £5.00 DJ ANDY & DJ DEC, POPTIMISM/ROCKTIMISM, THE GARAGE, Pop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free +1 b4 12am with PIYP

TUE 26 FEB ANDY WILSON & DJ KASH, ALL STAR, BAMBOO, Funk & hip pop,

22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 11pm/12.30am with matric FOLKS, FOLK IT!, THE MIXING ROOMS, Up & coming folk musician session, 20:00–01:00, Free

RESIDENTS, KALEIDOSCOPE LIVE, ABC2, Old school rock & roll, soul, funk, from the 1960’s-1980’s , 22:00–03:00, £3, free with matric. after 12am

RESIDENTS, KILLER KITSCH, THE BUFF CLUB, New wave, indie, electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

MARTIN BATE (XFM), REVOLUTION, QMU, Rock & punk , 22:00–02:15, £2,

£1 members

LISA LITTLEWOOD & GRAEME FERGUSON, T.I.T., KARBON, Dance, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

WED 27 FEB GERRY LYONS, AFTER HOURS, THE BUFF CLUB, Pick & mix of everything, 23:00–03:00, £3.00

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

23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am with PIYP

CHRIS TRAYNOR, MJAM SALSA,

LIPTONS, Salsa classes from 8pm, free club from 10.15pm, 20:00–00:00, Free RESIDENTS, NEW FLESH, FURY MURRY’S, Rock, metal, punk, rap, industrial & alternative music, 22:00–03:00, £4, £2 from 10pm-11pm, £1 with flyer/after 11pm

DAVE MULHOLLAND, POP ROCK-IT, CATWALK, Mixed Bag,

19:00–03:00, Free

DJ FRAMIE, MIX GENERATOR, CATWALK, Classic rock, metal & alternative, 19:00–03:00, Free

RADIOMAGNETIC DJS, RADIOMAGNETIC, GAZELLE, Funk, soul & latin

grooves, 20:00–03:00, Free

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

electro, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3)

RESIDENTS, RUBBERMENSCH,

ABC2, A night for indie lovers, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

DJ BILLY, SKINT, THE CATHOUSE, Metal, hip hop & rock, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with PIYP RESIDENTS, THROB, THE FLYING DUCK, Multi-media group art exhibition, 20:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

GERRY LYONS & BRIAN, THE THURSDAY CLUB, THE GARAGE, Chart

anthems, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3), free b4 12am with PIYP

DJ TOAST, UP THE RACKET,

FIREWATER, Indie, soul, britpop, rock, punk, 16:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 10.30pm NIC, WOOHOO!, VALDOR, Pop, rock, indie, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12am

DJ NORMSKI, ZERO THURSDAYS, BOHO, Funk, electro & house,

21:30–03:00, £3.00 CJ, THE BUNKER BAR, Grunge & new rock, 21:00–03:00, Free KEVIN STEVENS, METROPOLITAN, Funk & soul 45s, 21:00–00:00, Free

FRI 29 FEB EUAN NEILSON, ABC FRIDAYS, ABC1, Genre mash-up, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

QUAIL, LAMB & TURTLE, ANIMAL FARM, BLOC, Minimal techno, electro

& house, 22:00–03:00, £2, free b4 12am

BARRY & BILLY, BALLBREAKER, THE CATHOUSE, Rock & metal, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30am with PIYP

GAVIN DUNBAR, BACK TAE MINE, THE FLYING DUCK, Alternative & indie,

23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm

STEWART REID, BOOGIE DOWN,

BLUU, Jazz, disco & house sounds, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, COMPUTELOVE,

THE MIXING ROOMS, Electronic sounds, 20:00–03:00, Free ANDY WILSON, DOMINO, VALDOR, Indie, electro, pop, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

RESIDENTS, ELECTROBALL, KARBON, 80’s, nu-wave, rock & punk, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

JIM DA BEST, FLIRTINI FRIDAYS,

BOHO, Party tunes & floor fillers, 21:30–03:00, £6.00 LISA LITTLEWOOD, FLUID, MAS, Funky house, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

RESIDENTS, FREAKMENOOVERS, RUST BAR, Early doors serving

of hip hop, funk, RnB & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS, FREAKMENOOVERS, BLANKET, Fresh

hip hop & funk cuts, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4) RESIDENTS, FRIDAY ST, BLACKFRIARS BASEMENT, Mod, soul & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £6.00

MARK ROBB, HOME OF THE GROOVES, MAGGIE MAYS, Jazz, funk,

soul, 23:00–03:00, £5.00

CRAIG MCGEE, HORRORSHOW, FIREWATER, Indie, rock, punk, electro, soul, britpop, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4), free b4 10.30pm

RESIDENTS, LET THERE BE

HOUSE, MACSORLEYS, House, 21:00–01:00, Free RESIDENTS, NOJ, POLAR BAR (ABC), No Music Policy, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£4), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

GORDIE & JACK, OLD SCHOOL,

CLUBBING EDINBURGH FRI 01 FEB

SUN 03 FEB

JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge,

tunes, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 12am

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

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am HOBBES, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free VILLAINESQUE, ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Live burlesque, retro chic, fetish, 20:00–01:00, £17 UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

PADDY FREEFORM, HOBBES, DOLLSKABEAT, TROUBLE, CABA-

RET VOLTAIRE, Acid house, electro, future classics, 23:00–03:00, £6 (£5)

JOH EDWARDS, HARRY, CLAUDIO, GREGSTA, SO IT IS, FAITH, House, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

THE FREAKY FAMILY, SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, 5-piece funk band,

SPIRITUAL SOUTH, DEN COLLECTIVE, DEPARTURE LOUNGE,

THE CAVES, Breaks, beats, live music, 22:00–03:00, £9 (£7) DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

MELLY, AKAMILKOVIC, TEKAMINE, DAMAGE, STUDIO 24, Hardcore, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm

DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA

NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm

SCOTT ELLIOT, CRAIG GEE & GAV GRANT ON ROTATION, CLUB CLASSICS, PIVO CAFFE, Classic club music from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free

AQUASKY, BASS SYNDICATE, THE BONGO CLUB, Breaks, drum & bass, 23:00–03:00, £8

SAT 02 FEB DANNY TENNENT, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ISLA BLIGE & THE BLOND FLASH, LULU, Soul, funk, house &

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

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

hop, 21:00–01:00, Free

JUSTIN MARTIN, GARETH SOMERVILLE, ULTRAGROOVE,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£8) TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

THU 28 FEB ALEX & JOHN, 45 KICKS, THE BUFF

CLUB, New York & underground school inspired beats, 23:00–03:00, £3.00 RESIDENTS, BABAZA, BELO, Hip hop with the funk, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

RESIDENTS, CHIX ON DEX,

CHINAWHITE, Rock, funkpunk & house all mixed by lovely ladies, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

CRAIG MCGEE, CIGARETTES & F**K ALL, THE BUTTERFLY & THE PIG, Indie & rock ‘n’ roll, 21:00–01:00, Free

FREAKMENOOVERS DJS,

FREAKMOVES, GLASGOW SCHOOL OF ART, Fresh hip hop & funk cuts, Record Playerz in the bar, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3) JOHN, FREAKSCENE, POLAR BAR (ABC), Indie classics, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£3), free b4 11.30pm with matric.

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

funk, soul & motown, 20:00–03:00, Free

56

BREL, Retro soul, 21:00–01:00, Free

MARK ROBB, SPARKIES 45S,

CAFÉ RIO, Jazz, funk & soul, 20:00–00:00, Free

GEOFF M, JUNIOR CAMPOS & MAX, TOXIC POP, BAMBOO, House

music, hip hop & lounge, 22:00–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm/12.30am students

MARTIN BATE (XFM), VICE,

THE CATHOUSE - LEVEL 2, Indie rock party, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4), £3 b4 11.30pm, free b4 11.30pm with PIYP TAM COYLE, THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

ROBBIE ROLEX & THE RADIO MAGNETIC SOUNDSYSTEM, THE

GOAT, Eclectic, 20:00–03:00, Free PLASTIC SOUL, THE IVY, Eclectic, dance, 21:00–01:00, Free SUGAR SUGAR DJ, MAGGIE MAYS, Eclectic, 22:00–03:00, Free DARIO BERNADI, METROPOLITAN, Electronic disco & soul, 21:00–00:00, Free OOFT DJS, MISO, Re-edits, hip hop, house, balearic, 21:00–01:00, Free

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

23:00–03:00, £4

NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, THE

HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00–03:00, Free KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00–03:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM,

DALE LUSH & FRIENDS, BOOTY,

MEDINA, Soul, funk, disco & chart, 22:00–03:00, £5

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro

MON 04 FEB

DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE

UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for deserving bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members

ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz &

funk, 19:00–03:00, Free MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin

house, 22:00–03:00, Free

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

TUE 05 FEB JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO,

Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00–03:00, £4

DAVA & HOBBES, SYNTHETIC LOVE, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of electro, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00–03:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00–03:00, Free

FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK,

OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00–03:00, Free DJ AKI, LATE, LIVE N’ FUNKY, THE JAZZ BAR, 2 drummer funk band, 23:30–03:00, Free

NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, INDIE MIX, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs,

ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE,

DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT,

ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop from

MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE,

funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4)

21:00–03:00, Free

Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30–03:00, Free

Underling, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm

MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00–03:00, £5 ANTICS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

RESIDENTS, TONGUE IN CHEEK,

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

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam,

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes,

DJ ELECTROFIED, SATISFACTION, RED, Techno, 22:00–03:00, £3 RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alterna-

CATWALK, Rock, 19:00–03:00, Free

THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30–03:00, £3

JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm AESOP ROCK, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Hip hop, 22:30–01:00, £12

THE ARCHES, Techno, 22:00–03:00, £tbc

NICOLA WALKER, ROUTE 666,

SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE),

MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm JOHN GRAHAM, FREEFLOW, EGO, Progressive, house, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£8) EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5

SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth

BAMBOO, Lounge, RnB & indie, 22:00–03:00, £4 (£2), free b4 12.30am with matric MARTIN BATE (BEAT 106), THE BUNKER BAR, Vintage rock & indie, 21:00–03:00, Free

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU),

SHAKE, SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00–03:00, £3

dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

THE BUFF CLUB, Old school tunes, 22:30–03:00, £6.00

BIG NAME TECHNO, PRESSURE,

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS, ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats,

EGO, House, electrohouse, 22:00–03:00, £6, £5 b4 12am MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

NICKQ, FREAK SCENE DJS, SQUARE GO!, MAGGIE MAYS, Live bands

& club, 20:00–03:00, £3.00

THU 07 FEB

mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

Weekly dance club, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), £1 Centro card CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D,

club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5)

tive, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts,

22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm DOMU, MOOVN, BERLIN, Broken beat, house, 22:00–03:00, £10 (£8)

MESSENGER SOUND SYSTEM,

THE BONGO CLUB, Bob Marley Birthday Special, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£6) LUVELY COPPING OFF, LIQUID ROOM, House, trance, chart, 22:30–03:00, £12 (£10)

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00,

£6, £3 b4 11pm

THE GO-GO, STUDIO 24, Garage, pop, mod, beat, soul, ska, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

FISHER & PRICE, FEVER, EGO, House,

dance, 22:00–03:00, £10 (£8)

CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED

WED 06 FEB BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

ANDREW WEATHERALL, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House,

electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, £2, free b4 12am DJ NU-CLEAR, TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00–03:00, Free THE PIT, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

MASH & JON PLEASED, ROLLER DISCO, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00–03:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm

INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alterna-

tive, 22:30–03:00, £2, £1 students FREAK, CITRUS CLUB, Northern soul, 70s funk, disco, 22:30–03:00, £4, free b4 12am

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO

BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members

CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks & house, 19:00–03:00, Free DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free

make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip

SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

23:30–03:00, Free

SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music

23:30–03:00, £5 (£3) SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm NRG U18S, EGO, Under 18s night, 18:00–21:00, £5

DEAN NEWTON, NOT SO DIRTY,

PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION,

BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to

21:00–01:00, Free

HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YIN-YANG,

SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, 22:00–03:00, £6 (£3) JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco & dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX & GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house,

breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free SICK NOTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fidget house, booty bass, indie, new wave, 23:00–03:00, Free SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00–01:00, Free

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB,

PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves, 19:00–03:00, Free ON/OFF, THE BONGO CLUB, Electro, minimal techno, 23:00–03:00, £3

MUSIC DEPARTMENT, NAPIER LIVE, THE BONGO CLUB, Talent showcase, 19:00–22:00, £4

XVECTORS, CHUTES, LIMBO,

THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live music dance party, 22:00–01:00, £4 KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2)

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

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

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

hop, 21:00–01:00, Free VEGAS, THE CAVES, Retro, swing, vintage, 22:00–03:00, £10 THE 4C, PIVO CAFFE, Four Corners 22:00–03:00, Free TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

DAVE TARRIDA, JASON LEACH, CYNTHIA STERN, SUBSTANCE, THE GRV, Techno, electro, 22:00–03:00, £10

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes, funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4)

ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE,

Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Afrobeat from Diwan, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm

BRETT KING, BRIAN DEMPSTER, SATISFIED, EGO, Progressive house, trance,

22:30–03:00, £7 (£6)

SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5)

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free

classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students CHRIS LAKE, MUSIKA, LIQUID ROOM, First birthday party, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten

MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00,

SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00, £6, £3 b4 11pm JIM RIVERS, KARNIVAL, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Tech house, 23:00–03:00, £10, £8 ECCF/students

tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free

£2 (£1)

KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD,

GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes all night, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2) ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID

RED6, DECOY ROY, GIVE IT SOME, THE BONGO CLUB, Funky 45s & soulful 7””s, 23:00–03:00, £6, £4 b4 12am

THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky beats,

CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED

FRI 08 FEB

FUZ & LEE, ECLECTIC MUD,

23:30–03:00, Free

JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic

tunes, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 12am

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

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am HOBBES, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free HLI, KEN GOURLAY, ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Ceilidh, 20:00–01:00, £10 SABURUKO, XPLICIT, THE BONGO CLUB, Drum & bass, 23:00–03:00, £7 (£6) UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

NICK YUILL, ROB MATHIE, DJ CUNNIE, NEELU SARKAAR, SOLESCIENCE - THE FINAL EDITION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Disco, house,

23:00–03:00, £5, £4 b4 12am

SOUL VACCINATION, SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, 5-piece funk band,

BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members

THE HIDE, Funk, folk, psyche, latin, country, 21:00–01:00, Free

MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT,

DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free DISKOKITTEN BLACK & RED

BALL, BERLIN, Funky house, bootlegs, 22:00–03:00, £8, £6 b4 11.30pm SUN 10 FEB

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge, 23:30–03:00, Free

SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE

MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00–03:00, £3

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00–03:00, £4

SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE),

23:30–03:00, £5 (£3)

THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30–03:00, £3 NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, THE HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00–03:00, Free KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00–03:00, Free

DIGITAL JONES & FRIENDS, MOONSTEP, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Hip

JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM, Weekly dance club, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), £1 Centro card CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm NUKLEAR PUPPY, EGO, Hard dance, 22:00–03:00, £tbc PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm hop, electronic, 21:00–01:00, £5

JIM RYAN, TOMMY GALLO, MISS MONEYPENNYS, SHANGHAI, House, 22:00–03:00, £7 (£5 b4 12am)

DEREK MARTIN & STUART

MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk,

DALE LUSH & FRIENDS, BOOTY,

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D,

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro

rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5 DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm

MEDINA, Soul, funk, disco & chart, 22:00–03:00, £5

dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free

ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE,

Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

MON 11 FEB JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE

SANNA, WOUNDED KNEE, STEVIE WANLESS, HMS GINAFORE, CLUB WELTO, THE VILLAGE, Live music,

UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for deserving bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members

HEXADECIMAL, AZ-TECH, THE

SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz & funk, 19:00–03:00, Free MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

spoken word, DJs, 20:00–01:00, £tbc CAVES, Breaks, 22:30–03:00, £7 (£6)

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

from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free BOY 8-BIT, AMPBOX, WEE RED BAR, Electronic, 23:00–03:00, £5

SAT 09 FEB BRAINSTORM, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Eclectic, 21:00–01:00, Free

ASTROBOY & BREADMARK,

JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN

QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin house, 22:00–03:00, Free

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

LISTINGS

DAVA & HOBBES, SYNTHETIC LOVE, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of electro, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00–03:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00–03:00, Free

FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK,

OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00–03:00, Free DJ AKI, LATE, LIVE N’ FUNKY, THE JAZZ BAR, 2 drummer funk band, 23:30–03:00, Free

NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, INDIE MIX, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs, 21:00–03:00, Free

DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT,

THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30–03:00, Free ANTICS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE,

MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00–03:00, £5

WED 13 FEB BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

GARY MAC & GUESTS, WE ARE

… ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, Free DJ NU-CLEAR, TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00–03:00, Free THE PIT, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free MASH & JON PLEASED, ROLLER DISCO, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00–03:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm

JAH MAKAH, PEACE & LOVE REGGAE NIGHT, THE BONGO CLUB, Roots, culture & dancehall tunes, 22:00–03:00, £5

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets

early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternative, 22:30–03:00, £2, £1 students FREAK, CITRUS CLUB, Northern soul, 70s funk, disco, 22:30–03:00, £4, free b4 12am

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks & house, 19:00–03:00, Free DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to

make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

GHISLAIN POIRIER, BIG TOE’S HIFI, WEE RED BAR, Hip hop, dub, reggae, Ninja Tune, 21:00–03:00, £tbc

PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION, SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

THU 14 FEB MYSTERY JUICE, HENRYS CELLAR, Rock n roll, blues, 20:00–01:00, £4 THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS,

ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, 21:00–01:00, Free

HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YIN-YANG,

SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, 22:00–03:00, £6 (£3) JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco & dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX & GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house,

breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free THE SLIPS, SICK NOTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fidget house, booty bass, indie, new wave, 23:00–03:00, Free SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00–01:00, Free

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB,

PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves, 19:00–03:00, Free FAY FIFE, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live music dance party, 20:00–01:00, £4 KOMBUSTION, THE BONGO CLUB, Breakbeat, hard tekno & hardcore, 23:00–03:00, £4 KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2)

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free

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

22:00–03:00, £3 (£2) BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00, £2 (£1) ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky beats, 23:30–03:00, Free

FRI 15 FEB JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic

tunes, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 12am

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

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am HOBBES, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

TOKYOBLU DJS, DEREK MARTIN, TOKYOBLU, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Live

house band, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£6)

BOBBY KING AND THE KINGFISHERS, SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR,

5-piece funk band, 23:30–03:00, £5 (£3) SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm

ACID FAIRY, CRIMINAL WAVES, KID ILL, TEKAMINE, NOIZTEEZ,

BERLIN, Electro, hip hop, breaks, jungle, 22:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am INHAUS, EGO, House, 22:00–03:00, £tbc

KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00–03:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM, Weekly

dance club, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), £1 Centro card CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

DALE LUSH & FRIENDS, BOOTY,

MEDINA, Soul, funk, disco & chart, 22:00–03:00, £5

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro

BURLESCAPADES! VALENTINE’S VENETIAN MASKED BALL, THE

VOODOO ROOMS, carnival, burlesque, vintage sounds, 21:00–01:00, £25 TODDLA T, BIG TOE’S HI-FI, WEE RED BAR, Reggae, dub, dancehall, dubstep, 22:30–03:00, £5 (£4)

BART CLAESSEN, ABSOLUTE, STUDIO 24, Hard dance, 23:00–03:00, £tbc

SAT 16 FEB ANDY SMITH, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Funk, hip hop, soul, 21:00–01:00, £7

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

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

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

hop, 21:00–01:00, Free

BENGA, VOLUME, EGO, Dubstep, grime,

jungle, hip hop, 23:00–03:00, £7

ALAN GRAY, GARETH SOMERVILLE, FIRECRACKER RECORDS, ULTRAGROOVE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, disco, soul, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£6)

TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock,

motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes,

funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4) ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE, Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Funk & electronic

beats from Digital Jones, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5) RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH

MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00, £6, £3 b4 11pm CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members

MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT, DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip

hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free BIG N BASHY, THE BONGO CLUB, Dubstep, reggae, dancehall & jungle, 23:00–03:00, £6, £4 b4 12am

SUN 17 FEB THE COOL KIDS, EGO, Underground hip

JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz & DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for deserv-

ing bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin house, 22:00–03:00, Free

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

TUE 19 FEB BASQUIAT STRINGS, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Jazz, 20:00–01:00, £12

JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00–03:00, £4

DAVA & HOBBES, SYNTHETIC LOVE, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00–03:00, £4, free b4 11pm

EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of electro, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00–03:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00–03:00, Free

FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK,

OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00–03:00, Free DJ AKI, LATE, LIVE N’ FUNKY, THE JAZZ BAR, 2 drummer funk band, 23:30–03:00, Free

NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, INDIE MIX, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs, 21:00–03:00, Free

DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30–03:00, Free

MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE,

MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00–03:00, £5 ANTICS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

WED 20 FEB BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

GARY MAC, BOOM MONK BEN, HINT, WE ARE … ELECTRIC,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, House, electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, Free DJ NU-CLEAR, TOXIK, OPIUM, New & old metal & hard rock, 20:00–03:00, Free THE PIT, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00–03:00, Free

MASH & JON PLEASED, ROLLER DISCO, LULU, Past & future electronic classics, 20:00–03:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm

INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alterna-

tive, 22:30–03:00, £2, £1 students FREAK, CITRUS CLUB, Northern soul, 70s funk, disco, 22:30–03:00, £4, free b4 12am

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks & house, 19:00–03:00, Free DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION, SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

hop, 19:00–01:00, £9 (£7)

THU 21 FEB

23:30–03:00, Free

PAUL LAMB & THE KINGSNAKES, LIGHTS OUT BY NINE, MAIN STREET BLUES, THE CAVES, Blues,

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge, JEAN PIERRE, B-SIDES, SKI SUNDAY BBQ, THE OUTHOUSE, Funk, soul

19:00–00:00, £11

& disco, 12:00–22:00, Free SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS,

SHAKE, SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00–03:00, £3

SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, 22:00–03:00, £6 (£3) JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU),

SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE), THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30–03:00, £3

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00–03:00, £4

NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, THE

HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00–03:00, Free

MILLY NAMAKUSA, ESSENCE KASOZI, NDAJE: AFRICAN CONNEXIONS, THE BONGO CLUB, Afrobeat,

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten

funk, 19:00–03:00, Free

from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free CLIMAX, RED, Techno, electro, Detroit, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves, 19:00–03:00, Free

MON 18 FEB

FOUR CORNERS 3RD BIRTHDAY,

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

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB,

22:00–03:00, £7 (£5)

20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

THE BONGO CLUB, Jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 12am EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5 DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm ALAN JOY, CLUB TOUCH, COCTEAU LOUNGE, Electro-house, tech & breaks, 23:00–03:00, £tbc

house, booty bass, indie, new wave, 23:00–03:00, Free SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00–01:00, Free

dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE, Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

SICK NOTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fidget

ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, 21:00–01:00, Free

HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YIN-YANG,

GARETH SOMERVILLE, FRAZER MCGLINCHEY & GUESTS, SOULED OUT, OPAL LOUNGE, Soul, disco & dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX & GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house,

breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free

BRICOLAGE, LIMBO, THE VOODOO

ROOMS, Live music dance party, 20:00–01:00, £4 KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2)

tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free

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

22:00–03:00, £3 (£2) BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00, £2 (£1) ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3)

THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky beats, 23:30–03:00, Free

FRI 22 FEB

CHRIS & PAUL, THE EGG, WEE RED

BAR, Indie, garage, punk, ska & more at the Art College’s long running institution, 23:00–03:00, £5, £4 students/members

MANGOMAD & DJ DEFAULT,

DUB2CLUB, PIVO CAFFE, Dance, indie, hip hop & breaks, 17:00–03:00, Free SUN 24 FEB JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SHAKE, SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE

ALTER EGO, PO NA NA, DJ Diverse with

TRENDY WENDY, PLAYGIRL MANSIONS, LULU, Chart pop & glam, 23:00–03:00, £4

NEON/HELLRAISERS BALL, THE

HIVE, Goth, indie, bleep, industrial, punk & eighties, 23:00–03:00, Free KAYOS, OPIUM, Rock, metal & indie, 20:00–03:00, Free HIBS SUPPORTERS CLUB, SUNNYSIDE, Northern soul, 14:00–23:00, Free

DEREK MARTIN & STUART JOHNSTON, FRICTION, LIQUID ROOM, Weekly

dance club, 23:00–03:00, £4 (£2), £1 Centro card CURIOUS? SUNDAY JOINT, THE BONGO CLUB, Diverse selection of music, free internet & games, 16:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

DALE LUSH & FRIENDS, BOOTY,

MEDINA, Soul, funk, disco & chart, 22:00–03:00, £5

ALL BACK TO MINE, OPAL LOUNGE,

Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, 5-piece funk

band, 23:30–03:00, £5 (£3) SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock, retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D,

dance, 90s & disco, 19:00–03:00, Free

Eclectic mix of personal favourites, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 11pm

SIENTELO!, EL BARRIO, Latin America music mixed with chart tunes, 23:00–03:00, Free

SAM JOSE, TALL PAUL, EASY SUNDAY DJ SET, THE JAZZ BAR, Lounge, 23:30–03:00, Free

MON 25 FEB HAPPY MONDAYS, PO NA NA, Night for students & Industry folk, indie, rock & funk, 23:00–03:00, £3, free for students/industry

THE LATE, GREAT JAM SESSION, THE JAZZ BAR, Players join the house trio, 22:00–03:00, Free after 23.15pm

JAMES COMBE, THE LATIN QUARTER, MEDINA, Salsa, funk & latin house,

22:00–03:00, Free MOJO, OPAL LOUNGE, Modern music & timeless classics, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am

ASTROBOY & BREADMARK, SOUNDS GOOD, PIVO CAFFE, Soul, jazz &

MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

funk, 19:00–03:00, Free

hardcore, trance, 22:00–03:00, £10

ing bar & club staff, 22:00–03:00, £2, £1 Trade Union members/ECCF members JEZ HILL, LULU, Classic pop & funk anthems, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

DOUGAL, SHARKEY, KEVIN ENERGY, FREEFORMATION VS. NUKLEAR PUPPY, EGO, Old skool,

NAVVY, FAST, THE BONGO CLUB, Punk,

disco, electro, garage, 23:00–03:00, £5 EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5 DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm

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

from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free ALLOY MENTAL, ACCESS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Techno, electro punk, 23:00–03:00, £7

TALL PAUL, ANGUS, SAM JOSE, PROFESSOR PLASTIC, BUBBLEGUM BOOGALOO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Soul, instrumentals, psyche pop, 21:00–01:00, Free

SAT 23 FEB

DJ BEEFY & WOLFJAZZ, TRADE UNION, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Night for deserv-

TUE 26 FEB 23:00–03:00, Free

STUDENTS, APPRENTICE EDINBURGH, THE BONGO CLUB, High stakes club

night, 22:30–03:00, £tbc

MR. JINX, THE DIAMOND DICE,

MASSA, Hip hop, RnB & grime, 22:00–03:00, £5

DJ STUART JOHNSTON, FRUNT, THE LIQUID ROOM, House music all night long, 22:30–03:00, Free

NICK A.K.A. & THE DALEK, INDIE MIX, PIVO CAFFE, Indie, alt, Mashup & bootlegs, 21:00–03:00, Free

DJ AKI, LATE, LIVE N’ FUNKY, THE JAZZ BAR, 2 drummer funk band, 23:30–03:00, Free

FRYER & GINO, MOTHERFUNK,

OPAL LOUNGE, Original soul, funk, disco, latin & hip hop, 22:00–03:00, Free SPITFIRES SOCIAL CLUB, RED, Indie social club, 21:00–03:00, Free

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Blend of electro, techno, drum & bass, breakbeat, healthy mid-week rave, 23:00–03:00, Free

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

EDINBURGH LOCALS, SPLIT,

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

DAVA & HOBBES, SYNTHETIC LOVE, LULU, Eclectic set, 20:00–03:00, £4, free

hop, 21:00–01:00, Free TEASE AGE, CITRUS CLUB, All things rock, motown, alternative & soul, 22:30–03:00, £6, free b4 11pm

b4 11pm

JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00–03:00, £4 WED 27 FEB

JOHN HUTCHISON (TOKYOBLU), SOPHISTIFUNK, CITY, House remixes,

PACMAN, JOY, BASS INVASION,

ROTATING SLASHDOT, THE HIVE,

BLACK SPRING DJS, BLACK SPRING ROCKS, THE JAZZ BAR, Music to

funky RnB & bootlegs, 23:00–03:00, £8 (£4)

Techno & electro, drum & bass, breaks, indie, punk, new wave, 23:00–03:00, £5, free b4 12am

ASTROBOY, SATURDAY NIGHT FISH FRY, THE JAZZ BAR, Funk & reggae from

Gecko 3, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 b4 11.30pm SANCTUARY, STUDIO 24, Underage goth club, 18:00–21:00, £7 (£5) RETRIBUTION, STUDIO 24, Rock, alternative, 23:00–03:00, £5, £3 students

JAZZ BAR, Hip hop & funky beats, 23:30–03:00, Free

indie, rock n roll & electro, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£3) BUMP, THE LIQUID ROOM, Chart, 22:30–03:00, £2 (£1)

KIPP$ & MASTER CAIRD,

GRAFITTI, MEDINA, Party tunes all night, 22:00–03:00, £3 (£2)

JASON CORTEZ, ANDY OPEL, HONEYPOT, ODDFELLOWS, Diskokitten

tunes, 21:00–01:00, Free KINKY INDIE, CITRUS CLUB, Student night, 23:00–03:00, £5 (£2) CORRECTO, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Live music dance party, 20:00–01:00, £4

JACEK ZAMOJSKI & GUESTS, POLYPHONIC SOCIAL CLUB,

PIVO CAFFE, Electric mash up dance grooves, 19:00–03:00, Free SALSA DISCO, CUBA NORTE, Salsa dance & tasty tapas, 22:00–01:00, Free SICK NOTE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Fidget house, booty bass, indie, new wave, 23:00–03:00, Free

AL MAJIK, CHUBBY COX &

GUEST, SIREN, THE HIVE, Electro, house, breaks & techno, 23:00–03:00, Free SORTED, THE BONGO CLUB, Hardstyle, hard house, 23:00–03:00, £5

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

dance, 22:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am JEZ HILL, STILETTO, LULU, Electro-pop, classics & disco, 20:00–03:00, £5, free b4 10pm

HUGGY, CRAIG SMITH, YIN-YANG, SHANGHAI (UNDERNEATH LE MONDE), House, 22:00–03:00, £6 (£3)

THE DEPARTURE LOUNGE DJS,

ASSEMBLY BAR, Jazz to breakbeats, 21:00–01:00, Free

FRI 29 FEB BEATROOT, EGO, House, electro, 22:00–03:00, £tbc

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

from the past 15 years, 17:00–03:00, Free CLUB FOR HEROES, WEE RED BAR, House, techno, disco, electro, 22:30–03:00, £5

SANNA, IONA MARSHALL, HEADSPIN DJS, EX-LION TAMER, CLUB WELTO, WEE RED BAR, Live music, spoken

word, DJs, 18:00–22:00, £tbc

ANTICS, THE HIVE, Rock, emo, punk & metal,

ROOMS, Funk, soul, swing, dancefloor jazz, 21:00–01:00, Free

FRANKIE SUMATRA, THE VOODOO

THU 28 FEB

THE BONGO CLUB, Alternative music for justified sinners, 22:30–03:00, £3

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

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT UNION,

electro, tech-house & breaks with rotating guests in the back, 23:00–03:00, Free BARAKA, Funk, soul, disco, dancehall & reggae, 20:00–01:00, Free

THE FREAKY FAMILY, 100% ORGANIC HIP HOP LIVE SESSION, THE

SCOTTISH HOBO SOCIETY (LIVE),

IAN ANDERSON & BISCUIT D, BACK TO BASICS, PIVO CAFFE, Retro

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am HOBBES, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free VAPORS, WEE RED BAR, Hip-Hop Karaoke, 22:30–03:00, £5 ALIVE & JIGGIN’, ASSEMBLY ROOMS, Ceilidh, 20:00–01:00, £10

old metal & hard rock, 20:00–03:00, Free

GARY MAC, TIM HEALEY, WE ARE … ELECTRIC, CABARET VOLTAIRE, House,

MONDE), House, soulful & funky, 23:00–03:00, £3

JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 12am

DJ NU-CLEAR, TOXIK, OPIUM, New &

SECRET ARCADE, Drum & bass, breakbeat, 21:00–01:00, Free

make girls dance, 23:30–03:00, Free

DJ NICKI & GUESTS, CULT, PO NA

NA, Hip hop, disco, funk & RnB, 22:00–03:00, £5, £2.50 b4 11pm

DE LUXE, HUDSON CLUB, Funky house with

resident DJs, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am EVOL, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie, hip hop, alternative beats & rock, 22:30–03:00, £5

DOUBLE D & ISLA, GET FUNK’D, MEDINA, Hip hop to house, 22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

DJ BONE, STEPHEN BROWN, JACKHAMMER, THE BONGO CLUB, Techno, 23:00–03:00, £10 (£5)

MISFITS, THE HIVE, Indie, electro, punk, rock,

retro & a tequila girl, 23:00–03:00, £3, free b4 12am PLANET EARTH, CITRUS CLUB, 80s tunes with 22:30–03:00, £5, free b4 11pm SALSA CARIBE!, THE LOT, Salsa DJs on the special wooden dancefloor, 21:00–01:30, £5, £4 b4 9.30pm DAS CONTRAS, SKUNKFUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, 5-piece funk band, 23:30–03:00, £5 (£3)

EROL ALKAN, SINDEN, HERVE, RICHARD H KIRK, SUGARBEAT/ CABARET VOLTAIRE’S THIRD BIRTHDAY, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Eclectic, breaks, bootlegs, 22:00–03:00, £15

UNKNOWN PLEASURES, TEVIOT

UNION, Indie club, 21:00–03:00, £3 (£2) HOBBES, ASSEMBLY BAR, Disco, hip hop, house, techno & broken beats, 17:00–01:00, Free

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

latin, 20:00–03:00, £7, free b4 12am JEZ HILL, OPAL LOUNGE, Upfront & classic tunes, 22:00–03:00, £6, free b4 12am NEMESIS, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Dark side of burlesque, 21:00–01:00, £12

DJ JEZ HILL, CHAMBLES, OPAL LOUNGE, Funk & chart, 21:00–03:00, £5 (£4)

BREADMARK & JOHNNY CASHBACK, THE GOOD GROOVE, PIVO

CAFFE, Funk, afrobeat, latin breaks & house, 19:00–03:00, Free FREAK, CITRUS CLUB, Northern soul, 70s funk, disco, 22:30–03:00, £4, free b4 12am INDI-GO, THE LIQUID ROOM, Indie & alternative, 22:30–03:00, £2, £1 students

CLUBBING DUNDEE

early nineties youth club disco, 21:00–05:00, £2, free b4 11pm

FRI 08 FEB

PO NA NA, Chirpy music, 22:30–03:00, £6, £3 b4 11pm

Live music, 19:00–22:00, £3

LOUNGE, 21:00, free

MASH & JON PLEASED, ROLLER DISCO, LULU, Past & future electronic classics,

THU 21 FEB

BONGO CLUB, Funk, hip hop, disco, house, 20:00–03:00, £10

THE PIT, THE HIVE, Rock & metal, 23:00–03:00,

MODUS, PESKI KINGS, SPIRAL TV, CLUB MONDO, 21:00, £2.50

DJ PAPI & ALEX GATO, PARTY NIGHT, EL BARRIO, Salsa night with free classes from 10pm, 23:00–03:00, Free

TWITCH & WILKES, OPTIMO, CABA-

RET VOLTAIRE, Leftfield, eclectic, 23:00–03:00, £10

NASTY P & CUNNIE, MUCH MORE, MEDINA, Hip-hop & funk cuts,

22:00–03:00, £4, £3 b4 11pm

MARK B & GUESTS, LIQUID SOUL, DJ FORMAT, THE HELIOCENTRICS, SANNA, HEADSPIN, THE

MC BLONDEX, AWESOME WELLS, JERK ALERT, RED, Indie meets MUSIC DEPARTMENT, JEWEL & ESK SHOWCASE, THE BONGO CLUB,

20:00–03:00, £4.99, free b4 11pm

Free

PESKI KINGS, SPIRAL TV, GUEST BAND, DJ JAMIE MONDO, MONDO

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

57

LISTINGS

TUE 12 FEB JAMES LONGWARTH, VIBE, EGO, Weekly gay club playing chart, 23:00–03:00, £4

LIVE MUSIC GLASGOW FRI 01 FEB BOY GEORGE, CLYDE AUDITORIUM, If

you drop some popcorn, he’ll mop it up quicksmart, 19:30, £25.00 GEORGIE JAMES, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Ex-Q And Not U, 19:30, £tbc

THE APPLESCRUFFS, MORE TBA, THE 13TH NOTE, Punky, 21:00, £tbc THE CRIBS, JOE LEAN AND THE JING JANG JONG, DOES IT OFTEN, SHOCKWAVES NME AWARDS, BARROWLANDS, Indie-rock,

19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £15.00

THE DISPLACEMENTS, RED HOUSE ROCK, THE CATHOUSE, Melodic indie-rock, 19:00, £6.00

ALICE & THE MAJESTY, ALAN MCKIM, LOU HICKEY, KING TUT’S,

Singer-songwriter, 20:30, £6.00

RUBAKAI, ROCKERS, Post-grungey alt-

PART-TIME SIGNALS, SILVA, ABC2,

COHEED & CAMBRIA, MADINA LAKE, FIGHTSTAR, CIRCA, SURVIVE, KERRANG! TOUR,

SILVA, BARFLY, Rock, 20:00, £6.00

rock, 19:00, £5.00

BARROWLANDS, OMG wot av we dn 2 desrv PROG-EMO!?, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £15.00

BEHEMOTH, SUICIDE SILENCE,

DEVILISH, IMPRESSIONS, BARFLY, Polish black metal, 20:00, Over 14s, £12.50 TUE 05 FEB KINDERGARTEN GRADUATE, FALLING WITH STYLE, ROCKERS,

Rock for teenage American mall dwellers, 19:00, £5.00

BLACK ACID, KING TUT’S, Scuzzy garage

rock, 20:30, £7.50

PALLADIUM, ORAN MOR, Indie-pop,

BOX CLUB WITH FRIBO, CELTIC CONNECTIONS, CLASSIC GRAND,

19:00, £8.00

GUNS ON THE ROOF, THE RED EYES, THE FAKES, THE BABYSITTERS, MEXICO, ROCKERS,

THE PISTOLAS, THEATRE FALL, THE CHILD ECHO, THE LAYMANITES, BARFLY, Indie-rock, 20:00,

Accordion supergroup, 19:30, £12.50

Retro hard-rock, 19:00, £6.00

CATHERINE FEENY WITH KAELA ROWAN, CELTIC CONNECTIONS, ORAN MOR, Folky singer-songwriter a

la Joni Mitchell, 19:30, £tbc

JOHN GOLDIE, TOMMY WEIR, TRON, Jazz acoustic-guitar maestro, 21:30, £10.00

BRADY COLE, ACRYLIC IQON, THREE SEVENTY FIVE, MAGGIE MAYS, Rock, 20:00, £5 (£3)

NO MACHINE, BARFLY, Soft rock, 20:00, £6.00

SESSION A9 WITH MICHAEL MARRA QUINTET, CELTIC CONNECTIONS, ABC1, Highland fiddle-led

supergroup, 18:30, Over 14s, £15 (£13)

SAT 02 FEB JAMIE BARNES & COCHISE, USUAL SUSPECTS, THE FAKES, ROCKERS, In-house classic rock band, 19:00, £tbc

ALISON BROWN QUARTET FEATURING JOE CRAVEN & JOHN DOYLE WITH THE GREENCARDS, CELTIC CONNECTIONS, ABC1, Grammy-winning banjoist, 18:30, Over 14s, £15 (£13)

TAKE A WORM FOR A WALK WEEK, GALCHEN, SIGNALS BY SEPHAMORE, KING TUT’S, Brutal and

noisy, 20:30, £5.00

COLIN MACINTYRE WITH DEVIN SPROULE, CELTIC CONNECTIONS, ORAN MOR, The man from Mull

Historical Society, 19:30, £tbc

MISS THE OCCUPIER, SCUNNER, ESPERANZA, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie-rock, 19:00, £5 (£3)

KOBAI, THE MARDER, EXIT PILOT, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Indie-rock, 19:30, £tbc ADELE, CLASSIC GRAND, The BBC’s pick for star of 2008, 19:30, £10.00

DROPKICK MURPHYS, BARROW-

LANDS, Celtic punk rabble-rousers, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £14.00

WRONG HANDS, HALYCON DAYS, SMOKED GLASS, BARFLY,

wrong all over, 20:00, £5.00

SUN 03 FEB LEUCINE, ASKING ALEXANDRIA, MONEY TO BURN DOORS, ROCKERS, whiney emo glory, 19:00, £5.00

FINAL NIGHT BASH WITH MALINKY AND SPECIAL GUESTS, CELTIC CONNECTIONS, CLASSIC

GRAND, Celtic quintet, 19:30, £12.50

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, CARLING ACADEMY, Welsh metallers, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £17.50

DOWN I GO, MANATEES, THE OCEAN FRACTURE, KOBAYASHI, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Metal, 19:30, £tbc

THE REPEATERS, MEAT PIE, CHI WEAPON, PAPER BEATS ROCK, EQUAL AND OPPOSITE, THE 13TH

NOTE, Indie-rock, 20:00, £tbc

MASTER, SEVERANT, BARFLY, Death

metal veterans, 20:00, £8.00

CELTIC UNDERGROUND FEATURING THE WAKES, KATHLEEN MACINNES, CELTIC CONNECTIONS, THE ARCHES, Contemporary celtic,

19:00, Over 14s, £6.00

MON 04 FEB TRUMANS WATER, THE BUGS, DO-NEIMAGI-NE/L-AMB NECESSNO+0, BLACK ARC,

BARFLY, dishevelled indie-rock, 19:00, £7.50 MARSHAN, LCD, BLOC, Old fashioned rock’n’roll, 21:00, Free

PETE AND THE PIRATES, SYMBOLICS, NOON, KING TUT’S, Punky-pop,

20:30, £7.00

58

BAYAN, ALIX, BLOC, Internationally-

flavoured rock, 21:00, Free

Over 14s, £6.00

WED 06 FEB

Local indie showcase, 19:00, Over 14s, £6.00

SUN 10 FEB LANDSLIDE, TEN FOOT DOLLS, THE NEW ROCK CHEMISTS, SOVIET, COLIN JAMES MURPHY,

ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00 THE ALPS, BARFLY, Indie-rock, 20:00, £5.00

THE ONE DAY SPEAKERS, LUVA

ANNA, GRACE EMILYS, BOX, Mod Ska Quartet, 20:00, £tbc PILOTCAN, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Indie-rock, 19:30, £tbc AIRBOURNE, KING TUT’S, Aussie goodtime rock’n’rollers, 20:30, £6.00 MANCHESTER ORCHESTRA, ORAN MOR, Austere American indie-rock, 19:00, £8.00

THIS IS SEB CLARKE, SOUL CITY SHAKERS, ARCADIAN, BARFLY, 12-

piece soul-punk!?, 20:00, £6.00

MON 11 FEB CAPULET, CHARLIES HEROES, BLOC, Post-rock, 21:00, Free

BLACKBULL FIGHTER, TIE FOR JACK, THE CASTROS, ROCKERS,

TUE 12 FEB

ATTIC LIGHTS, SLEEPMODE, STONESTHROW, KING TUT’S, Anthemic

WE’RE NOT SUPER HERO’S ANYMORE, THE NIGHTMARE PARRDY, EVER THE OPTIMIST,

Indie-rock, 19:00, £5.00

indie band poised for success, 20:30, £5.00 JONNY DOWNIE, THE RIO CAFÉ, Singersongwriter, 20:00, £tbc

DARK TRANQUILITY, OMINUM GATHERUM, BARFLY, Swedish melodic

death metal, 20:00, Over 14s, £10.00

THU 07 FEB JOE D’URSO, MORE TBA, ROCK-

ERS, Rock, 19:00, £tbc

FROGPOCKET, IVES, PROJECT & SURVIVE, THE 13TH NOTE, Electronica,

21:00, £tbc

ANTLERS, BLOC, Garage-rock, 21:00, Free LILY FRASER, CONOR MASON, KING TUT’S, Singer-songwriters, 20:30, £5.00

FRI 08 FEB THRASH TILL DEATH, MEXICO, ROCKERS, Thrash metal, 19:00, £tbc

HIJACK OSCAR, INTERVALS, THE PARKERS, THE BLUFFERS, BARFLY, Indie and post-rockers, 20:00, £5.00

DEADSTRING BROTHERS, CULANN, KING TUT’S, Classic rock, 20:30, £9.00 AMERICAN MUSIC CLUB, ORAN

MOR, Californian rock, 19:00, £15.00

THE SPECIAL EDITION, SHOEGAZERS, THE POEMS, NICE N’

SLEAZY, Indie-rock, 19:30, £tbc

TAMIKA’S TREEHOUSE, REDWORD, MORE TBA, MAGGIE MAYS,

Indie-rock, 20:00, £5 (£3)

CASINO BRAG, THE PHRAMES, SLEAZY COM EAZY, THE RESETS, BARROWLANDS 2, Young indierockers, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £6.00

EOGHAN COLGAN, MORE TBA,

CLASSIC GRAND, Irish singer-songwriter, 19:00, £6.00 THE FIEND, THE SPIRIT BAR, ramshackle punk, 20:00, tbc

MICHAEL WESTON KING WITH ALAN COOK AND PAUL HESKETH, JAY BROWN, THE ACCIES

CLUB, JORDANHILL, Singer-songwriters, 20:00, £12.00

TRUE VALIANCE, BROKEN OATH, MESA VERDE, BURNING SCARS OF BETRAYAL, THE 13TH

NOTE, Hardcore & metal, 21:00, £tbc

SAT 09 FEB SIMIAN MOBILE DISCO, THE ARCHES, Beats and brilliant visuals, apparently, 19:00, Over 14s, £10.00 JAMIE BARNES & COCHISE, BAD MEDICINE, THE FAKES,

ROCKERS, In-house classic rock band, 19:00, £tbc

JUMPERS KNEE, REMNANT KINGS, THE HAZY, NICE N’ SLEAZY,

Indie-rock, 19:30, £tbc

RICHARD HAWLEY, NME AWARDS SHOW, ABC1, Retro crooning,

19:00, Over 14s, £18.00

THE FUSILIERS, MURNIE, LAURA HEALY, MORE TBA, MAGGIE MAYS, Indie-pop, 20:00, £5 (£3)

ODESSA, THE LEADS, LANDON, MORE TBA, BARROWLANDS 2, ballsy

rock’n’roll, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £6.00

I WAS A CUB SCOUT, ROLO TOMASSI, LIGHTS ACTION!, KING TUT’S, Indie-rock, 20:30, £7.50

WE SEE LIGHTS, ELECTRIC GHOSTS, JOHN KNOX, THE 13TH

NOTE, Promising new indie baladeers, 21:00, £tbc

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00

CUT OFF YOUR HANDS, CAZALS, OX.EAGLE.LION.AN, LEVI’S ONES TO WATCH…, BARFLY, Proto-punk indie-rock, 20:00, Over 14s, £6.00 TURIN BRAKES, CLASSIC GRAND, Acoustic duo, 19:30, £17.00

FUCK BUTTONS, ALEXANDER TUCKER, MORE TBA, ALL TOMORROW’S PARTIES NIGHT, NICE

N’ SLEAZY, Experimental electronica, 19:30, £tbc SMASHING PUMPKINS, SECC, Billy Corgan has no real clue what ‘Zeitgeist’ means, does he?, 19:30, £30.00

ASOBI SEKSU, LAND OF TALK,

CALLEL, KING TUT’S, Dreamy pop from New York, 20:30, £8.00

SCAR MY EYES, FINAL SILENCE, THE BLACK CHAIN, BLOC, Metal, 21:00, Free

FLAMBOYANT BELLA, THE DIRTY HEPBURNS, BARFLY, Indie-pop,

WAKE THE PRESIDENT, ANDREA MARINI, MORE TBA, MAGGIE MAYS, Snappy indie-pop with potential, 20:00, £5 (£3)

GBH, THE QUEERS, FIRE EXIT,

BARFLY, Hardcore punk, 20:00, £10.00 MARK RONSON, CARLING ACADEMY, Karaoke guy, yeah?, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £18.50

DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, BETWEEN THE BURIED & ME, STOLEN BABIES, THE CATHOUSE, Mathcore!, 19:00, £10.00

LOST N MOTION, BEN STURROCK, NIAL MORRISON, TRON, Ye Olde Styleez, 21:30, £8.00

I SEE SHAPES, VINYL, MORE

TBA, BARROWLANDS 2, Indie-rock, 19:00–23:00, £6.00 SONS & DAUGHTERS, ABC1, Stampeding local stars, 19:00, Over 14s, £9.50 NICK HARPER, GAVIN MOORE,

ABC2, Talented singer-songwriter, 19:00, £10.00

JAMIE BARNES & COCHISE, DC79 AC/DC TRIBUTE, THE FAKES, ROCKERS, In-house classic rock

band, 19:00, £tbc

THE LAST CORINTHIANS, MOTION GALLERY, RODAN, MAGGIE

MAYS, Indie-rock, 20:00, £5 (£3)

ROYWORLD, OPPORTUNITY CLUB, KESSLER, KING TUT’S, Buggles-

MYSTERY JUICE, THE PHANTOM BAND, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Rock, 19:30, £tbc

BABYSHAMBLES, SHOCKWAVES NME AWARDS, BARROWLANDS, Pick-pocketing on a grand scale, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £24.00

THU 14 FEB BABYSHAMBLES, SHOCKWAVES NME AWARDS, BARROW-

LANDS, Every ticket bought saves a granny fae a mugging!, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £24.00

VIALKA, WOUNDED KNEE, VARS OF LITCHI, NUTS AND SEEDS, THE 13TH NOTE, Neo-folk, 21:00, £tbc

LOS CAMPESINOS!, INSPECTOR TAPEHEAD, KING TUT’S, Indie-pop champions of the month, 20:00, Over 14s, £7.50

like indie-pop., 20:30, £5.00

Former Test Icicles man returns with gentler affair, 20:30, £7.00

VOICES IN THE DARK, THE DOUGIE POTTERS, THE FOUR SKYNRYDS, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Creepy indiepop, 19:30, £tbc

32 MILES TO BREAKFAST, AIRSHIP, CLASSIC GRAND, insipid soft-rock glory,

19:00, £5.00

THE BAD ROBOTS, CASTRO,

BARFLY, Rock’n’ska, 20:00, Over 14s, £5.00 BIOMECHANICAL, THE CATHOUSE, Thrash metal, 19:00, EPIDEME, BLOC, Loud shouters, 21:00, Free

LAST GANG, THE RAMBLERS, THE CHILD ECHO, KING TUT’S, PostFIRING BLANKS, PATCHWORK GRACE, STOLEN ORDER, SHOTGUN LIBIDO, ROCKERS, Rock,

THE WOMBATS, TO MY BOY, GLASVEGAS, EUGENE MCGUINESS, SHOCKWAVES NME AWARDS, BARROWLANDS, Indie-

pop, but check the local support!, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £14.00 BAND OF HORSES, ABC1, Indie, 19:00, Over 14s, £11.00

FRI 22 FEB

LOVVERS, EX WIVES, HYENA,

KING TUT’S, Grungey punk rock, 20:30, £5.00 JIMMY EAT WORLD, BARROWLANDS, Emo innovators, but don’t hold that against ‘em, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, Sold Out

TUE 26 FEB PORTRAIT OF A LIFETIME, SYNESTHESIA, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00 RICHARD FLEESHMAN, KING TUT’S, It’s the guy off Corrie who won Celebrity Stars In Your Eyes!, 20:00, Over 14s, £10.00

HOT CHIP, BARROWLANDS, That’s a great

new album, by the way, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £15.00 HANOI ROCKS, THE CATHOUSE, Finland’s premier 80s arena-rock glam-boys, 19:00, £tbc EDITORS, CARLING ACADEMY, Austere indie-rock, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, Sold Out KID HARPOON, BARFLY, Folky indie-rock, 20:00, Over 14s, £6.00

WED 27 FEB

songwriter, folk-soul, or troubadour, take yer pick, 20:30, £8.00

EDITORS, CARLING ACADEMY, Dead serious, by the way, indie-rock, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £18.50 LIONS.CHAST.TIGERS, BLOC, Indierock, also too good for spaces, 21:00, Free

indie showcase, 19:00, Over 14s, £6.00

WILLY CAMPBELL, RICO FRANCHI, NO.1 SON, STEREO, Astrid

veterans, 19:00, Over 14s, £17.50

DON MESCALL, ESTHER O’CONNOR, TRON, Irish singer-songwriter,

21:30, £10.00

and Reindeer Section man goes solo, 20:00, £8.00

THE DIRTY VIOLETS, AUSTIN, MONTERREY SOUL, NICE N’ SLEAZY,

SIC GRAND, Piano-based singer-songwriter, 19:00, £5.00

KATE WALSH, ORAN MOR, Folky singer-

COLETTE MCKENDRICK, CANDY & THE RAINCLOUD, CLASSTILL, CAPSTIN POLE, MUGGERS LANE, AUDIO FIXX, BARROW-

LANDS 2, FX-happy body-poppers, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £6.00

Thrashy, 21:00, £tbc

JENNIFER GENTLE, STUFFY, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Italian weirdos, deserve encouragement, 19:30, £tbc WHITE FIRE, BARFLY, Indie-rock, 20:00, £5.00

DOWN FOR THE COUNT, PAIGE, REDUNDANT, NAKED AMBITION, HERES TO HOPING, FALL TO ORDER, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £6.00 NEMESEA, SERENADE FOR JUNE, LUNARMILE, BARFLY, Female-

fronted gothrock, 20:00, £6.00

MON 18 FEB SEAN KINGSTON, JAE P & SIMBA, ABC1, Teenage R&B sensation, 19:00, Over 14s, £12.50

THE GHOST OF A THOUSAND, THE PLIGHT, BLACKHOLE, HEXES, KING TUT’S, Five Brighton lads get-

Alt-punk-pop, rock, and gentle acousticness, 19:30, £6.00

songwriter, 19:00, £9.50 DANSE OR DIE, THE BEAT CLUB, Groovy guitar-band, 20:00, £8.00

SISA, TYPE23, DIRTY KUDOS, MAGGIE MAYS, Alt-rock, 20:00, £5 (£3)

MICHAEL SCHENKER & FRIENDS, THE CATHOUSE, Metal guitarist, 19:00, £tbc

PLAYTONE, CLASSIC GRAND, Alt-rock, 19:00, £6.00

POCKET PROMISE, MORE TBA, THE 13TH NOTE, Irish indie-pop, 21:00, £tbc

THE USUAL SUSPECTS, MEXICO, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £tbc SAT 23 FEB

DAEMONOLITH, AMPUTATED, ACHREN, THE 13TH NOTE, Black metal, 21:00, £tbc

GALLOWS, ABC1, “”My name is Casanova!

I am basically a man!”” oh yeaaaaah, 19:00, Over 14s, £13.00

PAUL LAMB & THE KINGSNAKES, LIGHTS OUT BY NINE,

ORAN MOR, Bluesman, 19:30, £12.50 DUFFY, KING TUT’S, Hotly-tipped pop-soul singer, 20:30, Sold Out

MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT, JUSTIN MARTIN, KINDERGARTEN GRADUATE, THE BAGWELLS, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00

THU 28 FEB OUT FROM ANIMALS, ANY COLOUR BLACK, ELECTRIC BANANA

@ STEREO, 19:00, £6 JOE BONAMASSA, THE ARCHES, classic rock singer-songwriter, 19:00, £16.00

VICTORIOUS, KRONAHAARN, FRIDAY FIRST, JOYLESS KILL, ROCKERS TV BRAIN DAMAGE CHANNEL, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00 MR PROTECTOR, DEAD OR AMERICAN, BLOC, French metalcore, and local indie-rock, 21:00, Free

THE LOW MIFFS, THE EX-MEN, PLASTIC ANIMALS, MORE TBA, THE IVY, Skinny favourites, 19:30, £4.00

MAEVE O’BOYLE, MORE TBA,

ORAN MOR, Fiery singer-songwriter, 19:30, £5.00

OUT FROM ANIMALS, ANY COLOUR BLACK, STEREO, Electronic-

punk, finalists on some Channel 4 show (not Deal or No Deal, that other one), 19:00, £6.00

YOUNG KNIVES, CLASSIC GRAND,

Geek-rock, 19:30, £11.60

STEPHANIE DOSEN, AMY BELLE, KING TUT’S, Singer-songwriter, hippy earth-girl type, 20:30, £8.50

THE MURMURS OF TENSION, LEIGH MYLES, INTERVALS, MAG-

NEWTON FAULKNER, BARROW-

LAP, LOST PERSONA, FOR PONY, TEMPEST FLIGHT, FRIDAY NIGHTS ARE FOR JUNKIES, ROCK-

BROTHERS OF CRAIG, NICE N’

TUE 19 FEB

JAMIE BARNES & COCHISE, JUNKYARD DAWGS, THE FAKES,

GLORY, CARLING ACADEMY, Pop-punk/ emo kids., 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, Sold Out

ting excited, 20:00, Over 14s, £7.00

ERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00

DOLLAR SENT, ART OF WAR, PEROURAMO, THE LAYMANITES, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00 TOM HINGLEY, MICK DRAIN,

ELMO, BARFLY, NOMYSPACE!, 20:00, £5.00 BIG GEORGE & THE BUSINESS, MEXICO, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £tbc LIGHTSPEED CHAMPION, SEMIFINALISTS, ENDOR, KING TUT’S,

STEREO, Hip hop, roots, a cappella, spoken electro and spoken word, 19:30, £5/£4 LO-STAR, MICHAEL JACK, BARFLY, Rock for rockists, 20:00, £5.00

star, 19:30, £27.50

CLASSIC GRAND, Pitchfork-loved Springsteen bummers, 19:30, £14.00 ISEESHAPES, BLOC, Indie-rockers, too good for spaces, 21:00, Free

FOY VANCE, KING TUT’S, Singer-

AWFUL SCENES, KISS KISS BABY, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00 THE RASCALS, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Bored

FRI 15 FEB

THE HOLD STEADY, NME TOUR,

ALICIA KEYS, SECC, Piano tinkling R&B

STANDING ORDER, THE HIGHWAYS, SINKING CITIES, ABC2, Local

ROSS CLARK, ARCA FELIX, THIS JULY, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Singer-songwriter,

BARFLY, Former Inspiral Carpets frontman, 20:00, £8.00

MUSE-IC: NORTHERNEXPOSURE, THE EX-MEN, THE SHELLSUIT MASSACRE, SENSORIUM, MOYO CHIRANDU BROTHERS,

THE PARTY PROGRAM, ROCKERS,

NAZARETH, ABC1, Fife stadium-rock

BARFLY, Quirky electro-pop, 20:00, £5.00

REVEREND & THE MAKERS,

19:30, £tbc

Rock, 19:00, £5.00

£5.00

ELLE S’APPELLE, GOFASTER, COLD DOG SOUP, PHARMACY,

BRONTO SKYLIFT, THE 13TH NOTE,

Traditional singer-songwriters, 20:00, £5.00 KAKI KING, KING TUT’S, Guitar maestro now using her voice, 20:30, £8.00

THU 21 FEB

19:00, £5.00

SUN 17 FEB

SCOTT MACDONALD, NEIL STURGEON, THE WESTERN BATHS,

MON 25 FEB

HYENA, 18 WHEELS, SELLOTAPE, DRIVE CAREFULLY RECORDS, THE 13TH NOTE, Local punk

WED 13 FEB

Rock, 19:00, £5.00

THE ILLUSTRATORS, EL CAPITAN, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00, £5.00

SAT 16 FEB

20:00, Over 14s, £5.00

THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, WINNING POST, THE INSIDE STORY, VOID PLEASANTRIES, ROCKERS,

SLASH VEGAS, ROCKERS, Rock, 19:00,

punking kids, 20:30, £5.00

and indie-rock, 21:00, £tbc

THE

ONE NIGHT ONLY, ORAN MOR, Hateful, eternally positive piano-pop made by under-thethumb men, 19:30, £tbc

BARROWLANDS, Electro, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £12.50

Wirral lads, 19:30, £tbc

TELLISON, THE MAPLE STATE, FURTHEST DRIVE HOME, THE ATTIKA STATE, KING TUT’S, Indie-pop,

20:00, Over 14s, £6.00

MEGADETH, JOB FOR A COWBOY, EVILE, CARLING ACADEMY, Mustaine

metal? Aye., 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £20.00

WED 20 FEB THE LINES, THE GHOSTIES, WE THROW STONES, THE DIALS, BARFLY, Indie-rock, 20:00, £5.00

LATE OF THE PIER, SLAGSMALSKLUBBEN, THE VIDEO NASTIES, RADIO ZARCORP VS LIARS CLUB DJS, KING TUT’S, Electro-indie-pop,

20:30, £7.50

CALL TO MIND, MORE TBA, NICE N’ SLEAZY, Dreamy indie-pop, 19:30, £tbc

GIE MAYS, 60s Psychedelic rock - the redux, 19:00, £5 (£3)

SLEAZY, Gothic rock, 19:30, Album launch, £tbc

ROCKERS, In-house classic rock band, 19:00, £tbc REEL BIG FISH, CARLING ACADEMY, Ska-punk, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £14.00 SAVAGE MESSIAH, BARFLY, ex-Dragonforce and Marshall Law, 20:00, £8.00

SUN 24 FEB GINGER, THE EUREKA MACHINES, STITCH, BARFLY, The

Wildhearts frontman, 19:00, £10.00

CSS, MYSTERY JETS, WILD BEASTS, TEAM WATERPOLO, SHOCKWAVES NME AWARDS,

BARROWLANDS, Brazilian electro-body-pop, plus others, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £16.00 METRONOMY, KING TUT’S, London electro-pop, 20:30, £7.00

LANDS, Take Primal Scream’s advice and kill ALL hippies., 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, Sold Out

PARAMORE, NEW FOUND

DAS WANDERLUST, THE DEFENDED, FELIX, THE DEBUTANTS, BARFLY, Brilliantly wrong pop, 20:00,

£5.00

FRI 29 FEB BOZILLA, THE LEATHERETTES, THE TECHNOPHOBES, THE END OF THE MONTH CLUB, THE 13TH

NOTE, Glasgow’s best electo-beats, 21:00, £4.00 THE DYKEENIES, ABC1, Cumbernauld indie-rockers, 19:00, Over 14s, £9.50

THE LURKERS, THE RED EYES, DAY OF DAYS, DIRTBOX, PRAIRIE DAGZ, MEXICO, ROCKERS, Rock,

19:00, £7.00

THE JANES, DAYBREAK, MAGMA CHILD, ROCKBURN,

PENNY BROADHURST, MORE TBA, ORAN MOR, Singer-songwriter, 20:00,

CLASSIC GRAND, Indie-pop, 19:00, £6.00 UH HUH HER, KING TUT’S, Are you coughing? or trying to say something?, 20:30, £8.50 TEGAN AND SARA, QMU, Canadian power-pop twins, 19:30, £tbc

THE HOOSIERS, CARLING ACADEMY, Indie-pop, 19:00–23:00, Over 14s, £12.50

MORE TBA, MAGGIE MAYS, Dreamy indiepop, 20:00, £5 (£3)

FIRE ON THE HORIZON, EL DOG, THE COMANCHE SIGH, NICE N’

SLEAZY, Post-rock, 19:30, £tbc

£5.00

THE MOTH AND THE MIRROR,

LISTINGS

FRI 01 FEB PEPPERMINT CREEPS, DRUGDEALER CHEERLEADER, THE HIVE, Glam-goth, 19:00, £tbc

ASKING ALEXANDRIA, ARCA FELIX, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Screamo, 21:00, £4.00

THE RED WELL, COME IN TOKYO, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie-pop,

MISSING THE CAT, THE DEAL, DICK DANGEROUS AND THE LOVE BASTARDS, RUBIX, THE ARK,

Indie-rock, 19:30, £4.00

FRI 08 FEB BOMBSKARE, BIG HAND, THE BONGO CLUB, Ska, 19:00–22:00, Album launch party, £5 (£4)

19:30–22:00, £4.00

FUNKSPIEL, FLYING WITH PENGUINS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Electro-indie,

beats, 17:00–20:00, Free

THE DIALS, EPIC 26, LITTLE GREEN MACHINE, CABARET VOL-

THE APOCALYPSE FUNK TRIO, T-FUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, Funk, soul and cool AFTER ME THE FLOOD, STROSZEK, MORE TBA, WEE RED BAR, Indie three-piece, 18:00, Free

BEN MACDONALD QUARTET,

THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz guitarist with full band, 20:30, £3 (£2) LONGSANDS, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free THE BEAU NASTIES, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59–03:00, Free TOBES OF HADES, THE ARK, Rush Tribute, 19:30, £5.00

19:30–22:30, £4.00

TAIRE, Local teen sensations, 19:00–22:00, £4.00 RUMBA CALIENTE, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £tbc THE SIGNALS, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free JOJOCOKE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59–03:00, Free

TV21, WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS, GREEN WEDGES,

BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £4.00 AMPBOX, WEE RED BAR, Live Music, 20:00, £tbc

FAY FIFE, NANOBOTS, LIMBO,

THE VOODOO ROOMS, Rezillos’ frontwoman makes her solo live debut, 21:00, £4.00

THE LOOSE KITES, FOX GANG,

SPROUTING TWIGS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Psychedelic shoegazers, 19:00–22:00, £2.00 CATHY AND GINA RAE, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £9.00 THE JACK, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, Free THE ACTION GROUP, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazzy & funky grooves, 20:30, £3 (£2) MYSTERY JUICE, THE PHANTOM BAND, SARA AND THE SNAKES, KEITH DOUGLAS AND THE CORPS OF DISCOVERY,

HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie-rock, 20:00, £4.00

FRI 15 FEB MY ELECTRIC LOVE AFFAIR, COME ON GANG, MORE TBA,

WEE RED BAR, Scuzzy Indie-rock, 18:00, Free

WHITEFIRE, FLATLINER, KING

DIE KINGS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Stadium rock for shoeboxes, 19:00–22:00, £tbc

JAKIL, ANY COLOUR BLACK,

STEVE CHADWICK’S MAGIC HAT ENSEMBLE, THE JAZZ BAR,

RADIO STRING QUARTET (VIENNA), THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £9.00 STRANGE BREW, WHISTLEBINKIES,

OI POLLOI, LES RAMONEURS DE MENHIRS, NA GATHAN,

ATLANTIC, THE GALLERY, BIGAMISTS, THE ARK, Heavy rock riffage,

Rock, 23:59–03:00, Free

SAT 02 FEB ELECTRIC BANANA @ THE GRV, 20:00, £5

HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Punk, not Morrissey, 19:00–22:30, £5.00

MANATEES, DOWN I GO, HITCHER, THE HIVE, Disturbing, and

besides, Morrissey, 19:00, £5.00

SONOROUS, THE DELOREANS, PHOENIX Q, FUTURE RIVALS,

WEE RED BAR, Indie-rock, inspired by Morrissey, not as good, 19:00, £4.00 JAKIL, ANY COLOUR BLACK, GRV, Maybe, but come on, Morrissey, 20:00, £5.00 ALMA FIERA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, but look who else is playing, 21:00–23:59, Free BAND OF GADGIES, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, but do you really want to miss Morrissey?, 23:59–03:00, Free SWIMMING, BLACK ARC, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Aye but… Morrissey, 21:00, £4.00 MORRISSEY, THE PLAYHOUSE, exSmiths frontman with dodgy views but lovely hair, and the rest., 19:30, £32.50 SOUL FOUNDATION, THE ARK, Playing the same night as Jakil, 19:30, £5.00

SUN 03 FEB OKKERVIL RIVER, CABARET VOLTAIRE,

Will Sheff and his brilliant stage names, 19:30, £10.00 STEPHANIE BRICKMAN, THE LOT, the Yiddish Song Project, 19:30, £9 (£8) LOUISE DODDS, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz vocalist, 20:30, £3 (£2) SOFTER RIDE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free KURTZ, MILESTONE, OLIWA, THE ARK, Indie-rock, 19:30, £4.00

MON 04 FEB ALEX CORNISH, DROPKICK, CALLEL, THE ARK, Local singer-songwriter,

19:30, £tbc

THE JAZZ BAR 17-PIECE BIG BAND, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz, 19:30, £3 (£2) TUE 05 FEB BREELIN, THE LOT, Ceilidh, 20:00, £6.00 RETROSPECT, THE JAZZ BAR, Party

night, 20:30, £4.00

ENON, ILL EASE, SEXY KIDS,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Brooklyn bands, 19:30, £8.00

WED 06 FEB LAURA MACDONALD/MARTINA ALMGREN QUARTET, THE LOT, Jazz,

20:30, £8.50

LANDSLIDE, SHOTGUN LIBIDO, HIJACK OSCAR, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Grungey local rock, 21:00, £4.00

BENN CLATWORTHY QUARTET, THE JAZZ BAR, LA-based jazz-sax star, 20:30, £6 (£5)

PAPIER TIGRE, JACOB FLYNCH, SUPER ADVENTURE CLUB,

HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie-rock, 20:00, £4.00

THU 07 FEB HI 5 ALIVE, WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS, JESUS H. FOXX, THE STEEPLES, HENRY’S

CELLAR BAR, Hyperactive indie-pop to make you feel old, 20:00–01:00, £5 (£4) BIG HAND, HERIOT-WATT UNI, RICCARTON, disco-ska?, 20:00, £tbc XVECTORS, CHUTES, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Local electro and indie-rock bands, 21:00, £4.00 DESCARTES, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free

TALE OF TWO HALVES, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59–03:00,

Free THE PISTOLAS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Artrocker favourites, 19:00–22:00, £7.00 LIANNE CARROLL, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £10.00

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

Manchester 5-piece, 20:30, £4 (£3)

19:30, £4.00

SAT 09 FEB STEVE CHADWICK’S MAGIC HAT ENSEMBLE, THE JAZZ BAR, Manchester 5-piece, 20:30, £4 (£3)

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE,

CORN EXCHANGE, Heavy rock riffage, 19:30, £19.50

THEATRE FALL, JOCASTA SLEEPS, PO NA NA, Indie-rock, 19:00, £5.00 SIZE QUEEN, MORE TBA, WHIS-

TLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free U KNOW HOO, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59–03:00, Free

THE NUKES, DANCING MICE, MORE TBA, NEW FOUND SOUND, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Surf-rock

revivalists, 20:00–03:00, £tbc

WYNNTOWN MARSHALS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Traditional bar-room rock’n’roll, 19:00–22:00, £5.00

THE FIEND, CONSTANT FEAR, ROUGHMUTE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, ramshackle punk, 21:00, £4.00

ARKANE KORE, SYLVANUS, IMMANIS, THE ARK, Metal, 19:30, £4.00

Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free

BANNOCKBURN, WHISTLEBINKIES, THE MURDERBURGERS, THE APERS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD,

Punk-rock, 21:00, £4.00 SECRET ARCHITECTURE, THE JAZZ BAR, Pop-jazz party, 20:30, £4 (£3)

RAM-BAM-THANKYOU MAM!, BUKKAKE BIRTHDAY PARTY, BOHEMOND, THE ARK, Grungey rock’n’roll, 19:30, £5.00

SAT 16 FEB FOXGANG PRESENTS... PIEROGI

RAMBO, MERIDIAN 13-40 LEITH WALK, Foxgang live plus guest bands and djs for this rock n’ roll dance party, 20:00, £2 SECRET ARCHITECTURE, THE JAZZ BAR, Pop-jazz party, 20:30, £4 (£3)

INERTIA BLOOMS, EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH, SANS TRAUMA, THE ARK, Prog-rock, 19:30, £tbc THE FUSILIERS, THE VACANT TOURISTS, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Indie-

pop, 19:30–22:00, £4.00 BLUES DEVILS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Blues, 18:00–21:00, Free

SERVANT, THE DESERT HEARTS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free

SUN 10 FEB

DIGNAN, DOWELL AND WHITE,

I WAS A CUB SCOUT, ROLO TOMASSI, LIGHTS ACTION!,

THE GINGOBLINS, MORE TBA,

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Indie-rock, 19:00–22:00, Over 16s, £7.50

WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59–03:00, Free

BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Unhinged punk-rock, 21:00, £4.00

TOMMY SMITH NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA, THE

FINGERTIP, COHOLIC, DOC DANEEKA, THE ARK, Indie-rock, 19:30,

LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £tbc

SABAI, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59,

SUN 17 FEB

MARIA SPEIGHT, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz

DOLLAR SENT, THE TYRANT LIZARD KINGS, BANNERMAN’S UNDER-

CHIEF, MUTLEY, FROM PLAN TO PROGRESS, BANNERMAN’S UNDER-

MARY MAC, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz vocalist,

£3.00 Free

vocalist, 20:30, £3 (£2)

WORLD, Hardcore punk, 21:00, £4.00

MON 11 FEB MONKEY SWALLOWS THE UNIVERSE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Acoustic

WORLD, Metalcore, 21:00, £4.00

20:30, £3 (£2)

CHRIS AYRES, WHISTLEBINKIES, Singersongwriter, 21:00, Free

KISS KISS BABY, ANAVRIS, IMPROMATIC, KILLJOY, SYSTEM ARCADE, THE ARK, Indie-rock, 19:30, Over

indie-pop, 19:00–22:00, £5.00

14s, £5.00

Self-aware indie-rock, 19:00, £10.00

MON 18 FEB

ART BRUT, MORE TBA, THE HIVE, THE JAZZ BAR 17-PIECE BIG BAND, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz, 19:30, £3 (£2) SIDELOCK, MIND SET A THREAT, JOHNNY RIDES SIDETRACKED, FOR PONY, THE ARK, Screamo, 19:00, Over 14s, £5.00

THE RASCALS, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Arctic Monkeys’ collaborators go it alone, 19:00–22:00, Over 14s, £6.00

THE JAZZ BAR 17-PIECE BIG BAND, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz, 19:30, £3 (£2) GET CAPE, WEAR CAPE, FLY, THE

TUE 12 FEB

LIQUID ROOM, Acoustic emo type, 19:30, £9.50

ON A FRIDAY, THINK FIRE, TO CATCH A THIEF, CABARET VOLTAIRE,

TUE 19 FEB

Indie-rock, 19:00–22:00, £6.00 HELLIEGOLEERIE, THE LOT, Ceilidh, 20:00, £6.00 THE OFFENDERS, THE JAZZ BAR, Smokin’ Boots Blues, 20:30, £3 (£2)

ELECTRONICAT, MY ELECTRIC LOVE AFFAIR, MORE TBA, WEE

RED BAR, German experimental electronics, 19:00, £5.00

WED 13 FEB CHRIS LYONS TRIO, ANT LAW TRIO, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £8.00 THE PIKTURES, TWO WAY TRAFFIC, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD,

Soft-rock, 21:00, £4.00

PAUL KIRBY TRIO, THE JAZZ BAR,

Local pianist, 20:30, £3 (£2)

IAN HUNTER, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Mott the Hoople frontman, 19:00–22:00, £18.50

BASQUIAT STRINGS, THE PORTICO QUARTET, THE VOODOO

ROOMS, Mercury-nominated jazz/classical outfit, 20:00, £12.00

JUERGEN KERTH BLUES BAND, THE JAZZ BAR, German rockin’ blues 3-piece, 20:30, £4 (£3)

THE JIMI SHANDRIX EXPERIENCE, THE LOT, Ceilidh, 20:00, £6.00 WED 20 FEB

LIFE AMONG PEOPLE, DEAD AT THE SCENE, THE DAY I VANISHED, BILLY LIAR, THE PARTY PROGRAM, THE HIVE, Metal, 19:00, £tbc CARIBOU, OVER THE WALL,

BLACK CARNATION, WHIS-

CABARET VOLTAIRE, Hazy folktronics, 19:00–22:00, £10.00

BROKEN RECORDS, THE SWEETHEART REVUE, THE DEADBEAT CLUB, TRAMPOLINE, WEE RED BAR, One of Edinburgh’s best

FIRESIDE ALIENS, INDICA,

TLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, Free

new bands, with support, 19:00, £4.00

THU 14 FEB MAGIC MOJO, THE ARK, Jam session, 19:30, Free

LISTINGS

LIVE MUSIC EDINBURGH

COLIN STEELE STRAMASH, THE LOT, Jazz, 20:30, £10.00

BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £4.00 ROD THOMAS, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Singer-songwriter, 21:00–23:59, Free

BUTTERFLY BANGS, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59–03:00, Free

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

59

LIVE MUSIC EDINBURGH GRAMMATICS, COPY HAHO, WE SEE LIGHTS, I FLY SPITFIRES, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Good new indie-rock, 20:00, £tbc

THU 21 FEB BRICOLAGE, PAUL VICKERS

& THE LEG, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Superior indie-pop, 21:00, £4.00

FOUR PAST MIDNIGHT, ACID TONGUE, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD,

DEMONS EYE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock,

TUE 26 FEB

Rock, 21:00, £4.00

23:59–03:00, Free

BEECAKE, 8 TRACK STEREO, LOOK LEFT AGAIN, CABARET VOL-

THE OFFENDERS, THE JAZZ BAR,

BROTHER SASQUATCH, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00–23:59, Free

ROGUESTAR, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock,

23:59–03:00, Free

STEVEY HAY AND THE RAYVONS, MORE TBA, HENRY’S CELLAR

LATE OF THE PIER, CABARET VOL-

BAR, Blues-rock, 19:30–22:00, £tbc

TAIRE, Nu-ravers desperate to lose the tag. Calm it, boys, at least yer no emo!, 19:00–22:00, £7.50

T-FUNK, THE JAZZ BAR, Funk, soul and cool beats, 17:00–20:00, Free

THE HEALS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, Free

GRACE EMILYS, MORE TBA, I FLY SPITFIRES, THE ARK, Indie-pop, 19:30, £5.00

FRI 22 FEB DEAD ON A LIVE WIRE, JONNY DOWNIE, POOR EDWARD, DIRTY MODERN HERO, CABARET

THE APOCALYPSE FUNK TRIO, SAT 23 FEB

HEY COLOSSUS, TRACTOR, NAKED SHIT, LORDS OF BASTARD, COLD DEAD HANDS, THE TRON, Sludgy stoner-rock, 19:30, £5.00

PLASTIC ANIMALS, THE TRADE, I SAID YES, THE MARVELS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £4.00

VOLTAIRE, A night of drummer-less bands, 19:00, £tbc

SAFEHOUSE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock,

VOLTS AC/DC, MORE TBA, THE

THE ZIPS, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock,

ARK, AC/DC tribute, 19:30, £5.00

21:00–23:59, Free

18:00–21:00, Free

TAIRE, Billy Boyd fae Lord of the Rings’ indie-pop band!, 19:00–22:00, £5.00

Smokin’ Boots Blues, 20:30, £3 (£2)

LAST GANG, THE MANIKEES, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Post-punk revivalists, 19:00–22:00, £6.00

SUN 24 FEB

WED 27 FEB

GRANT CAMPBELL, MORE TBA,

KID HARPOON AND THE POWERS THAT BE, CABARET VOLTAIRE,

THE ARK, Singer-songwriter, 19:30, £5.00

BRONTO SKYLIFT, BUKKAKE BIRTHDAY PARTY, DICK DANGEROUS AND THE LOVE BASTARDS, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £4.00

HERB GELLER, THE JAZZ BAR, Altosaxophonist, 20:30, £5 (£4)

LOT 55, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 23:59–03:00, Free

NAZARETH, THE LIQUID ROOM, Arenarockers fae Fife, 19:30, £17.50

MON 25 FEB THE JAZZ BAR 17-PIECE BIG BAND, THE JAZZ BAR, Jazz, 19:30, £3 (£2)

Singer-songwriter, 19:00–22:00, Over 14s, £6.00

MAH GRASSY SHOES, MORE TBA, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, If

Dumbarton-born David Byrne was born in modern Dunfermline…, 21:00, £4.00 ECHOFELLA, MORE TBA, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, Free

GILAD ATZMON’S ORIENT HOUSE ENSEMBLE, THE JAZZ BAR,

Israeli saxophonist, 20:30, £10 (£8)

STEPHANIE DOSEN, MORE TBA,

THE ARK, Singer-songwriter, hippy earth-girl type, 19:30, £8.50

THU 28 FEB OUT FROM ANIMALS, ANY COLOUR BLACK, ELECTRIC BANANA @ THE GRV, 20:00, £6

STAATHAAT, CATHODE, MORE

TBA, HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Live Music, 19:30, £5.00 LITTLE GREEN MACHINE, WHISTLEBINKIES, Rock, 21:00, Free

FOUND, DOWN THE TINY STEPS, ROYS IRON DNA, CABARET

VOLTAIRE, Fife experimentalists, 19:00–22:00, £tbc

CORRECTO, SELLOTAPE, LIMBO, THE VOODOO ROOMS, Danceable

indie-rock, 21:00, £4.00

THE VOID, DUPEC, BANNERMAN’S

UNDERWORLD, Indie-rock, 21:00, £4.00

MICHAEL LUTZEIER QUARTET, THE JAZZ BAR, German bariton sax player, 20:30, £5 (£4)

GST CARDINALS, WHISTLEBINKIES,

Rock, 21:00, Free

MIKE PARK, SUNDOWNER, TAKING CHASE, LEOPOLD SCOTCH,

HENRY’S CELLAR BAR, Californian indie-rock singer-songwriter, 19:30, £6.00 DOG TIRED, MORE TBA, BANNERMAN’S UNDERWORLD, Metal, 21:00, £4.00

SANNA, GAND-EYE, IONA MARSHALL, EX-LION TAMER, GRAY FOX, CLUB WELTO, WEE RED BAR,

Indie-rock, 18:00, Free ROBYN, THE LIQUID ROOM, Swedish pop pixie, 19:30, £10.00 SON OF DAVE, CABARET VOLTAIRE, Inventive one-man-band, 19:00–22:00, £7.50

FRI 29 FEB

LIVE MUSIC DUNDEE

KINGS DIE KINGS, THE FATALISTS, YOUR LOYAL SUBJECTS,

FRI 29 FEB

MICHAEL LUTZEIER QUARTET,

OUT FROM ANIMALS, ANY COLOUR BLACK, ELECTRIC BANANA

THE MARVELS, ECHO PARADE, SEBASTIAN DANGERFIELD, THE

ARK, Good new indie-rock, 19:30, £4.00

THE ARK, Indie-rock, 19:30, £4.00

THE JAZZ BAR, German bariton sax player, 20:30, £5 (£4)

@ THE WESTPORT, 19:00, £6

ENDOR @ 13TH NOTE, GLASGOW TONY DOWNS

60

THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

LISTINGS

AT THE GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL

The Glasgow Film Festival is the UK’s fastest growing festival and a celebration of film in all its forms. Running from 14 – 24 February, the GFF recognises Glasgow as a hub of European filmmaking and Glasgow audiences as among the most passionate cinema goers in the UK. THE SKINNY has this year teamed up with the Glasgow Film Theatre to offer one lucky reader the chance to win one limited special edition pass to see 10 films for free.

All you have to do is answer this simple question:

This years Festival has a focus on which part of the world ? a) The East End b) Eastern Europe c) The Far East Send your answers to competitions@skinnymag.co.uk by 1 Mar 2008 for your chance to win!

WWW.SKINNYMAG.CO.UK

LISTINGS

SEE TEN FILMS FOR FREE

WIN TWO TICKETS TO RELOADED AT THE TOLLBOOTH

As if putting on a show headlined by The Twilight Sad wasn’t enough, the Tolbooth in Stirling have only gone and organised a whole day’s worth of music themed seminars and workshops covering all you need to know about getting started in the industry today, from releasing records, gigging and touring to A&R and djing. With expert advice from luminaries like Emma Pollock and Norman Blake, this event on 23 February should be an essential date in the diaries of any budding musicians.

THE SKINNY has two tickets to give away, which will allow access to both the daytime sessions and night time gig. To be in with a chance of winning, just answer this simple question:

What is the name of The Twilight Sad’s debut album?

Send your answers to

competitions@skinnymag.co.uk

by 1 Mar 2008 for your chance to win!

FEBRUARY 08

THE SKINNY

61

EATING AND DRINKING

Sweets For Your Sweet

THREE TOP TIPS ON THE BEST SUGAR FOR YOUR MONEY...

GLICKMAN’S Hidden in Glasgow’s East End, a stone’s throw from the Barras, amongst decaying businesses, pubs full of daytime drinkers and regeneration projects, remains the bright red store front that is Glasgow’s oldest sweet shop. Rows of glass jars are stacked high on shelves, full of multi coloured handmade sugary delights. Soor plooms, kola kubes, coconut mushrooms, fudge, bon bons, lucky tatties…and so the list goes on.

Entering Glickman’s evokes an inevitable feeling of nostalgia. The family run store was established in 1903 by Isaac Glickman, who emigrated to Glasgow from Eastern Europe, taking advantage of the sugar refineries built as a direct result of colonial trade. Ships built on the Clyde brought sugar from the West Indies back to Glasgow, initiating many a Glaswegian sweet tooth.

REVIEWS UPSTAIRS AT SLOAN’S RESTAURANT A MILLION MILES FROM THE COCKFIGHTING AND AQUARIUM-HOSTING OF ITS COLOURFUL PASTTHEY DON’T MAKE PUBS LIKE THEY USED TO...

Following a (brief ) incarnation as the Bastille, Glasgow’s oldest boozer is back under its original moniker of Sloan’s.

In wartime Glasgow, business boomed.

Glickman’s now famous Cough Tablet – a ‘medicinal sweet’ – was one of the few confections not to be rationed, and queues reached all the way down the street. Today, Isaac’s great grand daughter Irene Birkett continues to run the shop with the help of her daughter Julie, using traditional turn of the century recipes and cooking methods. However, that’s not to say they have not embraced the 21st century, as the store has its own website where you can buy sweeties online.

With ‘I Love Candy’ recently opening on Byres Road, it seems that old school candy is all the rage. Secretly, we all want our sugar high from sweeties in a white paper bag… [Julie Paterson] 157 LONDON ROAD, GLASGOW 0141 552 0880 WWW.GLICKMANS.CO.UK

Whilst downstairs plays host to a snug, urbane version of a Victorian tavern, with its pies and pints organic and local, upstairs is the real jewel in Sloan’s crown.

Currently only open on a Friday and Saturday night, the aesthetically spectacular restaurant is an ornate, genuinely handsome renovation that pays tribute to Sloan’s role as a landmark in Glasgow’s cultural life.

A million miles from the cockfighting and aquariumhosting of its colourful past (they don’t make pubs like they used to), Sloan’s new claim to fame is classic bistro food with a hearty Scottish injection.

To start, potted crab is a highlight that almost shows up its gilded surrounds. Packing a lip-smacking seaside punch under a perfect crust of butter, this is a real dream to dollop on the accompanying sourdough toast. Similarly, pork terrine is a coarse carnivore’s

fantasy, unashamedly savoury and fleshy.

For mains, the Perthshire venison casserole is comforting and tomatoey, but could have been more generous with the Bambi, whilst its accompanying clapshot meant it was texturally bland and lacking in bite. A meaty fillet of halibut, daintily plated with wild Strathspey mushrooms, potato puree and a red wine fumet held potentially disparate ingredients together more enjoyably.

Never too stodged out for pudding, we dived into a well-made cheesecake, tart enough to cut through the nursery flavours of the venison and a chocolate tart with raspberries and a dollop of creme fraiche which was gorgeous enough to disappear in a few forkfuls.

With attentive, personable ser vice, the best of Scotland’s larder at its disposal and really show-stopping decor, Upstairs at Sloan’s is a few tweaks away from being a real destination restaurant. [Ruth Marsh] DINNER FOR TWO WITH WINE £55 SLOAN’S, ARGYLE ARCADE, GLASGOW 0141 221 8886

GLICKMAN’S DEREK MARK CHAPMAN

COCO OF BRUNTSFIELD If you’re on a diet, Coco of Bruntsfield’s must seem like a speakeasy during prohibition.

Their organic, handmade chocolate is quietly served in the serene surroundings of a little boutique, decked out in subtle pinks and dark veneers. There’s a sense of illicit pleasure here which is hard not to indulge, although the only liqueur you’ll find is soaked in to chocolate dipped cherries. A selection of bars and bite sized chocolate infusions come in pretty boxes with vintage drawings of Tattooed women and Siren Mermaids tempting silently from behind the counter. So, after a tough January spent teetotal on Weight Watchers, for one weekend throw caution to the wind and saunter in on

Saturday morning, with big dark sunglasses to cover up Friday night’s excesses and slink up to the single row of seats, trashy magazine in hand. Ask the friendly, pretty lady behind the counter for a hot chocolate with classy toppings like cardamom, cinnamon and chilli. Sample some truffles or chocolate coated peanuts or their gooey soft brownies and, if there are any left, their Gordian knot solution to the perfect cookie: wherein they take a pretty great cookie and dip it in soft, chewy milk chocolate and voila! I am in love. But best of all are the little jars of unrefined Cocoa butter, which leaves your skin silky smooth and smelling of chocolate all day long. The rest of the weekend can now be spent, with friends and a box of chocolates, watching trashy horror movies and drinking cocktails. Best weekend ever. [Hamza Khan]

SLOAN’S STEPHANIE STEWART

MAMA SAN THE MOST GENEROUS SUSHI PLATEFULS YOU’LL FIND IN THE CITY, FOR LITTLE MORE THAN THE CHANGE IN YOUR BACK POCKET There’s been some serious refurb-ing going on in the basement bar of St Jude’s Hotel. With an achingly hip mural, dim lighting just the right side of murky and hearty tumblers of expertly-mixed G & Ts, the overall feel of Mama San is a louche drinking den par excellence.

174 BRUNTSFIELD PLACE, EDINBURGH 0131 228 4526 WWW.COCOCHOCOLATE.CO.UK

For those not just soaking up the atmosphere (and the spirits), there’s a vast laminated menu of pan-Asian classics ranging from sushi to salads by way of grills and tempura, that encourages all the giddy overindulgence of Woolie’s pick ‘n mix.

You won’t find this hidden gem by walking the streets, but don’t worry, we’ll point you in the right direction. Open up your computer, type www.cakealicious.com into your browser and enter baking nirvana.

cocoa occasion cake or a small box of beautiful lemon curd or raspberry cupcakes for a quiet night in, Cakealicious will do them all to order and deliver them to cake-cravers anywhere in Glasgow for a nominal fee.

Cakealicious make exciting cakes. They’re delicious for sure, no question, some of the best you’ll ever eat. They’re ethical too, all fair trade and organic ingredients. What’s more, whether it’s an elegant bespoke two-layer

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like personalised buttercream. [Declan Dineen]

In less confident hands, such an expansive choice would run the risk of turning convoluted. But thanks to enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff happy to navigate you through your choices and three separate kitchens under the auspices of specialist chefs from Thailand, China and Japan, the dishes that arrive are consistently delicious, bursting with clear, deep flavours.

CAKEALICIOUS

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THE SKINNY FEBRUARY 08

CAKEALICIOUS ONLINE ONLY, WWW.CAKEALICIOUS.COM

Given the season, we veered towards the heartier offerings and were rewarded with warming glows, dancing tongues and oh-so-full tummies. Six fat rolls

of tuna maki made up the most generous sushi platefuls you’ll find in the city, for little more than the change in your back pocket, whilst a steaming wicker basket was home to a bundle of salt n pepper squid, all tender tubes and tentacles.

Moving on to mains, a classic Pad Thai and a rich Malaysian curry, its lime, mustard and coconut sauce moreishly absorbed by the accompanying avalanche of prawn tempura, continued with the hearty but vibrant theme.

A shared pudding of house-made pomegranate sorbet, liberally doused with lychee liqueur, melted together for a gratifyingly boozy end to the meal.

Smooth but eclectic, Mama San is a welcome addition to Bath Street’s bar mile. [Ruth Marsh]

190 BATH STREET, GLASGOW 0141 333 9832 DINNER FOR TWO WITH DRINKS £45 WWW.MAMA-SAN.CO.UK

EATING AND DRINKING