Gert's Bloggin' in the Sun!

'Gert of the Blog'

                 
  It feels a bit surreal blogging OUTDOORS, IN THE UK! It seems eons since we got the opportunity to bask and broil in the sun for longer than a nano-second, and so rare an occurrence that I can't quite believe it,  actually feeling the need for sun protection factor 50- what's going on?? In fact it seems so incredulous that I think perhaps I've been transported by the Starship Enterprise to a distant tropical dream land where the Bong-trees grow. ( It all occurred too quickly for a leisurely trip by pea green boat with Edward Lear's endearing friends -
http://www.englishverse.com/poems/the_owl_and_the_pussycat

   The gentle  thrum of insects fills the air and although no ring-nosed pigs the fruit trees are thronged with flocks of sqawking rose-ringed/  Indian ring necked Parakeets, and summer seems eternal (ok a bit over the top but understandable after a year and a half of autumn/winter gloom,  interspersed with only the briefest, tantalising  spells of anything vaguely hinting that we (in the UK) might, one day, again experience an actual, entire, summer 'season'.Anyway Gert's going to ignore the Eeyores who can't cope with the cold and can't cope with the heat (in any other temperate country this 'heatwave' would just be called summer) and get out there and make the most of it - the only thing missing is the sound of waves gently breaking on the shore-http://sounds.bl.uk/Environment/Water/022M-WA09020XXXXX-0380V0  (Isn't the British Library brilliant?)                                                                                                                               

Stop Press: "Bees and Wasps Still Exist in Suburbia"

Lavatera in Full Bloom + Deadly Laburnum/Golden Chain
or according to Vic the 'Singing Ringing Tree'.  ( Probably one of the scariest children's fairy tales to be televised- http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/singing_ringing_tree.shtml  

 

And yes, Gert's a bit of a Trekkie, favourite series is Voyager being a big Captain Janeway fan, about time they had a female running a star ship and she did an exemplary job of getting everyone back to the Alpha Quadrant. Never been keen on Deep Space Nine, seemed too much like Babylon 5 and wasn't keen on that either, even with Will Robinson. Lost in Space is another one of my all time fav tv sci fi series and probably only surpassed by The Time Tunnel and Land of the Giants.Also an Agatha Christie fan, particularly M. Poirot and Mr Parker Pyne. (This person is a truly dedicated fan: www.davros.org/misc/agatha.html

              

It seems ages ago now but it has been only just over 3 weeks since Vic and the Gnu took the west road to Scotland for the second of three trips on the agenda this year. (Next is singing with the SOBs in November)       
As luck would have it the two days of fair weather were on the way up on the train... and on the way home on the train along the wonderfully scenic east coast line.(sitting landward this time).
First stop Glasgow - Vic was invited by the Glasgow Jazz Festival and the Creeping Bent Organisation to open for The Jazzateers who were performing their acclaimed 1983 debut LP “Rough 46” live for the first time and celebrating it's beautifully packaged re-release on Creeping Bent. http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/music/news-and-features/gig-review-the-jazzateers- vic-godard-glasgow-1-2982505

http://www.jazzfest.co.uk/programme/jazzateers/      https://www.facebook.com/bentpage?fref=ts                                                                                           

Vic gave the vocal chords a good airing in a set comprised of old standards, some VU songs, Holiday Hymn and  Felicity. accompanied by some very talented musicians - Douglas MacIntyre (Sexual Objects, etc), Andy Alston, Campbell Owens and Mick Slaven (all  Independent Group alumni) AND the added treat of James Kirk appearing as if out of no where at the side of the stage to join in on HH and Felicity. 

A most enjoyable time was had by all. Plans afoot to reprise the jazz set for a London gig- Watch This Space (rather the next blog or Vic's fb https://www.facebook.com/vic.godard.3?ref=tn_tnmn or website http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/vic_godard_live.html

Stayed at Alexander  Thomson again (see previous blog for more). Not quite as nice a room as last time in April but still ok if a bit on the small side. However the loo was just plainly not thought out - on a really quite high, very narrow platform. I'm 5ft 6in and had to sort of spring-board on,   legs left dangling and then sort of lurch (or fall) off, was trying to think what it reminded me of       and then it came to me- the childlhood insecurity when you first start using the grown up's loo and it all feels a bit precarious. 

Sorry for going from loos to food- dinner on one night at TGI Fridays-hmmm- not like the US ones. Food ok but disappointed in service bearing in mind the number of staff on duty,several echelons in fact not doing much from bus persons, new waiting staff, established waiters/tresses, table supervisors, shift leaders, seaters and greeters and still dirty tables left uncleared and empty plates left in front of people.(Gert waitressed her way through college so notices these things) And the music is very loud, unfortunate if not to your taste.

Raining again on the way to Edinburgh on the 28th, Vic was finally doing a Neu! Reekie! night at Summerhall,  the former Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh - An amazing amazing warren of a building which is now devoted to artistic creativity, with studio and workshop spaces.                                                                                                                    

http://www.summerhall.co.uk/

On the bill at Neu! Reekie! A SUMMER STORM- 
 The uniquely talented Momus, Vic and Douglas MacIntyre (successfully winging it with Vic doing a solo performance of Lush Life interspersed with stand up for the encore) and a celebration of Sandie Craigie, with readings from Kevin Cadwallander, Jenny Lindsay and Colin McGuire.
http://neureekie.tumblr.com/
http://imomus.com/
http://www.summerhall.co.uk/2013/neu-reekie-35/
https://www.facebook.com/neureekie?fref=ts
Vic and the gnu also discovered a rather nice restaurant called Hewat's, literally a hundred yards or so up the road on the left. Gnu had carpaccio of tuna followed by sea bass with a garlic 'nage' (broth to you and me) and a caramelised lemon tart for pud, Vic had haggis risotto followed by wild boar. Very reasonable for the quality of food, service and ambience,and will definitely go again. http://www.hewatsrestaurant.co.uk/index.html

Stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Picardy Place and highly recommend. Very helpful staff, clean, comfy, spacious (smoking rooms), and Gert's room was INCREDIBLY quiet. Some great views. Already booked for next trip. http://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/edinburgh/edbpp/hoteldetail?destination=EDINBURGH%2CUnited+Kingdom&sitrackingid=495212570&radius=20&inMiles=true&siclientid=1936&

A medley of Vic and Douglas at Neu! Reekie from Summerhall tv including snatches of Felicity,Holiday Hymn and VU songs. 

 

  1979 NOW Update- yes, there is one! THREE more backing tracks in the bag- Born to Be A Rebel with Myers on bass and Liam from the Bullies on drums, You Made Me with Yusuf on bass and Liam on drums and Nameitwhatyoulike with Myers on bass and Mark on drums. Yes, it is confusing but only 2 more backing tracks to go. (PS only a very few copies of Caught in Midstream 7" left, available from Aed Records:  

                                                                          

 http://www.aedrecords.com/collections/vinyl/products/aed0015-vic-godard-subway-sect-caught-in-midstream-you-bring-out-the-demon-in-me                                                                         

Don't forget Vic and Subway Sect, with Kevin Younger on keys/guitar, Mark Braby on guitar, Paul Myers on bass, Paul Cook on drums and Yusuf B'Layachi on backing vocals/tambourine, are back doing another Marc Riley session on Monday 22nd July. Performing 5 numbers in total- Happy-Go-Lucky Girl  Won't Turn Back  Born To Be A Rebel  The Water Was Bad and Stop That Girl 7-9pm GMT (+1) -  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03773m5 

                                                                                                                        

  And then it's off to Catalonia next month for a couple of days in Vic for Vic to rehearse for  Festigàbal at Heliogàbal Barcelona, part of the well known,much larger Festa Major de Gràcia-
 http://www.festamajordegracia.cat/event/2013/08/16/month/all/all/1
 famèlic  invited Vic over to sing with Mates Mates, so finally a chance to do the songs from the single released in Feb this year on Famèlic Records  -  Les Parts Del Cos (Castaslasnas), (Oh Alright) Go On Then and Whip Rules. (Copies available at the gig in Barcelona and from http://famelic.bandcamp.com/merch/vic-godard-mates-mates-vic-to-vic ) Vic's still working on the rest of the set list with Mates Mates
https://www.facebook.com/events/209194432570853/    and here's a reminder of Castaslasnas -

 COMING SOON: 'Close' is a short film commissioned by Film London, written and directed by Geoffrey Taylor and a little bird ( a smallish gnu actually) has told me that two songs from 'Whats the Matter Boy' are rumoured to be part of the sound track- Empty Shell and Birth and Death). Please 'Like' their page if you want to follow the progress up to screening the final film at festivals. Here:  https://www.facebook.com/closefilm
SYNOPSIS:    Charlie lives with his distant figure of a father. On the week of Charlie’s 12th birthday he discovers his father dead in his bed. Charlie keeps the body a secret; in this time he discovers his father’s vibrant past; hidden memories that have been forgotten and through this quiet intimate time he spends with the body, Charlie begins to feel closer to his father than ever before.

COMING SOON 2 - AND talking of What's the Matter Boy -  Andrew Shaw, Vic's website guru has been tirelessly working on a page for the site that will allow Gnu Inc to release WTMB as downloads, for the first time and exclusively from Vic's website http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/
This will work slightly differently to other download purchases as it's coming direct from Vic or the gnu and so response times will vary (eg they're on GMT time, asleep, at gigs, etc)  

And following on from that I heard that Vic and the gnu were musing on what to have on Gnu Inc's next release- Live and Rare Vol 3 and are thinking they could re-release the whole of WTMB PLUS the best live versions they have of  the songs AS WELL. Please let Vic know your thoughts on his facebook https:/www.facebook.com/vicgodard or leave comments here.

If you haven't seen this film about Simon Rivers and The Bitter Springs you're missing a treat- Cozzy Guts, a Stan Watson film is 17 mins of doc Rock-U-Drama, inimitably Bitter Springs style with Simon Rivers' taking us on a wryly humorous tour  of all things Springs.

http://thebittersprings.bandzoogle.com/welcome.cfm    

YOUR HEART OUT- Always a good read and it's FREE to Download for ALL- The forty-seventh edition of Your Heart Out is an investigation in to the music of Ultramarine but 'nothing is ever that simple' - http://yrheartout.blogspot.co.uk/ 

If you can try and catch a performance of Clive Barker's Sex,Drugs and Music-Hall-
http://www.theargus.co.uk/leisure/stage/10500917.Punk_musician_turned_writer_Clive_Parker_brings_his_debut_theatre_show_to_Brighton/ 

                                                             
   HEROINES ALL HEROINES ALL.

Gertie's Catching Up

Feeling slightly discombobulated suddenly going from a seemingly endless winter straight in to summer, one minute everything bare and the next everything is sprouting, the Agapanthus has moved outside and the gnu's been planting endless quantities of annuals, 200 Lobelia Crystal Palace and 60 Impatiens (Busy Lizzies) yesterday.(Update 16/06/2013-Spoke Too Soon: summer didn't last long and now autumn has returned)  I don't know if the gardeners out there have noticed that there aren't many Impatiens available this year, Vic's dad had to get his seeds from New Zealand, the weather did for ours over here.

On the 17th May we were heading north for the trip to Preston for the 3rd in the Sect's first quartet of gigs in 2013 to play at The New Continental and it was up there with the most enjoyable. The sun was shining for the first time in about a year and a comfy journey in Kev's vintage Volvo estate set the mood. The New Continental is an an extraordinary venue, very community centred, set on the banks of the River Ribble and covering events from all kinds of music to Glove Puppet Theatre to beer Festivals and all stops in between, a bar, restaurant, lovely garden and car park. They treated the group very,very well including a slap up meal, best meal ever had at a gig (mind you the Sect don't often get offered one, hint, hint).
http://newcontinental.net/UserFiles/Files/NewMenu_springsummer13_01.pdf
 Dan and Joe's skills with the sound and lighting were much appreciated. Can't wait to visit Preston again- Many thanks to Robin for the invite.

Photograph by Helen Lonsdale Robinson

Top support from Super Fast Girlie Show and from Manchester The Bell Peppers.

https://www.facebook.com/thebellpeppers?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/SuperFastGirlieShow?fref=ts

Video of  'Nobody's Scared' (played at heart attack inducing speed) courtesy of Rod Podmore-


Had to pick a chain hotel in Preston so down to location/parking and general vibe, came down to a toss up between a Premier Inn or Holiday Inn, as both the same price fairly obviously opted for Holiday Inn.  It is a bit further away from The New Continental but still only about a mile and more parking options, if car park is full then you use the Bus Station car park literally opposite which is an interesting stand alone piece of architecture in it's own right . Large/clean rooms with endless choice of pillows to suit all and sundry and good breakfast (relying on Vic's opinion for that but he does know a thing or two about a good breakfast). Welcoming and helpful staff, particularly the night shift who went the extra mile to accommodate with nightcaps,tea and coffee and extra sugar,tea and milk for the rooms.....and a toothbrush for Myers. The hotel is situated between two roads but didn't get disturbed by any noise and both Gert and the gnu are very light sleepers. (We were on the 4th floor) Would recommend. http://www.hipreston.com/     

The first quartet of Subway Sect gigs ended on another high with The F Club Presents at The Brudenell Social Club in Leeds. http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/243885285629260/?fref=ts
 Another almost  stress free journey North on my favourite road the A1(M) (being the smallest person the gnu got the middle seat in the back of the car, this time a hired Nissan Quashqai so knees bent up round chin for about 8 hours over two days), hardly any juggernauts and seemingly much more laid back drivers than on the M1. Stopped at Stibbington Services for lunch, top of my list of stop offs, it's a proper truck stop with food cooked to order. And I'm reliably informed that in the men's loo they have a machine dispensing not packets of condoms but Xylitol- 'Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth and also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth. This is how it protects the teeth from tooth decay.' Progress or what!!!

                                     http://motorwayservicesonline.co.uk/A1#Stibbington

Vic and the Sect have been very lucky this year with venues and supports, at The Brudenell it was The Expelaires http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzvfOZ0q5HY and The Cyanide Pills  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKvup_UWAfw and another friendly appreciative crowd made everyone feel very welcome, the 'sweet treat' mementos proved popular again,retro 70's theme for Preston and Yorkshire & sport related for Leeds.

The 'new' 4 piece Sect line up (Paul C had to pull out of the last two gigs due to injury but he will be back for the next 4 Subway Sect gigs at the end of the year, fingers crossed)  with Mark back on drums, Kevin, Myers and Vic back on guitar went down a storm with Vic and Myers getting well in to the banter, though not sure anyone got their references to Feltham, etc (except Dan) .  Also delighted that Tracey Holloway and Lee McFadden decided to brave the threat of the massing morons of the far right (comforting to know they could only muster about 60 bigots in what was meant to be the biggest bigot turn out of the weekend) and made the trip to Leeds, so we have videos.
This one of four is 'You Bring Out The Demon In Me' the B side to the Aed single 'Caught in Midstream' which has had a great reception.Marc Riley has given it 'loads of plays'-Big Up to him for the support (AND Vic and the Sect are back for another session with Marc on July 22nd.)A few copies mail order from Aed http://www.aedrecords.com/collections/new-releases/products/aed0015-vic-godard-subway-sect-caught-in-midstream-you-bring-out-the-demon-in-me   (Update - Only about 20 left 15/06/2013)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D3j3VxOjyU


AND you'll never guess who else turned up in Leeds- Sect alumnus Dan (Ashkenazy) and  Karen, delighted to see them again and catch up and coincidentally we were all staying at the same hotel in Headingley, a very chilled out attractive area with lots of places to eat and drink, probably because it is close to more than one Leeds Uni campus.  The Headingley Lodge Hotel is actually in the cricket ground  http://www.headingleylodge.co.uk/

An unusual hotel concept but quite a clever idea to ensure maximum use of and return on the building. It is only open to the public as a hotel when there isn't any cricket on. During major cricket matches the hotel staff pack up and leave for the duration and the bedrooms become hospitality suites.Luckily for the Sect it re-opened as a hotel after the New Zealand-England test match that was on the week before we arrived.  All the rooms face the pitch so wonderful outlook but unfortunately you can't use the door on to the balcony/seating just outside for security/ health and safety reasons, only accessible when the rooms are in cricket hospitality mode. Large rooms, HUGE beds, very clean, showers not baths, would definitely stay again. Hot breakfasts are available from the ground's cafe Mon-Fri, at weekends a continental breakfast in the room is offered but didn't fancy that so went out for breakfast,  the very helpful day manager pointing the group in the direction of Arc for very good breakfast and a bargain at 2 for £10: http://www.arcinspirations.com/arc/pdfs/arc_main_menu.pdf
Myers charmed the night manager and flirted his way to a half price toothbrush-

''Money, who needs it
Just to live a life free and easy
Put a toothbrush in my hand
And let me be a traveling man
Cos I'm a roadrunner baby''
                      Holland–Dozier–Holland

Jr Walker & The All Stars 'Roadrunner'

                                            
Other news- Vic's back in the studio next week for some more work on 1979 Now.( Update 16/06/2013 - backing tracks of 3 more songs recorded- 'Born To Be a Rebel', You Made Me and Nameitwhatyoulike- if it wasn't tempting fate I might say the end's in sight but I'm not going to do that just yet.) 

Then he and the gnu are looking forward to being back in Scotland at the end of June. First up Vic's guesting at The Jazzateers show at Stereo as part of the The Glasgow Jazz Festival on 27th, singing a selection of jazz classics and a few VU numbers with his own special guests - members of the Independent Group Andy Alston, Campbell Owens, Mick Slaven, Douglas MacIntyre and James Kirk.http://www.list.co.uk/event/347362-the-jazzateers/
https://www.facebook.com/events/464429770296943/

Then it's on to Edinburgh on Friday 28th for Neu! Reekie! 35- 'Summer Storm' featuring a veritable feast of entertainment -  Momus http://imomus.com/, Vic with Douglas MacIntyre as well as a celebration of Sandie Craigie with readings by Kevin Cadwallender http://www.spl.org.uk/poetry/poets/kevin-cadwallender 
Jenny Lindsay http://rallyandbroad.wordpress.com/about/ and Colin McGuire http://a-glaswegian.blogspot.co.uk/. , 

Tickets going fast -  http://www.summerhall.co.uk/2013/neu-reekie-35/



Maybe Live and Rare Vol 3 in next few months and maybe a gnu inc 7" of new songs, lots of maybes!




Bit of a hiatus now gig wise for Subway Sect until the next four 'Specials' (concentrating on recording!!!) and the two dates in Hamburg towards the end of the year.

Poster designs by Andrew Shaw

8th/9th November Astra Stube Hamburg
With DJing by Martin Soulstew
https://www.facebook.com/martin.soulstew?fref=ts
http://www.astra-stube.de/
Subway Sect Specials
29th November Star & Shadow Cinema Newcastle
http://www.starandshadow.org.uk/
30th November Hebden Bridge Trades Club
With Special Guests The hybrid Kill Pretty Hamsters
And The Andy Thorley Band
https://www.facebook.com/tradesclub
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kill-Pretty/149453171812706?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/groups/205883682785570/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/andy.thorley.1?fref=ts

Festive Fiestas
13th December   Spinning Chilli Presents at
The Green Door Store Brighton
 With the legendary Asbo Derek joining Subway Sect once more to provide you with a cracking night of  festive disrespect and irreverence to kick start the 'Especially Commercial' season. 

https://www.facebook.com/spinningchilli?fref=ts 
https://www.facebook.com/asbo.derek.9?fref=ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBvcafzmgc0
 SEASONAL GNU TREATS ASSURED FOR ALL!
AND............... 'GNU'S GRAND PRIZE DRAW'
  Each ticket holder will get a raffle ticket and at the end of the gig the gnu (or invited guest) will be drawing the winning tickets with a positive cornucopia of Sect related prizes to be won. (In other words not sure exactly what yet but bound to be good) Also the chance to do some gift shopping at gnu's 'seasonal store'.
 14th December Symptomatic Presents @ The Water Rats London- Rounding off the Subway Sect Specials for 2013 with details to follow,expect some great supports and more of the above. Watch this space and www.vicgodard.co.uk  for details. 

Gert's Book Recommendation of the Blog-
The Mysteries by Robert McGill  Vintage UK -not your average thriller, set in the small Ontario town of Sunshine, where both the inhabitants and reader are drawn in to the claustrophobic mores of small town life and ignore the 'elephant in the room'.

RIP SIR HENRY CECIL. WITH FRANKEL

 A sad loss to racing and humankind. One of, if not the most enjoyable day I had in 2012 was on a trip to York Races to see Frankel run in the Juddmonte International Stakes, the sun mostly shone,the atmosphere was electric and there was the friendliest vibe I've ever felt from such a large number of people in such close proximity to one another.The welcome Sir Henry and Frankel got from the huge,mostly 'local' crowd was uplifting, no other word for it. Wonderful memory I'll treasure.

Closing with Gert's musings on punk. What does being 'punk' mean? Gert and the gnu ruminating on this the other day, as you do and Gert came to the conclusion that the Clash have a lot to answer for. To me being 'punk' was about individuality, originality,imagination and putting two fingers up to the music business. Did Siouxsie and the Banshees sound like the Sex Pistols? Did X Ray Spex sound like Subway Sect? No they didn't and another thing occurs to me, there was no blokish element in punk, I mean you couldn't get anyone less blokish than Johnny Rotten and he was the standard bearer, but along came the Clash and maybe because they are easy to emulate, from then until now punk seems to mean 'if you sound and dress like the Clash', ie basically a guitar led, leather/denim clad blokish rock band. It is ironic that despite the downfall of the major record labels and the spread of 'do it yourself' and the opportunities for going it alone that have arisen due to the internet and new technology I rarely if ever come across the inspiring in music categorised as punk, it always seems to hark backwards and most often comes across as a version of the Clash, when surely punk is about being different and new and not caring about what anyone thinks and not about fitting yourself in to a narrow defined genre?  Should punk even be defined as a music genre when the originals were all so different and THAT was the point, the punk ethos was inclusive (and still elusive), open to all. When you look at the line ups for 'punk' gigs/festivals Gert's heart sinks, the same old, same old playing the same old, same old. Punk is dead. Long live Punk.

Ambition- Brudenell Social Leeds 01/06/2013 by Lee McFadden & Tracey Holloway

PS

Forgot to mention that apart from a few copies gnu's taking to Scotland at the end of the month Live in Stereo Too is SOLD OUT.
And really interesting interview with Vic, not the usual run of the mill questions-
http://noisey.vice.com/blog/vic-godard-is-punk-gone-postal  
Latest edition of Your Heart Out Out Now- "The forty-sixth issue of YHO is all about stopping to consider a particular sequence of Missy Elliott records and finding a lot to say about them."
FREE DOWNLOAD FOR ALL!  http://www.yrheartout.blogspot.co.uk/

Ok, that's all folks. 

Gert's had a lurgy, Glasgow trip and more-

What is about lurgys? You don't get one for years and then 3 come along at once.It feels like my head has been cocooned in catarrh for the last couple of weeks. Clear thought finally returning together with the realisation that we are nearly half way through 2013, does not seem possible.
 The trip to Mono on Record Store Day to celebrate the release of Caught in Midstream was a blast, thanks to everyone involved at Mono for the very friendly welcome and for the great buzz from the crowd (and they sold out of the single).  Definitely recommend a visit to the Cafe and Shop if you are in Glasgow, there is always something going on-  http://www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84
https://www.facebook.com/stevenmcseveney2

The acoustic set with Davy Henderson, Douglas MacIntyre and Simon Smeeton went down a storm. Expect more of the same, rumour has it Davy and Simon are going to learn What's The Matter Boy acoustically over the summer.  (Talking of which I came across this piece of absurdity the other day- http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Matter-Boy-Vic-Godard/dp/B00004UB8W/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ASYDZOX0HKBSE 
The Mono set opened with Make Me Sad, video via Brian Mackie-                          

 Stayed at the Alexander Thomson Hotel this time and think it's a bargain. Nearly half the price of the last hotel Gert stayed in in Glasgow  (which Gert also recommended in a previous blog) , friendly, helpful staff, large, clean, comfy  and airy room (smoking and windows opened), convenient position in Argyle Street, minutes from Central Station. It might not have room service but with 24 hour shops 2 mins away who needs it and the lack of superfluous services was a 'breath of fresh air'.
No muss, no fuss, great  value: http://alexanderthomsonhotel.co.uk/

Had a delicious meal just round the corner from the hotel in Hope St at Bombay Blues. The spicy aromas emanating from of their extensive buffet drew Vic and the gnu in, a very good decision. http://bombaybluesglasgow.co.uk/

The gnu needed a bit of a trim and the very helpful people in Office suggested DLC Hairdressing, Mitchell Lane, off Buchanan St. Gnu was very pleased with the result, again a no fuss no muss approach. http://dlchairdressing.weebly.com/
PS You've got to wait 48 hours to have any colour done- allergy testing.

Another bit of genius from Andrew Shaw with this promo for Vic and The Sect's Caught in Midstream/You Bring Out The Demon in Me 7"including live Subway Sect footage from Lee McFadden and Tracey Holloway from The Water Rats 29th March 2013.

 Both songs streaming here:
https://soundcloud.com/aedrecords/sets/caught-in-midstream-vic-godard
 Delight all round  with the response to the single, thanks to Aed and RSD  and a big up to everyone who stocked it and bought it (and continuing to buy it from the participating Record Shops) and a big YA BOO SUCKS TO YOU to the cynical scuzzos who bought it just to sell on a particular website, obviously didn't get the ethos of Record STORE Day. PLEASE DON'T BUY FROM THESE LEECHES, remaining RSD stock is now available on line as well as in store from participating shops:
http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venues?country=United+Kingdom&venue= 
and Aed, Vic and the Gnu will have some copies from 18th May so don't pay over the odds. Many thanks to Marc Riley for giving the single lots of airplay, about 1h 19mins in this episode just after the Pastels at 1h 10mins in:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ry2qt

  There has been a great response to 'Live in Stereo Too' too, proving to be one of gnu inc's most popular releases. Still available here..... but not sure for how long: http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/live_in_stereo_too.html     
AND Vic is returning to Stereo on Thursday 27th June singing a jazz/VU set at the Glasgow Jazz Festival as a guest of the Jazzateers. He is accompanied by Andy Alston on keyboard/piano; Mick Slaven on guitar and Campbell Owens on double bass. Douglas MacIntyre and James Kirk will be joining them for the VU songs.http://www.stereocafebar.com/index.php?m=event&c=view&id=8:221638
https://www.facebook.com/events/464429770296943/  
and on 28th Vic's doing a set at Neu! Reekie! Edinburgh with Douglas MacIntyre- keep an eye out for more info-
https://www.facebook.com/neureekie?fref=ts 
Later in the year- Sounds in the Suburbs are presenting Vic singing with the Sexual Objects at The Voodoo Rooms on 22nd November and Glasgow CCA on the 23rd- http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/vic_godard_live.html

Happily Heading North again for the next two Subway Sect gigs*(see below) 

17th May at the New Continental Preston, great line up with Super Fast Girlie Show https://www.facebook.com/SuperFastGirlieShow?ref=ts&fref=ts
and Manchester duo The Bell Peppers. All info and tickets here:
http://www.newcontinental.net/whats-on/event/vic-godard-subway-sect-plus-special-guests

and here: https://www.facebook.com/events/550980194923304/
The gnu will be bearing gifts as she did in London and Brighton, going with the retro theme  this time in keeping with the feeling of the northern soul single .....BUT with two weeks to go it could prove to be bad gnews for the gnu's gnashers!

A taster of what's in store courtesy of chroniclers Lee and Tracey  (minus Flash the Sax and Yusuf)

Then nicely rounding off the quartet of 'Limited Edition' Subway Sect gigs promoting the single Vic's very pleased to have been invited back to play for The F Club presents at The Brudenell Social Leeds on 1st June. Very Special Guests The Cyanide Pills and The Expelaires. Details and tickets here -
http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/Event/Details/855
and at https://www.facebook.com/events/341719415942559/

* Gert's observation based on gigs 2008 to Now - I think I may have alluded to this before but is a curious phenomenon that in the UK, apart from the always hugely enjoyable Spinning Chilli gigs in Brighton and a few for Bitterscene, Chelmsford, The Thunderbolt, Bristol and two in Brixton, it is nearly always North, further North, Scotland or London (north of the Thames) where  Vic and Subway Sect or Sexual Objects play.  So is there something, particularly in the northern psyche, that gets it and if so is it definable? Does it geographically reflect the areas and communities where music and the the arts generally are welcomed, appreciated and nurtured and generally add to the local sum of human happiness?......................  Or is it just a Vic thing?

Back to business - There's another MR session on the Sect Horizon and a trip to Hamburg on 8/9th November to play for Markus Wilhelms again at Astra Stube before it closes. Look out for details  at the website (link below) and  https://www.facebook.com/vic.godard.3?ref=tn_tnmn  
http://www.astra-stube.de/index.html

Another date confirmed is Vic singing with Mates Mates on 20th August at: Festigàbal @ Heliogàbal Ramón y Cajal, 80, Gràcia, Barcelona 08012, details to follow at: www.vicgodard.co.uk.

There are a couple of photographic books just out, one is The Punk Photography of Sheila Rock in which amongst many others, is an unusually posed picture of the early Subway Sect. Gerti has it on good authority that it was Rob Symmons who was responsible for the pose -  Rob played guitar Vic didn't so Vic should have the guitar, Myers to hold his bass like a handbag and apparently Vic thinks Paul Packham was just trying to look hard, not sure about the "pure" and "beautiful" though in this piece from Sean O' Hagan The Observer 27.04.2013-   
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2013/apr/27/punk-photographs-sheila-rock-pictures#/?picture=407831194&index=6 

AND THEN there is Harry Papadopoulos' wonderful book What Presence! Vic compares his work to Henri Cartier Bresson and Gert totally agrees. The photographs from 1976 to 1984 are evocative of time and place and the portraits in particular have a resonating poignancy and I  openly admit that when I got to the last photograph, of Harry himself, I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. An exhibition of his work will visit Dundee from 3rd May, details here:
http://www.dundee.com/events/what-presence-rock-photography-harry-papadopoulos.html
And buy it here, you won't regret it,whether you are a fan of the period of music it brings vividly back to life or appreciate the art and skill involved in taking beautiful photographs: http://www.birlinn.co.uk/What-Presence.html 

Ending on a melancholic note- RIP Mac Daddy from Kriss Kross, far too young.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kriss-kross-rapper-chris-mac-daddy-kelly-dies-aged-34-in-atlanta-hospital-8600278.html
And on a more personal note, it still feels like it was yesterday-much loved and sorely missed.
http://www.bmdsonline.co.uk/16624141
Charles was scouted by and asked to trial for Sunderland when he was sixteen but his Mother had other plans and he had to make do with playing at university and playing cricket for Durham and Scottish Universities at the Riverside, Chester Le Street  in the summer holidays. 
http://www.cricketarchive.com/Durham/Players/136/136122/136122.html

               He's the handsome devil front row third from the right.(or fifth from the left)

Gertie reports- Gnu Caught On The Hop With Live In Stereo Too

  Gert's reaction: thatcher's gone but as we've still got cameron et al not celebrating yet. up the revolution! and on to other things- 

It's not meant to snow in April

'LIVE IN STEREO TOO' Vic Godard & The Sexual Objects

Latest Gnu Inc Limited Edition CD IS Available 15th 25th March 5th April* 2013 at gigs & mail order from:  www.vicgodard.co.uk 

 ‘Live in Stereo Too’ Recorded & Produced by Murray Robertson with Live Sound by Shona Marshall at ‘Sounds in The Suburbs Presents ‘Vic Godard and The Sexual Objects’ @ Stereo Glasgow 1^st December 2012, one of four special live collaborations in 2012 featuring Vic and The S.O.B.s. 

Read  about it here at 'Caught By the River' by Kevin Pearce-

http://www.caughtbytheriver.net/2012/11/vic-ism-a-celebration-of-vic-godard-subway-sect/                  

 List Kicks Off with a sumptuous set from The Sexual Objects - Davy Henderson on vocals/guitar;  Douglas McIntyre on bass guitar/backing vocals; Graham Wann on guitar/backing vocals; Ian Holford on drums/backing vocals and Simon Smeeton on acoustic guitar/backing vocals- usually.

The Sexual Objects’ superb set segues seamlessly in to a spine tingling, memorable performance by Vic and the SOBs-A Night To Remember! Buy the CD- Available at gigs and from:   www.vicgodard.co.uk  

And read about the whole trip at Gertie’s Blog, parts 1,2, 3 -

http://www.vicgodardandsubwaysect.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/vicism-part-3-glasgow-and-london.html 

Putting Live in Stereo together was a wholly enjoyable experience and brought it all back to mind of how good these few gigs were. Thanks go to Murray & Shona for getting such a great sound and to Andrew Shaw for letting Ergon Ani use his iconic poster design for the cover.

 Videos of all four events courtesy of Lee McFadden & Tracey Holloway on Youtube. This is Johnny Thunders filmed by Tracey.

Background- Vic has been making friends in Scotland for 35 years- he has recording associations with Scottish independent labels Postcard and Creeping Bent and over the years has worked with Edwyn Collins, The Leopards, Adventures in Stereo, The Secret Goldfish, The Nectarine No9, Bricolage, Shock and Awe and more. ‘Love’s Rebellious Joy-A Tribute to Paul Reekie’ with the Sexual Objects, Russell Burn sitting in for Ian Holford on drums and Gareth Sager adding some extra guitar magic.

http://www.theskinny.co.uk/books/features/102440-loves_rebellious_joy_tribute_paul_reekie

It all came full circle in 2012 with Vic.ism, the highlights of which were Vic ‘Singing with The Sexual Objects’. And there’s more in 2013 with a visit to Mono Glasgow on 20.04 to play an acoustic set with Davy, Douglas and Simon for Record Store Day (release date for Caught in Midstream) -

https://www.facebook.com/events/440141992738875/ 

 Glasgow Jazz Festival on 27.06 as guest at the Jazzateers show at Stereo with Andy Alston, Mick Slaven, Campbell Owens, James K and Douglas mcIntyre-

http://www.jazzfest.co.uk/programme/jazzateers/ 

And Neu! Reekie! Edinburgh 28.06 with Douglas, & Sounds in the Suburbs gigs 22/23 November for more singing with all the Sexual Objects.

                                              Photographs by Alistair McKay and Dean Taylor

* Didn't think I would be announcing ANOTHER release so soon after the Vic to Vic 7" and the Aed Caught in Midstream 7" (see earlier blogs) but there was delight all round when the latest Gnu Inc Limited Edition CD arrived unexpectedly early, big up to A1 in Acton ( not a road) for speedy delivery. UNfortunately gnu error negated the unfettered joy and release was postponed until 5th April but was available in time for the Sect's 2nd gig of a limited number they are doing in 2013,  the very enjoyable Spinning Chilli Presents Vic Godard and the (6) piece Subway Sect at the Green Door Store
With the pithy and entertaining Asbo Derek on board it was a memorable night.

Vic serenaded the gnu 'singing' this on the drive home

                                  Asbo Derek 'Eric Pickles' Live Green Door Store 05.04.2013
Very nice review from Andrew Watson at Sussex Sedition:
http://sussexsedition.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/wont-look-back.html

The SEVEN piece Sect made their debut at the first gig of 2013 for Symptomatic Presents at the Water Rats Kings Cross, another great night and we got Jock Scot doing us an advert as well. Jock's intro filmed by Tracey Holloway and Parallel Lines by Lee Mcfadden-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCV_GsSX0rQ
And making up the 7 piece were Yusuf B'layachi and David 'Flash' Wright.on sax. You Bring Out the Demon in Me filmed by Lee-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRUulq2cB9E

Have a listen to the single on soundcloud-
https://soundcloud.com/aedrecords/sets/caught-in-midstream-vic-godard

Davy Henderson’s latest adventure is with Jesus,Baby releasing Catapillar Tango in 2012, the first single on Neu! Reekie! Records.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_mT5F9UUk

https://www.facebook.com/jesusbabies/info

Graham Wann plays guitar in Post, purveyors of the hot garage-pop sound of Glasgow/Manchester and part of the We Can Still Picnic collective. Album ‘Cavalcade’ Out Now-https://www.facebook.com/postpage/info https://www.facebook.com/wecanstillpicnic/info

Douglas McIntyre- Creeping Bent Organisation. https://www.facebook.com/bentpage/info  

Gertie & the Gnu Got Gnews

WHA HEY RELEASE DATE-  Caught in Midstream and You Bring Out The Demon In Me 7" single  is out on 20th April Record Store Day  released on Aed Records http://www.aedrecords.com/index.php  

(There isn't any info about the single there yet but lots about Edwyn's new album 'Understated', out 25th March, single and his tour dates )

Cover Design Andrew Shaw. Front sleeve photo: Phil Dillon

Vic Godard Vocals
Mark Braby Guitar/Backing Vocals
Kevin Younger Keyboards
Paul Cook Drums
Paul Myers Bass
Simon Rivers Backing Vocals
David ‘Flash’ Wright Saxophone
Engineered by Seb Lewsley

The songs are from the renamed 1979 Whenever ( 1979 Now first mooted at the start of 2011 when Vic asked Paul Myers if he would be up for it) but Vic and the band keep getting sidetracked by other things and it's become a bit of a legend now at Sect HQ (stop press: they are back in the studio this month). The tracks were recorded  at West Heath Studios London and produced by Edwyn Collins. Vic's collaborations with Edwyn go back to the 1990's when he  produced three albums for Vic - End of the Surrey People in 1993, and .Long term Side Effects and In Trouble Again in 1998.(you can also catch Vic's unmistakeable backing vocal at the end of A Girl Like You)

   

Below is You Bring Out The Demon In Me from Subway Sect. 6Music Session with Marc Riley29/11/2012

Images from Andrew Shaw. More of the session on the main website: http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/ 

 

  If your record shop is part of the scheme you can contact RSD here for general info: http://www.recordstoreday.co.uk/contact.aspx

 We'll be keeping up with which shops order the single so we can let people know where to go on RSD and in the following 4 weeks of exclusivity and obviously RSD are keen to ensure the availability of their releases. 

AND Vic will be Katrina and Stephen's guest at Mono Glasgow on RSD (20th April) itself,

 spinning a few discs, doing a few VU numbers with some friends (Davy Henderson, Douglas McIntyre and Simon Smeeton so far), probably some witty banter on the cards and generally stirring it up.

https://www.facebook.com/stevenmcseveney2?fref=ts

The gnu's theme song -

The 'laid back', some might say haphazard, approach to organising the musical year in 2013 seems to be meeting with some unexpected successes (above) and resulting in Vic stepping outside his comfort zone (sorry got outsourced whilst working in local government and was fed a diet of jargon). On Tuesday 26th Feb DJ Vic ll made his debut for Idle Fret at the Blue Orchids, Onions, Dearbhla Minogue and the Partisans plus dj Artrocker gig at the Social W1. Fielding an eclectic mix of  tracks for his three sessions including reggae,ragga,'90's hip hop, R&B, northern soul, soul, Crystal Waters and the Sexual Objects and it seemed to go down well. (gnu's thinking of exploiting this new found talent and advertising his services for weddings, birthdays,bar mitzvas etc)  

 

Next up on Saturday (morning) 23rd March Vic's doing an interview with Victoria Yeulet,and session with Mark, Kevin & Yusuf , on Resonance FM 104.4 http://resonancefm.com/schedule 

Heralding in the Easter weekend on Friday 29th March is Subway Sect's FIRST GIG OF 2013

Symptomatic Presents Vic Godard and Subway Sect @ The Water Rats London W1 with the Jelly Fiends on board should be a cracker. ( blimey, last time the 5 piece played live was 09/11/2012 at Mr AP's memorable birthday party on the boat, an enjoyable time was had by all.) Gnu's done some great exclusive merch for the night and as it's Easter there's a wee sweet treat in store for all advance ticket holders. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/454575384604729/ 

http://www.symptomaticpresents.com/listings 

                           https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jelly-Fiends/364207793596001



Just one week later the Sect are back in Brighton for Spinning Chilli Presents @ the Green Door Store with the legendary Asbo Derek. https://www.facebook.com/events/301145696658640/

A similar selection of exclusive merch will be available at all the Sect gigs this year but keeping it under wraps at the moment.
As well as the RSD visit to Glasgow on 20th April Vic will be back in June to do a set of jazz classics accompanied by Andy Alston, Mick Slaven and James Kirk at The Jazzateers gig for the Glasgow Jazz Festival, waiting to confirm it is on Friday 28th June. Vic will also be doing a gig in Edinburgh on the 29th, details to be confirmed.  Back north on 17th May for Subway Sect @ New Continental Preston, brilliant venue that covers pretty much every area of the arts and more :http://www.newcontinental.net/whats-on/event/vic-godard-subway-sect-plus-special-guests and then on 1st June the Sect are delighted to be back at the Brudenell Social Leeds with the excellent Expelaires and Cyanide Pills also on the bill:.
 http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/Event/Details/855

Also fitting in a trip to York races in June: http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/racing/fixtures/june-meeting_42

There are not likely to be as many Subway Sect gigs this year as in the last two so catch them when you can. (Vic and the Gnu are thinking of  doing a xmas event themselves 'the Gnu's Big Night Out' but still working on the format, venue and line up.)
Nothing confirmed yet for July/September and October but Vic is planning a visit to to Barcelona in August to sing a few songs with Mates Mates at Festigobal, part of Barcelona's oldest fiesta
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MATES-MATES/199378890103020?ref=ts&id=199378890103020&sk=info and in November he is back in Scotland singing with the Sexual Objects for the Sounds in The Suburbs gigs at CCA Glasgow(23rd) and the Voodoo Rooms(22nd) in Edinburgh. Also on the cards is a trip to Hamburg with the Sobs.
Apart from the Mates Mates and Caught in Midstream 7" releases the gnu is currently working with Murray Robertson on the cd Live in Stereo Too- Vic and the Sobs live in Stereo 1st December 2012  

g still working on the cover. A taster video from the night courtesy of Lee McFadden and Tracey Holloway, filmed by Tracey Holloway.

Also thinking about: re-issuing What's the Matter Boy with a couple of extra live tracks, doing Live and Rare Vol 3 or perhaps instead putting out the 1978 gig at the Gibus Paris in it's entirety, it being the nearest thing to the 'lost album'. Vic's working on some new songs and gnu inc wants to do a 7" before the end of the year.

ANNOUNCING GNU INC T SHIRT SALE- for a limited period only in order to make room for the new Limited Edition designs-for enquiries & orders please email Gertie at: gnuinc@hotmail.co.uk
(Only mediums left in Myers and small russian sailor already gone)

 

Lots of other things currently  in the ether so metaphorically speaking-Watch This Space