This time for a group I can't even count how many times I've seen… An old friend who in fact introduced me to them many moons ago very kindly took me as a birthday gift, and what a treat it was. I'm sorry to say we got so carried away catching up that we were late, still not quite sure how much we missed of the start but the atmosphere was great, and the place was rammed. However having fortunately been to see bands at this interesting venue a fair few time before (Yeasayer and Crystal Fighters recently stand out…

How could I forget…. we went to see this diminutive lady last month - small stature, large hair! and was super impressed by the depth and force - and beauty, of her wonderful voice. She is currently working with various engineers/mixers who worked on Adele's record and has support from high places so watch this space, she'll go far.

Sweet songs too; and very supportive fanbase - the room was full to the brim of smiling happy friends and fans.

To be honest I think I prefer her sound live, it is rawer than the tracks I have found online…

Boy & Bear
at the Borderline

Packed to the rafters and mainly with longtime fans judging by the amount of lips mouthing the words and Aussie accents I heard!

I first caught tale of this antipodean act during my time at EMI on seeing that they were supporting Virgin/EMI artist Laura Marling on tour; also heard a few of their tracks which had been speculatively sent to a colleague. Lovely stuff, and no disappointment live.

Supported by the lovely Monument Valley, first seen / heard on the Communion compilation 'The Flowerpot Sessions'.

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http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/natasha-wells/14/a40/491

5th October 2011
Paper Aeroplanes @ The Riverside Studios, Hammersmith
This was lovely. Framed in the backdrop with images from their album artwork and
beautiful drawings, Sarah's lovely clear voice sounded the best I'd ever heard it in the cinema space they were enveloping; their songs came across really well too and I enjoyed the addition of the 'string section' (a party of two). They are a prolific pair, her and Rich - some of my personal favourites from the set I didn't even know - I thought it was nice to play old songs for their loyal fans, mainly…

Well well well, what a festival. When you've been to as many festivals as I have, you do become rather more particular about all the various elements that make up the best, most perfect weekend event. And by golly, these guys have nailed it. Music-wise, unless of course you're into say, house music or perhaps heavy metal, this one has it all. Well not so much of the dance stuff, though there was ample entertainment in that area to be had, with the late night disco going until at least 2am this time..and plenty of other tents with music for…

While experimenting with my new iphone, and having downloaded the infamous Hipstamatic app…
(much-derided in the 'd*ckhead' video - select 'open in new window/tab' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVmmYMwFj1I&feature=player_detailpage)
I finally managed to capture our very naughty miniature pinscher pup (though at 27 months we can hardly call him that - or use it as an excuse - anymore!) at a good moment:

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Port Eliot Festival, Cornwall (Saturday only ticket) - 23rd July 2011
Literary and music festival set in one of the oldest houses in England, Grade 1 listed.
Port Eliot website

BERLIN! 28th July to 1st August 2011. Have done my research and there's not that many artists playing during my friend & my's trip, though I imagine there will be plenty to keep us occupied all the same. Of the handful playing I would be most interested in seeing Daniel Lanois (also playing London soon after); Flashguns at the famous Magnet Club, and the inimitable Canned Heat! Might attempt…

Grouplove at Camden Barfly (only caught the last song - long story)
Tuesday 28th June 2011

Grouplove doing the excellent "Colors" as the encore:
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Caitlin Moran at WiIton's Music Hall (articulate, witty, modern feminism - and a nice chat after)
Tuesday 12th July 2011

Caitlin talking to David Aaronovitch:
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Big Deal (supporting Dog Is Dead) at the Lexington (beautiful harmonising vocals and melodies)
Wednesday 13th July 2011

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June 10th:
London Zoo Lates, Regents Park: in which they open London Zoo late on Friday nights in June and July. An extraordinary night made more so by constant drizzle which started from the moment we stepped into the zoo. Meant that we had to scuttle around looking for next shelter rather than fully concentrate on planning which animals we wanted to see and where. Ended up huddling in the Amphitheatre for a while to eat our mini picnics and accidentally ended up on the front row of a bizarre burlesque performance! Not what we'd anticipated. A large lady…