Back in the saddle without so much as a wobble.

We had a good show on Friday. Thanks to all of you who showed up!

The Jug was pretty busy, which is always good. This was our first live show for a while but I think we pulled it off and the crowd seemed to enjoy it, and that's the main thing. We recorded the show so we will stick up some songs over the next day or so. Also, a guy took some really cool photos which he is sending to me today. Watch this space etc….

Chris Tye (pictured above) and his band were great, as ever, and they appear to be going from strength to strength. The have a record coming out on Headwrecker Records sometime in early 2006….It seems that there are a few of us intending to release stuff next year! Anyway, we wish Chris and the lads all the best with it.

Also on Friday’s bill were Shady Bard. They look like this....

Now, this is a band I’ve noticed on flyers and posters around town for a little while but I’d never actually heard. It turns out that they were great and we hope to play with them again in the near future. They have some very interesting and quirky songs, all embellished with cello, violin and a wash of keyboards and underpinned by some solid drums. Their sound is quite individual, although a friend reckoned that she was reminded of the Arcade Fire, which I kind of see, but it’s certainly not a case of Shady Bard apeing them. You can judge for yourself by listening to the tracks below.

Shady Bard - Bobby
Shady Bard - Torch Song

They have a single coming out on Static Caravan Records, although I’m unsure on dates for this. Static is a great label and released one of the best records of 2005, namely "Mothers Daughter and Other Songs.." by Tunng.

The Tunng record came out in January and has done really well by all accounts and will be released in both the US and Japan soon. Here in the UK I'd expect it to feature in quite a few end of year polls when the papers and magazines do their annual dance. I've been banging on about it to anyone who will listen since I first heard it and continue to spread the word. It's a tremendous record. Simple as that. Buy it.

However, it seems to be written in the stars that seeing Tunng play live will not happen for me. I've narrowly missed seeing them 6 times already this year, and I will unhappily make that 7 by missing their upcoming Birmingham show due to prior commitments. One day, though........

So….that’s yer lot. Check back for photos and sounds soon.