Us Brits may moan about the weather and the tax, but when it comes to live music, this tiny island is a delight. From where else in the world could we nip off to Berlin, Paris, Barcelona, Copenhagen or, er, Minehead to indulge our burning desire for live music and still scrape into work on a Monday morning? And where else could we hop between a 60,000-seat football stadium packed full of air-punching Bruce Springsteen fans and a miniscule bar where a fragile Edwyn Collins plays a secret set to 50 tearful Dundonians (and one TLOBF writer)? Eight of the site’s most obsessive gig-goers present their picks of the year’s live music. Continue Reading

Back in 1978, music had to take a deep breath and take time to re-evaluate. Was it enough just to make a racket, scream some words - did ability actually play a part at all. Some felt musicality proved too much of a restriction, P-Orridge from clattering industrialists Throbbing Gristle pouring scorn on Sniffin’ Glue’s three chord tuition, considering that far too much of a link to traditional music. Some though of the post-punk generation decided that it was alright to know how to play what they were holding, whilst still retaining individuality and (most importantly) integrity. Continue Reading

Chicago trio volcano!, whose second album Paperwork will now be released in UK stores on September 22, have announced a European tour in November, with dates in the UK and Ireland to include two London shows.

November
07 The Fox & Firkin, LONDON
10 The Arches (Playroom), GLASGOW
11 The Tunnels, ABERDEEN
13 Bodega Social Club, NOTTINGHAM
14 Swn Festival, CARDIFF
15 The Gander, BOURNEMOUTH
16 Portland Arms, CAMBRIDGE
17 Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, LONDON
18 Brudenell Social Club, LEEDS
19 Whelans (upstairs), DUBLIN
20 Roisin Dubh, GALWAY