Snuff, London, December 19, 2009

Ten days ago the newly re-branded venue The Garage (now the Relentless Garage - pesky sponsorship, eh) in Islington played host to the legendary Snuff, a band that I had not seen do a gig since August 1991 when the band played a "farewell show" at the National in Kilburn. The story of this band is too long to go in to, so read all about it here. But in short Duncan Redmonds (vocals/drums) is the only founding member.

Disappointingly the venue was barely half full, but regardless, Snuff played a barrage of old classics including "Not Listening", "Somehow", "Martin", "Caught In Session" and "Nick Northern" and of course obligatory cover versions such as "Soul Limbo" aka the BBC Cricket Theme, "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads" and The Specials' "Do Nothing".

A lot of people including myself have got a bit older now so there wasn't quite as much stage diving as you would have got back in the early 90's but still a highly enjoyable night to rekindle my younger days. Almost.

I didn't get any pictures of the gig and, so I don't have much in the way of visuals. So here is a clip of the current incarnation of Snuff playing earlier this year at the Shepherds Bush Empire.

Manasseh Back In Fine Style

Top UK reggae producer Nick Manasseh returns in mighty fine style with four killer cuts of the "People" rhythm on the Roots Garden label.

The three vocal cuts come from new talent Dark Angel with "People Come To", from veteran soundman Kenny Knots we have "Unbreakable" and from the little-recorded Bob Skeng, a message to all rip-off producers with "Tek Caution". Topped off with a dub cut from Manasseh himself, the rhythm has a mid-80s digital feel to it in the tradition of labels such as Unity and Jah Tubbys.

The four cuts can be picked up on two 7" 45s or you can do what I did and download all four from Boomkat for £2.95. Click here to purchase and for sound samples.

On the subject of Manasseh, Emiliana Torrini's new single "Me and Armini" has got the Nick treatment and it sounds good to me. This isn't the first time the pair have worked together. Who can forget the remix of "Sunny Road" from a couple of years ago. In case you don't know what I am talking about, I have posted an udio clip below along with "Me and Armini"

That Time Of The Year

Indeed it's that time of the year again. Eat, drink, be merry and get "Fairytale Of New York" shoved down your throat at every given opportunity. It must be great to have a Christmas hit. You would never have to work again. Think of all that annual revenue from compilations and radio play. In fact wasn't Hugh Grant's character in the Nick Hornby book and film "About a Boy" living off his late dad's earnings.

"Fairytale of New York" was penned by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer, so I am quite confident that they are OK for a few bob, so it's the other members I feel sorry for. For this time of the year for the Pogues pantomime to be wheeled out once again.

The Pogues split in 1991 when Shane was already long gone (in all senses of the word)and then ten years later that got back together to be perform a series of concerts that proved very successful that they have been doing it pretty much every year since. Not actually existing as a band, so not writing or recording any new music, but just doing a few dates here and there, usually in December and playing the same old songs. Ching ching!

I have seen the Pogues a number of times over the years, notably at the National Kilburn, London 1986, "Picnic In The Park" in a tent in Finsbury Park, London 1987 which were exciting, chaotic, drunken and violent. They were two of the most memorable gigs that I ever attended

I did see a couple of the reunion gigs a few years ago and they were not a patch on those heady dates and seemed to be just going through the motions which was to be expected, but sill extremely talented musicians and songwriters, especially MacGowan who is surprisingly still with us.

They have left an arsenal of classic tunes. Some of my favourites are "Dark Streets Of London", "The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn", "The Body Of An American", "Thousands Are Sailing", "Turkish Song Of The Dammed", "Lullaby Of London". The list goes on. The first three albums - "Red Roses For Me", "Rum Sodomy and the Lash" and "If I Should Fall From Grace With God - are essential

The Pogues are currently finishing a 12 date tour.

Some classic clips for you:

Back With Jah Vengeance

Well it's been a while since I last "blogged", what with moving house and just general happening's preventing me from doing so. What with so much upheaval, it's been difficult to settle and listen to any music. And when I do get around to it I'm not really feeling it, what with trying to fend off thoughts about DIY.

In the meantime, enjoy one of many killer tunes by roots reggae legend Yabby You. This one features Trinity and is entitled "Jah Vengeance"