Vini Back On Stage Despite Stroke

Well, I haven't blogged about the Durutti Column for some time (or about anything for that matter), so it's time to correct such an unpleasant situation with some unpleasant but not very current news. Vini Reily suffered a minor stroke a few weeks ago which affected one side of his body. He discharged himself from hospital a few days later and is now reportedly making a recovery, but to what extent remains to be seen. The good news is that he will play a show at the Purcell Room, South Bank Centre, London on the 20th of October. The event is "Paul Morley - The Tony Wilson Interviews". I am not sure what type of set, or for how long Vini will play for. I will be attending despite my reluctance for any Mr.Morley related-matters but it should be an interesting evening regardless.

Some classic Durutti to wet appeties:

Rhythmites - Stand Strong

Good news! A couple of months ago Rhythmites finally got around to releasing their second album 21 years after the debut "Integration" in 1989. The Somerset-based reggae band have been occasionally active on the festival scene over the last few years, so this new set comes a big surprise.

"Stand Strong" feature some new songs "Fill I Up", "Consciousness" and "Dreamsworld" with some re-recorded tracks that have appeared on EP's over the years like "Rootsy", "Paranormal Dub", and revisit to the classic "A True". The former lead singer Angus is now long gone, replaced with a throatier, gruffer and occasionally out-of-tune gent called Dennis. But they are still the same band with killer horns, with non-threatening guitar solos and the trademark didgeridoo.

Really, this isn't a patch on "Integration" but then I never expected it to be. But it will do, because it's so rare to hear such a competent reggae band with well crafted songs with tight arrangements in this age of computer rhythms. All hail Rhythmites!

Here is a raw clip of the band performing at the launch party in Bath earlier on this year.