Tuesday, January 31, 2006

This week...

Greetings fellow humanistas!

There have been a fair few new addresses added to this list recently, so as well as the normal information about Unity and other events going on this week I've included a more general update on developments on a few exciting things locally.

So, what's on in this busy week?

Wednesday

There's a new (nearly) weekly punk promotion starting at the Fidds tomorrow. There is a four band line-up comprising Radicus, Portman, Short Warning (all the way from London) and Citizen Zero. Doors open at 7:30 and entrance is open to anyone aged 16+ with ID. Tax on the door is £4.

Thursday

This week's Unity at Fidds will see acoustic performances from Nick Thompson and the magnificent Irene Rae, as well as a one-off special instrumental show from the amazing Soulflower. Lewis Slack will be joining the usual line-up on saxophone and they will be performing their usual material in an instrumental style as well as treating us to Soulflower style live funk jams. On the decks throughout the night will be Playskool's own Instinct, and Shaggy if you have any energy left by that time of night Shaggy will finish the night with his dirty bassline breakbeat. Entrance is free before 9:15, £3 after.

Friday

On Friday Wake are travelling all the way up to Doncaster to play a 9pm slot at The Leopard. If you fancy a mission give them your support.

The Synergy Project is also on in London's SEOne club, check out http://synergyproject.org.uk for more information on this very special event. There is quite a rake of us going down for it, so if you're up for a different night out get in touch.

Saturday

This Saturday our good friends System Abuse are taking over the Limit (formerly known as the Starlight Suite) for a night of filthy drum & bass. This is an opportunity to hear and feel the 20K SA rig rocking it all at once for the first time since the Verve days! The party is a hook-up with producer Raiden's new label Offkey Recordings, who have just signed one of SA's own - Khanage. From 8pm till 10pm is a special hip-hop showcase featuring Dj Roldier (Speed of Sound) with the super-talented MC Xidus Pain.

If sleazy indie is more your thing the Indigo club night is on at Fidds. Entrance is £2 before 10pm and £4 after.

Or if you would like to see something live Wake are a bit closer to home, at The Crown on Lincoln Road. Always a good night.


Update on local developments

Muddy Promotions (the group behind the Grassroots events) are to be incorporated as a Community Interest Company within the next few weeks. This is like a limited company but means that the assets of the business belong to the community, so if the company is ever dissolved the assets must be passed to another Community group or sold and the money given to charity.

The Muddy website is up and running now too: http://muddypromotions.org.uk The form you need to complete for Muddy membership is available for download on the site and the forum will soon be fully operational.

The organisation of the Grassroots Festival is well under way with only around 20 weeks to go till the party goes boom! The necessary paperwork and legalities are now nearing their completion. Due to the kind of licence being obtained for this first year only 500 people including artists and crew will be allowed on site for the weekend, and those spaces are going to volunteers first. So if you would like to be there for the big party complete the membership form and be sure to tick the volunteer box.

The festival will have a main stage for bands, electronic live acts and DJ's of all styles and genres, and a separate village comprising a second music space (Hope Street's acoustic area in the day and Muddy's chillout at night) as well as food stalls, a cinema, awareness raising, and a central social area.

There is another all day Grassroots event taking place at Lisboa on Lincoln Road on Saturday 25th March. This will be an all-day and most of the night event with bands, DJ's,. acoustic acts, electronic live PA's, awareness raising and spoken word performances. Decor will be provided by the Muddy Arts collective. Tickets will be available soon.

If you need a little dose of Muddy magic before then there is a Muddy Promotions event taking place at the Brewery Tap on Saturday 4th March. Decor will be provided by the Muddy Arts heads and the line-up is a double bill of Opaque (launching their new album The Last Moustache) and Point of Origin (launching their new EP).

In other Muddy waters the Muddy Onion Community Centre is becoming fully functional as of 4th February. The rehearsal space is already being heavily used by bands and the building will eventually hold art studios, workshops, recording studios, a cafe accessible to Muddy members and the Muddy Promotions office. Funding applications are being made now to get the building heated and insulated properly and to purchase the equipment that users of the centre will need.

If you are interested in volunteering at the centre, have ideas for more things to do with/at the centre, or would like to make use of the rehearsal spaces/studios or whatever get in touch for more info.

Farewell till next time

Have a good week bredren.

Peace love and unity.

Monday, January 30, 2006

This Weeks Student Radio Chart

1. [1] Arctic Monkeys - When the Sun Goes Down (Domino)
2. [2] Editors - Munich (SonyBMG/Kitchenware)
3. [NE] Goldfrapp - Ride a White Horse (EMI/Mute)
4. [16] Maximo Park - I Want You to Stay (Warp)
5. [22] Fall Out Boy - Sugar We're Going Down (Universal/Mercury)
6. [29] Kubb - Grow (Universal/Mercury)
7. [3] The Kooks - You Don't Love Me (EMI/Virgin)
8. [8] Richard Ashcroft - Break the Night With Colour (EMI/Parlophone)
9. [26] The Magic Numbers - I See You, You See Me (EMI/Heavenly)
10. [NE] Belle & Sebastian - Funny Little Frog (Rough Trade)
11. [20] Corinne Bailey Rae - Put Your Records On (EMI)
12. [NE] Saucy Monky - I Touch Myself (Measured Records)
13. [10] Hard-Fi - Hard-Fi (Warner/Necessary)
14. [NE] El Presidente - Turn This Thing Around (SonyBMG)
15. [NE] The Crimea - Lottery Winners On Acid (Warner)
16. [11] Coldplay - Talk (EMI)
17. [19] The Go! Team - Ladyflash (Memphis Industries)
18. [17] The Strokes - Juicebox (Rough Trade)
19. [NE] Starsailor - This Time (EMI)
20. [NE] Test Icicles - What's Your Damage (Domino)
21. [NE] Dilated Peoples - Back Again (EMI/Parlophone)
22. [4] Madonna - Hung Up (Warner/Maverick)
23. [NE] Tinnka - Best of Me
24. [14] Mystery Jets - The Boy Who Ran Away (679)
25. [NE] Moby - Slipping Away (EMI/Mute)
26. [NE] Living Things - Bom Bom Bom (SonyBMG)
27. [RE] Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Is This Love (Wichita)
28. [NE] Bon Jovi - Welcome to Wherever You Are (Universal/Mercury)
29. [RE] Sigur Ros - Hippipolla (EMI)
30. [NE] Ashlee Simpson - Boyfriend (Universal/Geffen)

Saturday, January 28, 2006

Piper night

Saturday night at the Fidds was "Piper Night" entertaining the people with his keyboard skills, meanwhile down at The Beehive, Sacred Heart (bottom row of photo montage) were playing, they've promised to play at Unity sometime soon, so watch out for them. Posted by Picasa

Friday, January 27, 2006

NME Readers poll

NME has just published it's top 100 albums of all time and wouldn't you know it it's yet another reason why this sort of poll is a nonsense.
Here's the top ten:
1. The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
2. The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
3. Oasis - Definitely Maybe
4. Sex Pistols - Never Mind The Bollocks
5. Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
6. Blur - Modern Life Is Rubbish
7. Pulp - Different Class
8. The Clash - London Calling
9. The Beatles - Revolver
10. The Libertines - Up The Bracket

So we have in 5th place The Arctic Monkeys. How can an Album that was only released like last week be classed as the greatest album of all time? Surely a bit of water has to go under the bridge before a decision as crucial as this is made.
So take it for what it is, a bit of entertainment. If you want to look at the complete list it's in the NME which I believe is available at your newsagents.
Meanwhile Pete Doherty, Ex Libertines now Babyshambles, when he isn't in pokey, has been arrested yet again on drugs charges. It seems he saw flashing blue lights in his rear view and pulled over. The police were stopping the guy behind him and sauntered over to tell him he could go, but then thought better of it and nicked him anyway. Meanwhile due to Petes court appearences and other drug related activities Babyshambles is now effectively a three piece band. Especially as they've also lost a guitarist. Bit of a Shambles really.

Rock on Dudes

26th January 2006

What another great night at Unity, nearly a full house. This is "Cell 69", featuring Tommo on lead guitar and Vocals, Sven on Bass and Ifan on drums.
This montage is Columbian Necktie, and yes, they like a bit of the old columbian occasionally, featuring Neil Saunders on lead guitar and Vocals, Tom Seymour on Drums and Vocals, and Ben Hackney on Bass.
...and what you've been waiting for, the audience, featuring on lead vocals, my good friend, Trevor from Hooker, specially flown in for the event. Dee on lead inflateable guitar. And many more really nice people who didn't tell me their names. Or I forgot. Mea culpa.
Let me know if you prefer this new format or you'd like me to go back to the old one. If there's anything you'd like to see on the website let me know. Someone who shall remain nameless suggested naked people. I said only if there's volounteers. I don't mind taking the photos. It's Art OK?

Rock on mes dudes et bien tot

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Pixie Skins


Emma who organised the evening at the Solstice. A night of art music and er... more music.
Here's some of the art on display.
And here's the people who performed on the night,well most of them, apologies to who ever I've missed out, sorry James.

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

The Synergy Project


hello:)

we are going who else is?:)

anyone considering going to synergy should get their tickets pre bought to avoid the long queue, buy them direct from synergy @

http://www.thesynergyproject.org

next event section i tink..

also train wise WAGN are doing a 4 for 2 offer and GNER are doing a deal where if u buy singles it is much cheaper. Myself n shaggy have been quoted £39.40 for both us. Anyone who is interested in coming let me know n we'll try n organize mass mash up:)

peace n light

tasha

Monday, January 23, 2006

The Coming Week

Greetings energy vortices within the multi-verse!

It's been a strange few days for the community. Urb smashed the 84 hour world record for longest DJ mix to smithereens and was still managing to smile at us by time he fell out the doors of Fidds and hobbled home. A huge congratulations to the man himself and a thanks on his behalf to everyone who turned up and showed there support during the many days that he stood tiredly at the decks.


So, what's next?

Unity

This week's Unity has a huuuuuge line-up!

Our acoustic act is Chris Barrie, returning to the Unity stage after his debut appearance a few months back. Original material and covers in a melodic indie styling.

We have two bands - Cell 69 (quality rock band - not too light - not too heavy) and Columbian Necktie (I really don't know what to expect from these guys....but I have a feeling they're gonna be fun).

Our DJ for the night is Jim from Growsystems who'll be laying down reggae/funk/hip-hop grooves to swing your asses to.

Our electronic act has unfortunately been forced to cancel but will be replaced with a special guest.....

As always the night will begin with the now famous Unity Jam, it'll be free before 9:15, £3 after and will be full of happy people grinning and larking about p*ss-headedly.

See you there.

Other events

Wednesday sees the first night for a new promotion at the Solstice called Pixie Skin. It's a Jazz/World focused night with an international art exhibition incorporated into it. There will be live music and DJ's and lots of friendly bods, so come and show your support for a new night doing something different. Entrance is by voluntary donation to a Age Concern.

On Thursday James Chadwick is playing at the Met Lounge on the acoustic night - always a treat. It's a shame it clashes with Unity or else I'd be there.

Friday you're just spoilt for choice as well:

Circus are playing in Bogarts which is bound to be a good'un. Probably their last gig before a little break too.

Meanwhile (and afterwards) The Modal Monks, Point Seven Pistols and Yo Yeti are playing at Fidds, with Urb resuming his position on the decks (as if he hasn't played long enough.....pure hardcore that boy!)

On Saturday Playskool return to the Fidds for a night of cutting edge underground beats and breaks to make you jump about, dance and grin alot.

Also on Saturday Opaque and Jam is hitting Bogarts again.

So - a busy one all round.

Till next time - peace love and unity.

www.play-skool.org.uk
www.systemabuse.co.uk
www.boro-bands.co.uk

Sunday, January 22, 2006

Saturday Night/Sunday morning

DJ Urb still rocking the joint as he prepares to break the world record for Club DJ mixing. 84 hours. Yes folks, this is the man after 3 days without sleep and still laying down the grooves. This photo taken 10:00pm Saturday night. Our man intends to keep going until Sunday midday to smash the record. Posted by Picasa

Friday, January 20, 2006

World Record Club DJ Mix

DJ Urb 35 hours into his world record breaking attempt at Club DJ mixing.
Fellow DJ Martin Porter, who is staying for the duration, recording every track played. To be a valid world record claim, everything must be witnessed and recorded. Klayr, DJ Urbs sister, was taking witness statements from the audience and the whole event is being recorded on video.
Meanwhile the Unity crowd were enjoying every minute. But who's going to stay up until stupid o'clock to keep on dancing. Part of the rules is that at any one time at least one person MUST be dancing. So if you've got your dancing shoes on get down to The Fiddlers Elbow we need your support. You can be part of this world record.

Ian Carey, our sound Engineer, who after work commitments, will be there 24/7 until the end. Which will be sometime Saturday, so get down there, show your support. keep our boy encouraged. A world record is not down to just one person. It can't happen without your encouragement and support. We need you to be part of this.

...and here you are...
Rock on dudes until next week.

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

World Record Club DJ mix

Greetings bodkins!

It's a different one all round this week!

Unity regular Urb is attempting the world record for the longest club Dj mix, which currently stands at 84 hours!! He is making his attempt at Fidds and this will run through the Unity time slot. During the Unity night Urb will play a long session of what you will have heard him play in his previous slots, and there will be keyboards and hand percussion to allow people to jam with him - keping it live and keeping it free as you'd expect.

Urb started at 11am this morning and will go through the record late on Saturday night. You can keep up with his progress at http://systemabuse.co.uk/worldrecord

Fidds is open 11am till 2am every day for as long as he is still going. Entrance will be free until 9pm and then it will be £3 after. A portion of this money and the sponsorship Urb has gathered will be going towards the very worthwhile cause of St Theresa's homeless shelter.

Please come along during the Unity timeslot and any other time you can to support this mean feat! All the unity crew wish Urb much luck in this undertaking.

Next week we are back to a more normal Unity with a huge line-up! But i'll tell you about that later in the week....

That's all I know of for this weekend - but there's some exciting stuff going on next week. Again, more details to follow.....

For now that's all folks.

Peace love and unity.

Monday, January 16, 2006

Muddy Promotions Announcements

To each and every one of you, thank you for your support.

(am I laying it on a bit thick?)



2005 saw the growth of the Peterborough music scene almost beyond recognition. With the setting up of Muddy Promotions and the cohesion and collaboration of groups such as Unity (every Thursday nights at The Fiddlers Elbow), System Abuse (Wed 18th – Sat 21st DJ Urb will be going for the world record attempt at the longest continuous DJ set. Please Go and show your support), Drip-Dry Productions and many others.



The success of nights such as Unity and Opaque&Jam brought musicians closer together. Bands like Point Of Origin, Circus, James Chadwick, Julian Stone and too many more that I shouldn’t of started this, started jamming together. It also began the fusion of electronic music nights with rock and reggae and funk and folk, and saw some of the best alternative nights I’ve ever seen in Peterborough. The last twelve months saw Opaque record our debut studio album, “The Last Moustache”, which will be set for release in February through Drip-Dry Productions. Having built up close ties with groups such as The Secret Garden Festival, Earth Heart and Synergie, 2006 promises to be an amazing year.



GrassRoots Festival, June 23rd –25th 2006

We at Muddy Promotions (www.muddypromotions.org.uk) are putting on a three day alternative music and arts festival on June 23rd - 25th of next year. The festival is to be called The GrassRoots Festival and will be a located on a farm just outside of stamford (exact location to be kept secret untill closer to the event).

.

Due to the type of license we are applying for this year the numbers are restricted to 500 people. It is more than likely due to the popular nature of the event that it will only be opened to Muddy Promotions members, you have been warned. The festival is organised by the people for the people so do get involved. It is not publically funded and is a non profit making organisation. We will need as much help as you can give us. All performers will be asked to help out with stewarding etc. We will at present also have to charge everyone an intial £5 membership and £20 for a ticket.



If you'd like to join Muddy Promotions either as a performer or a member, or would like to come to next years festival then please send this Application form along with £5 to Muddy Promotions, 21 Henry St, Peterborough, PE1 2QG. By filling out the application but not paying the fee you will become an associate member and will receive updates but will not be entitled to the privalages of muddy membership (inc discounted events entry and festival participation/entry). Please contact me for more info..


Opaque Gigs in January

Unsigned Showcase 2005 Semi final – Sat 21st Jan

The fountain – 125 West Green Road, London N15.

On Stage 9pm. £5 Adm. P’boro return minibus £5.



Opaque&Jam (open mic) – Sat 28th Jan.

Bogarts – North St, P’boro.

8pm til 11pm, Free Adm.

Friday, January 13, 2006

More Pics from 12th Jan


Thursday 12th January 2006

Oh boy! I'm mucking this one up tonight. This is not how I usually do the photos on this site so be patient with me it's been a long day. The pictures are in no particular order. I'm sorry. But what a great night. Culminating in an Ad Hoc supergroup comprising Moonie, Vince, James Chadwick and others; an event not to be missed.

Thursday 12th January 2006

Thursdat 12th January 2006

Alexa and Ali

The Moonie Chadwick Experience

Moonie James Chadwick and Nicky on Vocals.

Nicky

The Vince Chadwick Experience

This was one of those nights when everything just came together and magical things happened.

James

Look this is James now scroll down to see James as he was long ago. I booked him and his then Band The Kidnaps to play the Wheatsheaf Eastfield Road. It was the night after they'd won the battle of the band competition at The Fidds.

Archive shot Mike Da hat

But before the James Archive shot. Here's Mike Da Hat, as you've never seen him before, at the Folkesworth Music fest. August 2004.
The conversation went "What you play guitar? You never said."
"No one ever asked."

Archive The Kidnaps

OK here's James with thKidnaps at the Wheatsheaf Eastfield Road. Recognise anyone else? Julian Stone on Bass perhaps? Without beard. This was taken June 2004.

Point Seven Pistol

Point Seven Pistol.

Thursday 12th January 2006

How many times do I have to apologise to Paul for not being there when he's playing. I missed him at the Muddy promotions gig at The Crown and missed him again tonight.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

The Brit Awards

The nominations for the Brit Awards are now out for those of you interested, they are as follows:

British Male Solo Artist
Antony and the JohnsonsIan BrownJames BluntRobbie WilliamsWill Young

British Female Solo Artist
Charlotte ChurchKate BushKatie MeluaKT TunstallNatasha Bedingfield

British Group
ColdplayFranz FerdinandGorillazHard-FiKaiser Chiefs

MasterCard British Album
Coldplay X&Y • Gorillaz Demon Days • James Blunt Back To Bedlam • Kaiser Chiefs Employment • Kate Bush Aerial

British Single
Coldplay Speed Of Sound • James Blunt You’re Beautiful • Shayne Ward That’s My Goal • Sugababes Push The Button • Tony Christie Ft. Peter Kay (Is This The Way To) Amarillo

British Breakthrough Act
Arctic MonkeysJames BluntKaiser ChiefsKT TunstallThe Magic Numbers

British Urban Act
Craig DavidDizzee RascalKanoLemarMs Dynamite

British Rock Act
Franz FerdinandHard-FiKaiser ChiefsKasabianOasis

British Live Act
ColdplayKaiser ChiefsFranz FerdinandKT TunstallOasis

Pop Act
James BluntKatie MeluaKelly ClarksonMadonnaWestlife

International Male Solo Artist
BeckBruce SpringsteenJack JohnsonJohn LegendKanye West

International Female Solo Artist
BjörkKelly ClarksonMadonnaMariah CareyMissy Elliot

International Group
Arcade FireBlack Eyed PeasGreen DayU2White Stripes

International Album
Arcade Fire Funeral • Green Day American Idiot • Kanye West Late Registration • Madonna Confessions On A Dancefloor • U2 How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb

International Breakthrough Act
Arcade FireDaniel PowterJack JohnsonJohn LegendPussycat Dolls
Outstanding Contribution to Music
Paul Weller

The award ceremony will be held 15th February at Earls Court.

UNity News

This week we've got some looverly stuff to lift your spirits on a cold Thursday this week.

Our acoustic maestro will be Paul Errington. You may have had the pleasure of seeing Paul play at the Grassroots Action Day, if not don't miss it this time around.

The Point Seven Pistols are coming to Unity with a full band line-up for the first time to rock the joint (am I allowed to use that word in the mailout?) One of the best up-and-coming rock bands in the city.
Our DJ in between and afterwards will be T-Junky, who will be playing funky grooves for your aural pleasure.

As always of course the Unity jam will start us on the right track and entrance will be free before 9:15.

Other stuff

Wake are being busy boys in January:

15/01/06 (Sun)The PenthouseSleafordStart: 9pm17/01/06 (Tue)The Axe & CleaverBostonStart: 8:30pm18/01/06 (Wed)The JailhouseCoventryStart: 9pm

Saturday night sees the return of Playskool to the Fidds. A night of friendly and up-for-it insanity to the backdrop of funky house, breaks, psy-trance, hard acid trance and nu-energy hardcore. Only £2 if you get there before 10pm, £4 after.

That's all I'm aware of for this week,don't forget if you want details of your gigs or promotions to be included on this mailout just give me the details.

Finally, The Fidds is hosting a new punk promotion at the start of February - check out the attached flyer.

Grassroots News

After an extended break for Xmas and New Year the Muddy Arts team are reconvening this Sunday for a meeting and creating session. If you are a visual artist using any kind of media and would like to get involved email us for more details.

On a very different request our good friend Mick has arrived back in the city with his converted coach home but has nowhere he can park it to live on for a while. If anybody has any suggestions please get in touch. Thanks.

That's all for this week.

Peace love and unity.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Best of 2005???

The British Phonograph Industry has just published last years top selling Album and Singles charts

2005's Top-Selling Albums:
1. James Blunt - Back to Bedlam (Warner/Atlantic)
2. Coldplay - X&Y (EMI/Parlophone)
3. Robbie Williams - Intensive Care (EMI/Chrysalis)
4. Kaiser Chiefs - Employment (B Unique)
5. Gorillaz - Demon Days (EMI/Parlophone)
6. Westlife - Face to Face (Sony-BMG)
7. KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope (EMI/Relentless)
8. Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway (SonyBMG/RCA)
9. Eminem - Curtain Call - The Hits (Universal/Interscope)
10. Faithless - Forever Faithless - The Greatest Hits (SonyBMG/Cheeky)

Well no surprises there and in fact no surprises in the next list either of Singles sales. It's just a little depressing that the likes of Crazy Frog manage to command so many sales. I know so many people who say "music was much better in my day". Well it wasn't. There was just as much crap in the sixties seventies eighties and nineties as there is now, and as there will be in twenty years time.

2005's Top-Selling Single Tracks:
1. Tony Christie featuring Peter Kay - (Is This The Way To) Amarillo(Universal)
2. Shayne Ward - That's My Goal (SonyBMG)
3. Crazy Frog - Axel F (Gut/Gusto)
4. James Blunt - You're Beautiful (Warner/Atlantic)
5. Pussycat Dolls ft. Busta Rhymes - Don't Cha (Universal/A&M)
6. McFly - All About You/ You've Got A Friend (Universal/Island)
7. Akon - Lonely (Universal)
8. Madonna - Hung Up (Warner/Maverick)
9. Westlife - You Raise Me Up (Sony-BMG)
10. Sugababes - Push The Button (Universal/Island)

so while you're sitting back with your walkman believing you are living the golden age of rock and roll, just remember, you have to wade through a lot of crap to get to the good stuff. Always was, always will be.

Rock on dudes

Friday, January 06, 2006

Greetings bredrens!

After a very disorganised week in the post-new year haze that was we finally get a mail out to you! Thanks to everyone who showed up last night regardless of the lack of promotion - a good night was had by all with fantastic tunes from Nick Brooks, Choppa, Mesh and a special guest appearance from Acer who turned up for a night on the p*ss and agreed to do a couple for us.

Anyways, tonight Fidds is hosting The Drum Extravaganza. This is after the big success of a similar experiment at Unity a few weeks ago - of you missed it then don't miss this one tonight - guaranteed good times! I won't give you any more clue what to expect but make sure you stick around till after 12pm for the grand finale! Wow!

Also, we are having a meeting about Unity tomorrow to discuss the night and how it is going and where we want to go now. We want ideas for new stuff to try and more ideas on promo and stuff like that. If you can make it it would be great to see anyone interested in Unity - it is at The Glass Onion on Burghley Road in Peterborough. This place is no longer open as a pub but if you knock on the side door we'll get someone to let you in. Meeting is at 4pm.

Finally Wake are playing in London on Monday and would appreciate the support of their community. If you can make it please contact them via their website http://listentowake.com for info on time place and travel prospects.

Till next time - peace love and unity to all, and a big happy new year. 2006 is gonna be a good one!



That's all for now folks.

BBC Sound of 2006 Poll

The full top ten of the BBC's Sound Of 2006 poll is out. This is the survey that questions 100 odd music pundit types as to what new artists they are most excited about at the start of each year - and as a general rule many of the artists listed in the final top ten go on to do very well in the following twelve months - The Bravery, Bloc Party, The Game, Kaiser Chiefs, KT Tunstall and The Magic Numbers all appeared last year.
This years predictions are as follows:

1. Corinne Bailey Rae
2. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
3. The Feeling
4. Plan B
5. Guillemots
6. Sway
7. Chris Brown
8. Marcos Hernandez
9. Kubb
10. The Automatic

So in view of the Beeb setting the precedent. Unity invites you to give us your own predictions for the coming year. Who do you think is going to Wow us in 2006?
Vote us up. In the comments below or the shout box on the right.

Thursday 5th January 2006

First up tonight the fabulous Nick Brooks. A newcomer to the Unity fold.
Next up all the way from Bristol the incomparable "Chopper" AKA Gav.
Our host Ian gets everywhere.
Then, and this is where all you guys who didn't turn up are gonna kick yourselves, because, the amazing "Acer" rocked the house.
Featuring Dave on lead guitar......
...Damo on lead vocals...
...Rob on bass guitar, celebrating the anniversary of his first year with Acer...
...and finally John on drums. You want more? Here it is...
..Dave and Damo...
,,and I don't care how good they were, they always end up in the gutter.
Finally "Mesh" featuring...
..John on Bass. Where have you seen him before? Dr A's Blues Consortium perhaps?
...and Neil on drums who seems to turn up in every band I see just recently. Including Dr A’s and The Hinge.
...on lead guitar Swampy... ...and finally on lead vocals and guitar Dave.

Oh yes watch out in the Evening Telegraph for a feature on the Lovely Rebecca Clamp who played at Unity on the 12th December 2005 and has released her new album "Nocturnal Leaps" available from her website, or at her gigs which, unfortunately for us, will be in Finland from now on. We wish her well.

We at Unity wish you all a Happy New Year.

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Top Albums of All Time???

Those lovely people at Q magazine have published their list of the Greatest Albums of all time, which is quite a claim. There's always a problem compiling this sort of list as it's always biased toward the demograph of the people voting, in this case Q magazine readers, who are likely to be average age of 28 and male. So for what it's worth here's the top twenty albums. See if you agree. If you want the top 100 you'd better buy the magazine.

1. Radiohead - OK Computer
2. Radiohead - The Bends
3. Nirvana - Nevermind
4. The Beatles - Revolver
5. Oasis - Definitely Maybe
6. The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses
7. R.E.M. - Automatic For The People
8. Oasis - (What's The Story) Morning Glory?
9. U2 - Achtung Baby
10. Radiohead - Kid A
11. U2 - The Joshua Tree
12. The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead
13. Jeff Buckley - Grace
14. The Beatles - Abbey Road
15. Pink Floyd - The Dark Side Of The Moon
16. The Verve - Urban Hymns
17. The Beatles - The Beatles
18. The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
19. The Beatles - Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band
20. The Clash - London Calling