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Manu Chao

Went to see Manu Chao last night in Brixton. One of the first nights out with Kaz was Manu Chao at Shepherds Bush almost exactly 6 years ago. That night the crowd was full of Spanish, French and Latin Americans and not many Brits. The place smelled like a dope dealer's convention. Things have changed a bit in the last 6 years; his audience (in this country at least) has become a lot bigger, whiter, British and middle class. Also gone with the smoking ban is the smell. Not quite the same.

Manu put on a good show. A shame that getting a drink at Brixton Academy is such a chore (three bar staff serving about 1000 people!) and it's not really helpful closing the Victoria line at 10:30. Still, a good gig.

Purple Rain

We went to see Prince on Friday at the 20,000 capacity o2 arena, which is bigger than most places we go to concerts at by about 19,750 people. A strange show with bits of brilliance rather marred by a lack of momentum and lacklustre ending. Good dancers though.

People We Love #1

Went to see Howe Gelb again last night. We love Howe, the man is just a genius. I like this video because last night he was saying how he never gets the chance to write songs anymore because he is in a generational sandwich with his children and his parents living with him, so his time between interruptions has gone down from 12 minutes to 9 minutes. Judging from this video, 9 minutes is a bit optimistic....

Coincidence?

Is it just a coincidence that England start playing much better as soon as Frank Lampard doesn't play?

Bobby Byrd RIP

Sad news that Bobby Byrd has died. Known mainly for his work with James Brown, but also this great record. He was also the man that did most of the vocals on Sex Machine. Some legacy.

Lynda LaPlante

I can't say I was ever a huge Lynda LaPlante fan, but after listening to the overtly racist, offensive trash that was coming out of her mouth on the radio today, I'll make sure I give anything else she is connected with a wide berth. You can listen to a quite extraordinary piece of radio by clicking here and listening to Robert Elms' Monday show.