At the fag end of October, Clive and I attended the Islington Academy for the reunion of The Godfathers; sharp suited out of date psychedelic RnB south London types. I last saw them at Rock City at least 20 years ago, it was a cracking night. Mr Norman and I were anxious that they would be able to live up to their reputation now they must be in their late 40's, early 50's. Last year the Only Ones made a fairly convincing stab at a comeback, and have since disappeared again, and it remains to be seen whether this reunion is doomed to a similarly short lived fate.
Happily, the Godathers rocked as loud and hard as the old days, and they did seem fairly well preserved too - the odd paunch and balding pate, but which of us is untouched by the passing of time? They did all the old favourites, This Damn Nation, I Want Everything, and my personal highlight Walking Talking Johnny Cash Blues. A ripping night out, and I hope the renaissance continues for a proper tour.
Next outing was to Troxy in east London in the company of Graham and the Helster to see Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds. Splendid venue - a slightly jaded art deco bingo hall, very much suited to the stylings of Mr Cave. After enduring 20 odd minutes of what was very convincingly one of the most grindingly terrible support bands I have ever seen, we repaired to the merchandise stand and purchased a Nick cave tea towel, embroidered with the lyrics to The Mercy Seat. One of the less predictable merchandising opportunities, along with my Primal Scream 'Kill All Hippies' coffee mug.
Anyway...the gig was terrific, the atmosphere was good, enlivened by many drunken Australians. They played the pick of the new album, though nothing from the Grinderman incarnation, which was a little disappointing but I did see them do the whole album at ATP last year. They finished with Stagger Lee, a fantastic night.
Next up was last Friday's testifying with the Alabama 3 in Leeds Academy. Refreshed and energised by one or two libations in the pubs of Leeds, I was looking forward to this gig very much...and after loitering about at the sidelines I found myself making a bid for the front when they struck up 'Cocaine Killed My Community'. Even though the Mountain of Love was missing, the sound was great, the Reverend was behaving himself, and it was another splendid evening's devotions, even if they didn't play Mao Tse Tung Said.
