Wed 29 Jul – Doves, The Middle East
http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnmdoyle/3768705681/
The Middle East were decent though it felt like everyone in the band wanted a shot at the front (except the one guitarist who seemed to face away from the audience the entire set). And one of the leads screamed a bit too much. Still, I heard enough to convince me that they might be something I'd like to listen to at home so in that way they win.
I've never seen Doves live before but have heard they were good. They were good. A band that seems to know how…

Currently have Colin Macintyre's Island on constant repeat. Very much loving it. It's pared back and less jolly than his previous outings but I love it even more because of that. A bit more folky too and Samuel Dempster R.I.P. is one of the saddest songs I've ever heard.

I gave in and finally got an iPod. All that means is that my profile will be updated an awful lot more now.

…the Dirty Pretty Things album. And the new Muse one, even Knights of Cydonia which, with any other band, I'd feel too embarrassed to like.
That is all.

Listened to Vic Galloway's show on BBC Radio Scotland from Monday on the Internet. Had to listen as my brother works with someone in a band called Down the Tiny Steps who were appearing live on it. I listened to their three songs and, after getting over the stupid-sounding lead singers voice, I really liked their stuff. Can't get any downloads for them yet. They have some songs streaming on their site from a gig at the moment and they're well worth checking out… http://www.downthetinysteps.co.uk/
Also heard Swimmer One with their song Largs Hum. Can't help being over-enamoured by it.…

Started listening to Looper today after an article on the BBC News Website about them making loads of money by allowing their tune Mondo '77 to be used on Xerox adverts. Anyway, they have nine tracks available on their website (http://www.looperama.com/) which I downloaded. Really like them. Some are like Belle and Sebastian before I started hating them (strong word, I just don't like them as much as I used to though they still come out with an occasional really good song). Will have to buy some of their normal releases now.