Music

Today is the 18 May 2020 and marks the 40th anniversary of when Ian Curtis took his own life so I was pleased to see that Bernard Sumner and Stephen Morris are remembering the event - ‘Moving through Silence’ I grew up in South Manchester and it’s hard to describe how important music and football were during my formative years. I never saw Joy Division play live but some of my schoolmates did (‘He did this weird dance’). However, I have visited Curtis’ memorial in Macclesfield cemetery. ...

I was in a fog, I didn’t notice everything Was coming all apart inside of me There wasn’t anyway for anyone to settle in You made a slow disaster out of me There’s a radiant darkness upon us I don’t want you to worry I was careful but nothing is harmless Baby, you better hurry You were a kindness when I was a stranger But I wouldn’t ask for what I didn’t need Everything’s weird and we’re always in danger Why would you shatter somebody like me? ...

People often write in and ask ‘Norman - just what is this mysterious “Music For Sheep” playlist of which you speak ?’ ‘Music For Sheep’ is my favourite music playlist of all time. It has provided solace and hope during some pretty bleak times. The playlist is ironically named as a tribute to all the social music sharing services like Spotify and last.fm which encourage sharing of your favourite bands, music and playlists. This is a novelty for 12 minutes but, ultimately a bit irrelevant because, as I remarked way back in 2006: ...

This is part 2 of an interview with Kathryn and Daniel from ‘I Am Not Left Handed’. The first part ‘That Was Then’ is available here. This might seem like (another) weird question but then again I am slightly weird myself. I realise you’re a relatively young band but are they any songs of your own that you don’t like and would not contemplate playing live ? Maybe early songs that you have now outgrown. Or are you fiercely proud of everything you’ve ever produced ? ...

OK - let’s get the boring stuff out of the way. How did you all meet and form the band ? Please don’t tell me you posted an ad in ‘Melody Maker’. D: Kathryn and I met in Dublin, we were working on a summer course together. We both played in different bands at the time, I was fronting my own band, Coyote Blue, and Kathryn was playing keys and singing backing vocals with some friends of hers. We’d been staying up late at night with the other counsellors, a few of whom were musicians too, and there were guitars floating around, but Kathryn kept refusing any chance to accept the guitar and play a song. ...

‘I Am Not Lefthanded’ are a band who produce the most wonderful music. The band are a three piece - mainly from Ireland - and the lineup is: Kathryn - vocals, guitar, piano Daniel - bass, vocals Benji - drums ‘I Am Not Lefthanded’ have released a couple of EP’s and are currently putting the finishing touches to their first album - ‘The Fire And The Sigh’. It’s hard to categorise ‘I Am Not Lefthanded’ but they produce beautiful melodies with the most fantastic vocals and lyrics. The band’s music and videos are available on their site so have a listen and make your own mind up. ...

Last week, I went to see The National at Brixton Academy. Twice. Both shows were great (Monday just shaded it) and the band resurrected a rarely played classic ‘Lit Up’ (one of my all-time favourite National songs) on both nights which was an unexpected and brilliant bonus. I’d been eagerly waiting for these dates to come around since I saw the band on election night back in May at the Royal Albert Hall. ...

They would probably produce Bryan Devendorf of The National. Plays the drums barefooted. Takes the demo tapes and composes the drum sections. Writes intelligently. Drums immaculately. Performs his own, separate soundcheck. All things considered, I’m very glad I’ll be witnessing The National live again at the Brixton Academy on Wednesday 1 December.

After weeks of anticipation, the day finally dawned - Thursday 6 May and The National’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I’ve been to the Albert Hall once before when I went to see Cirque de Soleil. On that occasion, I was wearing a jacket and tie (family birthday) and was perched precariously in the upper circle which gave me vertigo. I had some reservations about seeing a proper concert here and had disconcerting images of posh people in dinner jackets, sitting down, politely applauding an acoustic set. Anyway, I got the tube to High St. Kensington, stopped off at the Goat Tavern for a quick drink en route.and then made my way to the famous venue next to Imperial College. ...

Those 2010 Brit Awards in full: British male solo artist - Dizzee Rascal British female solo artist - Lilly Allen British breakthrough act - JLS British group - Kasabian British Album - Florence & the Machine - Lungs British Single - Beat Again (JLS) International male solo artist - Jay-Z International female solo artist - Lady GaGa International album - Lady GaGa - The Fame Outstanding contribution to music - Robbie Williams …and Liam Gallagher swearing and throwing a microphone into the audience. Who said rock’n’roll is dead ? I bet Joe Strummer is turning in his grave. ...