The Cavern

I spent last night in Mathew Street in Liverpool. This is of course 'where it all started'. The mass hysteria that would follow the Fab Four for the rest of the lives began in this narrow street. It also launched many other famous names Lulu, Cilla, The Merseybeats, to name a few.

Back in the day (according to regular Cavern goers my mum and Aunt), the street was a dirty, rat infested, squalid and altogether not very attractive part of town. The narrow pavements were raised and you balanced along them trying not to plunge into the general mess and yuck on the road.

Thankfully the rats have gone and these days, Mathew Street is pedestrianised with clean flagstones and glass fronted shops. Starting at the bottom end you pass a plethora of 70's, 80's and 'hip and trendy' places. A few short steps takes you past The Grapes (where the Fab Four consumed many a drink), Lennon's Bar and the original entrance to the Cavern which has taken on an almost shrine like quality. Eventually you find yourself at the top of Mathew Street with a choice - head left and down the stairs to the Cavern Club or head right down the stairs to the Cavern Pub. Neither will disappoint.

The Cavern Pub and Club are still regular hosts to a range of bands new and old. The names that have graced the tiny stage in the Cavern Club are remarkable. To all musicians, it is like the MECCA of venues. To play on this hallowed stage is something to aspire to.

Realistically, the venues are small, poky, dark and in the Cavern Club the view is obscured on a regular basis by the arches. In the summer the heat is intense and the walls run with condensation. In the winter it is a bit of a draft ridden tunnel. And yet....this building is part of our musical heritage.

As an avid fan of live music, I still get a buzz from watching bands perform here. Which is stupid really because the Cavern Club today is just a replica of the one they pulled down a mere 200 foot to the right of the existing club. But despite this, the history, magic and creative energy appears to have embedded itself in these bricks too. And for a few glorious hours you can lose yourself in the music and imagine you are back in a time that kick started the musical revolution in this country. Even the rats were rocking!

Long live the Cavern!

So Far, So Splendid....

Having spent the best part of a week moving furniture from one end of the country to the other and packing up the contents of our creative and imaginative lives, Warlock and I have finally moved in to the new house.

In true Music lover style, the CD's are already arranged A-Z and the stereo has pride of place. Our sitting room is looking mighty fine if I do say so myself. Anyone walking in to discover 'who would live in a house like this?' would have no trouble identifying two music fanatics! As well as the CD collection and stereo, we have enough Music inspired Art work to open a gallery and charge people to look around.

So imagine my horror when I returned last night to find that someone had tampered with some of my CD's, Bob Dylan had become mixed up with Beth Rowley! How had this happened.

The cricket lads were round and previously, they have thought I'm a pretty laid back kind of girl. The Jekyll and Hyde moment was about to convince them otherwise...

"Who has been messing with my CD's?" I announced in a voice that Daddy Bear could only have dreamt of.

Three guilty faces looked back at me, three slightly worse for wear men were reduced to little boy status, three grown men were united in pointing the finger of guilt at the member of the party who had already left! We'll be having words next time he pops round.....

Sensing the level of stress, my lovely other half quickly handed me a glass of red and the evening was saved from utter ruin - but only just!!!

More Than This

For once, this gig loving, music devotee is going to write about the former in a negative way!

I know, it's a shock. But unfortunately it has to be done.

Twice, in the last 3 months, I have been let down by the one thing that is normally there through thick and thin. Unbelievably, I have been to two gigs at great venues, with world renowned artists and I have been disappointed. No worse, than disappointed. I have been left feeling apathetic, flat and totally uninterested.

The first of these events was back in May. I'm a huge Weller fan. Over the years he has written some of the the finest songs this country has produced. You Do Something To Me remains one of my all time favourite songs, so much so that if I ever venture into the world of marriage that will be my first dance song and the groom will just have to lump it. But lets return to the gig in hand. Having booked the tickets months in advance, my good mate Warlock and I had been looking forward to a great set in the stunning surroundings of the Albert Hall.

Unfortunately, for us, Mr Weller had other ideas. The musicianship was still there, the stage setting was great, the violin chorus were gorgeous and glam...it should have been brilliant. But it wasn't! Fair enough, he wanted to promote the new album but the fans expect some of the old classics too. When eventually Weller broke into You Do Something To Me, Warlock and I exchanged a look and thought all would be forgiven. But no even this was a disaster. The stunning solo that is the piece de resistance in this sublime little song was completely and utterly left out!!! Why? Why? Why?

Bewildered and a little annoyed we left the gig early! Unheard of!

And now to the second gig of doom....Yesterday found me in the beautiful Victoria Park in East London. The sun was shining, I was in the company of my gig going London mates Huw and Rich and the headliners were Roxy Music. Having enjoyed a truly amazing and energetic set from Grand Master Flash we headed to the main stage ready to be wowed by Mr Ferry and co.

Again, the setting was great (outdoor gigs really do have a great atmosphere), the crowd were ready to kick back and enjoy a set from an internationally successful group. The opening song was ok but the rest of the set consisted of an hour of lesser known, dreary, uninspiring numbers. There's no doubt, Bryan Ferry can still sing and he still has bundles of charisma. And, yes the saxophonist got to showcase his very real talent but we wanted the old favourites. Where was Love is the Drug? Avalon? Dance Away? Disgusted, I left early, again!

And this is exactly why these two amazing artists failed their audiences. Loyal and long standing fans should not be treated this way. Sure, show off your new material - afterall we are likely to be the ones buying it. But please, please give us something in return.

A great set list should contain a mix of old and new that is guraranteed to make the crowd want more. Well certainly 'more than this'!

The Top Ten...for now!

Ok this blog is a combination of sheer indulgence and work avoidance!

I am currently writing my end of year reports and with the best will in the world it is tedious beyond belief! At times like this I find myself easily distracted - the bathroom taps get scrubbed in a way that wouldn't normally happen, the cooker is cleaned with a toothbrush, my wardrobe gets sorted out. I also find myself thinking about things that are really nothing to do with little Joe Blogg's progress in numbers.

And so this blog is a pure moment of selfish enjoyment for me. I'm going to write about music. It's a tough job but someone has to do it!

When I woke up this morning I started to ponder on my all time ten favourite albums. These kind of things are always hard to find a definitive answer to. Album choices can be determined by so much - mood, events, time of day etc but I thought I'd give it my best shot.

Everyone has their own definition of a Top Ten album. We all have different elements that are essential if the album is to make it onto this hallowed list. For me I define this as the albums I play most regularly. Or if my brain can't think, they are the ones I reach for on automatic pilot, knowing full well they won't let me down.

And so here it is, in no particular order, my Top Ten Albums of all time.

1. Air - Moon Safari. Sublime, relaxing, chilled, sexy, perfect for any occasion. Enough said!

2. Zero 7 - Simple Things. Another sexy, relaxing, chilled out album with vocals an instruments that are from another world.

3. The Beatles - Abbey Road. A classic album containing one of my all time favourite tracks 'Here Comes the Sun' amongst other great gems. And just the album cover alone is worth having!

4. Gomez - Bring It On. A superb debut album from a local grown talent who are a great festival band. Smart, witty, funny lyrics full of dry Northern humour.

5. Radiohead - The Bends. Melancholy, angst ridden, with fantastic lyrics and some great opening chords.

6. JJ Cale - 5. A fairly recent acquisition of mine but one that is rarely off the stereo. This is like a time travelling machine for me as it makes me imagine myself back in the times when hippy peace and goodwill ruled.

7. Kings of Leon - Only By the Night. A modern day classic. A great driving CD. Loud, brash, naughty. Love it!

8. Carole King - Tapestry. Another classic from a prolific writer who has influenced and written for many great acts. Oh to have just a snippet of her talent!

9. Maximo Park - Our Earthly Pleasures. Another great live band with a charismatic front man. A great album with witty, clever and poignant lyrics.

10. The Doors - Greatest Hits. I know, I know, a greatest hits on a best albums!? But it has all the great Doors songs in one place and for that reason alone (and also because I have a thing for Jim) it is firmly on the list!


So there it is. Of course it's open to change. I can already think of lots more albums that could very easily be on this list - Ian Brown's Music of the Spheres, Paul Weller's Stanley Road and Eva Cassidy's Songbird to name but three.

But if I was trapped on a desert island my top ten would keep me going long enough until the rescue boat arrived with a survival blanket, food and of course more CD's!

Do You Come From a Land Down Under?

Thank God for music!

I've just come back from a great week up north. The sun shone (some of the time), I caught up with friends and family, I went skating and swimming most days. Even more importantly, I went to a great gig in Manchester.

A few years ago, my brother set off to explore the world. He spent a lot of time in Australia enjoying the culture, the back packers and the stubbies. Australia is amazing! I'm lucky enough to have spent a lot of time there myself. Despite my love and affection for this wonderful country, it has to be said that their musical offerings are pretty slim. Sure they have Kylie and Natalie Imbruglia to represent the pop world, Missy Higgins to stand up for the angst ridden Indie fraternity and the Temper Trap for the edgy dance fans but what do they have to offer the rock fan? Let me let you into a little secret...Powderfinger!

My brother brought a CD back with him from Oz and I was instantly hooked. In essence, Powderfinger are good old fashioned rock. Over here, they would probably be described as a festival band.

So when Lenny asked me if I wanted a ticket to go and see them on their final UK tour there was only one answer.

Last Thursday saw Lenny, his girlfriend and I head off to the Manchester Academy. I'd had a full on week - lots of late nights and early mornings. Lenny and C were also equally tired and if we are totally honest it was a bit of an effort to drag ourselves down there.

But I'm so glad we did. From the opening track the charismatic lead singer had us in the palm of his hand. His voice is gravelly, raw and sexy. But it's not all about him, the other members of the band hold their own too. The on stage banter between them shows how comfortable they all are being up there. This band are a great live act! Even the ultra cheesy guitar solo (complete with the guitarist jumping on top of a speaker) avoided being cringe worthy.

Rock anthems and ballads blended together perfectly covering classics such as My Happiness, Waiting for the Sun and Sunsets. The crowd (who were mostly Australians or Brits who've travelled there) were very appreciative and the band were welcomed back on stage for two encores. The latter ending with a truly great rendition of Baby I Got You On My Mind. Awesome!

I'd love to tell you all to go and see this band. You certainly wouldn't regret it. Unfortunately, they won't be touring here again. I can't even urge you to go to Australia and see them there because they have decided to call it a day after 16 years together.

I'm just really glad I overcame my lethargy and got myself to Manchester. They were definitely worth it. And if they ever re-form, I'll be at the front of the queue for tickets. I recommend you join me there....

F.E.A.R

I've got to admit, I'm feeling a bit stressed out! Actually, if I'm totally honest, I'm feeling more than that: anxious, nervous and worried will do for starters. But the over riding emotion is Fear.

As I've said on several occasions, I love my job. And (more importantly for the children involved) I appear to be quite good at it. Living and working in this mad, amazing and crazy city has done wonders for my career. I've worked with some brilliant people who have taught me so much. I've taught some great children who have overcome hurdles higher than any I have ever had to clear. I've worked for some excellent Headteachers (and some not so great) who have encouraged me and allowed my creative mind the freedom to teach the children in a fun and imaginative way. In many ways, I'm a lucky girl.

So why the fear?

At the end of July my time in London will be at an end. I'm moving lock, stock and barrel back up North. But isn't this what you want I hear you shout in frustration!?

Yes, absolutely I want to live somewhere less hectic; somewhere I can actually afford to buy a house, somewhere with fresh air and open spaces. Plus if I'm honest, being a single girl in this city can be a pretty lonely experience. I would like to meet a nice guy. Actually forget that last statement 'nice' is a bit too bland. I'd like to meet a funny, exciting, creative, romantic (but not sick inducing!) imaginative, fun, dependable, adventure seeking guy who wouldn't think twice about heading off around the world if we won the lottery. Oh and own hair and teeth are also essential! Not much to ask for...

At the moment, there's just one flaw in my careful plan - I HAVE NO JOB!!!! For the last few weeks I've done nothing but fill in application forms, write letters of application and sit with my fingers crossed. Without wishing to sound like a big head, my CV is pretty good. I have a wealth of experience in the classroom and on the management team. I'm dedicated and hard working. I have a great rapport with children (kind of essential really). And yet Nada, nothing as yet!

I have a couple of theories about this.

1. I'm too expensive! I may well have worked my way up the professional ladder. I may have all this experience to offer. I may have excellent references but this counts for nothing in this economic down time. At the end of the day I cost too much!

2. I'm just not right for the jobs that have been advertised.

Either way, it's a lowering thought. I've built up a reasonably comfortable life style with a busy social life and a great mix of friends and hobbies. I think nothing of going out for dinner or the cinema (or even both) once a week. I splash out on gigs and theatre tickets without a thought. I have got used to this way of life. Whatever happens, I won't be out of work. I never have been. Even if it means getting a job in Tesco, I'll find something. But it's not what I want to do. I want to teach. I was born to teach. I love teaching! Plus I've got used to a certain standard of living. If I'm blunt, I've become quite spoilt.

So there's the fear right there. Fear that I won't get a job. Fear that all my plans of moving North for a better lifestyle will come crumbling down around my ears. Fear that I'll be living back at the family home for the next 5 years (not a prospect that either Dad or I would relish). Fear that my career will take a nose dive. Fear that my terribly Middle Class existence will become a little frayed around the edges. Fear that despite moving North, Mr Right will still remain as elusive as the Scarlett Pimpernell.

And breathe Jude! Once again in times of stress I turn to music to try and retain my hold on sanity and rational thought. My signature tune at the moment is a classic by Ian Brown. F.E.A.R....For Everything A Reason.

And that is what I keep trying to tell myself.

Little Brother Knows Best...sometimes!

Just six months ago, I was sitting in my brother's flat in Manchester. Like me, he always has music on and like me his taste is eclectic. Over the years we have recommended various bands and albums to each other. Mostly, our taste runs along a similar road excluding 80's pop and Rap - what he has against Duran Duran and Spandau and what he sees in rap I'll never know! We have attended numerous gigs and festivals together and it's fair to say he is as obsessed by music as I am. Mind you, even he draws the line at storing his CD's alphabetically, a system that I feel would revolutionise his life (or certainly his girlfriends)!

Whilst having a catch up with a cheeky beer Lenny selected a new CD to put on the stereo - "I think you'll like this" he said with confidence.

He was right! The dulcet and haunting tones of The XX filled the flat and I was instantly hooked. The vocals and bass are vaguely reminiscent of Air. It's not that this band sound like them, they just evoke a similar feeling in me - chilled, relaxed, slightly mournful. It's one of the albums of 2009 in my humble opinion.

So when I found myself in the same flat with a similar bottle of beer the other week I had a feeling De ja vu may well occur, and it did! "Give this a listen, I think you will like it". And once again, he was right! Don't you just hate it when your little brother does that?!

This CD is very different from The XX. There are no haunting and mournful lyrics on offer here. Instead you get a folksy, rocky, Beatles influenced, upbeat, vaguely hippy mix courtesy of The Monsters of Folk. What a great little album this is. I was so impressed with my brother's taste that I headed straight to the record shop the next day. And since then, the CD has been a frequent guest for my stereo.

So there you have it, Jude's Album tips for the week. If you don't already have a copy of The XX (self titled) and Monsters of Folk (also self-titled) then shame on you. But there is a solution - nip out and buy them you won't be disappointed.

I am the Music Man

I wish I could play an instrument!

Back at secondary school, I played the cornet in the school band. I was never what you'd call brilliant but I did enjoy it. These days, I think I'd struggle to get a single note out of an instrument that I used to play every week (and even on occasion in tune and on time!)

However, the yearning to go back to my cornet playing days isn't strong. What I'd really like to do, have always wanted to do, is play the piano. It's ridiculous really, we had a piano in our house as I grew up. It's a huge, ancient black thing from the days of Queen Victoria's mourning when the whole country had to adopt black as the national colour. It is not what you'd call a pretty instrument, it's too fancy and the candelabra are just a touch too far. Really, it would be ideal for a funeral parlour. But at least it is a piano.

Piano lessons were one of those things that our parents would have got for us but spare cash would only allow for two hobbies/after school activities each. That meant swimming for both of us and ballet for me while my brother went to Judo. And neither of us regret those choices. My ballet classes gave me a love of dance that has remained with me to this day. I have dabbled in various dance forms over the years including flamenco, salsa, ballroom and belly dancing. All of them different, all of them enjoyable.

Now as a fully fledged grown up, I hope to embark upon some piano lessons once I have re-located back up north. I long to be able to sit down and lose myself in playing. I would love to be able to play some of the songs that have shaped me over the years. In fact, let's be honest, at the moment, I would love to be able to play anything rather than chopsticks!

So if you are a piano teacher in the Southport area, get in touch, I could well be your next pupil.

Seriously, what is the point?

The 'Secret Track' at the end of a CD is a mystery to me. I don't see the point. I don't understand why so many artists felt the need to include them. Like most fads it seems to have died a death and that can only be a good thing in my book.

I have to be honest here, I don't think I've ever truly listened to a 'Secret Track' and maybe I've missed out on some real gems. But then again, if a song or piece of music is worthy enough to be on an album, let it be on the album, along with all the other tracks deemed good enough. Don't hide it away at the end following a 10 minute silence. A ten minute silence without music is just not going to happen in my world. There are far too many great songs to fill the gap!

After a mere minutes silence I presume my CD changer has failed to do its job and change the CD anyway. If this means I've missed some truly great musical moments then I await enlightenment. Please feel free....

Am I the only music nut who feels this way or am I in a solitary club of 'Secret Track' Haters? Answers in the comment box please!

A-Z is Best!

As you know, music is pretty important to me! I can't imagine my life without it. There are plenty of cliches about music but for me it really is 'my first love and it will be my last'. I love the fact that a song or piece of music can match or change your mood accordingly. I love the fact that music can speak to people in so many different ways. I love the fact that music can help you escape. Music has helped me through some dark times in my life and it's been there for some of the happiest. I LOVE MUSIC!!!

My mate Warlock is currently writing a blog about the greatest albums (www.mushythebeatle.blogspot.com). He has got some real gems on there and many of them have a special place in my own carefully ordered A-Z collection. But what's great about reading his blog is the way it opens up new music and albums to the readers.

Just the other day I read his blog about Joni Mitchell. This is a woman whose voice I have always admired but have been rather scathing about her actual material. 'Big Yellow Taxi' is up there with 'Love Shack' on my list of songs that makes me want to kill someone! Counting Crows tried their best to make it acceptable but that good work was totally undone by Janet Jackson's terrible sample a few years later. So when Warlock gave her album 'Blue' a great write up I sat up and took notice. Generally, Warlock and I read from a similar book when it comes to music. I like to consider myself open to suggestions so I read on with interest. At the end of the blog, I come to the conclusion that this could well be another album that I need to acquire - after all you can never have too many CD's filed under 'M'!

So imagine my excitement when Warlock texts last night. I'm already in a great mood as I'm off to see the amazing Fun Lovin' Criminals and his text makes it even better. "There's a massive sale on the net, CD's for £2.99 (we are both old school and still actually BUY CD's rather than download, freaky I know), do you trust me to get you £20 worth of stuff".

How can I resist an offer like this? "Go for it! I trust you" is my instant reply. So now I am the proud owner of Joni Mitchell's Blue and some other great stuff including Ian Brown, Nick Drake, Chris Farlowe, Kris Kristofferson and Miles Davis. Keep downloading your tunes people and I'll keep picking up bargains like this - it makes the perfect deal if you ask me!

And now I must sign off, I have a selection of new CD's to catalogue...

Let's Go To Tahiti

I caught up with an old mate from Uni yesterday. All the way back in 1993/4, we shared a flat in Pendle Halls at Lancaster Uni. My over-riding memory of my mate (lets call him T) from this time is the music that was always pounding out of his room. This was before the days of i-pods and even CD's were relatively new. My woeful music collection was still on cassettes and I considered myself to be cutting edge with a stereo that had auto-reverse! T was, at 25, a few years older than the rest of us and appeared to be worldly wise and uber cool in comparison. Not only did he have a full blown stereo system and CD's but they were catalogued and categorised to within an inch of their lives. It is because of T that I started my love affair with Paul Weller and The Eagles.

Whenever we catch up, music is normally the first thing we discuss. And yesterday was no exception. New purchases, new bands, up-coming concerts were all discussed and dissected.

"I've got a gem for you" I tell him "JJ Cale"

"Oh my God, I haven't heard that since we were at Uni"

I have to thank my mate Warlock for introducing this great sound to me on our trip to Pendle Hill (spot the link). And it really is the perfect soundtrack for a sunny Sunday afternoon. So much so that T and I listen to it twice!

The lazy guitar and chilled out vocals beg the listener to drop everything and relax. Even the titles of the songs urge you to forget the real world 'Katy Kool Lady', 'Lou-Easy Ann', 'Let's Go To Tahiti' - well if you insist! I was never into recreational drugs even as a student. That whole culture passed me by, it's never appealed, never interested me and it never will but this album is almost like the drug trip without the drugs. With very little effort or thought required, you will find yourself kicking back and pondering life at your leisure. And all without the nasty come down - jobs a goodun!

If T and I were still young and carefree students, this album would definitely have been the start of a large Sunday Session in the Students Union culminating in kebabs at 3am. Unfortunately, the degrees have been long awarded and the professional world embraced. But for the duration of this magical album we can pretend...

Can't Get No Sleep!

Clouds With Legs

Clock watching,
Counting sheep;
the room is full of them!
Wool, tickling my nose
fluffy, cute sheep
But still NO sleep!

It's 6am and I've been awake since 4.45! Insomnia is something that has bugged me for years - fourteen to be exact! (I may touch on the reasons why in a future blog but for now, lets return to the point in hand.) And although the Faithless' dance classic Insomnia was written about coming down after a drug fuelled night of raving, I can relate to the sentiment and frustration in the lyrics. Insomnia is irritating, emotionally draining and bloody exhausting!

I don't suffer it constantly but it does come along like an unwelcome guest on a fairly regular basis. It stays for weeks at a time, eats and drinks me out of house and home and then promises to return in the near future. And return it does! I've tried all sorts of remedies over the years with mixed results. I took some herbal stuff once that recommended no more than 3 tablets at a time. I hate taking medicine be it herbal or conventional, so I went for a cautious 2 tablets with a nice warm drink. But to no avail - I lay awake ALL night!

So now I find that music, reading and writing are the best ways to deal with it. They don't make me sleep but they sure as hell help me relax which is, admittedly a poor second, but better than lying there stressed to the max!

Music has been a vital part of my life since I was tiny. Some of my earliest memories are of my mum singing to me, or listening to records. And I mean records, not CD's. The wonderful scratchy noise of the needle dragging the lyrics off the vinyl is something I miss in this digitally enhanced era.

Music is one of the few things I have OCD tendencies about (the other is my shoe collection!). Much to the amusement of my brother who thinks I am anal beyond belief, my collection of over 350 CD's is arranged alphabetically; starting with Abba, ending with the Zutons and a whole motley collection in the middle! And this makes selecting my 'going to sleep' music much easier.

With so much great music to choose from it's hard to nail down the ultimate 'Sleep' album but hey I've had plenty of time to ponder this during the many sleepless nights I've had. Regular bed time companions include Carole King's 'Tapestry', Missy Higgins 'Sound of White', Little Wing's 'Alchemy in the Garden', Zero 7 'Simple Things', Royksopp 'The Understanding', Jason Mraz 'We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things' and anything by Simon and Garfunkel or Neil Young. But for me, the best of the best is as follows:-

Air 'Moon Safari' - a sublime piece of musicianship whose opening track La Femme D'Argent with it's falling rain and bass, can take me to a happy, calm and chilled out place in seconds. But for me track 3 'All I Need' is a stunning song of love and one of my all time favourites. The lyrics, the melody and Beth Hirsch's vocals have created a masterpiece. From start to finish, it is the ultimate album to relax and escape to - and if I'm really lucky, even fall asleep to!