Gert's had a lurgy, Glasgow trip and more-

What is about lurgys? You don't get one for years and then 3 come along at once.It feels like my head has been cocooned in catarrh for the last couple of weeks. Clear thought finally returning together with the realisation that we are nearly half way through 2013, does not seem possible.
 The trip to Mono on Record Store Day to celebrate the release of Caught in Midstream was a blast, thanks to everyone involved at Mono for the very friendly welcome and for the great buzz from the crowd (and they sold out of the single).  Definitely recommend a visit to the Cafe and Shop if you are in Glasgow, there is always something going on-  http://www.monocafebar.com/index.php?pid=84
https://www.facebook.com/stevenmcseveney2

The acoustic set with Davy Henderson, Douglas MacIntyre and Simon Smeeton went down a storm. Expect more of the same, rumour has it Davy and Simon are going to learn What's The Matter Boy acoustically over the summer.  (Talking of which I came across this piece of absurdity the other day- http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Matter-Boy-Vic-Godard/dp/B00004UB8W/ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ASYDZOX0HKBSE 
The Mono set opened with Make Me Sad, video via Brian Mackie-                          

 Stayed at the Alexander Thomson Hotel this time and think it's a bargain. Nearly half the price of the last hotel Gert stayed in in Glasgow  (which Gert also recommended in a previous blog) , friendly, helpful staff, large, clean, comfy  and airy room (smoking and windows opened), convenient position in Argyle Street, minutes from Central Station. It might not have room service but with 24 hour shops 2 mins away who needs it and the lack of superfluous services was a 'breath of fresh air'.
No muss, no fuss, great  value: http://alexanderthomsonhotel.co.uk/

Had a delicious meal just round the corner from the hotel in Hope St at Bombay Blues. The spicy aromas emanating from of their extensive buffet drew Vic and the gnu in, a very good decision. http://bombaybluesglasgow.co.uk/

The gnu needed a bit of a trim and the very helpful people in Office suggested DLC Hairdressing, Mitchell Lane, off Buchanan St. Gnu was very pleased with the result, again a no fuss no muss approach. http://dlchairdressing.weebly.com/
PS You've got to wait 48 hours to have any colour done- allergy testing.

Another bit of genius from Andrew Shaw with this promo for Vic and The Sect's Caught in Midstream/You Bring Out The Demon in Me 7"including live Subway Sect footage from Lee McFadden and Tracey Holloway from The Water Rats 29th March 2013.

 Both songs streaming here:
https://soundcloud.com/aedrecords/sets/caught-in-midstream-vic-godard
 Delight all round  with the response to the single, thanks to Aed and RSD  and a big up to everyone who stocked it and bought it (and continuing to buy it from the participating Record Shops) and a big YA BOO SUCKS TO YOU to the cynical scuzzos who bought it just to sell on a particular website, obviously didn't get the ethos of Record STORE Day. PLEASE DON'T BUY FROM THESE LEECHES, remaining RSD stock is now available on line as well as in store from participating shops:
http://www.recordstoreday.com/Venues?country=United+Kingdom&venue= 
and Aed, Vic and the Gnu will have some copies from 18th May so don't pay over the odds. Many thanks to Marc Riley for giving the single lots of airplay, about 1h 19mins in this episode just after the Pastels at 1h 10mins in:  http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01ry2qt

  There has been a great response to 'Live in Stereo Too' too, proving to be one of gnu inc's most popular releases. Still available here..... but not sure for how long: http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/live_in_stereo_too.html     
AND Vic is returning to Stereo on Thursday 27th June singing a jazz/VU set at the Glasgow Jazz Festival as a guest of the Jazzateers. He is accompanied by Andy Alston on keyboard/piano; Mick Slaven on guitar and Campbell Owens on double bass. Douglas MacIntyre and James Kirk will be joining them for the VU songs.http://www.stereocafebar.com/index.php?m=event&c=view&id=8:221638
https://www.facebook.com/events/464429770296943/  
and on 28th Vic's doing a set at Neu! Reekie! Edinburgh with Douglas MacIntyre- keep an eye out for more info-
https://www.facebook.com/neureekie?fref=ts 
Later in the year- Sounds in the Suburbs are presenting Vic singing with the Sexual Objects at The Voodoo Rooms on 22nd November and Glasgow CCA on the 23rd- http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/vic_godard_live.html

Happily Heading North again for the next two Subway Sect gigs*(see below) 

17th May at the New Continental Preston, great line up with Super Fast Girlie Show https://www.facebook.com/SuperFastGirlieShow?ref=ts&fref=ts
and Manchester duo The Bell Peppers. All info and tickets here:
http://www.newcontinental.net/whats-on/event/vic-godard-subway-sect-plus-special-guests

and here: https://www.facebook.com/events/550980194923304/
The gnu will be bearing gifts as she did in London and Brighton, going with the retro theme  this time in keeping with the feeling of the northern soul single .....BUT with two weeks to go it could prove to be bad gnews for the gnu's gnashers!

A taster of what's in store courtesy of chroniclers Lee and Tracey  (minus Flash the Sax and Yusuf)

Then nicely rounding off the quartet of 'Limited Edition' Subway Sect gigs promoting the single Vic's very pleased to have been invited back to play for The F Club presents at The Brudenell Social Leeds on 1st June. Very Special Guests The Cyanide Pills and The Expelaires. Details and tickets here -
http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/Event/Details/855
and at https://www.facebook.com/events/341719415942559/

* Gert's observation based on gigs 2008 to Now - I think I may have alluded to this before but is a curious phenomenon that in the UK, apart from the always hugely enjoyable Spinning Chilli gigs in Brighton and a few for Bitterscene, Chelmsford, The Thunderbolt, Bristol and two in Brixton, it is nearly always North, further North, Scotland or London (north of the Thames) where  Vic and Subway Sect or Sexual Objects play.  So is there something, particularly in the northern psyche, that gets it and if so is it definable? Does it geographically reflect the areas and communities where music and the the arts generally are welcomed, appreciated and nurtured and generally add to the local sum of human happiness?......................  Or is it just a Vic thing?

Back to business - There's another MR session on the Sect Horizon and a trip to Hamburg on 8/9th November to play for Markus Wilhelms again at Astra Stube before it closes. Look out for details  at the website (link below) and  https://www.facebook.com/vic.godard.3?ref=tn_tnmn  
http://www.astra-stube.de/index.html

Another date confirmed is Vic singing with Mates Mates on 20th August at: Festigàbal @ Heliogàbal Ramón y Cajal, 80, Gràcia, Barcelona 08012, details to follow at: www.vicgodard.co.uk.

There are a couple of photographic books just out, one is The Punk Photography of Sheila Rock in which amongst many others, is an unusually posed picture of the early Subway Sect. Gerti has it on good authority that it was Rob Symmons who was responsible for the pose -  Rob played guitar Vic didn't so Vic should have the guitar, Myers to hold his bass like a handbag and apparently Vic thinks Paul Packham was just trying to look hard, not sure about the "pure" and "beautiful" though in this piece from Sean O' Hagan The Observer 27.04.2013-   
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2013/apr/27/punk-photographs-sheila-rock-pictures#/?picture=407831194&index=6 

AND THEN there is Harry Papadopoulos' wonderful book What Presence! Vic compares his work to Henri Cartier Bresson and Gert totally agrees. The photographs from 1976 to 1984 are evocative of time and place and the portraits in particular have a resonating poignancy and I  openly admit that when I got to the last photograph, of Harry himself, I had a lump in my throat and a tear in my eye. An exhibition of his work will visit Dundee from 3rd May, details here:
http://www.dundee.com/events/what-presence-rock-photography-harry-papadopoulos.html
And buy it here, you won't regret it,whether you are a fan of the period of music it brings vividly back to life or appreciate the art and skill involved in taking beautiful photographs: http://www.birlinn.co.uk/What-Presence.html 

Ending on a melancholic note- RIP Mac Daddy from Kriss Kross, far too young.
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/kriss-kross-rapper-chris-mac-daddy-kelly-dies-aged-34-in-atlanta-hospital-8600278.html
And on a more personal note, it still feels like it was yesterday-much loved and sorely missed.
http://www.bmdsonline.co.uk/16624141
Charles was scouted by and asked to trial for Sunderland when he was sixteen but his Mother had other plans and he had to make do with playing at university and playing cricket for Durham and Scottish Universities at the Riverside, Chester Le Street  in the summer holidays. 
http://www.cricketarchive.com/Durham/Players/136/136122/136122.html

               He's the handsome devil front row third from the right.(or fifth from the left)

Gertie reports- Gnu Caught On The Hop With Live In Stereo Too

  Gert's reaction: thatcher's gone but as we've still got cameron et al not celebrating yet. up the revolution! and on to other things- 

It's not meant to snow in April

'LIVE IN STEREO TOO' Vic Godard & The Sexual Objects

Latest Gnu Inc Limited Edition CD IS Available 15th 25th March 5th April* 2013 at gigs & mail order from:  www.vicgodard.co.uk 

 ‘Live in Stereo Too’ Recorded & Produced by Murray Robertson with Live Sound by Shona Marshall at ‘Sounds in The Suburbs Presents ‘Vic Godard and The Sexual Objects’ @ Stereo Glasgow 1^st December 2012, one of four special live collaborations in 2012 featuring Vic and The S.O.B.s. 

Read  about it here at 'Caught By the River' by Kevin Pearce-

http://www.caughtbytheriver.net/2012/11/vic-ism-a-celebration-of-vic-godard-subway-sect/                  

 List Kicks Off with a sumptuous set from The Sexual Objects - Davy Henderson on vocals/guitar;  Douglas McIntyre on bass guitar/backing vocals; Graham Wann on guitar/backing vocals; Ian Holford on drums/backing vocals and Simon Smeeton on acoustic guitar/backing vocals- usually.

The Sexual Objects’ superb set segues seamlessly in to a spine tingling, memorable performance by Vic and the SOBs-A Night To Remember! Buy the CD- Available at gigs and from:   www.vicgodard.co.uk  

And read about the whole trip at Gertie’s Blog, parts 1,2, 3 -

http://www.vicgodardandsubwaysect.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/vicism-part-3-glasgow-and-london.html 

Putting Live in Stereo together was a wholly enjoyable experience and brought it all back to mind of how good these few gigs were. Thanks go to Murray & Shona for getting such a great sound and to Andrew Shaw for letting Ergon Ani use his iconic poster design for the cover.

 Videos of all four events courtesy of Lee McFadden & Tracey Holloway on Youtube. This is Johnny Thunders filmed by Tracey.

Background- Vic has been making friends in Scotland for 35 years- he has recording associations with Scottish independent labels Postcard and Creeping Bent and over the years has worked with Edwyn Collins, The Leopards, Adventures in Stereo, The Secret Goldfish, The Nectarine No9, Bricolage, Shock and Awe and more. ‘Love’s Rebellious Joy-A Tribute to Paul Reekie’ with the Sexual Objects, Russell Burn sitting in for Ian Holford on drums and Gareth Sager adding some extra guitar magic.

http://www.theskinny.co.uk/books/features/102440-loves_rebellious_joy_tribute_paul_reekie

It all came full circle in 2012 with Vic.ism, the highlights of which were Vic ‘Singing with The Sexual Objects’. And there’s more in 2013 with a visit to Mono Glasgow on 20.04 to play an acoustic set with Davy, Douglas and Simon for Record Store Day (release date for Caught in Midstream) -

https://www.facebook.com/events/440141992738875/ 

 Glasgow Jazz Festival on 27.06 as guest at the Jazzateers show at Stereo with Andy Alston, Mick Slaven, Campbell Owens, James K and Douglas mcIntyre-

http://www.jazzfest.co.uk/programme/jazzateers/ 

And Neu! Reekie! Edinburgh 28.06 with Douglas, & Sounds in the Suburbs gigs 22/23 November for more singing with all the Sexual Objects.

                                              Photographs by Alistair McKay and Dean Taylor

* Didn't think I would be announcing ANOTHER release so soon after the Vic to Vic 7" and the Aed Caught in Midstream 7" (see earlier blogs) but there was delight all round when the latest Gnu Inc Limited Edition CD arrived unexpectedly early, big up to A1 in Acton ( not a road) for speedy delivery. UNfortunately gnu error negated the unfettered joy and release was postponed until 5th April but was available in time for the Sect's 2nd gig of a limited number they are doing in 2013,  the very enjoyable Spinning Chilli Presents Vic Godard and the (6) piece Subway Sect at the Green Door Store
With the pithy and entertaining Asbo Derek on board it was a memorable night.

Vic serenaded the gnu 'singing' this on the drive home

                                  Asbo Derek 'Eric Pickles' Live Green Door Store 05.04.2013
Very nice review from Andrew Watson at Sussex Sedition:
http://sussexsedition.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/wont-look-back.html

The SEVEN piece Sect made their debut at the first gig of 2013 for Symptomatic Presents at the Water Rats Kings Cross, another great night and we got Jock Scot doing us an advert as well. Jock's intro filmed by Tracey Holloway and Parallel Lines by Lee Mcfadden-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCV_GsSX0rQ
And making up the 7 piece were Yusuf B'layachi and David 'Flash' Wright.on sax. You Bring Out the Demon in Me filmed by Lee-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRUulq2cB9E

Have a listen to the single on soundcloud-
https://soundcloud.com/aedrecords/sets/caught-in-midstream-vic-godard

Davy Henderson’s latest adventure is with Jesus,Baby releasing Catapillar Tango in 2012, the first single on Neu! Reekie! Records.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip_mT5F9UUk

https://www.facebook.com/jesusbabies/info

Graham Wann plays guitar in Post, purveyors of the hot garage-pop sound of Glasgow/Manchester and part of the We Can Still Picnic collective. Album ‘Cavalcade’ Out Now-https://www.facebook.com/postpage/info https://www.facebook.com/wecanstillpicnic/info

Douglas McIntyre- Creeping Bent Organisation. https://www.facebook.com/bentpage/info  

Gertie & the Gnu Got Gnews

WHA HEY RELEASE DATE-  Caught in Midstream and You Bring Out The Demon In Me 7" single  is out on 20th April Record Store Day  released on Aed Records http://www.aedrecords.com/index.php  

(There isn't any info about the single there yet but lots about Edwyn's new album 'Understated', out 25th March, single and his tour dates )

Cover Design Andrew Shaw. Front sleeve photo: Phil Dillon

Vic Godard Vocals
Mark Braby Guitar/Backing Vocals
Kevin Younger Keyboards
Paul Cook Drums
Paul Myers Bass
Simon Rivers Backing Vocals
David ‘Flash’ Wright Saxophone
Engineered by Seb Lewsley

The songs are from the renamed 1979 Whenever ( 1979 Now first mooted at the start of 2011 when Vic asked Paul Myers if he would be up for it) but Vic and the band keep getting sidetracked by other things and it's become a bit of a legend now at Sect HQ (stop press: they are back in the studio this month). The tracks were recorded  at West Heath Studios London and produced by Edwyn Collins. Vic's collaborations with Edwyn go back to the 1990's when he  produced three albums for Vic - End of the Surrey People in 1993, and .Long term Side Effects and In Trouble Again in 1998.(you can also catch Vic's unmistakeable backing vocal at the end of A Girl Like You)

   

Below is You Bring Out The Demon In Me from Subway Sect. 6Music Session with Marc Riley29/11/2012

Images from Andrew Shaw. More of the session on the main website: http://www.vicgodard.co.uk/ 

 

  If your record shop is part of the scheme you can contact RSD here for general info: http://www.recordstoreday.co.uk/contact.aspx

 We'll be keeping up with which shops order the single so we can let people know where to go on RSD and in the following 4 weeks of exclusivity and obviously RSD are keen to ensure the availability of their releases. 

AND Vic will be Katrina and Stephen's guest at Mono Glasgow on RSD (20th April) itself,

 spinning a few discs, doing a few VU numbers with some friends (Davy Henderson, Douglas McIntyre and Simon Smeeton so far), probably some witty banter on the cards and generally stirring it up.

https://www.facebook.com/stevenmcseveney2?fref=ts

The gnu's theme song -

The 'laid back', some might say haphazard, approach to organising the musical year in 2013 seems to be meeting with some unexpected successes (above) and resulting in Vic stepping outside his comfort zone (sorry got outsourced whilst working in local government and was fed a diet of jargon). On Tuesday 26th Feb DJ Vic ll made his debut for Idle Fret at the Blue Orchids, Onions, Dearbhla Minogue and the Partisans plus dj Artrocker gig at the Social W1. Fielding an eclectic mix of  tracks for his three sessions including reggae,ragga,'90's hip hop, R&B, northern soul, soul, Crystal Waters and the Sexual Objects and it seemed to go down well. (gnu's thinking of exploiting this new found talent and advertising his services for weddings, birthdays,bar mitzvas etc)  

 

Next up on Saturday (morning) 23rd March Vic's doing an interview with Victoria Yeulet,and session with Mark, Kevin & Yusuf , on Resonance FM 104.4 http://resonancefm.com/schedule 

Heralding in the Easter weekend on Friday 29th March is Subway Sect's FIRST GIG OF 2013

Symptomatic Presents Vic Godard and Subway Sect @ The Water Rats London W1 with the Jelly Fiends on board should be a cracker. ( blimey, last time the 5 piece played live was 09/11/2012 at Mr AP's memorable birthday party on the boat, an enjoyable time was had by all.) Gnu's done some great exclusive merch for the night and as it's Easter there's a wee sweet treat in store for all advance ticket holders. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/454575384604729/ 

http://www.symptomaticpresents.com/listings 

                           https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Jelly-Fiends/364207793596001



Just one week later the Sect are back in Brighton for Spinning Chilli Presents @ the Green Door Store with the legendary Asbo Derek. https://www.facebook.com/events/301145696658640/

A similar selection of exclusive merch will be available at all the Sect gigs this year but keeping it under wraps at the moment.
As well as the RSD visit to Glasgow on 20th April Vic will be back in June to do a set of jazz classics accompanied by Andy Alston, Mick Slaven and James Kirk at The Jazzateers gig for the Glasgow Jazz Festival, waiting to confirm it is on Friday 28th June. Vic will also be doing a gig in Edinburgh on the 29th, details to be confirmed.  Back north on 17th May for Subway Sect @ New Continental Preston, brilliant venue that covers pretty much every area of the arts and more :http://www.newcontinental.net/whats-on/event/vic-godard-subway-sect-plus-special-guests and then on 1st June the Sect are delighted to be back at the Brudenell Social Leeds with the excellent Expelaires and Cyanide Pills also on the bill:.
 http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/Event/Details/855

Also fitting in a trip to York races in June: http://www.yorkracecourse.co.uk/racing/fixtures/june-meeting_42

There are not likely to be as many Subway Sect gigs this year as in the last two so catch them when you can. (Vic and the Gnu are thinking of  doing a xmas event themselves 'the Gnu's Big Night Out' but still working on the format, venue and line up.)
Nothing confirmed yet for July/September and October but Vic is planning a visit to to Barcelona in August to sing a few songs with Mates Mates at Festigobal, part of Barcelona's oldest fiesta
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MATES-MATES/199378890103020?ref=ts&id=199378890103020&sk=info and in November he is back in Scotland singing with the Sexual Objects for the Sounds in The Suburbs gigs at CCA Glasgow(23rd) and the Voodoo Rooms(22nd) in Edinburgh. Also on the cards is a trip to Hamburg with the Sobs.
Apart from the Mates Mates and Caught in Midstream 7" releases the gnu is currently working with Murray Robertson on the cd Live in Stereo Too- Vic and the Sobs live in Stereo 1st December 2012  

g still working on the cover. A taster video from the night courtesy of Lee McFadden and Tracey Holloway, filmed by Tracey Holloway.

Also thinking about: re-issuing What's the Matter Boy with a couple of extra live tracks, doing Live and Rare Vol 3 or perhaps instead putting out the 1978 gig at the Gibus Paris in it's entirety, it being the nearest thing to the 'lost album'. Vic's working on some new songs and gnu inc wants to do a 7" before the end of the year.

ANNOUNCING GNU INC T SHIRT SALE- for a limited period only in order to make room for the new Limited Edition designs-for enquiries & orders please email Gertie at: gnuinc@hotmail.co.uk
(Only mediums left in Myers and small russian sailor already gone)

 

Lots of other things currently  in the ether so metaphorically speaking-Watch This Space 


 

Stalled- The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Gnus

Every year the gnu starts out with the hopeful intention of being able to organise Vic & the Sect...........and every year it lasts about a week. This video by Trigger is the first in what we hope will be a series of 'Tales from The Sect', hopefully amusing anecdotes of life on the road with Vic and Subway Sect. To set the scene it's 2007 and it's the 1978 Now line up with Leigh Curtis on guitar, Trigger on bass and Mark Laff on drums.

 Below is the whole gig the following night in Edinburgh courtesy of Murray Ramone.

Going through the receipts (Tax Return) led to more recollections and reflections of things that happened over a year ago. April 2011 was just after Dan Ashkenazy ( previously in Bitter Springs) finished his temporary stint on bass with the Sect, sorry to see him go, and Yusuf B'Layachi (Dear Thief and B'Layachi)) was welcomed in to the fold and by April 2012 Paul C and Myers had bedded in, bringing a northern soul flavour to the live set. There were 5 different live line ups in 2011 including guest appearances from Sect Alumnus Trigger and Joe McKechnie (Factory Star and Blue Orchid amongst others) and Vic played with the Sexual Objects.

Extract from: To A Mouse, On Turning Her Up In Her Nest With The Plough by Robert Burns
''In proving foresight may be vain;
The best-laid schemes o' mice an 'men
Gang aft agley,''

Wryly noted on the 'best laid plans' front that like this year, 2011 & 2012 began with plans to record and release 1979 Now, being laid back about it now- Vic's renamed it 1979 Whenever.As long as it doesn't become another ' lost album '-oops forgot you have to record an album for it to be lost. At least this year starts with 4 songs recorded and mastered and Caught in Midstream and You Bring Out The Demon In Me are being released as a 7" on Aed Records, due out .......not sure but hopefully soonish. Fantastic cover by Andrew Shaw.

SUCCESS- RELEASED 1st FEBRUARY-  Vic to Vic, 7" recorded by Vic in Vic with Mates Mates in Nov 2011.  1.Les Parts Del Cos 2. (Oh Alright) Go On Then and 3.Whip Rules-
http://famelic.com/en/

Filing the Tax Return gets later and later every year. Used to get done by September, then when on line filing came in was determined not to leave it until the last minute which lasted two years of symbolically filing on 31st December.  It is a stressful process at the best of times but this year Vic offered to help and the gnu inexplicably and rather foolishly said yes please. By the third day of sorting, re-sorting, counting and recounting,etc,  the gnu was pulling her hair out and Vic deciding that discretion being the better part of valour  disappeared under the head phones to work on his two new Latin numbers until it was safe to come out. Thankfully over for another year.

 It is going swimmingly on the gig booking front with some more great posters by Andrew Shaw-see some more of his creations at: www.vicgodard.co.uk  which is itself an a Shaw Design.





The Symptomatic one is the gnu's favourite design so far, so expect a T shirt is coming soon.

29th March Symptomatic Presents @ The Water Rats London
http://www.symptomaticpresents.com/

5th April Spinning Chilli Presents @ The Green Door Store Brighton
https://www.facebook.com/spinningchilli?ref=ts&fref=ts

17th May     New Continental Preston
http://www.newcontinental.net/




1st June The Brudenell Social Leeds
http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/

Then came the hopefully singular gig postponement of 2013. The only other gig Gertie can recall the Sect  themselves having to postpone in recent years was December 2010 when the weather intervened at the last minute-reminds me haven't re-scheduled yet!!

You obviously want to avoid cancellation whenever possible, whatever obstacles arise and as a result there were some great one off shows with one off sets of songs chosen specifically for the particular one off line ups. Big Up to ''The Subway Sect Stalwarts'' Mark and Kev, for taking it like a gnu whatever life on the road with the Sect throws at them, eg  04/06/2011 Greystones Sheffield when they and Vic did the gig as a trio with Mark swapping around from drums to bass, when Vic would bring into play his trusty old drum machine, working it  with his foot while playing the guitar  and Kev moving, swiftly, from bass to guitar to keyboard and back throughout the set. Went down a storm.

Vic is lucky he's got access to such a talented bunch of musicians and that what ever the Sect line up they  always put on a damn fine show.

             

 Ruminating with Vic over the oldish ground' reminded that-  Vic and the many layered Sect(s) covered a LOT of ground and played an eclectic mix of venues and places between April 2011 and April 2012 including trips to Vienna, Porto, Aveiro and Coimbra, Vic, Barcelona, Petit Fays, Brussels and Lyons; travelling by train is much more enjoyable than by car or plane but very expensive, am now getting into the split ticket thing even though it's a bit of a pain. ( ridiculous that it cost over £1000 for 5 to go to Lyons and back by train, ok was half term but was Feb); spent a lot of time at Doddington services, Beds, also stopped at many more off the A1, always the preferred route north ; the gnu missed quite a few gigs, lots of reasons; le grand mal took its toll, clades odiosus, dogged the band's footsteps for over a year, casting a general pall of doom gloom over events. By late 2011 it had thankfully run it's course, sighs of relief all round; Vic doesn't do many home gigs south of London, only the Spinning Chilli one in Brighton. In fact other than the always enjoyable Spinning Chilli gigs can't recall Vic playing south of London since early 2000's. (Vic and the Sect are back in Brighton on Friday 5th April-see left and above).

            Live Line Up MK 2-(Myers/Paul/Mark/Kev) 
 2012 
 07/01   The Thunderbolt 124 Bath Road, Totterdown, BS4 3ED Bristol
 11/02   Le Trockson Montée de la Grande Cote 69001 Lyon
 12/02   Le Citron 20 Rue St Georges, 69005 Lyon, France
 24/02   TV’s Over @ Stereo 54 Gillygate, YO31 7EQ York  
 10/03   Symptomatic @ 229 the Venue Great Portland Street W1W 5PN
 14/03   Vic and the Sexual Objects The Old Queen's Head London
 22/03   The Verge  above the Cheshire Ring 72 Manchester Road,Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 2BJ
 23/03   Sounds in the Suburbs @ the The Accies 15, Helensburgh Drive, G13 1RR Glasgow
 24/03   SITS @ the Voodoo Rooms 19a West Register Street, EH2 2AA Edinburgh
 25/03   Beat Generator Live! 70 North Lindsay Street, DD1 1PS Dundee
 28/04   Keith Allen Presents Stroud Valley Arts 4 John Street, Stroud, GL5 2HA
 2011                      

 19/11    La [2] d’Apolo  Nou de la Rambla Barcelona  Line up as below

 18/11    la Jazz Cava Vic Catalunya   Mark, Trigger, Yusuf and Vic

 29/10    Spinning Chilli @the Hydrant Brighton  Paul C Myers Kev Mark Vic

 28/10     Symptomatic presents @Nambucca Holloway Road London  Line up as above 

22/10    States Club, Coimbra, Portugal

21/10     Associação Cultural Mercado Negro, Aveiro, Portugal

20/10     Amarzem do Cha, Porto, Portugal

15/10     The Verge, Hyde, Cheshire

11/10      Rhiz, Vienna, Austria

15/09      Williamson Tunnels, Liverpool  Joe McKechnie on Drums Mark back to Bass

09/07      Petit Fays, Ardennes Belgium

04/06      The Greystones, Sheffield    TRIO Kev, Mark & Vic

30/05      Purcell Room, Southbank Centre. South bank. London

19/05      Lock Tavern, Camden Town

29/04      The Lexington, Islington. London

Line Up: Vic Godard-vocals and guitar/Yusuf B'layachi : bass guitar and backing  vocals/Kevin Younger: keyboards, guitar Mark Braby drums Rhiz Vienna 2011 by A M Leka Stayed at lots of hotels 2011/12 mostly gig related and recommendations are personal (but keeping my favourite secret). I haven't included any comments about the breakfasts as I'm not usually up in time- Manos Stephanie Brussels, good location, lovely hotel and staff and very reasonable at weekends http://www.manosstephanie.com/ Heath Court Hotel  Newmarket- great position and room had views over a stable yard but didn't meet my basic clean and helpful rating, completely lost me with the sticky bedroom carpet, yuch. Next time would stay outside of Newmarket. The Village Hyde- clean and comfy, reasonable rates, helpful staff, restaurant ok and has a heated pool. http://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/manchester-hyde/welcome The Pond Glasgow-stayed here a few times, clean and comfy, reasonable rates, helpful staff and the actual pond is next door, great for twitchers. http://www.glasgowpondhotel.com/ Hotel Can Pamplona Vic- a one off and one of my favourite hotels http://www.canpamplona.com The Hilton Dundee- great position overlooking the river Tay, helpful staff, very clean and indoor pool. http://www.hilton.co.uk/HiWayWeb/appmanager/portals/hotel?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=hotel_home_standard&ctyhocn=DNDDUHN Hotel Seattle Brighton- in the Marina complex so not a pretty location,modern, 'trendy', clean and comfy, quite expensive in my opinion, room had balcony and view over actual marina, helpful staff but not many visible, especially at night when the street door is locked and you have to access the hotel via 'clockwork orangey' walkways from the multi-storey car park, neither Gertie not the gnu would feel safe doing this on their own. Also a lot of external noise from entertainment/food outlets at night, might not bother some. http://www.hotelseattlebrighton.com/ For special occasions: Storrs Hall Lake Windermere- stunning, the grounds border the lake. Very attentive staff and good food. Went in winter so not sure what it would be like once the season gets going. Look out for offers! http://englishlakes.co.uk/hotels/lake-district-hotels/windermere-hotels/storrs-hall-hotel/ The Salty Monk Sidford- Lovely position, rooms not big but very comfy, owners very helpful and welcoming and very good food .http://www.saltymonk.co.uk/content_contactus.asp Lumley Castle Chester le Street- stunning setting overlooking The Riverside ground at the front and with the Wear running through the back gardens. Welcoming staff, very comfy and very good food. http://www.lumleycastle.com/ Only booked one place so far this year- Headingley, overlooking the ground, for the Brudenell gig-will report back. STOP PRESS: Vic is making his debut as DJ Vic ll at the Social London W1 on 26th February https://www.facebook.com/events/249001698555644/ June Glasgow-Reprise of Glasgow Tea Party set with James Kirk and Mick Slaven on board. Look out for the March issue of Uncut, big in depth piece about Vic, bit miffed there's no mention of gnu inc. Also Vic's doing a Resonance interview with Victoria Yeulet in March, details to follow.

First Release 2013 (and getting down to work)

Can it really be over a year ago (yes it is, November 2011) that one of the many one off 2011 live line ups wended their way to Vic Catalunya- Mark Braby on drums, Yusuf B'Layachi on guitar and keyboard and old Sectarian Trigger,leaving his taxi behind and making a temporary comeback on bass. Staying at one of my favourite hotels -Hotel can Pamplona- http://www.canpamplona.com/

After playing at la Jazz Cava in Vic, Vic and the boys were driven south to Barcelona to do a gig at La [2] d’Apolo Nou de la Rambla- a grand time was had by all-

Vic returned to Vic on his own while we returned to blightie and the freezing cold.

 Meanwhile in a barn in the depths of the Catalan countryside magic was happening and here...drum roll...are the much anticipated fruits of Vic and Mates Mates labours.

Vic to Vic by Vic Godard & Mates Mates 

Digital Download 14th January 2013 https://itunes.apple.com/es/album/vic-to-vic-feat.-mates-mates/id588734361 

7” Vinyl Single 1st February 2013 
Released by Famèlic Records Barcelona   info@famelic.com 
http://famelic.com/en/ 
https://www.facebook.com/famelic?ref=ts&fref=ts 

ORDER NOW from: http://famelic.bandcamp.com/merch

1. Les Parts del Cos (Castaslasnas) lyrics/ music by Mates Mates  

http://vimeo.com/57210108

2. (Oh Alright) Go On Then lyrics Vic Godard/ music Mates Mates 

3. Whip Rules lyrics Vic Godard/ music Mates Mates

 Mates Mates:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/MATES-MATES/199378890103020
 Ferran Font Guitar/Vocals
 Luca Masseroni Guitar/Vocals 
 Andreu Ribas Bass
 Jordi Erra Drums
 Pau Orri Trombone 
An exhibition of the photographs of Joan Garolera opens on 1st February to coincide with the 7" release      http://www.heliogabal.com/programacion.php?fechaIni=2013-01-28&id=1596

Background

The collaboration with Mates Mates had its origins in 2010, a Catalan friend Sam Can invited Vic and the Sect to play in Vic, a small town on the picturesque banks of the river Meder, around 40 km from Barcelona, renowned for it’s cultural events and festivals. Vic had been in Barcelona in the summer of 2010 for The London Punk Tapes Exhibition  http://issuu.com/actar/docs/londonpunktapes   curated by Jordi Valls
and combined the Vic gig with Mates Mates supporting, with 2 in Barcelona organised by Jordi and his brother Marc Valls, who drew this cartoon of the Kev/Mark and Dan Ashkenazy (Bitter Springs) line up.

 Vic really hit it off with Mates Mates and following the success of the gigs Vic arranged to come back in 2011 for a couple more, to stay on in Vic to write and record with Mates Mates and do some filming for a forthcoming documentary also called Vic to Vic, by Lluis Huedo. These three songs are the result- Vic sings in Catalan on Castaslasnas but reverts to English for Whip Rules and (Oh Alright) Go On Then. Marc Riley, a recent Mates Mates convert, has been championing the song
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01p7c5j (8th on Music Played list)
And on Vic’s recent tour with the Sexual Objects as well as playing it for the Marc Riley session:  it was added to the live set and went down a storm. Filmed here  in Newcastle by Lee McFadden and Tracey Holloway- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dl0Ox-cj9U

Review of the Year 2012

Vic.ism Part 3 Glasgow and London

As I've said before I love visiting Scotland and the reception is always amazing but up until this trip I will admit to an Edinburgh bias for all sorts of reasons but that all changed this time.After the delays from Newcastle to Edinburgh it was a relief to see the shuttle to Glasgow was running to schedule and one ready and waiting so we hopped aboard, however Sect lore decrees that no travel experience goes without a hitch so inevitably we were delayed- police were called aboard to deal with an 'incident', I think removing a reluctant inebriate. 15 mins later we're on our way,journey's end in sight, joined at Falkirk High by a friendly hen party, champagne flowing and the infectious Glasgow vibe starts to kick in. It was getting dark when we arrived at Queen Street, wind a tad biting but braved it to walk to the hotel on Jamaica Street. It was the first time I'd stayed IN Glasgow, usually stay near Anniesland at the Pond (recommended, especially for twitchers, but check first for weddings, one stay the bride was late and a piper played the same piece over and over for about an hour) and the streets were buzzing with activity. There is definitely something in the air here.

Stayed at the Jurys Inn and if you are not a smoker you may not care or appreciate the utter joy on opening the room door and seeing an ASH TRAY on a table by the window ( did ask for a smoking room when booking but didn't ask at check in as usually disappointed), no braving the elements to have a fag, luxury as far as I'm concerned (helpful staff,comfy and clean also v important, all present here, def stay again). Some might be put off by having Central Station about 30 feet from the window but it was a home from home and enjoyably surreal watching the trains pull slowly out from the platforms THAT close. Stereo is literally round the corner and as leaving from Central, add staying 2 nights and it was pretty perfect all round. Not having to think about repacking before unpacking, worry about next day's check out time, etc, all contributing to the growing sense of well being. First order of business- real milk, Vic can't abide uht, so off to lidl, conveniently just over the road. As he waited in the queue to pay someone tapped him on the shoulder, he thought he was going to be accused of pushing in but no it was a fan just saying hello and that he'd be at the gig later, that's what it is like here. No sound check so could chill for a while, then 5 min walk to Stereo for the Sounds in the Suburbs gig, which are always goodies thanks to Alan and the first vic.ism event in it's spiritual home. Stereo is a great venue in a Rennie Mackintosh designed building, previously home to the Daily Record Glasgow. Bar and veggie restaurant on ground level and music venue underneath. Starving and having rejected the 2 options on offer, weren't appealing on a cold night, so said hellos, dropped off merch and went in search of sustenance, not proud to admit chose a chain burger establishment but hit the spot and was nearby, after all the forecast was for snow. Back in time to set up merch near the stage* and catch Thee Potato Four's set, love their rendition of Pretty Thing, Lee M literally lending Mark B a hand to hold the lyrics for him on stage. Their debut has in deed been impressive and their 7" single Living in the past was doing a brisk trade. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5r_r4JdEYM

The Sexual Objects played a blinder and by the time Vic and Sobs took to the stage it was packed, with a growing sense of anticipation that this was a memorable gig to be at. The atmosphere was- just all smiles. *After the first number I relocated to the entrance lobby so didn't hear a lot of the rest of the set (think Vic might have thought I'd been spirited away, he didn't see me move and then I seemingly disappeared, may have added a certain frisson to his performance), but heard snatches and got updates as people came and went to the loo, stopping for a brief chat but keen not to miss anything and get back to the action. Thanks to Lee and Tracey we've got the videos and recording. The general consensus was that this was probably Vic's best gig in Scotland so far, and the mutual 'lurve' filled the air. I can't define exactly what it is, you've got to be there and feel it. Back to the hotel, a feeling of well being, wrapped in a metaphoric Glasgow hug of loveliness, even the Arbroath fans in the next room one of whom serenaded us for a while in the early hours didn't spoil the mood and actually slept like a log.

Sunday 2nd December- so nice to have a lie in, missed breakfast, didn't mind, had some decent coffee with me, always do. No rush for anything today, it's all about the laid back vibe, looking forward to the Tea Party do at the Poetry Club. Got there at 1pmish, another great little venue, met some new people including Andy Alston, he and Vic only got to run through the Jazz numbers once, so fingers crossed, and James Kirk, honoured he came out to play with Vic, Andy, Douglas, Davy and Simon, making it even more of an event-fitting that Vic did Holiday Hymn. Once the doors opened the space filled up pretty quickly, standing room only and a different demographic to the average gig, a really good mixture, including sprogs, impressed to see they start music appreciation so young. First up Davy, Douglas and Graham doing a Sobs acoustic set, their harmonies really are fantastic. Then it was Vic and Andy's turn- loved hearing Vic sing the jazz numbers, it's been a while and the VU numbers went down a treat.

Photograph by Barry McLuskie. I think everyone involved wants to do it again. We caught the bus from the PC back to the throbbing metropolis, invited for dinner with Stephen and Katrina and friends(Monorail)before Pierrot Le Fou,much appreciated.

It has been a buzz to have been able to socialise on this trip, there's not normally time or opportunity. GFT very comfy cinema, they really do the arts well here, seems a hot bed of creativity and energy of all sorts. I admit I kept falling asleep during PLF, personally think it is stretching pretension to it's limits, a lot of 'cool' posing though. Q&A with Stephen P could have been livelier, not many questions for Vic to answer, though Stephen did his best, it was the first shy Glaswegians I've come across! I was going to offer some questions but it was being filmed so kept incognito.Photograph by Tracey Holloway.

Finished off with drinks in the pub and then tired and happy back to the hotel. Great Day All Round. Love and Thanks to everyone for the welcome. Didn't want to leave and decided could definitely live in Glasgow, can't pin it down, people mostly, but would suit Gertie. Left Glasgow wanting more of Vic and the Sobs, can't wait for friday for Symptomatic presents. Week sped by with a mountain of washing, etc and 'catching up' on all things lap top. Comme d'habitude come Friday things didn't quite go to plan. Vic and the Sobs were hoping to record a couple of songs at Edwyn's studio in the day but illness intervened and put paid to that so they rehearsed there instead, except Vic didn't have a working mic, lost without Seb's expertise. Still all sounding good. Straight from there to the BA, Mat and Jon from Symptomatic always good hosts. Sound check then dinner at the Italian restaurant opposite,The Spaghetti House, freshly cooked food, my crab and linguine was delicious, can't recommend highly enough, no license but offie next door. Decided to have a Xmas shop at the Boston Arms so took all peripheral merch don't normally take including tote bags/note books/pads/pens/keyrings, it being the end of vic.ism and the last Vic gig of the year so there was quite a display. Many thanks to Jeanette for caretaking while I was eating. It was another superb night, probably the best set they've done as the last in the series. Vic set the night's mood by surprising us all with unexpected(not really sure why I was surprised at V doing the unexpected on stage) by reading from A Song from Egyptian Nights by Pushkin over a Sob's instrumental, certainly caused a ripple, of what I'm not sure, anticipation of what was to follow perhaps. Photographs by Alistair McKay

And it was a hugely enjoyable night, went home buzzing again. A bit sad saying farewells to the Sobs after but what a great way to end the gigging year and plans are afoot for more of the same, roll on 2013.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8acRyPyFvuM