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Dani finds choosing between her job and self-respect an easy choice

I never make New Year’s resolutions. I think the whole concept is a little weird and pointless as you can’t foretell what your year is going to bring and therefore can’t decide to resolve things that may become harder or imperative in the future. Although I don’t make resolutions, I try and think of the beginning of a new year as a benchmark and try and decide what I want to be, where I want to be and what I want to have gained by the end of that year.
The things I think of are never really all that outlandish or over the top. I try my best to outwardly aim for realistic things, on the inside I dream a bit too far, but that can’t be helped.
This year I am not really sure what I am aiming for. I want to live more than anything. I want to love, learn, laugh and cry. But that never changes year from year, only this time round I would like to do slightly less of the crying bit.
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Liverpudlians, The Zutons rock! These guys (and gal) knocked out one class track after another with rootsy rawness from ‘Valerie,’ to ‘What’s Your Problem?’ and the bluesy ‘Confusion.’ This alternative band’s retro tunes have always been hard to pigeonhole but ‘psychedelic cartoon punk’ fits like a sweet wrapper, with bopping and hugs a guarantee at this gig.
From saxophone player, Abi Harding’s sexy smiles to lead singer, Dave McCabe’s endless energy, it’s clear this bunch love what they’re doing, which is always nice to see when you look at some melancholy, too-cool-for-school outfits. The Zuton’s experience: long may it continue.
Brighton Dome, 6 December
4/5
Monica Perdoni

Simon Evans opened well, with his trademark dry humour, poking fun at his own clipped diction and the class background. Christian Reilly dipped the tone somewhat, coming across as a wannabe Phil Nichol with a tad too much self-importance and not enough honesty to be believed. Headliner Russell Kane rocked the room, utilising his cockney strut and intelligent humour for the everyman to the max. As ever, Stephen Grant delivered the goods as compere ensuring a fab night.
Komedia, 19 December
4/5
Victoria Nangle