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Mark Brailsford looks at three important games

Since Tony Mowbray took over at The Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough have righted themselves after a disastrous spell under the management of Gordon Strachan. Mowbray has shipped out a lot of the high earning and under achieving players and blended young hungry players, some from the Teesside area, into the team.

Along with Mowbray’s adherence to the principles of playing attacking football, the people of Teesside are enjoying watching their team again. The fact that Mowbray hails from the area has led to a formidable bond between club and fan, which is reflected in their solid start to the season. The north east is never an easy place to play at the best of times, but on a freezing December afternoon, expect a very tough game from which a point would be very satisfying.
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International best-selling crime writer Peter James offered insights into the creative process that lays behind his writing as well as exploring the psychopathology of the murderer, a subject which clearly fascinates him and which drives much of his work. The Q&A element was, unfortunately, sabotaged by a series of dull and rather trivial questions which Mr James fielded with grace and good humour. The unflattering anecdote about bumping into Martin Amis was a hoot, though, and easily worth the price of admission. Watch out for a character called Amis Smallbone in James’ new Roy Grace novel out next May.

The Old Market, 6 December 2011
Rating:
Gary Mepsted

When one thinks of Electric Six one inevitably thinks of their hits: “Gay Bar” and “Danger! High Voltage”. Sadly they seem to be two of the only bright ideas the band’s ever had, since their music was strangely dull despite lead singer Dick Valentine’s posturing and endearingly surreal sense of humour. In fact his bizarre rants were the most interesting part of the night, telling funny tales of studying flamenco music in Spain and demanding recognition of his drummer’s Englishness. The band were technically skilled however and were quite ballsy and vibrant, but the songs were lacking and the night was instantly forgettable.

Concorde 2, 6 December 2011
Rating:
Joe Fuller

With an audience ranging from pre-teens to pensioners this could have been a panto crowd but as the band came on to The Ramones, the inbetweeners in the mosh pit showed their appreciation for the NME favourites. ‘Wreckin’ Bar’ was explosive and they displayed their New York influences throughout, including new Spectoresque song ‘Teenage Icon’. There was minimal interaction but the final encore ‘Norgaard’ really encapsulated their catchy bubblegum, slacker sound. Sunderland’s Frankie & The Heartstrings were a perfect support, who performed, to anticipatory screams, a short set of teenage pretty-boy indie anthems that showcased their increasing breakthrough potential.

Eastbourne Winter Gardens, 6 December 2011
Rating:
Steve Clements