Latest 7 magazine

Part of a grand American tradition of melodic alt-rock that includes the likes of Big Star and The Replacements, Evan Dando still looks largely the same as in his early 90s heyday – a striking look that helped to propel the band to the bigtime, along with his slacker celebrity and of course an ability to write melodic songs of quiet desperation. This tour is a celebration of perhaps their best album, It’s A Shame About Ray – the simple and tight (and loud) set up of bass, guitar and drums was a reminder that simplicity often works best. Simple in more ways than one as the band raced through umpteen songs with very little inter-song breaks or banter.

Concorde 2, 13 December 2011
Rating:
Jeff Hemmings

With an inspired title, this evening was a heartfelt tribute to Freddie Phillips’ music from the three Trumptonshire series. Beginning with the opening titles’ xylophone and music box, Glen Richardson’s narration and singing was a dead ringer for Brian Cant. The seemingly simple melodies were surprisingly intricate with the guitarists struggling with the fingerwork at times. The whole audience were either smiling or lost in reminiscence throughout this magical trip down memory lane. The songs of Windy Miller, PC McGarry and co were lovingly recreated with just two guitars and a very busy percussionist and the clockmaker’s piece was exquisite.

Latest Music Bar, 12 December 2011
Rating:
Steve Clements

Brighton Goes Gospel has something special about it. After seeing their May Festival performance, I didn’t think it could get any better. And then it does. The talent and the love for singing is entwined and represented throughout every choir member. With a special performance from Tracey Campbell (with one of the most spectacular voices I have ever heard), and with an always-energetic presence of Choir Director, Karen Gibson, this night was moving, happy, warm, inspiring; and fun.

Hove Town Hall, 12 December 2011
Rating:
Laura Hayward

The night was full of quirky and entertaining stories and playlets using the theme of ‘Parlour Games’. This was an evening in which new and well established writers aired their most recent work which not only entertained, but gave the audience a new insight into the world of parlour games. The majority of it was mind games, using the theme as a spring board. However, despite the wonderful variety of writers and performers including Felstead and Waddell as the headliners, the compere for the evening who was not always as focused as she could be. The team did handle the evening well as a whole, especially when the last act couldn’t perform due to a technological hitch!

Komedia, 11 December 2011
Rating:
Sascha Cooper