Springsteen in Cardiff 14th June 2008

A long drive down, not aided by some poor navigational skills meant that we struggled to find somewhere to eat.  Cardiff was heaving but some take away fish and chips did the trick.  Amazing gig – 3 hours pretty much non-stop, more of a fan now.

Even longer drive home – took an hour to get out of Cardiff.  Well worth it though.

Set list:

From Small Things (Big Things One Day Come)
Tenth Avenue Freeeze-Out
Radio Nowhere
No Surrender
Lonesome Day
The Promised Land
Blinded by the light
Magic
Atlantic City
The River
Gypsy Biker
Darlington County
Because the Night
She’s the One
Livin’ in the Future
Mary’s Place
Working on the Highway
Devil’s Arcade
The Rising
Last to Die
Long Walk Home
Badlands
-
Jungleland
Thunder Road
Born to Run
Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)
American Land

Vegas comes to Cardiff Bay

I had my first trip to Cardiff yesterday to see Martyn Joseph play a launch concert for his new recording “Vegas”. Phil and I arrived about 4pm and got a great parking spot right next to the Norwegian Church where the gig was to be held. It was a beautifully warm and sunny afternoon so we wandered around the docks area and then consumed much food at a tapas bar overlooking the bay.

We headed back to the church for a drinks reception at 7 and the gig began at 8pm. The venue was very small and Martyn’s natural intimacy and warmth were enhanced by the fact he was only touching distance away. Martyn was accompanied by Mike Haughton which was a nice surprise as I used to watch them perform together around 20 years ago. Mike’s seemingly effortless and understated contribution added a wonderful richness to some of the songs and they both obviously enjoy performing together.

The new songs are great and you can listen to some of them on the website and at Martyn’s myspace. Weight Of The World and Things That We Have Carried Here are initial favourites and the title track is upbeat, fun and instantly memorable. To top it all off we were treated to the always haunting Cardiff Bay as we sat gazing across the place. Worth the five hour round trip on its own.

Metro buskers

I saw this on Ewan’s blog – a great sound..

A swearing singer and an outspoken TV evangelist

I rate Martyn Joseph.  I like his music.  I admire his stand on social issues and his willingness to sing the truth as he sees it.  Recently he has courted controversy by taking on TV evangelist Pat Robertson – his latest live recording has upset a few people with the language he used.  Below is an interview on radio Wales where he tries to explain where he is coming from.  What should we be more upset about,  Martyn’s language or Pat Robertson’s comments?

How did we end up here?

16 more dead in Baghdad today, 76 yesterday and now the US is making threats towards Iran.  How did we end up here? sums it all up for me, click here to listen to the song (make sure you choose the right one when you get there).

Garage Band

Introduced my sister to Garage Band today – she is a bit of a musical type and knocked this up in 30 minutes or so…

Quiz time

Thought you might enjoy these… I helped a friend out recently at a quiz and these were three of the rounds.  There are ten questions on each clip – follow the links and then just press play….

1. Who are these cartoon characters?
2. Can you name the films?
3. These songs all have colours in their titles. What are the colours?

Your answers on a comment – will add the correct answers soon….

Deep Blue, Whoever it was…

Have been listening to Martyn Joseph for a long time now but I really think the latest offerings are some of the best yet. The new songs on Deep Blue are really growing on me but Every Little Sign from Whoever it was is probably still my current favourite (just..)

Am looking forward to getting hold of the DVD and catching him live in Birmingham in July.