1. New Albums by Yola and Durand Jones & The Indications
Two fabulous new albums this week. The second album by Yola, Stand For Myself, is another blast of country soul rock - 1st listen and it's a contender for album of the year.
Meanwhile, Durand Jones & The Indications' Private Space is their third volley of soul funk seduction. Both will be getting heavy rotation this week.
2. The Filth & The Fury - The Sex Pistols documentary
It's taken me 21 years to get round to watching Julian Temple's documentary about the legendary punks. Its title comes from the headline in the Daily Mirror the day after their infamous appearance on TV with Bill Grundy.
It felt timely to re-evaluate the band, given the fact they are back in court again, John Lydon disagreeing with an agreement the band made that majority decisions would decide how their material can be used. Lydon objects to their music being used in the forthcoming tv series, based on guitarist Steve Jones' book, Lonely Boy, which is produced by Danny Boyle.
Once upon a time, I would have sided with Lydon, a bright articulate and considered character, but he's lost the plot, now supporting Brexit and Trump.
It's nice to be reminded though of how powerful their music was and how genuine Lydon was when he talked about the death of Sid Vicious, and how much his late friend clearly meant to him. Come back to us John Lydon.
3. Gigs are back!
Not only did I see Desperate Journalist this week (click here for my review!), but new tickets have been bought for Supergrass, REWS, Johnny Marr and Scritti Politti. So excited!
4. Villagers - So Simpatico
Conor O'Brien's Villagers are back with a new single, So Simpatico, ahead of their 6th album, Fever Dreams, which is released on 20th August. Love the video.
5. The Clockworks
Loving new band The Clockworks, who hail from Galway, are looking very promising indeed. Signed to Alan McGee's It's Creation Baby label, they are post punk, super cool and definitely, as The Guardian called it earlier this year, one to watch. Gig in London soon please!
See you next week, stay safe, x