Journal Live - Journal Culture Central

Natalie Merchant, The Sage Gateshead

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:30:31 +0000

WENT to see Natalie Marchant at the Sage last week. Here is my review from the Journal:

A LYRICIST for 30 years, Natalie Merchant has got plenty of beautiful words tumbling from her lips tonight, but few are her own.

Ray Davies, The Sage Gateshead

Mon, 10 May 2010 16:41:17 +0000

Spent a wonderful evening at The Sage last week being treated to a display of virtuoso songwriting by one of the best in the business.

I appreciate this may be construed as meaning Ray Davies was actually writing songs in front of our very eyes. To clarify: he was merely performing them. But he was very good.

Here's my review from the Chron...

Laura Marling, Journal Tyne Theatre, Newcastle

Mon, 10 May 2010 16:24:32 +0000

Went to see a rather good gig featuring woman-of-the-music-moment Laura Marling.
Here is my review from the hallowed pages of The Journal.

Wild Beasts, The Cluny, Newcastle

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:00:55 +0000

Popped down to The Cluny on Friday night, to see Cumbria's finest, WIld Beasts. Here's my review...

Lady Gaga, Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:05:56 +0000

This was like nothing I've ever seen.

Oh My God, Charlie Darwin

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:46:20 +0000

Have you heard Oh My God, Charlie Darwin by The Low Anthem? Maybe you'd like to.

Michael Jackson: some thoughts

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:26:41 +0000

Have just finished putting up the news of Michael Jackson's death on this here Culture page of The Journal's website.

While I've been at it, the BBC have been over to Glastonbury to ask one of White Lies what he thinks (commendably sober) and Sky have treated us to a blast of Don't Stop Till You Get Enough (fair dos).

But the finest piece of commentary came from a stalwart DJ, the Professor of Pop.

The Specials, O2 Academy, Newcastle

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:38:34 +0000

Matt McKenzie reviews The Specials on the first date of their reunion tour at the Newcastle O2 Academy

TERRY Hall nearly ruined it when he started crowing about Man U being top of the league.

Nearly, although he'd have probably got away with most things given the mass, panting delirium that waited for The Specials before they trotted out to a slow, long blast of Enjoy Yourself.

African Soul Rebels, The Sage Gateshead

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:27:40 +0000

BEING an Englishman, I try not to clap at gigs.

But the great Baaba Maal made me on Tuesday night, with his polite request for us to "Clap your hands, please" during his infectious "African party".

The Hunchback's heavenly choir

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:58:25 +0000

Not long after seeing Leonard Cohen in London, I heard another beautiful, sacred sound.

This time in Paris.

Watching Leonard Cohen in London

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:07:16 +0000

If I were writing a book, I'd call it 101 Pop Stars To See Before They Die.

That was a joke, how crass of you to think otherwise.

I'll start again: this year has been a good year for ticking off the big hitters before they call it a day.

After a summer finally getting to see Neil Young then Stevie Wonder, this month brought someone somewhat quieter but no less shouted about: Leonard Cohen.

I don't know, you wait ages for one of your heroes to arrive and then three come along at once.

But the remarkable thing about this chance to see Leonard is that he did call it a day 15 years ago.

Rest In Peace Mama Africa

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:12:04 +0000

Very sad news that Miriam Makeba, singer and freedom fighter, has died at the age of 76.

I had the privilege of seeing the woman known as Mama Africa on stage in Gateshead last year in a wonderful concert that formed part of the Sugar and Spice Festival, to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act.

There is now an added poignancy to that show, marketed as her farewell tour. After a life performing on stage and battling injustice off it, she deserved a long and happy retirement.

Mercury Rev at the Newcastle Carling Academy

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:19:34 +0000

The last time I saw Mercury Rev, the singer shambled off stage and came to stand near me in the crowd, as the gig continued seemingly unhindered up front.

Roddy Frame at The Sage Gateshead

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:19:34 +0000

This is the right set up for Mr Frame.

Not just the cosy luxury of The Sage's Hall Two, but the one man with acoustic guitar
set-up that allowed his songs to be showcased in all of their fragile glory.

I blame Nicky Campbell

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:19:34 +0000

I blame Nicky Campbell.

Each morning, by the very act of listening to Radio Five, I am reminded of a formative stage in my music-loving career by listening to the man who amuses me and irritates many over breakfast.