They Might Be Giants

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One of the most prolific songwriting duos around, They Might Be Giants prove that once again they can successfully go back and forth between humorous parody and sincere songs, sometimes within the same track, across a number of different genres, and still be clever and catchy. more… “They Might Be Giants”

Ben Folds

Glasgow O2 Academy

The lyrics on Ben Folds’ new album, Lonely Avenue, were written by author Nick Hornby, and Folds is proud to remind us of that fact. “This stuff comes from Nick Hornby’s head… he writes books!” Folds announces, eyes beaming with admiration, before launching into ‘Belinda’. more… “Ben Folds”

The OK Social Club

That Howden Sound

Now into their third EP, you’d think it would feel like business as usual for Edinburgh four-piece The OK Social Club. Named after their producer, Andy Howden, That Howden Sound collates three different songs of jagged indie-punk. more… “The OK Social Club”

Frank Turner

Edinburgh HMV Picturehouse

With a background in hardcore punk music, it’s rather surprising that Frank Turner’s solo career consists of acoustic songs, but these aren’t sit-down acoustic folk ballads; they’re stand up and sing-along acoustic belters. Frank Turner
As his tall frame takes the stage as though climbing a victory podium, he’s flanked by a military snare-loving drum kit, embossing bass and supportive electric guitar players, who come and go at various parts of his set. Frank’s songs burst with life-affirming chants, witty rhyming couplets, and wry observations, aimed at the struggling artist that lounges in the heart of Britain’s pint drinking public. Frank is also a card-carrying political libertarian, and his songs resound with anti-Thatcher, anti-9-til-5 political themes.

His words ring with such personal truth that it isn’t hard to imagine that the majority of his predominantly male audience are also musicians and artists fighting to keep their heads above water in the entertainment business, and can sympathise with every pained word as Frank displays his bruises as proudly as war wounds.

Frank is the embodiment of the ‘try, try and try again’ attitude. Between songs he reminds the audience of his first Edinburgh gig at an empty Whistle Binkies (cheekily adding “I’m not having a go, although now that I mention it, where the hell were you all?”). His career as a failed punk screamer, and his spoken-from-the-heart lyrics, including lines about texting strangers to try to get an audience for his gigs, indicate that he really has fought an uphill battle to get to the point he is at today, but is glad to have taken the journey.

However, not all his songs reflect his career trajectory; songs like ‘Long Live the Queen’ and ‘Father’s Day’ retread the oft-walked paths of family and personal relationships. While very few of his songs are “love songs” of the clichéd variety, Frank is not above picking the guitar strings to tug on the heart strings.

Its is only when HMV Picturehouse staff make it clear Frank isn’t allowed back out, by turning up the Tannoy music and getting bouncers to usher out the crowd, that the audience finally gives up their cheering and leave the venue. Nevertheless, a lucky few are treated to a few more songs later that evening at the Vat and Fiddle next door.

Photos: Vikki McIntyre

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

Spoon / White Rabbits

Glasgow, King Tut’s

American college indie rock is a well-explored genre in the States, but the barrage of t-shirt and jeans bands rarely seem to bleep on our radar. Two such examples are Spoon, who hit their stride in the mid-naughties, and White Rabbits, more recent scenesters. more… “Spoon / White Rabbits”

Them Crooked Vultures

Edinburgh Corn Exchange

I can’t imagine Josh Homme was too popular with the Corn Exchange staff, who are more at home doing wedding receptions and corporate events, when he told the sold out crowd they were welcome to climb on peoples’ shoulders, drink heavily and crowd surf. more… “Them Crooked Vultures”