ATP DIRTY THREE! TOMORROW! EA CHAOS MUST ENSUE!

7
I had a blast. Barry, I would like apologise for being inept and not meeting up - it would have been a pleasure to buy you a drink but our brief correspondence began on Sunday evening when things started getting very sloppy for me, my memory is a bit scant but I remember a lot of dancing in the Crazy Horse, also Surfrider brandishing a bottle of water that wasn't water, grinning with impish glee at his masterful deception. I totally failed to meet up with him later too.

First time at Minehead rather than my beloved Camber Sands and I can say that any concerns I might have had about the change of venue (especially after queue horror stories from Xmas' Stoogefest) were swept away - in almost every regard (aside perhaps from the main stage and beach) it's superior. The staff are friendly and efficient, chalets are much nicer, facilities a notch higher, the whole thing just feels better organized somehow. The glorious weather probably had quite a bit to do with it and I was happy to spend the afternoon shift lolling on a grassy bank behind the pub getting slowly stewed with old friends.

I really liked the Centre Stage venue downstairs - I'm almost certain this is where Shellac will play during the second weekend and it'll suit them to a tee, the sound is great and there's something about those blue lights and seated area at the rear that gives it just a hint of Las Vegas fromage. I half expected a complimentary basket of breaded shrimp to arrive when I was watching la Newsom. The one downside is that the capacity is fixed so go along early if someone popular is playing down there but it's really not so bad. For the most part though the queuing problems have been solved at a stroke with the main marquee stage, although it lacks atmosphere (especially during the day), and sounds a bit boomy it's probably the only way forward.

Itchy Mcgoo! I have a Nick Cave sized bone to pick with you - some time ago you clearly stated that this man is tiny! I was rather taken with the idea of a pocket-sized rock crooner and when miss was apt to compliment his new deputy dawg moustache or antiquarian bookkeeper garb I could readily fire back with something about his diddyness but no! for a brief moment I stood shoulder to shoulder with him and I'd give him 5'11 easily, he's probably comfortably six feet tall.

Jim White remains a terrific drummer, I thought the pairing of him and Nina N on Saturday night was inspired although all too brief, she seemed to play quite a few new songs so maybe there's a release to look forward to in the not too distant future.

Weird demi-celebrity coupling spot: Josh Pearson, easily the hairiest man on site, canoodling with a wholly bald and eyebrow-less girl - it looked like between them there was enough hair for two human heads but it had been shared out unfairly.

As ever, a delight to spend a little time with Simmo et Dindon, honeyisfunny and the Souvarians. Hope you all had a hoot and the hangovers have gently eased away.
Image

ATP DIRTY THREE! TOMORROW! EA CHAOS MUST ENSUE!

10
Revelation of the weekend for me was Mary Margaret O'Hara. That bitch can sing.

Best band was a toss between Dirty Three, Smog and Spiritualized.

Biggest disappointment was Nina Nastasia with Jim White. I'd have rather just watched two individual solo sets by each of them.

Special moment of the weekend was Pajo, in his seemingly traditional hangover slot, entering the stage like a wraith from the shadows and playing to a hushed Sunday morning audience.

Biggest "mehs" go to Cat Power, Grinderman, and several nondescript Aussie bands.

Biggest shitbag award goes to the narcissistic cunts who call themselves White Magic. By insisting on playing another long, shit song, they forced Bill Callahan to cut his set short. Fucking cunts.

Agreed about the venue. It was cool. The chalets are better, too. And the cinema is English seaside weirdness at its best - a cross between a cruise ship and a David Lynch dream sequence.

Great stuff!

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests