Gone fishing: Things to do while I’m away
Here is something of an advanced warning. This week will be the last week of Musical Chairs for a while as for the two weeks after this I am going to be on my holidays (in Finland for those who are curious). Whilst there will be a ton of really awesome features to look forward to (Five Songs, a bumper Recommend Me, Dead Weather album review and live reports from NINJA and Bat For Lashes) there are also going to be things that I’m going to miss whilst on holiday. So, here’s a guide for all the fun stuff that will be happening in my break.
The Mercury Prize nominations:
It’s that time of year again where the nominations are made public for the ever popular/controversial Mercury Prize and the nominations for the 2009 award will be announced on Tuesday 21st July. As previously reported, bookmakers already think that it’s going to be between Little Boots and Doves to take the prize that was last won by Elbow (who have, subsequently, shown in the last year that there may not be such thing anymore as a ‘curse’). I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again – if the judges do not nominate Two Suns by Bat For Lashes, which has so far been the outstanding album of 2009 by a country mile, the prize is corrupted.
Album releases:
It must be said that, for me, I’ve picked the right time to go on holiday because for the two weeks that I am gone there doesn’t seem to be anything of note being released in terms of new albums. Unless you’re a crazed fan of Now That’s What I Call Music, hastily released Michael Jackson compilations, or Reverend And The Makers, there is absolutely nothing for anyone here. That said, it’s a good opportunity to take stock and look back over what has been released this year so far (and by clicking on the Reviews tab at the top of the page so you can see what albums I’ve rated highly).
Gigs:
Most of the key gigs over the two week period is dominated by festivals. Among the many that are taking place include Latitude (with Pet Shop Boys, Grace Jones and Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds headlining), Lovebox Weekender, Field Day, and Underage Festival in Victoria Park, and not forgetting the debut of Sonisphere (headlined by Linkin Park and Metallica), which has so far revealed itself to be nothing but an organisational shambles. In terms of stand alone gigs, not much is happening because of the festivals but if you are in London be sure to catch Super Furry Animals at Somerset House on the 18th July and/or Morrissey at his re-arranged O2 Brixton Academy shows on 21st and 22nd July.
So there you go, stuff to do in the two weeks I’m gone. I have to admit that it’s not much unless you have a ticket to any of the aforementioned gigs/festivals but don’t worry, the two weeks will fly by and I’ll be back before you know it!
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Posted on July 13th, 2009 by Max
Filed under: Features, News
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