Three Things

Reading Helen Zaltzman's blog (if you don't listen to her Answer Me This podcast you really really should, I was reminded of Isy Suttie's great Edinburgh show this year, in which her mum tells her she should write down three things that made her happy that day.
It's a lovely idea, and one I'm going to start doing. But as I haven't done it before, today's Three Things will be about the last week. I'm also going to set myself the rule that the Things can't already be blog posts.

1. Winning the pub quiz - the first time at our local pub quiz, and we romped to victory by half a point. This was in no way because the music round was about musicals. which brings me on to

2. Hungover Sunday - having had enough red wine the night before that I felt justified in lying around in my pyjamas, but not enough that I was lying with my head in the toilet. Watched West Side Story and Strictly ballroom. West Side Story is a little schmaltzy even for me, but perfect hangover cheese.


3. Fireworks in Blackheath. Not as impressive as usual, but I get ridiculously excited with fireworks. Especially when you're so close up it feels like they're aimed right at you. Less fun was standing next to two men, who were both recording on two devices each. Pah, these young 'uns. I did take my phone out for two minutes however, just to snap the below.

Lovely Sounds - Fortuna Pop!

Every now and then there seems to be a gig line-up made expressly for you. Tonight was one of those nights. Celebrating Fortunata Pop!'s 15th birthday, Tender Trap, Darren Hayman and the Secondary Modern and Allo Darlin' are pretty much among my top 5 bands of the last couple of years. That's not killing with faint praise, but if you're of the indie twee persuasion the last couple of years have been good to you.
Tender Trap, I must be honest did not live up to my memories of them at the last Twee as Fuck all-dayer. But then, neither does the last album.
Darren Hayman. Aah, Darren Hayman. The most attractive unattractive man. Happiest whilst singing the saddest songs. It's one of those voices. If you don't like it, there's no persuading you it's good. But if you like it you love his songs. With the Secondary Modern behind him it's a more joyful, full sound. Other than playing NONE if my favourite songs I couldn't have asked for more.
Allo Darlin' are the most adorable, heartfelt songs I've heard in a long time. Parts melancholy, parts brilliant dancing, they create such a warmth it's impossible not to get swept up. New stuff sounds great.
Lovely lovely loveliness.