"live rehearsal"

Well, last night's show at the Roadmenders was one of the best so far... the place itself was salubrious enough, with a vibe of school disco about it. Though it's a small club (capacity can't be much more than 100), it was by no means packed out last night... 30 odd people including my gig companion (we'll call her Grasspeare), the wonderful Jim Davies (who kindly drove us) and the fabulous Tony Blackman (whose recording may have gone horribly wrong).

The support band wore glasses and sported guitars (such a cliche!). That's pretty much all I can say about them without sounding uncharitable... the music seemed happy enough to float around in the background nobody seemed to mind too much.

Time passed. Kimberley popped up and started tuning guitars (Anyone who's seen me play will tell you I could do with this service) and before long the Soft Boys were on stage. Robyn introduced the gig as being largely new songs that they wanted to try out, but promised familiar material also (they started with QOE... nice to get that one out of the way early).

Sadly, I wasn't keeping score, so who knows how many songs were played, or indeed, what they were... unhelpful I know, but among the new songs were Japanese Captain, Om (dedicated to George), Cheritaine (sp?) and a few others the memory of which escapes me for now - perhaps Tony or Jim remember more? All in all, from the strength of the new material (including the old new material - Pulse Of My Heart, Mind Is Connected et al), the new album will be blinding... I just can't wait for next Wednesday - all ye UK fegs should really make the effort - from what I hear, best to get them while they're hot!

Cheers

Matt