Well we finally made it over to the Herdsman in Hereford - the first time this year - and well worth it! Kicking off with The Elements from Kington who have to be one of the spikiest and kickingest three-pieces I've seen for a while. Natural stage presence from the pop-punksters - but the highlight for me was their snarlingly original and upbeat cover of 'Hallelujah'. This Leonard Cohen classic has been dirged out by Bruce Springsteen, John Cale and most famously by Jeff Buckley. But here's a great local connection - the cover I first remember was by Robert Wyatt of Soft Machine who worked with Daevid Allen of Gong fame which also featured Bill Bruford (later of Yes) who also teamed up in King Crimson with Robert Fripp who of course married Toyah who now lives near Pershore! How about that for the Music Map then Andrew?
Enough trivia for one day - next up were local outfit Short Fuse who have more Chili than the Peppers themselves - with a touch of Sabbath thrown in - but the closing spectacular moshing finale seemed suspiciously choreographed thoughhmmm
Tremendously impressed with powerpoppers Four Ways Forward who've got a crowd-pleasing set with a Silver Tequila feel and who are one of those outfits who seem to have improved each time you see them - looking forward to the next time guys.
Well hate to say I told you but last week I said we'd probably have to leave before Dandelion Killers hit the stage - well not quite, as we caught most of 'Going Under' before legging it for the last train back - still we'd be seeing them again in the next few days - wouldn't we.?
I like to indulge myself in nostalgia every so often so it was great to catch two reincarnations of Worcester liggers Batwhispers - assembled at the Marrs Bar for frontman Spike's nth birthday bash. Very much of a B52's/Commitments flavour to keep you grinning from ear to ear and some tasty covers ('Powderfinger' and 'B-A-B-Y') thrown in for good measure!
Treat for me though was the sublime sax and co-vocals of ex-36 Stoner/Bransford Horns Cal - now with Funky Skunk - and the mighty guitar work of Ernie - he of the legendary Ernie and the Dogs - haven't seen him for at least ten years now - looking good chap!
There's another 'Music Map' connection between Ernie and Dandelion Killers that'd take me into next week to explain - maybe another day then Another sparkling set from the Ross threesome who effortlessly switch from powerhouse rockers like 'Bad Saturday' to off-the-wall pastiches like 'Golden Age' in a twinkle. Catch them at the Tap House in Kidderminster in April but I'm looking forward to not only Dandelion Killers but the rest of the best at Hereford's Wyeside Festival in June
