The Divine Comedy

What can I say that hasn't been said already? It wasn't a sold out gig in Oxford, but that didn't matter, every person in there made it sound like there were 4 times as many people in the venue. The crowd waited in anticipation for a sight of Neil Hannon, then suddenly after a tumultuous sound of drums and french horns fit for the arrival of royalty he appeared with his 7-piece band to rapturous applause.
For the next 1 hour 40 minutes we were treated to what can only be described as a phenomenon of music. Most artists would perhaps feel pressure from record executives to shamelessly plug their latest album by performing lots of tracks from it, however Neil Hannon has always been his own man. He picks songs from an extensive 8 album back catalogue and makes them sound so fresh that you'd think he'd just writen them backstage. However this isn't just about the music, this is about the man behind it. There is so much conversation between himself and the crowd that at one point he bursts out into an impromptu song about how his looks are great after someone shouts out that he is 'fit'. While during 'The Plough', which by his own confession should be a sad song, when someone shouts "plough it" while at a silent moment he couldn't help but burst into laughter and let the rest of the band continue part of the song as an instrumental. He continues the performance with such classics including 'Something For The Weekend', 'Becoming More Like Alfie', 'When The Lights Go Out All Over Europe', and finishes with my personal favourite 'Tonight We Fly'. However the crowd are not happy. They Want More, and Hannon doesn't disappoint. He comes back with an encore of 'National Express' sending the crowd into hysterics.
Hannon is not just a singer, a musical artist, or a born entertainer. He is a god.

Swiss Concrete at Port Mahon

To be honest I don't understand the Swiss Concrete part of the title. Anyway, I saw Little Eiffle, Santa Dog and Blood Music there. Those kind of bands you're only ever going to see on the local circuit, but that isn't a bad thing. The relaxed jovial atmosphere in the place complimented the bands that played. A nice way to spend a relaxing Tuesday night.
P.S. If you're reading this Charlie you owe me a £1.

Last Minute Gig

Quarter Finalists + Speed Circus + The Rifles.

Pretty good all round to be honest. There was good music, a punch-up and a dancing clown. Plus went to a jazz night afterwards for something a little more cultured... well actually just for a few more pints really.