I've now decided on a top 10 for this year's @thefestive50.bsky.social poll. Never easy, of course, and I hope at least some make it to the final 50. Almost finished compiling my annual top 30 on Spotify too. Just swithering over the order of tracks.

It's been cold but sunny & dry here in Munich these last couple of days. So, just fine for sightseeing and there's so many great sights to see. To top things off, a great gig from Wolf Alice at the TonHalle.

On holiday this week and gigs to look forward to. The Last Dinner Party in Edinburgh tomorrow, Nouvelle Vague, also in Edinburgh, next weekend and in between, a trip to Munich where I'll also see Wolf Alice. Just the sort of holiday I like.

A rapturous reception for DakhaBrakha in Glasgow tonight and deservedly so. A set that enchants, mesmerises, uplifts & by the end has the whole place jumping. Looking forward to a repeat experience in Brighton next weekend.

A warm, sunny day in Nottingham. Perfect for a bit of sightseeing before the Beta Band gig at Rock City tonight. Lots to see including the castle, historic sites, exhibitions & statues to 2 famous figures.

Spending a Sunday morning in the cinema is a first for me. It doesn't come any better than seeing Prince at his finest in 'Sign 'o' The Times', especially on an IMAX screen. It ranks with 'Stop Making Sense' as the greatest of concert films. Absolutely exhilarating. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncDx...

Summer's over and it's been back to work this week. Last weekend spent at the Electric Picnic festival. Not a vintage year but much to enjoy. Highlights included Black Country New Road, Self Esteem & Confidence Man. The best thing, though, was 82 year old Andy Irvine, formerly of Planxty etc.

My time at this year's Edinburgh festivals is almost at an end. Finishing as it started with warm, sunny weather & really good theatre shows featuring Edinburgh stories. 'Make It Happen' at the #EIF to start with & 'Alright Sunshine' at the #edfringe today.

Great to be back in the refurbished Filmhouse & happy to have contributed to the crowdfunder to help it reopen. 'Mortician' at the EIFF was an unforgettable way to start. Sweet at first before it got darker, leading to a truly devastating ending.

So happy that it's August. Looking forward to seeing many shows at the Edinburgh International Festival & the Fringe, as well as the Film Festival, Book Festival & Art Festival. Lucky to have this so close to home.

Finishing off my holiday with a trip to the Netherlands for the Down The Rabbit Hole festival. It shouldn't be as hot as last week and we may even get some rain but still... the line-up.👍

Probably the only festival that runs from Monday to Wednesday is In Music in Zagreb. The dates suit me just fine, the weather is promising to be warm & sunny and the main bands in the line-up are just my thing. So, I continue my aim to go to places I've never been to before. 😀

Sad news, coming shortly after the passing of another legend - Sly Stone. Fond memories of Brian Wilson & his band giving us one of the most memorable sets at the 'T in the Park' festival. At one point, after playing a series of hits, Brian casually said 'Here's one called God Only Knows'. 🙂

The Heilung gig in Mannheim was simply awesome. Tribal rituals brilliantly choreographed, captivating tunes, fearsome drumming & vocals ranging from the earthy to the heavenly (particularly Maria Franz). All savoured by a devoted & passionate crowd. A religious experience.

Hugely enjoyable gig at PJ Molloy's in Dunfermline tonight by local band, Malmo. They did a very decent cover of a Goldfrapp song (Eat Yourself). Fitted in well with their set of stately, majestic songs reminiscent of The Blue Nile. Like this gem: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBae...

Glorious, indeed. So glad we got to hear the choral version a couple of times during the Tales of Us era tour.

There's probably nothing as raucous or celebratory as a gig by The Pogues at the Barrowland in Glasgow. Fantastic show last night. Some differences from Manchester as we got Ian Lynch from Lankum as well as Charles & Andrew from the Mary Wallopers but no Lisa O'Neill. No matter, all were brilliant.

I've read about cases where legitimate websites can be hacked and exploited by scammers. Now I know what it's like to be a victim of that. 😢

Can't stop thinking about Saturday & seeing Heilung in Edinburgh. Absolutely enthralling. There's something about the music & the rituals that affects an audience & seems to awaken some buried folk memory. Have to see them again, even if I have to go to Germany! www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PFz...

A fantastic gig by Stick In The Wheel at Cambridge Junction tonight. Well worth the diversion on my journey to London. Had time to wander around the city too. Teaming with historical buildings of course, the names of many familiar from watching University Challenge on TV!

An irresistible line-up & my first trip to Aberdeen for a gig was well worth it. The Filthy Tongues were as dark & compelling as ever. The Rezillos made the same glorious noise as they did in the punk days. Delighted that they included some Rezillos tracks & some joyous covers.

Enjoyed visiting the Irish Rock 'n' Roll museum this morning. Brought back memories of seeing many of the bands highlighted. Tonight, something different. Looking forward to hearing music from Wardruna's new album at the Olympia Theatre. Rounding off a wonderful trip to Dublin.

Enjoyed the Alison Moyet gig in Edinburgh last night. Just one more working day & then it's my Spring holiday. 4 gigs in the next fortnight with trips to Dublin, Aberdeen, Cambridge & London. Living my best life these days & thanking my good fortune.

I've been watching 'A Man on the Inside' on Netflix this week & it's a gem. Ted Danson playing a retired professor investigating a theft in a retirement community. Heart-warming, funny & poignant, as it also covers issues affecting older generations. Good to know there'll be a second season.

The rumours were true & The Beta Band are touring again. 😀 It's been 21 years since I was at their last gig & although Steve Mason has made some great music on his own since then, this reunion is special. Unfortunately, the Glasgow gig is on a night I can't attend so I'll try for Manchester.

An actual theatre performance, tonight, at my local theatre, which is less common than you'd think. An engaging enough play if not particularly profound. It couldn't divert my thoughts from the horrible events at the White House as seen on the news, either.

Exactly this. Roberta Flack was such a talent and the many online tributes will highlight so many of her great performances. These tracks on 'First Take' stand alongside her best and best known.

Absolutely right. Great viewing. 'Miss Austen' captures the mores & manners of the times (if the novels are anything to go by). Fascinating story & such an emotional ending.

A spot-on analysis of the state of things in the West. What might happen in the coming months & years is a horrifying prospect.

Sad news. Janice Forsyth has been such a brilliant broadcaster for decades. Warm, witty & hugely knowledgeable about culture & the arts. An alternative national treasure, indeed.

Went to the cinema last night to see 'Becoming Led Zeppelin'. A decent enough documentary film, charting their origins up to the time of their second album. No great revelations or insights but a wealth of old footage, generous amounts of performance footage & a great sound mix.

'September 5' was absorbing viewing that touches on the issues of rolling media coverage of ongoing events. Still an issue today. Fine performances and an interesting perspective on the news coverage I'm old enough to have seen something of, back in the day.

I didn't need a new passport quickly but certainly got it. Applied via the website & sent my old one to the UK Passport Office on Monday. Received the new one today (Thursday). I wish all services were as efficient.

Just found out that AC/DC are playing in Edinburgh this summer. 😀 But, in even better news, DakhaBrakha are returning to the UK this autumn. Saw them twice last year & the gigs rank among my all-time favourites. Will aim to go to the Brighton gig in October as it's on a Sunday.

I've brightened up a gloomy day by booking travel & accommodation for my spring holiday. A few gigs on which to base this & I'm happy to be seeing Wardruna (in Dublin), Stick In The Wheel (in Cambridge) & a favourite - Goodbye Mr Mackenzie at this historic London venue www.the100club.co.uk/history/

@lindavdsalm.bsky.social Hello Linda. I've just joined Blue Sky & so just had to see if there was anything about Katzenjammer. 🙂 Not much so far but maybe in time. Needless to say, I still hope they will reunite one day. Hope you are well.

Yes, definitely recommended. I went to see 'A Real Pain' at the cinema today and it's a gem. Funny & poignant, it beautifully touches on the various meanings behind the film's title. Superb performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin.

A new year. No resolutions for 2025 but I thought I'd sign up to this site as some accounts I follow on ex-Twitter are moving here. Looking forward to great new music, gigs & festivals this year. Meantime, listening to my favourite 2024 tracks. open.spotify.com/playlist/0ED...