Indie Pen Dude: 2016

Friday 29 July 2016

Viola Beach Album released Today.

I don't have much time to write on this blog recently but I have purposely taken time out to write this. There are two reasons for this.

The first is that as a father with sons of the same age as Kris, River, Tomas, Jack and Craig, I feel the loss for the families on a personal level. I can't comprehend how this has effected the them but my thoughts will always be with them.

The second is that I had already switched on to Viola Beach and was really looking forward to watching them play in Middlesbrough later in February. It was plain to see that these boys had talent. The few songs that I had heard were brilliantly written and performed and I wanted to hear more. Much more!

I'm not writing this to dwell. I'm writing this so that as many people as possible will be made aware of the release of the album of their recordings to date that has been released today. Viola Beach had a big future. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind. They just had the style, the talent and the songs. I don't profess to be some music industry expert but I definitely know music and what is good and what is great.

Viola Beach were great and for as long as this album and their songs are listened to, they will remain great.

Don't only stream this album. Buy it and show your respect for their ability.

RIP Boys. You live on in this album.

MickDude x

Links:-

Buy the CD (and other merch.) Here

Spotify: Listen

Apple Music: Listen / Buy

Please read about the Viola Beach Memorial Fund Here: Viola Beach Memorial Fund

Monday 2 May 2016

36th Anniversary of Joy Division's last gig.

On this night, May 2nd in 1980 Joy Division played their final gig. Of course it wasn't meant to be their final gig. They had a US tour booked for later in the month and worldwide acclaim lay just around the corner but alas, just 16 days later singer Ian Curtis died.

He wasn't the best vocalist the Earth has ever seen but anyone who knows anything about the world of music will tell you that he had what counts. Ian Curtis was and still is one of the best lyricists the world has known even though he still remains unknown to the majority. He also had a stage presence unlike any other. He was, contrary to everything that he was made of, a perfect frontman.

Joy Division achieved more they could have imagined when they stumbled together in 1977. They achieved so much but they should have achieved so much more.

36 years on they are loved by millions who all wish they were in Birmingham University on May 2nd 1980. Thankfully the majority of the gig is commercially available on their Still album.

Headphones on. Click the link. Flick to 38:02 and be there, 36 years ago with Ian, Hooky. Steve and Barnard.

MICKDUDE

Thursday 28 April 2016

Broken Flags - one to watch - new song!

Broken flags unveil new track Sweet Decadence. Another beauty...

check it out here...

MickDude

Tuesday 26 April 2016

Oasis - Glastonbury 1994 (Full gig)

Nothing else needs to be said. Enjoy the complete Oasis set from Glastonbury 1994.

Oasis at their finest.

MICKDUDE

Monday 25 April 2016

Man Made debut album this Friday!!

You need to get on this.

Man Made release their debut album this Friday. You can pre-order it now....

More details here.

Sunday 24 April 2016

Minor Victories tour dates - Be there!

Minor Victories

......are Slowdive's Rachel Goswell, Mogwai's Stuart Braithwaite, Editors' Justin Lockey & Hand Held Cine Club's James Lockey.

They're playing a few dates In early May and you need to be at at least one of them.

Trust me.

Mick x

Tickets and details here.

Bruce Springsteen covers Purple Rain.

Bruise Springsteen opened his show in Brooklyn with a cover of Purple Rain as a tribute to the star who died last week.

Mick x