Adios, So Long, Farewell...

It's been an emotional 18 months, but, with royalties rolling in from both sides of the Atlantic, i'm thinking it might be time to kick back, get fat, and retire this Hang the DJ blog (althoug you may find me occassionally writing things here, The Thought Fox)
But, for here and now, i thought i'd sign off with some stuff to celebrate. Here's my 'Ten reasons not to be down' list...

1. The new Josh Rouse album, El Turista.

2. Nurse Jackie
roll on series 2 i say, genius

3. Nick Kent's comeback
The brilliant Apathy for the Devil is out next week, but don't just take my word for it, checkout this Sunday Times review.

4. Adventureland on DVD

Finally saw this on saturday night, superb, and a great soundtrack too (The Replacements, The Cure, Lou Reed, Big Star etc.)

5. Richmond Fontaine live in London
Bush Hall show for March 4th, already sold out, see you there if you've a ticket.

6. Pearl Jam live in London
Hyde Park in June, thanks to my bro in law, i'll be there.

7. Shutter Island
Scorsese does Dennis Lehane's most bonkers book, can't wait.

8. Fionn Regan's back
Loving his second album, Shadow of the Empire, check it out.

9. The Way Home pbk

George Pelecanos is on top form, again, in this 'crime' novel which is really more of a brilliant exploration of a father-son relationship. Bizarrely, this is set to appear on Amanda Ross' ill-conceived new Book Club show on channel z. Still, it should be interesting to see what Gok, Mr Spikey and her off Strictly make of it...

10. And finally, The Big To Do,
New Drive-By Truckers album out in March, there's info and a free download at their website now - let there be Rock!

2010...

Three albums to watch out for:

Laura Veirs' July Flame, sees her return to the excellent Bella Union label and features the helping hands and voice of Jim James no less. Out at the end of this month it's already got some fantastic reviews.

February 22nd sees the return of Josh Rouse, with El Turista. His last album was, 'Sweetie' aside, a bit of a disappointment i thought, but i spent the weekend listening again to Home and Under Cold Blue Stars and i can't wait for this.

And finally, March sees Laura Marling's second album, I Speak Because I Can. I was a huge fan of her debut and am looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.

Back down South...

well, Pacific North West to be accurate, here's the final video of this US related series - a great song from Laura Veirs, and i kind of love this old school animation too...