Rogadaire

This page is not so much about me as about supporting friends, fellow musicians and artists I admire. Lately I've been getting quite a few friend requests - which is great, because I check 'em all out and if I like what I hear there's a good chance I'll come to a show and sing your praises. What I don't understand is folks who just want to have as many 'friends' as possible without actually saying anything about themselves. What's the point of that?OK, well right now I'm here to spread the word that the fantastically funky Killer Meters released a Double 7'' featuring their new songs Dance Move Shake! and the ever excellent Black Mountain (including a Dub version which must be heard)in December last year. There was no middle bit in the actual records in my copy - fortunately I was able to nick one from my landlord's collection. Still, middle bits are a must, I say - you may want to stock up now to avoid disappointment (I'm told this is the standard practice these days - records with no middle bits. That's like a song with no middle bit. It just ain't right!). Anyway, if you get a chance to catch the Killer Meters live, do so. This is where they really shine.My other recommendation for today is Full Fat, a brilliant live drums, guitar, synth and turntable combo who throw in a bit of towel waving for good measure. (You might have noticed a distinct lack of towel waving at concerts - well this lot single-handedly make up for it (it only takes one, and let's be honest, an abundance of on-stage towel-wavers would be silly) although strictly speaking it's more of a twirling action than a wave). Anyway, they serve up a gloriously whacked out, mashed-up sound, while bouncing around like fools, and it is quite wonderful to behold. Check out the single 'seen' on their myspace page for a clue to their awesome live experience. They're playing a free live set at Cafe 1001, Brick Lane on Friday 5 December.Quick mention also here for a previous tip - Fell City Girl, who, despite having officially broken up in May 2007 continue to generate plenty of interest (myspace link below) and rightly so as their songs are infused with a kind of raw, emotional yet shimmeringly beautiful quality that still sets them apart in a world awash with indie guitar clones.A very brief word about me: I was in the band Headfull with the phenomenally successful Papa41 (link below) and you can hear some of our songs on the Headfull page (also below). Check out the surf guitar on 'Cozy'. Oh go on!! I am in the process of writing material for a new band which may see the light of day in 2009. Also busy finishing an album under the tentative name of Bad Science Incorporated and making some videos. All this will no doubt come out in the wash in due course.