Monthly Archives: August 2012

Julian Cope, Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool. Gig Review

Julian Cope in concert at the University of Liverpool. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 29th 2011.

L.S. Media Rating *****

There’s only one to describe Julian Cope when he is on form and that’s just stunning. Knowledgeable, eloquent and charming are more platitudes you could bandy around in his company but he might just give that wonderful shrug of the shoulders, pretend to glare at you from behind the dark glasses, but ultimately beam graciously at you before having enough and going back to playing music.

Julian Cope, Stanley Theatre, University Of Liverpool. Gig Review full post

(411 words, 1 image, estimated 1:39 mins reading time)

Next!, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 29th 2011.

Written and performed by Graham Hicks

L.S Media Rating ****

An hour; it’s not long, 60 minutes in a life of say 70 years but what happens if in that hour you are awaiting the call that could change your life? Graham Hicks explores this in the utterly absorbing and off the wall Next!

Next!, Theatre Review. Unity Theatre, Liverpool full post

(427 words, 1 image, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)

U2, Achtung Baby. Album Review. 20th Anniversary Edition.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 31st 2011.

L.S. Media Rating *****

In a typical grandiose style that you would expect from one of the premier Irish Rock bands of the last thirty years, U2 celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 1991 album Achtung Baby with the re-release of one of the band’s finest albums.

U2, Achtung Baby. Album Review. 20th Anniversary Edition. full post

(710 words, 1 image, estimated 2:50 mins reading time)

Manic Street Preachers, National Treasures-The Singles Collection. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. October 31st 2011.

L.S.Media Rating ****

Perhaps the best way to look at the career of the Manic Street Preachers is not by the albums the band have released, all in their own way a testament to triumph over adversity, but perhaps in the singles the Welsh group have notched up in the time that they have been going.

Manic Street Preachers, National Treasures-The Singles Collection. Album Review. full post

(473 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

Megadeth, Th1rt3en. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. November 1st 2011.

L.S. Media Review *****

The number itself may unlucky for some but for Megadeth its proof, if any were needed, that they remain the best and most consistent Thrash Metal act of all time. Th1rt3en continues the excellent work by the band that in recent years has seen them deliver notable and in some cases exceptional pieces of work that to compare them to the so called appointed other Big three of Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer is to belittle the achievements of Dave Mustaine, David Ellefson, Shawn Drover and Chris Broderick.

Megadeth, Th1rt3en. Album Review. full post

(404 words, 1 image, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

Tori Amos, Gig Review. Manchester Apollo.

Tori Amos on stage at the Manchester Apollo. Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. November 6th 2011.

L.S. Media Rating * * * *

Tori Amos has long been touted as one of the best female performers of the last 20 years, her albums have touched millions of fans, all of whom share some infinity and connection with the Cornish based, American born singer, so much so that her live shows are keenly awaited and strongly attended by all cross sections of society.

Tori Amos, Gig Review. Manchester Apollo. full post

(456 words, 1 image, estimated 1:49 mins reading time)

Midge Ure, Gig Review. Pacific Road, Birkenhead

Originally published by November 6th 2011.

L.S. Media Rating ****

The last time Midge Ure stood on the stage at the Pacific Road, Birkenhead, could be considered surreal, no audience, just lights, music and his three band members of the 80’s New Wave Avant-Garde group Ultravox for company as they rehearsed their set for their sell out tour last year.

Midge Ure, Gig Review. Pacific Road, Birkenhead full post

(398 words, 1 image, estimated 1:36 mins reading time)

Mike Peters, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool.

photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. November 11th 2011.

L.S. Media Rating *****

For the third time this year, Mike Peters returned to a venue and a city that holds his presence very dear to the collective hearts of all who attend his shows. Whether it’s in the form of his band of 30 years standing, The Alarm, his magnificent tenure as the lead singer for Big Country or in his guise as one man and an acoustic guitar, Mike Peters gives a show that resonates with his audience and can make the shiest person sing at the top of their voice as they join in with Mike’s rage against injustice and half-forgotten social issues.

Mike Peters, Gig Review. o2 Academy, Liverpool. full post

(476 words, 1 image, estimated 1:54 mins reading time)

Thomas Dolby, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool.

Photograph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by L.S. Media. November 13th 2011.

LS. Media Rating ****

It may have been the best part of  two decades since Thomas Dolby had played a live set in the city, however the affection and adoration he still holds within his fan base has never diminished.  This was in evidence as he came out on stage  at the Stanley Theatre to a genuine rapturous applause that was full of warmth  and a desire to hear some of the best loved and quirky music to have been  committed for posterity.

Thomas Dolby, Gig Review. Stanley Theatre, University of Liverpool. full post

(485 words, 1 image, estimated 1:56 mins reading time)

Yes, Gig Review. Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Originally published by L.S.Media. November 15th 2011.

L.S.Media Rating ***

It was perhaps fitting that  Progressive Rock giants Yes came on stage to Benjamin Britten’s Young person’s Guide to the Orchestra, for the Symphony Hall in Birmingham is one of the most perfect places in the Midlands that blends itself with the music that Yes are universally loved and renowned for.

The subtle yet emotionally flowing guitar of Steve Howe, alongside stalwarts of the band Chris Squire on bass and the ideal drumming technique of Alan White mixed with the outrageously great keyboard playing of Geoff Downes is a combination of sound that everybody should hear at least once in their life. It’s no wonder that these four men fit together so well, the music they create is sometimes just astonishing.

Yes, Gig Review. Birmingham Symphony Hall. full post

(384 words, 1 image, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)