Freedom From The Mundane

The Beat At The Edinburgh Picture House

Image: whatsonsouthwest.co.uk

There’s still time to win a free copy of STELLA over at Cate Masters’ blog. You have until tomorrow to head over to http://catemasters.blogspot.com and leave a comment.

Things were somewhat more relaxed in the office yesterday. I’m still spinning plates but made good progress with some work. I took a slightly extended lunch (for me – 20 mins) in the canteen with a copy of The Guardian and a plate of pork chow mein with peas. Very nice.

After work I headed to Hamilton’s Bar in Stockbridge for drinks with my friends Linda and fiancé Paul. Gail arrived around half past six and after some introductions we had a few more bevies. After several pints Paul abandoned his DIY plans for the evening and I talked them into joining us at the gig we were going to.

It was my first time at the HMV Picture House in Edinburgh. It’s a converted theatre, similar in design to the Academy’s a la Glasgow, Brixton et al. It’s got a great stage and atmosphere and I predict it’s going to become the premier venue for bands over and above the likes of the Corn Exchange, which is a dire live music venue.

There’s not much I can say about the support band whoever they were, but The Beat were pretty good. After a poor choice to open with Stand Down Margaret, they played all their usual and most popular tracks with a couple of newer ones thrown in.

My favourite Beat track, Too Nice To Talk To was cut short after the most awful feedback invaded the auditorium, which really pissed off Ranking Roger who had to do an impromptu sound check in front of a live audience. That aside, their act was as good as ever and it was great o see such a good turn out for them in this, the 30th anniversary of 2-Tone.

There’s been some big bands playing in Scotland this week – Oasis, Take That to name two – so space in News of the World is somewhat limited, but after penning my review earlier I spoke to the editor who told me it will likely be used in the paper’s online edition.

I’ve got a 30th birthday party tonight and some things to do around the house, and there’s a slight hangover impacting me after the Guinness I consumed last night, but I’m still hoping to find time to do some work, which they way I’m feeling, will be better than nothing.