Even as a relative newcomer to the Oxford music scene, I’m all too aware of the highs, and lows, which come with the music industry, but nowhere is this better conveyed that in Anyone Can Play Guitar. Tracking the history of a small town, from the heyday of Radiohead and Ride, to the lows of Dustball, The Candyskins and countless others who almost, but never quite made it, the film works chronologically through the rise and fall of the bands who framed the cities current scene.

With the Blessing Force movement and many others on the cusp of becoming more well know, you’d be forgiven for believing this was an uplifting tale of how a town, able to produce more signed bands that most others relative to size, was continuing to set trends. Yet the countless faces of band of those who could have but didn’t, and the memories of venues which failed to retain independence leaves a heavy blot in the minds of many who lived through this era.

The film doesn’t just chart the musical history of the city, but also the inner workings of a scene, which continues even now, to operate under the same rules. Be it the notion that a favourable review in Nightshift is the first step up the rung, or the acknowledgement that newcomers to the scene get looked on scathingly, things changes during the course of the film, but not as much you might expect. Nevertheless until now I had always wondered how the pieces fitted together. How a scene which seems almost impossible to penetrate, even as a gig goer, also fuels a world where bands did, and continue to, boost each other up in an industry fuelled on corruption.

By the end of the film, I’m still not sure I know the answer. What I do notice however is as venues and pubs close down, not only are their gaping holes in the physical landscape of Oxford’s scene, but also that there are many musical faces missing from the documentary. Spira himself admits this is due to a lack of funds for music and footage, no doubt born out of a desire to create the film his way, an echo of the mindset of many bands. Though at times this makes for a depressing vibe, it equally reconfirms why Oxford manages to continue to boast a vibrant and diverse scene and perhaps more importantly highlights that ‘success is being able to do what you love’, a mindset which doesn’t always marry with the methods of the industry.

acpgthemovie.com

The story goes that during one of her DJ sets Yasmin was spotted by Pharrell Williams of N*E*R*D, which led to her profile being raised and her linking up with Labrinth and also Shy FX. She has already played support to an impressive line-up of acts which include Example, Devlin, Big Boi, Snoop Dogg and Aloe Blacc.

Her first single On My Own produced by Shy FX – featuring his trademark amen break sound – was matched perfectly with Yasmin’s sweet vocals and frank lyrics. Finish Line was the single that really got Yasmin noticed both in the charts but also in the wider musical market. 2011 also saw Yasmin nominated for Best Newcomer at the MOBO Awards.

Yasmin is now signed to Ministry Of Sound imprint Levels Entertainment and her third single Light Up (The World) (again produced by Shy FX) features Ms Dynamite. The track is reggae-influenced with an old school vibe brought right up to date by Yasmin’s lyrics and sickly-sweet vocals, with a relaxed reggae-styled video to match. In addition to this, she is currently in the studio with Jamie Smith – producer and remixer of Mercury music prize-winning The XX – ensuring that her debut album, due in 2012, is anticipated more now than ever before.

Rockness 2012: Initial Line-up Announced

The first acts have been announced for RockNess 2012 with Mumford & Sons, Biffy Clyro, Deadmau5, Ed Sheeran, Justice and many more heading to the Scottish Highlands from 8th to 10th June. This year there’s going to be a new way of getting to RockNess for festivalgoers around the UK: The RockNess Express is a specially chartered train departing London picking up festivalgoers in Birmingham, Derby, York and Newcastle before arriving in Inverness where they’ll get priority access to the festival site before anyone else arrives.

Camp Bestival 2012: Initial Line-up Announced

Hot Chip have been confirmed as Friday night headliners for Camp Bestival 2012. The festival at Lulworth Castle in Dorset will also feature performances from Gabrielle Aplin, Bellowhead, Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, Kool & The Gang and Adam Ant.

Girl Groups Reform

The original line-up of Sugababes, Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy have reformed. The band (in its current formation) does not include any of its original members. The band have been working with Emile Sande.

The Spice Girls have also reformed, however at the moment it seems that the reunion is only for the inclusion on the celebrations for the Queen’s jubilee.

Noel Gallagher is the God-Like Genius

This year’s God-Like Genius award has been awarded to Noel Gallagher. Noel has been a massive influence on the music industry as a musician, producer, writer and performer for the past twenty years.

Marcus Covers the White Stripes

The debut track to be taken from X Factor runner up Marcus Collin’s album will be a cover of the White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army. Collins’ debut album and single will both be released in March.

Aretha Calls off Engagement

Soul singer Aretha Franklin has called off her wedding. The 69 year old announced her engagement to William “Willie” Wilkerson a few weeks ago. They have yet to reveal reasons as to why the engagement has been called off due to its sensitive nature.

The Jezabels call on All Budding Artists

Australian group The Jezebels are looking for talented artists and designers to create and design a poster for them to sell as part of their merchandise on their forthcoming tour. The winner will have their design become a limited edition silk screen and will forever be remembered as part of the bands history. All the designs must be submitted to jezabelsdesign@gmail.com and must be sent as a low res image. The size of the design must be for A3 prints and posters – Artwork size: 303mm x 426 mm / Finished size: 297mm x 420 mm. Good luck!

Sum 41 Pull Out of Kerrang! Tour

Unfortunately pop punk band Sum 41 have had to pull out of the upcoming Kerrang! Tour. This is due to a back injury sustained by frontman Deryck Whibley. Taking their slot is The Blackout. Both Whibley, Kerrang! and The Blackout have issued statements regarding this matter.

Deryck Whibley: – “I feel really terrible about letting down the fans. I injured my back and the doctors are saying that I could be in a wheelchair. So, as much as I wanted to be able to do it, I’ve got to look at reality, and for the first time I’ve got to listen to somebody else and not just myself. We’re all really upset about this; we’ve had such a great relationship with our UK fans. We were really looking forward to this tour.”

James McMahon (editor of Kerrang!) – “Kerrang! are really gutted to lose Sum 41 from what will be an unforgettable tour. Let’s be honest, the news totally blows. However the tour must go on and we’re chuffed to say we’ve found a more than worthy replacement. We’re absolutely delighted to announce that The Blackout have offered to step up to the plate and will be taking to the stage with New Found Glory, letlive. and While She Sleeps in February.”

Sean Smith (vocalist with The Blackout) – “We’re delighted to step in for Sum 41 at the last minute! We’ve played the tour once before [in 2010] and we know what a total laugh it is. But hopefully Sum 41 fans won’t try and murder us! This should be a really, really great tour and we’re all really excited to watch the other bands every night.”

Live Announcements

Blink 182

The support for Blink 182’s summer tour has been announced. The pop punk trio will be joined by All American Rejects, Twin Atlantic, The Blackout and Four Year Strong on various dates that they will play.

7^th June – NIA, Birmingham (0844 338 8000) (with All American Rejects & Four Year Strong)

8^th June – The o2, London (0844 856 0202) (with All American Rejects & Four Year Strong)

9^th June – The o2, London (SOLD OUT) (with All American Rejects & Twin Atlantic)

21^st June – The o2, Dublin – (0818 719 300) (with All American Rejects & Four Year Strong)

13^th June – Odyssey Arena, Belfast (028 9073 9074) (with All American Rejects & Four Year Strong)

15^th June – MEN, Manchester (0844 847 2000) (with All American Rejects & Twin Atlantic)

16^th June – LG Arena, Birmingham (SOLD OUT) (with All American Rejects & Twin Atlantic)

17^th June – Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield (0114 256 5656) (with All American Rejects & Twin Atlantic)

19^th June – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle (0844 493 6666) (with All American Rejects & Twin Atlantic)

20^th June – SECC, Glasgow (0844 4999 990) (with All American Rejects & Twin Atlantic)

10^th July – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff (SOLD OUT) (with All American Rejects & The Blackout)

11^th July – Capital FM Arena, Nottingham (SOLD OUT) (with All American Rejects & The Blackout)

12^th July – Echo Arena, Liverpool (0844 8000 400) (with All American Rejects & The Black Out)

Blood Red Shoes

Blood Red Shoes will be touring throughout April and May. Their new album In Time To Voices will be released March 26^th.

27^th April – Concorde, Brighton (www.ticketweb.co.uk – 01273 673 311)

28^th April – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth (www.seetickets.com – 02392 863 911)

29^th April – Academy 2, Oxford (www.alt-tickets.co.uk – 0191 230 4474)

1^st May – Trinity, Bristol (www.alt-tickets.co.uk – 0191 230 4474)

2^nd May – Waterfront, Norwich (www.euaticketbookings.co.uk – 01603 508 050)

3^rd May – Heaven, London (www.gigsandtours.com – 0207 403 3331)

4^th May – HMV Library, Birmingham (www.gigsandtours.com – 0844 248 5037)

5^th May – Academy 2, Manchester (www.gigsandtours.com – 0161 832 1111)

7^th May – Zanzibar, Liverpool (www.ticketline.co.uk – 0151 707 0633)

8^th May – Cluny, Newcastle (www.ticketweb.co.uk – 0191 230 4474)

9^th May – Tunnels, Aberdeen (www.gigsinscotland.com – 08444 999 990)

10^th May – King Tuts, Glasgow (www.gigsinscotland.com – 08444 999 990)

12^th May – The Cockpit, Leeds (www.lunatickets.co.uk – 01132 436 749)

13^th May – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham (www.alt-tickets.co.uk – 0191 230 4474)

Civil Wars

Having recently toured with Adele as her support act Civil Wars have announced their own tour. Details of dates and venues are shown below.

13^th March -  HMV Institute, Birmingham

16^th March – Academy 2, Manchester

17^th March – Library, Lancaster

18^th March – Metropolitan University, Leeds

19^th March – Shepherds Bush Empire, London

21^st March – Komedia, Brighton

22^nd March – o2 Academy, Bristol

23^rd March – Queens Hall, Edinburgh

24^th March – Big Top, Isle of Skye

David’s Lyre

The new album from David’s Lyre Picture of Our Youth will be released February 20^th. You can see songs from the new album performed live on the upcoming tour.

14^th February – Cluny, Newcastle

15^th February – King Tut’s, Glasgow

16^th February – Cockpit, Leeds

17^th February – Duchess, York

18^th February – Deaf Institute, Manchester

21^st February – Jericho Tavern, Oxford

22^nd February – Masque Theatre, Liverpool

23^rd February – Rainbow, Birmingham

24^th February – Louisiana, Bristol

25^th February – Green Door Store, Brighton

1^st March – 100 Club, London

French Wives

Check out French Wives of their upcoming tour.

28^th February – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh

1^st March – Hootenannys, Inverness

4^th March – Harrisons Bar, Sheffield

5^th March – Brixton Windmill, London

6^th March – Dry Bar, Manchester

8^th March – Milo, Leeds

9^th March – Stereo, Glasgow

Glasvegas

Glasvegas have announced three live dates for April. Tickets are available via www.gigsandtours.com.

3^rd April – Garage, London (Last FM presents Glasvegas)

4^th April – O₂ Academy2, Liverpool

5^th April – Classic Grand, Glasgow

Halestorm

Halestorm are heading out on tour.

8^th February – Roundhouse, London

9^th February – Rock City, London

10^th February – o2 Academy, Newcastle

12^th February – o2 Academy, Bristol

13^th February – o2 Academy, Leeds

14^th February – Academy 1, Manchester

16^th February – o2 Academy, Glasgow

17^th February – HMV Institute, Birmingham

I Am The Avalanche

I Am The Avalance will be touring Europe. The details of their UK dates are shown below.

8^th February – Academy, Bristol

9^th February – Academy, Manchester (SOLD OUT)

10^th February – Guildhall, Southampton

11^th February – Roundhouse, London (SOLD OUT)

12^th February – Roundhouse, London

14^th February – o2 Academy, Glasgow

15^th February – o2 Academy, Birmingham

16^th February – o2 Academy, Newcastle

17^th February – University Great Hall, Cardiff

Juan Zelada

Juan Zelada is heading out on an epic tour. Make sure you get down to see him perform his gorgeous mix of rock and blues.

28^th March – The Roadmender, Northampton

29^th March – The Crauford Arms, Wolverton, Milton Keynes

30^th March – Bush Hall, Sheperd’s Bush, London

31^st March – The Cornerhouse, Cambridge

2^nd April – Soyo, Sheffield

3^rd April – The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham

4^th April – The Musician, Leicester

5^th April – The Brudenell Social Club, Leeds

6^th April – Fibbers, York

7^th April – The Cluny, Newcastle upon Tyne

8^th April – The Tunnels, Aberdeen

9^th April – The Berkeley Suite, Glasgow

13^th April – Night & Day, Manchester

14^th April – Leaf on Bold Street, Liverpool

15^th April – The Yardbird Jazz Club, Birmingham

17^th April – South Street Arts Centre, Reading

18^th April – Buffalo Bar, Cardiff

19^th April – The Jericho, Oxford

20^th April – The Louisiana, Bristol

21^st April – Guildhall, Gloucester

24^th April – The Winchester, Bournemouth

25^th April – The George Venue, Andover, Hampshire

27^th April – The Cellars, Portsmouth

28^th April – The Forum, Tunbridge Wells

29^th April – Komedia, Brighton

Last Witness

Last Witness are set to support are set to support The Devil Wears Prada on their upcoming tour.

2^nd February – Great Hall 2, Cardiff

3^rd February – Sugarmill, Stoke

4^th February – Academy 3, Manchester

5^th February – G2, Glasgow

7^th February – Academy 2, Newcastle

8^th February – Academy 2, Birmingham

10^th February – White Rabbit, Plymouth

11^th February – Talking Heads, Southampton

12^th February – The Haunt, Brighton

13^th February – Academy 2, Oxford

14^th February – Arts Centre, Colchester

17^th February – Underworld, London

Lianne La Havas

Lianne La Havas will be playing various live dates throughout January, February and March. Hotly tipped as the next big thing, make sure you try and get down to see her on this tour.

31^st January – The Social, London (SOLD OUT)

7^th February – The Social, London (SOLD OUT)

8^th February – HMV Next Big Thing Festival, The Borderline, London

8^th March – Coalition, Brighton (www.ticketweb.co.uk)

9^th March – o2 Academy 2, Oxford (www.alt-tickets.co.uk)

10^th March – Sugar Club, Dublin (www.ticketmaster.ie)

12^th March – Glee Club, Birmingham (www.livenation.co.uk)

13^th March – The Scala, London (SOLD OUT)

Liz Green

The Liz Green tour starts in February. She will be playing various dates throughout February and March.

22^nd March, Glee Club, Birmingham (£8)

23^rd March – Cavern, Exeter (£8)

24^th March – Louisiana, Bristol (£8)

26^th March – Captains Rest, Glasgow (£8)

27^th March – York, Duchess (£6.50)

28^th March – Cluny 2, Newcastle (£7)

29^th March – Riverside, Sheffield (FREE)

30^th March – Brudenell, Leeds (£8)

1^st April – Arts Centre, Norwich (£8)

2^nd April – The Hope, Brighton (£8)

3^rd April – Bush Hall, London (£12.50)

4^th April – Portland Arms, Cambridge (£7)

5^th April – Deaf Institute, Manchester (£7)

Lost Prophets

New album Weapons from Lost Prophets will be released in April. Lost Prophets are celebrating the release by playing a 14 date tour. Tickets are available via www.gigsandtours.com.

15^th April – Olympia, Dublin

16^th April – Ulster Hal, Belfast

19^th April – o2 Academy, Liverpool (0844 477 2000)

20^th April – Academy, Manchester (0161 832 1111)

21^st April – o2 Academy, Leeds (0844 477 2000)

23^rd April – o2 Academy, Birmingham (0844 477 2000)

24^th April – Music Hall, Aberdeen (0844 499 9990)

25^th April – o2 Academy, Glasgow (0844 477 2000)

27^th April – o2 Academy, Newcastle (0844 477 2000)

28^th April – Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff (0292 022 4488)

30^th April – Rock City, Nottingham (0115 822 1314)

1^st May – Corn Exchange, Cambridge (0122 335 7851)

2^nd May – Guildhall, Southampton (0238 063 2601)

4^th May – o2 Academy, Brixton (0844 477 2000)

Maverick Sabre

Maveric Sabre are heading out on tour. Check them out.

1^st March – o2 Academy, Glasgow

2^nd March – Leeds Met University, Leeds

3^rd March – Academy 2, Manchester

5^th March – University Solus, Cardiff

6^th March – HMV Institute, Birmingham

8^th March – Anson Rooms, Bristol

9^th March – Pyramid, Portsmouth

10^th March – Roundhouse, London

Mmoths

Mmoths EP – EP1 will be released March 5^th. They have announced three live dates.

18^th February – Twisted Pepper, Dublin

24^th February – Glasgow Art School, Glasgow

5^th March – Rough Trade, London

M Ward

The XY hald of She & Him, M Ward, will be playing four live UK dates in March. The dates come ahead of the release of new album A Wasteland Companion.

20^th March – Leicester Square Theatre, London (£16)

25^th March – Royal Albert Hall, London (£16)

26^th March – Apollo, Manchester (with Feist)

27^th March – Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow (with Feist)

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

The support bands which will play with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Band on their upcoming tour have been announced. Noel and co will be joined by Reverend and the Makers.

13^th February – MEN Arena, Manchester (SOLD OUT)

14^th February – P&J Arena, Aberdeen (SOLD OUT)

16^th February – Odyssey Arena, Belfast (SOLD OUT)

17^th February – The o2, Dublin (SOLD OUT)

19^th February – Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield

23^rd February – Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)

24^th February – SECC Hall 4, Glasgow (SOLD OUT)

26^th February – The o2, London (SOLD OUT)

1^st March – NIA, Birmingham (SOLD OUT)

Sea Of Bees

See of Bees will be touring in April. The band will be releasing their new album Orangefarben April 9^th.

10^th April – The Old Boot Factory, Oxford

11^th April – Cockpit, Leeds

12^th April – King Tuts, Glasgow

13^th April – Auntie Annies, Belfast

14^th April – Academy 2, Dublin

16^th April – Deaf Institute, Manchester

17^th April – Hare and Hound, Birmingham

18^th April – The Haunt, Brighton

19^th April – Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, London

Sissy and the Blisters

Sissy and the Blisters are heading out on tour. Make sure you get down to see them.

20^th February -  NME Awards Show @ The Garage, London (with The Big Pink)

28^th February – Rockfeedback Presents @ The Shacklewell Arms, London (with Devin)

1^st March – The Ruby Lounge, Manchester (with The Duke Spirit)

2^nd March – The Cockpit, Leeds (with The Duke Spirit)

3^rd March – King Tuts, Glasgow (with The Duke Spirit)

5^th March – Fleece, Bristol (with The Duke Spirit)

6^th March – Komedia, Brighton (with The Duke Spirit)

7^th March – KOKO, London (with The Duke Spirit)

We Are Augustines

We Are Augustines will be playing a European tour in February. The bands UK dates are listed below.

2^nd February – Borderline, London (HMV Next Big Thing with Admiral Fallow & Folks – SOLD OUT)

10^th February – Picture House, Edinburgh (HMV Next Big Thing with Frightened Rabbit – SOLD OUT)

17^th February – Electric Ballroom, London (NME Awards Show with Cloud Control)

We Are The In Crowd

Tickets for We Are The In Crowd’s upcoming tour are available via www.gigsandtours.com.

13^th April – Concorde 2, Brighton

15^th April – Waterfront, Norwich

16^th April – Solus, Cardiff

17^th April – Academy 2, Liverpool

18^th April – King Tuts, Glasgow

19^th April – Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

20^th April – Academy 2, Newcastle

21^st April – Academy 3, Manchester

22^nd April – Hit The Deck Festival, Nottingham

24^th April – Cockpit, Leeds

25^th April – Academy 2, Birmingham

26^th April – Islington o2 Academy, London

Released This Week

Old Ideas – Leonard Cohen

Born To Die – Lana Del Rey

Beyond Magnetic – EP – Metallica

Ringo 2012 – Ringo Starr

Django Django – Django Django

When she did start releasing albums back in 1996, it’s fair to say she was somewhat overshadowed. Faith Hill recorded a version of her first title track The Secret Of Life and it became a smash hit, once again confirming her seat as premier country songwriter, but foiling her attempt to equalise with a hit recording of her own.

She’s now set to release a ninth album, Hello Cruel World, and I can say without reservation that her songwriting skills are as well developed as ever. As a singer she also exudes a particular confidence, with subtle nuances picking out depth in the lyrics. Peters is by no means a knock-out vocalist, but she doesn’t need to be – as ever it’s the strength of the music and the albums lyrical content which are the drriving force. In that respect Hello Cruel World has it all. A stellar line up of musicians sympathetically in tune with Peters, from wry despair in the title track, which is instantly dark and captivating, to the contemplative moods of The Matador and Dark Angel, duetted with Nashville stalwart Rodney Crowell.

What remains striking to me, however, is the variation. It would be easy to slip into a kind of musical melancholy musing on religion, art, natural disasters and personal challenges but that never feels the case – Woman On The Wheel providing a particularly well placed lift in an album which ebbs and flows beautifully. Hello Cruel World is a testement to Gretchen Peters’ talent as both a songwriter and recording musician in her own right.

www.gretchenpeters.com

‘You’re gonna know me by my little red boots’. Actually, if Lindi Ortega is going to be known for anything it’s likely to be her ability to belt out songs without missing a note, something the album doesn’t seem to capture. Whilst the album is solid, live the songs are transformed with a rhythm and life of their own.

Despite a stripped back set up, Lindi seems to carry a determination to set right the industry men who critiqued her, and I’m No Elvis Presley though comedic, has the air of a protest song, an ode for every musician who’s ever come up against a panel of A&R reps. Meanwhile the rest of the set is littered with songs of ‘late night debauchery and dubious friends’, or in other words, drugs and broken hearts.

Whilst the night oozes with country melodies, there’s a commercial sound to the songs which could easily see her cross to the mainstream. The likening to Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton seem justified, her covers of Cash fit into the set as if her own, and her vocal prowess more than matches up to Parton’s. In fact Blue Bird could well have been a Parton song, giving welcome respite from the more forlorn numbers.

But Lindi also has a charm of her own, Little Lie fusing catchy refrains over a bracing melody that makes it an instantly likeable song, whilst Jimmy Dean (her homage to James Dean) moves her out of the realm of introspection. If she delivers as promised and places closing song Cigarettes And Truck Stops on her next album, then she’s likely to be on to a winner, it’s more downbeat style giving needed variation to the set.

Tonight, Lindi doesn’t seem to venture too far out of tried and tested methods, penning songs which would fit easily into a ‘Country’s Greatest Hits’ album, but what she does, she does with such vocal precision and panache that this seems to be irrelevant.  Though the majority of the night is littered with references to Ortega’s vices, she weaves enough humour into the set that you move away from thinking she’s destined to join the 27 club, and instead leaves you to wonder if one day her boots might really become infamous.

www.lindiortega.ca