The Tixie licks - music made for Pirates

I suppose that it's normal to have an added interest in things that go on in your home town, so it felt extra special when I received a cd in the post from a band called The Tixie Licks, a band who are based in the same very town that I spent my formative years in. Not only are they from the good old town of Penzance, home of Pirates and Pasty's but they're actually very good and their E.P is full off anti folk style goodness that would keep many a lo-fi fan happy on the Hi-fi. Expect Plenty of plays on upcoming episodes of Tuckshop Community Radio and visit them on myspace now by clicking on this sentence.

Ice Cream Van Man - this diet is no fad

I've never needed much of an excuse to buy an ice cream on a sunny Saturday afternoon, so I was very happy to hear the sweet chimes of an ice cream van whilst on Hampstead Heath Yesterday. As I faced the direction of the music, I was even more excited by the sight of a small Ice Cream Van which had been entirely constructed out of cardboard! Embracing this brilliant idea, assuming that the ice cream seller had built it himself, I began to trek up Parliment hill wanting to satisfy my sweet tooth. As I navigated the steep climb, getting nearer to the van, I noticed how the ice cream glistened in the late afternoon sunshine, "these are going to be good" I thought and I stepped up a gear.














It came as complete surprise when reaching the Van that the cardboard design didn't stop at just the vehicle. Ice cream was indeed for sale, but this was the type that was made entirely from cardboard, though the disappointment didn't last long as I immediately purchased a 100% fat free, non dairy, vegan cone for the bargain of £2. It looks amazing, is without a doubt the best thing I've bought in a long long time and is now going to sit very proudly on my mantle piece.














If you would like to know more about Ice Cream Van Man and it's mastermind William Alexander, please visit his website here...

August Club Ugly - 'it aint half hot mum'

Well, thanks again for those of you that popped down to the Social on the 18th. I have to say that this one was yet again a beauty. Fun was had by all as all the bands were not only excellent, but also friendly and quite happy to share various equipment.



















It was a warm evening in London and the early part was spent with people preferring to enjoy a drink out on little Portland street, in fact I think there was literally no one inside during the early part of the evening. This changed however once The Welcome Committee (AKA Jamie) climbed up onto the stage armed only with his guitar and book of songs. Those that tune into Tuckshop Community Radio will be quite familiar with the melodic rumblings of this fine chap, sweet melodies and narrative lyrics blend into perfect harmony and everyone in the Social sat, stood and listened in awe.














Second on the bill were the mighty impressive So Say So, Who I must admit, I had little knowledge of, other than a quick listen on their myspace page, before I went on Holiday. This unfamiliarity didn't last long though as not only were the band thoroughly likeable, but they also hit the Social Crowd with such a full belting sound that everyone stood in amazement. We were all gripped by their roller coaster of a set and it's no wonder that this fine band have been picked to support American Indie band The Veils at the Scala in late September.













" I hope we're ok tonight" Said Jamie, the frontman of Last Dinosaur, "it's been a while since we last played", and after the superb set from So Say So, they did indeed have a lot to live up for. However, riseth the gig, riseth the band and there was nothing extinct at all about their performance. Violins played alongside guitars, the crowd nodded along and even the soundman jumped about excitedly behind them all. An album is not far on the Horizon and I think everyone who was at the gig will be looking forward to it's release.

Here are some more pics....

Superb video from You Say France and I Whist'e

As soon as I heard the uber talented 'You Say France and I Whistle'. I knew that It wasn't going to take long for me to become a fan. Their music is a striking blend of perfect Scandinavian guitar indie pop and every single record that they have sent me is not only faultless in sound but also perfectly constructed . Sweden may be famous for contemporary design, but You Say France and I Whistle is the best soundtrack for any time spent lounging in a Yngve Ekstrom Lamino chair, or even any sofa for that matter.

Check out this awesome video for their record 'when lovers die', personally I've always been a fan of monkeys playing drums and men baking cakes in David Beckham shirts...infact I'm off to get my ticket to Sweden right now.

Skate Park with Sea Views

I took these pics a while back when visiting the small skate park in my home town of Penzance with my mate Dan, I've always been interested in Skateboarding despite the fact that I'm pretty lame at it (I even have a false tooth in my mouth as evidence!) This Park in Penzance was somewhat of a milestone as it was the first to be built nearly 10 years ago after a lot of campaigning. I even think I helped raise some of the cash when I played in a band called the Fukkas, which is another story completely. It's nice to see that people are still using it despite an influx of skate bowls being built in the area. It was a really chilled evening and even think that earlier one of the young scally wags hanging out with us was no other than Sam Bosworth who went on to win the Amateur X Games in Los Angeles only recently! Not bad for a wee nipper born and bred on pasties. Up the Kernow revolution!

New Wolf People EP - Tiny Circles

One of the great things about Tuckshop is that I occasionally get sent music in the post. These days, what with the digital revolution, everything is sent to me via email. (probably a good thing in all reality as I literally have piles and plies of cd's) There's actually something quite nice about receiving packages from far gone places and the excitement is always doubled with me due to my letter box being so small that a trip to the post office is always needed, thus increasing my anticipation. This week having returned form my mini break in Cornwall I picked up a promo copy of the latest Wolf People ep entitled Tiny Circles. As you'd expect it's a cracker, and if you're going to Green Man this weekend you should definitely check them out. Hopefully we'll have an interview on here with them soon, so watch this space.......