Influences are for weaklings. That said, Ade prefers natural tobacco, pissy Mexican beer and moaning about how things aren't as good as they used to be. Ben is a little younger and retains more than a modicum of chirpiness, fuelled no doubt by copious consumption of canned Stella and by having lots of friends. Ade is not at all jealous of this latter fact, not in the slightest.
Following the demise of Oxford's premier and only truly awfentick Irish boozer and our regular ticket therein, the we consisting of Smith & Brown have been forced to adapt. The first adaptation was the adoption of one Mr. Sparkie on double-bass. So we're now going out hawking for gigs as Dalton Smith & Brown until someone can come up with something better. [Well, I have in fact. Several. But none passing the popular-vote, which makes me think democracy's a pain in the arse. I needed some persuasion away from The Craic Whores I can tell you. And you'll have to admit, it's pretty bloody good. But [it was argued]... good for a rackety Irish band and maybe not us*. Appeal to my conceit, you see. Seldom fails.]
Anyway, Sparkie's arrival has given us not only a complete rhythm-section housed in one slender man, but his taste in hats is influencing a less-easily definable** erm... direction to the dittysmithery. What I'm trying to say, and succeeding rather well at saying, is that we've got a bottom-end now. A good 'n.
Until next time,
Love, peace, good customer-relations etc.,
Ade
* I could always try Ebay.
** That's bollocks. It's definable as Irish-English Country Bluegrass with Klezma. And you may not even know what that is. So there we have it. We know something you quite possibly don't. Mystique is ours. Nerny nerny nerny ner.
This years festival is headlined by Billy Bragg (Friday), Seth Lakeman (Sunday) and Peatbog Faeries (Saturday) with many more top artists also performing incl the award winning The Demon Barbers.
March Untidy Night Out is this Friday and its another Friday 13th. Dr Iver Mike Halliwell (theres 3 of em) A Band of Hope (theres 1 of em) Smith & Brown (theres 3 of em) and The Colin Stark Quintet (theres 1 of him) will all be playing for your delight and delectation but remember nothing is as it seems! The Rising Sun Arts Centre Silver Street Reading and still only a measly £3 entrance fee!!!
Biggest of Untidy thanks for your set on Friday and what a great version of Pair of Brown Eyes. It was a perfect way to launch our new venture and you're welcome back any time. Stay Untidy
