I remember the last time I saw Belle and Sebastian in 1997. We drove up to London to see them at the Shepherds Bush Empire after work. The new record had been released that morning, so we listenen to a hastily taped copy of 'The Boy With The Arab Strap' for the first time in the car, thinking how fantastic it was. As it turned out, they were pretty bad that night - they took a long time to come on stage, were incredibly quiet, and the pauses were longer than the songs. I wouldn't have admitted it at the time, but my heroes had disappointed me. I made lots of excuses for them - in a way it was fitting that they weren't so good live.
How different tonight then. After padding endlessly around a frozen and busy Bath (never my favourite city), into the Pavillions, with few expectations - but happy to be seeing some live music after a long break. A cavernous room with a floor sprung for ballroom dancing it seems. Beer sold by the can. A no-nonsense venue.
Between acts, I bumped into some expat-Burnhamites, including Messrs. Ponter, Orledge and Rowden. In fact, Steve has asked me to make a special mention of him here - in fact, will this do? Quite glad to see some familiar faces, because I was beginning to feel a bit old and redundant.
Overall, I think this was the best show I've seen in years - the band were great - best of all, they were audible. Loud even. The sound was great. Even the inevitable between-song-pause problem of a band of multi-instrumentalists wasn't as bad, with some confidently chipper banter between stage and audience.
Most of the new record was played, along with some wonderful oldies and even the odd obscure B-side ('Photo Jenny' anyone?), a very good Rolling Stones cover, and Stevie Jackson's 'Travellin' Light' (familiar to people who heard DCW before it was released). A long set, confidently delivered and full of a drive I'd never seen the band display before.
Promise I'll try to remember the set-list which I forgot to write down as it happened. Highlights for me were a beautifully orchestrated 'Dirty Dream #2' and 'If You Find Yourself Caught in Love', and a storming 'Sleep the Clock Around' which closed the main set.
Thanks for the lift back Chris! Otherwise, I'd still be freezing at Bath Spa station.
A later start than recently, having accepted a spare seat on a cheap coach to London arranged by some ex-colleagues.
On arriving, quick dash to Victoria and a train to Denmark Hill. Then a confusing but finally pretty accurate walk to the Lambeth Archives.
Browsed the documents they hold of the Clapham Antiquarian Society. Frankly, not of much interest in the search for William Kent related items. Lots of interesting old papers, but resolved not to get drawn into further complexities, so looked exclusively for what I came for, to little avail.
Since I was here, decided I'd check the Electoral Registers, to see if William remained at 71 Union Road after the 1948 date I have. Discovered to my further dismay that whilst Nos. 2-22 even Union Road were indeed in the Vauxhall Consituency of Lambeth Borough, the remainder was to be found in Wandsworth Borough. Clearly not my day.
Wandered to Loughborough Junction, then a Thameslink to Blackfriars and the Circle to Tower Hill. Explored the eastern end of the city, including visits to St Helens Bishopsgate, St Andrew Undershaft, and a brief interlude to feed the birds at St Botolph Aldgate.
At one point I turned against the wind into Lombard Street and was met with an icy blast of December air. Felt utterly desolate, alone and dejected. Longish ramble back via Moorfields and Whitecross Road. Circle from Farringdon to Baker Street. Finally met up with coach party in Park Lane.
Work is frustrating beyond all belief. Trying to print a couple of thousand school place offers and related documentation on one aging laser printer (and one we can occasionally borrow when it's not busy) is sheer hell! Add to this some seriously neurotic behaviour in some quarters and the usual team disintegration, and we have a recipe for confusion, desperation and headaches!
Ordered books to complete all but the last few gaps in the William Kent collection. Its been expensive, considering he is such a neglected author. Should really get back to work on writing about him - firstly in connection with Gissing, and eventually possibly a wider study. All rather pie-in-the-sky, as are all my projects.
Off work tomorrow to offer support and directions for a family hospital visit, and hopefully to relax a little.
Off on the first train out of Weston once again. Ramsgate plans in tatters, so settle for a day in London. November weather means that its barely light when we reach Paddington. Underground to Temple, then up to Strand and a wander along Fleet Street, looking for the courts and alleys mentioned in William Kent's "Walks in London". Brief look at St. Brides, then coffee on New Bridge Street.
Decided to visit the Museum of London, but took a rambling path north via the remains of Paternoster Square, Amen Court, and a visit to Stationers Hall which appeared to be under preparation for a banquet.
Spent hours in the museum, and frankly could have spent much longer - lots to see. Decided that since the rain had stopped, more wandering was in order. Headed for Guildhall (which was also decked out in flags and a large marquee) via the sites of a string of ruined or disappeared churches. Eventually headed for Smithfield via Pie Corner, and Farringdon for a train back to Paddington.
Nice journey home in First Class. Decided to go out for a drink on getting back, which started out well - but as happens so often when I decide to be sociable, ends in hand-wringing disaster!
Lost::MikeGTN
I've had a home on the web for more years than I care to remember, and a few kind souls persuade me it's worth persisting with keeping it updated. This current incarnation of the site is centred around the blog posts which began back in 1999 as 'the daylog' and continued through my travels and tribulations during the following years.
I don't get out and about nearly as much these days, but I do try to record significant events and trips for posterity. You may also have arrived here by following the trail to my former music blog Songs Heard On Fast Trains. That content is preserved here too.
