Wading through the quagmire of Christmas parties, a few murky musical treats rise to the surface. It’s mentioned in the Club News but Sven Vath is always worth saying twice, plus Mr Ronson at Crasher would be a good end to the year. The rest of clubland looks a little moody to me, with bass heavy parties rolling over the city, but if you’re into your darkside then just hang around Digbeth.
Back to the live stage for some suitable cheer, with Herbaliser, Bonobo, Foals and Martha Reeves & The Vandellas all coming to the HMV there’s a few evenings to choose from. However the prize turkey has to go to the 02 Academy. The Pogues are playing on Dec 18th and it’s never really Christmas until you’ve heard Fairytale Of New York. Plus, if you don’t fancy staring through the gaps in Shane MacGowan’s teeth, Sophie Ellis Bexter is on in the other room.
Out in the wider world of music there’s the usual Christmas flake on the shelf, with The Trashmen’s Surfin Bird, one of the most irritating records ever made, currently favored for the coveted number one spot. Please don’t let that happen. If you’ve got some left over Christmas cash I’d recommend The Orb’s Metallic Spheres. They’re touring, but not playing Birmingham. So buy a copy, turn it up loud, lie on the kitchen floor and open and close the fridge door with your feet. Which is roughly like being at an Orb concert anyway. Merry crimbo/New Year guys and galls.
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