The Chameleons Second Skin covers

Here is a couple of The Chameleons covers from their song Second Skin I've found on the internet the other day.
The first is from a german house-dance band called Scooter. Its not too bad although I would prefer a more techno based sound rather this soft euro dance.
It will hopefully give more exposure to The Chameleons and hopefully some royalties!

Belenger is a spanish lad from Valencia who has covered a couple of decent covers too. Second Skin of The Chameleons and The Nastyside of The Reegs.



www.myspace.com/belengermyspace

Nice one

Pedro Vila

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez video

Video dedicado a mi amigo Antonio Blanco [Tony] asesinado el 11 de Septiembre de 2009 en El Salvador.
Tu familia y amigos no te olvidamos.

-------------------

Video in the memory of me best mate Antonio Blanco Rodriguez murdered in El Salvador the 11th september 2009.

We will never forget you Tony

Keep walking.....

Edited by Pedro Vila

Music:
God-Plastic Ono Band
The Nasty Side-The Reegs

More info on Antonio facebook group

Exit Calm Live Recordings

Exit Calm from Barnsley at V Festival in Leeds summer 2009

Here is a list of Exit Calm live Bootlegs links to download. Courtesy of our friend Alex [Big Clive]. Thanks Alex!

Exit Calm DVD.part1
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KXMXRN77

Exit Calm DVD.part2
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FBXOIW3T

Exit Calm DVD.part3
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NM56XELB

Exit Calm DVD.part4
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7HQPROD6

Exit Calm-Barnsley Carters Old No 7 20 Oct 08
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F0DIGH0J

Exit Calm-Barnsley live Polish Club 1 May 09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PIVYTWTN

Exit Calm-Manchester Moho Live 15 May 09
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SMX8N8M7

Exit Calm-Manchester Night & Day Cafe© Bar 18 Dec 2007
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7VE97KVF

Enjoy!!

Pedro Vila

Antonio Blanco In Memoriam [R.I.P 1966-2009] Facebook group

We have created a group for Antonio Blanco Rodriguez [Tony] in Facebook [See link below]. This is an open group for everyone to share memories and keep his flame alive. If you have photos or you crossed paths with him in the past, please share your story with us all.
Thank you.

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez Facebook group

Hemos creado un grupo en Facebook [Link arriba] para que todas aquellas personas que tuvimos la suerte de conocer a Antonio Blanco Rodriguez [Tony] podamos compartir aniversarios, memorias, anecdotas o fotos y así de ahora en adelante mantener siempre su memoria viva.

Gracias

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez & Pedro Vila Seattle 1991

Pedro Vila

Coconut DF show in Pat's Memorial event. Jolly Brewer 26th September 2009 Lincoln UK [Part 2]

Dave Fielding Coconut DF sound check

Dave Fielding: Coconut DF

So after Helium 3 supporting act it was time for Dave Fielding to join the stage. The place was rammed as it was the main music act of the night so no one wanted to miss it.
Dave told me minutes before the show that he was very nervous. I couldn't believe at first how someone with such a long music career can still get that previous stage fright but suddenly I realized it was a very very special night for him and he wanted everything to work as perfect as possible. On the last minute Ralph the original Coconut DF drummer couldn't make it to the gig, so Daniel 'Bongoman' Heard and Josh Jackson [again] joined on the last minute. And they both did a perfect job I have to say.

If I had to play along an 80s guitar legend like Dave Fielding I would be anything but relaxed!

Pure ecstasy

There was a fast connection with the crowd gathered there. All the show set list was improvised [Like all Coconut Dog Fuck shows on the past], they jam the songs on the most natural way and never rehearsed it before hand.
To me it doesn't sounds unrehearsed at all to be honest.

That's me taking pics btw. Photo Courtesy of Cath Aubergine

The good mood and the positive energy started to flow . Dave was wild, he was literally on fire. He is undoubtedly very skilled and has a long wide experience. That is why he makes it work!.
I can guarantee you that you have never heard or experienced anything like this sound before.
Mr. Fielding takes music experimentation to the next level. Basically he managed to shake his glorious past and moved on. Which is to me the right thing to do. If you add that its not easy to play Dave's well known unique trademark delayed echoed guitar effects on a high uptempo dark psychedelic Trance-Dance Beats.

Dave on trance

Dave's emotional speech for Pat

Dave is a professional. He has played all along all his musical career on the main major venues around the world, America, Europe etc....and on the early 80s days supported and shared stage with some of the major acts of the time like The Cure, U2, Echo&Bunnymen, The Cult, Simple Minds, The Sisters Of Mercy, Talk Talk [You name it...] and a long long etc.... Its countless the amount of guitarists Dave [And Reg!] have influenced on a whole generation [Bands like Editors, Interpol, etc..]., its all out there proved and quoted in the music journalism. They were the pioneers and they well deserve the recognition.
He is been around with his very different musical projects since Years [Pre-Chameleons] in 1979 and you can tell as soon he joins the stage.

Dave took everybody to an unknown [but very pleasant] strange sonic landscape.

Clockwise: Daniel Heard, Dave Fielding and Josh Jackson

The show was about 3 or 4 long improvised songs. Highlights were 'Bosnia ' [Surprisingly not played at the end of the set this time due to the crowd request of an encore] and also some nice 'The Shadows' chords filled the room at the middle of the 2nd or 3rd set.
A nice surprise indeed!

I had the infinite pleasure to hear Bosnia several times on the past, and that night was probably the best one. I am very happy it was finally included it on the last The Reegs double cd compilation released last July, as it never was recorded in studio with lyrics before. Although I have to say I always personally enjoyed it to the max when he played with The Reegs on the late 90s.with Reg Smithies there backing [Can you imagine??!!].
There are some recordings of The Reegs last shows in 1998. They are brilliant, I really hope they decide it to release them some day, and more particulary The Duchess of York in Leeds which was their last show ever. day, and more particulary The Duchess of York in Leeds which was their last show ever.

Dave Fielding taking off!

Wild!

But back to Coconut Dog Fuck show, Dave feelings were very very intense like I said. He was jumping around and dancing like a...... possessed Shaman?. I recall he even almost felt over the drums once!
At some point I think he was in some sort of trance for his sadly missed friend .....and we all were there to join his mystic experience.

For a very few moments I had the sensation that Pat was somewhere watching everything and giving us all his distinctive and very own warm [always[ honest smile.

Dave Fielding: Coconut Dog Fuck

Dave played his legendary Microfret guitar his ebow on a way that anyone else cant. Quoting my friend Cath's Aubergine from Manchester [The person I know has seen more live bands ever, literally hundreds per year!]:

' .....ask me how I would rather spend a Saturday night - purely on a MUSICAL level - and give me darkly psychedelic techno over rehashing history; present over past; every time. This is just how it is for me. Dave Fielding can do things with a guitar that nobody else in this world can, and the rest of the band provide a quite brilliant foundation on which he can do so.'

Double 12" string guitar. Last Dave adquisition. Shame it wasnt used.

People dance, people had fun. Happiness isn't a crime!

Dave Fielding brought also a double fret twelve string guitar but its a shame he couldnt tune it on time. I personally would love to see him playing that on the most 'Jimmy Page style'!
At the end of the night about midnight Pat Sister Bernardette gave a little speech to thank everyone for turning up to the gig. Also some money was raised for Pat's family who were there, his mum, Dad and brothers&sisters which I had the pleasure and honor to speak briefly with.

Coconut DF The real thing!

For Pat, sadly missed but not forgotten!

They all were very happy and proud. We all gather backstage at the end of the night , and the feedback was so positive by those who turned up. Everybody smiled and was satisfied. I personally had a fantastic and very memorable night and some [Actually several!] Guinness where raised on Pat's memory. Proper Irish wake.

Pat sister Bernadette gives the final thank you speech

Special mention to the show for the lightning too [Gaz Top personal equipment ] as it gave a great atmosphere to the show. Many thanks again mate for such a great job organizing everything, you nailed it!. And also thanks everyone who got involved on the event helping or just turning up. My most sincere apologizes as well if I forget to mention anyone [So many people to say hello there!]. You know who you are.
To me it was well worth the quick trip from Spain. Despite I lost a few days before my best friend Antonio Blanco Rodriguez who was brutally murdered in El Salvador the 11th September and therefore been very very difficult times for me, there was no way I was going to miss Pat's memorial tribute.
Personally It was like a two in one occasion.

That goes for you too Tony !

I am pretty sure Pat would be very proud with all of us.

Pat's memorial will go down in history for ever, and quoting Dave 'It was our best Coconut DF gig!!'.

Like I use to say....... Nobody dies if we keep his memory alive.

Pat Taylor

R.I.P. Pat.

Hasta siempre amigo!.

Ps: I managed to take a couple of video shots from Coconut DF with my pocket camera, although sounds is compresed and obviously isn't very good [Soundwise], it shows quite well the spirit of the night [I recall some other guys with proper video cameras so hopefully more stuff will surface one day.] I will upload them when I have a bit of time off.
Also more photos were taken on the night. If you want to see them join our Facebook groups for The Reegs and Coconut Dog Fuck. or Pats memorial event.

Ta

Pedro Vila

Pat Taylor Memorial -Jolly Brewer 26th Sept 2009 Lincoln UK [Part 1]

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade

Last Saturday 26th September my good friend Gaz Top leaded and organized a memorial for Pat Taylor in The Jolly Brewer in Lincoln. Not an easy thing to do. He did an sterling job and everything was perfectly organized. All the bands were on time and everybody had a fantastic time. There were 9 bands lined up all day from 12 pm until midnight curfew. It was just a gathering of friends on the memory for the loss of our friend Pat Taylor.

Defnation Lincoln. 'More Metal than your mums Kettal!'

I took this photo of Dave Fielding and Pat Taylor sometime in 2005

The memorial event included the following bands :

-Dead Baby Parade [British Folk]
-DefNation [Metal]
-Helium 3 [Gaz Top Band]
-Shanarchy
-Martin Jackson
-The Soul Granade
-Coconut DF [Feat Dave Fielding of The Chameleons/The Reegs]

amongst other acts like Djs, etc... and a great BBQ! It was a fantastic sunny day and the atmosphere was great.
All for you Pat!

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade soundcheck

I was very impressed by the quality with the local bands playing although they came from very different styles but they all were quite good. I liked Defnation Lincoln with their combination of new metal on the line of Pantera of the good days.

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade

Gaztop introducing the bands

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade [who used to be called Lipstick Entourage before] played a brilliant set of Folk. Rock Two blokes playing the guitar and two lasses playing the flute. I really enjoyed that. They are very talented.
Also Josh Jackson deserves a special mention as he was playing the drums in that set and he also joined Gaz Band Helium 3 with the guitars and Dave Fielding's Coconut Dog Fuck with the drumming at the end of the night too. Nice one lad..not everybody can say that he joined the stage with a legend like Dave Fielding. A privilege indeed!

Josh Jackson [Helium 3 Dave Jackson son] joined with the guitars

Our Gaz drumming.' and the tap drips drip drip drip drip.......'

Also Shanarchy and Martin Jackson performed a few songs along the day. It was a fantastic relaxed event. The Jolly Brewer has the best back garden with a fairly big stage and some tables where you can sit around and relax outdoors. The church is got right behind the stage gives also a very special and haunting atmosphere too.

Helium 3 bassist Dave Jackson. Top job!

On the late afternoon after Dead Baby Parade more people was gathering on the garden. It was the time for Gaztop Helium 3 to play their set. They were quiet good,. I think they are getting better and better every time I see them live.

Helium 3 also dared with a cover of an old The Cure tune from the '3 Imaginary Boys' album [0:15 Saturday Night].. I used to like some of the old Cure songs of the first and second album and although they are not my thingy nowadays I have to say I enjoyed very much!
Nice one.

Mark Jones-Helium 3 vocals and electric guitars.

There are rumors that they might support Dave Fielding Coconut DF on a couple of upcoming shows in the near future, perhaps a date in Manchester. and why not a gig abroad! I
really hope this happens lads.

Dead Baby Parade

So after 10 pm it was about time for Dave Fielding to join the stage. It was a very special night as Pat Taylor was a close friend of him, so I had the feeling he was going to give everything of himself on the stage.

Dave Fielding Coconut Dog Fuck soundcheck

The ebow master

And indeed he did! he didn't disappoint a bit.
Dave was wild and very emotional. Wild! The real thing. Probably the best show I have seen of Dave since the reunion of The Chameleons in 2000.

Will continue on part 2

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez -Tony R.I.P. 1965-2009

My best friend and brother Antonio Blanco [Tony] got murdered in El Salvador last Friday 11th September 2009. I'm still in shock. He got shot seven times on the chest by 3 people when he was driving his motorbike on his way home.
El Salvador Police (PNC) is investigating. they said that the incident occurred in the village of San Antonio Abad of Los Indios, in the jurisdiction of Maple City-Ciudad Arce, 40 miles west of San Salvador.

He wasn’t only my friend, he was my brother.
I spoke with him the very same morning as he was visiting Spain for a few weeks and also coming to see me in Madrid this very Wednesday he did send me this photo. Probably the last photo of him

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez R.I.P. 1965-2009

Toni was a very special person, unique, one in a million and he also literally saved my life years ago. We lived loads of intense experiences together since our teenage days on the 80s.. So many memories.....
He was a single parent and leaves a 4 year old beautiful girl called 'Maya Blanco'.

But nobody dies if you keep his memory alive. And I will make sure this is gonna happen.

Love you mate and will never forget you, because to me you are not gone.

R.I.P. brother

We have created a group for Antonio Blanco Rodriguez [Tony] in Facebook [See link below]. This is an open group for everyone to share memories and keep his flame alive. If you have photos or you crossed paths with him in the past, please share your story with us all:

Antonio Blanco Facebook group

Here is a video I recorded with Tony in our skyjet trip in rio Dulce Guatemala on the way to Belize in August 2006.

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez&Pedro Vila in Izabal Lake [Rio Dulce]

Pedro Vila

If you want to read more about Toni click on the links on the right LABELS

News link english:

http://www.barcelonareporter.com/index.php?/news/comments/spanish_citizen_antonio_blanco_rodriguez_43_shot_dead_in_el_salvador/

Noticia prensa en Español:

http://www.lavanguardia.es/sucesos/noticias/20090913/53784663627/asesinan-a-un-ciudadano-espanol-en-el-salvador.html

USA Trip

After the summer hiatus I will have a bit more time to update the blog, so apologizes for the lack of content and updates. To be honest I always saw summer the right time to spent as much as you can outdoors so didn't have or wanted time for computers.

Fires in Yosemite National Park August 09

I had a fantastic time this summer on the US.I stayed a some days in Chicago and also I drove some of the west coast, Big Sur and also to Yosemite National Park. One of the things I found more shocking were the fires. They were huge, in San Gabriel Mountains I think and also in Yosemite. Mount Wilson was on flames too.

Spooky skies Los Angeles 2009

On the way to Mojave desert

Fires near the Highway

I was told the fires can burn for weeks. The view at night was very sad, hundreds of years gone within minutes
.
I'll report back soon when I get a bit of time off, and also to review an exciting flight with a glider over the Mojave desert!


Ta

Pedro Vila

Years 7" vinyl copies for sale!

Cris Seddon&D. Fielding and Reg Smithies in 1979!

I have few copies of the YEARS single I was given the other day. For all The Chameleons UK/ The Reegs fans this needs no introduction. They are in mint condition [amazing considering they are 30 years old!] and autographed by Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding.

Vinyl back cover photo

I believe they are the last copies around and were stored for years in a band members mums place.

Price is 50 GBP plus postage.

A unique opportunity [and most probably the last] to get this rare item!

If you are interested you can write me on the address below and we set the delivery:

pedro_spaceout@yahoo.com

Needless to say money raised will go to the band.

Note: Bear in mind this summer dates I' ll be here and there due to the holiday season, so you might not get a immediate reply, but one time or another I will contact you for sure, no worries.

Years single

Featuring members of The Chameleons UK - recorded in Cargo Studios in 1979.

Side 1
-Come Dancing

Side 2
-Red Chevi'
-Don't Leave

Reg Smithies-Bass
Dave Fielding-Guitar, Vocals
Christopher John Seddon-Drums, Vocals

Ta

Pedro Vila

The Reegs release from 29th June via Blue Apple Music and iTunes

The Reegs New album on sale from the 29th June

For the first time, a definitive collection of The Reegs back catalogue, featuring all of the tracks from their two out of print albums 'Return of the Sea Monkeys' and 'Rock The Magic Rock' plus b-sides and alternative versions, including a brand new recording of Bosnia, with Dave Fielding on lead vocals. Also featured are two tracks co-written and performed by Manchester street poet Reckless Robbie..

The Reegs were formed in 1988 following the break-up of The Chameleons, when guitarists Dave Fielding and Reg Smithies joined up with vocalist Gary Lavery to create a new band. With their smoldering guitar lines and haunting melodies, The Reegs picked-up where The Chameleons left off; dreamlike and ethereal but still packing an almighty punch.

This is a must have release for all fans of The Reegs, The Chameleons - or indeed, any of the many bands they inspired..

The 2-cd set is presented in a super-jewel box with brand new artwork by Reg Smithies. Booklet includes song lyrics. Full track-listing is as follows:

Disc One: See My Friends / Is There A Mother-in-Law In The Club / Savage Garden / Chorus Of The Lost / Pond Life / Start To See / These Days / Turn It Up / All Tomorrows Parties / Jesus Came To Manchester / Snooker Hooligan / In Disbelief / Oil And Water / As You Leave / Out Of Body Experience.

Disc Two: JJ180 / Blind Denial / Goodbye World / The Dream Police / The Nasty Side / The Dolphins Enemy / In Disbelief (radio session) / Oil And Water (radio session) / Running To A Standstill / The Nasty Side (instrumental) / You Told Me Before / Bosnia 2009 / Subject To Status / The Last Time .

Available via Blue Apple Music and iTunes from June 29th 2009.

As with all Blue Apple products, this is an official release, with the full support and input of all band members.

Buy The Album:

http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk

Myspace with songs:

http://www.myspace.com/thereegsdefinitivecdset

Here is a fantastic video with an excellent sound of The Reegs last performance in The Duchess of York in Leeds 2nd May 1998

The Reegs double cd compilation release summer 2009

Reg Smithies&Dave Fielding&Gary Lavery

For the first time, all of The Reegs recordings available on a 2 cd set. All the tracks from the band’s two out of print albums ‘Return of the Sea Monkeys’ and ‘Rock The Magic Rock’ plus b-sides and alternative versions.

The collection also features a brand new version of BOSNIA, recorded in Spring 2009, with Dave Fielding on lead vocals. And sadly missed Manchester street poet and pool champion, Reckless Robbie, joins the band for a raucous rendition of ‘Snooker Hooligan’ and the previously unreleased ‘JESUS CAME TO MANCHESTER’ [I' ve heard the song and its ace!]

A rare pic of the sadly missed Robbie Malone, Manchester poet and pool champion.

Artwork is by Reg Smithies.
I don't think there will be many copies printed so if you are a Chameleons fan I will suggest you to be fast. I've also been told the packaging is great!

The compilation is due for release Summer 2009, via BLUE APPLE MUSIC. To join the mailing list for advance details, just click on the link below to go to the Blue Apple Music mailing list page and then enter your email:

http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/maillist.html

New The Reegs Myspace with songs:

http://www.myspace.com/thereegsdefinitivecdset

The Reegs - JJ180 (Lilistar Mix) from. Rich

Here is a slide photo show made by our friend Richard of the song JJ 180 from 'Rock The Magic Rock' Thanks Richard

Exit Calm live Polish Club -Barnsley Yorkshire England 1st May 2009

Rob Marshall taking off [Photo courtesy of Cath Aubergine]

And yet another fantastic performance of EXIT CALM on their hometown in Barnsley. Without a doubt probably the best I ever seen from the lads. The show was sold out and ' The Glavins' and 'Mourning Becomes Electra ' were the supporting acts.

Simon Lindley

There was a fantastic atmosphere and loads of people turned up from all over England: Southampton, Lincoln, London, Manchester and me coming from Spain of course!

Nicky Smith-Exit Calm

Here is the set list:

Hearts&Minds [Amazing intro!]
We're on our own
Reference
Forgiveness [new song ace!]
Higher Learning
You've got it all wrong [Immense]
Atone
All on you
Don't look down

It was also great to meet loads of friends, mostly from the Exit Calm message board, Sean, The Wigan Kebab, Cath&Nick, Cath&RobS, Tuggers, Jolly, Alex-Big Clive, Tone [Lefty], Gaz, Nicko and a long etc....nobody wanted to miss it.


There was a special atmosphere on the air before the show, like if something immense and very special was gonna happen......like being in Manchester ready to watch Joy Division on their very early days....something like 'I was there!!'
Legendary night. Nothing less. Shame the photos didn't come up very well, mainly because there wasn't much light on the stage so not many chances really to experiment with the crap pocket camera I've got. I also managed to talk with the band before and after the show and they were highly motivated for this gig.


The only bad news is that seems the album release is being postponed until the end of the summer or probably early Autumn. We will have to wait then!
They are currently touring in England with the Sunshine underground and hopefully there will be more shows added for the summer.

Here is a quiet good audio recording of the show [I even got mentioned!]

Download :

Exit Calm live Polish Club -Barnsley England 1st May 2009

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PIVYTWTN

Exit Calm myspace: http://www.myspace.com/exitcalm
Spanish Fansite: http://www.myspace.com/exitcalmfansiteespana
Exit Calm message board: http://www.exitcalm.net/forum

All photos by Pedro Vila

Rainbow-Spring 09

I took this photos last weekend after a storm in Barcelona in the Maresme area just 4 miles from the beach. Top rainbow!


I hope next week to upload photos from the Exit Calm gig in the Polish Club in Barnsley-Yorkshire. Cant bloody wait

Dave Fielding THE REEGS new double cd release!

Dave Fielding Loch Ness 1982!

Some exciting news!
For the first time, all of The Reegs recordings available on a 2 cd set. All the tracks from the band’s two out of print albums ‘Return of the Sea Monkeys’ and ‘Rock The Magic Rock’ plus b-sides and alternative versions. Its been a long wait, but its finally here!

Dave Fielding&Reg Smithies The Reegs

The collection also features a brand new version of Bosnia, [Cant wait to hear that!] recorded in Spring 2009, with Dave Fielding on lead vocals. And sadly missed street poet and pool champ, Reckless Robbie, joins the band for a raucous rendition of ‘Snooker Hooligan’ and the previously unreleased ‘Jesus Came To Manchester’.
Artwork is by a genius called Reg Smithies.

The compilation is due for release Summer 2009, via Blue Apple Music. To join the mailing list for advance details, just click on the link below to go to the Blue Apple Music mailing list page and then enter your email.

http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/maillist.html

The Reegs new myspace with songs:

http://www.myspace.com/thereegsdefinitivecdset

Reg Smithies and Gary Lavery

Im hoping to see Dave next week and get more details on the release .
Go and get it before its sold out!!

EXIT CALM on tour May 2009

Exit Calm will play a full tour in England supporting The Sunshine Underground next May.
They will be also playing in Barnsley Yorkshire the 1st of May at the Polish Club as a warm up. gig for the release of their new debut album this year. I'll be there to full report about it with loads of photos I hope to upload on here.
Mourning Becomes Electra is the opening act, they are very good too!

Here are the dates:

12 Apr 2009 20:00	NEWCASTLE - Cluny	NEWCASTLE
22 Apr 2009 20:00	LONDON - AC30 5TH BIRTHDAY - wilmington arms - clerkenwell	LONDON
1 May 2009 20:00	BARNSLEY - The Polish Club	BARNSLEY
2 May 2009 20:00	BRIGHTON - Coalition - 16+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	BRIGHTON
3 May 2009 20:00	PORTSMOUTH - Wedgewood Rooms - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	PORTSMOUTH
4 May 2009 20:00	GLOUCESTER - Guild Hall - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	GLOUCESTER
5 May 2009 20:00	OXFORD - Academy 2 - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	OXFORD
7 May 2009 20:00	STOKE - Sugarmill - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	STOKE
8 May 2009 20:00	YORK - Duchess - 16+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	YORK
9 May 2009 20:00	BARROW - The Canteen - 16+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	BARROW
10 May 2009 20:00	DUNDEE - Dexters - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	DUNDEE
12 May 2009 20:00	DUNFERMILINE - Velocity - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	DUNFERMILINE
15 May 2009 20:00	MANCHESTER - THIS FEELING - MOHO	MANCHESTER
16 May 2009 20:00	COVENTRY - The Warehouse - 14+ - THIS IS NU-GAZE	COVENTRY
21 May 2009 20:00	LONDON - Scala - w/ Sunshine Underground	LONDON

King kong, in cannes, on a date with spiderman,
dan dare's sitting there, scared by the killerteddy bears,
down town, mini mouse is slippin micky's in the famous grouse,
while big bird spreads the word,
anybody with a heart votes love.

judge dredd, found dead, face down in snoopy's bed,
outside, tweetie pie's, getting itchy on more supplies,
meanwhile, snow white getting ready for work tonight,
turning tricks with crystal tips,
trying to make the best of its absurd.

puppy dogs and pussy cats in suspect suicide attacks,
captain kirk from planet earth, fights it out with papa smurf,
some phony little ponies, preying on the old and lonely,
making friends, robbing them, the x men taught them everything.
betty boop, tired of life, took vows, became a bride of christ,
while tin tin's been playing him at caesar's palace live on ice,
babar kumbayahs with the mighty morphin' movie stars,
as big bird spreads the word,
anybody with a heart votes Love

Madrid Sunset February 2009

Madrid sunset

I took this photos from a sunset in Madrid last Saturday. The colours in the sky came as you see on the photos, no filters or photo shop at all, just a simple pocket camera.


Behind the buildings there are the Mountains near Madrid called 'La Sierra'.
Winter sunsets are great, and this city is got brilliant ones.

Sundsvall, fågelberget Sweden

Sundsvall Forests

Just got this photos send by my friend Susann from the north of Sweden in a small town called Sundsvall. Apparently the temperature yesterday was -12ºc. The area looks like a great place for skying indeed.

Thanks Susann

Illinois Countryside

Wild deer

That's the closest I could get, as soon they see you they ran the fuckers!

Old Factory

Frozen lake sunset. Temperatures below -15ºc and more!

b/w

Some black and white photos next!

Pedro Vila

Chicago U.S. Downtown- The Night

Chicago Skyline

Here are some more photos from Chicago impressive skyline in city center at night I took from the Sears Tower, 442 mts and over 100 floors [Fastest elevators I ve ever seen!].
I found it much more impressive than other places like The Eiffel Tower for example.

Chessboard

At the bottom in the darkness we can find Lake Michigan

Look at the streets down there!

We were even above other high skycrapers

Not recommendable if you are scared of heights

Deer in Illinois park

But of course Illinois State its not only about concrete as it has beautiful parks and a pretty wide range of wildlife. More photos to come on the next days!

Chicago U.S. Downtown The Day [Part 1]

View from the lake Michigan Piers

I took this photos of the impressive Chicago downtown Skyline on Christmas time.

Sears Tower on a blue skies day

I took some more photos at night and also from the top of the Sears tower. I will upload them the next day

Sears Tower

Those twin towers are a car park, believe it or not!

Despite the blue skies the weather was freezing cold!, a pretty common thing all across the Illinois state in winter time.

More from the car park towers

I also took some more photos on black and white. That will go on part two.

Exit Calm With Angels. Live@Moho Manchester Nov 08

Here is a raw recording I did on mini disc from the last Exit Calm show in Moho Manchester. I have also some video, so I will try to edit it on the next days and over dub the mini disc audio
.
The new song is called 'With Angels' although Nick voice wasn't good that night so unfortunately they had to cancel half the show. Thanks for try anyway mate.

Exit Calm-'With Angels'-Download:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/1wvd2l

Rob Marhsall sound check

Manchester Nov 2008

Rob Marshall Moho-Aftershow Manchester

What a fantastic time in Manchester, very cold though but warmed up by all the mates and people I ve meet during this short but intense weekend.
I attended Exit Calm gig at the Moho on friday and a charity gig in Salford's King Arms pub, and on saturday Night&Day 17th birthday party, one of my favorite spots in Manchester city center.

Exit Calm single 'We are on our own' full signed!

Manchester Night&Day where I used to hang out a lot on the mid 90s, right 10 years after!

Manchester Northern Quarter in the morning, it was freezing cold!

I will upload some photos and a full show review on the upcoming days.

Exit Calm Live Manchester

Exit Calm are playing live The Aftershow in Moho Live bar, Manchester on Friday 28th November. Expect loads of photos and, if I manage to figure out how the hell it works, a mini disc recording too which I hope to upload here next week.

Black/White photography

Santa Creu d'Olorda. Collserola Mountains Barcelona. August 08

Fireman's tower

I have been practicing recently with some b/w photography. I think they are another world compared with the colour ones, somehow gives a wider perspective for experimentation and artistic purposes. Not that is better than colour but different. But you obviously need the proper equipment [Which I haven't], but there you go a few of some B/W photographs I took on the last few months o the last places I've visited:

Pere Lachaise Cemetary Paris, Aug 08

Graveyard, Rugby England Sept 08

Sant Pol de Mar Train station Oct 08

Plaça Virreina, Gracia neighbourhood -Barcelona Oct 08

Manchester city center old channels

Talavera de La Reina, bridge over Tajo river, Sept 08

Talavera De La Reina

And here are others I took of some friends in b/w too:

Jordi Felani- Montserrat Barcelona Sept 08

My friend Simón Madrazo in Gracia. Legend! Oct 08

Jordi Felani n Guillermo Azofra in Sta. Creu d'Olorda in Barcelona. Aug 08

Beatriz Suela-Talavera De La Reina

Simón Madrazo

American Beauty

I just love the end bit of that film. A great soundtrack of Thomas Newman too. Check it out.

Exit Calm single release

Nicky Smith Oldham Sept 08 Photo by Pedro Vila

Exit Calm 2nd single 'We are on our own' is released today.

Single, limited pressing CD version and 7". Exit Calm new single We're On Our Own (edit), with Atone (Acoustic)



http://www.clubac30.com

I had the pleasure to hear 'Atone' acoustic already and is immense.

Go and gerrit!

There are two more shows in Manchester in Nov and Dec from their 1st major tour in England and then the band will go to studio to record and deliver their 1st album early next year.

Ta

Exit Calm Live@The Castle Oldham [Manchester]- Sept 08 [The Night]

Rob Marshall genius!

Hearts and Minds new tune intro

Band came on stage before midnight. Simon, the bassist player suddenly points me out a t shirt hanging from one speaker. I look at it and to me surprise I realize it was an 80's Barça T shirt, my fav team!

That was class! Thanks bro.

Nicky Smith Exit Calm

They started with 'Hearts and Minds' again like the night before in Rugby. We had a few tracks to hear from their upcoming album, but god, they get better and better. I ve uploaded a video in youtube for anyone to hear it.

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=wO-TrLxP14E

Rob Marshall-Exit Calm

What an amazing trip

Sound was much better and had nothing to do like in Rugby. And also a bit of a lighting was there too, which helps a bit to the show and me photography. Although Nicky voice wasn't 100% due to technical sound problems the night before, as he couldn't hear himself at all although he gaved his best to almost break it.
What a night!.

They try to teach me to be alone, when I believe that we are on our own

They are more and more skilled every time I see them [And its been a few already] and also getting their own style and personality, which is what really amazes me about this band. They are unique.
I get special feelings with Exit Calm, something hasn't happened to me for a long time with any other band, and I ve seen hundreds of live acts on the last 20 years.

Ladies and gentleman, the rather fabulous Exit Calm

Nicky is getting more and more skills, he has the right dose of Charisma a front man needs.

Scott drumming was again sublime again. Unfortunately both nights he was dark and couldn't make good photos of him.

Rob Taking off.

He makes it sound like if there are 4 or 5 guitars in there.


Simon Linsdley shines bright, very bright.

They are on a national tour at the moment and I'm just hoping they get back to the studio soon so we will get the most anticipated 1st album from the lads very soon. There is a lot of expectation about it, reviews from independent and indie sources are rather good. Its been 4 or 5 fuckin years since Lyca Sleep and its about time we get a full studio album. And also hopefully in the future a quality dvd recording , as the snippets we can see in youtube does not do justice at all.
They sound massive!

Pretty Sharon and Nick aftershow

The Castle Oldham, backstage room

Here is the link to Cath Aubergine blog in myspace with some photos too. The best regular read to anything happening to indie and Unsigned bands in the Northwest and other weird Villages you ve never heard before all around England.

http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=59983142&blogID=438283214

Me and Rob Marshall before the show .photo by Cath

Thanks Cath!

I hope to see them live again very soon. And, why not, to play here in Spain next year!

All photos by Pedro Vila

Exit Calm Live The Castle Oldham [Manchester] Sept 08 [The Day]

Saturday morning I woke up in Aubergine Towers, me mates Cath&Nick place in Manchester city center.

Cath in Manchester city center

Near Picadilly Manchester

Despite I had quiet a few pints and Corona beers the night before I was not hang over at all. It was rare sunny Manc day and I wanted to make the most of it, so about noon after a nice breakfast in Night&Day [One of my fav places] in the norhtern quarter and a top walk around city center [God, how much Manchester has changed on the last 10 years!] me and Nick went to the nearest newsagent to get two more 6 packs of the mexican delight with lime and chill out a bit playing Grand Theft Auto 3 on the PS3.

Oldham street near the Afflecks Palace

Later on the afternoon we gathered with Alex [Big Clive] and some other friends and we watched Arsenal getting thrashed by Hull on the pub. I found funny how much all the crowd was cheering and supporting Hull. I guess the londoners get the same sympathy that Madrid or Valencia teams can get in Barcelona.

This is fuckin Manchester!

Night & Day Manchester

I used to hang around a lot in Night&Day on the late 90s

After a few more beers, it was time to call a Taxi and go to Oldham. Its been a long time since I went there the last time on the late 90s, but hasnt changed much unlike Manchester city center although The Castle was a venue I have never been before.

Breakfast beer

Our friends Ness and Gaz from Lincoln were driving all the way to meet us, and also Pretty Sharon and Ian 'The Dirty Voyeur' with another friend. We were a bunch!

Meeting point was the pub nearby the Castle. Where we had a few more and even witnessed Big Clive doing a Karaoke performance of a Sparks old song!
Big Clive Rocks!
Pub atmosphere was funny, it was like taken from TV series 'Shameless' chapter. You could not get more mancunian than that.

I missed the supporters 'No Tokyo', but we all had a great time sitting on the Castle terrace with all the mates over a nice drink. Also Rob Marshall came and gave me a T-shirt of the band. Thanks a lot mate. I havent wear a band t shirt since the old 'Metallica Justice for All' or 'Janes Addiction' Nothing Shocking days, but be sure Im gonna wear this one until it fades away and until everybody asks me 1000 times 'Who they are?' [Which people has done here in Spain already].

Exit Calm was due on stage soon, so I went to the Backstage and wished the lads the best of the shows.

End of part 1

All photos by Pedro Vila

Exit Calm Live Style Bar Rugby. Sept 08 [The Night]

Style bar Rugby

7.20's

The 1st band on was 7.20's and they were Ok. But to be honest I didn't pay much attention when they played as I was busy chatting with EC band members and some other people popped up to say hello.
As a weak thing the place didn't have a great sound that night and lacked of lights on the stage, something I noticed pretty soon and was starting to worry me for all the photos I wanted to take later of Exit Calm. I love me photography.

The mighty Alex [AKA Big Clive]

So photos do not make justice for the sonic trip we all were going to experience later that night.

Next on were Dogfight revolution. As a curious thing I was told the singer of this band played once with local members of the band 'Spacemen 3'. Very good.

Dogfight Revolution

And finally Exit Calm came on about 11:30. The sound like I said was not brilliant. Nicky mike wasn't working at first and for a minute it seemed the band was left alone there and with no support at all. Rob was doing some funny faces sometimes too, meaning that he wasn't impressed with the sound and neither he couldn't hear a bloody thing.

Plenty of these

Nicky Smith-Exit Calm

Even Big Clive had to warn the sound guy to warn him about the technical problems. I guess they want the best to give the best on their performance and their quality professional style doesn't really clash with amateurish equipments and dodgy sound boards but to be honest they managed to make it through and the whole show was amazing!!......I wasn't really bothered about minor tech troubles as I was in heaven, and I think I can speak for everybody there...we all were!

Nicky Smith. The man is got Charisma

Rob Marshall

I couldn't take any quality photos really as, blame the drink or the poor venue light [Probably both] so It was a very crappy night only when it comes to photography, so I shut a little few but with flash.

Next night in Oldham was going to be a very different night :-)

It was a fantastic show, they rocked the place and also played a new tune 'Hearts and Minds' as an intro. It leaved everyone jaw dropping there.

Nice lasses on the crowd

Rob was again massive, and Simon performed another excellent set.
Scott, the drummer ended up sweating like if he just finished a 12 round boxing fight. Ace.

Although at the end of the night I could tell Nicky was struggling with his voice again, because as he later said, he couldn't hear himself at all.
The band weren't enjoying 100% perhaps, but we all did! The room was packed and also some pretty girls could be seen on the front.
I really hope in the future they get the full tech support they really deserve, although considering the low budget equipment they have now they still sound rather fabulous!

Ladies and gentleman, the rather fabulous Exit Calm

As a funny note I asked Rob if he liked his guitar as he normally plays with the same one, and he said that he hated it! but he had to play with it because he could not affort a new one.

Go and figure the day he plays with a guitar he likes!!!

When show was finished I went to Manchester with Nick, Big Clive and Cath and crashed there for the night, or what it was left of it really.......but waiting already for the next night to happen.

Oldham....here we go!!

All photos by Pedro Vila