Not promoted but DJ'ed:

I arrived in the nick of time to play some tunes at 12 o'clock. The weather was a bit overcast all day but the rain held off and what a good day of music had. I have never seen The Supatones or The Big and although it was a bit quieter earlier in the day both 'seasoned' bands 'upped sticks' and pumped out two Skanking Original sets. I picked up a Supatones CD from e-bay the other day and haven't had a chance to listen to it yet but looking forward to it now. Checkout their sites on my links page.

I have never seen or heard Crunch either with Chrissy Boy and Lee Thompson of Madness. I enjoyed the set, there were some good 'new' tunes but who wouldn't prefer THE 7 instead!.

I have written a lot about The Selecter, The Beat, and Neville Staple lately on the site 'Sound as a Pound' all were on top form as always Rankin Roger especially pumping Rankin Juniors brilliant new track with the Ordinary Boys............. 'Boys Will Be Boys'  which entered this weeks 'Official UK Singles Charts at Number 16.

I went to see SLF in Salisbury two and a half years ago and didn't enjoy it that much because they had just released a new album and I didn't know any of the tunes!. Today was different; I'm still not a 'hardcore' fan, I knew a lot more of the songs and Irelands answer to The Clash and The Damned got the 'mosh pit' a bit messy at last!.

Then to the 'Headline Band'. How can you mistake that distinct grumbling bass guitar that lets you know The Stranglers have arrived!, Mental, and it was. Something Better Change, Alternative Ulster, Gangsters, Best Friend and The Selecters version of Racist Friend were my faves today.

I sort of compared and DJ'ed through the 'gaps' during the proceeding's. Made a couple of boo boo's mixing some of the tracks when I couldn't even hear what I was playing front of house. I've decided at these do's communication is the key. If that's what you are going to do please tell me I haven't got Crystal Balls if I'm mixing and can't get to you!. Apart from that I was most impressed with the organization of the gig though. From what I could see everybody knew what they should be doing and on time, no-one had any attitude which was nice too. Great day should have been there!.

(Click on pictures below to enlarge)