Sunday 28 July 2019

On Stage: The Proclaimers @ Paradiso



Thirty years ago Scottish twins Charlie and Craig Reid had a huge hit as The Proclaimers with 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)', which is kind of an unusual song to have such success with. They never were able to match that success but are still recording and performing. I've never been a big fan, but a friend of mine is and was dying to see them (no, really). I decided to join him to see his idols, just because it could be fun.

The Proclaimers at Paradiso Amsterdam, July 25 2019



And so we find ourselves in a hot Paradiso on this tropical day, waiting for The Proclaimers. The main hall isn't sold out, but it has filled up nicely. Originally the band was scheduled for the smaller Paradiso Noord venue, but due to a big demand for tickets it was moved here. I guess even the programmers were surprised by the twins' popularity. I was expecting maybe to see many English fans, but this doesn't seem to be the case.



This is not really the music I normally listen to, because I'm not a big fan of folk music. I notice I don't know too many songs and only the couple of hit songs that received air play back then sound familiar. The fans know all the songs by heart and are singing along out loud, including our friend. It is apparent the brothers have a loyal fanbase, that keep showing up for their concerts. These are longtime fans although the number of young people isn't bad at all.



Even though the fans are enjoying the show, not much is happening on stage. Although the band are clearly enjoying it themselves, especially bass player Garry John Kane and drummer Clive Jenner, they are kind of routinely playing the songs. The Reid brothers aren't exactly putting down an explosive show either. Their vocals are clear and strong though and their voices are harmonizing beautifully. In the end I think this show was alright, but a bit boring for me. I was hoping maybe they would surprise me, but instead it met my expectations which weren't very high. They are of course professional musicians that can play at a high level, but they were not able to convince me. When we head home I still hear "I will walk 500 miles...' ringing in my head which is still hooked into my brain even today. Thanks guys...



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Setlist:
01. Angry Cyclist
02. There's a Touch
03. Over and Done With
04. Letter From America
05. Should Have Been Loved
06. Stretch
07. Let's Get Married
08. Spinning Around in the Air
09. Streets of Edinburgh
10. Sean
11. What Makes You Cry?
12. Information
13. Born Innocent
14. Sky Takes the Soul
15. The Light
16. Sunshine on Leith
17. Rainbows & Happy Regrets
18. Life With You
19. I'm on My Way
20. And Then I Met You
21. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
Encore:
22. Cap in Hand
23. Make My Heart Fly
24. The Joyful Kilmarnock Blues


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Wednesday 17 July 2019

Klikofest 2019



I love the summer, that is for sure. Not only because of the nice warm weather but also because of all the festivals taking place. Like the Klikofest at Patronaat, the indoor festival for garage, rock, punk, and anything that comes near.

Klikofest 2019 at Patronaat Haarlem, July 13 2019

Every year this festival seems to grow their line-up and come up with even bigger names. This year there's plenty to enjoy again and we head to the festival on time so we can catch the first band.

Sons



Unfortunately the Dutch railways aren't cooperating and our train has a twenty minute delay. As a result we miss half of Sons' show, which is too bad since I really wanted to see this Belgian garage rock band. You could call them the Belgian Oh Sees for their catchy and irresistible rock songs that sound dirty and heavy, full of fuzzy guitars, rolling fills and big grooves. I'm glad I'm still able to see the last part of their show and see with my own eyes this is indeed a fun band to watch. The quartet are able to write great compact songs that rock heavily and play them with plenty of energy. We're starting this year on a high right away.



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Petrol Girls



In the second hall Petrol Girls have started their set, a hardcore punk band on a mission. They are outspoken about many subjects and singer Ren Aldridge introduces the songs with little tales about mental health, feminism and gender neutrality. Aldridge is bouncing around stage while screaming her lyrics. After a while I think I have seen enough. It is not bad, but I think the band could use better songs that have more variety, despite their good intentions.

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The Blinders



Time to move ahead to the smallest stage in the cafe, that is always full and where it's hard to see the band. It usually makes up for it with a great atmosphere though. There we find The Blinders in the middle of their show, a punk rock trio that combines music with political views and poetry. The lyrics are hard to hear though, so I have no idea what their songs are about. Singer Thomas Haywood sounds like Jim Morrison sometimes when he recites his lyrics backed up by heavy rock music. I find it hard to get into and the songs can't really catch me. I will have to give them a proper listen to really hear what this band is all about.



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The Schizophonics



We got tipped to definitely watch the next band, The Schizophonics from San Diego. It becomes clear right away why, because this band have quite the live reputation. Singer and guitarist Pat Beers is moving around stage like a mad lightning bolt. He's constantly running from left to right, jumping, doing splits, rolling over, while playing his guitar at the same time. Whenever he comes near the microphone he barely has time to sing his lyrics. Their roadie is keeping very busy picking up the mic or even repairing it at one point. It is an explosive live show, that's for sure and their punk music is actually quite nice. But I do notice that at one point Beers' insane stage performance is getting really restless and in the way. Because of his insane stage performance he sometimes is not able to hit the chords or sing. Of course he does fire up the crowd who love it, but at the same time this is just too much overkill.



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Crows



At the second stage Crows are halfway their set. I saw them a few weeks back at the Loose Ends festival, in the middle of the afternoon in the sun shine. There I had mixed feelings about their performance, but now they are in the dark and everything really comes together. Tonight the vocals of James Cox blend together nicely with the noise of the guitars and the songs really have an impact. The vocals are intense, sharp and edgy, while the band sounds relentless and dark. Today Crows are definitely a winner with their raw and vicious post-rock songs.

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JD McPherson



We decide to take a look at the main hall, where JD McPherson are starting. This is a totally different cup of tea, a complete change from the heavy and explosive bands we just saw. McPherson plays old school rock 'n' roll music that sounds a bit dull at this point. It's not bad but never really gets exciting. The band isn't exactly setting fire to the place that isn't really filling up either. It seems many visitors are taking a break and have a beer instead. That's what we're gonna do as well.

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Los Chicos



In the cafe Los Chicos are about to start playing, a band from Madrid that has been around for almost twenty years. It is quite a big band for such a small stage, but the band manages to fit it all up there. Their gritty country and blues rock sound reminds me of music that could come from a movie like From Dusk 'Till Dawn. The band puts a lot of heart in it and are really working hard to entertain the crowd. But the music isn't all that great and the band doesn't sound really tight. This is a band that definitely can get a party started but doesn't bring a lot more to the table. Time to move on again.

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The Psychotic Monks



We head to the The Psychotic Monks, a band that I never heard of. It turns out the band from France is playing music that ranges from vicious hard core noise rock like METZ and Girl Band, to more psychedelic groovy rock music. Their performance is really intense, playing in the dark with the lights flashing like strobes. The band create their own world that is both intriguing to watch and listen to. I like their dark and strong sound, which really impresses me and will definitely check out more from them.



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Cloud Nothings



For me Cloud Nothings are one of the headliners of the festival and I expect a full house in the main hall. However it is almost seems like most people have already gone home. Singer Dylan Baldi mentions he finds it weird that they are playing this late and doesn't seem to know this is a so called night festival, one that starts early in the evening and lasts throughout the night. Fortunately this doesn't get the band down and their blend of noise rock and indie rock still is convincing tonight. They can play rock songs with a poppy side that almost sound like Britpop, and then follow it up with heavy noise rock. Still it all stays together and never feels out of place. Their set is well balanced and despite the low turn up, the heavy rock songs come across with great effect.

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Flamingods



I heard about Flamingods several times so I want to see what they are all about. The members are from London and the Middle East and their music is a blend of those worlds. I like the exotic twist of indierock and psychedelic songs. The band members look like they came from a costume party though, which is a bit too much I think. But besides their wardrobe, it is clear these are skilled musicians with a lot of creativity. It appears they are all multi-instrumentalists since they are changing instruments about every song. Fortunately this never really holds up the music and it is a nice tropical summer's breeze at this festival.

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King Khan & The Shrines



I know this time it is gonna be a long night, since King Khan and his Shrines are playing late at night. I also know we definitely don't want to miss the crazy but wonderful King Khan who seems to start a new band every year. You just gotta love his blend of garage rock and soul, that is both swinging as it is rocking. Tonight the band starts somewhat slow with Khan dressed modestly in a rock 'n' roll outfit. Of course it doesn't take long for him to change into one of his extravagant outfits and let the whole show escalate into a delightful, crazy and cheerful party.



His band are equally active with the keyboard player taking his keyboard for small trips off stage and a horns section that can make the biggest grump start to dance. Khan brought his daughter who mostly is happily dancing on stage. She is singing a few songs too, but it is better she sticks to dancing. Fortunately many people have stayed for this show and Khan makes sure they made the right choice with an energetic and wonderful show, that is definitely the highlight of the festival.

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On this high we head back home, tired but very satisfied after another top edition of Klikofest. I had the idea it was less crowded than the last couple of editions, but maybe I'm wrong. I'm sure we'll be back next year again and it is going to be interesting to see what kind of line-up they will be cooking up then.

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Monday 15 July 2019

On Stage: Chris Robinson Brotherhood @ Paradiso



Some bands or artists are like a very good wine, that you had the pleasure of drinking several times. Every time you are going to drink it again, you look forward to it a lot even though you know what to expect. It also only gets better when it ages. Chris Robinson is one of those artists that I can really look forward to seeing, over and over again.

Chris Robinson Brotherhood at Paradiso Amsterdam, July 12 2019



I am lucky that former The Black Crowes front man Chris Robinson loves to play Paradiso. So when his Chris Robinson Brotherhood are in Europe, they are guaranteed to pay a visit to my favourite venue. Whenever I can, I try to see him play with his band since I know it will be an incredible night with amazing rock music. It's been three years since I was able to catch them, so it's about time!



The band just released a new LP Servants of the Sun, which contains songs they will definitely play live, according to Robinson. This turns out to be true, since the band will play many new songs. The new music has a bit of a more electronic touch to it, but for the rest stays close to their familiar sound. It almost seems the songs are merely loose structures, that they use to play jams. Several styles are combined, like blues, country, americana, southern rock and prog rock. It's all kneaded into a wonderful musical and psychedelic trip that is timeless. For the rest not much has changed in the last couple of years in the band, although they recently changed their keyboard player.



Those styles of music have been around for ages of course and sometimes when the light turns to some kind of sepia, it's almost as if we're back in the seventies. However this band is so good at playing it with a lot of heart that it doesn't sound outdated at all. Neal Casal's dazzling guitar solos are out of this world, combined with swinging keyboard playing and a very tight and groovy rhythm section. On top of that you hear the unique vocals of Robinson, that never change and that time doesn't seem to have any grip on.



The band will completely drag you into their gorgeous music and I loose every sense of time. Before I know it the band shortly leaves the stage, before they return again for the encore. I simply cannot get enough of this band that only gets better every time I see them. Count me in for the next time.



All Pictures

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Setlist:
01. Comin' Round the Mountain
02. Venus in Chrome
03. A Smiling Epitaph
04. Roan County Banjo
05. Good to Know
06. Rare Birds
07. Stars Fell on California
08. The Chauffeur's Daughter
09. Little Lizzie Mae
10. Dice Game
11. Let It Fall
12. Rosalee
13. Behold the Seer
Encore:
14. Mandolin Wind (Rod Stewart cover)


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Wednesday 10 July 2019

Dijkpop 2019



Because friends of ours live in the town Andijk, we visited the Dijkpop festival two years ago, that is being held there annually. We had a lot of fun but couldn't go to last year's edition. This year however we didn't want to miss it again.

Dijkpop, July 6 2019

We want to arrive early at the festival site, so we won't miss JAGD. It is a bit rainy and when we arrive there are not many people around yet. A perfect chance to test the beer (we actually found bad tasting ones at one bar), explore the site and get rocking.

JAGD



JAGD are the ones to open the rock stage this year, which is not the most desirable job. It's still early and it is raining and many people will come to the festival later in the afternoon. Only a handful of people have made it to this tent, but that doesn't slow down the band for a bit. I've seen them several times before and this is a group that will never let you down. Their uptempo punk songs should convince most people watching them, especially with their lively stage performance. You notice they keep getting better and better because of the many shows they are playing. They try out a few new songs as well, that sound promising for what is coming next. One of them is more heavy in sound which is a direction that works pretty good. It would be nice if more people will pick on them so they can start playing bigger crowds and festivals.

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Tricklebolt



A bit later we return to the rock stage to watch Tricklebolt, a traditional hard rock band. I listened to a few of their songs and found those a bit overproduced and too smooth. However live on stage their sound is more heavy, rough around the edges and the songs work a lot better. It is a seventies rock sound with a swinging Hammond to top it off. The band plays with a lot of energy and turns the place into a rock party.

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The Mauskovic Dance Band



This band is also drawing inspiration from the seventies but in a completely different way. Their combination of disco, cumbia and afrobreat with a spacy sound is aimed at one thing only: dancing. It is impossible to stand still with these tropical grooves and exotic music. Unfortunately not many people are in the mood for dancing apparently since not many showed up here. That is too bad since this band deserves a bigger crowd that are hungry for dancing, as that would surely turn into a hot party. We have to leave them halfway as well though, since we also want to see Thijs Boontjes.

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Thijs Boontjes



I love this rocker with his catchy and happy songs and his tongue in cheek performances. He sings songs about everyday life, like 'Casablanca' when we walk in, a song about a karaoke bar in Amsterdam. I already saw him a few times, the last time earlier this year when he presented his new album. It may all just sound like it's simple fun, but the songs are actually really clever, well written and skilfully played. Especially because his band consists of some of the best musicians from the Dutch alternative music scene. With his joyful performance you can see everyone is having a good time. Both on and off stage, since it's hard to tell who's having more fun, the crowd or the band.

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Novastar



Belgian band Novastar, a group around Joost Zweegers, have been around for a long time. Their emotional ballads and rock songs are easy to the ears, but the group never got really big outside Belgium though. The music is not to blame for that, nor the musicians, since you can tell these are professional and skilled musicians. Zweegers plays many songs behind the piano and his warm voice is clear. He's playing with a lot of heart and it's a smooth running show. Still they don't have a lot of hit songs that many people know and only when they play 'Where Did We Go Wrong', you notice that people recognize it. The music could maybe use a bit more variation, since I notice people start losing interest at one point. I like their sound though and it's a convincing performance nevertheless.

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STAKE



We return to the rock stage where we find STAKE tearing the place down. Black Peaks were supposed to play, but I find out after the festival (thanks Paceshifters!) they had to cancel and were replaced by Belgium's STAKE, formerly known as Steak Number Eight. The Belgian post-metal band is new to me, but I'm pleasantly surprised by the energetic performance. Singer Brent Vanneste is screaming on the top of his lungs, giving the heavy rock songs a lot of fire. But when he's not screaming you notice he actually is a pretty good singer with a pleasant rock voice. It reminds me of Deftones now and then when he sings like that. The songs are pounding away with great force and the band fires them off one after another, causing a wild pit in front of the stage. This band is a pleasant surprise for me today.

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Michelle David & The Gospel Sessions



We've seen Michelle David play a few times before including two years ago on this festival. Her gospel and soul music received widespread praise and with her very good band she's a welcome guest at many festivals. David is a wonderful performer with a strong soul voice, singing with lots of passion. Most of her songs are danceable and she turns every stage into a swinging high mass. I do notice that after seeing her perform a few times, the shows don't really change. Hopefully she can come up with something new after a while.

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Paceshifters



I've seen Paceshifters play an acoustic set once and thought is was okay, but nothing really special. Tonight the trio prove to be a passionate rock band with great sounding songs. The two brothers Dokman on guitar and bass, together with drummer Jesper Albers, play tight and with a lot of heart. Their noise rock is loud and heavy, but also has a sense of urgency. Their passionate performance clearly pays off as there is quite a big turn up and no one wants to leave. I am definitely going to check out more of their music now.

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Danko Jones



Yes, we're at the rock stage again, where we spent most of the day. They have a hell of a closing act there this year, in the form of Danko Jones. The Canadian rocker will play for the full 100 percent everywhere he goes. It is clear he doesn't like the fact that he's not playing the bigger main stage. I can understand that, since he's used to play much bigger stages and festivals. But this is a small festival and this smaller tent hasn't even filled up completely for the rock band. This only makes him more determined to knock everyone off their feet though. I always like the way he tries to preach rock and roll where ever he goes and won't slow down until everyone is rocking with him.



He has two great partners in crime. Especially bass player John 'JC' Calabrese is always wonderful to watch, tirelessly firing up the crowd while rocking out with a big smile on his face. Together with Jones he has been in the band from the beginning and the duo have conquered many stages together. Jones says "I want to be on the main stage the next time, because we will be back". I hope he will keep his promise and we can see him tear down the main stage in a few years time.

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I had a lot of fun again at this pleasant small festival. It tries hard to come up with an interesting line-up with something for everyone and sure succeeded in that this year. We definitely will be back next year, to party some more with the kind people of Andijk.

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Wednesday 3 July 2019

On Stage: Stray Cats @ AFAS Live



I was still a little laddie when Stray Cats lived through their glory days at the beginning of the eighties. They already had disbanded for a while when I started going to concerts. They had a couple of reunions, including a farewell tour in 2008/2009, but I was never able to catch them. I also never got to see The Brian Setzer Orchestra somehow, although they passed through our country several times. Fortunately Stray Cats got back together for a 40th anniversary tour, recorded a new album and are playing a short metro ride away. Time to rock!

Stray Cats at AFAS Live Amsterdam, July 1 2019



When we get to the venue we find out many people have come early to catch support act Danny Vera. As a big Stray Cats fan himself of course he's over the moon to play here warming up the crowd for his big heroes. He's doing a great job with his heartfelt rock songs. The three Stray Cats are greeted by a rock 'n' roll hungry crowd, with some people dressed for the occasion. This is also a phone filming crowd too, as many phones go up in the air, especially in the beginning. It's not that often they get to see this band play live I guess. The three rockers start playing a new song 'Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me)' with a big smile that hardly ever leaves their face. These guys clearly are enjoying playing together again.



Although a couple of new songs are on the setlist, the trio mostly play their big hits with my personal favourite 'Runaway Boys' early in the set. The band understands that this is a crowd that wants to see them rock out their best work, so the new songs are scattered around the setlist. The hit songs haven't lost anything of their charm and magic, even though some of them are fourty years old. Most of them are still little rockabilly gems, that have stood the test of time.



All combined it turns the night in a cheerful one, with a enthusiastic crowd who are dancing, singing and clapping along. Brian Setzer is an incredible guitar player with mind blowing solos and very fast fingers. He's showcasing his skills in a little guitar improvisation halfway the show and doesn't even shy away from a convincing version of Dick Dale's 'Misirlou', the famous surf rock musician who passed away only a few months ago. Lee Rocker is plucking away on his double bass for that wonderful rockabilly sound that is so hard to resist. He's dragging the bass across stage, picks it up, lets Setzer rock on top of it and also sings a couple of songs. Slim Jim Phantom is playing his drums with great ease and in a loose way, standing in his usual relaxed fashion behind his kit. Now and then he will walk away from it, only playing the beat by hitting his sticks together.



This show has everything that is to like about this unique band, that conquered the world with their catchy rock music. They have been copied many times, but I don't think anyone ever came near them. All three are incredible musicians that make it look and sound so simple. But it's very clever and skilled what they are doing. It has been amazing finally seeing this band play and before I know it the trio is back on stage for a three song encore. When we leave the venue I only see happy faces around me in the lovely crowd that only spread good vibes tonight.



All Pictures

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Setlist:
01. Cat Fight (Over a Dog Like Me)
02. Runaway Boys
03. Double Talkin' Baby
04. Three Time’s a Charm
05. Stray Cat Strut
06. Mean Pickin’ Mama
07. Gene & Eddie
08. Cry Baby
09. I Won't Stand In Your Way
10. Guitar Improvisation
11. Misirlou
12. When Nothing’s Going Right
13. (She's) Sexy + 17
14. Bring It Back Again
15. My One Desire
16. Blast Off
17. Lust n Love
18. Fishnet Stockings
19. Rock This Town
Encore
20. Rock It Off
21. Built for Speed
22. Rumble in Brighton


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