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New York Dolls
Academy 2. July 3rd 2008.
It was one of those nights where you think "why am I here" most of the clientele are chubby 50 year olds, old punk t-shirts and "is there any bitter on?' crowd. the only youngster I see is a 12 year old in an Explioted T-shirt, and he's with his Dad.... The New York Dolls? Damn is it 1973?.....See Review

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Cat Power - Academy 1.
June 11th 2008.

The last few years have been a journey for Cat Power, from sparse acoustic Peel favourite to last nights 'Dusty in Manchester' alter ego, she's not one to stand still.

The set opens with a couple of songs from this year’s covers album 'Jukebox', the second of which being "Angelnios Negros" from the same album, sounding like a 21st century version of The Band fronted by Ms Marshall, the second number a painfully slow Spanish language tune. Although not helped by tinny sound system, some of the albums magic is lost in translation & perhaps a more upbeat start would have been in order.

As the night wears on though the band pick up the pace with versions of the stax classic 'Dark End of the street' and Chan Marshall ’s own 'The Greatest' standing out. The Rod Stewart barneted keyboard player belts out the southern boogie piano and joins Chan on backing vocals and stage grooving, former ‘Blues Explosion’ guitarist Judah Bauer is much in evidence giving the band a rocking edge. By the time we reach set highlight 'Aretha, sing one for me' both band and soundman are once more as one.

The faithful are kept happy at the end as Chan emerges with an arm full of flowers to distribute to those who remain. We are left with a slightly frustrating but overall enjoyable evening filled as much with promise for the future and an early viewing of the new soulful Chan Marshall, more power to the cat!

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Virgin Marys - The Green Windmill, Stretford.
Friday June 6th.

Finally, culture has hit Stretford and about time too. Happened upon The Green Windmill on Friday and really pleasantly surprised. Half expected a chair to be thrown at my head as I walked in the door, but no, was warmly greeted by friendly bar staff, great continental beer and a fantastic live band. Sorry guys, my night was well in the swing and I cant recall your name*, the third band that played that night you were great. Hooray for The Green Windmill, Stretford has been crying out for music venue to go for a long time, even just a decent pub to go to, so to have both made my week. Long may you reign and lets hope the idiot element stay away and leave us to enjoy this little bit of heaven in the wasteland that is Stretford!
Sophie Precey (reader review via e-mail. )

* The third band were The Virgin Marys

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American Music Club
Academy 3. Feb 08

The Gallows
Academy 2. Feb 23rd 08

I Was A Cub Scout
Manchester Roadhouse

Black Francis
Academy 2.

The Duke Spirit
Academy 3.

Sebadoh
Academy 3.

Pete Doherty
Academy 3.