It's been quite a while since
CJ has been out on the road - apart from with the
Wildhearts of course. But that band tends to have a lot of downtime, and CJ has not been idle. Now with a third solo album under his belt he has decided it's time for a few gigs. CJ's first solo album '13' was well received, and he has since released two
Pledge albums - 'Mable' (named after a hen!) and now 'Robot'.
CJ's solo stuff doesn't sound anything like the Wildhearts, or even his post-Wildhearts (before his eventual return) band The Jellys. I liked The Jellys as a live band but found them a bit too sticky-sweet on record. I'm glad to say the sound is meatier and heavier on his post-Jellys albums though. The sound is poppy and melodic - without sounding lightweight, but not as riff-heavy as the Wildhearts.
CJ has put a good band together to support his latest album - featuring Lee Wray from
Zen Motel on bass (again) and Chris from
Eureka Machines on second guitar. Both are fine musicians and fit in well - Lee has toured China in the past in CJ's band.
The turnout in Hoxton this Saturday night is strong and I think it's fair to say everybody had a good time and enjoyed the cheerful and bouncy set CJ and Co turned out - let's hop it's not so long next time before their return.
The only downside is that the venue decree the show must end at 10.00. Who is ready to go home at this time on a Saturday night? The room is hosting a club playing 'dance' music after CJ's show and as the club crowd slowly trickle in and the shite music starts the 'rock' crowd decided it's time to leave - the overpriced bar is no incentive to stay. However, I have discovered there is a Wetherspoons pub almost next to Old Street station and as I'm heading that way anyway that is where we repair to. The pub is still open at midnight and is surprisingly empty considering how fashionable the area has become. Result! Then with the new Great Northen timetable now featuring trains through Old Street at weekends it's only a 20 minute train ride home.
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