22/3/2024 Chord Buddies @ The Dublin Castle

Friday night at the Dublin Castle. There are people in this room who have come all the way from Norway to see one of the bands playing tonight. But first there is a band playing who I have never heard of. Apparently they are called RAMcache - which sounds a bit cold and clinical...

They are billed as being a bit 'punk', but they seem a bit too earnest and serious for that. They are tight and well rehearsed, but just just dressing in black doesn't make you look like a rock 'n' roll band though. They play well enough, but that doesn't on it's own make you sound like one either. I guess in their heads they do, and maybe that's enough? After all, they are there because they want be - it's certainly not for the money as first band on at the Dublin Castle on a Monday night....

Anyway, good luck to 'em and I'm sure they enjoyed playing at the legendary Dublin Castle even if they didn't look like they were having much fun.

Fortunately the next band were more fun, and looked like they were having more fun too! If I had come all the way from Norway like they have then I'd be determined to have fun too!

This is The Chord Buddies - and they play rock 'n' roll. With a strong 1977 style punky edge. Playing in London, and particularly Camden with it's rich mix of punk and rock 'n' roll history is a big deal to them.

So these guys make sure they are going to have a good time playing their good-time music while they are in London Town.

This is actually The Chord Buddies second visit to London in a year or so - so they must like it here. And we like seeing and hearing them too.

Rock 'n' roll is pretty easy to play, but not so easy to play well. It's not about technique and endless study and rehearsal - it's about the spirit with which you play it. These guys totally get that. Many bands play rock 'n' roll note-perfectly, but with zero fun or excitement - great musicians but deadly dull. This is not one of those bands.

The Chord Buddies know that rock 'n' roll is meant to be fun. And they play it with passion - they mean it maaan. And they know their rock 'n' roll history too - their own songs are good, but that doesn't stop them throwing in a cover of the Bo Diddley classic 'Pills' - although more in the style of the New York Dolls - but there's nothing wrong with that!

The band have also brought a crowd of friends and family over from Norway, and they are determined to enjoy themselves too - leading to some crazy dancing! And all too soon the show is over.

It's been fun! It looks like everybody had a good time - including the band. I have a feeling they will be back in the UK before too long...

A little pick-me-up when I got home from work.

Got home from work nearly half an hour late today due to getting stuck in a jam on the M25 caused by an accident. Getting more and more depressed as time dragged on, but at least I knew someone or maybe a few someones on the motorway were having a much worse day than me - there is always someone worse off than yourself.

Got home eventually and felt the need to cheer myself up a bit as my plans for my evening at home had been pushed back by half and hour and I had a few things to get done. During my workout I decided to have a Bloody Mary - just the one though - slippery slope...

I have found recently that a single one of these can really perk me up before my evening meal. And I have also noticed that what I eat after a Bloody Mary seems to be noticeably enhanced in taste - is this normal or is it just me? I had one before eating jerk chicken a couple of days ago and I'm sure I enjoyed even more than usual as a result - I felt great afterwards! Tonight was a meat feast pizza - which I also particularly enjoyed. I shall have to experiment more to see if I find all foods are enhanced if preceded by a Bloody Mary - maybe even more mediocre dishes?

Anyway, I found a Bloody Mary and a good pizza an excellent remedy for impending mild depression. I'm sure this won't work for everybody though. 

15/3/2024 Pussycat and The Dirty Johnsons @ The Dublin Castle

Back down at one of Camden's best known venues to see a band who are regular performers here. 😾😈 But first, a bit of an oddity.

This is The Tropic Trio. A new band to me but quite interesting. A bit weird, as their appearance might suggest - but underneath they are basically rock 'n' roll - with an odd twist. Good musicians too.

Then it's onto tonight's headliners:  Pussycat and The Dirty Johnsons have played the Dublin Castle many times over the last few years and have built up quite a following - with good reason.

Their music is dirty punky rock 'n' roll, with a hint of metal thrown into the mix - I could see them supporting Motörhead back in the day - I think Lemmy would have liked them.🂡

Dirty Jake cranks out mean rock 'n' roll riffs on the guitar while Filthy Antz lays down down some rock solid beats - and chucks in the odd curveball by throwing the occasional disco beat - just because he can! The band doesn't include a bass player - they used to have one but...

The band have a distinct sound and style of their own, but it's their singer you will remember the most. 

Puss Johnson is a fearsome cross between Catwoman and Tank Girl - with big boots and an attitude to match! 😈 Mess with her at your peril!

The band may not have a bass player, but towards the end of their set a violin player appears on the stage for a guest spot - you never know what's going to happen with this lot, but you know it will never be boring!

Another great Friday night in Camden with a terrific band! If you see that Pussycat and The Dirty Johnsons are heading your way I highly recommend that you go and see them.