One of the attractions of moving to Islington at the start of the year, (apart from its proximity to transport connections for my soon to be ex-work, and its at the time unknown potential for pub-related Google glory–doh! broken my own rule already), was the fact that there’d be a live music venue just down the road, in the shape of the Islington Academy. Despite being inside a shopping centre (Rock n’ Roll!), and having been subsumed, like all music venues, everywhere, apparently, within the ubiquitous Carling branding, I imagined we’d be popping down there once a week to catch some up and coming band, enjoying the security of being able to walk home/not having to rush for that last tube.
Six months on, and we still haven’t even graced its sweaty insides (although we will break this duck in a few week’s time when Sydney’s Alex Lloyd comes to town in a vain attempt to plug Distant Light over here by playing to a bunch of expat travellers pleased to be catching him in such a small venue, and me). The fact that we haven’t been inside is not for the want of trying, though: there have been plenty of XFM-sponsored events there, showcasing the likes of Snow Patrol or Jet, but they’ve all been on-air radio giveaways, “not available through ticketweb“, and, as such, out of my reach. The gigs that you can buy tickets for, however, with Lloyd being a notable exception, have all been, erm, a bit crap–a curious mix of obscure, upcoming bands, and faded former Britpoppers. Still, every now and again I scour the upcoming listings in the hope of discovering a hidden gem. For some reason, I’ve not been tempted by the prospect of the band playing on August 14th “featuring Bonehead (ex-Oasis)”, or previous gigs involving half of Carter USM, or even, playing on August 11th at the 250 capacity Bar Academy (the adjoining small club/room), former indie favourites Echobelly. How the mighty have fallen–I guess Everybody hasn’t Got One anymore.
“soon to be ex-work”?
Hmm… I suppose I probably shouldn’t have posted that on the InterWebNet just yet.
I haven’t told a soul (Jon doesn’t have one).
I’ve overslept due to insomnia. Ironic, no?
I shall be in shortly; you can fill me in on the grisly details!
That’s ok then. I’m sure no one’s reading this…