YEAR REVIEW,
2008.

A look at 2008 at Esquires Bedford by Martin Stapleton.

January
As is the norm here at Esquires, the first month of a new year is always by far the quietest. First gig of note occurs when the ever popular local metal-goth combo Saints Of Eden dramatically appear on the 12th. Ska enthusiasts are catered for on the 19th as Keighley's Random Hand headline. The following week, Rhoda Dhaker, a 2-tone legend of the eighties, appears supporting Skaville UK. Possibly the gig of the month sees London's Joe Lean And The Jing Jang Jong, Preston's Team Waterpolo and enthusiastic Suffolk youngsters Cheeky Cheeky And The Nosebleeds appear on the 24th. Local bands who make an impression this month are The Ben Poole Band, bar bound on the 5th, the trendy Rogue Poet (18th), before a meeting with The Cribs and Royston Jones combined with Tinker Jack, whose harmonies delight on the 26th.

________________________________________ February
After a sleepy post-Christmas, this is the month that everything explodes! Lightspeed Champion aka Dev Hynes (formerly of Test Icicles) appears (2nd) in the same week as his memorable NME cover. As with the rest of the month, the gig is a sell out. This nu-rave founder is now a born-again intellectual folk performer. The fans lapped it up. He is supported by dance pop exponents Semi-Finalists. Much more to my liking was the following week's appearance by Brooklyn's Les Savvy Fav (9th) fronted by the slightly bonkers Tim Harrington. Watch as he vaults over the bar, rubs his nipple, visits the ladies toilets and sucks your fingers!! It's a memorable evening topped off by local bands Black Ramps and the Steve Lamacq endorsed Ice Sea Dead People. £12.50 has never been better spent by everybody here. Phew! A few days later (11th), the bears are coming as Nottingham's premier pop futurologists Late Of The Pier arrive, prior to the release of their outstanding debut album "Fantasy black channel". Next day (12th), the twee genius that is Los Campesinos are here. They are beautiful, they are doomed, guitars and glockenspiel unite! Also the first of two appearances by Johnny Foreigner. The Brummie trio were very nice and talented people. The yin and yang emotronica duo I Was A Cub Scout, whose game boy bleeps and death metal guitars imploded shortly after their Bedford visit (22nd). On the same bill, Sheffield prog-core Rolo Tomassi. Front woman Eva Spence is a girl with a stylishly blonde 'bob' and a matching 'big gob'! Gritty and raw Luvvers, courtesy of vocalist Shaun Hencher offer skuzzy punk. This Nottingham artcore-fiercecore are first on. Completing the fun are Mighty Boosh girls Robots In Disguise (5th).

________________________________________ March
Wow what a start, as larger than life Buster Bloodvessel brings Bad Manners down on the 1st. This heavyweight skinhead can-cans as only he can. Mumm-Ra see Bedford for the last time on the 6th. Peckham's Metros are the ultimate 21st century pub-rockers. Fellow Londoners Boy Kill Boy (11th) return for the comeback trail, ahead of their album "Stars and the sea". Other bands of note are the blistering Cutting Pink With Knives (29th), and the sultry sounds and guitar riffs of Eyelash (14th). Special mention to Look See Proof who meet up on TV with their new pal Lily Allen (!) at this time.

________________________________________ April
The 4th sees Kingslee 'Akala' Daley bring the rawness of the UK hip-hop scene to level 2, defying the statement that "all the great rappers is either dead or retired"! Contrasting downstairs, Dunstable rockers The Imperial Vipers unite the leather jacket guys and girls. Nihilistic noise with Kiwi hardcore trio Die! Die! Die! (12th). Chilled out rhythms with Birmingham's Cracked Actors (18th). 2007 Red Stripe music award winners The Runners (19th). The very same heats this year are headlined by Luton's Shapes (10th), who returned from a BBC Maida Vale session a week previous. On an altogether gentler theme, please sir, can we have Wild Beasts in Bedford? We did on the 17th. They are idiosyncratic and totally out of fashion, which is completed by Hayden Thorpe's falsetto. Music can play such a major part of people's lives. On Sunday 20th, the whole of level 1 was dedicated to a benefit for ex Cradle Snatchers and Feline Groove member Graham Barnell. An ex band-mate of current Quireboy Guy Griffin, Graham has been fighting leukaemia, and the whole of Bedford's musical family rallied around to provide funds to send him to America for life saving treatment. The Quireboys headline in the bar and the afternoon is a total success.

________________________________________ May
Top gig this month rests with our cousins across the pond. Iglu And Hartly, prior to their summer top 5 hit "In this city", arrive in Bedford (23rd) and it's fun, fun, fun as most of the audience got on stage and the band played from the floor! Sergeant ply their sunshine pop on the 8th. They are a Scottish band and not the elderly dancer! The Cazals (14th) almost prophetically announce their gig somebody, somewhere! Forthcoming album is more to the point "What of our future?"! Local gigs to stimulate are Tinker Jack and Kilto Take (30th), The Swamis and Red Dollar (25th), and The Whybirds (17th), especially with an outstanding debut album to showcase.

________________________________________ June
Old skool punks UK Subs (4th) are June's thundering starters. Charlie Harper may be receiving heating allowance and his bus pass is firmly tucked in his wallet, but boy can he still pogo. At the opposite end of the spectrum are Metronomy (5th). The surging electro pop is just what the art school kids love. Their synchronised chest bulbs are also to be witnessed. Also on the bill are Casio Kids, Norway's premier poptronicas. The gigs run thick and fast as legendary founder of R'n'B greats Doctor Feelgood, namely Wilco Johnson (6th) is mesmerising with his guitar skills. Johnny Foreigner (7th), who are Alexei, Kelly and Junior, return. In tow are Ox, Eagle, Lion. Man, whose vocalist Mr Frederick Blood-Royale is a junior Nick Cave, which complements the frenetic guitars on show. Tubelord, who open, offer fizzy jerk pop with a dancey punk sound. Normally Sunday evenings are quiet, almost reflective. Tonight, however, Glasvegas (8th) are here. "Daddy's gone" and "Geraldine" are part of a spellbinding evening. The modern wall of sound reverberates as James Allen memorably sings "Here we, here we, here we fucking go"! The passion was perfectly captured. Promoted by The Roar Club, it's one hell of a legacy. Thomas Tantrum support. The lovely and fragile Megan Porter fronts the Southampton band's preview of their album "Rage against the tantrum". Aside from these heavyweights, a little known Anglo-Australian band called Ghostwood (24th) are the real deal. A Sydney quartet whose swirly shoegazing is missed by most of Bedford's public. A shame. Of the rest, SPC bring Saving Aimee (26th) and a collection of emo loving bands to play and wannabee Apache indian Eugene Francis Junior (20th) is rather overshadowed by his support.

________________________________________ August
A damp squib arises immediately as South African boys The Parlotones (1st) play to a couple of their fanclub! Thankfully, American punk purveyors Fucked Up (18th) raze a Monday evening. Pink Eyes, Murder Gas, Concentration Camp and 10,000 Marbles combine to form one of the most vital punk bands of today. Their take on angry political lyrics has not been bettered this year. Critics say they are the most important underground band around at the moment. This small town is hardly going to disagree. Punk on a somewhat smaller scale surfaced on the 16th with MK's Citizen Keyne and young impressive oi band The Zero Zeroes. Bedford stalwarts The Tendons banish all trendy people on the 23rd. Blues aficionados are treated to The Brew (8th) as part of the popular Silver Promotions which, as always, kept the music live.

________________________________________ September
This month is always noted for Cravenfest (13th). HeKz fly the metal flag amongst a collection of both good and not so good. With a patriotic fervour for the England football team, the much anticipated appearance of Athlete (10th) is a sold out gig. Joel Potts charms and the rest is consigned to Esquires folklore. Old time blues rocker Del Bromham re-assembles Stray (12th), while The King Bees (14th) are the progression of full circle on yet another of the popular Sunday sessions. Sheffield's Little Man Tate (22nd) tell of partying and drunkenness on an entertaining evening. A re-appearance of Bad Manners is part of Buster's 50th birthday tour. Max Splodge also attends to sing his forgetful ditty! Local bands to impress are The Measure (13th), Amy And The Integrals (13th), The Escape (19th), and Ampthill's perennial ska combo New Groove Formation (20th).

________________________________________ October
Staring the month and also beginning their long UK tour are Team Waterpolo (2nd). It's good, but so much better is the arrival of Seattle's 'hair metal' exponents Holy Ghost Revival (29th), who mix rock with classical music. As Dazed And Confused put it quite succintly "They fan the volatile spirit of Ziggy Stardust through the glowing embers of Guns n Roses"! Either way, it's an experience that didn't stir Bedford's public. The turnout is shamefully poor. A gig that is respected and supported is the SWMTF show (4th). Locals young and old take a bow. Scousers Screaming Lights offer rave and rock (10th), mixing euphoric organ sounds to dirty driving guitars. Return visits include both Zetan Spore and Tarrantism (11th), while legendary punk diva Pauline Murray brings Penetration along for an Upbeat Promotions gig (25th). Blues fans are sated on 17th as Scotland's Nimmo Brothers earn plenty of plaudits.

________________________________________ November
The most memorable gig as winter started to draw in was The Whybirds (15th) with their chilled country-blues rock. The ever popular Kilto Take headline an exquisite evening. The previous day, punk legends 999 perform with their 1977 line up. Original British ska main mover Ranking Roger brings his version of popular eighties band The Beat to Esquires (29th). Regular Esquires visitors Look See Proof headline an Oxjam charity gig (1st) while Jynxt make a welcome comeback (8th) and Anglo-American outfit Red Light Company play the last Strange Place Club gig of the year on the 16th. Saving Aimee top the bill on the 21st.

________________________________________ December
Except for a visit by pub rock pioneers Dr Feelgood (13th), this is very much a locally dominated month. Topped off by The Quireboys (31st), their new album "Homewreckers and heartbreakers" was released in the summer, and an extensive tour was recently undertaken to promote it. New years eve gave them a welcome chance to party and bring it on home. Highly regarded Dissolved In travel from Reading to headline (8th). The Swamis are given great support by Pearl Handled Revolver (19th). Plus of course, the festive season wouldn't be the same without an appearance by Henry And The Bleeders (26th). Aptly it's Boxinig Day and the mosh pit gets messy!

Favourite Album ~ The Chemistry of Common Life - Fucked Up.
Favourite Single ~ Sideways Here We Come - Die! Die! Die! .
Favourite Esquires Gig ~ Les Savy Fav, Fucked Up, Glasvegas.
Favourite Non-Esquires Gig ~ 2008 Bedford River Festival, especially Minimal Damage, Amy Leeder and Sister Ray Hot Tip for 2009 ~ The Whybirds

________________________________________ The Best of 2008

Pete Burridge - Superstar DJ
Favourite Album ~ Elbow - Seldom Seen Kid / Dirty Pretty Things - Life at Short Notice.
Favourite Single ~ Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire / Futureheads - Beginning of the Twist.
Favourite Esquires Gig ~ Glasvegas / Fruition.
Favourite Non-Esquires Gig ~ Quireboys @ Borderline.
Hot Tip for 2009 ~ Pearl Handled Revolver / Amy and the Integrals / Tinker Jack / The Whybirds / Kilto Take.
Is there anything else you'd like to get off your chest? ~ I’d like to thank the following bands: The Swamis / Jynxt / Amy and the Integrals / Sulfer / Shapes (R.I.P) / Royston Jones (R.I.P)/ Red Dollar / New Groove Formation / Folk ‘n’ Ska Souls / The Escape / Horseman Shakes and the Draymen / Pearl Handled Revolver/ Firetype / Don Brocco and everyone else (you know who you are) for putting on some great shows on level 2 during 2008. It’s been really great watching you all grow/improve when you return to play at Esquires. Wwhat has also been really encouraging is seeing some of you attend each others shows too. Let’s hope that this is something we can all build on.

Chris Smith - Hungry Bears
Favourite Album ~ Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Dig Lazarus Dig / Late of the Pier - Fantasy Black Channel / Wild Beasts - Limbo Panto.
Favourite Single ~ Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Midnight Man / Friendly Fires - Paris / Futureheads - Beginning of the Twist.
Favourite Esquires Gig ~ LES SAVY FAV LES SAVY FAV LES SAVY FAV!!! .
Favourite Non-Esquires Gig ~ Bon Iver @ Shepherds Bush Empire.
Hot Tip for 2009 ~ I think that 2009 will be the worst year for music in a decade. Seriously, there is nothing out there. Is there anything else you'd like to get off your chest? ~ Where are all the promoters these days? We had a good go for over a year but since then no one has stepped in to bring live music back to Bedford. Come on you lot... .

Gareth Barber - Hungry Bears
Favourite Album ~ Metronomy - Nights Out.
Favourite Single ~ Friendly Fires - On Board / Pharrel, Julian and Santagold - My Drive Thru.
Favourite Esquires Gig ~ Les Savy Fav Favourite Non-Esquires Gig ~ Rage Against the Machine @ Reading Festival.
Hot Tip for 2009 ~ Not going to be much good coming out this year, indie is dying a death with terrible bands tossing out the same old turd (yes that's you Pigeon Detectives, Kooks, Coldplay, Kaisers yada yada yada). We Have Band are probably the only one I can think of who I'm tipping....

Milky - The Roar Club
Favourite Album ~ Glasvegas - Glasvegas / Mark Lanegan & Isobelle Campbell – Sunday At Devil Dirt / Fucked Up - The Chemistry of Common Life / Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid / The Dears - Missiles.
Favourite Single ~ Glasvegas - Geraldine / Cage the Elephant - In One Ear / Paris - Friendly Fires.
Favourite Esquires Gig ~ Glasvegas / Les Savy Fav / Fucked Up.
Favourite Non-Esquires Gig ~ That Petrol Emotion @ Boston Arms / Rage Against The Machine @ Reading Festival.
Hot Tips for 2009 ~ The Ruling Class / Hockey / Little Boots.
Wish for 2009 ~ Where are the new young enthusiastic promoters to help revive the Bedford scene?

Kev Bailey - The Pad
Favourite Album ~ A poor year for music in my eyes that was being championed by the mainstream press (NME etc) which meant digging deeper and looking around for some interesting records to fill the void. A few albums came to light, kept the faith with this lot, worth buying (not downloading you geeks, no wonder Woolworths has gone (and zavvi since i started writing this!)) Bran Van 3000 - Rose - Fench canadian act deliver a classic album that didnt even get a UK release, buy it in on import for £20!, worth every penny. Iamx - The Alternative - Former Sneaker Pimp Chris Corner makes another dark deep electronic album with stunning vocals and melodic hooks. The Peth - The Golden Mile - A Super Furry Animal drummer and actor Rhys Ifan make a weird and colourful pop psychedelic album, best actors record ever? Certainly one of the hardest to buy in a shop or online ever! Martina Topley Bird - The Blue God, smokey jazzy trip hop album, why is this lady not a star? Neon Neon - Stainless Style - Another Furry makes the 5 and makes a great album, hope they don't follow it up! .
Favourite Single ~ Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire. An alternative anthem for infinity, think Smells Like Teen Spirit, it will never go away.
Favourite Esquires Gig ~ Red Light Company - Almost The Killers vs Kings of Leon, some great tunes but an odd looking frontman, could make a good album for '09 The Beat - Ranking Roger and co keep the ska vibe alive and sound fresher than many imitators Metronomy - top tunes, kool dance moves one of the better new band gigs in '08 Fucked Up - not really my bag on record but live they delivered on of the most exciting show Esquires has seen in many moons.
Favourite Non-Esquires Gig ~ Tricky - Domino 15th birthday party @ the Barbican. The Bristol rapper turns trip hop on it's head in an almost Iggy Pop like performance, anarchic and stunning at the same time. Primal Scream and MC5 @ the Massive Attack Meltdown at the Royal Festival Hall. At one point 2 bassists, 2 drummers, 6 guitarists on stage, the loudest thing I have ever heard! Friendly Fires - Roadmender, Northampton. The St Albans band get the party started the minute they land on stage, I'm sure this time next year we will all be bored but performance is what it's about and they sure know how to entertain. .
Hot Tips for 2009 ~ Blur and The Specials reunion, never has British music needed these two bands back in the public eye.
Is there anything else you'd like to get off your chest? ~ It looks like there is no one willing to put on national touring acts in Bedford any more due to poor support from the town in 2008. There may be a credit crunch but watching a band is usually cheaper than going to the cinema, no show up = no shows, R.I.P Roar Club, Hungry Bears, Strange Place Club Beds etc - who is going to take up the mantle for 2009?, With Esquires heading towards it's 20th anniversary someone needs to keep the vibe alive and get new touring acts on the stage. Another thing - DJs from bands that take the piss out of an indie crowd by playing a minimal house music set (Foals), not big, not clever! And does anyone really give a shit about Crystal Castles?

Rick & Simone - Website Geeks
Favourite Album ~ Stainless Style - Neon Neon / Instant Coffee Baby - The Wave Pictures.
Favourite Single ~ Paris - Friendly Fires (especially the Aeroplane Mix), Kids - MGMT / I Lust U - Neon Neon.
Favourite Esquires Gig ~ Les Savy Fav, Glasvegas / Lightspeed Champion.
Favourite Non-Esquires Gig ~ Super Furry Animals @ Standon Calling / Darren & Jack do Hefner @ End of Road Festival, The Dears @ The Music Factory, Toronto.