Tracy Chapman (Hammersmith Apollo) 16/12/08

Anna and I went to a marvelous performance by Tracy Chapman tonight, a courageous solo effort given the enormous venue. But even on a bare stage in plain clothes, the obviously shy Tracy (even after 20 years of performing!) was instantly captivating, beginning with a bold a cappella on domestic violence, before moving through a repertoire of honest soulful songs marked by guitar changes and occasional commentary.

Setlist:

Behind The Wall

Baby Can I Hold You

Sing For You

The Promise

Mountains O’ Things

Save Us All

America

Across The Lines

I Did It All

Subcity

Fast Car

House Of The Rising Sun

Give Me One Reason

She’s Got Her Ticket

Talkin’ ‘Bout A Revolution

Encore:

Bang Bang Bang

Say Hallelujah

South Bank Xmas markets

Apparently these things are here all the way from Cologne, bringing Londoners nothing but the finest Schinkenwurst, mulled wine, jelly lolly Schtroumpfs (aka Smurfs), and touristy crap. Still it's nice to see so much activity from our apartment window, and even the London Eye have gotten in on the act by wrapping their engine room up in a big bow.

Some fine beach art. Apparently the sand is a sign that the Thames is becoming less polluted. It's part of its 'self-cleaning' ecosystem, so hooray for that!

Caught up with Jan (who is now on her way back to NZ alas!) and Kyle and had another look at what the markets had to offer before going for a wander (and a beach-comb) along the Thames, and finally stopping off for deliciously-expensive cocktails at the Oxo tower.

December round-up

We've been pretty active the last few weeks. I've been working steadily on the spy film I shot exactly a year ago, plus filming new art events for my documentary. Plus we went and saw Dylan Moran doing stand-up at the Brixton Academy: I've now seen all three cast members from Black Books in person!

We took a long route home afterwards, and ended up catching the Tube at Stockwell station for the first time. This is where an innocent Brazilian, Jean Charles de Menezes was shot by police as a suspected terrorist in the wake of the July bombings. There is a small, and very moving shrine by the entrance.

Otherwise we've had a few nights out with friends. Popped down to Croydon to visit Andy, Megs and Ollie again, caught up with Jan (who is leaving for NZ soon...), played some rigorous Twister with friends from Anna's work, and had a nosey around our local Xmas markets and took in the Press Photography exhibit at the Royal Festival Hall with Wes and Mon.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (Troxy) 30/11/08

Setlist:
Hold On To Yourself
Dig Lazarus Dig
Tupelo
Weeping Song
Nature Boy
Red Right Hand
Midnight Man
Love Letter
Right Out Of Your Hand
Moonland
Mercy Seat
Deanna
Call Upon The Author
Papa Won't Leave You Henry
Get Ready For Love

Encore:
Into My Arms
Nobody's Baby Now
Hard On For Love
Stagger Lee

Art Spiegelman and Posy Simmonds (ICA) 24/11/08

A wonderful discussion between the authors of Maus and Madame Bovary, on their respective work, the legacy of MAD comics, and the influence of countless other comic writers and artists. Matt Groening was in the audience!

Waterloo Snow

To be fair, this looks more impressive than it was - but it's still exciting to see a little bit of snow in London, and we never thought it would make it this far into the city centre where the ambient temperatures are higher...

Tis the season to be jolly...

Party time at Ewelina's!

Dog, Ross, Wes, Ewelina, Anna...