Some venues are comfortable, and some are not. It is quite a trek to get to the Rhythm Factory and this counts against it. In some ways it may be gritty Rock and Roll but there is something missing; I think it is probably soul. Actually part of the problem is that the music between bands is so loud and bounces around the fairly empty room, so everyone who wants to talk retires to the bar outside. This leaves a little crew of loners in the hall – this is not fun,this is alienation – I retire to the bar to be with society. The people out in the bar are quite comfortable, but not really involved with the gig, typically they just pop in for the band they’ve come to see. I always think a band have to struggle to have a good gig here. No Cars just about manage it in spite of one or two problems stemming from their lack of sound check.
Joana and the Wolf have a good gig. Maybe because it’s quite a long time since I last saw them, but partly because they are a band who overcome negative conditions and perhaps play better in adversity.
Some of my favourite gigs have been in adverse conditions. Last year, my gig of the year was Death Cigarettes at Proud Galleries where alienation is part of the fabric of the building (it’s where the Clash used to rehearse). One of the best gigs I ever saw was the Bank of Dresden at the St Moritz club around 1978 or perhaps 1979. They had a residency. The first week all their friends, and friends of friends and the people from the Rough Trade shop (who may also have been friends) and me filled the venue. The second week there was just me and my friend Steve. They were so angry that they put on a brilliant show for us (and themselves). They were a band full of conflicts so their edginess was a strength and ultimately a weakness.
Back to the present. Tonight I particularly enjoy Joana & the Wolf. The long thin stage give Joana plenty of space to run around and jump and things.

This is 'Beware the Moon', promoted by the Rock 'n' Roll Cabaret people. Recently they posted a bulletin on Myspace asking for bands to apply for gigs. As I think they are good promoters, I forwarded the bulletin to a couple of bands I know who I'd like to see play more often. One of the was No Cars and here they are. We miss the first couple of songs, but what we see is good. They get a good reception from the uncommited customers, who dance and clap. Ben, the promoter seems to like them too and I think they are likely to be on the bill for a Rock and Roll Cabaret at the Dublin Castle.
Bleech are nicely warmed up after their earlier gig. Playing 4 or 5 nights a week isn't enough for them anymore, now they have started playing twice in a night. The lights are slightly odd colours, but generally quite good.

Tonight I was going to see Juju perform an acoustic set in Chesham, but Richard phoned me to at lunchtime to tell me it had been cancelled due to the weather. I’m quite pleased not to be driving back on those country roads late at night, but it’s a bit of a disappointment.
Fortunately I have an excellent alternative gig to go to. No Cars are at the Lexington. They are as charming as ever and slightly tipsy as they have a rider of beer, and they don’t normally drink beer.

No cars are playing early and apart from slight worries about the 'severe delays' on the Central Line (again), it's nice to get an early night. As I arrive No Cars are doing replacement drawings for their VJ in an empty venue. But by they take to the stage 15 minutes later, quite a reasonable crowd has materialised. Meanwhile I have failed to find any Guiness so resolve to go over the road to the Vibe Bar to get a drink between bands. It's all part of the recession that when you have money people just won't sell you what you want as they're out of stock (the best example of this is surely pc world who don't actually have anything in stock you would possibly want to buy).
someone seems top be videoing the show tonight and the lights are relatively bright, but all the front lights are very red so I'm not convinced the video will be very good. At least they are better than the single blue lights which don't light the next band. As I can't see them I give up and go for a drink over the road.
No Cars punctuate their set with their usual charming chatter, some of which is true, like them playing Glasgow on Thursday.

I have missed No Cars twice recently, so I am pleased to get to this gig. It's a strange pub where the lights look fine until the band come on, then the soundman switches on some program which makes them flicker like a broken fluorescent bulb. The general effect for the audience resembles apower cut. It's nice to see everyone's favourite band play several of everyone's favourite songs. We rush off for something to eat afterwards, so it's a relaxed evening and I am early to bed.

Part of my reason for going to Bedford on the train was that I was planning to see Ghostcat at the Enterprise in Camden in the evening. When I checked just before leaving it had been cancelled (like the last gig I was going to see at the Enterprise). I'm not sure how, but fortuitously I noticed that No Cars were playing tonight, at the Miller which is near London Bridge. It is quite easy to get to from King's Cross so fitted well. The Millers is a pleasant pub at the back of Guys hospital. It even has lights.
Having heard No Cars' tracks on myspace I wasn't really expecting a conventional rock/pop band. I was perhaps expecting a little chaos with some niave charm. I am pleasantly surprised to find the evening a real joy. I still think they would go down well at the Klinker, but they are not a novelty act. Admitedly 2 Japanese girls in a band are something of a novelty (probably not in Japan). Brett, the drummer, used to be in Vanilla Ride who are still looking for a replacement. Sashiko still plays bass in Vanilla Ride. When I first saw Vanilla Ride I described them as charming and I think the same term applies to No Cars. Interesting in both bands it is the singer/guitarist who prompts the description. I shall certainly see them again, and so should you.