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Aberfeldy, King Creosote and My Latest Novel @ the Grand Ole Opry [Triptych]
Tonight’s change of venue – due to demand might I add – led
us to Paisley Road Toll and something resembling a Sergio Leone set;
all that was missing was Clint Eastwood, although we did spot Bryan Burnett
lurking amongst the crowd so maybe Clint was hiding amongst the scenery.
Amidst the desert-and-cactus sunset murals adorning the walls and the
juxtaposition of Confederates and Scottish flags side-by-side above the
stage, I had a rather strong urge to challenge someone to a gunfight.
But seeing as I’d left my Smith & Wesson at home, I may as
well just watch the bands.
My Latest Novel are first up, swinging from a similar brand of countrified
punk as Sons and Daughters are championing at the moment to more hushed
melodies,
such as the hand-claps, xylophones and four-part harmonising of the truly lovely ‘Hope
Edition’. They seem to have an undeniable inventiveness and willingness
to try and combine new things, which combined with their multi-instrumental prowess,
should carry them far.
Up next was the ambassador of Fence himself, King Creosote. Sadly I missed the
first bit of King Kenny’s set, but was a tad disappointed with what I did
catch: it didn’t stand up to his disc-based stuff at all, whether it be
solo or with the phenomenal Fence Collective. So that was a shame. I have been
told he has done some fantastic live shows though so maybe we just caught him
on an off night, or maybe he was just upset no one was line-dancing. Who knows.
But soon Aberfeldy were on stage, flying straight into the songs thick and fast.
They pretty much covered everything from their exuberant pop-folk debut “Young
Forever”, along with some new material and soon-to-be-as-iconic-as-the-man-himself
b-side ‘Tom Weir’, encapsulating the wonderful cry of “Free
beer for Tom Weir”. If only the world were as super-nice as Aberfeldy can
make you believe it is. But if not, at least we had been treated to another flawlessly
fun-filled gig from one of Scotland’s brightest hopes. Even judging by
the barely rehearsed new songs, they should be around for a while yet and I’m
glad: the world is certainly a happier place with Aberfeldy in it. (Stuart
Purcell)
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