Mad Daves and Dawlishmen go out in the Greenday ?..... (A tale of infidelity and lust).
Well I have to apologise for allowing Mad Dave to escape yet again, and moreover to let him hijack my computer and leave a bizarre review on last night's gig by Crush UK. I had to sneak out and capture him before he turned into a werewolf at midnight. He seemed to give the impression that Crush UK played the whole of 'the Wall' but I think he was confused by the flashing lights and thought he was back at the Australian Pink Floyd gig where he fell into a sleep for 20 weeks. But it gave me a chance to check out Crush UK.
My first impression was that any band whose PA was smaller than most ghetto blasters, and where one could see the floor rather than a pile of Boss or Korg effects pedals must be either very good or deluded. However, the classic Marshall amp and the practical drum layout suggested the approach of real professionals, and so they turned out to be. Versatile, economic and co-ordinated, with an entertaining selection of songs that demonstrated a depth of experience and an eclectic repertoire. Some of the songs such as Little Sister were, I believe, original compositions; but fitted perfectly with the ethos of good humoured variety that encompassed classic rock such as Born to be wild, and Black Night to Abba, and some Ray Davies classics popularised by the Kinks. A harder edge was demonstrated by songs from the Jam and a further nuance was added by the presence of a female singer on some of he songs. Crush didn't play the Wall but I gather they do play 'See Emily...' from the early days when the Floyd showed a poetic originality that is sometimes forgotten. I also think that somewhere in their repertoire they cover three of my favourite songs: Waterloo Sunset, Bad Moon Rising and Teenage Kicks... but times have changed and 'fings ain't what they used to be'... and cor blimey they even do that too.
But what of the infidelity and lust. Well I saw the lead guitarist of this band playing with the Bobkatz a couple of weeks ago thrashing out Greenday's Basket case (which is Dave's theme tune) and rumour has it that he is a regular two timer (Martin that is....) Furthermore it is said that it was Ray, the landlord of the Landsdowne, who engendered this infidelity by introducing Martin to the Otherz. But all I can say is that Dave was right about one thing... both bands had the barmaids dancing and singing along (most beautifully)... And Ray was in good voice too so they must be pretty good.
And the Lansdowne is an excellent boozer that doubles as a locals' refuge and a lively venue for bands, with friendly barstaff and a colourful landlord who is a bit of a legend since migrating from the North Bridge (which is somewhere in the frozen hinterlands and was full of fish, tigers and hats, and where it was wise to have an umbrella handy at closing time but that's another story...
For now, go and have a listen to Crush UK, check out the website, www.crushuk.com, and enjoy a pint in the Lansdowne... And I promise to keep Mad Dave well locked up. (Blighter never buys a drink anyway!).
Siggy Freud