Random thoughts from an action-packed week. Apologies to those I’ve missed – it’s been a long week and the earlier parts in particular are a bit fuzzy.
Strangest Juxtaposition Award
Philip Glass to Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Loudest Award
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (you know it’s loud when the vibrations are making your heart palpitate so much that you feel nauseous five minutes after the music stops)
Runner up – Health (you know it’s loud when the drummer is wearing earplugs and the cartilage is vibrating in your nose)
Old Buggers Who Still Shit All Over the Rest of Them Award
Wire
Priceless Moment Award
The looks on the faces of the kiddies next to me at the sight of a bunch of old people pogoing to Wire
Award for Most Surprising and Interesting Blend of Styles
True Live
Gidget Goes to Kampuchea Award
Cambodian Space Project
Perseverance and Good Spirit Award
Owen Pallett, who totally deserved the full and undivided attention of the audience, but drew the dancing and carousing after-work crowd timeslot
If You Don’t Want to Listen to the Band Why Don’t You Shut the Fuck Up and Go Home Award
The crowd roaring at the back of the room that ruined the fadeout of the trancy intense Necks gig
Rolf Harris Award
Musica da Cucina, for using aluminium foil as both wobble board and gumleaf
Hardworking Unsung Hero Award
Every single one of the staff and crew who kept the whole thing running smoothly with a minimum of fuss
Curator Extraordinaire Award
Do I really need to tell you who that is?