Arrr ay. Fucked it, didn’t I? Said I’d try and do a post a month and fell at the third hurdle (this is in no way a reference to the Grand National - fun fact, I’ve never been).
So I’m going to try and make amends and blast this one out in about half an hour and if it’s shite then that’s that innit. It’s a free newsletter, cry less. Or cry more ‘cos there’s a tinge of sadness to this one. Anyway, today is the first day this year in that London to hit twenty degrees so why are you even reading this? Go out! Nod to your neighbour. Chase the sun. Ride a (Lime) bike. Swerve work. Split the G. Nah, don’t do that ya tit.
The Gun (Pub) RIP
I was having a rather sound March until the news of the imminent closure of one of the all-time watering holes and vortex for debauchery gathered pace before ultimately slapping me in the face, pint of ice cold water in hand. Yes, the last pint I ever had in the Gun was a pint of water. Sobering indeed.
Jokes aside, of all the locales to close in proximity to me in Hackney, this one hurts. I spent many many hours in that fine establishment as it somehow functioned as both a Sunday League clubhouse for the Gun football team and turned out to be a place that was one of the first in London to welcome me with open arms to play some audio for its punters. There wasn’t much better than playing records for the loons in that place. It was always a delight. Does this video work?
If it does (out to Marry Poppers), then there’s a great snapshot of what the Gun was capable of. The right amount of wrong. I look like a rabbit in the headlights! Nick Stephens by my side there. The ultimate landlord. Nick’s enthusiasm for the music was and will remain insatiable. Getting the call-up from him felt like one of the better co-signs you could get in this murky world of DJing.
I have full faith that Nick and Hannah can resurrect the wonders of the Gun in other forms. A microcosm of joy, a sanctuary for the weirdos in this corporate cesspit known as Hell Island.
P.S. In the meantime, support their other pub, The Compton Arms in Islington.
Can’t Stop Listening to Down to the Sea and Back Volume Tres
I’ve noticed recently that there’s DJ’s / selectors / broadcasters / whatever they’re called these days who fucking love hyperbole. Everything is all “this record is amazing guyyyyys” / “ohhh you simply mussstttt listen to this incredible track”. Everything can’t be that good. I’m sorry.
Having said that. THIS RECORD IS AMAZING GUYS!!!
Volume 2 came out in 2014 and it is probably one of the more significant compilations I ever bought around that time in my mid 20’s. Wouldn’t be too mad a statement to say it probably put me on the path of exploring the ‘Balearic Beat’. And Volume 3 ten years later is just as tremendous and is now blowing my head off in my mid 30’s.
What’s great about these comps from Balearic Mike and Kelvin Andrews is that they’re the essence of (in my opinion) ‘Balearic but not too Balearic’. Every track is a little or wildly different to the next and it just keeps you on ya toes in the best way. The tracklisting for the physical releases differ to the digi release so it’s a great excuse to buy the gatefold vinyl and the CD and the digi! Below are a couple of my faves from the physical release, one from side A and one from side B - I won’t try to describe or make sense of them, just have a listen and buy this record.
Francisco - Heal Yourself (A4)
Vidderna - Villfarelser (B1)
Some Nice Things
In an effort to balance out the sadness of the Gun closing down, here’s some nice things that happened to me in March - thanks if you helped make these nice things happen:
Spent the beginning of March in Ireland and had a belter time DJing in Dublin at Hang Dai Chinese for the Spraoi Mor lads.
Toasted 5 years of being with the beautiful Lo.
Got asked to be me mates Best Man for his wedding in 2026. Never had to be a Best Man before, always been more of a ‘will you DJ our wedding’ man (please, kindly, no). Should be a laugh. Out to Hilly.
Fin and Ursula got married (sort of) in the Moth Club.
DJ’d at Goya Gumbani’s album launch party. What a fella. What an album. Congrats brother.
One Glove IRL number 4 went offffffff! Such a pleasure to have Steve Cobby down from Hull and play tunes with him. Dancefloor was buzzing from early doors till lights up - probably the best one yet - nice one if you were there.
That Noah Davis exhibition at the Barbican is brilliant. One of the better ones they’ve had there in some time. Check it.
OK I’m done. Sorry if this wasn’t worth the wait. I’ll do another one before end of April. Or I’ll try. We can only try.
Enjoy the glimmer of hope that is Spring and see ya later, alligator.
Nicely pulled out of the bag Macca.
that is an amazing record