Thursday 25th May 06 - The Beautiful South at The City Hall with support from Aberfeldy (3/3) By Michelle Dee Photographs by Matt Rudd

(1/3), (2/3), (3/3).

Something I hadn't realised until just recently was that Paul doesn't sing on every TBS song. This was demonstrated during the love/hate ballad A Little Time. The song is a two hander sung by Dave Hemingway affectionately known as Hamster and Alison Wheeler. Tonight's rendition was first class. Alison's voice was strong and rich and she played the crowd effortlessly. Then she did the same again with Don't Marry Her and Rotterdam. Many of the favourites were included in tonight's performance songs like You Keep It All In, 36D and Perfect Ten which saw the whole crowd singing and Paul busting his unique moves at the front of the stage.

He gives anyone who says they can't dance the courage and freedom to get up and have a go. He spins and jerks his arms and legs in what could be described as a camp manner. Then he manages to move across the stage dancing, posing and posturing without ever looking ridiculous. There's a fine line for front men to watch out for but he grooves and gyrates through it well.

One rather fun moment was when Paul jumped the gap behind the raised drum riser, showing of his athletic prowess.

Old Red Eyes went down a storm with the stage flood lit with reds and blues creating mood and drama. As did Good As Gold(Stupid as Mud) and the most recent single. Paul explained that when he first went to Manchester to live it rained non stop for two months, so that's where the idea came for the song Manchester. He also said quite bizarrely that the thing he missed most about Hull was the weather. Ever since I first heard Manchester I have been singing it in my head, out loud on the streets, I'll be put away if I'm not careful, and trying to piece together all the lyrics.

The place names, the opposing imagery and the questions that the well crafted lyrics pose. Some of the word play is marvellous such as the line like the sun strolls into town like a long lost king, there's a certain physicality about it and a great swinging beat; genius. And I do believe this song may have a revival in the warmer months because ironically, giving the subject matter, it has a bright and breezy Summer appeal to it.

Other songs performed from the new album stood out also, like the poetic ballad When Romance is Dead with its rhyming couplets and repetitive refrains, and the poignant sentiment that is familiar to us all. Never Lost a Chicken to a Fox sounds like it would be a light-hearted number judging by the title. But the lyrics within are dark and solemn. Paul sings of lost loves, lost friendships, internal agonies conflict and pain, not cheery subject matter whatsoever. To compliment this there is the nursery rhyme style song with the dark twist The Cat Loves The Mouse that has the familiar two handed structure containing pithy refrains from Alison and an alphabetic finish.

Toward the latter end of the show huge white balloons were brought out and the crowd sent them bouncing high into the air they loomed large over us and for a while all attention was on the giant spheres of fun. Then one popped with such a bang it made me, and I'm sure a few others, jump.

The band did a number of encores but I shan't say which songs so as not to spoil the show for those yet to see. The show had many highlights, just a few have I mentioned, it was a huge success. Everyone left with smiles on their faces all exclaiming how good it was. Brilliant said one You can't fault them one bit said another. Wasn't it amazing whispered a young girl clutching her treasured tour t-shirt and other merchandise to her chest. Many more precious memories were created for every generation that will be treasured for a life time. The audiences are in for a rich treat as The Beautiful South travel the length and breadth of the country promoting Superbi. www.beautifulsouth.co.uk

Music Reviews - Tuesday 21st February 06 - The Last Stand Feat The Future Elements and Franks Right Hand Trouser at The Sesh By Jon Durham Review Photos by Jon Durham and Cilla
	Who is Frank and what does his right hand trouser have to do with anything? It wouldn't surprise me if I wasn't the only member amongst The Sesh's audience left feeling a little mystified by the name of tonight's support act, FRHT. Perhaps this explains the reason why the band is currently in the process of rethinking their name. Having never seen or even heard of FRHT before Read more...

Music Reviews - 14th February 06 - Valentines Sesh Dazed Dakotas By Michelle Dee
	Tuesday night after running around like a blue-arsed fly I finally got to the Sesh. As ever, it was packed from the doors to the bar and getting from one to the other was going to prove problematic. Drink in hand I steered my way over to the right-hand side of the tiny stage and caught up with tonight's headliners SideWinder. Also on the bill were Tonik and new Read more...

Music Reviews - Saturday 12th February - The Modern at Sweet N Sour and gallery from Hull University 18th September 2005 by Michelle Dee
	Tonight saw two very different bands playing Hull. First was the hard fast rock n roll chant fest of The Strokes at the city hall, second was the electro disco sounds of Mercury signed London band The Modern. I never got to the former but I heard mixed reports about the gig. Many said it was amazing and commented on an incredible light show, whilst others said Read more...

Music Reviews - Wednesday 1st February 06 - Silver Star at Piper featuring City Ghosts, Kill Surf City, The Morphines, Thief and Black Dog Sunday By Michelle Dee
	As I sit here four weeks into my three month ban from Hull's premier live music venue, I can't help wondering why I am about to write yet another of my reviews. Is it to justify the wavering of the usual door charge? Is it because I told the bands in good faith that I would? Is it the fact that one day I hope someone of significance will finally recognise my genuine passion for Read more...

Music Reviews - Foot Loose at The Adelphi By Michelle Dee
	As the lights go down in and the club fills up, relatively new band Foot Loose take to the hallowed stage. The four-piece play a pleasing blend of U.S. styled popular rock. They have that unmistakable jangly guitar sound which is put to good use on song Rise and Fall. Front man has command over his voice displaying a good range and a good set of lungs. Read more...

Music Reviews - Tuesday 31st January 06 - The Sesh By DJ Mak, Kill Surf City Photos By Claire Adamson
	Wow, what a night. First up, thanks to the hundreds that made it down to The Sesh last night at The Linnet. It really was a case of digging the new breed. Three fantastic bands and an amazing soloist. First up were The Chase, who despite losing their drummer earlier in the day due to injuries sustained in a car crash, were determined not to let anyone down. They put together a Read more...

Music Reviews - Wed 1st February 06 - Heat 1, Best Original Band at The Springhead By Mo and Cilla Photographs By Mo
	It was far too cold to go out at all. You'd have to be mad. After a long day, all we could see was the front door closing for the last time, kids in bed, listening to some sounds (59 Violets, usually) and sipping our way through a bottle or two of vin rouge. Little did we know that the effort would not be without its reward. Sitting here at home, much later on Read more...

Music Reviews - Friday 14th October 05 - The Subways at The Asylum By Andy Tullock
	Whoever said the quote best laid plans... and all that, must not only have had a better memory then myself but also must've been under the thumb of The Man, like me. The plans had been set in stone for The Subways gig at Asylum for well over two days, and were looking pretty water-tight. However, when I stupidly agreed to do a job which I fancied I could finish by Read more...

Music Reviews - Wednesday 1st February 06 - Heat 1, Best Original Band at The Springhead By Anita Blakeston
	Heat 1, glad the first one's over. My nerves were ready for a rest. What a great night. Sartorial elegance prize has to go to Nic Hales from local band Soulflame for his delightful ethnic top, fantastic hairdo (said one fan) and his underpants which Mr Blako described in graphic detail to the whole audience. We love the sarcasm, keep it coming! The evening started with a well and truly kick ass set from Immingham lads, Just:. They did Read more...

Music Reviews - Thursday 19th January 06 - Stripped at The Wellington Inn By David Smith
	Thursday 19th January 2006 meant only one thing - the return for the highly popular acoustic night, Stripped. The event takes place at The Wellington Inn, just outside of the city centre, and always attracts the attention of local music lovers. As a relative newcomer to the area, a bit of research did no harm, and from what popped up in the archives, the line-up did not seem to be Read more...

Music Reviews - Live Forever at The Springhead, Friday 13th January 06 By DJ Chris Plant www.djchrisplant.co.uk
	Live Forever are a local Oasis tribute band, playing hits from 1994 to the current album Don't Believe The Truth. The band have been playing in Yorkshire's top venues for the last three years, including The Springhead, Stone Roses Bar and The KC Stadium to name but a few. The band has a great five-man line up: - Vocals: - Tony Lead Guitar Read more...

Music Reviews - Christmas Eve at The Ringside - 24th December 05 By Anthony Baine Photo Gallery By Mo
	Hang your heads, Hull music lovers. Christmas Eve, the only place open for live music is Ringside. And there's nobody here. Well, perhaps I exaggerate but the turn out is shoddy. I cannot believe that at the end of a year when so much has been printed and spoken about this town's potential to be the next big thing in British music, on a night arranged by Hull's leading independent Read more...

Music Reviews - The Chase, GST Cardinals and The Blackouts at the Under The Influence Xmas Show at The Adelphi - Sat 17th Dec 05 By Michelle Dee The Chase gallery by Michelle Honess
	Under The Influence celebrated its Christmas bash down at the Adelphi with a line up of rather new Hull bands them being, GST Cardinals, The Blackouts and The Chase. The billed act, !Forward Russia! sadly cancelled so promoter Dean Shakespeare had to make a few fast decisions to insure the show went on. He called upon good friends GST Cardinals to open with a very welcome Read more...

Music Reviews - Neville Staples, Quartermain and The Bonnitts at The Ringside, Monday 19th December 05 By Dick Spring Photos By Mo
	Monday December 19th 2005 is a date that could go down in the musical history of the city, for that was the day Neville Staples, original rudeboy singer of the legendary Two Tone band The Specials, and co founder of Fun Boy Three, made a triumphant return to Hull. Opening up were Hull favourites The Bonnitts who, though beset by a few technical problems, marched on through Read more...

Music Reviews - The Shine at The Top House Pub - 6th November 05 By DJ Chris Plant (www.djchrisplant.co.uk)
	Firstly, let me tell you a little about the band... The Shine are a top local cover band playing hits from the 60s to material from the present day. The band have been playing in Hull's top venues for the last three years, including The Springhead, Hull University and The Mainbrace to name but a few. The band have an amazing five-man line up : Vocals - Adam Norrie Lead guitar/B.Vocals Read more...