Coldplay - Clwb Ifor Bach....and the rest is history !!

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As the mammoth Coldplay play their second night at a sell-out Principality Stadium it is cool to remember their humble beginnings and the band’s first solo visit to the Capital, the band playing the tiny Clwb Ifor Bach, in comparison to the giant stadia they find themselves in today.

It was the 20 June 2000, an amazing 23 years ago that the band made their first headlining visit to Cardiff, it could not be more different than where they find themselves today. The band had visited the city earlier in the year as part of a package that included Shack, Campag Velocet, Les Rythmes Digitales on the NME Premier Tour.

The band were just about to release their debut album Parachutes the following month, a commercial success achieving rave reviews on release, quickly reaching Number 1 in the UK, and currently certified 9x Platinum.

It won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2002, the British Album of the Year award at the 2001 Brit Awards and many other accolades.

Parachutes is also the 22nd best-selling album of the 21st century in the United Kingdom. As of 2020, it has sold over 13 million copies worldwide.

Coldplay were apologetic during their Principality Stadium gig in Cardiff 17 years later that they had not performed in the capital sooner. Lead singer Chris Martin told the Principality Stadium audience: "We haven't been in Wales for a long long time and that's because we've been rehearsing for 17 years to make the best show we've done."

Formed in London in 1996. They consist of vocalist and pianist Chris Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, drummer Will Champion and creative director Phil Harvey.

They met at University College London and began playing music together from 1996 to 1998, first calling themselves Pectoralz and then Starfish.

Classic Album Reviews: 'The La's' by The La's

The eccentric and intricate musicianship of an elusive frontman makes 'The La's' one of the most intriguing albums of the late 20th century.

After numerous line-up changes, a multitude of different producers and years of recording; Lee Mavers' brainchild is a magical masterpiece that stands the test of time and should be revered as one of the best records of the 1990s.

However, Mavers' pedantic nature was simultaneously a blessing and a curse. His erratic persona being what pushed The La's into the limelight whilst also being the catalyst for their eventual downfall.

Stories of the Liverpool-born musician's eccentricities would later become folklore in the indie music scene. Rumours of tuning his guitar to the hum of a fridge and refusing to use a soundboard at the famous 'Abbey Road Studios' due it not being covered in genuine sixties' dust cement Mavers as being one of the most interesting musicians in the UK indie scene.

The album itself instantly grabs the listeners attention with the opening track 'Son of A Gun', that has a guitar riff that is as complex as it is infectious. The lyricism could possibly be an almost autobiographical piece from Mavers, with 'a man who's at loggersheads with his past all the time' and who was 'burnt by the 20th century'.

The single 'Feelin' brings a rockabilly style sound to the album that will undoubtedly bring anyone out of a bad mood but also not overstaying it's welcome with the track lasting just under two minutes.

Most tracks on this record are rather brisk, pop infused classics that are bound to get stuck in your head. Songs such as 'Way Out' and 'Failure' tackle heavy topics such as the ending of a relationship with a significant other and being alienated from family members but do so in a way that is easily accessible to listen to and process.

Lead single 'There She Goes' is an everlasting classic that fully deserves all the praise that it gets. The original release of the song was not successful with it peaking at 59 in charts before being re-released in 1990 where it reached number 13.

Mavers would showcase his versatility throughout the record, going back to basics with tracks such as 'Doledrum' and 'Liberty Ship' that both emulate a skiffle sound which was a genre that originated in the band's home city of Liverpool.

'Timeless Melody' oozes with nostalgia and shines above almost every other song on the album. Mavers possibly reminiscing on the music he listened to in his adolescence and his lifelong mission to replicate it.

The closing track 'Looking Glass' is an earnest masterpiece that is an unstoppable, emotional rollercoaster for the entirety of it's run-time. The track overall is possibly an honest self reflection on his weathered outlook on the world with themes of child-like loneliness and isolation being touched upon. Bass guitarist John Power would eventually take inspiration from this song, naming his band 'Cast' after the last lyric uttered by Mavers.

The album is an absolute masterpiece but could potentially leave listeners with a bitter taste in their mouth with Mavers never building upon this beautifully-crafted record. Mavers would eventually disown the album, with the only other snippets of his genius being a number of bootlegs that were released throughout the 1990s.

The lack of content leaves us with one of the biggest questions in music. What if The La's were able to build upon their eponymous debut album and release another?

Rating: 10/10

Retro Review - 5 Seconds of Summer

‘Hold My Hand’ Tour Review 

Image Katherine Witts ©

After 2 long years of lockdown causing the original ‘Youngblood’ tour to be rescheduled more than once, Cardiff finally welcomed the Australian band to one of its most well known arenas. Due to the band having released more music during the pandemic the tours name was now changed the ‘Hold my hand’ tour after their new single. 

To begin, it’s important to mention how the hype the band created while fans waited for the show to begin made the experience that much better. Every now and again a small prerecorded sketch of the band would appear on the screens; from an advert detailing their ‘worst’ songs to a comedic press interview. 

Having only heard rumours of who their opening act would be through TikTok, we were pleasantly surprised to see Tennessee’s Coin. Personally I only knew their one hit single ‘Crash My Car’, so I was excited to hear more of their songs. Coin have an almost summer feeling to their songs, ones where you play on repeat in the car with the windows down with all your friends. Two of their songs I absolutely loved that gave the same energy as ‘Crash My Car’ was ‘Talk Too Much’ and ‘Brad Pitt’. Both of these songs are a must for your summer playlists! 

As performers I also highly rate them, their stage presence is both lively and entertaining. If you want a new band to listen to this summer I highly recommend them, maybe even try catching them at a show?! As quoting them “it’s their first time in Wales… but not their last”!*

After just under an hour set of Coin, the band opened with some absolute bangers. 

As I am writing this a few months later it’s hard to remember the exact lineup however the band played a mix of both their early and newer songs.

Personally the highlights of their sets would hands down have to be ‘Ghost of You’, from their 2018 album ‘Youngblood’, and ‘Teeth’ which was featured on Netflix’s ‘13 Reasons Why’. These songs alone are able to show the range the band has and how one minute they can be bringing fans to tears and the next creating this insanely hyped reaction.

Briefly mentioning the stage and lighting design of the set, this was something I deeply appreciated. They managed to create a capturing and mesmerising set that complemented each song perfectly!

Overall, the wait for this tour was most certainly worth it and I would happily sell my soul to see them live again. 

Katherine Witts

Retro Album - Rumours

‘Rumours’ by Fleetwood Mac turns 45 - My top five tracks

Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’, which celebrated its 45th anniversary in February, is arguably one of the greatest and most well-known albums of all time. Of course, I have always been a fan of the classics like ‘Go Your Own Way’ and ‘Don’t Stop’, however it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that I really started enjoying Fleetwood Mac’s music. This is thanks to my favourite artist, Harry Styles, who is good friends with Stevie Nicks, and has performed with her numerous times. This is when I discovered a new love for their music, particularly ‘Rumours’. Don’t get me wrong, it was incredibly difficult to choose a top five for this album, however these are the songs I find myself listening to the most.

5. Never Going Back Again

The bubbly melodies of ‘Never Going Back Again’ are what gave this track fifth place for me. Despite its subject matter (Lindsey Buckingham wrote the song about his breakup with Stevie Nicks), the song is incredibly catchy and just lovely to listen to. 

4. Second Hand News

The opening track of Rumours takes fourth place for me. Its upbeat, folk-y tones make it the perfect album opener, setting the tone for the songs that follow. Buckingham’s vocals make the song (which is again about he and Nicks’ breakup) joyful and timeless, and is arguably deserved to be a lead single on the album.

3. The Chain

‘The Chain’ is one of Fleetwood Mac’s most recognisable songs. The first time I heard this song was when Formula 1 was playing on TV as a child, as the iconic instrumental had been the theme tune for years. ‘The Chain’ has the most amazing build-up, and both Nicks and Buckingham’s lead vocals complement each other beautifully. Another reason as to why this track is number three in my ranking is Harry Styles’ iconic cover (which I have seen live twice) and this made the song even more lovable. 

2. You Make Loving Fun

It was a close call between my top two tracks, and ‘You Make Loving Fun’ just missed out on the number one spot. The song was written and sung by Christine McVie, and was the final single to be released from the album. I love everything about this song, from the lyrics to the guitar melodies. ‘You Make Loving Fun’ is a fan favourite from the album, and I think its bouncy and playful energy has something to do with this. I love the song purely for how fun it is, and it definitely deserves second place in my ranking.

1. Dreams

‘Dreams’ is my absolute favourite from Rumours, and is also my favourite Fleetwood Mac song of all time. There is nothing not to like about the song. The lyrics, written by Stevie Nicks, are genius, and the instrumental immediately brings a smile to my face. ‘Dreams’ is the kind of song I love to play when I’m going for a walk on a Spring or Summer’s day, it has a sunny kind of energy to it. The catchy chorus is what makes the song for me. The distinct drum beat and Nicks’ vocals make it ‘dreamy’ if you will, and this song is one that I will never fall out of love with, which is why it is number one in my ranking of top five songs on ‘Rumours’. 

Chloe Mullis

Retro Review -Californication

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This month marks 22 years since the release of Californication, the seventh studio album by Red hot chili peppers. The record hit stores on the 8th of June 1999. 

1998 marked the return of John Frusciante who had departed from RHCP in 1992 during the group’s tour of Japan.

Frusciante had previously played on the 1989 album mother’s milk and 1991’s Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik, but left the band abruptly midway through touring. 

The Peppers recorded their sixth album, One Hot Minute, in 1995 without Frusciante, replacing him with Dave Navarro on guitar.  But the record was a miss fire and it received mixed reviews. Meanwhile, Frusciante had developed a serious drug addiction and had taken up painting and had temporarily quit music altogether. 

However, in 1998 Frusciante got sober and re-joined the group. Solidifying the band’s iconic line-up once more.  

The band’s line-up consisted of Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (Bass guitar), Chad Smith (Drums), and the before mentioned John Frusciante on guitar, for Califonication. 

RCHP had some serious ground to make up after the commercial failure of One Hot Minute. They needed to get this one right to get back on track. And they certainly did. 

Singles from the album, Scar tissue, Around The World, Otherside and Californication, let the world know that Red Hot Chili Peppers were back once again. 

Californication picks up where Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik left off. Singles like Give It Away and Under The Bridge, were the hits that transformed the group into superstars back in 1991. 

Flea’s legendary bass playing, Smith’s heavy drumming, Frusciante’s inventive riffs, and Kiedis’ wacky lyrics, all contributed to this iconic album’s unique sound. 

The lesser-known tracks on the album also pack a punch. Easily, Purple Stain, and Road Trippin, are all great songs that give me a strong sense of nostalgia. 

My personal favourite track is Get On Top. The intense drumming and aggressive lyrics make sure that the song stands out. 

A lot of the songs themselves are about the individual struggles that the band members had gone through in recent years. The Album was produced by Rick Rubin and the recording took place at Cello Studios in Los Angeles. 

Californication proved to be one of, if not the best Red Hot Chili Peppers album. The record went onto to sell 15 million copies worldwide and reached number 3 on the Billboard hot 100 chart. 

Californication proved to be the band’s biggest selling album. 

Joe Strong

Retro Review 50 Years on Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

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50 years ago, 21 May 1971, Marvin Gaye’s eleventh studio album was released.
Unusual in the fact it was a concept album it was also a groundbreaking recording still regarded by many as the best that the mainly singles focused Motown ever produced.

Written and produced by Gaye himself, another first for the label, such is the esteem in which this recording is held, it was named #1 in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of 500 of the Greatest albums of all time, and few would argue with that accolade.

Recorded at a very dark time for Gaye, a failing marriage, his longtime duet partner Tammi Terrell had died from a brain tumour, whilst his brother, Frank, had returned home from Vietnam with horror stories that had brought him to tears.

It found Gaye wanting to address social injustice issues in his music, something the label’s Berry Gordy thought would kill his career.

What certainly forced the issue and set the theme for the album was the title track What’s Going On.
After witnessing police brutality in San Francisco, Four Tops singer Obie Benson was prompted to write the song with Motown writer Al Cleveland.

The song eventually found its way to Gaye who agreed to cover it and in Benson’s words, put the finishing touches, adding lyrics and spice to the melody, making it more “ghetto “.
It was just the inspiration Gaye needed to plow headlong into creating such an innovative and significant recording.

With the backing of Motown’s finest musicians, The Funk Brothers, musically and vocally it is Gaye’s crowning glory, an album never to be surpassed from a stable of quite incredible artists.

The rather bizarre fact about the recording of What’s Going On is it almost was never was released as a single and in a stand off with Gordy, Gaye threatened never to record for Gordy again. It eventually sold over 2 million copies and inspired a truly great album.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Marvin Gaye discussed what had shaped his view on more socially conscious themes in music and the conception of his eleventh studio album:

“In 1969 or 1970, I began to re-evaluate my whole concept of what I wanted my music to say ... I was very much affected by letters my brother was sending me from Vietnam, as well as the social situation here at home.

I realized that I had to put my own fantasies behind me if I wanted to write songs that would reach the souls of people. I wanted them to take a look at what was happening in the world.”

Tony Woolway

Track listing

1. "What's Going On"
Marvin Gaye Al Cleveland Renaldo "Obie" Benson
3:53
2. "What's Happening Brother"
Gaye James Nyx Jr.
2:43
3. "Flyin' High (In the Friendly Sky)" Gaye Anna Gordy Gaye Elgie Stover
3:49
4. "Save the Children"
Gaye Cleveland Benson
4:03
5. "God Is Love"
Gaye A. Gaye Stover Nyx
1:41
6. "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" Gaye 3:16
Side two
No. Title Writer(s) Length
1. "Right On"
Gaye Earl DeRouen
7:31
2. "Wholy Holy"
Gaye Benson Cleveland
3:08
3. "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)"
Gaye Nyx
5:26

Retro Review - Favourite Worst Nightmare

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Fourteen years ago, this month, Arctic Monkeys released their second studio album, Favorite worst nightmare. 

The record hit the shelves on the 23rd of April 2007 and was a massive hit upon its release.

The alternative rock band’s first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, was also very successful and a tour of America soon followed afterward. However, original bass guitarist, Andy Nicholson, left the group shortly before the tour in June 2006 and was replaced with Nick O’Malley. 

I Bet That You Look Good On The dancefloor, Dancing Shoes, and When The Sun Goes Down, all gave Arctic Monkeys their first taste of universal success. But their second effort built on this and proved to many that they could change their sound. 

The group’s line-up for Favorite worst nightmare consisted of Alex Turner (lead vocals and guitar), Jamie Cook (guitar and keyboard), Matt Helders (drums), and the before mentioned Nick O’Malley on bass guitar. 

Like their debut effort, favorite worst nightmare received very positive reviews upon release. The record was a bit more adventurous than the Sheffield groups’ debut album.  The songs were a lot faster and much louder, with more meaningful lyrics, courtesy of Alex Turner. Matt Helders’ drumming received praise. His technique helped bring this masterpiece together. 

The three singles from the album were also very successful. Brianstorm, Fluorescent Adolescent, and Teddy Picker, all received a positive reception in the UK and in America.

My personal favorite from this record, is 505, the album’s closing track. The organ at the beginning of the song replicates a sound from the soundtrack of the 1966 classic western, the good the bad, and the ugly. ‘505’ is a reference to a room in a hotel where Turner’s girlfriend is supposedly staying. 

Other tracks on the album like This House Is A Circus, Only Ones Who Know, and D is for Dangerous, all also hit different with their manic pacings and witty lyrics. 

The album was recorded at several recording studios in London and Liverpool and was produced by James Ford and Mike Crossey, under the Domino label. 

Favorite Worst Nightmare went onto sell over 200,000 copies after a week. Meaning it climbed to the number 1 album spot in the UK. The record went onto win a BRIT award for the British album of the year. 

Arctic Monkeys followed Favorite Worst Nightmare up with Humbug, which they released two years later, in the summer of 2009. 

Review By Joe Strong

Retro Review - Aladdin Sane

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48 years ago on 13 April, in 1973, saw the release of what was David Bowie’s 6th studio album.
Aladdin Sane was the follow up to what was considered Bowie’s breakthrough album, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars.

Produced by Bowie and Ken Scott, it proved a crucial release and did much to consolidate his newly found stardom that the Ziggy album had helped create.

Recorded at Trident Studios in London and RCA Studios in New York City between legs of the Ziggy Stardust Tour, it would the last album to feature his band The Spiders from Mars, though both guitarist Mick Ronson and bassist Trevor Bolder did feature partially on the Bowie covers album Pin Ups.

The songs on Aladdin Sane were mostly written during Bowie’s American tour and features two songs that preceded the album’s release, the brilliant Jean Genie and Drive-in Saturday, both singles, with Jean Genie, in particular, setting the tone, the songs having a harder rock sound than their previous distinctly glam roots and no doubt influenced by their travels in America.

The album’s opening track “Watch That Man” is typical as to how Bowie envisioned his album to be. Still retaining the glam rock flair but a much harder and faster edge, and reminds one of the Velvet Underground but Bowie acknowledged that the New York Dolls provided some of the inspiration for the album’s opener.

The title track “Aladdin Sane” is another song that benefits from a more experimental approach by Bowie and includes a rather inspirational piano solo by Bowie sideman Mike Garson.

“Drive-in Saturday” and “Panic in Detroit” swiftly follow. The former with its prominent female backing vocals provided by Linda Lewis and salsa styled rhythms. “Panic“ supposedly inspired by friend Iggy Pop reminiscing about the Detroit riots of 1967, name checks Che Guevara whilst Rolling Stone magazine listed Mick Ronson’s guitar work on the song his “essential recording”.

The final track on the first side is “Cracked Actor”, another rocker, it became a feature of Bowie’s live performances with the singer wearing sunglasses and holding a skull, like a scene from Hamlet which he would then kiss dramatically at the end and a worthy climax to a stunning first side.

Side two’s opener “Time” is a real Bowie ‘Tour de Force’ yet divides opinion with many describing it as one of Bowie’s most poetic offerings performed in such a dramatic fashion, though to some it’s described as weak and melodramatic. Either way still a favourite with the Bowie fraternity and one of the album’s stand out tracks.
“Prettiest Star” is an odd choice for inclusion as it was recorded originally featuring Marc Bolan on guitar but this newer more glammed up version is a far superior effort even though Ronson plays the Bolan guitar part virtually note-for-note.

What follows is probably the album’s poorest track, a cover of the Rolling Stones “Let’s Spend The Night Together”. A pretty average attempt at best and tends to pale into insignificance compared to the song that follows, “The Jean Genie,” a truly great single which at this point in his career was Bowie’s highest chart placing, peaking at No 2, and kept off the top spot frustratingly by Jimmy Osmond’s “Long Haired Lover From Liverpool.”

With its great riff and chorus, it’s glam Bowie at his brilliant best but some acknowledgment should be paid to the Spiders who provided the song with a backing track to die for.

The final track on the album is “Lady Grinning Soul” a romantic, almost cinematic piece that again utilises the keyboard skills of Mike Garson and provides the album with a more than fitting finale.

The Ziggy album may get most of the plaudits, the Aladdin Sane album consolidates and a stepping stone in creativity for the ever evolving Bowie. A true classic.


“Aladdin Sane was my idea of rock and roll America. Here I was on this great tour circuit, not enjoying it very much. So inevitably my writing reflected that, this kind of schizophrenia that I was going through. Wanting to be up on stage performing my songs, but on the other hand not really wanting to be on those buses with all those strange people. Being basically a quiet person, it was hard to come to terms with. So Aladdin Sane was split down the middle.”
– David Bowie on the theme of the album

“We wanted to take it that much rougher. Ziggy was rock and roll but polished rock and roll. [Bowie] wanted certain tracks to go like the Rolling Stones and unpolished rock and roll.”
– Ken Scott on the album's sound

Review By Tony Woolway