TPP's Mr Reliable, Paul, is a merry ol' soul. A merry ol' soul is he. Over the years/shows, Paul has not just been beating DP's drums to within and inch of their lives or simply cultivating that magnificent beard of his, oh no. Like an implausibly large and mohwaked squirrel (with elf-like tendencies), he's amassed an impressive collection of video footage from our shows and has put a selection up online for all (and sundry) to go enjoy. Just in time for Christmas.

As a taster, here's a clip* from our very first TPP show with the finest Scandinavian gentleman and scholar we know - José González (he plays a mean guitar too) :



* Even better than this video is José's (uncanny) impression of Borat - though we're not allowed to show you that one, so you'll just have to take our word for it.

Watch some other TPP vids here, including clips from These New Puritans, Owl City, Caribou, Andrew Bird, OK Go, and oh so many more.

The happiest of festive seasons to y'all, and a happy new year to boot (which incidentally is also merry ol' soul Paul's birthday). Happy Birthday P! Celebrations all round!

Weeeeeeee!

Don Van Vliet AKA Captain Beefheart passed away yesterday. From Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey and The White Stripes; to the early Punk movement, David Byrne, Gang of Four and even The Simpsons, Van Vliet was a true maverick whom shaped popular culture in a seismic way.

For the uninitiated, Trout Mask Replica is essential listening, and this 1997 BBC documentary by (the also sadly missed) late, great John Peel, sheds light on the madcap genius that was Captain Beefheart:

This Saturday night - Clockenflap Membership Launch @ Blindspot Annex from Clockenflap Festival on Vimeo.

The Charlatans + DJ Food + DP + Modern Children + acoustic roof wonderment + open bar x Clockenflap silliness = one show you just don't want to miss.

There are only 300 spaces, and we can safely say this is a one off opportunity to enjoy all of the above.

My new favourite local band - 9 Maps. They're the real deal, and will be something very special (they already are). Go seek.

There simply aint no party like a Flaming Lips party. Singapore and Hong Kong, ready thy party pants!