Southsea Fest: Sam Isaac, squashed pies flat – er… Tooth’s thighs out

There’s nothing better when the festival season is tailing off, to bring it all back with a cute one nighter in some far flung old town… And lo, if Southsea fest wasn’t just the answer to all my prayers. So last Saturday myself, Miss PoP, Kev BSM and a load of other rambunctious individuals gathered in the satellite borough of Portsmouth (maybe) that is Southsea – and ripped it up. Boasting a fair phenomenal line up considering the very modest ticket price, I was gutted to find that Andy Cut the Blue Wire and Kev had manage to empty the free drinks bar – but we double fisted some pints and took to the lovely Paul ‘Meat Pie Promotions’ stage for a bit of Brontide, Tellison and most notably Sam Isaac.

It’s been while since the amiable singer had found his way to Alcopop shores, but the set was magical – an enraptured pub singing along with classic Isaac tunes, whilst new songs appeared suggesting that Sam’s prophecy that ‘this is the end’ was somewhat premature. We understand that ‘Sam Isaac’ as a project may be nearing its natural conclusion… But I feel pretty sure that 2010 will see the reemergence of something even more special. Watch this space…

The night continued with a masterful My First Tooth set (who had somehow wound up playing in THE most expensive bar in town), a sausage roll in a greasy chip shop that looked like it had been sat on by an extremely fat man – before hitting the beach with aforementioned MFT, naked alcohol fuelled night swimming (always a strong idea), jeep riding and more talk about the Gareth Amwel Jones (drummer from MFT) spoken word album which you should expect to see very soon *

Kev and I finally retired to our guesthouse at 5am via a group of white robed figures singing ominously on the beach, a private party on the pier where very awful people dance awfully to an awful covers band covering awful songs – and a French girl who was so shocked that My First Tooth had an ‘insignificant, leeetle girl’ playing bass that she almost cried with delight and started babbling on about PJ Harvey for hours.

All in all, a fine night… Thanks to the magnificent Tenspeed Photography for the pics of Sam Isaac, and Ross MFT for the other image who may not have excelled quite so much in photographic excellence but… In fairness, almost managed to hold the camera straight.. Good job Ross, good job!

*ps don’t ever EVER expect this….

Alcopop@ The Great Escape – highlights, low lights and Kev’s plight

Ah The Great Escape – Brighton’s most hazy weekend, and this year – quite the most splendid weekend of 2009. Mass vomiting, plenty o’ partial nudity and winds so blustery that anchoring oneself to the pier would have been a good move were just a few highlights, and amidst the 1000’s of bands I wanted to see but missed due to over packed schedules, booze and the mighty Pav Tav – I caught some real highlights.

1.) Sam Isaac, who rocked like a gentle hurricane on the Thursday night – topping even Future of the Left with his accomplished set, making me very excited about forthcoming album bears.

2.) Riddim Saunter, a Japanese power-pop band who set the pier alight with delightful tunes, an over-happy drummer who never quite found his stool – and have definitely camped out for a good long stay deep within my heart.

3.) Idlewild – who topped off a really accomplished set by playing Low Lights, one of my favourite tracks from Hope is Important And…

4.) Kev BSM – who puked in his own mouth 4 times in one night. Congratulations Kev.

Overall though, it was just a remarkably pleasant experience, with just too many lovely people to mention. Whatsmore, we cast our first compilation into the tempestuous Brighton Ocean to produce a lovely video (on its way), outdrank our pressing hero Dave DMS (shame on you Dave) and dropped ice cream all over the pier.

I bloody love Brighton.

Sam Isaac on Beatcast and a dire warning… Don’t fall asleep on the Oxford Tube

What a night! Yesterday eve saw Alcopop bop through some killer, killer turf in London, taking in a whole host of drinking dens, have a good old natter with the wonderful My First Tooth (who opened a splendid night at the Wilmington Arms with some serious aplomb) – meet up with an exceptionally lovely potential new artist to work with (fingers crossed) – and generally bumble about on record label business whilst fuelling ourselves with a whole spectrum of coloured Alcopop beverages and, of course, the obligatory London KFC.

Waking up in the dark cold confines of Oxford’s central bus station after falling asleep on our majestic Oxford tube shaped carriage home wasn’t great – but otherwise highlights included arranging a pub sports date with a bouncer of a mystery club we’re now members of (god knows where it was), being interviewed about My First Tooth by BBC Radio Northampton (apologies to all BBC Radio Northampton listeners) and beating Kev at pool, despite barely being able to stand… For the first time. Ever! Score.

Meanwhile I’ve been recording a brief interview for a university radio station in Bournemouth about the resurgence of vinyl sales which was fun, and aim to spend a large proportion of my evening watching this – the latest video from those excellent video types at Beatcast TV. It’s Sam Isaac again, this time playing at The Fighting Cocks… Watch it and love.

Sam Isaac JD Set on Channel 4 TV – this Friday night!

Thursday’s the new Friday right? So what to do whilst nursing your hangover as this weekend dawns, having sat through a difficult day at work fending off tasks while bleak emails melt before your eyes? Well Channel 4 might just have the answer…
Back in November, you see Sam Isaac played a JD Set at the Cluny in Newcastle. The whole thing was filmed for Channel 4, and he did some interviews too. In the words of Sam himself “It’s going to be on TV. It’s really totally bizarre, but if you have your doubts (I do), it even says so on the Radio Times website! Please tune in and watch if you can!”

SATURDAY 07 MARCH, 1.10AM – 1.30AM, CHANNEL 4 (THAT’S THE NIGHT OF THE 6TH MARCH).

Meanwhile, a team of crack Alcopop-sympathising troops are busy plastering stickers across the UK which is awesome…. Already pasted – Kings Lynne, Oxford and the Isle of White I’m told. Many more to come. Keep an eye out. Ace!

Come back home Sam Isaac

Fresh from the touring rigours of 2008 and slipping off the back of a momentous 5 track EP released here on Alcopop, there’s good news in the Sam Isaac camp… Good news that revolves round a new single ‘Come back home’. Taken from the forthcoming album ‘Bears’ it’s a sumptuously tasty teaser of what’s to come…

Every inch the pounding, heart-churning melodic delight that is so characteristic of Sam’s sound (complete with ambling piano, ooh oohs and delectable sentiment) ‘Come back home’ is released 9.3.09 on CD and download on Hear You Me. Extremely limited edition CDs come in beautiful hand-made packaging by Two Ducks Disco. Every CD package will be individual and hand-numbered. 3-track CD comes with exclusive b-side “July” and a Rod Thomas remix of the single.

I’m told, and have no doubt that they will sell out, so make sure you listen to it on Sam’s MySpace page – or order yours now for just £2 from Sam’s webshop. You may as well buy a tee while you’re there as well. Ace!

Alcopop Christmas Party – 15th December in London w/ Sam Isaac, Stars & Sons, Pavilion & Nima (Arrows of Love)

Just a quick reminder for all of you kids in the city, or nearby of course… Next Monday, the 15th December will see the Alcopop cohorts descend onto the big smoke for fun, frolics and all sorts of super music. There will be lovely presents for the first 15 people through the door, excellent DJs, Christmas covers and cake is a relative certainty. What’s more – it’s only a fiver in! Get your tickets over here, and lets sing in the festive season….

Champion! It would be lovely to see you there…

Sam Isaac band – a potted history of musicians…

You all know Sam Isaac… And since last week’s magnificent feature about Burt (a chap who plays sweet cello with him), you may well know of him too.

But now, thanks to the troubadour himself, you can learn a little bit about all of the musicians have ever played in the Sam Isaac band… EVER. From self-styled pop star Luke Leighfield to Tellison vocalist Stephen Davidson, I’ve just read Sam’s blogpost from beginning to end, and I feel like I’ve just watched a really lovely documentary, and feel all the better for it.

I suggest you take a look too. Or buy his EP from our shop perhaps.

I was thinking of knocking a similar thing for everyone who’s ever worked for Alcopop, but I imagine once I started noting down everyone who’s helped us out in a big way – or is just generally ace – the list would probably get pretty exhaustive.

With Kev involved, Colonel Sanders may well be near the top though, just next to the fella who runs the dodgy booze shop down the Cowley Road!

Sam Isaac feeds ducks

Excellent Poppers number 4 – Burt Hill!

A return, if you will, to that exciting feature, legendary in its irregularity, that has delighted folk for ooh – ages. It’s time for ‘Exceptional Poppers’ and this month’s hero of the hour – Burt Hill (pictured). Star cellist, magnificent musical all-rounder and generally nice chap, Burt not only plays with Sam Isaac and runs his street team, but also gets involved with a whole host of other musical projects from time to time. Over to the man himself!

1) OK Burt – first things first… We hear rumours your first name isn’t really Burt? Is this the truth, and why the change, or is it merely a fallacy dreamt up by jealous lovers?

Damn, foiled already. But yes, you are right. Burt is actually a long-standing school nickname which has stuck for eleven years now. Headmasters in my school reports would even refer to me a Burt at my parents’ outrage. You don’t find many people named Burt these days so I see it as a bit unique. The Sesame Street references don’t stop though.

2.) How has the recent Sam Isaac tour been – and of the last few months, which has been your very favourite gig?

Yeah it’s been good thanks. I was slightly sceptical of the Club NME shows but they have seemed to have worked out fine. Sam and I managed to play three shows in Sweden a few weeks back which was fantastic. The people out there are too friendly for their own good and the music translated really well. The London Borderline show on the October Tour was loads of fun too but my favourite ever would have to be Latitude. I can see how large acts get a huge buzz from looking out on thousands of people clapping and singing along.

3.) If you were able to go back in time through the annals of rock history, which song do you think would most benefit from a pumping cello solo?

Good question. To be honest I don’t really know the whole back catalogue of rock but maybe something silly like Kiss or Def Leppard. Can you image a classically trained cellist in black metal studded leather spitting out his tongue while crafting horrendous fifths on the C and G string like a massive man? No, me neither.

Part two v. soon….

Alcopop CHRISTMAS PARTY – 15th December

Ah – Christmas time again, and time for a good-ol’ Alcopop knees up. It’s been a super year, and we’d love to see it off in style…

So what better than:

Sam Isaac
Stars and Sons
Pavilion
Nima (ex Hush the Many now w/ Arrows of Love performing a magnificent solo acoustic spot)

As you can see, we’ve picked just some of the finest acts from our current rosta to tantalise and delight you on a miserable Monday evening. Expect magnificent music, Christmas cakes, 90s dance/indie/Christmas DJs -

And, a loving Christmas present for the first 15 people through the door……

Tickets just a fiver – will cost more on the door!

We heart Channel M and Sam Isaac

So we were dead chuffed when we saw this… No real explanation needed! Just click on the pic below, and watch away for a Sam Isaac interview, and a cracking session…

Oh, and have you heard? Ace of Base have reformed… Cracking stuff! Apparently, they’ve got ‘new web 2.0 tools’ and everything. Do you think they mean MySpace? Watch out pop charts!