Philadelphia. . .

Given the various Philly references on the album, it was too good an opportunity to miss the chance of playing in the city when I’m over for the Chickfactor shows.

I’m also really looking forward to be playing in the side chapel of the First Unitarian Church on 7th April. It has an amazing history and has been home to some great shows in recent years too.

Tickets are on sale from Friday 9th at 12 noon (EST) from Ticketfly

Chickfactor shows

I’m happy to officially announce (thought it hasn’t really been a secret) that I’m playing a couple of shows in the USA as part of Chickfactor‘s “For The Love of Pop” 20th Anniversary celebrations at the start of next month.

These will be my first solo shows in the US since 2008 – though the plan is to come back later in 2012 and do a more extensive run of shows.

This time it is just me plus guitar, but in keeping with the nature of the shows, the set will span the songs from when I first came across Gail and Chickfactor shortly after Belle and Sebastian released their first albums, through to more recent songs from my solo album. It is a real thrill to be playing with such a selection of great bands (and solo acts) and I’m looking forward to it greatly.

The first show is in DC at the Ballroom, Artisphere, Arlignton on the 6th April and also features me alongside Frankie Rose, Honey Bunch and Dot Dash. Tickets can be purchased for either the night on its own or as a pass for both the DC Chickfactor shows.

The second is in New York on the 12th April and features me, Honey Bunch, The Softies, The Pines and special guests. It is at the Bell House in Brooklyn and tickets are already on sale.

Hopefully see some of you there.

Super Hits of the Seventies

Last month I was in the studio with Marco and Stuart from the Wellgreen working up a version of the seventies’ classic, Rock Your Baby. It was part of this year’s WFMU Fund Raising Marathon and an album of 70s covers in the style of K-Tel curated by Michael Shelley. Other contributors include Yo La Tengo, Joe Pernice, The Minus Five and Amy Rigby/ Wreckless Eric.

Being a bit late to the story, the pledge drive has now reached its target but you can still donate / buy the album and help support both the station (or specifically Michael’s show).

In the meantime, here’s the specially created taster/ TV ad for the album:

and here’s a preview of our version of “Rock Your Baby”. . . if you like it, please donate!