Photography by Ilona Jurgiel

still in London :( but apparently they have been doing well with some of the backlog and might we might have a chance tomorrow)...so to forget about it off to the cinema and to a very early trip to king cross in the morning

Sunday was very grumpy and tired start as just was awake too early…and wanted more sleep but just wasn’t happening…I was later joined by Simon and we made our way to Bree Louise for food and beers …interesting dark rum truffle beer and some tasty dragon wind welsh cider….We then all made our way to ULU, strange to be in work vicinity on weekend.

 Got in at 7pm , then at 7.30 Laibach confused us by coming on stage…they were as fab as always, very pleased they played some of the anthems and famous numbers I really like. I just found his voice so hypnotic…even when he just talked it’s intense, loved it…such a magical way to end the gig year.

Then after the break Juno reactor came on, I have to say never heard of them, had no idea what to expect…at first I was pleasantly surprised as it was very unexpected, lots going on on stage: Zulu dancers & preaching rave rapper . It reminded me to my Return to the Source and Whirl -y -gig days, love some of the elements like the tribal,  ethnic components, the fab girl voice, the mix and match of style and energy but  not the repetition and dance bits. Most of the tracks seemed to go on and on, he seemed to be preaching a lot and I just couldn’t get into it that much…we watch about an hour and decide to have an early exit .

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Saturday was very efficient, got up earlier than I wanted but ended up having lovely stroll around Camden market in the cold sunshine, picking last few unplanned presents and a much needed pair of stompy boots all furry and wintery. The afternoon was spent packing, tidying the flat, and lots of boring must do tasks. It all went smoothly and on time, I was even able to join Patricia for some mulled wine  at hers and  Christine birthday celebration at Invocation. I also played with some straight hair bit from bring and buy ..not had long straight hair in a long time... ( Photos )

Last day at work, I cannot imagine I will do much as I am just too upset. I will try to at least remember the fun weekend.

Friday I spent lovely evening catching up with Serena, Irene and Tom…delicious home cook dinner, followed by Big Red. They had a Christmas party, it was absolutely packed, and we got a free show and free test tube shots. From sexy fire show, jigsaw fire, fire hula-hoop’s, burlesque striptease, amber serenading, and a rock n roll band…very much fun…afterward we went on to the Gaff for beauty of Poison, which was also free entry .I just love that pub the dark carved gargoyles and impressive dark wooden furniture, fireplace, red walls and very jolly atmosphere… did quite bit of dancing and ended up staying till about 3ish…. Great way to start the weekend… ( Photos )

Nearly the weekend…plan tonight the Big Red then Beauty of Poison, tomorrow pack, pack , pack, dash around madly, tick things of long list of to do, sort flat…and maybe Invocation. Sunday pub, friends, diner and Laibach

Having a little end of the year looking back at the year in gigs, a good year but fewer , will have to wait and see what 2010 will bring for live music…(and still one more on Sunday)

The 2 bands I saw the most were unsurprisingly exactly the same as last year …although sadly only 4 times each this time
Inkubus Sukkubus (x4)
Rome Burns (x4)

I think my those 5 were the highlights of the year for me:
Rosa Crux (BtV)
Faith & the Muse (London)
Inkubus Sukkubus (Sheffield)
Tarja (london)
Sieben (BtV)

But there was so many other great bands enjoyed this year…I just love having a little think back , cheers me up and makes me all excited about future gigs to go and enjoy

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This week been mainly about catching up with friends and partaking in a little mulled winery product. Last night lovely evening with batpuss, from toffee cheesecake to a facebook crash course :)
And there was still no snow when he left and still no snow this morning…however I really felt the icy cold this morning when doing the recycling as those bins were covered in ice, my little finger still red and recovering…

 At the moment we seemed okay for our days travelling but this eurostar striking menace is a worry…