Winston's Zen

2008 LIVE MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS FROM WINSTON'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL

As the year draws to a close music blogs of the world turn their attention to their perennial "best-of" lists, and never keen to miss a passing bandwagon you can be sure Winston's Zen will follow suit soon enough. Look out for the inaugural 2008 Zen Music Awards coming soon to a monitor near you.

Anyway, in a bid to compile the front runners for the best gig award and to provide the lovely chaps over at Brit Rock is Always Top with a personal top 5 gigs of the year list, I found myself wistfully reviewing the videos uploaded to Winston's Zens YouTube channel this year. Almost inevitably after wallowing in such memorably recent musical nostalgia at this time of year, my bloggers mind began assembling them in order of greatness. And here they are for you to enjoy.

[What do you mean, you haven't seen the YouTube channel? You've been missing out my dear reader; that's where you can find dozens of videos from dozens or bands all filmed live at gigs from the Zen Giglog. Better run on over there and subscribe now!].

Number 5:

Little Man Tate - She Looks Like Audrey Hepburn @ Islington Academy - 24th Sept 2008

Sheffields indie rockers may not have set the world alight second album Nothing Worth Having Comes Easy but their live show is a blast. I didn't manage to catch my particular favorite Man I Hate Your Band, but I was front row for the awesome She Looks Like Audrey Hepburn.

Number 4:

Pete & The Pirates - Come On Feet @ Kings College - 29th April 2008

Shot from the balcony overlooking the dancefloor of the fantastic Kings College London, Come On Feet was possibly the highlight of an rousing set from Pete and the Pirates.



Number 3:

The Enemy - We'll Live And Die In These Towns @ The Astoria - 30th March 2008

Ok, so not the best picture, I witnessed The Enemy's record breaking residency at London's venerable old Astoria from behind the mixing cage, which is just too far from the stage for the N95's zoom function. The audio's good though, and I still get tingles up my spine bang on 2mins in when Tom lets the crowd take over. Stirring stuff.



Number 2:

The Courteeners - No You Didn't, No You Don't @ Shepherds Bush Empire - 23rd Oct 2008

Another memorable night in West London as Liam Fray and pals took Shepherds Bush Empire by storm. Rarely have I seen the place so comprehensively covered in booze, and even more rarely do I manage to catch such great footage of such a great tune. Another sing-a-long chorus and another crowd pleaser from the new Manc love-to-hates.



Number 1:

John Bramwell of I Am Kloot - Proof @ The Half Moon, Putney - 23rd Feb 2008



2008 was a year packed full of fantastic gigs, and next year is already shaping up to be every bit as entertaining. 2009s giglog is already growing and with Glasvegas, White Lies, Friendly Fires, Metronomy, Frank Turner, and The Gaslight Anthem added to a list which includes the inimitable Oasis in Barcelona.

To keep up to date with Winston's gigvids and see new videos as soon as they are uploaded, subscribe to the YouTube channel

Back soon,
Winston