Video: Vimeo – YouTube
Photos: Flickr
Audio: zip file (right-click, save as)

The Toad Session I was probably most nervous about recording was Milk Maid, I think.  It was arranged at the last minute, they are a full, four-piece rock band, their profile is riding relatively high at the moment and I’d never really recorded anything so loud in our house before.

As it was, it turned out pretty fucking well, if you ask me, so when PAWS came in I was confident enough that we’d get decent recordings, but I have to confess I was a little nervous about how we’d get away with the racket and the general lawlessness of their performances.

There were some changes to the team this time as well, as a lot of the usual suspects couldn’t make it.  Wee Matthew was helping out on cameras again, and Rory from Broken Records was back for a second batch of filming.  But we also managed to coax former ace Edinburgh gig photographer extraordinaire Nic Rue out of retirement to take the pictures, and Rory ‘brought at friend’ to help out with the filming.  And his friend just happened to be Chris Park.  Who just happens to be a serious professional.  So if you’re wondering why this isn’t as shit as usual, that’s probably why.

As per usual, all the session mp3s are available to download for free, either below or in this zip file, we have videos of the songs and of the interview here, photos here, Nic’s slightly larger portfolio of pics here, and of course the interview podcast below, with the playlist at the bottom of the page.  Enjoy.  And pity our poor neighbours.

Direct download: Toadcast #196 – PAWS Toad Session
Subscribe to the Toadcasts on iTunes

PAWS – Jellyfish (Toad Session)

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PAWS – Bloodline (Toad Session)

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PAWS – Bird Inside Birdcage, Ribcage Inside Bird (Toad Session)

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PAWS – Winners Don’t Bleed (Toad Session)

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01. PAWS – Jellyfish (Toad Session) (07.17)
02. Bronto Skylift – Cobblepot (15.50)
03. Mr. Peppermint – Carp Act (20.25)
04. PAWS – Bloodline (Toad Session) (26.47)
05. Ultimate Thrush – Complex Cat (35.31)
06. Crystal Swells – Waco, Wasilia, Waikiki (36.41)
07. PAWS – Bird Inside Birdcage, Ribcage Inside Bird (Toad Session) (42.35)
08. Pavement – Gold Soundz (48.59)
09. Dolfinz – Blowhole (51.44)
10. PAWS – Winners Don’t Bleed (Toad Session) (61.49)

More Ides of Toad action this week, as Kid Canaveral, Thee Single Spy and Monster Island take to the stage at Henry’s.  I hadn’t been to Henry’s for so long before The Leg, Louis Barabbas and Zed Penguin show, and I’d rather forgotten that it is actually a cracking little grubby indie club.  One of those places whose drawbacks actually seem to add to its charm, so please come down this weekend, and come down early to make sure you catch Monster Island.

And there may be some excellent gigs happening in Edinburgh this week, but there are a couple of ongoing things which also need to be mentioned, so for those of you looking to get out and about, enjoy the sun and indulge in some afternoon pintage, there will be plenty of excuses.

Firstly, Avalanche Records have a few events this week, including an Aberfeldy in-store and a Glasvegas meet-and-greet on the weekend.

Secondly, and pretty much my personal highlight of 2011, there is a Muppets Festival at the Edinburgh Filmhouse. Anyone who knows anything about me at all will know that if I am unavailable this week or fail to respond to your emails as quickly as you think I should, then this is why.

Thursday 21st April 2011: That Fucking Tank, Shield Your Eyes, Battery Face & Mr. Peppermint at Henry’s Cellar Bar.

This will be noisy.  Apparently That Fucking Tank don’t play Edinburgh all that often, so if you like your music to delivery you a good hard slap in the ears then this will be very much up your street I should imagine.

That Fucking Tank – Keanu Reef

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Saturday 23rd April 2011: Kid Canaveral, Thee Single Spy & Monster Island at Henry’s Cellar Bar.

This is going to be boisterous fun.  Three different takes on indie music, with Kid Canveral’s boisterous pop contrasting with the laconic Americana-tinged Thee Single Spy and the ramshackle, yeah so what delivery of Monster Island.  I am really looking forward to this one.

Monster Island – The Green Room

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Saturday 23rd April 2011: Edinburgh School for the Deaf, Black Heart Generator & Verse Metrics at the Wee Red Bar.

I don’t actually know too much about the other two bands on this bill, but Edinburgh School for the Deaf are fuzzy, shoegazey and loud as balls.

Edinburgh School for the Deaf – Love is Terminal

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