The National at the O2

Managed to escape from work with a couple of colleagues early enough not only to get to see the National but also the support act, the Wildbeasts. Rather liked their relentlessly downbeat pretentious sound. Bit like White Lies but not as up tempo.

As for the National, well they have been described as America's answer to Radiohead. They aren't exactly animated on stage, and although they come across as nice but earnest, they did almost suffer from "Oscar disease" ie a desire to thank everyone they had ever met for getting them where they are today. It is impressive how they, rather like Radiohead, have a big enough following to almost fill a venue line the O2 although slipping under the radar of the mainstream.

While not exactly exciting to watch on stage, they are definitely worth seeing live as they do come across as much more of a rock band live than on recordings. A good experience. And I even managed to escape the O2 in record time afterwards. Result!

Jesus and Mary Chain

Bit of a nostalgia trip this. I think I last saw the Jesus and Mary Chain as a student back in 1985/6.  But here they were at the Troxy playing their seminal album Psychocandy in full. Now I supose its my age that I have been to a few of theses anniversary celebrations of albums, although this one was odd in that it was in anticipation of the album's 30th anniversary next year.

Support came from a band called the Amazing Snakeheads. Now if you wee a real pseud who, say would look at a pile of broken pottery in an art gallery and admire it as a metaphor for a broken society, then this Glaswegian band might appeal to you. Alas all I would see is a pile of broken rubbish, and that's rather what I saw in this bit of shouty rock. Angry young man stuff but angry and frustrated probably at inability to sing. They looked like they thought they were being experimental when in fact they just weren't very good at music,

Unlike the Jesus and Mary Chain who were quite experimental in their day. East Kilbride's finest, they had a big cult indie following in the Eighties. Psychocandy is one of my favourite albums. The sound is sort of punk meets psychedelia,

Although the audience was primarily the middle-aged, there was also a fair smattering of youngsters who had somehow found them. A terrific band and the album sounded excellent live, feedback and all.

Castel Sant'Elmo

I just had time to pop into Castel Sant'Elmo. Nothing inside this - really just there for the views. But an impressive fortification, and the highest point in the city.