Well, The Pretty Things are performing at Leeds’ Brudenell Social Club on 23rd September.

They are, of course, those of seminal 1968 concept album “S.F. Sorrow” fame.

Recorded at Abbey Road a number of months after Sgt. Pepper’s.. and released in a week that saw The Stones, Beatles and Kinks all release albums, it endured a a difficult start to life, but now seems to have achieved it’s rightful place in the annals of pop n’ roll history.

It was certainly a major influence on The Bright Lights… and one you should definitely check out if you get the chance.

Drowned In Sound have now added the two-part iLiKELiTERATURE features.

Part 1 features the mix-tape put together  by Dave iLT which features our very own “The Wild Hunt”. There’s some fantastic tracks on the compilation, with commentary from the artists responsible.

Part 2 features an interview with the songwriters who contributed to the mix-tape which provides an interesting insight into how the books they read affect the music they write.

And if you’re wondering what to ask Santa for, the recommended reading list is as follows:

Enjoy…

Hello reader,

You might want to check out Drowned In Sound’s Leeds Day features. There’s a couple of contributions from Mr. Whiskas, including his mix-tape which we feature on (we also have a track on Dave iLiKETRAiNS’ mix-tape “iLiKELiTERATURE” I believe).

It’s great to hear some blasts from the now-considerable past on there, and there’s a wealth of other acts/tracks that could have featured. Happy days.

(I would also to like to completely support Dave’s pro-Fuji Hiro comments. Top noshing.)

Just a little note to point you at a blog written by Lone Wolf, and his musings on our very own “The Barbarians Move In”. Very kind words from him for which we are thankful. As indeed we are for all those who have contacted us since reading the blog to let us know of their enjoyment at finding the album.

You can download the album for free, but it’d be swell, if you like it, to buy it from This Is Fake DIY

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I’m listening to this while writing so I’m sticking it here so you can listen whilst reading. The internet weaves its magic yet again – -

Mark Hollis – The Colour Of Spring
Mark Hollis – The Watershed
Mark Hollis – Inside Looking Out
Mark Hollis – The Gift
Mark Hollis – A Life (1895 – 1915)
Mark Hollis – Westward Bound
Mark Hollis – The Daily Planet
Mark Hollis – A New Jerusalem

Good times have been had recently with respective musical friends; Lone Wolf and Honour Before Glory. I’ll be taking Jim’s place on the guitar, the voice and the keys in Honour Before Glory for Whiskas’ Manchester In The City show. Should be good fun. Try and get down if you’re in the neighbourhood.

Duels have been approached to make some live appearances recently, all of which have been turned down as we don’t wish to being playing the occasional gig to go over old ground. The last album has had its life spell and it’s time to move on. The intention is to start releasing new material on a regular basis as we record, starting soon, hopefully with the idea to test some material live in the new year so get in touch if you’re interested in attending and we’ll judge where the best place would be to do it. The third Duels release has a collective title and shape, the devil is now in the detail. When plans are agreed we’ll change all this nonsense to correspond with what we’re doing.

My favourite time of year is amongst us, so here’s to productivity and lack of sloth..

There’s some photos from our recent trip to Basle to play the Imagine Festival added to the photos page

Leeds-based photographer extraordinaire Bart Pettman was in attendance at our Milo gig last week, and took some great shots of the evening.

To view them visit Bart’s website.

Jon M recently answered some questions posed by the Yorkshire Evening Post in his poshest voice.

You can read the article that talks of the past, present and future here

Duels are pleased to announce a free shindig on 8th June 2010 at Milo in Leeds, ahead of their trip to the Imagine Festival in Basle.

The evening will feature guest DJ’s and a full band set.