The'tragicomic fiction of the Celtic new boy
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Xfmuplus
Stereophonics and Primal Scream to play intimate gigs for Xfm Scotland launch. Words: Allan Radcliffe.
long with hangovers and resolutions. the New Year rang in the launch of a sparkling new radio station. Xl‘m Scotland. It hit the airwaves on 4 January having taken over Beat l()()‘s patch. and is dedicated to playing the best modern rock. guitar and specialist electronic music. Now. to mark its official launch. Xlin is hosting l’ive Night Stand. a series ol‘ exclusive gigs by the Stereophonics (ABC. Glasgow). iil Presidente (Alloa Town Hall). Starsailor (acoustic show at the Liquid Room. lidinburghl. ()ccan Colour Scene (acoustic show at the Venue. Edinburgh) and the mighty Primal Scream (King Tut‘s. Glasgow) between 22 and 30 January. These bands — better known for their ability to blow the roof off larger venues — will be playing more intimate surrounds for these gigs. Stereophonics‘ bassist Richard Jones says his band are looking forward to playing at the ABC on Sunday 22 January. ‘lt's really cool doing the small shows. It‘s a brilliant vibe with people right in your lace.~ He also welcomes Xl'm as an outlet for alternative music. ‘Britain
used to be so dependent on Radio l for new music and alternative music. When Xl'm started. they were playing the stul‘l‘ no one else was playing.‘
Stuart Duncan ol' Xl‘m agrees the station is heavily plugged into the live scene. ‘Anyone who‘s ever been to a gig can relate to the music we‘re playing.‘
Tickets for these gigs can be won by listening to Xl‘m on 1057—100. 1 FM. However. T/H’ List has live pairs of tickets to ollcr — one pair for each gig. What‘s more. two lucky readers could also win a pair of ‘Xcess All Areas‘ passes to all live music nights. Just answer this simple question correctly to enter a prize draw: what is the name of the presenter of Xl'm’s flagship breakfast show‘.’ Closing date is noon on 22 January. Please state il‘ there are any gigs you could not attend. Usual Us! rules apply.
See Music section for full gig listings. For a chance to win tickets email your answer to editor@list.co.uk.
CREATIVE SCOTLAND AWARDS SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED
I The Scottish Arts Council has unveiled its runners and riders for this year’s Creative Scotland Awards. The prestigious lottery-funded awards are poised to provide ten of the nation’s leading artists with £30,000 towards the development of a major project. The 22-strong shortlist reads as a roll call of practitioners from across the spectrum of the arts, including author James Robertson, artist Toby Paterson, poet David Kinloch and filmmaker Murray Grigor. Arts Council chief executive Graham Berry said: ‘It is fantastic to see such a diverse range of projects on the shortlist, demonstrating the strength of artistic talent in this country.’ The ten lucky winners selected from the shortlist will be announced at an awards ceremony in Glasgow in early March. (AR)
I Sad news for Glasgow’s cinema lovers as the credits finally rolled on the city’s venerable Odeon on Renfield Street. Established in 1934, the cinema, which hosted the Beatles in 1963, has been sold and will eventually be transformed into a nightclub and restaurant complex.
I A literary revolution is unden/vay as publishing giant HarperCollins has announced plans to create websites providing exclusive online content from leading authors in what it describes as ‘an increasingly important part of the publishing process'. The initiative kicks off later this year with the launch of an online feast promoting fitness guru Jillian Michaels and her book Winning by Losing. including additional recipes and exercises.
I Culture minister Patricia Ferguson is to launch a one-day arts industry think tank on Friday 17 February. The event will bring together around 100 arts practitioners and policy makers at the newly refurbished City Halls to consider how the sector can ensure future audiences. For more information check out www.gga4arts.co.uk.
I The Dine Around Edinburgh 2006 initiative has been launched. An array of the capital's finest restaurants will offer two courses for only $215 per person until Sunday 5 February. Anyone with a penchant for Cheap Eats should visit www.5pm.co.uk for information on participating restaurants.
1‘.) Jill 9 Tel) 9006 THE LIST 7