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SOMETHING TO BRAGG ABOUT

24-10-2006

One of Britain's most celebrated songwriters Billy Bragg comes to Birmingham's Carling Academy next month. There's also a surprise comeback for baggy Manchester types Northside, and over-wrought rockers Europe.

Bragg, the darling of the left, has been responsible for some of the best tunes written in the last two and a half decades - “Between The Wars” and “New England” to name but two - and though there's a school of thought that says his finest originals are usually eclipsed by cover versions he's always an electrifying live performer. He's at The Academy on December 13th, and tickets are £15.

Just a couple of days later, one of the more surprising comebacks of recent years, as Northside take to the stage. They were among the second wave of the Madchester scene and had one album “Chicken Rhythms” released in 1991 produced by Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds. Their greatest moment was their debut single “Shall We Take A Trip”, which put its cards on the table right from the off with the words “L.S.D.” And they weren't talking about pounds, shillings and pence. With the likes of Kasabian taking the baggy shuffle into stadiums, I guess there's no reason why Northside shouldn't have another crack.

Oh, and the creators of “The Final Countdown”, Europe are booked in for February 15th. You have been warned.

More details from www.birmingham-academy.co.uk