Shakes told me that he put his kneck on the line by having Paper Planes open for him. When I did the sound check I could see why. The only description that I can give was seeing Michele Shocked and Sarah McGloughlan playing together. They where brilliant and took the breath away of the 40 odd signwriters who’d trickled into the club and who were amazed at the calibre of the entertainment on offer that night. The girls voices blended perfectly, guitars as tight as it gets… and Roland piano…and violin and once again, great original kiwi music. I’ve yet to see and hear a duo as well matched as these girls and they weren’t too shabby looking either. They’re going to beef up their repertoire and come back for a gig of their own which I certainly wont miss.
To be quite honest I wasn’t sure about Shakes and the Swell Guys but as their performance progressed I realized that I was listening to something quite unique in the kiwi music scene. Definately THE Dunedin sound….late 60s surf….a smidge of early Yardbirds and the sound of a group of musos keeping the faith. They produce a tight full sound and I soon realised that Shakes was setting it up and the rest of the band went along for the ride. The Club emptied as the night wore on and still they played. Two punters, two staff left and still they played. Songs about riding the motor bike to Brighton and the instances of Shake’s life. I’d chosen to take the night off but was so glad that I shared a great night with these two bands.