There’s U2. There are interesting combinations of veterans (Jones with Morrison, Simple Minds with the Stranglers). And indie stars such as John Grant and Richard Hawley. A busy month is coming up on the London concert scene. Here’s a pick of some of the best on offer in November. 1. U2The reputation of U2 has been waxing and waning for ages, at least since 2009 and the group’s last British shows. In that time they have been both lauded as superstars – those last gigs were part of the biggest-grossing concert tour ever – and annoying a lot of non-fans. U2’s “Songs of Innocence” album found its way into iTunes playlists whether users wanted it or not. Even though it was free and impressive, there were plenty of complaints.This time around, the U2 live show is comparatively stripped down. The occasional guest stars such as Noel Gallagher may be expected.Of course these dates have sold out, but there are tickets online for those who are prepared to pay a premium price.“U2: Innocence and Experience” is at the O2 through Tuesday, Nov. 3. See: http://www.u2.com 2. Simple Minds and the StranglersThere was a time when Simple Minds looked set for U2-type success. It was not so very unlikely. At their height of their stadium-rock pomp, the Minds had much of the same appeal. While their success proved to be less stellar, both critically and commercially, the Scottish band has been every bit as long lasting as its Irish counterparts. The current shows promise material from the 2014 album “Big Music,” though as we all know with a long-lasting band such as this, many concert-goers will come hoping for plenty of hits and these are also delivered in spades.The Stranglers started at much the same time, with a punkier trajectory. Long term followers will remember the veterans from their days insulting the audience, though now they are quieter. The punk fire of their hits is even set against gentler moments.The two bands are at the 02 Arena on Thursday, Nov. 26. See http://www.simpleminds.com and http://www.thestranglers.net/ 3. Richard HawleyThe man jokingly known as the Godfather of the Sheffield music scene has recently released his eight studio album, “Hollow Meadows.” The record is named after an area of the city and comes with two single videos which are a sort of love letter to northern England and long-lasting loves: “Heart of Oak” and “I Still Want You.” How this goes down in hip, urban London remains to be seen, but given that tickets went fast for the first shows, one can expect that Hawley will have a receptive and supportive audience.Hawley plays the London Roundhouse on Sunday, Nov. 8. See http://www.richardhawley.co.uk/ 4. John GrantThose who have seen Grant in the last year or so witnessed a singer-songwriter who is showcasing impressive material well. “Pale Green Ghosts” is still a standout, the title track of his 2013 album, but newer tracks off “Grey Tickles, Black Pressure” can also be expected. The record is angrier than before, and Grant is reacting to some of the prejudice he has encountered.John Grant is at Eventim Apollo Hammersmith on Thursday, Nov. 12. See http://johngrantmusic.com/ 5. Jocelyn BrownNorth Carolina-born Brown is a singer with an impressive voice and long experience who has never had the continued success she rightly deserves. “Someone Else’s Guy” is as close as she came in 1984, and she is best known for guest appearances on other people’s records. It is high time to give her credit. Brown is more than a UK reality TV star (she has lived in Britain for some decades), more than the singer whose “I’ve got the power” was sampled by Snap!Jocelyn Brown is at Boisdale, Canary Wharf, on Wednesday Nov. 4. See https://www1.boisdale.co.uk/MusicDetails/tabid/111/rvdsfpid/superstar-spectacular-jocelyn-brown-and-her-band-1202/rvdsfcatid/music-28/Default.aspx 6. The FallThe wayward brilliance of this band had impressed broadcaster John Peel and many others. It also is too off-the-wall and outspoken for others, especially its leader. Mark E Smith is a Marmite figure. Worth a listen, if not the easiest of rides.The Fall is at Clapham Grand on Wednesday, Nov. 11. See: http://thefall.xyz/ and http://thefall.org/ 7. Sirs Thomas Jones and Van MorrisonYes, you read that right. “Jones the Voice,” from Welsh Wales, and the grumpy Northern Irish legend that is “Van the Man.”These two have not much in common, apart from that they are both knights; both sing; both are of a certain age and have a few fans in the same bracket.It may be surprising to find many fans with a huge collection of BOTH man’s music, but there may be some. Surely either could fill a venue without the need to fall back on another?The combination of disparates has an echo of another odd couple, Sting and Paul Simon, and that worked better than many might have expected. Therefore this is worth a try.Jones and Morrison are at the O2 area on Sunday, Nov. 8. See http://www.tomjones.com/ and http://duets.vanmorrison.com/ 8. The VaccinesThe Vaccines got off to a golden start in 2011, coming high on the BBC poll of bands to watch. The guitar-based sound has met with some mixed reaction since, but the quartet has a fearsome live reputation and a good repertoire such as “Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)” and “If You Wanna.”At O2 Academy Brixton on Sunday, Nov. 22; Monday, Nov. 23 and Thursday Nov. 26. See: http://www.thevaccines.com/ 9. Death Cab for CutieDeath Cab, from its quirky name onwards, has been as alternative as alt rock gets at times. Then it veers back towards the center ground with more mainstream sounds such as the lengthy “I Will Possess Your Heart.”At O2 Academy Brixton on Wednesday, Nov 4. See http://deathcabforcutie.com/ 10. BellowheadAs a runner up to the nine above, I give you – Bellowhead! The 11-piece folk group has been going more than a decade and has a reputation as one of the greatest live acts in Britain.But now Bellowhead has decided to call it a day and is out on one last tour.“Hedonism,” the third album from 2010 was recorded in Abbey Road and is uproariously good, while there is now a “The Essential Bellowhead,” a wrap of their best material. Those who remember their New York’s eve parties, such as the one at London’s South Bank Centre, will miss them sadly.To see them you’ll need to trail out to Wimbledon (unless you live in Wimbledon, that is) but I can promise they will be worth it.Bellowhead is at New Wimbledon Theatre on Wednesday, Nov. 18. See http://www.bellowhead.co.uk/ PS: Harpist Johanna Newsom is at the Eventim Apollo on Monday, November 9 too.In December, mark your diaries, because there are even more big-name shows coming up: Madonna on Dec. 1-2; the Prodigy on Dec. 4; Bloc Party, also Dec. 4.One that looks especially interesting: Guy Garvey, trying some solo work away from his band Elbow. His album is out on Oct. 30 and he road-tests it at the O2 Shepherds Bush Empire on Dec. 1 and 2. Given that Garvey can take Elbow pretty much wherever he wants, this makes the music more intriguing, such as the funky single “Angelina’s Eyes.”Also of interest: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, who latest album is Mercury-nominated and was crowned as the best at the recent Q Awards. (Thursday Dec. 10 at Royal Albert Hall.) PPS: Tickets are still available at time of writing. If they technically sell out, it is worth checking for returns or trying other online agencies to check prices.
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