You might know this one.

My last few posts have started with different versions of the phrase 'It's been a while' but now I make the vow that I will most certainly be blogging a little bit more. Honest, hand on heart......

Right, so lets move on. Last night I finished work, got my hungover being into my green mean machine, picked up my escort for the night and headed for Manchester Academy. The announcement of the line up for this years NME tour left be rather excited and there was no chance I was going to pass up the opportunity to attend.

I arrived just as The Drums were half way through their second song I think. And they took me by surprise a little, The Beach Boys-esque sound that comes across on their records isn't present live. But I liked their set and the lead singer moves a little like a young, fair haired Mick Jagger.

Shortly after The Drums, 4AD's The Big Pink hit the stage. A band who's sound suits the bigger stage and they played a very good set. They ended on radio 1 daytime hit Dominoes, with the front man uttering, 'We have one song left, you might know this one'.

Next up were curry house frequenters Bombay Bicycle Club. They raced through yet another cracking set, with Open House being one of my highlights. But they didnt play one of my favourite songs of theirs, The Hill. But you cant win them all.

Last but by no means least were The Maccabees. A band I've grown to love beyond what may be deemed necessary, but I don't care. I've yet to see them play anything less then an amazing gig. And this was no different, they dont play all their singles these days, and the set is usually second album heavy but anyone who's a fan doesnt care really. Perhaps a highlight was I am Kloot's lead singer Johnny Bramwell to do a cover of the Manchester bands song 'Because'. This didnt go down to well with crowd with many of the boppers down the front taking this as an opportunity to get to the bar for a much needed breather and pint of water. something I often miss from my time as a 16 year mental case at gigs. Nowadays I like a little space for a sing song and sometimes a dance, if I'm not shooting disapproving glances at the two women who are scrawking at each, paying no attention to the stage. The band closed with Love you better with the little brass section assembled at the back giving it a little extra edge. Not before I witnessed 'friend' of the band and celebtriy fan Mat Horne dancing on the balcony to No kind words, he's in the video you know.

All in all a cracking night, which will go down as one of my favourite gigs that I've to in a while.

The Maccabees - Young Lions