A Head Full of Wishes

A Head Full of Wishes is a site for Galaxie 500, Luna, Damon & Naomi, Dean & Britta and Dean Wareham. With news, articles and lists of releases and past and future shows.

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Categories: my record collection dean wareham

My record collection
[288] The Pastels - Illumination (CD)

So… a second copy of The Pastels excellent Illumination. I think I bought this in a bundle with some things I didn’t have, or I just added it to make up postage. But, whatever reason I do have two copies!

The Pastels - Illumination (CD)
The Pastels - Illumination (CD)

… and since I have two copies I can photograph both sides of the fold-out booklet in one pic!

To be honest I was going to skip this one when it popped up in my backlog but… I have actually seen The Pastels since I last posted about the album over two years ago… and they don’t play very often! So… I guess I can write about that…

Back in July, just before they were scheduled to play Glas-Goes-Pop The Pastels had a matinee gig scheduled at The Cumberland Arms in Byker - only their second live show since 2019 (the first had been a couple of weeks earlier in Edinburgh). It was a swelteringly hot afternoon - and inside the crowded room was ridiculous! I arrived early, almost too early, so when the doors opened I positioned myself against the wall near the front of the stage (it’s my position of choice at The Cumberland Arms).

Support was from Carla J. Easton who played a charming and lively set.

Carla J. Easton at The Cumberland Arms
Carla J. Easton at The Cumberland Arms

The break arrived and, having been spotted by Janet in the crowd, we both retired outside into the fresh air for a chat before The Pastels. The breeze was refreshing and under some circumstances I might have been tempted to stay in the garden… or at least stand by the open door. But… The Pastels! So, as showtime approached I edged my way back close to where I had been standing.

The Pastels were, of course, wonderful - as they always are - cracking songs (including a couple from Illumination!), charming between songs banter, and knowing when it’s too hot to carry on so not overstaying their welcome!

The Pastels at The Cumberland Arms
The Pastels at The Cumberland Arms

I briefly chatted with Pastels guitarist John (also of the excellent National Park) about how great Dean Wareham’s new album is. Said a quick “hello” to Stephen and headed out into the cool, and then onto the hot metro, and then home.

Oh… and also since the last Illumination post I hung out in a pub in Glasgow with The Pastels!

Dean Wareham with some Pastels (past and present)
Dean Wareham with some Pastels (past and present)
  • Catalogue Number: AHFOW 10/139
  • Artist: The Pastels
  • Title: Illumination
  • Format: CD

Previously in my record collection: