Punk's old guard heads downunder

The Buzzcocks

The Buzzcocks weren't as controversial as the Sex Pistols but it's safe to say they had more quality songs than punk's biggest band.

Ever Fallen In Love, Orgasm Addict and Noise Annoys are just a few, and you can expect to hear those, and many more, when the Buzzcocks play the St James on September 10.

Formed in Manchester in 1975, the band broke up during the 80s and reformed in the 90s and released their latest album, Flat-Pack Philosophy, earlier this year.

But if there's one album you should own it's the compilation, Singles Going Steady, from 1979. It's a superb collection of songs, that well and truly stand up today, and the perfect way to get acquainted (or reacquainted) with the band.

And touring in August is DJ SANJ and J-NAS who is actually "one man, two personas".

SANJ blends hip-hop beats with traditional Indian music and has become one of the biggest names on the North American Asian music scene. He plays the Studio on K Rd on August 11.

Meanwhile, New York hip-hop star Mos Def will support DJ Shadow next Wednesday at the St James Theatre.