O'Hooley and Tidow

I took time off from Festival-related activities tonight so that Spokes and I could attend a gig by Huddersfield's finest, the simply marvellous O'Hooley and Tidow. That's Heidi Tidow on the left of the picture and Belinda O'Hooley on the right, absolutely rockin' that quiff!

They're currently touring in support of their fabulous fifth album, 'Shadows' and I urge you all both to seek the album out at your earliest convenience and to see them at a venue near you soon!

Partners in music and in life (they got married in February - congratulations to them!), not only do they each possess beautiful singing voices but their harmonies are heavenly, their songwriting is top-notch, their wit is sparkling, their rapport with each other and the audience is a joy, their politics are unimpeachable and their kazoo playing is second to none. Oh, and Belinda is a mesmerising pianist too.

I think it's fair to say that I like these gals!

It was lovely to have a chat with them and gain some important insights into their morning tea-making and cat-feeding rituals.

I'm going to go all the way back to their first album, 'Silent June' (2010), for today's song because this clip also features the wonderful Jude Abbott of Chumbawamba fame. And, as some of you will know, I'm a huge fan of the late, lamented, Chumbas. Here's 'Shelter Me'... www.youtube.com/watch?v=56M3gQ602TA

And, as a special bonus, because it was one of the standout performances from tonight's show here's 'Like Horses' from their 2014 album, 'The Hum'... www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBvAb-VW5WQ