Christmas time, mistletoe and whitebait

Hear ye, hear ye! 'Tis the season to be jolly - so if you're in the vicinity of Birmingham be sure to head along to what might well be the final ever A Different Kettle Of Fish night at the Flapper & Firkin on Tuesday 6th December.

The big draw for me are (Hooker), Manchester's answer to Sleater-Kinney, who were forced to pull out of the October date at short notice. The fact that they've played with Katastrophe Wife, Le Tigre, The Donnas and The Gossip should give you a clue as to what they're all about.

Heading the bill are Trash Fashion, who have been described as "serious Fucking Champs type heavy metal guitar action, and some killer Soft Cell basslines" - an intriguing prospect, I think you'll agree.

Also playing are The Pubic Fringe, a Birthday Party influenced punk outfit whose line-up comprises Larry Clitter, Dusty Enclaves, Nazi Sinatra, Anal Ravine and 'Tiny' Gene Pool, and who have been labelled "without doubt one of the strangest bands in Stourbridge" by the Stourbridge News.

Doors are at 7.45pm and it's £3 in.

And if you needed any more persuading, I have it on very good authority that there will also be mince pies. To be honest, I prefer mince and onion, but then you can't have everything.