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Setlist from last nights London show thanks to Richard.

Thanks to Derek for the setlist!

Dundee Review from re-sound.co.uk Photos from Calum Mackintosh @ayecandyphotography

One of the night’s highlights for me is Here It Comes, from the band’s 2000 debut, and a tribute to Northern Soul. Sung with a whole lot of swagger by Andy, he takes centre stage with his harmonica as Jake takes over the drums. The song is more full-bodied live, Andy strutting around in his element as the track’s bleakness gives way to momentary swells of joy, the number seeped in a melancholic cool as a euphoric nonchalance sways against Martin’s soothing swirls, a distant Madchester heartbeat lingering through every breath. Another delight from their debut is set closer The Cedar Room, ripples of hope uplifting against a mournful tension, its icy chimes slicing through the haze. 

A warm sense of appreciation can be felt from the audience throughout the set tonight, with the big hits causing a buzz, from Caught By The River, Pounding, Kingdom Of Rust and Black & White Town to addictive epic There Goes The Fear, which is unsurprisingly saved for the encore. With timeless tunes stirring memories of days long forgotten, I feel like I’ve just rediscovered Doves again, and that’s a great find.

To mark 20 years since the release of Some Cities I recently spoke to Andy & Jez about the album. Using that interview and some interviews the band did back in 2005, I’ve pieced together an article about how the album came to be.

As well as asking Andy & Jez about the album tracks, I also asked them about some of the tracks that didn’t make it onto the album.

How We Made Some Cities

‘So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves’ is out now on EMI North records. Listen or order your copy now here.

I recently chatted with Andy & Jez who spoke to me about some of the tracks that make up ‘So, Here We Are’. Using that chat and some archival interviews, I’ve put together a Best Of track by track guide;

So, Here We Are: Best Of Doves track by track guide.

Coming soon! ‘How We Made Some Cities’. I also chatted to Andy & Jez about Some Cities. The album turned 20 this year. They were happy to discuss the album in detail. I asked them about how the album came together, all of the b-sides and some of the tracks that didn’t make it onto the album.

Doves have today released their latest single ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ via EMI North. The track was originally recorded during the sessions for Kingdom of Rust. Originally titled ‘Eastern Roll’ the track was mentioned by the band on press interviews for possible inclusion on the Kingdom of Rust. Obviously not making the cut back then, the track will be included on the upcoming Best of album released on November 14th.

Also announced today. Doves will join James on their UK arena tour next April 2026. See poster above for the dates. Includes places Doves haven’t played in awhile such as Cardiff & Aberdeen.

Tickets are on sale this Friday Oct 10th at 9:30AM. There is a pre-sale opportunity for fans who pre-order the latest James, ‘Best Of’ release. Details here.

Finally, Blood Records have announced a limited edition (2000 copies) green and cream pinwheel version of the ‘So, Here We Are’. You can order your copy at Blood Records.

Doves launched their new Best of with a Wax & Beans event at the Met in Bury on Saturday October 4th. Andy, Jimi, Jez and Martin were all there to share their stories about tracks that make the Best Of. The event also saw the premier of the lead single ‘Spirit of Your Friend’. The track will receive it’s radio debut tomorrow (Monday October 6th) on Steve Lamaq’s BBC 6 Music show from 4pm.

Here’s a couple of photos of the event thanks to Chris Kelly.

The Making of Constellations For The Lonely

Here’s Jez pictured playing with the brilliant Saint Etienne live in session at the BBC Maida Vale studios for 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne show. Jez plays on the their latest album International. This will be the final Saint Etienne album. What a way to go out..

Setlist & photo thanks to David Schaffer over at Doves forum.