The name might include the word folk, but don't be fooled by that. If you come into this expecting hardcore Armenian acoustic folk music, heavy on the reedy duduk, you're in for a shock. This band, part of the Armenian diaspora based in New York, takes a very broad definition of folk music to include beats, synthesizer, dance, and pop music. And the record is all the better for it. There's still music that passes any definition of folk, like "Bad Days," where gospel touches revive an old song, but you'd better also be prepared for jazz, some sublime vocals -- ranging from the acerbic to the smooth -- and, of course, the duduk (the Armenian national instrument) working through it all. Bandleader Arman Aghajanyan does a great job of marshaling his forces, and walking the fine line between the future and the sensibility of the past. By and large he manages it, although little side trips into jazz don't work too well, and on a couple of occasions the pop sheen is a bit too glossy. But it's something that can easily break out of the ghetto of folk music (and Armenian folk music, at that!) to find a broader acceptance. Not perfect, perhaps, but another example of people reinventing the folk tradition and keeping it a wonderful living, breathing thing. ~ Chris Nickson, All Music Guide
Old Street was recorded as Ealdestrate c.1200 and le Oldestrete in 1373. As befits its name there are some suggestions that the road is of ancient origin: part of an old Roman road connecting Silchester and Colchester, by-passing the City of London. The western part was widened 1872-7, but it narrows east of Coronet Street and here survive, at Nos. 340-342 on the south side of the street and Nos. 323 and 325-329 on the north side, some domestic buildings from the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, though somewhat battered and altered in function. At the east end of Old Street on the south side is the old Shoreditch Town Hall.
Old Street Promenade of Light [1]. Shops visible are Argos and Somerfield.
Within the past few years Old Street has become a favoured location for notable graffiti artists such as Banksy and Jef Aérosol. Banksy especially has featured several pieces on "Shoreditch Bridge". [1]
