FIVE years ago, the Splash tour bus took some of our biggest bands around the South Wales Valleys.

With the Super Furry Animals, Catatonia and the Stereophonics (in their former Tragic Love Company guise) all playing, it was one of those "I was there" events, even if the latter were still rubbish back then.

Anyway, on the back of that tour's success, the following year saw the Splash Tour Mark II set off with Feeder and 60ft Dolls on board.

It has taken four years to arrange, but now thankfully the third Splash tour sets off this weekend at Blackwood 'Stute on Sunday.

The opening night sees visor-wearing, mischief-making punksters Mo-Ho-Bish-Opi, and Pontypool punk-rap fusion The Kennedy Soundtrack (pictured) on the bill, at an economically sound £3. Call the box office on 01495 224425 for ticket details.

The Splash bus will also be calling at TJ's in November 21, with Terris headlining, supported by Captain Paranoid among others, and at Barfly on November 1, with Tetra Splendour, Tommy the Chauffeur and JT Mouse.

Out of the dampened embers of Britpop's most grating, mystic wannabes, Kula Shaker, and lesser known indie starlets, Catch, comes Thirteen:13 who play in Barfly tonight. The double name is meant to counter any negativity associated with that unluckiest of numbers.

The Polydor press release with their promo to album Deny Everything, hints at a 'Gram Parsons' sound - but to be honest having given it a few listens it is more like an acoustic Embrace minus Danny the Foghorn.

They still pack a good tune mind you, and you can catch them live in Barfly tonight with support from Fantastic Superfoofs and Lylt.

And if you are looking for something slightly irreverent, Clint Boon of all people is doing the celebrity DJ thing tomorrow night in Barfly.

So, suddenly we are all tuning into Uncle Radio 2 in our thousands are we? But what's this I spy among the likes of Gorkys, Man, and Dr John, lined up for the Radio 2 Live in Cardiff fortnight starting on Thursday - June Whitfield? Bonnie Tyler? Radio One must be shaking in its boots. Now, where's me cardigan?