A very happy half-century shout out to the great Billy Miller whose contribution to our collective existence is unprecedented. Yes babies, he's the greatest! The real Birthday Honours list starts here... click the Norton link on the side bar there ya dumplin's!

Made it back and not a moment too soon. Those Deacon Blue folks are grand people but I'll have to say "No Thankyer" to their brand of pop. Huge audiences, Amy went down well but I was somewhat traumatised by having to endure a whole set in Glasgow last night. Anyway, it was all for a good cause and once I stop twitching I'll get to trying to compile a wee list of belters that might have got away. Our friends in the USA who have HBO are to be blessed with an all-new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm starting January 4th and The Sopranos on March 7th (info via the same link as Curb). About bloody time too... I'll be having a drip feed of Larry David action today methinks to stabilise me after my seasickness caused by that choppy trip on the ol' ship called dignity, dagnabbit!

Today we head to Aberdeen where Amy Allison will open for Deacon Blue. She was invited to do these shows by Ricky Ross himself so we're hoping that the Blue crew will dig that. It's probably snowing up there and it'll be bloody cold but it'll be an adventure to round out the year. My experience in HMV Edinburgh the other day wasn't as rosy as Steve's was in London but hopefully his version is a sign for 2004 but let's not pin our hopes on it though. I had a "tussle" with the Urban section. Another flaccid hat for that caterwauling corner of hip hop or whatever, hooever... I digress. Will try to gather my thoughts on the train trip, fueled by a visit to The Pastie Shop in Stirling en route. Those things have hallucinogenic qualities I tell ya! So better go get my tour managers hat and round up the troops... more soon.

Bazooka Joe Turns 50. And while we're at it, why not dig these BJ archives and his latest "how to win $50.000" scheme.

"Why pay for shitty quality live bootleg recordings, when you can download them for free?". Too bad about 99.9% of the content tho', but I wholeheartedly support these kinda sentiments anyways.

From X-Ray Specs to Sea Monkeys, Super Marketing is a site dedicated to the most memorable and audacious ads from American comic books.

'Tis utter madness down in the West End of London at the moment. Still, for those with a thirst for vinyl bargains there are rich pickings to be had. While HMV might be too much of a scramble, an easier time can be had in Borders. For instance, in the branch on Charring Cross Road, I scored the Zombies Heaven boxset at half price and the Byrds' Preflyte re-issue on Poptones for not much more than the price of a pint of beer. Chancing my arm, I then walked over to the flagship store on Oxford Street and headed to the music department on the top floor. Sadly there was nothing more enticing than the usual "2 for 20 quid" deals but it was damn cool to hear "What Gives" by Radio Birdman bash the lug 'oles as I stepped off of the escalator. Good to see that no fellow shoppers headed for the exits as "Man With Golden Helmet" and "Do The Pop" proceeded to assault the senses. Is this a sign for 2004?

While preparing for yet another night of serious food consumption on Thursday, we joined some friends on a visit to the Centraal Museum, located only a few blocks from HQ, and again we were amazed at all this beauty on display so close to home and wondered why we don't check on it more often. The place holds the largest collection of Rietveld designs in the world, probably the only collection of work by Dick Bruna (the creator of Miffy !) and a wealth of other stuff. Heck, what I'm trying to say is; next time you head over here to Utrecht for the record fair, take some time out and dig some local culture, you'll be surprised.

If anybody out there has or had any doubts about how damn great The Star Spangles are should check out the video for "I Don't Wanna Be Crazy Anymore". The clip has just been made available for viewing on their site and it's a concise, action-packed snapshot of the band in full flight. There's a bit toward the end where Tommy, Ian and Nick turn in toward the stage that just flows like so many combos never do. Drumster Joey could well be the finest power punkin' drummer since Clem Burke. Just take a look and if it don't make you think "Wow, these guys are great" then you've got a problem. One you need to sort out in the New Year...

Mike Spenser of the Cannibals wants to claim the airwaves on behalf of the garage rock community in Europe. Full details from Mike below:

As some of might or might not know, but should know because The Trash Can has been going for a few years now, I have been presenting this show on various radio, internet, and what not stations all over the world. From WCR to Total Rock and now at the legendary and world famous Radio Caroline, the original Radio Caroline pirate station broadcasting from a boat several miles offshore in international waters, started in 1964. While there only 1 month, I've come up with a plan that only yesterday was told that if I can get as much support in the form of emails during the show and callins, as each show is taped and the show will be sent to the "powers that be". So put your voice on record, and send in emails to the studio. All will be saved to pass on and this iswhat might be able to convince them at Radio Caroline to go ahead with the following plan....

It's been discussed to upgrade the present show, which seems to be stuck in the very safe mud it originally was set to bypass way back then. Something urgently was needed and my Trash Can was like a breath of fresh air to some, while a pain in the ass to others, who keep asking me to play Cliff Richard and the such. Hence the need to start another Radio Caroline, possibly called Pirate Caroline. The Ross Revenge,which you can see pictures of once you log on to the Radio Caroline web site, is a massive 100 ton frieghter that was used when the station was truely pirate and out in the safe waters. It is the biggest and most beautiful of all the pirate ships around. It is Radio Carolines own and could be yours- ours, if we get enough support!

My idea is to bring the ship to London, towed slowly for effect, and also because one of its engines is down, moor it permanently along the Thames near public transport, use the radio room which is still intact and can transmit over the whole of the SE of England on AM as well as on the net and SKY at the moment. I have enough equipment to kit out a proper 24 track analogue studio on board to record live sessions with some of your favourite bands, release some of these sessions on the new label assoiated with the whole plan, "Pirate Records", and turn the massive decks below into a truley fab venue. I've been told that it can hold several hundred people and even these gigs could be recorded and sent out live on air.

This is the chance to finally bring what I believe, and I hope all of you do as well, the bestest, most coolest scene that we've all been part of for so long. We've been waiting for something as big as this to finally catapult it into a massive movement so that more and more people get to know some of the finest bands and musicians who might otherwise keep struggling in the many clubs now dedicated to this music. The scene is real. You are all part of it and you all know the kinds of groups we are talking about....The Parkinsons, The Maggotts, The Dirty, The Mighty Stars, the many Swedish and Scandinavian groups-too many to mention, The Buff Medways, Billy Childish, Thee Excitors, the Unchayned, the Solar Flares, 53rd and 3rd, Hot Wires, Beatings, The Cannibals and so many more groups you've come to see and love hearing. The Trash Can plays all this stuff, demos that might never get heard elsewere, Stooges, Dolls, Cramps, Pebbles and Nuggets stuff, obscure garage and classic garage, the Sonics, 13th Floor Elevators, Chocolate Watchband, Electric Prunes..and on and on....

This could be a turning point from turning something big and growing into one of the biggest movements since the original punk days..really..it could happen but I must show the support for Radio Caroline letting me carry on with this ambitious venture. The format of the station will also include other really cool and exciting programs from other stations and great music throughout the day and night from Rock, to Metal, to Reggea to chat shows of really cool topics (underground Graffiti, and stuff not usually heard in public for obvious reasons)..all kinds of stuff you'd love to just turn on your radio 24/7 and just groove to...

It can all happen very quickly as the 40th Anniversary for Radio Caroline is only a few months away and things must be in place by then. Also, a few hours later, Sunday, December 28th, the boat will be open to the public so you can come and see it as well! Me and Paul will be there if we survive the show a few hours before. The number to call for that is 07890270049 and Vaughn is the man who will take names. By the way, the boat is easy to get to as it is almost directly under the old bridge in Rochester, Kent off the Strood Pier. People should be there before 11am.

The Trash Can, on Radio Caroline is easy to listen to but log on early because you might have to load a different streamer to listen to on the net. The one the station uses is Live365 and to register might take a few minutes. The instructions on how to get onto SKY are on the web site and the telephone number to callin we will repeat often (I know its 016824400 but I'm only 90% sure!!). Email the studio is right there as well...

Don't forget...it's Midnight Sat 27th December till Sunday morning 3am UK time. Please stay up and tune in....it's really important this time! I've worked fucking hard to get this music this far..as well as Paul from The Dirty Water Club and loads of you...

"Dreams can come true..for cool people like me and you..
just think of what you'd love to do...put one foot in front of another....
and just follow it through!"

Cheers,

Mike Spenser

www.radiocaroline.co.uk
piratetrashcan@hotmail.com

Been pretty busy of late what with the rebuilding The Garage links resource and the more mundane, but necessary, web duties required at work. Fortunately, there’s always time for listening to music and here’s a few discs that have grabbed my attention over the last couple of months.

The Legendary Too Drunk – Hobson’s Choice

At last the long promised mini-album from Too Drunk that by my conservative reckoning has been a cool sixteen years in the making. Think chunky rambunctious garage pop with Johnny Thunders guitar lines and cheesy organ fills. “Hobson’s Choice” comprises of eight memorable originals that will have you smiling from ear to ear and swinging from the light fittings in no time. In my opinion “Here Come The Good Times” and “The Shape I’m In” are two of the best songs to come out of the UK garage rock scene over the last few years. Rest assured that Too Drunk are a psychedelic garage band guaranteed to whisk you away on a “Magic Carpet Ride” and no mistake.



Uptight – Collars & Cuffs E.P.

The latest three track offering from this Yorkshire-based Mod band with strong garage rock leanings. Uptight has been recording infectious garage-pop-soul for the best part of three years and still remain without a record label. A bit of minor tragedy in my book. This time round on CD-R they pilfer from the Creation while adding a bit of the Supremes for “If It’s All The Same To You”. The other two tracks, “Technicolour TV Head” and “Collars & Cuffs” ain’t bad either. On disc or on stage, Uptight clearly enjoy what they are about. Somebody sign this band before the next hyped wannabies from Detroit hit town.

The Flakes – Stayin’ Single

A CD-R of their first two 45 rpms with a couple of extra bonus cuts. When the Flakes played the Dirty Water Club recently they visually reminded me of yet another 1960s fixated garage band, forunately they proceeded to deliver a set in an altogether more ‘70s punk manner. Perhaps it had something to do with the presence of ex-Mummie, Russell Quan, on drums, or even the fact that they were selling DMZ t-shirts on the merchandise stand. Blimey O’Conolly, if you dig the magic that DMZ applied to various nuggets then you will enjoy the Flakes big time. Step this way for loud, sloppy, and fun renditions of “Bip Bap Boom”, “Good Good Luvin’” and “Long Gone”. The disc is available at shows or from the band’s website.

I'm just takin' a look at J's list there and thinking, but there's another 5 days to go in 2003. Maybe I'll discover a whole new slew of records before I get around to compiling such a thing... It could happen... Today, travelling minstrel Jon Graboff and his girl are dropping by. Jon was here to play with Laura Cantrell at the John Peel Xmas Party which went out live on December 23rd. You can listen to that by clicking here! and following the directions to the requisite "play it again" area. It'll only be available until the 30th I guess so get weaving. It's a pot pourri of sound, some of which will thrill and some of which might have tou teetering on the brink so don't say I didn't warn you. I hadn't heard Can's version of Silent Night though and that was fun. Taking a look outside, it's pissing rain so some of the activities I planned will have to be rethunk. Or maybe not. Nobody is gonna make me go to the shops though. That's fer damn sure. Cadbury's Cream Eggs are on sale way early this year. Used to be Boxing Day was the first sign but not in the run-up to 04. Anybody know if Nostradamus predicted that?

As promised here's my year's end list (for whatever it's worth). I've skipped tryin' to say something about each disc 'cause everytime I started writing it became this endles rant against everything and everybody, so here's the bare bones, tho' I still figure they provide plenty to chew on.


1. Dirtbombs - Dangerous Magical Noise. (In The Red)
2. Leg Hounds - The Leg Hounds Date Your Daughters (Screaming Apple)
3. Fleshtones - Do You Swing? (Yep Rock)
4. Holly Go-Lightly - Truly She Is None Other (Damaged Goods)
5. Kidnappers - Ransom Notes & Telephone Calls (Alien Snatch)
6. Master Plan - Colossus Of Destiny (Demolition Derby)
7. Star Spangles - Bazooka (Capitol)
8. Little Killers - Little Killers (Crypt)
9. Turbonegro - Scandinavian Leather (Burning Heart)
10.White Stripes - Elephant (XL)

Re-issues:

1. v/a - Miami Sound (Soul Jazz)
2. v/a - Funk Soul Sisters (BGP)
3. v/a - 600% Dynamite (Soul Jazz)
4. v/a - A Soldier's Sad story (Kent)
5. Jackie Mittoo - Last Train To Skaville (Soul Jazz)
6. v/a - Looking Good (BGP)
7. Joe Gibbs - Roots, Culture, DJs and the Birth of Dancehall (Soul Jazz)
8. v/a - The Complete Meteor Rockabilly & Hillbilly Recordings (Ace)
9. v/a - The Dial Records Southern Soul Story (Kent)
10.v/a - Nice Up The Dance (Soul Jazz)

Long lists of records, label numbers, dates, obscure info, I live for such things. So it's always a delight to find websites filled to the max with just that. Soulful Kinda Music is related to a mag I know nothing about, but has put up some 350, very detailed, artist discographies. The main focus bein' soul, but there's also plenty o' girl-groups, 50s R&B and, uh, The Rumblers. Heck, I could use more sites like this, anybody's got a lead on a equally impressive blues site?.

Great vintage cartoon memories of Milton the Monster and Fearless Fly can come flooding back. Check 'em out here! Far more satisfying than a turkey dinner.

Well. It's Christmas Day and not a creature is stirring 'cept for me. Today will be spent pretty much under wraps with the odd blast of Girl Trouble's "Sigue Sigue Christmas" to put the tin lid on our party spirit. If you haven't had the pleasure of this fine seasonal tune then believe me, you need to. So yeah, hope you get through it and that y'all get what you deserve.

OK kids, here's a festive plea for information. Can anybody out there help this guy...

Hi, I wonder if you can help me. I'm Dave, Steve Lewins' brother. Steve was with the Count Bishops in 76-77ish and I saw your mention of them in July on your site but i've lost touch with him totally. In fact if the truth be known, i haven't seen him since 97 when we had a bit of a falling out like brothers do. But loads of water's passed under the bridge since and i'd love to find him again. I gather he's living in or around Amsterdam and playing guitar on the streets. Is there anyone/way you know (contacts/news or whatever) that i could talk to whlo might know any news of him? I called mike spenser from the bishops and he now djs for radio caroline and he's kindly going to try to put the feelers out on air for me.Then i saw your site after some trawling and thought i'd ask you too. I'd be really grateful if you could shed any light.

all the best, dave lewins, manchester uk

If anybody has any info then send it here and we'll pass it on.

While takin' a short break from puttin' the final touches on the reshapin' of HQ, I figured it 'd be a good time to give you some kinda update on what's up around here and hip you to some recent news. OK, discs first: Norton's latest releases have been a mainstay on the ol' hi-fi lately. The Roky Erickson set 'Don't Knock The Rock' is great collection of rehearsal recordings (from '78 with the definitive Aliens line-up), that sees our man messin' about w/ a bunch o' 50s covers to great effect, plus a number o' Roky originals that are new to me like the great 'Things That Go Bump In The Night'. Excellent liner-notes by long time Roky fan and former Angry Samoan Gregg Turner are the icin' on the proverbial whatsis. Also be on the look-out for the Norton distributed 'A Starlight Date With Richard Marsh', a solid set that rounds up Sky Saxon's earliest (pre-Seeds) sides from the time was modelin' himself as a teen idol. The voice is already easily recognizable, and tho' some of you hard-liners might think some of the ballads are "too soft", there's no mistakin' the upliftin' power of tune like 'Do The Swim'. Still on heavy rotation are Norton's re-issues of the first four Gene Vincent LPs and according to their latest mailorder catalogue there's two more on the way. Speakin' of which; Other discs promised for the new year by our fave Brooklyn label are; Real Kids's early demos 10", three part 'Forth Worth Teen Scene' series (remember those two Big Beat releases from way back when?), Nervous Norvus demos LP (!), Arch Hall JR full-length, Johnny Burnette demos, Dictators live set (!!!), Ron Haydock's up-till-now-CD-only '99 Chicks' will finally make it to vinyl using the label's new "Reverse Technology", a Cha Cha label comp (home of Haydock ao), 2nd vols of both 'Wolf Call' and 'Aliens, Psychos And Wild Things', and finally a Triumphs (of 'Surfside Date' fame) EP. Dunno if all you web crawlers still do some authentic old school reading (books that is), but if so may I recommend Brett Milano's 'Vinyl Junkies' (St Martin's Press), a hilarious look at the more extreme forms of the disease know as "record collecting". Most of the better known wax-hounds get their say, includin' Thurston Moore, Miriam Linna, Robert Crumb, the Peters Buck, Wolf and Holsapple and everybody's favorite lunatic/madman Jeff "Monoman" Conolly. Anybody who has ever looked in bewilderment at those tiny CD racks they're sellin' all over the place (you know, the ones that hold about 10 or 20 discs), and figured you'd need at least several hundred of those to store your collection, will recognize something in here. Earlier today I picked up John Collis' new Ike Turner bio 'King Of Rhythm' (Do Not Press), When I handed the book to the girl behind the counter she said "are you aware this man is a wife beater?", "of course" I replied, "I'm looking forward to read the full details in here", after which the rest of the transaction was made in complete silence. Hardly made any inroads into the main text yet, but scannin' the massive discography I was amazed on how many great discs Ike was involved. Christ, he's even there on Otis Rush's Cobra recording of 'Double Trouble', one of my all-time fave blues tunes, and I had never noticed before !. Back to vinyl: To promote the recent Nomads tribute disc, the Wild Kingdom label has released a very limited split 45 of the Nomads and Hellacopters both tacklin' the former's 'Pack Of Lies', grab while it's out there, 'cause it's limited as heck. And with the festive season upon us why not skip the latest offerin' from the Darkness and head for the 5.6.7.8's 'Rock and Roll Santa' 45 on Norton or the Buff Medway's 'Merry Christmas Fritz' on Damaged Goods. OK, that's it for now, I'll be sure to post my "best of 2003" list in the next couple o' days as requested by a number of you (and hopefully Lindsay 'n Steve 'll do likewise). A merry Christmas to you all, and take it easy on the turkey....

The hot ticket this Noo Year in NY? Look nae further...

You folks like records, right? Here's a Glasgow-based emporium that you might like to have a trawl through...Black Vinyl Records! Better than having to go among the Christmas Shoppers...

Just got the word from my old mucker, Jim (The Hound) Marshall and a bunch of his old WFMU shows are available online for your listening pleasure with full song listings and the works. Prepare to get way lost, turn the TV off, or at least down and dig in!

Wha' Happened?! It seems like European audiences are gonna get a crack at seeing A Mighty Wind in movie theatres after all. Those of you with multi-regional dvd capability might like to order the dvd from the US because there's a ton of extra stuff on it and as entertainment goes it's pretty bloody hard to beat. Why does it take so long for good stuff to be released? Because cinemas are choked with guff for the scumhordes of course.

If you're in London on January 9th then there's only one game in town...

Amy Allison just sent me this sad news about the death of Gary Stewart. His music lives on though so take a Whiskey Trip with some of that just as soon as you can.

Country singer Stewart, known for "Actin' Single" hit, dies (from The Associated Press)

FORT PIERCE, Fla. -- Country music singer Gary Stewart, who gained some popularity in the 1970swith his true-to-form honky tonk style, died in Fort Pierce. He was 58. Stewart died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. His wife of 43 years died last month and he was last seen by relatives on Sunday. His body was found in his home Tuesday. Police do not expect foul play. A native of Letcher County, Kentucky, Stewart has been called a compelling songwriter and was a performer of guitar-driven Texas honky tonk. His last album was released this year, entitled "Live at Billy Bob's Texas." Some of his honky tonk hits include: "Drinkin' Thing," "Out of Hand" and "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)," which hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart in 1975. Stewart described himself in one song title as a "flat natural-born good-timin' man."

And kids, we suspected it but here's the proof... DIY punkin' isnae deid....



A public service announcement from Allen Henry -
"Fan of Steve Treatment (77-78 DIY punk, recorded first single with the Swell Maps)? If so, he's got a fantastic free xmas single available as an mp3 on our website

It's kind of glam rock / over the top! (better than The Darkness' xmas effort) there's also a spectorish/bolanesque xmas message by mr treatment. have a look and download it.... Our site's based in ayrshire and has a load of old nyah fearties info and our band the NoMen doing versions of old DIY punk stuff... have a guid new year."

Coupla things here to divert your mindset down the less-crowded alleyways of the silly season...

"Aussie rock 'n' rule kings You Am I are due to play a one-off gig at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire on January 25th, where they'll be supported by fellow Transcopic Records artiste Billy 'overrated' Childish, plus former Blur twonk Graham Coxon, who actually owns the label. If any NBT readers have never seen YMI before, then get ready for a sweetly sussed riff machine that reflects a great lurve for The Replacements, Kinks, Big Star, Bobby Bland, Mummies, Faces and a whole host of faves ... Having enjoyed FOUR (count 'em) No. 1 albums downunder, and taken The Dirtbombs on tour (no less), mebbe it's finally time the rest o'the world woke up to the fact that it's preedy much been missing out on one of the finest combos of the past decade. Check HERE!. This pic of Tim and ver lads shows 'em hangin' wiv yer actual 'Stones when they supported 'em last year (mmm, Sir Mick looks a dick, don't he?). Luv & 45s, Joss (Sonic Reducer)."

OK, we'll enter the 21st century here for a while with this great flash game: Pico's School!. (link c/o Tony Slug).

Supersnazzy christmas gifts. GO!.

Some cool A.C.C. tunes from the vaults have been re-issued by Gulcher. GO!.

Had a few enquiries lately as to getting copies of the magazine and as I've replied there ain't none to be got from here. I did look at Midnight Records site though and they were advertising Issues #18, #26 and #27. So if you need those then give 'em a click and schlepp to the books and magazines section.

What about that Saddam then? Looking like a dead ringer for Roky Erickson, he's been nabbed hiding in a hole. If only he'd got that Christmas single out in time for all this TV coverage...

Now, this is what you call a festive ding dong!!!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - DATELINE: BROOKLYN NY

NORTON RECORDS PRESENTS… A GIANT HOLIDAY SHOW AND DANCE!

Saturday Dec 27 9 PM
Southpaw, 125 Fifth Avenue, Park Slope Brooklyn New York (718) 230 0236 Club info at http://www.spsounds.com Tickets $20 online at http://www.ticketweb.com or at Wowsville Records, 125 2nd Avenue, NY NY

Brooklyn-based Norton Records celebrates our founder Billy Miller’s 50th birthday with the ultimate all-Norton Rhythm & Blues/Soul Spectacular hosted by RUDY RAY MOORE and featuring Norton artists Andre Williams, King Coleman,
Nathaniel Mayer, Gino Washington, The Mighty Hannibal, Lonnie Youngblood, The Great Gaylord and the Soul Shakers! Doors open at 8 and the non-stop show starts at 9 PM sharp! Don't be late, you won't want to miss a moment!

Join us on this very special night with our top soul artists! After the stage show, top NYC DJ Mr Fine Wine will spin the wildest and most favorite singles with local record spinners and wax hounds through til 4 AM so please, comfortable shoes and a change of underwear, as always, are recommended! Mingle with the stars and let's get them to teach us how to Fishin Pole, Greasy Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, the Frog and mo'!Tickets are available at Wowsville records, 125 2nd Avenue in NYC and at www.ticketweb.com. See you all there!

The Southpaw is a beautiful new club with great sound, dance floor, clean restrooms, massive bar and dark corners with cushy seating for any attendees avoiding other attendees! (Southpaw, 125 5th Ave. at Sterling Place, Brooklyn NY) telephone (718) 230-0236. www.spsounds.com Get tickets now!

CHECK THE NORTON WEBSITE FOR THE BEST REASON TO END THE YEAR IN THE WINTERLAND HINTERLAND-- BROOKLYN, USA!!

ANDRE WILLIAMS Andre Williams’ career took off with Bacon Fat, Goin’ Down To Tijuana, The Greasy Chicken and the lascivious Jail Bait . Mr. Williams enjoyed success as a member of the Five Dollars as well as a solo artist on Detroit’s reknown Fortune Records label. Known as “Mr. Rhythm”, he was also instrumental early on at Motown, working with the acts including the Contours and Mary Wells. He also worked as an independent producer, scoring with the Five Du-Tones’ Shake A Tail Feather in 1963. Mr. Williams found further success as an artist in 1968 with Cadillac Jack. In recent years, he has released over a dozen albums and toured the world several times. In 1999 alone, he performed over 200 live shows, and toured Europe on four separate occasions that year. This year, Mr. Williams headlined in Las Vegas and has just returned from a southern states junket. His latest Norton album HOLLAND SHUFFLE, was recorded live in the Netherlands and features a superbly executed cross section of career hits and new recordings. Mr. Williams currently resides in Chicago, where he continues to write and record.

KING COLEMAN This Miami disc jockey scored his first hit in 1959 with (Do The) Mashed Potatoes backed by James Brown and his group. He spent much of the sixties on the road as a singer/master of ceremonies, and hosted countless shows at New York’s Apollo Theatre. He recorded dance classics like Alley Rat, Bull Dog and Show Me What You Got for a host of labels. The King would reunite with James Brown for the classic Boo Boo Song in 1967, before entering the ministry. Today King Coleman is Miami’s number one gospel disc jockey and is enthusiastic about his new Norton collection IT’S DANCE TIME, which collects the best from this true legend.

NATHANIEL MAYER Detroit artist Nathaniel Mayer needs no introduction. His 1962 hit Village Of Love on Fortune Records remains a superlative standard in the hearts of soul and R&B fans worldwide. After a long period out of the limelight, Mr. Mayer has returned to the stage, stunning audiences with fiery renditions of his Fortune label killers such as I Want Love And Affection (Not The House Of Correction) and I Had A Dream. He brings is atomic stage show to New York on the heels of public acclaim for his latest Norton single I Don’t Want No Bald Headed Woman Telling Me What To Do. Mr. Mayer resides in Detroit, where he can be reached for interviews and bookings.

GINO WASHINGTON This dynamic Detroit soul legend had scored two monstrous Motor City hits in Out Of This World and Gino Is A Coward by the time he was eighteen. As a teenager, he even headlined over the Rolling Stones on their first Detroit appearance! Gino recorded dozens of singles, all collected on two Norton collections entitled OUT OF THIS WORLD and LOVE BANDIT. Aside from his own vocal recordings, Mr. Washington branched out into production, piloting countless Motor City singles, notably Nathaniel Mayer’s I Don’t Want No Bald Headed Woman Telling Me What To Do. Both Gino Washington and Nathaniel Mayer will be backed by The Shanks, led by former Detroit Cobra Jeff Meier. Both artists performed together before a worldwide audience this spring during the New Orleans jazz festival a the Ponderosa Stomp. Mr.Washington also resides in Detroit where he is currently working on a televised music program.

THE MIGHTY HANNIBAL This Atlanta, Georgia soul giant is a self proclaimed “former pimp, heroin addict and elephant thief” but promises that those days are all behind him! His distinctive delivery, superb vocal abilities and poignant songwriting style are shown in a wide array of styles from the hip dance floor favorites Jerkin’ The Dog and Get In The Groove to the “message music” of his powerful 1967 anti-Vietnam hit Hymn No 5 and the 1972 drug confessional The Truth Shall Make You Free ,which have established him firmly as a musical contender.
The Norton collection HANNIBALISM! has reunited the singer with an eager audience. He resides in New York City and continues to write, perform, and conduct business from his offices in Harlem.

LONNIE YOUNGBLOOD The heralded tenor sax player known as the Prince of Harlem began his career as bandleader for the great Faye Adams. In the sixties, Mr. Youngblood’s New York club band included Jimi Hendrix. Together they recorded the stompin’ Go Go Shoes on Fairmount, still a strong soul DJ favorite today. Mr Youngblood’s band, featuring guitarist Bill Sims (formerly of the legendary Four Mints), will be providing backing for several stars on the holiday show. Mr. Youngblood is a featured guest artist on the Norton album BAIT AND SWITCH by Andre Williams. He is a revered fixture on the New York music scene and enjoys a worldwide reputation.

THE SOUL SHAKERS New York’s frenzied vocal group sensations deliver high geared Five Du-Tones style dance floor killers. The very in-demand Soul Shakers depart for bookings in the Islands immediately following the Holiday Show and promise to continue wowing audiences in New York and abroad in the near future.

THE GREAT GAYLORD The Sultan Of Squat, idolized worldwide in many circles, returns to the concert stage after many years as a top disc jockey thanks to the phenomenal resurgence in popularity of his lone hit on the Norton label Squat With Me Baby, which has been lauded as one of his finest recordings. Double G, as he is affectionately known by his fan base, hails from the tri-State area where he is kept busy answering mail and making personal appearances at many top affairs.

RUDY RAY MOORE Very special guest MC for the evening will be none other than Rudy Ray Moore, King of the Party Records and star of such feature films as Dolemite, Petey Wheatstraw and Human Tornado. This creative man claims, “I was through with it before the others knew what to do with it!” Indeed, his many ventures in the field of media have all enjoyed universal success, including his recent return to the stage as a vocalist, due to the release of HULLY GULLY FEVER on Norton Records, a massive collection of his early recordings as a rhythm & blues artist. Today, Mr. Moore calls Las Vegas home base. He is kept very active with personal appearances, interviews and consultations. He recently performed at the esteemed Utrecht Blues Festival in the Holland where he was
lauded for his many contributions to the field of entertainment.

MR. FINE WINE Michigan import Mr. Fine Wine is one of the New York area’s top radio disc jockeys at WFMU, where he hosts the Downtown Soulville show dedicated exclusively to soul music. He also spins soul records in person and is in demand and available at clubs and venues both locally and elsewhere.

http://www.nortonrecords.com For more information contact our Press Office

nortonrec@aol.com tel (718) 789 4438

Amy Allison recorded a set as part of radio Scotlands 25th anniversary at The Rothes Halls last Sunday and it was broadcast on the Brand New Opry last night. You can listen to it (if you have the technology) by clicking here and then on the listen again icon. The one and only David Scott and his Pearlfishers are on the Janice Forsyth Show today (Saturday) and you can tune into that by whapping that wee button down here and likewise on listen again.

Aye, we're sliding down into the silly season alright. I dunno about you but I like to keep to my 'ain midden heid' in such circumstances. The older I get (and that's getting on a bit) the less I can tholl the scumhordes. That's those that'll buy any old shite under the premise of gift giving. Those that are choking up the stores and just generally polluting the earth with their mobile phone wielding, no taste, gibbering general existence. I like Christmas records but I detest practically every other facet of the big business charabang that goes along with it. I like It's A Wonderful Life even although I've seen it a gazillion times and Miracle on 34th Street and White Christmas too. This leads me to wonder whatever happened to The Man In The Santa Claus Suit that starred Fred Astaire? It hasn't been seen for yonks. But anyhoo I digress, with every passing year, the spirit of Christmas is consigned further into a feeding frenzy of false bonhomie and bogus revelling. Do you fancy hanging about in Edinburgh at Hogmanay in the cold, surrounded by drunks watching Erasure and The Coral? Thought not. It's slightly better in Glasgow where they've got The Proclaimers but no real incentive to attend either. Listen to me, if Amy Allison makes it on to the bill at Stirling Castle then we'll have to drag our bahookies up there but we'll see. Anyway, do what you feel ya gotta do and try not to buy into the downside why dontcha.

Reigning Sound Split
"December kicks off with the thoroughly sad news that the Reigning Sound have called it a day, with only a few lucky Scandinavians having had the chance to see them grace the stage. Here's what Greg Cartwright had to say: "The Reigning Sound will end Dec. 31st for all practical purposes. A little over 3 months ago we lost our keyboard player which forced us to scrap the new record we had just recorded with him and record a more guitar driven record. This worked in our favor as I think the new record could be our best yet. On top of this, My wife, my kids and myself are moving to North Carolina next Feb. Trying to keep a band together long-distance is hard. I know I've tried it several times. Me and the guys still get along and perhaps we may do a show here and there in the following year." (news c/o Sonic Dirt).

Rockstars as kids (yep, that's our pal Joey), shows that there might still be hope for all you geeky kids. GO!.

"In December 2002, a shipping container arrived in Sydney, Australia. Its contents largely unknown, it was unloaded into a warehouse in East Botany. For the next 6 months a story unfolded, a history of the recorded music of Rochester, NY, from the immediate post-war era, until the untimely death in 1977 of studio owner and jazz big band leader Vincent Giancursio, aka Vince Jan, aged 58. The studio later suffered fire and flood damage.
The contents of the container, as they were unpacked, revealed hidden musical treasure representing every genre and diversity of the era. Big band jazz and lounge music, popular songs, country and western, rockabilly and incredible gospel groups dominate the 1950's. Following this came early beat and pop groups, early garage r&r, northern soul and funk, culminating in a slew of brilliant undiscovered garage punk masterpieces, the reason for the existence of this site. After 1967, psychedelic and progressive styles took hold, and the energy was lost. However, the story must, and will, be told...". GO!.

24 Ways Record Geeks are Different from Other People.

Christmas Party in the Lunn-dunn Pt 1. A far more worthwhile cause than the celebration of those troglodytes that brought Trafalgar Square to a halt today... over to them Sonic Reducer fellas...
We'll see ya, and raise! Christmas, inna Texas Hold 'Em stylee! The Boogaloo on London's uncelebrated Archway Road is THE rock 'n' roll pub. The Stooges AND James Carr on the juke, a roaring fire (stray Strokes fans?), mebbe David Soul or Wreckless Eric doing a few numbers over by the mural of The King ... WE LOVE IT! So when Boogaloo master Gerry O'Boyle asked yer ever-lovin' 'Reducer boys to bring some sounds up the hill, to play our top shebeen's festive shindig, we said, "Fuck, yeah!" Oh, and it's also BigKegShandy's birthday (the old scrote) ... So we'll do for ya at The Metro on the 18th, then we'll give ya a day off. Be good to your people on the 19th. And be ready to GET DOWN on the 20th! For FREE!
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Sock It To Me, Santa! - The Boogaloo Christmas Party
Music from the Sonic Reducer Tag Team - December 20th 7pm-late
The Boogaloo, 312 Archway Road, Highgate, Highgate Tube.

*All the shit that's fit to spin!* Funk, soul, ska, rock 'n' roll, R&B, reggae, country, soundtracks, garage, punk, psych, power pop, and just plain good musics.

Hipsters, flipsters! The time has come to say "turn that motherfucker UP!"
Sonic Reducer is inordinately proud to announce our first late nite shindig at a new venue, the Metro, on December 18th. The match of the year will see the 'Reducer tag team of BigKegShandy and TeenSlain locked in pitch-controlled battle with The Bunker's Paul ' Blow Up' Tunkin. Using only the most deadliest 45rpm ammunition - namely the choicest punk, funk, garage, R&B, ska, soundtracks, soul, electronica and beat sounds - the multi-frequency square-off will mean non-stop dancefloor action.

Referees for this cerebellum 'n' instep-mashing bout will be the finest band in all Londinum, those missing-in-action Beatings. Call them tardy, by all means. Think of them as people with far too much free time one their grubby little hands. Wonder at the amount of Angry Samoans and Saxon vinyl at their collective disposal. But at just 60 Earth minutes past the witching hour, The Beatings will take to the stage, armed with favourites old & new. Fresh from the loving arms of Mr. Kevin Shields, and the stage of The Forum, they will undoubtedly be "Young, Fast & Scientific."

Ho, fucking, ho, children!

Christmas classics a la Sonic Reducer:

White Christmas - Otis Redding
Back Door Santa - Clarence Carter
Santa Claus - The Sonics
Holiday Cheer - The Martinis
Christmas In Viet Nam - Jon & Johnny
Jesus Christ - Big Star
Hey America It's Christmas - James Brown
I Want An Alien For Christmas - Fountains Of Wayne
Message To Santa - The Cheetahs
Gee Whiz, It's Christmas - Carla Thomas

Stay tuned for the second part of the Sonic Reducer Xmess Thang!

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Sonic Reducer vs The Bunker with special guests The Beatings The Metro Oxford St December 18th 11pm-3am Beatings onstage at 1am Tickets are £6 via ticketweb.co.uk

Limited guest list, email for inclusion.

The Scoundrelles debut Organic Molecules In Action! is ready to roll into your exixtence now and what a fab racket it is too. Imagine "Flies" period Chilton marinated in Scientists with a little Neil Innes on the side and you ain't even close. Not released officially until February 4th 2004, you can score your copy now by clicking here.

Scored a copy of the latest Magic Dirt album from Agent Lizzy Pepper out there in Oz at The Dirtbag News Organisation. Tough Love continues the high-end work of this fine combo and further ponders the question of exactly why this group hasn't conquered the world. As the world readies itself for a Pixies reunion, the Dirt have all their chops and a whole wad more. Short sharp jolts of real rockin' - they got 'em. Spaced out psychedelics with feedback sorbet to spare? Plenty o' that in supply too. They combine many, many elements to make a heckuva noise. But it's not Nu-metal, just good natured all-weather rawk that should really be pointing them at the stratosphere. These kids have it all and why Adalita isn't a role model for a new generation surely bears investigation by authorities on such behaviour. Their website doesn't seem to be operating at the minute but when it is, like them Staples said... I'll take you there.

(photo from www.abc.net.au/triplej/jfiles/)

'Louie Louie' gold record going on eBay - Forty years after a song with mumbled vocals and supposedly lewd lyrics went from Pacific Northwest radio hit to nationwide sensation, the gold record it earned has gotta go...more

Great to see Joey honoured there in NY. I managed to finish Monte Melnick's Ramones book over the length of the train trip to and from London and it's heartily recommended. Not an easy read sometimes but 100% for real. I always found Monte to be a great guy. Firm but to my mind he was always fair. It's great that he got this tome together. How was the trip to London? Well it was grand to see the crew but the show was kinda disheartening. I need to put it into some kinda perspective before I run off at the word processor... I did finally get my mitts on a copy of Sonic Reducer #1 though so at least that was something.

More pictures here and here.

Just got the Wanda Jackson album "Heart Trouble" which includes Dave Alvin and also Lux and Ivy of The Cramps. Sympathy have a vinyl edition of it on the skelp also. You need it. Hearing Ivy's guitar on the version of "Funnel of Love" almost makes me forget that travesty known as "Fiends of Dope Island".

It's been a rough and tumble old week. The Spit and Polish Tour is underway and Amy's Allison and Rigby along with Neil Cleary and Mark Spencer have been bogged down with all kindsa crap. We've been trying to ease the pain but lessons have been learned folks. I'll expand on all that in due course after we get back from the London show tomorrow (Monday). Special agent David Scott is now accompanying the posse and Cap'n Jon Graboff of Special Forces have been drafted in. How do you educate people who will pay money to see shysters like Ryan Adams that they're just plain wrong? I'm not sure but I sure as hell ain't about to give up trying. Remember that old New Math chestnut "Die Trying"? Well if that's what it takes...

I generally hate and almost never open blanket e-mail but for some reason I opened this one and found it vaguely appropriate... it might make you smirk too, who the heck knows...
"It's the Spring of 1957 and Bobby goes to pick up his date. He's a pretty hip guy with his own car. When he goes to the front door, the
girl's father answers and invites him in."Carrie's not ready yet, so why don't you have a seat?", he says. Carries father asks Bobby what they're planning to do. Bobby replies politely that they will probably just go to the soda shop or a movie. Carries father responds, "Why don't you two go out and screw? I hear all the kids are doing it." Naturally this comes as quite a surprise to Bobby so he asks Carries dad
to repeat it. "Yeah" says Carrie's father, "Carrie really likes to screw; she'll screw all night if we let her!" Well, Bobby doesn't quite know what to think, but his plan for the evening is beginning to look pretty good. A few minutes later, Carrie comes downstairs in her little poodle skirt and announces that she is ready to go. Almost breathless with anticipation, Bobby escorts his date out the front door. About 20 minutes later, Carrie rushes back into the house, slams the door behind her, and screams: "Dammit Daddy! ITS CALLED THE TWIST!"

The I-94 Bar e-zine: Rock Action from Sydney, Australia, via The Bowery and the Motor City.

'In this issue of the I-94 Bar e-zine, we carry an interview with Mike Watt, formerly of the Minutemen and now of the Stooges. Mike opens up his tour scrapbook and shares what it's like to become a Stooge.

Deniz Tek of Radio Birdman previews his band's forthcoming two Australian shows and reveals a studio album and live DVD are not the only things in the pipeline. The band also has its sights firmly set on a U.S. tour.

Live, we run the rule over Killing Joke in Sydney, the Celibate Rifles, the Re-mains, the Volts, Penny Ikinger, Pubert Brown Fridge Occurrence and Ian Rilen.

On disc, we review discs by Iggy Pop, Pubert Brown Fridge Occurrence, Starky, Adam West, Cowboys from Outer Space, the Royal Dave Graney Show,
Bouchard, Dunway & Smith, Alice Cooper, Sunday Drunks, Michael Yonkers, Les Ecureils Qui Puent, Los Muertos Confederados and Rhino's box set "No Thanks - - the '70s Punk Rebellion".

We also have a giveaway - win a Pubert Brown Fridge Occurrence album".

http://www.i94bar.com.

This month's releases from Ace. GO!.

RIP: Claude Trenier. GO!.

Just reading Monte A Melnicks fine tome on The Ramones. A lotta warts there to be sure but let me tell you, without this guy there could have been no Ramones. As hideous a proposition as that might be - tis the fact of facts. Great "Please Kill Me" style format, even better cast. There are details back there on one of J's post with regard to how to get it. Typing of things Ramonic, I think I neglected to put the word out on Gary Pig's Baby Doll (not the Dee Dee song) 45 on Pop The Balloon records. It tweaks all the spots those Eastern Dark records did so whattayou waitin' for? E-mail: manuel campos@wanadoo.fr for availability details.

8 inch lathe cut records anyone? Snazzy lookin' things which sound different everytime you play them. Manufactured in New Zealand for a UK label, Heliotone. Investigate.

"Ronnie Dawson Tribute/Benefit Weekend Scheduled for November 21, 22 and 24

Get Ready to Support a Good Cause! The weekend of November 21 - 24 will see a trio of Ronnie Dawson Tribute / Benefits in the New York area. These events will honor the late great rockabilly singer and Wonderful Human Being ... RONNIE DAWSON, who passed away last month of cancer. (All proceeds will be donated to Ronnie's Family)

Friday Nov. 21st - Ronnie Dawson Tribute/Benefit Record Hop @ Motor City Bar located at 127 Ludlow Street (off Houston Street) in New York City. Tel: (212) 358-1595. From 10 pm - 4 am. Six sensational DJ's playing sets of rockin'¹ music until the wee hours. No cover! -- Special Guest DJ Rob "Chop Shop" (Dallas, TX), Rex (WFMU), Rockin Daddy O (WFHU) Jumpin' Joe Doto, Nick at Night, and Wolfman Josh. Raffles and Cool Prizes! Come on down and "Buy Ronnie a Drink!"

Sat. Nov. 22nd - Ronnie Dawson Tribute/Benefit Show @ Union Pool located at 484 Union Avenue in Brooklyn, NY. Phone: (71 609-0484. From 5pm til 12 am. Admission is $10. Eight bands including several who played with Ronnie, BBQ, Raffles with Cool Prizes! Featuring: The A-Bones, The Frantic Flattops, King Memphis, The Painkillers (w/Mike Hendrix/Belmont Playboys) Rhythm Bound - The Memphis Morticians - The Wanda Jackson 5 - Turbo AC's Plus a Record Hop with DJs Rob "Chop Shop", Jumpin Joe Doto, Rex (WFMU), Rockin Daddy O (WFHU), Jukebox Jodi, and Dirty Dan.

Monday Nov. 24th - Special Ronnie Dawson Themed "MAD DADDY MONDAY" @ Motor City Bar located at 127 Ludlow Street (off Houston Street) in New York City. Tel: (212) 358-1595. From 10 pm to 4 am. No cover! Benefit raffle and prizes! Record Hop with DJ's Rob "Chop Shop", Matt Fiveash, Wolfman Josh, and Nick at Night

At all three nights raffles will be held to raise additional funds. Donations have been received to date from Hepcat Records, Rockabilly Barbers and Wowsville with more to be announced. Members of the Press, for additional information, contact: Larry Shell @ 973-374-8495 or lawrenceshell@comcast.net".

"Can you possibly mention that the latest Illegal Movers shite is out 'n' about (a split w/ los Coyotemen ) so the kids will see our tour dates 'n' come along to heckle us then be swept away by some real rock action. Shave off their beards and all will be well with the world........" Certainly if it benefits world peace. Go!

The Barracudas – The Troubadour, London, 19 November

True to form for the ‘Cudas, the PA broke down during the sound check and a replacement one was urgently needed a mere hour before show time. As if that was not enough, once underway the quick-fix PA began to throw out ear-splitting vocals from Mr Gluck (sans guitar, bass and drums) and which added a rather bizarre element to the evening. “Hey, it's just like the 'Cudas at the Hope 'n' Anchor all over again,” one wit was heard to say. What the hell, Robin Wills and Jeremy Gluck were in a buoyant mood and nothing was gonna stop their train, not even a dodgy sound system. Such exuberance was contagious and made for one of the most enjoyable 'Cudas gigs I have ever seen. Add to the mix a young rhythm section that had a natural flair for the 'Cudas songbook and who offered a solid platform for Robin and Jeremy to deliver their unique brand of trash. As per usual the band opened with "Grammar of Misery" but then performed an about turn and concentrated on tracks from their formative years. A state of affairs that was fine with everyone present. In other words, lots of surf and garage tunes with hardly hint of the Chris Wilson era songbook. It must be well over twenty years since “Summer Fun” and “Rendez-Vous” were last played! Heck, at the end of the set they even threw in a manic "Surfer Joe" and which Jeremy introduced as the greatest song of all time. Possibly true. With the crowd demanding more, the boys encored with "Slow Death" and then disappeared into the West London night and onto Spain for their long awaited tag-team showdown the Dictators. This was a terrific gig and one that reminded this particular punter that songs such as "Violent Times," "Somebody," and "I Can't Pretend" are musical diamonds that invite the listener to discover some damn memorable hooks even if they are hidden beneath the grime of a shagged out PA. One suspect’s that Handsome Dick Manitoba may not be the only man “with the power of the hour”.

And now, why not read Robin's comments on the show?

Got a bit sidetracked recently with one thing and another. Mostly day to day bollocks, same as everybody else but I’ve a wrong to right here. Got a package from Ms Palmyra Delran of NYC consisting of The Friggs and Booty Olympics albums and her latest six song demo. Long time NBTsters will be familiar with her work in Pink Slip Daddy alongside Ben Vaughn and some may even be hep to this stuff but just incase… All of it is top notch snotty girls in the garage rock with plenty of pure pop thrills. It doesn’t sound all “authentic” in that no-fi fashion that’s become popular. This stuff breathes real fire and recalls faves like The Fastbacks and how bad a thing can that be. The Friggs Rock Candy alb on E-vil records says it came out in 1997 anf this is the first I’ve seen it. I oughtta get a good hard kick up the arse. The Booty Olympics are of more recent vintage, "Everybody loves a sad song. Everybody's felt disappointment, heartbreak, and unrequited love. Everybody holds secret and irrational grudges, and we all need a soundtrack that's just right". Boystyle is that s/t and it came out in 2002, a little edgier than The Friggs but possessed of that similar poptastic bloodline. PD’s demo boasts 6 contagious sides and if I had a label still I’d bite her bloody hand off. Wall to wall, classic timeless gal-rock. Love Has Gone Away and Baby Should Have Known Better in particular belong on rock’n’roll radio the planet o’er. Chase this gear via Go!

More exotic Dutch "art"; Claudia Hek paints on toilet seats, record players, lamps, toasters, t-shirts and more. GO!. (Link c/o of Alexander Polaroid)

Jeez, now Don "Sea of Heartbreak" Gibson is gone.Go!

Local video artiste 'n all round nice gal Janneke Kupfer has launched a site where you can watch a bunch of her stuff includin' videos for Dutch garage bands The D-Rangers and Los Looches. GO!.

RIP: Arthur Conley.

Sunday evening, and finally some time for a short update from this end. The reshaping of HQ is (so far) a surprisingly smooth affair, so much so, that over the past couple o' weeks I've frequently wondered "hey, where's the catch?". Still far from finished, but we're gettin' there. While typin' this I'm enjoyin' the luxury of central heating for the third night in a row !. Downside has been the movin' about of my records 'n books, you hardly ever consider the sheer weight of the stuff until you have to carry it around !. I almost considered dumpin' it all and gettin' one of those handy dandy modern iPod thingies for a while!, heck, it would've saved us the trouble of gettin' an extra floor in the first place... Oh well, truth is I'm too old to ever consider down sizing the collection and walk around with all my records stuffed in a matchbox, it just wouldn't be the same.
OK, on to more important things; more new records 'n books !.
First off: Ramones' tourmanager Monte Melnick's new book on his time with the band is a must read, no two ways about it. 'On The Road With The Ramones' is a bizarre rollercoasterride thru' what must be one of the most twisted stories in r'n'r. Even for know-it-alls like myself, this throws up plenty o' new details to keep you glued to its pages from the git-go. Couple that with a plethora of previously unseen pics 'n memorabilia and you've got the ultimate Ramones bible in your hands.
It almost feels like it was a previous lifetime when I first picked up those French 70's re-prints of the original Gene Vincent footlongs in a local supermarket and got my first taste of Gene's "sweet Virginia whisper". Not sure if Norton's issues of these discs will reach your local 7-11, but by all means try to nail these platters ASAP if you're still un-acquainted to 'em, 'cause they contain information you desperately need !. 50's rockabilly hardly comes better than this.
Gearhead has a solid collection of loose ends 'n stray tunes by the New Bomb Turks available. 'Switchblade Tongues, Butterknife Brains' offers truckloads of unreleased goodies includin' no less then two Devil Dogs' covers. A DVD is in the works.
Rhino's No Thanks! 70's punk rock box-set is easily the equal of their Nuggets and/or the Loud, Fast and Out Of Control sets. A solid collection put together w/ the original focus in mind. Meanin' that you also get to hear tunes by the likes of Mink DeVille and Eddie & The Hot Rods, stuff that'll have your average Good Charlotte fan screamin' in dismay.
As for me, I could happily spend the rest of my life without ever wantin' to hear stuff like the Stranglers again, and even with some of my all-time favorite bands I'm often too familiar w/ the tunes included to still really enjoy 'em. But as a launchin pad for those lookin' for a guide into this stuff, this is really hard to fault on any level. Tho' the purist in me is somewhat infuriated 'bout the inclusion of several laterday "remixes"....
OK, there you have it. I'd better go catch some sleep before those construction workers start knockin' on our door again at 6:30 in the morning...

My buddy in SF, Brother Don Ciccone's gig reports are a wonderful thing (babies!) and I'd like to share his Simon & Garfunkel number with y'all right here...
"just got back from san jose for simon and garfunkel. sold out arena. show was ruined by idiots behind us who talked from beginning to end despite our asking them repeatedly to shut up. even when they weren't talking i couldn't get into it because i kept waiting for them to start up again. i wanted to beat their heads in. anyways...the show started with a video collage...shots of young paul & artie and all kinds of americana (including reagan!) with an instrumental version of "america" (from bookends) playing. this ended with a map showing san jose. then they came on - at about 8:30PM. simon in red long sleeve t-shirt, baggy cords and brown suede shoes and no hat. art wore jeans and t-shirt under an open shirt. and his big hair. he looked the same as ever. right off the bat they scored points for dressing as simon and garfunkel. they opened with "old friends". acoustic. beautiful.
at least what i could hear of it over the chatter going on all around. at the mcartney shows nobody - i mean nobody - said a word the whole night. this crowd was stupid from the get go. okay, then they continued on with the bookends theme ("time it was...") and then the band was there -- 7 piece, including jim keltner on drums! they had 2 guitarists - one had a white falcon and the other had a new fender electric 12 going into a blackface fender amp -- a super reverb i think. there was also a guy on fender bass, sitting on his amp. and a percussionist and a keyboard guy. they kicked ass on "hazy shade of winter". then came "i am a rock". then simon took off his acoustic 12 string (i think he played mostly maritns all night but i'm not sure). and next came "america" which was really great. garfunkel was incredible. simon seemed to enjoy himself on "at the zoo" next. then "baby driver". then garfunkel talked about their busking days in london and their friend kathy and so they did "kathy's song" which art says is simon's "most beautiful love song ever". and it really is. i forgot to mention they stopped the show for a minute to say happy birthday to garfunkel (62 i think). okay, then garf talked about how they've been friends since they were 11 yrs old. "and we started arguing when we turned 12", said simon. and they did "hey schoolgirl", their tom and jerry song from the '50's. i'd never heard it before. very everly bros. and... then..... who comes out????? THE EVERLY BROTHERS!! S & G introduce them and then clear off. they were kinda unrecognizable. don looked different and phil's gotten rather portly. but there they were -- all in black - with their black j-200's. and from the second the strummed those things -- WOW!! i mean - unmistakable!! they did "wake up little suzie". and the guitarist now had a dano baritone!! it sounded sooo great. it's obviously the sound you hear on so many country records. next they did "all i have to do is dream" and "let it be me". it was just so stunning and exciting -- i couldn't really take it in. you just wanted to hit pause and get your bearings! then simon and garfunkel came back-- (oh yeah, that's right, it's a simon and garfunkel show) and they ALL sang "bye bye love" which was phenomenal because it really sounded like doubled tracked everlys. that was something. then phil and don were off. people went nuts.
now it quieted down nicely with "scarborough fair". then "homeward bound" - a jazzy version of it, with a vince guaraldi kind of piano solo. a half-acoustic version of "sound of silence" was next (starting out acoustic and then the band kicked in). after that the lights went down and they showed clips from the graduate on the video screens and you knew what was coming, they all stood for "mrs. robinson". simon really got into playing the main riff and also that little bend he does in the middle. this one was the show stopper.
simon introduced the next one by saying that some of his '70's stuff would've made great simon and garfunkel songs. and they did "slip sliding away". nice swingin' version of it. much better than simon's. just shows you how much better those songs would've been with garfunkel.
"el condor pasa" followed and the rhythm guitarist looked like he had a tiny little 12 string on this. i thought it was a mandolin but it looked like a 12 string ukelele! sounded great. also i think this is they one they had theremin on. wow. that was a blast. i don't think i've ever actually heard a theremin on stage before. "keep the customer satisfied" was next. i hadn't heard that one since i bought the album (on 8-track!). simon then told how he wrote "only living boy in new york" when art had left for mexico to act in "catch 22". and he did a nice version of that. then garfunkel was back and he said he wished he stayed with paul long enough to be on the next one "american tune" (?) -- that stupid song from rhymin' simon that sounds like a hymn. i used to call it the benediction song. i never liked that one - altho garfunkel's choir boy voice did match it perfectly.. then they did a sprited version of "in my little town" - another one that's never been one of my favorites. but people loved it. as of course they did the next one... they traded verses on "bridge over troubled water", joining up on the "sail on silvergirl" verse. garfunkel was not as awesome on this as he's been in the past. i think maybe they lost a little tonight because they added another show the night before. i hate when they do that. you know your show is going to suffer when that happens. but it was alright. then they went off. and for the encore: "cecilia" and "the boxer". they smiled as they backed off the microphones in the "lie la lie" parts as the crowd was singing it. they went off again. came back and did a superb rendition of one of my all time faves: "the leaves that are green" at the end of which simon sang, "that's all there is". but it wasn't...there was one more: "the 59th street bridge song". and that got everyone up and... well... feeling groovy! nice show. -- dc

"Beatsville" visits the way-out world of the beatnik, circa 1959. It's a world of coffeehouses and bohemian pads, alive with poetry and jazz, populated with goatee sporting daddy-os and raven haired leotard wearing beatnik chicks, and all backed with a bongo beat guaranteed to send you into orbit. Beatsville is the first pop culture history of the beatnik. You'll be hipped to it all with an extensive visual tour of the era with record covers, books, comics, ceramics and more. Skirting around the more serious and philosophical tenants of the Beat Generation. Beatsville explores the above-ground pop culture manifestations of the beatnik... Maynard G. Krebs and Sheldon Epps, A Bucket of Blood and The Rebel Set, Like Crazy, Man and My Life and Loves in Greenwich Village, The Cool Scene and Grimm's Hip Fairy Tales. The visual tour continues with abstract splashes of paint and surreal cra-zee perspectives as we delve into the kooky and far-out world of vintage beatnik art... and then coming out in contemporary times with beatnik inspired art by today's coolest artists including JD King, Shag, Coop, Mark Ryden, The Pizz, Jeff Raglus, Sunny Buick, Tim Biskup, Charles Schneider, Bosko, Lynne Naylor, Munktiki, Dave Burke, Frank Kozik, Bob Moss, Alan Forbes, Miles Thompson, Larry Wessel, Anthony Macknay, Gemma Jones, Mitch O'Connell, Cass Carnaby, Seonna Hong, Todd Schorr, XnO and Van. Beatsville is your ticket from squaresville to the world of the cool, the way-out and the offbeat. Click here GO! to view the works. Bookstore distribution is by Last Gasp, crash their website here GO Like again! Available in stores late December, this is "The first pop culture history of the beatnik". Edited by Martin McIntosh, essay by Domenic Priore. ISBN 0-9751078-0-1 Outré Gallery Press. 144 pages, full color US $26.95.

News on the next batch of Norton releases:

5.6.7.8'S - ROCK & ROLL SANTA/HARLEM SHUFFLE
Fresh from their exciting onscreen appearance in Quentin Tarantino's 'Kill Bill', Japan's garage geisha serve up a roaring holiday platter. B-side is a over of the Bob & Earl R&B dance classic. Spiffy picture sleeve!
LYRES/NEW CONOLLY FIVE - SPLIT 7"
8th Of 15 split Rolling Stones cover singles recorded by today's coolest hit makers and packaged in their own company sleeve. LYRES play 'Now I've Got A Witness' and Monoman's alter-ego, NEW CONOLLY FIVE, play 'Stoned'.
SWINGIN' NECKBREAKERS/SHANKS - SPLIT 7"
7th Of 15 split Rolling Stones cover singles recorded by today's coolest hit makers and packaged in their own company sleeve. SN play 'It's Not Easy'. SHANKS play 'Doncha Bother Me'.
ROKY ERICKSON & THE ALIENS - DON'T KNOCK THE ROK! (2LP)
2LP. 23 Previously UNISSUED 1978 studio performances showcase ROKY & THE ALIENS romping through late fifties, early sixties teen chartbusters and
some cool originals! Tracks include 'You Drive Me Crazy', 'What To Do', 'Things That Go Bump In The Night', 'Love Is Strange', 'Bumble Bee Zombie',
'You're The One', 'etc.
SKY SAXON - PRESENTS A STARLIGHT DATE WITH...
....Richard Marsh'. A must-have for SEEDS fans. First time collection of SKY SAXON recordings from 1959-64, from his rare debut 'What Chance Have
I?' as DICK MARSH to 'Do The Swim' with the ELECTRA-FIRES plus the HOODWINKS and the SOUL ROCKERS. Includes newly discovered 1959 debut 45! Excellent sleeve notes and great full-colour jacket.
VARIOUS - BIG ITCH, VOL. 7
Celebrated all-vinyl series returns with yet another astonishing collection of rockin' wildass bizarros with a heavy concentration of unknown dance themes and nods to food, cycles and disfiguring complexion eruptions! Featuring ARGONS (Do The Dog), TOM BROWN (Bird Dance Beat), TITO MAMBO & THE MEN OF CHANTZ (Jungle Farm), CENTURY FIVE (La Moomba Kasa Boo Boo Cha Cha Cha), etc.

Sanctuary have issued The Cramps Flamejob album with the inclusion of Confessions of a PsychoCat and No Club Lone Wolf plus both versions of the UltraTwist video. I'm not sure why this couldn't have come out as part of the Vengeance Reissues series but, y'ken... This is easily their most consistent record (to my mind) since Psychedelic Jungle. It's important to remember that it came out in the UK on Creation when McGee lumbered the world with O*sis. But anyway, that's water way below the bridge or rather a crime against music for anarra time. Not sure about that re-do of the Flamejob logo, the original font was understated and I think that cover photo speaks for itself. Somebody should have proof-read those sleeve notes Mike, Miriam is not spelled with a "u" fer chrissakes and maybe it would have been an idea to limit the scrapbook images to the period in question? Cramped ones are picky critters. Anyway, the music is what matters when all is said and done and there's a real spikeheeled crunch to Flamejob that, to this day, they haven't recaptured. UltraTwist should have been the international breakout hit it deserved to be and the world would be a better place for the sickness it could have spawned. So let's do it kids, re-write the wrongs of history and Let's Get FUUUUU-Cked Up!

Actually while we're at it, go to The Honeymooners site and lollygad awhile in Norton's memory...

RIP Art Carney without whom there could have been no Norton Records. He's back alongside "The Great One" now. Go!.

From theNomads' site: "On monday november 3rd the Nomads tribute album 'Twenty Years Too Soon' finally was released on Big Bongo/Wild Kingdom Records (distribution by Sound Pollution). See full track listing here: A 7' single coupling the Hellacopters' version and the Nomads' version of 'Pack of Lies' was also released in a limited ediotion of 1000 copies. To celebrate all this a release party was held at the Debaser club in Stockholm with an all-star band consisting of Robert Hellacopter as drummer and band leader, Chips K on guitar/vocals, Heikki Kiviaho on bass and Markus Turpentine on guitar/vocals performing Nomads songs with amazing guest artists like Nick Royale, Odd from the Robots, Staffan Hellstrand, Mats from Maryslim and our old buddy and long time Nomads roadie Thomas 'Osten' Johansson. A fantastic time was of course had by everybody in the sold out house. Many thanks to all involved, the Nomads will cherish the memory of this evening!"

"SLUGROCK TIME is a rocknroll music site dealing with the (ahem) achievements of Tony Slug. Yes his whole pathetic musical career laid out from 1978 until now : The Nitwitz, B.G.K. (Balthasar Gerards Kommando), Loveslug, the Spades, Hydromatics, and more ! The only thing these bands have in common is that Tony Slug plays in them and that they all kick ass".

Just to add to Steve's Barracudas post there, The new single arrived here yesterday and it's a glam-mungously sharp return to the fray. Recorded the self-same day that Radio Birdman went on way too early at The Mean Fiddler, "Don't Ever Say..." feels like a familiar old friend delivering a good hard kick up the arse viz a viz (sounded like David Brent there) "We're back, wanna make something of it?" What a bloody glorious racket they've kicked up. Makes you feel, just for a second, that all might not be lost after all. No self respecting NBT-watcher should go without one of these so follow Steve's links and nail a copy. If you have difficulty then let we know and we'll do what we can to help you get one. Can't say nae fairer than that.

The Barracudas are to play a one-off show at The Troubadour in London on Wednesday 19th November. Tickets are now on sale but hurry as the venue is "intimate" and space limited. Hey, it sounds like the Hope 'n' Anchor! The London show coincides with a festival appearance in Spain alongside The Dictators and the simulataneous release of a new 45rpm (Don't Ever Say It Can't Be b/w Not That Kind) as well as the re-release of their first 45rpm (I Want My Woody Back b/w Subway Surfin') by Munster Records. More information about the recent recording session and the forthcoming shows can be found on The Barracudas Yahoo! Group.

Was sad to hear that the Au-GoGo store in Melbourne has closed but the good news is that they're still in business. Read all about it!.

Art Fein's November slice of wisdom is at the end of this link. He da man! Go!

The Skeletons on the November 1st edition of Whad'ya Know? Go Listen!

My old mucker, Brother Randall sent me this info which I know all you cultured vultures will dig... over to you sir, "First off is this cool book on Carnival Strippers, which I first saw at Mike Buck's house back in the 80s and have searched for a copy ever since, now it's been reprinted (got mine for a measly $30 from Amazon). Check out the slide show thingy here! (tho' you need to register). Also, for the benefit of Art Lovers everywhere, I put up a web page of Donna's and my 1960s adult movie poster collection here!.

"The Scythian: An excerpt from 'Vinyl Junkies: Adventures in Record Collecting' by Brett Milano". (hilarious story involving Jeff 'Monoman' Connelly).

Pure teenpunkpop thunder vs. lumpy angular "fusion" (Impure Plop). Discuss...
Last night (no wednesday) I saw The Star Spangles open for Jane's Addiction to little more than a ripple of indifferent applause. Indifference was never a trait associated with Glasgow but that's how lame "rawk" audiences have gotten. People go to gigs now to have conversations but that's a bugbear for another time. The show, at the city's prestigious new Carling Academy should have blown minds but the flotsam that makes up the JA demographic couldn't care less. As a venue it's looking good but functionally there isn't a whiff of atmos. The restoration of original features and the sightlines are good so why doesn't this augment the experience?
The Spangles came out and charged into their set with a gusto that you seldom see in this day and age. They played songs from Bazooka! and another four new ones that are just fuggin' top notch. One of these, Gangland, is beyond anthemdom and the others don't slouch either. There's a great harmonic breadth to the guitar sound on all Spangle tuneage. I'm sure I heard a little Jingle Bells frisson during Tell Lies and Tear it To Pieces Girl shreds. I am vexed that "the kids" don't recognise these pop gold in these here thrills. They need a campaign that'll introduce them to a younger, untarnished crowd. Does such a circuit exist? Answers on a postcard or whatever.
Actually we're having problems changing the contact info on the ol' blog here. Hopefully that'll all be worked out soon but let's not stray from the original subject. The Star Spangles are on a mission and their detractors only make them stronger. Like I said, they're not your average crew despite what lazy, ill infomed sections of the press might whine. Sign up now!

The Worst Album Covers Ever.

Still haven't got a ticket for the MTV awards. That'll teach me... but tonight - in Glasgow, for just the one night y'unnerstaun'... The Star Spangles open for Perry Farrell's way overrated Janes Addiction, then we scoot from there (hopefully not missing Paul Burch's set altogether) to see Laura Cantrell open for bluegrass legend, Dr Ralph Stanley. Let's hear it for Blu(egrass) Cantrell...

Just wanted to let you know that the Master Plan's 'Colossus Of Destiny' is due for vinyl release on November 10th on the Demolition Derby label. The Master Plan are: Andy Shernoff (Dictators), Keith Streng & Bill Milhizer (Fleshtones) and Paul Johnson (Waxing Poetics). If you would like to order a copy, you should be able to find the details at: www.demderby.com

Johnny Barker leaves the Buff Medways...
"Not to worry though, the show goes on with Graham Day, formerly of The Prisoners, Thee Mighty Caesars and currently the singer/guitartist of The Solar Flares temporarily joining the band! The Buff Medways first gig with the new look line up will be on November 14th at the Dirty water Club. Also playing that night are the legendary Armitage Shanks, who are back and better than ever with a new album "Urinal Heap" on Damaged Goods". For more info: Thee Billy Childish.com

(from joeyramone.com) "It is now finally official!
The City Of New York is dedicating the corner of Bowery and Second Street as Joey Ramone Place on November 30th, 2003 at 1:00pm. Contrary to other reports elsewhere that this was a done deal long ago, New York is finally giving it up for Joey Ramone! Come out and witness this historic event if you can!"

While typin' this I'm surround by what could be best described as a Christo-type work of art, everything around me is covered in plastic. As of tomorrow we will, albeit temporarily, no longer have a roof over our heads, not to mention the fact that it looks like I won't be able to take a shower here for at least three weeks !. Yep the re/de-construction of HQ is in full effect.
But as promised I'll still try to give you some updates on what I'm diggin' culture wise.
So here goes; Bacchus Archives have just reissued the stellar first 45 by LA powerpop legends The Quick. Main tune on this 45 is 'Pretty Please', a song most of you will know as by either the Dickies or Redd Kross, but to quote Dobie Gray; "the original is still the greatest". The latest batch from Ace Records includes a solid soul comp with all tunes related to the war in Vietnam. ''A Soldier's Sad Story' is easily one of the best soul comps since those Dave Godin compiled 'Deep Soul Treasures' series. From Soul Jazz comes 600 % Dynamite, a real "grower" featuring a bunch of fantastic (and even to me) obscuro Jamaican hits, that are sure to highlight your next shindig. Hey, I gotta agree with Lindsay's POV on the Nomads tribute disc. The fact that there are a number o' tunes on this that the guys did in tribute themselves, should be evidence enough that they are masters at creating their own body of work no matter the source.
'N yeah, this might seem like shorthand, I know... Too bad, but I'm headin' for my last shower in what might be weeks right now, so please forgive me for bein' so brief here....
Damn, almost forgot mentioning the Dirtbombs latest. Easily one of the top 5 p-rock/garage discs this year...

Stop the world the MTV awards are coming to Edinburgh this week. It's gonna be a massive boost to the local economy don'tcha know? The price we're paying is that it's getting saturation coverage. Forget the fact that Edinburgh has no tangible music scene as such but it does have a castle. And at Christmas time, it has a dirty great ferris wheel planked in front, or to the side rather, of Scott's Monument in Princes Street, just along from Bargain Books. All Edinburgh is these days is a soulless money drain. Damned scenic looking in a fur coat, nae knickers kinda fash but is there no end to the constant "gies yer money" vibe. Meanwhile good folks like the Mouats are trying to put on quality entertainment there on a regular basis and get piddly wee audiences. It's an ill-divided world right enough...

In a proper world, The Nomads would enjoy the megastardom they deserve and The Demolition Doll Rods would have been the combo to put Detroit back on the map but we cannae have everything... stand by for the Nomads tribute 20 Years Too Soon comin' atcha this very week courtesy of Big Bongo/Wild Kingdom. It kicks off the party with The Dictators 16 Forever and hammers home the message that those Solna boys introduced us to some damn fine tuneage over the years. Voladoras do more than justice to The Way (You Touch My Hand) and I'd say that all told, this is a damned goodnatured project. More than just a bunch of covers, there's some heart and soul here. The Hellacopters Pack of Lies makes one wonder what it'll take to hep the kids to the fact that they should be selling the tickets and records that T*rb*ne*ro are. Can we get to turning the tables here?

Still getting to grips with this broadband and severing the ol' ties with AOL. Never had this kinda guff with pen, paper and stamps. This is like moving house without actually moving. A proper posting soon, nae kidding. Swedish readers may be interested in picking up todays DAGENS NYHETER to read a report on Glasgow by Niklas Wahllof who suffered for his art I can tell ya. It's not on line but early reports are most favourable.

Time certainly flies when you're, well uh, busy... It's almost a week now since returning from our holiday trip and I've hardly posted anything here. As some of you already know I'm headin' for parenthood somewhere early in the next year if all goes well, and the logistics that come along with that take up a lot of time at the moment. We're gonna have an extra floor build on top of HQ in the next couple o' weeks, not to house our upcomin' baby tho', but to make room for my ever expanding record collection ! (earlier today I was tryin' to clear up the mess that is my "music room" and I noted that over the past six days I had bought 18 LPs, that's three a day!... that's insane!...) But, as you can well figure, that building business will be needin' most of my attention in the near future, so please excuse me if I'm temporarily not as frequent with my posts as what you're used to.
Enough of that tho', let's talk "culture". First off, I finally got to read Robert Gordon's amazing Muddy Waters biography 'Can't Be Satisfied' during our stay in Greece. A fantastic read that doesn't go all scholarly like most books on blues, but tells Muddy's story in plain detail. Fascinating, captivating and inspiring, how's that for superlatives?. Another great read was the new issue of Ugly Things magazine. Mike Stax has really outdone himself with the Misunderstood story, and with all the other info available in it's 200 or so pages, this one will take a while to fully digest. For no apparent reason I also dropped Charles White's Little Richard biography in my traveling bag after it had been gathering dust on HQ's bookshelf for a decade or so. I had forgotten what fantastic book this is, easily as wild as the reverend Penniman's wildest discs. The story of his encounter with Buddy Holly is worth the price of admission by itself !. That's it as far as reading is concerned, as for my current listening habits; I'm stuck to a steady diet of old blues 'n soul discs, everything from pre-war country blues to Bobby Womack's early 70s LPs. It never stops to amaze me how much great music is still out there to be discovered, we're talkin' over a century of record music here !, yet people are actually gone over such horsedung like the Darkness and King Of Leon these days, bands that no one will give a shit about in 12 months time. Truth is; fifty years down the line you can put on a Muddy Waters or Little Richard disc from their heyday and sparks 'll still be flying, while these current "contenders", baskin' in their 15 minutes, can't even hold a candle to either of 'em. Excuse me while I do the Boogaloo and refuse to be duped into yet another marketing ploy....

Welcome back J. This guy is the glue that keeps all this together y'know. Been hunting for more victims for my Ebay clearout. Repatriating stuff that's been in boxes in the loft for a while now. I'm letting 'em out on good behaviour for whatever they raise. I think quite a lot these days about how, if I go out some morning or whatev. and get hit by a bus, that it'll all end up in a skip anyway. The idea then is to raise some dosh so I can spend time with my extended family across this planet. They know who they are. Anyway, music stuff soon. There's been a certain amount of turmoil about the abode this weekend. We've gone broadband so I haveta shut down the AOL thing and make sure that I have all the info I need outta that account before it's deep sixed for good. Will this new faster, doesn't kick you out every 15 minutes connection make for an increase in postings? You never bleedin' know mate...

OK, back from Greece and downing the final parts of a bottle o' "imported" Greek wine.....
I'll spare you the details (at least for the moment) and just urge you all to get a hold of the new Zodiac Killers full length 'Society's Offenders'. As fine a p-rock blast as you're gonna get in this day 'n age.....

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest but I've got a stinkin' cold and today's papers are full of crap about The Strokes. This is in sharp contrast to yesterday when my cold was just creepin' up on me and hearing Steve Earle talk about The Dictators on BBC Radio Scotland pre-11am.
Also how hard does the new Mojo suck? Not the cd or Sylvie Simmons thing on Johnny Cash but their latest Hall of Fame "list" might finally be the thing that pulls the plug on me buying it ever again and nothing to do with the fact that I'm actually forbidden by religion to buy issues with Oasis, The Beatles, Paul Weller or The aforementioned Str*kes on the cover. I hope those thunderstorms ain't raining on Jeroen's parade too hard now...