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.