Who ever heard of musicians actually getting paid?
Picked this up from the Groovies message board and tis by "wir ain" Ms Marlowe no less. Go stake your claim folks...
Monday, November 29, 2004
Spend a lot of time diggin' thru' the latest issue of Ugly Things this weekend and suffice to say it's another winner. I kinda feared that a third installment of the Misunderstood story would be stretchin' things but the truth is that I read the piece in one sitting and am actually lookin'' forward to part 4!. Great stuff also on the likes of the Twiliters (Roller Land!), the Creatures and Plastic Bertrand. Another list of 70s DIY 45s is stretchin' things tho', with many repeats from previous lists and the same conclusions bein' drawn over 'n over again, it's time the raise the standard here and go beyond the rare/tasty/mucho-dinero talk and start tracing some of the people involved and let them have their say. That out of the way, I can do naught but recommend this to one 'n all. Get it direct from the source or go bug your local book or wax emporium, but get it by all means...
Promised to keep you posted on the little ones as soon as they arrived. And whadda you know; the latest batch of Norton 45s landed on my doorstep late last week, so let's dig in. On top of the stack is an EP by Pretty Boy (AKA Don Covay) featurin' his wild 1958 45 Switchin' In The Kitchen/Rockin' The Mule plus two previously unreleased tunes, all heavily inspired by the Reverent Richard Penniman. And just like Otis Redding's recordings with the Pinetoppers these songs just wail man, wail!. Morgen David & the Grapes Of Wrath serve up a entirely different, but equally tasty, stew of primitive mid 60s garage poundin', with both Little Girl Gone and Don't Want You No More deliverin' the goods. Herbie Duncan is a household name wherever there's an appreciation for bizarro rockabilly. His godlike Hot Lips Baby/Little Angel 45 gets the redcarpet re-issue treatment here w/ beautiful packaging and linernotes by longtime Duncan fan Deke Dickerson. Hound Dog/Be-Bop-a-lu-La by Gene Vincent & the Blue Caps, as record for the Alan Freed Show in '56, serves as a fine addition to Norton's extensive re-issue program on Gene & Co. Northwest Grease rounds up four rare tunes by the likes of Lord Dent & the Invaders and The Mighty El Dukes, if you dig Norton's Wolfcall comp as much as I do, this comes highly recommended. Gettin' back to the here 'n now, the Reigning Sound are the latest to be featured in the label's series of X-mass 45s, and once again they prove to be one of thee best bands goin' right now. No ifs or maybees!. Finally there's the latest installment in the Rolling Stones tribute series with both Sky Saxson and the Liars takin' the honors this go round, with Sky winnin' out with a cool version of The Singer Not The Song.
Go get 'm all!.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
22-20s - 22-20s (EMI LP).
Bein' out of touch as I am with everything happening on a mainstream level I failed to catch up with this disc whenever it first came out. But hey, it's not that good ol' blighty threw up much of worth in the past two decades as far as this rockin' stuff goes. But lo 'n behold, here's that rare artifact: a genuinely good British LP !. 22-20s do that blues-inspired thing limeys once had nailed to perfection but hasn't been heard since the first Screaming Blue Messiahs disc way back when. A friend of mine referred to this as "a major label interpretation of the Reigning Sound", and that ain't too far from reality, and not a bad thing per sé. Wailin' slide and pumpin' Hooker-ish boogies coupled w/ the occasional non-lame ballad are the main ingredients here and sure make a tasty dish. Whether they're able to cut it on stage (hardly the Brits major asset) is another matter entirely, but in the meantime I'll be spinnin' this well into the new year...
Finally got to see End Of The Century in Amsterdam last night where it was screened as part of the International Documentary Film Festival, and man, was it ever worth the wait!. Sure, I know the Ramones story by heart; but even for someone as jaded as myself the film held a lot of surprises. Not so much the archival material (excellent tho' it was) but the fact that finally all the right people (ie the band themselves and those part of their inner sanctum) finally opened-up and admitted, on-camera, all the rumors that have been spreading like wildfire ever since the band broke-up that this was in fact not a happy family. Seeing and hearing the three very distinct but radically different personalities tell their tale was both enlightening and sad. Johnny the drill sergeant who was able to keep the show rollin' for all those years thru' sheer determination, Joey the geeky kid with compulsive behavior disorder who saved himself by becoming the singer in a rock band and Dee Dee the eternal junkie misfit with the songwriting talent. As for the others: Tommy was able to save his ass early on by jumping ship while the others (Marky, C.J. and Richie) were always too one-dimensional to be on the same level as the triumvirate. The interviews with Johnny and Dee Dee especially are the highlights of the movie with the latter displaying a large amount of deadpan humor that saves things from getting too serious. Well paced and focusing on both the internal turmoil and the bigger picture (let's not forget these guys are among the best ever, no ifs or maybees), End Of The Century is mandatory viewing for all NBT readers, no excuses excepted...
Late Note: as in previous videos there was jet another short snippet of the London Rainbow show from Dec 31 1977 included, this show demands the full DVD treatment ASAP!
The Star Spangles are looking for a female rock & roll band to join 'em at CBGBs on New Years Eve. Anybody interested might want to drop the guys a line via thestarspangles@optonline.net
The River City Rebels are also on the bill and there's hardly any money in it but it might be good for a little exposure. You kids know that money isn't everything, right?
The River City Rebels are also on the bill and there's hardly any money in it but it might be good for a little exposure. You kids know that money isn't everything, right?
Just saw this from Ben... Very sorry to hear that this fine New York store will disappear...
"Hey Folks -
A bittersweet Rock n Roll Bash!
DOT DASH PRESENTS
Wowsville Records going away party
Thurs December 2:
THE LITTLE KILLERS
BLACK LIPS
SHOP FRONTS
DC SNIPERS
At Siberia – 356 W. 40th Street at 9th Avenue
Doors 8:30PM
Cover TBA
This show is a send off for NYCs ONLY punk rock record store, Wowsville Records on 125 2nd Avenue. Alberto Camarasa and his wife Sonia opened the store 5 years ago this December. The couple moved from Spain and knew no one; in 5 years time, the store became THE punk/garage record store, hangout, meeting spot, make shift happy
hour in NYC.
Wowsville was also a shrine to some of NYCs most important bands, especially THE RAMONES – rare vinyl, memorabilia, posters, videos and, of course the photos. The store had an amazing collection of punk photos for sale by Roberta Bayley, Godlis and others. NYC artist and scene-hopper Mark Khostabi painted a recent series
honoring his old haunts in the East Village– he decided to include Wowsville in a painting because he felt it too has become a landmark. And Lux Interior and Poison Ivy from the Cramps dropped by their last time in town to say hi and spend some money!
Alberto is also a tireless promoter of bands that he loves – go into his store around the time of a release by a band in his favor and you'd hear it ALL WEEK LONG –he would make people buy new releases by such bands as BLACK LIPS, LITTLE KILLERS, TYRADES, THE SPITS and THE LIDS among many many others. Also, when many of these bands were on tour, they would always make sure to pay a visit. This was the
meeting place for the underground punk and garage scene both locally
and nationally and it will be sorely missed!"
Anybody out there know why? Other than the fact that these fine people are obviously suffering financially for their art.
"Hey Folks -
A bittersweet Rock n Roll Bash!
DOT DASH PRESENTS
Wowsville Records going away party
Thurs December 2:
THE LITTLE KILLERS
BLACK LIPS
SHOP FRONTS
DC SNIPERS
At Siberia – 356 W. 40th Street at 9th Avenue
Doors 8:30PM
Cover TBA
This show is a send off for NYCs ONLY punk rock record store, Wowsville Records on 125 2nd Avenue. Alberto Camarasa and his wife Sonia opened the store 5 years ago this December. The couple moved from Spain and knew no one; in 5 years time, the store became THE punk/garage record store, hangout, meeting spot, make shift happy
hour in NYC.
Wowsville was also a shrine to some of NYCs most important bands, especially THE RAMONES – rare vinyl, memorabilia, posters, videos and, of course the photos. The store had an amazing collection of punk photos for sale by Roberta Bayley, Godlis and others. NYC artist and scene-hopper Mark Khostabi painted a recent series
honoring his old haunts in the East Village– he decided to include Wowsville in a painting because he felt it too has become a landmark. And Lux Interior and Poison Ivy from the Cramps dropped by their last time in town to say hi and spend some money!
Alberto is also a tireless promoter of bands that he loves – go into his store around the time of a release by a band in his favor and you'd hear it ALL WEEK LONG –he would make people buy new releases by such bands as BLACK LIPS, LITTLE KILLERS, TYRADES, THE SPITS and THE LIDS among many many others. Also, when many of these bands were on tour, they would always make sure to pay a visit. This was the
meeting place for the underground punk and garage scene both locally
and nationally and it will be sorely missed!"
Anybody out there know why? Other than the fact that these fine people are obviously suffering financially for their art.
It's been a slow week in blog terms then... just got back from a few days in "the london". The original schlepp was planned around a trip to see THE SOLUTION at Dingwalls but said show was duly cancelled due to a lack of taste or honour in the venue department. Not sure which exactly but both are equally heinous. Anyway, armed with train tix - we didn't "pull the gig" and set off on a wee adventure which included The Detroit Cobras(again), The Dirty Water Club and The Boogaloo (or the Buglaoo in Sid and Marty Kroft circles. The Kroft Circles would make a good band name, not bad for this time on a Sunday am, eh?)
Anyways, Wednesday was "travel day" and allowed me to consider what had "gone wrong" at The DC show the night before. Oh yeah, it was Rachel's fault... Thursday was Chiswick day and it's reassuring to find that you still can't get anything much to eat between the hours of 2.30 and 5pm down there if what you had in mind wasn't McDonalds. To the Cobras show then and another valiant attempt by the Sonic Reducer boys to keep the whole thing afloat using beer and some old 45's. Another wholly inappropriate support act, The Duke Spirit laid their emptius cackophonous upon us and, well sucked basically. Joss and Joe later reported that the opening band from Glasgow did a better set at the aftershow club in Glasgow, mighta been a bit of rabbit brought upon by "the drink", maybe not. However, The Glesgae mob, Kain were like a breath of fresh air compared to this, new wave of Hazel O' Connor bollocks. The Detroit Cobras were pretty much the same only louder. I like the Electric Ballroom for a show though. What was it down to this time? Em... oh aye, Rachel.
I don't know what this girl is gonna do when they ban smoking in venues. Just stand there bored? She has a great voice and surely it isn't asking to much for some interaction? Even if she was just more obnoxious and confrontational or something but she's the weak link here. Meanwhile, to her immediate left, Mari - the guitar player - is performing for two or more. Like a little terrier rassling with her instrument, she has to overcompensate for R who will do a little shuffle, roll her eyes and make a funny little move with her neck. Even this is good to raise the ante. The other guys in the band keep their ends up too. Paricularly the drummer Dave (who is on loan from The Sights). What he did to deserve this penance isn't clear but he's being punished for something. Heck of a deposit in the karma bank for you sir... It wouldn't take much to make this band really great, to live up to the press release that Geoff Travis wrote for them. They are capable but the main protaganist needs a good hard kick up the arse. Who might be prepared to do that though is another question entirely...
Friday night, we hit up PJ's famed Dirty Water club and it's a fine venue. With a bit of better planning - we'd have been there to see The Scientists a fortnightish before but got there when Black Moses were on. Good name, tired retro - bordering on Kravitz - boogie. They make me wish The Hellacopters were there running a course on how this sorta thing should be tackled. Detroit man, Jawbone on the other hand is an entirely different proposition. A one man twisted blues-bustin' sensation that sees off the competition without actually straining. He's got the chops and the chutzpah and even a grasp of the dynamics that it takes to hold a crowd's attention. He's clearly doomed but won't be going without a fight and who knows. it may even catch on. Support him, support his cause because verily he rocks! Next up is Swearing At Motorists, which I do a bit of myself. Here's a bit of the blurb to set the scene... "the Motorists pack a punch that’s more rock and roll than Jack White would ever want to be. With drummer Joseph Siwinski coming across as a modern day Cheetah Chrome and Doughman’s manic on-stage Pete Townsend as rock’n’roll preacher persona, they’ve beendubbed “the two-man Who” by some sections of the press. Their! songs, however, are heartbreakingly honest songs about the every day, “the soundtracks to the b-movie of my life” says Doughman, and that means there’s plenty of space for melancholy, bittersweet country interludes invoking the legendary names of Hank Williams and Neil Young in amongst the full-on rock’n’roll of the aforementioned Who, AC/DC, New Bomb Turks, etc."
Bollocks. It was evangelical alright. The curly permed misanthrope that fronts the band made this big dramatic entrance and limped into a vapid strop that sent our small band running for the exit. More charisma free retro pish, this time from Ohio. Just say no thankyou... what poor Cheetah did to get his name in this frame is beyond me. As far as I know, Mr o'Connor never looked like a cross between Pete Townshend and John Walters.
The evening closes with the Sonic Reducer boys dragging those record boxes out again for their regular stint up the road at The Boogaloo. Good music in excellent surroundings with people who seem to appreciate it. Another alien concept. Hurrah then, I'm too auld for all this but can't seem to stop myself. Had to miss Dan Baird last night but "ye cannae dae it a'". I gotta go get gas and hit up Tesco now, that's reality for ya.
Anyways, Wednesday was "travel day" and allowed me to consider what had "gone wrong" at The DC show the night before. Oh yeah, it was Rachel's fault... Thursday was Chiswick day and it's reassuring to find that you still can't get anything much to eat between the hours of 2.30 and 5pm down there if what you had in mind wasn't McDonalds. To the Cobras show then and another valiant attempt by the Sonic Reducer boys to keep the whole thing afloat using beer and some old 45's. Another wholly inappropriate support act, The Duke Spirit laid their emptius cackophonous upon us and, well sucked basically. Joss and Joe later reported that the opening band from Glasgow did a better set at the aftershow club in Glasgow, mighta been a bit of rabbit brought upon by "the drink", maybe not. However, The Glesgae mob, Kain were like a breath of fresh air compared to this, new wave of Hazel O' Connor bollocks. The Detroit Cobras were pretty much the same only louder. I like the Electric Ballroom for a show though. What was it down to this time? Em... oh aye, Rachel.
I don't know what this girl is gonna do when they ban smoking in venues. Just stand there bored? She has a great voice and surely it isn't asking to much for some interaction? Even if she was just more obnoxious and confrontational or something but she's the weak link here. Meanwhile, to her immediate left, Mari - the guitar player - is performing for two or more. Like a little terrier rassling with her instrument, she has to overcompensate for R who will do a little shuffle, roll her eyes and make a funny little move with her neck. Even this is good to raise the ante. The other guys in the band keep their ends up too. Paricularly the drummer Dave (who is on loan from The Sights). What he did to deserve this penance isn't clear but he's being punished for something. Heck of a deposit in the karma bank for you sir... It wouldn't take much to make this band really great, to live up to the press release that Geoff Travis wrote for them. They are capable but the main protaganist needs a good hard kick up the arse. Who might be prepared to do that though is another question entirely...
Friday night, we hit up PJ's famed Dirty Water club and it's a fine venue. With a bit of better planning - we'd have been there to see The Scientists a fortnightish before but got there when Black Moses were on. Good name, tired retro - bordering on Kravitz - boogie. They make me wish The Hellacopters were there running a course on how this sorta thing should be tackled. Detroit man, Jawbone on the other hand is an entirely different proposition. A one man twisted blues-bustin' sensation that sees off the competition without actually straining. He's got the chops and the chutzpah and even a grasp of the dynamics that it takes to hold a crowd's attention. He's clearly doomed but won't be going without a fight and who knows. it may even catch on. Support him, support his cause because verily he rocks! Next up is Swearing At Motorists, which I do a bit of myself. Here's a bit of the blurb to set the scene... "the Motorists pack a punch that’s more rock and roll than Jack White would ever want to be. With drummer Joseph Siwinski coming across as a modern day Cheetah Chrome and Doughman’s manic on-stage Pete Townsend as rock’n’roll preacher persona, they’ve beendubbed “the two-man Who” by some sections of the press. Their! songs, however, are heartbreakingly honest songs about the every day, “the soundtracks to the b-movie of my life” says Doughman, and that means there’s plenty of space for melancholy, bittersweet country interludes invoking the legendary names of Hank Williams and Neil Young in amongst the full-on rock’n’roll of the aforementioned Who, AC/DC, New Bomb Turks, etc."
Bollocks. It was evangelical alright. The curly permed misanthrope that fronts the band made this big dramatic entrance and limped into a vapid strop that sent our small band running for the exit. More charisma free retro pish, this time from Ohio. Just say no thankyou... what poor Cheetah did to get his name in this frame is beyond me. As far as I know, Mr o'Connor never looked like a cross between Pete Townshend and John Walters.
The evening closes with the Sonic Reducer boys dragging those record boxes out again for their regular stint up the road at The Boogaloo. Good music in excellent surroundings with people who seem to appreciate it. Another alien concept. Hurrah then, I'm too auld for all this but can't seem to stop myself. Had to miss Dan Baird last night but "ye cannae dae it a'". I gotta go get gas and hit up Tesco now, that's reality for ya.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
The Master Plan, featuring Andy Shernoff (Dictators), Keith Streng & Bill Milhizer (Fleshtones) and Paul Johnson (Waxing Poetics) return to action in early December with Canadian strategy meetings scheduled for December 2; The Horseshoe, Toronto, December 3; The Corktown, Hamilton, December 4; Call the Office, London.
It's an easy target of course, but I thought this rant on the Makers was pretty funny; Letters Have No Arms: Early Stuff My Ass.
On last nights showing at King Tuts in Glasgow those Detroit Cobras did little to rise above being a bar band with an eye for superior covers. Dunno what was wrong but it seemed like Rachel Nagy couldn't really be arsed. It just never ignited, y'know. I mean they're "good", but maybe our expectations, in this event, were too high. The Sonic Reducer Tag Team set the mood nicely like a two headed Andy Dunkley and the woeful opening act tried their damndest to tear that down. The SRTT was the reigning sound though for sure. Hopefully it was just an off night for The Cobras then...
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Monday, November 22, 2004
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Want an Australian punk discography or a listing of punk 8-tracks? Then why not pay a visit to CollectorScum.com? A site that is all things to those who remember indie rock as it was in the 70s and 80s.
The people at Detroit Rock & Roll have put together a well impressive resource with links-a-plenty to bands and artists from the 1950s to the present. Heck, they even have a link for the Shy Guys!
A big "thank you" to Eric Fusco for taking a bunch of pictures of the Waldos and the Master Plan at The Continental the other night and for placing them on the web. And yes, that is the one and only Gordon Russell Spaeth playing harmonica with the Waldos! Good to see "The Wheelman" back where he belongs.
News from STEREO TOTAL...
"Our new album is finished! It is called "Do the Bambi" Cover by Cabine with photos from Simgil. Almost one hour of crazy sounds & with very special guests. There will be a Double-LP! In Europe and Japan, "Do the Bambi" will be released by Disko B on the 28th of February 05 and in the US by Kill Rock Star on the 25th of January 05.(The US-version will contain more English versions of the songs, and there will be a special French edition with more songs in French.) Look forward to the great remixes which will come out on special singles."
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Seven inch wonders of the world:
Time to shift the hi-fi back into high gear so I can give you the lowdown on a couple of recent 45s. On top of the pile it's the Devil Dolls who's All Dolled Up double 7" (Corduroy) features some ace p-rock sounds in the early Raw Records vain but gets spoiled somewhat by weak vocals/lyrics. No such trouble with the Dirtbombs obviously; Crash Down Day/Ha Ha Ha (also on Corduroy) was recorded live in the studio down under, tho' I'd have preferred something along the lines of an actual "production" job there's no denyin' that these guys can cut it under any circumstance, and dig the Flipper tune on the, uh, flipside. From Fortune Teller comes a Dirtbombs/Gories split, the later w/ a track from their final LP, while the Dirtbombs song (A great take on Eno's King's Lead Hat) was only available on initial CD copies of their recent full-length. The Gun Club's Walkin' With The Beast/Secret Fires (Sympathy) is easily the most essential of this batch. Walkin' is a completely different take from the Las Vegas Grind version while Secret Fires is a great acoustic tune w/ plenty o' pedalsteel thrown in that makes it's vinyl debut here. My old crony Jos De Groot has recently set up his own label; A Fist Full Of Records. The first release was a bit of a let down, but he sure makes up for it with by putting out the debut EP by one-man band Jeffrey Novak. Goners 're gonna flip!. Contact Jos here for ordering info. Finally there's the White Stripes latest; Jolene/Do (XL) sees Jack butcherin' Dolly's tune in full Robert Plant mode. The first serious wrong in their career, maybe it is time to pull the plug... So there you have it, more on the little ones as they reach my doorstep.
The answer "comp" to that upcoming Koch thing...
The Gizmos ROCK & ROLL DON'T COME FROM NEW YORK (Gulcher 425)
When Dale Lawrence and Billy Nightshade took over the reins of Bloomington, Indiana's Gizmos in 1978, the band became one of the earliest (and one of the best) midwestern punk rock outfits. Taking their cues from the first wave of British punk (the Jam, Sex Pistols, especially the Vibrators), these new Gizmos combined raw energy with a classic pop sensibility. Their songs had a keen ear for melody, with lyrics that were concise and funny, equal parts youthful alienation ("Pay," "Tell Me Why"), regional pride ("Rock & Roll Don't Come From New York," "The Midwest Can Be Allright"), and reflection upon rock itself ("Progressive Rock","Reggae Song").
The Gizmos force-fed the new punk sensibility to a befuddled midwestern college town throughout 1979. Frustrated by perpetual outsider status in Indiana, they relocated to New York in 1980, recorded their most ambitious material, and broke up a year later. Cassettes of live shows circulating back in Bloomington would prove
to be the group's most lasting legacy, inspring a generation of Hoosier musicians, including future Blake Babies John Strohm and Freda Love.
The somewhat rootsier tinge of the band's New York recordings foreshadowed things to come: Lawrence would go on to front the Vulgar Boatmen, whose repertoire still includes several Gizmos titles ("Heartbeat," "Cry Real Tears," "Tilt-a-Whirl"), while guitarist Tim Carroll established an alt-country presence in Nashville, penning
tunes covered by the likes of John Prine and Robbie Fulks.
With 25 tracks recorded from 1979 to 1981, ROCK & ROLL DON'T COME FROM NEW YORK is the first comprehensive compilation from the latter-day Gizmos. Included are highlights from their 1980 split album with Dow Jones & The Industrials, HOOSIER HYSTERIA, and many never-released favorites culled from live tapes. Remastered
for CD by fellow Hoosier punk Paul Mahern (Zero Boys), this 2004 Gulcher release comes with a 16-page booklet featuring rare flyers, several unpublished photos, and liner notes by Dale Lawrence. ORDER HERE or HERE.
For details on upcoming Gizmos gigs over the holidays in Bloomington and Indianapolis, maybe Chicago and St. Louis too, subscribe HERE
The Gizmos ROCK & ROLL DON'T COME FROM NEW YORK (Gulcher 425)
When Dale Lawrence and Billy Nightshade took over the reins of Bloomington, Indiana's Gizmos in 1978, the band became one of the earliest (and one of the best) midwestern punk rock outfits. Taking their cues from the first wave of British punk (the Jam, Sex Pistols, especially the Vibrators), these new Gizmos combined raw energy with a classic pop sensibility. Their songs had a keen ear for melody, with lyrics that were concise and funny, equal parts youthful alienation ("Pay," "Tell Me Why"), regional pride ("Rock & Roll Don't Come From New York," "The Midwest Can Be Allright"), and reflection upon rock itself ("Progressive Rock","Reggae Song").
The Gizmos force-fed the new punk sensibility to a befuddled midwestern college town throughout 1979. Frustrated by perpetual outsider status in Indiana, they relocated to New York in 1980, recorded their most ambitious material, and broke up a year later. Cassettes of live shows circulating back in Bloomington would prove
to be the group's most lasting legacy, inspring a generation of Hoosier musicians, including future Blake Babies John Strohm and Freda Love.
The somewhat rootsier tinge of the band's New York recordings foreshadowed things to come: Lawrence would go on to front the Vulgar Boatmen, whose repertoire still includes several Gizmos titles ("Heartbeat," "Cry Real Tears," "Tilt-a-Whirl"), while guitarist Tim Carroll established an alt-country presence in Nashville, penning
tunes covered by the likes of John Prine and Robbie Fulks.
With 25 tracks recorded from 1979 to 1981, ROCK & ROLL DON'T COME FROM NEW YORK is the first comprehensive compilation from the latter-day Gizmos. Included are highlights from their 1980 split album with Dow Jones & The Industrials, HOOSIER HYSTERIA, and many never-released favorites culled from live tapes. Remastered
for CD by fellow Hoosier punk Paul Mahern (Zero Boys), this 2004 Gulcher release comes with a 16-page booklet featuring rare flyers, several unpublished photos, and liner notes by Dale Lawrence. ORDER HERE or HERE.
For details on upcoming Gizmos gigs over the holidays in Bloomington and Indianapolis, maybe Chicago and St. Louis too, subscribe HERE
The latest instalment of Richard Meltzer’s fly on the wall exposé of life as a STAR SPANGLE is up for your reading pleasure, visit the HISTORY section and it’ll hit you a’tween the peepers. There’s also an op to right those wrongs some of you may be harbouring about not having their records. Bargains abound in the BUY section of their cyberganghut. Meanwhile the band is holed up in Berkeley, CA recording the follow up to Bazooka! for a (hopefully) Spring 2005 release.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The A-Bones - Daddy Wants A Cold Beer (Norton 2CD).
Compared to their other enterprises (Norton Record and Kicks magazine), Billy and Miriam's musical output never really got the kind of credit it deserved. Sure, everybody was sympathetic to their sounds because the dynamic duo was involved, but how many out there actually spun their records on a regular basis?. Well, that wrong can now be righted with this gigundo round-up set of odds 'n ends that actually far surpasses their regular albums.
After the more straight forward rockabilly of the Zantees, The A-Bones took their inspiration from just about anyone that provided a pure rock & roll sound, Heinz, The Velvet Underground, Joe South, The Turbines you name it, and molded it into their own patented sound. And the level of excitement they created is way beyond the scope of mere mortals and it's impact should never be underestimated. Close to 50 tracks of Hi-Calorie and well intoxicated rock action and liner notes that rival War and Peace in length but are closer to age old copies of Mad magazine as far as entertainment goes. Do I sense the perfect X-mas gift here?...
I was going to rip into the Band Aid video for the new version of "Don't They Know It's Christmas" that premiered on TV tonight. To call it dreadful would be to damn it with faint praise. I've no problem with people donating to a cause, provided that 100% of that donation gets to where it's needed. The value of the raw material and press acreage could surely be valued and directed toward those coffers. Better that than to manufacture all the landfill that the hard copies of the cd, etc will undoubtedly end up as. Anyway, I find the whole thing fairly reprehensible and I'm sure that the artists concerned will enjoy a bumper festering season in terms of sales of their individual crimes against music.
Anyways, I found that the Z/28 site works now so you can check that out.
Also, the BARRACUDAS BLOG is up and running so have a scoot around there also.
Koch are set to release a comp called New York Rocks! in January which features all your faves. Directed at a younger crowd who've been sold a pup in the form of The Str*kes, etc. I wonder if this won't be a tad too spicy for that palette. Anyways...
Anyways, I found that the Z/28 site works now so you can check that out.
Also, the BARRACUDAS BLOG is up and running so have a scoot around there also.
Koch are set to release a comp called New York Rocks! in January which features all your faves. Directed at a younger crowd who've been sold a pup in the form of The Str*kes, etc. I wonder if this won't be a tad too spicy for that palette. Anyways...
Once again, Patrick B ventures into the front line for your reading pleasure...
ELECTROCUTE : NEW RECORD & LIVE IN ÉVREUX NOV. 16, 2004
If you like the Cramps and/or the Shangri-Las-Donnas-Killer Barbies and /or electronic-garage music and sexy rock’n’roll with attitude, you’re gonna love ELECTROCUTE (a mixture of electricity and execute – Actually, The Donnas started out as The Electrocutes). The new album from these Berliners is just out and is called “Troublesome Bubblegum”. They qualify their music as primitive rock’n’roll, which is not surprising when you know they cite Poison Ivy as a role model. The album features 2 videos, one called “Electrocute Kill!Kill!” with commentary by Tura Satana. Other highlights on this album are : a new version of “Kleine Dicker Junge” (means “Little Chubby Boy”), a superb ballad called “Goodbye Johnny” and “Venus Fly Trap” featuring Boy From Brazil, Nicole’s husband – also formerly of the Golden Showers.
ELECTROCUTE feature Nicole Morier’s (born in New Mexico) electro-beats, raunchy guitar and feral vocals and the brand new & cute Holly Doll’s(exit Mia Dime)seductive and humorous vocals, blew – er, I meant were a blast. The show began with with a powerful “sugar buzz” version of Link Wray’s “Rumble” and continued with originals tunes like “Nobody Like Us”, “Fun Is A Floppy Bitch”, their brand new single… Sometimes, Nicole left her guitar and Holly Doll pushed a program button and sang together and even came into the audience. Their anti Bush comments were very much appreciated. Despite a fun, powerful show, the sparse crowd was rather static (sorry girls) but enthusiastic. Nicole and Holly Doll didn’t seem too disappointed and they enjoyed the Weird War show (ex Make Up, from Washington, DC.)
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
The BBC's Top of the Pops videoarchive is well worth diggin' thru for an hour or so. No complete songs alas, but where else can you see the likes of the Bishops, Rezillos, Ramones, Slade, Sweet, Generation X, Dr Feelgood et f'in' cetera...?
Monday, November 15, 2004
It's that time of the year again; people want "best of" lists... From the top of my head, 2004 has seen some fine wax by the Boonaraaas, Reigning Sound, Ghetto Ways, Blues Explosion, Hives, Solution etc. but I could sure use some suggestions from your end to fill out this shortlist. Just leave your faves in the comments section...
Big Star by Rob Jovanovic (Fourth Estate).
When previously mentioned Joss already gave this one the thumbs up in the comments, and after finishing it earlier today I can do naught but agree. Big Star's tale spelled out in book format is way overdue, and even tho' Jovanovic ain't the kind of writer who makes you pull records from the shelves thanks to his contagious enthusiasm, the facts are here and he doesn't shoehorn himself into the story. Minor complaints concern the discography, which looks lifted, warts 'n all, from Crawdaddy Simon's Chilton pages (compare tracklisting for the Ork EP for evidence) and sadly lacks a complete list of LX's production work (Cramps, Panther Burns, Gories etc). But besides that I can't find a reason why any selfrespecting NBT reader would not dig this.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
I had no idea, but it seems that Terry Ork has recently joined the big-boss-a-go-go party in the sky. Just take a look at the small but perfect stack o' wax the guy put out; Little Johnny Jewel, Blank Generation, Free Again, The Way You Touch My Hand. No way am I gonna go to sleep tonight before havin' spun 'em in tribute. RIP Terry.
Ork Records discography
Non record geeks can skip this post, but I hope there's somebody out there among the rest of you who is able to fill in the blank in the below discography or has any extra data/info on this label. No reason in particular, just that I enjoy putting this kinda stuff together even if it means another round of laughs from people who pretend to actually have a life. And yeah, the fruits of Terry Ork's short-lived enterprise would make a great CD comp, anybody out there willing and able to burn the complete set for me in exchange for eternal gratitude?.
ORK 81975 Television - Little Johnny Jewel Pt 1 & 2.
ORK 81976 Richard Hell - Another World/You Gotta Lose, Blank Generation
ORK 81977 Marbles - Red Light/Fire And Smoke
ORK 81978 Alex Chilton - The Singer Not The Song EP
ORK 81979 Prix - Girl, Everytime I Close My Eyes/Zero
ORK 81980 Mick Farren - Play With Fire/Lost Johnny
ORK 81981 Link Cromwell - Crazy Like A Fox/Shock Me
ORK 81982 Chris Stamey - Summer Sun/Where The Fun Is
ORK 81983
ORK 81984 Feelies - Fa Ce'La/Big Plans (unreleased)
ORK 81985 Blue Vein - Get off My Cloud/Connection (unreleased)
ORK NYC 1 Television - Little Johnny Jewel Pt 1 & 2/Little Johnny Jewel Pt 1 & 2 (live) 12"
ORK NYC 2 Idols - You/Girl That I Love
ORK NYC 3 Revelons - The Way You Touch My Hand/96 Tears
ORK NYC 4
ORK NYC 5 Cheetah Chrome - Still Wannna Die/Take Me Home
ORK NYC 5 Student Teachers - Christmas Weather/Channel 13
Notes: #76 also released in the UK on Stiff, #78 re-issued in Spain by Munster and was produced by Andy Shernoff's pal Jon Tiven who was also involved in #79, #80 has Marky Ramone (nee Bell) on drums, #81 re-issued by Norton (Link Cromwell is in fact Lenny Kaye doin' a Sonny Bono kinda thing back in the 60s), #82 produced by Alex Chilton...
Update: 84 was never released. Added NYC 5 which adds the quest for NYC 4. With thanks to those who have responded so far.
2nd Update: The above list is pretty much final. Please check the comments for additional info. Thanks to all of you who came up with data and facts, I really, realy apreciate it!.
Non record geeks can skip this post, but I hope there's somebody out there among the rest of you who is able to fill in the blank in the below discography or has any extra data/info on this label. No reason in particular, just that I enjoy putting this kinda stuff together even if it means another round of laughs from people who pretend to actually have a life. And yeah, the fruits of Terry Ork's short-lived enterprise would make a great CD comp, anybody out there willing and able to burn the complete set for me in exchange for eternal gratitude?.
ORK 81975 Television - Little Johnny Jewel Pt 1 & 2.
ORK 81976 Richard Hell - Another World/You Gotta Lose, Blank Generation
ORK 81977 Marbles - Red Light/Fire And Smoke
ORK 81978 Alex Chilton - The Singer Not The Song EP
ORK 81979 Prix - Girl, Everytime I Close My Eyes/Zero
ORK 81980 Mick Farren - Play With Fire/Lost Johnny
ORK 81981 Link Cromwell - Crazy Like A Fox/Shock Me
ORK 81982 Chris Stamey - Summer Sun/Where The Fun Is
ORK 81983
ORK 81984 Feelies - Fa Ce'La/Big Plans (unreleased)
ORK 81985 Blue Vein - Get off My Cloud/Connection (unreleased)
ORK NYC 1 Television - Little Johnny Jewel Pt 1 & 2/Little Johnny Jewel Pt 1 & 2 (live) 12"
ORK NYC 2 Idols - You/Girl That I Love
ORK NYC 3 Revelons - The Way You Touch My Hand/96 Tears
ORK NYC 4
ORK NYC 5 Cheetah Chrome - Still Wannna Die/Take Me Home
ORK NYC 5 Student Teachers - Christmas Weather/Channel 13
Notes: #76 also released in the UK on Stiff, #78 re-issued in Spain by Munster and was produced by Andy Shernoff's pal Jon Tiven who was also involved in #79, #80 has Marky Ramone (nee Bell) on drums, #81 re-issued by Norton (Link Cromwell is in fact Lenny Kaye doin' a Sonny Bono kinda thing back in the 60s), #82 produced by Alex Chilton...
Update: 84 was never released. Added NYC 5 which adds the quest for NYC 4. With thanks to those who have responded so far.
2nd Update: The above list is pretty much final. Please check the comments for additional info. Thanks to all of you who came up with data and facts, I really, realy apreciate it!.
Straight outta Blackpool.
Punk Rock and ultra-leaded noise petroleum to keep your gas guzzlin' eye on the dial. JSNTGM stands for Just Say No To Government Music and feels like one of those labels that operates in Eastern Europe. The split SICK 56/HIGGINS++ 45 is etched on plate thick vinyl which could be classed as a weapon in the wrong hands. The music is 77 style and the H++ fellas update Jello's CA paen to be Cool Brittania.
Z/28 hail from Edinburgh. I've seen 'em a couple of times over the many years they've been together and they're great live. Snarling NPH type barnstorming fused with a surf sensibility that sounds a little thin on cd but there's no way i could play this as loud as it really should be played. Not without removing the roughcast. Girl on the cover looks a little like Drea De Matteo. Havin' a lollipop before she goe's lookin' for Silvio and Christofah. Sure you've heard it all before but it's fun and it was brewed in a city not known for producing much in the way of rock'n'roll over the years. A castle they can do but...
Punk Rock and ultra-leaded noise petroleum to keep your gas guzzlin' eye on the dial. JSNTGM stands for Just Say No To Government Music and feels like one of those labels that operates in Eastern Europe. The split SICK 56/HIGGINS++ 45 is etched on plate thick vinyl which could be classed as a weapon in the wrong hands. The music is 77 style and the H++ fellas update Jello's CA paen to be Cool Brittania.
Z/28 hail from Edinburgh. I've seen 'em a couple of times over the many years they've been together and they're great live. Snarling NPH type barnstorming fused with a surf sensibility that sounds a little thin on cd but there's no way i could play this as loud as it really should be played. Not without removing the roughcast. Girl on the cover looks a little like Drea De Matteo. Havin' a lollipop before she goe's lookin' for Silvio and Christofah. Sure you've heard it all before but it's fun and it was brewed in a city not known for producing much in the way of rock'n'roll over the years. A castle they can do but...
Saturday, November 13, 2004
Friday, November 12, 2004
Ok so the catch up begins with the recent GET HIP crop... let's get straight to it.
THE BAMBOO KIDS self titled eleven songer plus video reinforces my problem with the three-piece. For me, such beasties always seem to lack something. There are exceptions of course but in the main I find 'em clunky. There's nothing about this album that raises it above bog standard. It might make sense live but on the strength of this, I wouldn't be taking any chances.
THE PRIESTS "TALL TALES" fares a little better but some early Doors-isms flim flam my radar. The singer reminds me of Stiv but there's no sign of a Cheetah to foil it if you knowworimean? It's all a little faux psychedelic and I'd say these clergy need a little more ecumenical schooling in the individuality department. Younger, less jaded types might be able to get past the more obvious comparisons then. Old grumpy heard it all here needs more to get his sonic jollies.
SLEEPYKID's "MONDAY MORNING SMILE" continues a triumvirate of releases that fall a little short of any kind of excitement. It's more yer powerpop. Kinda like Big Star but played by The posies instead of the originals. The Lennonesque vocal recalls O*sis and this is not a positive. What is with wanting to make it sound so damned anglo? Don't we foist enough of that shit from here as it is?? What happened to that old US spirit of being able to turn the tables on this lily-livered pish? The result is a constricted rehash of music I never cared for in the first place.
All is not lost though... THE SIRENS eponymous debut has already been flagged up by J but I just wanted to add my two thumbs up to his recommendation. Compared to all of those previous guys they sound as bright as the proverbial button and blast away the cobwebs with a sizeable stackheeled boot on the monitor to bolster effect. They muster a big eff-off clout of a sound, unfeasibly nostalgic and a breath of fresh gasoline at the same time. These lassies do for glam what The Detroit Cobras do for revved up soul and original form R&B. And? They're from bloody Detroit.
As are THE PAYBACKS whose "HARDER AND HARDER" is more contemporary Motor City rock. They're not harking back to anything in particular just belting out a muscular riff-totin' torrent of guitarslingin'. This brew be percolated to maximum strength and "When I'm Gone" is a wake up call to "Smells Like" Grungesters that Wendy Case can outkurt Cobain any ol' day. A smoker!!
THE BAMBOO KIDS self titled eleven songer plus video reinforces my problem with the three-piece. For me, such beasties always seem to lack something. There are exceptions of course but in the main I find 'em clunky. There's nothing about this album that raises it above bog standard. It might make sense live but on the strength of this, I wouldn't be taking any chances.
THE PRIESTS "TALL TALES" fares a little better but some early Doors-isms flim flam my radar. The singer reminds me of Stiv but there's no sign of a Cheetah to foil it if you knowworimean? It's all a little faux psychedelic and I'd say these clergy need a little more ecumenical schooling in the individuality department. Younger, less jaded types might be able to get past the more obvious comparisons then. Old grumpy heard it all here needs more to get his sonic jollies.
SLEEPYKID's "MONDAY MORNING SMILE" continues a triumvirate of releases that fall a little short of any kind of excitement. It's more yer powerpop. Kinda like Big Star but played by The posies instead of the originals. The Lennonesque vocal recalls O*sis and this is not a positive. What is with wanting to make it sound so damned anglo? Don't we foist enough of that shit from here as it is?? What happened to that old US spirit of being able to turn the tables on this lily-livered pish? The result is a constricted rehash of music I never cared for in the first place.
All is not lost though... THE SIRENS eponymous debut has already been flagged up by J but I just wanted to add my two thumbs up to his recommendation. Compared to all of those previous guys they sound as bright as the proverbial button and blast away the cobwebs with a sizeable stackheeled boot on the monitor to bolster effect. They muster a big eff-off clout of a sound, unfeasibly nostalgic and a breath of fresh gasoline at the same time. These lassies do for glam what The Detroit Cobras do for revved up soul and original form R&B. And? They're from bloody Detroit.
As are THE PAYBACKS whose "HARDER AND HARDER" is more contemporary Motor City rock. They're not harking back to anything in particular just belting out a muscular riff-totin' torrent of guitarslingin'. This brew be percolated to maximum strength and "When I'm Gone" is a wake up call to "Smells Like" Grungesters that Wendy Case can outkurt Cobain any ol' day. A smoker!!
The Master Plan, the ace RnR tag-team trained by Paul Johnson that includes members of the Fleshtones and the Dictators, return to the ring over the next month with all-action bouts in New York and Canada. For details of the venues, along with reviews of their debut season, check out their page on the Total Energy website. An unconfirmed report indicates that "the boys" have recently returned from a secret training location and intend to present their foes with further cause for concern. Our mole reveals that each new move has been meticulously planned and stren(g)uously rehearsed but all remain within the spirit of the sport. The "Human Pyramid" should not be banned!
This weekend I'm gonna try to get to grips with some of the listening I haven't been able to undertake for various reasons. Mostly that I get up at 5.30am, have a half hour on the computer then go to work. I realise this routine is nuts but I'm kinda stuck with it for now. As a result, I'm usually pegged out by about 9pm but I need to get this sorted or I really will end up looking like Crazy Guggenheim.
At this point, a big shout out to Ms Teresa Ott who will be celebrating a half century on the planet this weekend with her homies. Awrabest Missus!!
At this point, a big shout out to Ms Teresa Ott who will be celebrating a half century on the planet this weekend with her homies. Awrabest Missus!!
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Vinyl Carvers - the answer to yer 45rpm prayers, kids!
Hey folks
You may remember my recent, rather too excitable blather about Vinyl Carvers, a company based in North London which will cut you one-off, large centre hole, 45rpm singles for £15 a shot ... Weeell, after living with a trio of these marvels for a week, I can confirm that they're the answer to every vinyl head's dreams ... I sent the good folks at Vinyl Carvers a CD with six tracks on - a mix of real rare '60s garage & beat 45s, unreleased soul stuff, and a coupla modern tracks which nivver made it to vinyl - and a few days later, the 45s arrived in the mail ... WOW!
Vinyl Carvers' jukebox 45s are 2mm thick, glossy black slabs o'wax with plain labels, they sound AWESOME, and last as long as regular 45s, unlike the acetate dubplates of yore ... The sound is bright, full, and more dynamic than the CDs which the tracks were burnt off ... I can now spin kool CD-only cuts like You Am I's Rumble and Ruby Johnson's I'd Rather Fight Than Switch off'a vinyl - wahey! Jeez, Louise, I had two rare as shit Memphis garage tunes - which I'd recently been quoted prices of $500 and $130 for the originals of - cut as a jukebox 45, at the cost of £15! Now, THAT'S great value! And extra copies of any 45 you have cut are only £10 ... Vinyl Carvers take PayPal, and you can even email them high quality audio files to cut from ... How's about THEM apples?
So do yerselves a favour, and visit VINYLCARVERS today! Tina and Werner will do you rite!
Selah!
Joss Hutton, Sonic Reducer
Hey folks
You may remember my recent, rather too excitable blather about Vinyl Carvers, a company based in North London which will cut you one-off, large centre hole, 45rpm singles for £15 a shot ... Weeell, after living with a trio of these marvels for a week, I can confirm that they're the answer to every vinyl head's dreams ... I sent the good folks at Vinyl Carvers a CD with six tracks on - a mix of real rare '60s garage & beat 45s, unreleased soul stuff, and a coupla modern tracks which nivver made it to vinyl - and a few days later, the 45s arrived in the mail ... WOW!
Vinyl Carvers' jukebox 45s are 2mm thick, glossy black slabs o'wax with plain labels, they sound AWESOME, and last as long as regular 45s, unlike the acetate dubplates of yore ... The sound is bright, full, and more dynamic than the CDs which the tracks were burnt off ... I can now spin kool CD-only cuts like You Am I's Rumble and Ruby Johnson's I'd Rather Fight Than Switch off'a vinyl - wahey! Jeez, Louise, I had two rare as shit Memphis garage tunes - which I'd recently been quoted prices of $500 and $130 for the originals of - cut as a jukebox 45, at the cost of £15! Now, THAT'S great value! And extra copies of any 45 you have cut are only £10 ... Vinyl Carvers take PayPal, and you can even email them high quality audio files to cut from ... How's about THEM apples?
So do yerselves a favour, and visit VINYLCARVERS today! Tina and Werner will do you rite!
Selah!
Joss Hutton, Sonic Reducer
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
It occurred tae me that you folks from far-flung places might be inclined toward investigating the world of Scottish Pop. A wee root aboot JOCKROCK! should hit the spot then...
SUICIDE NO COMPROMISE David Nobakht
"A confrontational oral history of New York punk through the dark, sinister world of Suicide. An explosive docu-biography of New York's most subversive punk band Suicide, who along with the New York Dolls, the Ramones, Blondie, Television and Talking Heads defined the US punk scene centered around Max's Kansas City and CBGB's. Suicide came to prominence in the UK as special guests of The Clash on their first British tour. Their synthesizer-based, energy-laden performance was not well received: they were bottled off every night, Vega often sustaining serious injury.
The book features new interview material with many of the leading lights of the NY punk scene, including Alan Vega and Martin Rev from the band, as well as Debbie Harry and Chris Stein from Blondie, Moby, Henry Rollins, Marc Almond, Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream), Jim Reid (Jesus & Mary Chain), Lydia Lunch, Jane County amongst others. A high quality, illustrated hardback with over 100 photos and memorabilia from Vega and Rev's own archives, Nobakht's penetrating biography graphically recreates the world of '70s New York City.
Hardback ISBN: 0 946719 71 3 Publication: November 2004.
Signed copies will be available for early orders - 224 pages (illustrated).
SAF WEBSITE
Welcome to the wonderful world of
PIPEDOWN. Thanks to Ms Karen McB of Goofenhaus Industries for the info...
PIPEDOWN. Thanks to Ms Karen McB of Goofenhaus Industries for the info...
Yesterday's "sermon" was one of those "better out than in" type situations. Thanks to all of yer who e-mailed in concern for my well being. It's how I feel folks, what can I tell ya!? My Christmas vitriol is percolating nicely.
Anyways, today it seems like we'll break the 80,000 visitors mark. We're rackin' 'em up here... more, um... later.
Anyways, today it seems like we'll break the 80,000 visitors mark. We're rackin' 'em up here... more, um... later.
Monday, November 08, 2004
According to “the paperwork”, yours truly is set to retire in 2022. The spate of untimely exits recently has got me thinking that one might not (feasibly) make it to that. And, would that necessarily be a bad thing? It’s true that when you’re in the thick of something then it’s difficult to see the wood for the bloody big trees. This can manifest itself as someone you expect to be around forever "shooting the craw". Somebody who has been part of your life practically daily or at the very least has positively enhanced your existence when you do have contact.
Things can happen. Stuff outwith any modicum of control. Anything. Often stupid things, but then again those are the things that fester most. Of couse there's always the other side. What about privacy, what about giving people space to function? It's a difficult one and like Larry (David) says? What exactly is the cut off point for calling people at home?? Anyways, I digress - as someone of my late years is prone to do. These thoughts of mortality have got me to thinking that I’d like to be in touch with people more. Where the time is gonna come from to take care of this desire is another thing entirely but the spirit is most definitely willing.
Maybe it’s something to do with being another year older but I’m definitely dwelling on the fact that I’m running outta time and it’s not entirely pleasant. Bridges require building or in some quarters, at the very least some maintenance - and I’m not sure where to start. Help me out, I’m repenting in relative leisure here.
Have you been in any Virgin or HMV stores recently? Whoa Nelly! That awful bumming “in-store” V radio station blasting out intolerable shite and in HMV, the same but I’m not sure it’s a “radio” format. I’m too old and it was definitely too loud. If you’re going to a record store, go to one where the staff pick the music. At least then it has a human edge. Anyway, I wanted to score some Sopranos on DVD but even in the sale they were too expensive. You can get them £15 a piece cheaper on Amazon, that’s all I’m saying. Plus you don’t have to deal with the scumhordes.
During yesterday’s schlepp to Edinburgh, we saw the movie BAD SANTA. Haven’t seen many films this year but figured that it was there and so were there, so... It doesn’t live up to its press (what does? – apart from here of course - ha flippin' ha) but it’s a reasonable enough diversion. Billy Bob Thornton’s Santa isn’t so much obnoxious as a whiner but there is some superlative cussing and politically incorrect dialogue. Tony Cox steals the whole show and I guess it was John Ritter’s last hurrah before he shuffled offa this mortal coil. Which I guess brings us neatly to where we began with all this.
To end on a slightly upbeat note, there’s a cool Christmas song by a band called Bunnygrunt in the closing credits also. I love a good Christmas tune but I’m not keen on the season to be jolly. Hoo ‘boot yersel’?
Things can happen. Stuff outwith any modicum of control. Anything. Often stupid things, but then again those are the things that fester most. Of couse there's always the other side. What about privacy, what about giving people space to function? It's a difficult one and like Larry (David) says? What exactly is the cut off point for calling people at home?? Anyways, I digress - as someone of my late years is prone to do. These thoughts of mortality have got me to thinking that I’d like to be in touch with people more. Where the time is gonna come from to take care of this desire is another thing entirely but the spirit is most definitely willing.
Maybe it’s something to do with being another year older but I’m definitely dwelling on the fact that I’m running outta time and it’s not entirely pleasant. Bridges require building or in some quarters, at the very least some maintenance - and I’m not sure where to start. Help me out, I’m repenting in relative leisure here.
Have you been in any Virgin or HMV stores recently? Whoa Nelly! That awful bumming “in-store” V radio station blasting out intolerable shite and in HMV, the same but I’m not sure it’s a “radio” format. I’m too old and it was definitely too loud. If you’re going to a record store, go to one where the staff pick the music. At least then it has a human edge. Anyway, I wanted to score some Sopranos on DVD but even in the sale they were too expensive. You can get them £15 a piece cheaper on Amazon, that’s all I’m saying. Plus you don’t have to deal with the scumhordes.
During yesterday’s schlepp to Edinburgh, we saw the movie BAD SANTA. Haven’t seen many films this year but figured that it was there and so were there, so... It doesn’t live up to its press (what does? – apart from here of course - ha flippin' ha) but it’s a reasonable enough diversion. Billy Bob Thornton’s Santa isn’t so much obnoxious as a whiner but there is some superlative cussing and politically incorrect dialogue. Tony Cox steals the whole show and I guess it was John Ritter’s last hurrah before he shuffled offa this mortal coil. Which I guess brings us neatly to where we began with all this.
To end on a slightly upbeat note, there’s a cool Christmas song by a band called Bunnygrunt in the closing credits also. I love a good Christmas tune but I’m not keen on the season to be jolly. Hoo ‘boot yersel’?
Sunday, November 07, 2004
So, I know what you're thinking. Does the Suzy Y Los Quattro album live up to expectations? After all these were big-ass hopes and y'know what happens when you have a bunch of those in tow?? Well fear not, because the actual short but sweet 11 song disc will pound it's way into the hardest punk (poppin' rock'n'roll) heart within seconds of hitting that cd tray (or turntable). This Eurovisionary combo have all the chops down and the promise of those early singles have been more than realised. Kicking off with "Lipstick To Japan", it's hard not to smirk your face off. The world can certainly use a group like this right about now. Of course it's not ground-breaking or pushing back the frontiers of music but it sure is a blast and will ease the weight of your existence wherever you choose to hammer it out. It'll blow a shot of summer through these cold dark winter days and nights and you'll be fully conversant with it by the time the days start drawing out. I wish Joey had been around to sing backup on "Hey Lil Sister" but it sounds like he's in there somewhere anyway and the finale "Did You Ever" has some fine rasping sax ripping through it like Andy Mackay added to those Mott The Hoople 45's. Nothing else for it 'cept to hit replay. Get it direct from No Tomorrow or Soundflat or wherever groovy records be sold.
Look out also, for a Japanese compilation of all their singles and rogue tracks including a cover of Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It". These kids have taste and y'know what, I think they could well take it... straight to the bridge!!
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Brian Wilson in SF… the Don Daly Report!
“saw brian wilson at the symphony hall. wow!!!!! holy moley, was he GREAT!!! best thing since mccartney. easily THE show of the year. i mean i'd heard raves - and even heard the whole smile section from the show beforehand but i wasn't prepared for this. it was everything people said it was but ten times better.
it started out with him and a few people (the wondermints i guess) backing him up -- huddled together in front of the stage. a guy on bongos, couple of guys on acoustic guitars -- in other words it was like a little beach bongo party. also there was this super hot blonde gal who sang and played some percussion. brian wore a short sleeve green floral (almost hawaiian) short. he looked alright. not at all disturbing - let's put it that way. and they opened with "surfer girl". before long i started to get sweaty. this was gonna be heavy. they did some other old beach boys nuggets --unplugged -- including "wendy". that was killer. absolute perfect harmonies. brian sang lead all night with others doing his falsettoes. okay, after they already blew everyone's mind with that section, they took their places filling the stage -- drummer behind full drum kit -- percussionists, keyboards, bassist, 3 guitars. and they did "sloop john b". i lost it! my eyes filled up and i almost had to walk out for a second. and i wasn't alone. from here on almost every song received a standing ovation. "this is paul mccartney's favorite song ever" he proudly proclaimed before doing a killer version of "god only knows". they ran thru a bunch of classics -- "california girls", "please let me wonder", "our hearts were full of spring", lots more... everything! plus the title cut from his new album - which wasn't bad. then an intermission. people were already talking about how insanely great it was and we hadn't even heard "smile" yet. i mean everyone was just stunned. okay so he comes back and now he's got a 20 piece band - he's added strings and horns. and they do the entire "smile" album spectacular. completely absorbing. starts with the acapella "our prayer" and then a really powerful rendition of "heroes and villains". all of the reservations i had about seeing a mentally ill person onstage were totally unfounded. i mean he was totally together. he sat behind a keyboard and rarely played but i mean he was right there the whole time. went thru the whole smile piece and it's just astounding - i mean - really heavy.
the string section all wore fire hats during "mrs o'leary's cow" and they even had a fire hose -- they had this whole thing choreographed.
they went thru the whole thing -- "surf's up" - the whole fantastic -- well--- symphony. ending with "good vibrations". and then he went off to wild cheers and they came back shortly and all the musicians were introduced one by one and then came a whole nuther set of beach boys stuff starting with "do it again" and moving on to "fun fun fun" and "help me rhonda" and all that. it was like wash dc 4th of july! brian picked up the bass for "barbara ann" and then he saluted chuck berry and ended up with "surfin' usa". and this is the symphony hall! the aisles were full-- people clapping and dancing, including rodney bingenheimer (whom i shook hands with as he was leaving).
brian came back for one more encore... "okay, no more rock n' roll, gonna leave you with a nice quiet one". and he did "love and mercy" (much better than the record). good vibrations all around!” -- don
Then comes Part Two… Don had lost it to the extent that he hadn’t reported on the hardware… Goes something like this…
Don- Dead on awesome review! But no comments on all the different guitars?
The man, having gained his composure by this time duly did his duty…
“okay... you asked for it... that's funny -- right after i sent that out i realized i hadn't mentioned the guitars and then i wrote an addendum but only sent it to the guitar players. so now i'll bore everyone else and you can all blame andy.
ok... there were some pretty cool axes up there, mostly from the guy in the orange shirt with the cap. first the gibson j-200 during the bongo party. this was particularly great on "wendy" when he and the other guy traded off on those chords in the instr break. then that guy had the guitar i currently have the madness for: a white fender jazzmaster. in fact for the last month or so i've been trying to decipher prices on them at japanese websites. i saw one on ebay and very nearly put in a bid. just the other day i saw one on haight street but it was blue. it's gotta be beach boys white with red pickguard or not at all!!
okay, that guy also had a danelectro six string bass. that was the blue sparkly thing. i've already got one of those.(in case i'm ever called upon to play the solo to "wichita lineman").
the other guy on that side of the stage had some nice hollow bodies.
first he had an epiphone 12 string which he used on "california girls"
and "dance dance dance". this was kinda like carl's gibson 12. this guy also had a nice white gibson 335 which he flipped over at the end and it said "smile" on the back. this guy also had a ukelele for that hawaiin bit from "smile".
then there was that other guy -- he had a black telecaster and also a danelectro 12 string which he somehow managed to play slide on. he also played banjo on "cabinessence".
i think they all had blackface fender reissue combo amps -- looked like twin reverbs. bass guy had a 5 (or 6) string gold fender bass. brian had a white fender precision bass (his trademark) which he plucked with his thumb-- in his classic style.
i think that was about it. thanks for the reminder andy” - don
If Don says that was about it then verily that be it!
“saw brian wilson at the symphony hall. wow!!!!! holy moley, was he GREAT!!! best thing since mccartney. easily THE show of the year. i mean i'd heard raves - and even heard the whole smile section from the show beforehand but i wasn't prepared for this. it was everything people said it was but ten times better.
it started out with him and a few people (the wondermints i guess) backing him up -- huddled together in front of the stage. a guy on bongos, couple of guys on acoustic guitars -- in other words it was like a little beach bongo party. also there was this super hot blonde gal who sang and played some percussion. brian wore a short sleeve green floral (almost hawaiian) short. he looked alright. not at all disturbing - let's put it that way. and they opened with "surfer girl". before long i started to get sweaty. this was gonna be heavy. they did some other old beach boys nuggets --unplugged -- including "wendy". that was killer. absolute perfect harmonies. brian sang lead all night with others doing his falsettoes. okay, after they already blew everyone's mind with that section, they took their places filling the stage -- drummer behind full drum kit -- percussionists, keyboards, bassist, 3 guitars. and they did "sloop john b". i lost it! my eyes filled up and i almost had to walk out for a second. and i wasn't alone. from here on almost every song received a standing ovation. "this is paul mccartney's favorite song ever" he proudly proclaimed before doing a killer version of "god only knows". they ran thru a bunch of classics -- "california girls", "please let me wonder", "our hearts were full of spring", lots more... everything! plus the title cut from his new album - which wasn't bad. then an intermission. people were already talking about how insanely great it was and we hadn't even heard "smile" yet. i mean everyone was just stunned. okay so he comes back and now he's got a 20 piece band - he's added strings and horns. and they do the entire "smile" album spectacular. completely absorbing. starts with the acapella "our prayer" and then a really powerful rendition of "heroes and villains". all of the reservations i had about seeing a mentally ill person onstage were totally unfounded. i mean he was totally together. he sat behind a keyboard and rarely played but i mean he was right there the whole time. went thru the whole smile piece and it's just astounding - i mean - really heavy.
the string section all wore fire hats during "mrs o'leary's cow" and they even had a fire hose -- they had this whole thing choreographed.
they went thru the whole thing -- "surf's up" - the whole fantastic -- well--- symphony. ending with "good vibrations". and then he went off to wild cheers and they came back shortly and all the musicians were introduced one by one and then came a whole nuther set of beach boys stuff starting with "do it again" and moving on to "fun fun fun" and "help me rhonda" and all that. it was like wash dc 4th of july! brian picked up the bass for "barbara ann" and then he saluted chuck berry and ended up with "surfin' usa". and this is the symphony hall! the aisles were full-- people clapping and dancing, including rodney bingenheimer (whom i shook hands with as he was leaving).
brian came back for one more encore... "okay, no more rock n' roll, gonna leave you with a nice quiet one". and he did "love and mercy" (much better than the record). good vibrations all around!” -- don
Then comes Part Two… Don had lost it to the extent that he hadn’t reported on the hardware… Goes something like this…
Don- Dead on awesome review! But no comments on all the different guitars?
The man, having gained his composure by this time duly did his duty…
“okay... you asked for it... that's funny -- right after i sent that out i realized i hadn't mentioned the guitars and then i wrote an addendum but only sent it to the guitar players. so now i'll bore everyone else and you can all blame andy.
ok... there were some pretty cool axes up there, mostly from the guy in the orange shirt with the cap. first the gibson j-200 during the bongo party. this was particularly great on "wendy" when he and the other guy traded off on those chords in the instr break. then that guy had the guitar i currently have the madness for: a white fender jazzmaster. in fact for the last month or so i've been trying to decipher prices on them at japanese websites. i saw one on ebay and very nearly put in a bid. just the other day i saw one on haight street but it was blue. it's gotta be beach boys white with red pickguard or not at all!!
okay, that guy also had a danelectro six string bass. that was the blue sparkly thing. i've already got one of those.(in case i'm ever called upon to play the solo to "wichita lineman").
the other guy on that side of the stage had some nice hollow bodies.
first he had an epiphone 12 string which he used on "california girls"
and "dance dance dance". this was kinda like carl's gibson 12. this guy also had a nice white gibson 335 which he flipped over at the end and it said "smile" on the back. this guy also had a ukelele for that hawaiin bit from "smile".
then there was that other guy -- he had a black telecaster and also a danelectro 12 string which he somehow managed to play slide on. he also played banjo on "cabinessence".
i think they all had blackface fender reissue combo amps -- looked like twin reverbs. bass guy had a 5 (or 6) string gold fender bass. brian had a white fender precision bass (his trademark) which he plucked with his thumb-- in his classic style.
i think that was about it. thanks for the reminder andy” - don
If Don says that was about it then verily that be it!
A rabble rousing Mark Morford rallying call to our dejected US cousins.
Map illo supplied by the Very Rev. D. Arnoff Esq.
It's that time of year once again, gang. Blair Buscareno will be celebrating another full trip 'round dear ol' Sol. Come help him have a great time. We (The Miscreants) will be back at Magnetic Field for the fuzztivities on Saturday November 13th (2 days before the actual day, just in case you also want to send candy that Monday.) Here's the way the schedule looks:
7:30 PM - The debut of The Coal Gems (Miscreants Blair, Jahna, and Matt doing something different. This'll be only 5-6 songs, but we're all really looking forward to it. 8:00 PM - The Miscreants take the stage to the roar of the crowd. They proceed to do... Whatever it is they do. 9:00 PM - The Electrolux Combo. Yeah, last year we had Electraluxx. This year it's The Electrolux Combo. This bunch plays sleazy Las Vegas Grind style instros. We love 'em... And not just 'cuz they include a couple members of The Belmondos. All this for only $3. And you are NOT *required* to show up with a gift for Blair's birthday. (Of course, if you'd like to bring some saviata cookies from DiRoberti's on 1st Avenue, he'd be quite grateful.) By the way, rumor has it that Blair will have back issues of The Teen Scene available as door prizes. But who listens to rumors?.
7:30 PM - The debut of The Coal Gems (Miscreants Blair, Jahna, and Matt doing something different. This'll be only 5-6 songs, but we're all really looking forward to it. 8:00 PM - The Miscreants take the stage to the roar of the crowd. They proceed to do... Whatever it is they do. 9:00 PM - The Electrolux Combo. Yeah, last year we had Electraluxx. This year it's The Electrolux Combo. This bunch plays sleazy Las Vegas Grind style instros. We love 'em... And not just 'cuz they include a couple members of The Belmondos. All this for only $3. And you are NOT *required* to show up with a gift for Blair's birthday. (Of course, if you'd like to bring some saviata cookies from DiRoberti's on 1st Avenue, he'd be quite grateful.) By the way, rumor has it that Blair will have back issues of The Teen Scene available as door prizes. But who listens to rumors?.
Our brother in R&R, Mr. Patrick Bainée sent in this DDR report...
DEMOLITION DOLL RODS IN EVREUX NOV 4, 2004
"For once, I didn’t have to go to Paris to see a good show : DDR was in town, yesterday, in a cool venue called “l’Abordage”. The gig began with a duet by The Cool Klebs (The Cool Dogs), composed of DDR tour manager and his girlfriend to whom DDR asked to open the show (it was their second show ever but before, the guy played in a group called Kleptomanes – remember you made a review in the Next Big Thing at the time, Lindsay?). (I don’t but I’ll refresh my memory… - LH) Their performance was pretty cool and they dedicated one track to Greg Shaw (RIP). I told the guy that his voice reminds me of Dominique Laboubée (RIP, again), singer of the best French group ever, The Dogs. It seems it was the best compliment he could receive.
As Margaret and Dan were in the audience, I said hi and gave a Cramps live 2004 CD to them (thanx B.). It was much appreciated and will provide good times while driving during their tour. It was fun to see Margaret in a pullover and jeans (see picture) when she’s gonna wear (?!) a very sexy outfit a few minutes later. The set began with “Get It On” and mostly featured songs from the latest album, “On”. One of the highlights of the show was a version of The Gories “Baby Say Unh!”, with Christine, Margaret’s little daughter coming to the front of the stage to sing the last part. On “Cannonball”, Dan sings and plays a (sounds like a Black Oak moment – LH) kinda washboard with a bottleneck (description by a non technician!)while Margaret, wearing gloves a la Rita Hayworth in “Gilda” was lasciviously dancing, then accelerated in a tribal dance with her boobs jumping off her mini bra (string bra, does that make sense?).
I never saw such a number of photos taken during a show, the crowd (around 250 people)appreciated the show and the music too. At one point, Dan jumped into the crowd but didn’t realise that the stage was so high and badly hurt his feet. They did a few more songs but no encores due to Dan being in obvious pain. It was short but very intense.
Then came the Black Keys – I particularly appreciated their version of “Have Love Will travel”, a good compromise between Richard Berry’s original version and The Sonics. They ended with a slow version of “No Fun”. They did encores but I left to talk to Margaret, Christine and Dan after buying some stuff from the DDR merch stall (the new album, window sticker, poster and a lot of T-shirts. Margaret was kindly massaging Dan’s foot that seemed to be getting better. They kindly autographed their new LP for me. We talked about new DDR projects (a DVD is soon to be made available by their pal Allen and Margaret’s connection with Mr Airplane Man), souvenirs from the Gories(1992) and the DDR Paris shows, some of their faves: Oblivians, Reatards and even Jonathan Richman (one of my heroes) who is “a constant source of inspiration” said Margaret.
I left after a last photo with Margaret holding me by the hips “Shake Your Hips” could be a good cover for DDR, don’t you think ?. Those DDR are beautiful human beings."
Patrick
Portrait of the author with Margaret Dollrod
DEMOLITION DOLL RODS IN EVREUX NOV 4, 2004
"For once, I didn’t have to go to Paris to see a good show : DDR was in town, yesterday, in a cool venue called “l’Abordage”. The gig began with a duet by The Cool Klebs (The Cool Dogs), composed of DDR tour manager and his girlfriend to whom DDR asked to open the show (it was their second show ever but before, the guy played in a group called Kleptomanes – remember you made a review in the Next Big Thing at the time, Lindsay?). (I don’t but I’ll refresh my memory… - LH) Their performance was pretty cool and they dedicated one track to Greg Shaw (RIP). I told the guy that his voice reminds me of Dominique Laboubée (RIP, again), singer of the best French group ever, The Dogs. It seems it was the best compliment he could receive.
As Margaret and Dan were in the audience, I said hi and gave a Cramps live 2004 CD to them (thanx B.). It was much appreciated and will provide good times while driving during their tour. It was fun to see Margaret in a pullover and jeans (see picture) when she’s gonna wear (?!) a very sexy outfit a few minutes later. The set began with “Get It On” and mostly featured songs from the latest album, “On”. One of the highlights of the show was a version of The Gories “Baby Say Unh!”, with Christine, Margaret’s little daughter coming to the front of the stage to sing the last part. On “Cannonball”, Dan sings and plays a (sounds like a Black Oak moment – LH) kinda washboard with a bottleneck (description by a non technician!)while Margaret, wearing gloves a la Rita Hayworth in “Gilda” was lasciviously dancing, then accelerated in a tribal dance with her boobs jumping off her mini bra (string bra, does that make sense?).
I never saw such a number of photos taken during a show, the crowd (around 250 people)appreciated the show and the music too. At one point, Dan jumped into the crowd but didn’t realise that the stage was so high and badly hurt his feet. They did a few more songs but no encores due to Dan being in obvious pain. It was short but very intense.
Then came the Black Keys – I particularly appreciated their version of “Have Love Will travel”, a good compromise between Richard Berry’s original version and The Sonics. They ended with a slow version of “No Fun”. They did encores but I left to talk to Margaret, Christine and Dan after buying some stuff from the DDR merch stall (the new album, window sticker, poster and a lot of T-shirts. Margaret was kindly massaging Dan’s foot that seemed to be getting better. They kindly autographed their new LP for me. We talked about new DDR projects (a DVD is soon to be made available by their pal Allen and Margaret’s connection with Mr Airplane Man), souvenirs from the Gories(1992) and the DDR Paris shows, some of their faves: Oblivians, Reatards and even Jonathan Richman (one of my heroes) who is “a constant source of inspiration” said Margaret.
I left after a last photo with Margaret holding me by the hips “Shake Your Hips” could be a good cover for DDR, don’t you think ?. Those DDR are beautiful human beings."
Patrick
Portrait of the author with Margaret Dollrod
Friday, November 05, 2004
From Ace Records: "THE SONICS ARE COMING! Back in the mid-1960s, the legendary Sonics took rock'n'roll by the scruff of the neck and thrashed it to within an inch of its life, leaving a legacy of some of the most savage, visceral recordings ever made. Now, in 2004, the Sonics’ version of the Richard Berry classic: ‘Have Love Will Travel’, will return to the spotlight as the soundtrack to the fabulous new Land Rover Discovery TV advert (currently being shown on a terrestrial and satellite channel near you). Ace will be releasing the track c/w ‘Psycho’ as a CD single – available to buy from the 29th November. We’re on a mission to knock some excitement back into the UK music charts and to secure the 1000th Number One slot, so please buy in bulk!".
Can anyone tell me what fucking use to the world that fireworks are? Outside of the context of a KISS concert of course. It's pissing rain here and it sounds a bit like Bagdhad did on the telly when Dubya went in mob handed. No doubt there are troops of drongos out there watching them but not we. If the purpose of these bloody squibs is to frighten animals and old people then I guess it's a big success. Me? I'd ban the bloody things outright, everyplace and use the money for a worthier cause. If I was blasting my Boonaraaas records at this volume the polis would come and huckle me. Guy Fawkes? Guys Feck off more like!
Joss reports an increase in Sonic Reducer activity during November...
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey folks
Hope you had a swingin' Halloween, although with Bush gettin' back in, it'll soon be Oct 31st all year round ... Up yer nuts, Dubya!
The Sonic Reducer crew are gonna be real busy during November, not least as tour support to our friends The Detroit Cobras, at the behest of Rachel & co. and Rough Trade boss Geoff Travis! We're also slated to spin a whole mess of righteous sounds at gigs by Memphis's own American Death Ray, London-based hepcats The Bad Breed and the latest line-up of Kim Salmon & The Scientists, plus paying rock'n'roll respect at the UK debut of The Bonniwell Music Machine!
As for our own Sonic Reducer soirees, we've snagged a coupla red hot guest DJs for ya during November:
November 12th - Nick Brown, of Intoxica! Records and London's hippest R&B'n'dominoes evening, The Stag-O-Lee Preservation Society & Drinking Club, plus he's The Tindersticks' favoured tour DJ, a former Membranes mentalist, and an all-round musical mensch!
November 26th - Andy Perry, of the Intensive Care club, and scribbler for The Telegraph and a host of other glossies ... Truly, a music journo you can trust - and there ain't many, Benny!
We've got some VERY special guest DJs for December, so stay tuned for details (ho, ho ,ho) ...
As Prof. Stanley Unwin woulda advised, "Stay cool, won't you?"
Joss & Joe
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonic Reducer Diary - November:
* Nov 5th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support American Death Ray @ The Dirty Water Club, N19
* Nov 12th - Sonic Reducer, with guest Nick Brown @ The Boogaloo, N6
* Nov 13th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Bad Breed @ Flip Your Wig, The Plough Inn, E17
* Nov 15th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support Kim Salmon & The Scientists @ The Dirty Water Club
* Nov 16th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support Bonniwell Music Machine @ Islington Academy
* Nov 21st
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
* Nov 22nd
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Roadhouse, Manchester
* Nov 23rd
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ King Tut's, Glasgow
* Nov 24th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Cockpit, Leeds
* Nov 25th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Electric Ballroom, Camden Town
* Nov 26th - Sonic Reducer, with guest Andy Perry @ The Boogaloo, London N6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey folks
Hope you had a swingin' Halloween, although with Bush gettin' back in, it'll soon be Oct 31st all year round ... Up yer nuts, Dubya!
The Sonic Reducer crew are gonna be real busy during November, not least as tour support to our friends The Detroit Cobras, at the behest of Rachel & co. and Rough Trade boss Geoff Travis! We're also slated to spin a whole mess of righteous sounds at gigs by Memphis's own American Death Ray, London-based hepcats The Bad Breed and the latest line-up of Kim Salmon & The Scientists, plus paying rock'n'roll respect at the UK debut of The Bonniwell Music Machine!
As for our own Sonic Reducer soirees, we've snagged a coupla red hot guest DJs for ya during November:
November 12th - Nick Brown, of Intoxica! Records and London's hippest R&B'n'dominoes evening, The Stag-O-Lee Preservation Society & Drinking Club, plus he's The Tindersticks' favoured tour DJ, a former Membranes mentalist, and an all-round musical mensch!
November 26th - Andy Perry, of the Intensive Care club, and scribbler for The Telegraph and a host of other glossies ... Truly, a music journo you can trust - and there ain't many, Benny!
We've got some VERY special guest DJs for December, so stay tuned for details (ho, ho ,ho) ...
As Prof. Stanley Unwin woulda advised, "Stay cool, won't you?"
Joss & Joe
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sonic Reducer Diary - November:
* Nov 5th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support American Death Ray @ The Dirty Water Club, N19
* Nov 12th - Sonic Reducer, with guest Nick Brown @ The Boogaloo, N6
* Nov 13th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Bad Breed @ Flip Your Wig, The Plough Inn, E17
* Nov 15th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support Kim Salmon & The Scientists @ The Dirty Water Club
* Nov 16th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support Bonniwell Music Machine @ Islington Academy
* Nov 21st
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
* Nov 22nd
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Roadhouse, Manchester
* Nov 23rd
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ King Tut's, Glasgow
* Nov 24th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Cockpit, Leeds
* Nov 25th
Sonic Reducer Tag Team support The Detroit Cobras @ Electric Ballroom, Camden Town
* Nov 26th - Sonic Reducer, with guest Andy Perry @ The Boogaloo, London N6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, November 04, 2004
The Ramones : End Of The Century film will be screened at the IDFA festival in Amsterdam later this month.
While the rest of the planet does a double take and wonders what the heck happened out there in the USA on Tuesday past, Ms Teresa has hepped we to the wisdom of Mark Morford yet again. I think he articulates the situation more than perfectly. Meanwhile, hang on to your hollyhocks...
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Hank Ray Record Release Party at Wild at Heart in Berlin - 20th November 2004!
A big punch in the face for Team America (and the world)... The sound clips on the site don't work but it's fun to futz around on there anyways.
I'm having trouble posting tonight. Blogger is probably im meltdown as a result of the US election outcome or something. Like in the UK at the end of a particularly cliffhanging episode of Eastenders or something when everybody makes a cup of tea or goes to the lavvy. Me, I've been getting acquainted with the Suzy Y Los Quattro album and some tidy Boonaraaas singles, more about which later...
A big punch in the face for Team America (and the world)... The sound clips on the site don't work but it's fun to futz around on there anyways.
I'm having trouble posting tonight. Blogger is probably im meltdown as a result of the US election outcome or something. Like in the UK at the end of a particularly cliffhanging episode of Eastenders or something when everybody makes a cup of tea or goes to the lavvy. Me, I've been getting acquainted with the Suzy Y Los Quattro album and some tidy Boonaraaas singles, more about which later...
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Been thinking about our American friends today as the big pantomime begins and an obscene amount of campaign money continues to be pissed down the pan into oblivion.
I guess it won't be long now until the fate of the world is sealed... nothing the arrival of the Suzy Y Los Quattro album wouldn't put right though... meanwhile we'll have to make do with the cover...
I guess it won't be long now until the fate of the world is sealed... nothing the arrival of the Suzy Y Los Quattro album wouldn't put right though... meanwhile we'll have to make do with the cover...
Monday, November 01, 2004
THE PAYBACKS to appear this week on LAST CALL WITH CARSON DALY!
Check it out everybody! Set you VCRs and Tivos! The Paybacks will be appearing as the House Band on Last Call with Carson Daly on Thursday, November 4th and Friday, November 5th. The shows will air at 1:35 am on NBC). Make sure not to miss Wendy and the boys rocking the NBC studios! Should be a blast! The band itself will miss the broadcast however as they start their Spanish Tour. Here are the dates:
Wed Nov. 3 Gijon Teatro Albeniz
Thu Nov. 4 Vigo La Iguana
Fri Nov. 5 Guadalajara Festival Panoramico
Sat Nov. 6 Zaragoza La Casa del Loco
Sun Nov. 7 Castellon Ricoamor
Wed Nov. 10 Barcelona Magic
Thu Nov. 11 Santander Indian
Fri Nov. 12 Bilbao Azkena
Sat Nov. 13 Madrid El Sol
Check it out everybody! Set you VCRs and Tivos! The Paybacks will be appearing as the House Band on Last Call with Carson Daly on Thursday, November 4th and Friday, November 5th. The shows will air at 1:35 am on NBC). Make sure not to miss Wendy and the boys rocking the NBC studios! Should be a blast! The band itself will miss the broadcast however as they start their Spanish Tour. Here are the dates:
Wed Nov. 3 Gijon Teatro Albeniz
Thu Nov. 4 Vigo La Iguana
Fri Nov. 5 Guadalajara Festival Panoramico
Sat Nov. 6 Zaragoza La Casa del Loco
Sun Nov. 7 Castellon Ricoamor
Wed Nov. 10 Barcelona Magic
Thu Nov. 11 Santander Indian
Fri Nov. 12 Bilbao Azkena
Sat Nov. 13 Madrid El Sol
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)