Stuart McHugh of Is This Music has the following shows organised, the first three in the Home of The Skids - Dunfermline. The Carnegie Hall is a great venue and should be supported!

Wednesday, August 25th

Saint Jude's Infirmary, Indafusion and Taylor Kane, Dunfermline Carnegie Hall

Thursday, August 26th

Malcolm Middleton/ My Latest Novel/ Flying Matchstick Men with compere Jim Gellatly, Dunfermline Carnegie Hall

Friday, August 27th

James Yorkston and the Athletes/ King Biscuit Time, compered by Vic Galloway, Dunfermline Carnegie Hall

Wednesday August 31st

Flying Matchstick Men, The Aphrodisiacs, Satellite Dub and Calvin, @ The Universal Bar, Glasgow, Sauchiehall Lane. (Part of the MusicWorks conference)

Somewhat alarmed at the fact that tomorrow is August 1st and that the weekend has gone up in smoke again. Achievement in relation to time, even to the extent of replying to e-mail is taking a downward slide. There are realities to attend to that suck whatever green is around for no tangible return but we're all in that boat.

I've had a few senior moments this week. Those where you can't remember names and events the way you used to. Now that might be down to diet but it's more likely to be the onslaught of age. The rapid stepping up of that precious commodity called time. I know, I've harped on about it before but it seems to me that we're trapped doing stuff that is simply no fun as the sands trickle into the lower portion of the hourglass. That said it was good to catch up with Laura and some other folks this week. It could be said that I just need to chill out and let the pieces fall into place but anybody with any experience of being around me will know that homey can't play that logic.

One other plus this past week, was to be able to check out the "work in progress" that will be The Star Spangles "Rite Over Rooftops". The follow up to "Bazooka" has all the hallmarks that today's pop kids could use in their lives if they only just knew it. But how to treat the attention deficit disorder that stands between the band and their prospective audience? Wish I bleedin' knew...

August is shaping up to be a busy time so that's something. Several high profile visitors and a Film Festival will divert what's left of my mind from the numbnuts that I have to tholl in order to eat. Another project is to try and get my turntable sorted out or a replacement because there's a bunch of vinyl here that requires attending to. The remainder of Sunday awaits as do the chores. Catch you on yonder flipside...

Not sure how things are on your end, but over here the festival season is in full swing. I have no idea how many of these things are on this summer, but it seems that even the tiniest dot on the map has it's own fest these days. God knows why people still bother; either you're up to your knees in mud or you get burned alive in the sun. And lets not forget the (overpriced) stale beer, hamburger stench, waiting in line just to take a pee, ugly tattoos, ugly hairdos and ugly people ("non-conformist, just like everybody else"). That, and the wind blowing off the sound of your favorite band in just the opposite direction of where you're standing. Gimme a small place that has trouble gettin' a crowd that numbers above three figures any day.

Some very entertaining MASH-UP action for those who get a kick outta such things.

Just tonight I heard Suicide's "Dream Baby Dream" being used on a trailer for a show called "So You Want To Be A Property Developer". Me no comprendé, neither.

The hastily-arranged Laura Cantrell Fopp instore rounded up a fair turn-out who were treated to the first appearance in Glasgow of Dave Schramm and Steve Goulding.



The short seven-song showcase featured "14th Street", "California Rose", "Letters", "All The Same To You", "Two Seconds", "Wishful Thinking" and "Old Downtown". After that Laura had to scoot up to the BBC to complete the BBC Radio Thrift Shop programmes which start going out a week from today at 8.05pm until 10pm on Fridays. The "Listen Again" facility will of course be available for a week following each broadcast.

Just got back from spending a week in the north-eastern part of Holland with Alice and Bastiaan, where we'd rented a small cottage just outside the middle of nowhere. The peace and quiet resulted in a lot of, apparently much needed, sleep, but I also found time to wade through 'Big bosoms and Square Jaws', the new Russ Meyer biography by Jimmy McDonough (Crown). Having passed on Meyer's way too expensive autobio at the time, this is a welcome, and affordable, substitute, not to mention the fact that this goes beyond Russ' own, uh, chestbeating and delivers dissident POV's as well. The story remains a fascinating one of course. I figure you all know the basic out-line, but this book contains a wealth of new (at least to me) information as well. Besides, McDonough is pretty much on the ball often relating Meyer's work to rock'n'roll rather than cinema, plus his writing style is often funny and always to the point. So yes, this gets both thumbs up, even if the pictures are somewhat undersized. During our trip the carstereo had the Fleshtones' latest 'beachhead' (Yep Roc) on heavy rotation. Maybe not the knock-out punch one would have hoped for, what with their thirtieth anniversary due next year, but still a pretty solid offering. Those expecting something new obviously don't have a clue, but longtime fans will agree that 'Bigger And Better', 'Pretty, Pretty, Pretty' and 'I Am What I Am' will make fine additions to the live set. Fingers crossed that Joe Bonomo's long promised book on the band will be ready for next year's festivities.

SAVE CBGB BENEFIT SHOWS. Advance tickets are available at TICKETWEB.COM

AUGUST

8/2 JOKER 5 SPEED
8/3 RANA, SOUND OF URCHIN, BIG MACHINE [buy tickets]
8/4 CHEVELLE [buy tickets]
8/5 BUSH TETRAS
8/9 APHASIA, SHORTIE
8/10 AGAINST ME, THE EXIT, WORLD INFERNO FRIENDSHIP SOCIETY
8/12 MISFITS
8/13 VANS WARPED TOUR AFTER PARTY
8/14 GORILLA BISCUITS, BLACK TRAIN JACK
8/15 RAW POWER
8/19 LIVING COLOUR
8/20 THE VANDALS
8/22 KID DYNAMITE, GREYAREA
8/26 DEAD BOYS, FLIPPER, PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES, ADRENALIN O.D. ,
FURIOUS GEORGE [buy tickets]
8/27 DEAD BOYS, ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE, NIHILISTICS, SFA [buy tickets]
8/28 SHAM 69, FLIPPER, CHEETAH CHROME & THE BLACK ANGELS [buy tickets]
8/29 SMAM 69, THE RADICTS [buy tickets]

ALSO PLAYING IN AUGUST IS YOUTH BRIGADE, FANG, BILLY CLUB AND MORE TBA LATER.

SEPTEMBER

9/1 CONFLICT, VERBAL ABUSE, LOST CHEEREES [buy tickets]
9/2 CONFLICT, LOST CHEEREES [buy tickets]
9/3 TODAY IS THE DAY, CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN, ADOLYNE
9/4 SICK OF IT ALL, FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS, MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
9/6 DR. KNOW, DAYGLO ABORTIONS, THE ACCUSED
9/7 DR. KNOW, DAYGLO ABORTIONS, THE ACCUSED
9/8 THE EXPLOITED
9/9 CIRCLE JERKS, ADOLESCENTS, D.I. , CHANNEL 3, ZERO BOYS, ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN [buy tickets]
9/10 CIRCLE JERKS, ADOLESCENTS, D.I., CHANNEL 3, ZERO BOYS [buy tickets]

That Laura Cantrell in-store will be at 1pm at the Union Street branch of FOPP in Glasgow. Get along there if you can. This'll be the first time that Dave Schramm has played with Laura over here. Ms Cantrell will also be putting the finishing touches to her BBC Radio Thrift Shop programmes which start going out next Friday (7th August?) I think...

Other than that, it's the old "heid-doon, breenge through" the day scenario. Nowt else for it.

Well, I REALLY can't be arsed today and should really be outta here by now. "That Summer Feeling" brought upon by the BMX Bandits on Saturday has given way to something altogether more volatile. Listening to the wireless there, apparently those guys who botched last Thursday's attacks on London weren't just (potential) bombers. No, they were benefit cheats as well! Who knows what evil... etc. So anyway, never one to put off the inevitable, it's time to face the day. Hope to be able to convey some info with regard to a Glasgow in-store between now and Thursday by Laura Cantrell. There is a little light at the end of the tunnel then...

Managed to stay away from this thing for much of yesterday... and am just running outta the door but here's another coupla albums for your consideration...


THE GROOVERS “Undergroove” on Blood Red is a lithe 13 song proto-garage with 50’s echo treat. Like a fractured Pink Slip Daddy, the opening salvo “Okay Boys!” is a co-write with Ben Vaughn. They’ve captured that twang that separates the wheat from the chaff and tempered it with just enough noise to deliver a thumping torrent. As if The Scientists were jamming with The Fleshtones. These French guys know their onions alright, the “wild saxophone”, er, break on “G/C’mon” is utterly unexpected and all of a sudden we’re in some kinda twisted “Funhouse” situation. There are many strings to The Groovers bow and this is a world class set of songs. The accent of the vocals gives it an exotic quality and recalls the pleasure of hearing a group like The Dogs way back two of those decade things ago. “I’ve Never Realised” has that “What Goes On” shuffle to it. Intense and locked into what else but an ultimate groove. Ploughing a furrow straight in the middle of what’s left of that mind of yours.


Back In Spades is a curious name. Back from where exactly? I know the connotation but it seems like an odd name for this young Detroit combo. At the time of recording, the band included one Jackson Smith. You’ll be familiar with his old fella, one Frederick Sonic Smith? Anyway, Savage Beat in Australia has seen fit to to release this 8 song beastie. That continent has long enjoyed a spiritual and sonic bond with the Motor City. “The Time is Now”, not to be confused with the Moloko hit, would suggest that young J has inherited his dad’s guitarslinging gene. He doesn’t just have the style, he’s adapted it to fit the confines of a 21st Century barrage. There’s a run through of “City Slang” just to reinforce the connection with the ol’ Motor City. B.I.S have a Stonesy feel welded onto a solid chassis and they’re also not afraid to let their Ace Frehley flag fly and you gotta applaud that. There won’t be many an NBT visior that doesn’t flash a big grin across their coupon when they whap this in the tray. It’ll be interesting to see what happens now that Jackson has flown the coop. The powerstance nature of the cover art suggests they’ll take it in their stride.

Finally getting around to putting mitt to keyboard with regard to some recent(ish) releases so here goes...


"Breakin’ It Down" by The Midnight Evils from Minneapolis is on Estrus. They had sonic blacksmith, Tim Kerr nail the horseshoes to their frantic, hopped up fracas. Timeless high octane shit-kicking and punching, simple framework, solid deliverin’ rockin’ which will delight fans of The Lazy Cowgirls, Nine Pound Hammer and any of that which fits between those two (bar)stools. “Party, Party, Party” is nothing but a blatant steal of “Someone’s Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In (Tonight)”. Bravo.


DMBQ’s "The Essential Sounds From The Far East" comes on like Hendrix with jumper cables connected to his entire Experience. There’s a relentless rawk haul going on here that would probably scare the bejeezus out of your conventional metal fan. This Dynamite Masters Blues Quartet deliver a heavy, heavy monster sound. Even at a medium volume, this sucker feels loud. “Mo-Ya, Mo-Ya” sounds like Sabbath only way more visceral. There was an earthquake in Tokyo today, did anybody think to check if these guys were playing last night?


The Meows “At the Top of the Bottom” on No Tomorrow is a soul-kissed rockin’ sensation outta Barcelona and comprising 5 guys that are well versed in what it takes to cut some rug. The most obvious reference could be The Real Kids but there’s an additional dimension to their shindiggin’. If this combo is half as good live as this album suggests then there a lot of bands in a whole heap of trouble. There’s a nice Fleshtonian edge to it too, that super rock swathe that’s not easy to pull off. They’re packing an understated muscle, considering there are 11 original songs here plus covers of Ike Turner’s “This Man’s Crazy” and Sly Stone’s “Don’t Burn Baby” (complete with a raj wee “Pretty Vacant” moment on the close. The Meows are dishing up some incendiary dance music here. It’s a long way down from the dizzy heights this baby’ll take you to.


"Sonic Seducers" by The Intercontinental Playboys is a farfisa-charged palette of Garage flavours with a mix/match ratio that could only be mustered in Australia. There are all kinds of familiar nooks and crannies in their instinctive flair for reinventing that age old recipe. It’s a fun ride. The almost vaudeville aspect of their performance suggests a level of showmanship which could really set these songs off. With the right lighting and the requisite throb, the kids could have their heads turned by something as crafted as this. Their strength is the ability to ham it up without resorting to outright pastiche.


Dollsquad are also from Australia and combine a 70’s powerpop wallop with a penchant for the sixties. Their "Retro Dolls From Hipsville" is somewhat reminiscent of our hallowed Boonaraaas without treading on those ladies Chuck Taylors’. These 4 songs offer respite to anyone with a shine toward the girl group genre in general. Dollsquad swing in a most agreeable fashion and this niftily art-directed CD-EP sets the stage for a full length release, hopefully later in 2005. They should do a short 10” vinyl run of this in the meantime to stoke the fire. Enquire about the Dollsquad action figures while yer at it.


The Diplomats Of Solid Sound are “Ambassadors of Instrumental Soul”.Their “Destination…Get Down” on Estrus is a cool breeze. This Iowa City dwelling, Hammond fuelled delight provide an understated groove that will blow over you like some fine air conditioning. With elements of Booker T and Jimmy McGriff, the Diplomats drag those barbeque jams into fresh territory, blurring the join between when this music was new and making it now. “Loaf and Jug” is not a shopping list, or a London pub but a brand new dance that’s breaking out everywhere these guys play.

Those folks at LONESOME HIGHWAY in Edinburgh have an extensive schedule mapped out until the close of '05 including Ms Laura Cantrell in September and those Hacienda Brothers in October. If you're in and around these parts then get the heck on down. Y'think they organise these shindigs for the heck of it?

Uh oh, I guess THE STEPBROTHERS shows in Spain are over, this coming week they're in Southern Ireland though, check local press for details...

July 28th - Galway - venue: Roisin Dubh

July 29th - Cork - venue: tbc

July 30th - Dublin - venue: Crawdaddy

Three centuries ago, I used to work in a record shop down the town centre here in Grangemouth. This was in times before these out of town megaplex hellholes were invented. Better times for sure. This morning, I spent more time down there than I have in forever because the BMX Bandits, as mentioned earlier, surrealistically appeared in the square like some kinda holographic installation. It made me think about those olden days, before some of the people in this version of the band were even born. What I was thinking was, who could ever have predicted this!? But anyway, it happened and I have witnesses. I even "captured" the songs as mp3's if anybody out there with broadband would like them e-mailed to their in-box. I think one is just over 3mb and the other 1.5mb.

As part of the broadcast, the band did two songs in the first segment and another in the second. Hearing "That Summer Feeling" lapping from the stage at 10.10am on a Saturday morning is something one could get used to, even without Dan Penn to sing his verse like he did on the 45. Incidentally, Sanctuary have just issued SERIOUS DRUGS, a "best of" collection that includes their stellar rendition of that sublime J. Richman chestnut and a host of other songs from their Creation period. Anyway, their latest recruit Rachel MacKenzie adds an extra dimesion to their winsome pop. She'll appear on the soon to come (hopefully) new Duglas T solo outing.



The band is in great form and ripe for discovery by a whole new generation so let's keep our fingers crossed for that. It was all over by 1pm and it may have seemed like a dream or hallucination there are even photos to prove that this really did go down. I wonder if Duglas is in line for a cake voucher with regard to the plugs he gave Greggs on air? Must be worth a couple of "steak bakes" at least.

Dunno if you've come across this James Blunt guy that's storming the UK charts. Good for you if you haven't. He's like a creepy cross-pollenation of Chris De Burgh and David Gray and almost makes Dido seem like Tina Turner. Well, to these ears, for this particularly insidious strain of terrorism, the closing theme from The Incredible Hulk TV show has been copped to sculpt what must be the most horrendous, sickly #1 single in a long time.

Hearing the opening coming from the other room, I thinks to myself - is the TV on? but no, this guy starts to squeal and I'm filled with horror. And so early in the day too. A shock like this could drive someone less balanced into doing something drastic. The whole fabricated "industry" which seems to surround him gives me the heebs and it almost makes a guy want to hear a Keane song. Steady, I qualify that with an "almost" now...

Anyway, there's a bizarre situation going down in Grungemooth town centre this am and I'm aff (a variation on off) to investigate. There could even be some pictures later today. Take that as a threat brought upon by the aforementioned trauma if you're so inclined.

RIP - Long John Baldry

also Michael "Mick" Smith.

Like the great bard says... "Everybody's dying, what's going on?".

Mama Kangaroos is the latest project to come out on Mike Villers Genus imprint out of Philadelphia. A hefty labour of love with perhaps a touch of obsession, you may recall the Jim Carroll tribute ("Put Your Tongue to the Rail: The Philly Comp for Catholic Children") that the label previously put together. This one is subtitled “Philly Women sing Captain Beefheart”, MK offers a gamut of female interpretations from the songbook of Uncle Don with solid results. They might not all hit your particular spot but then you wouldn’t expect them to.

The opening cut, “Where There’s Woman” by Sweetie starts off fine but went all trip hoppy on me but the clatter is over soon enough. “The Past Sure Is Tense” by Winterbrief drags things back on track and even just two songs in, it’s obvious that a broad church such as this wasn’t gonna be instant. Repeated plays uncover new aspects as does the mood you’re in while you’re trying to digest it. Some attention is required, it doesn’t really play out as wallpaper.

I can’t claim to be an expert in Beefheart but I do recognise that these readings perhaps inhabit a more conventional universe than the original versions. It’d be interesting to hear if this Captfest inspires anyone who hasn’t already heard these songs to go back to the source. There is a reverence and a bounce to the sequence that might make no sense at all on “shuffle” but I think this is programmed like an album running order. Curated even. My consistent favourites go something like this. “My Head Is My Only House Unless It Rains” is given a Countrypolitan flavour by Nancy Falkow. I should mention right now that’d I’d heard of exactly nobody on this comp except for Amber DeLaurentis who plays on what for me is the standout, Janet Bressler’s “I’m Glad”. A transcendant slice of Philly Soul. Pure and simple. “When I See Mommy” by Tintinabulus sounds like a crash course in MX-80iness while Thorazine’s “Frying Pan” is a shouty, rooti’, tootin’ rabble flummoxer.

So then, to sum up, Mama isn’t your average tribute-ary. Given due care and attention there are dividends to be found in these 20 tracks. Some may confound, some may drive you “aff your heid” but I doubt if you’ll be bored. The proof of the pudding and all that…

Out there in Slovenia, the action shows no signs of abating. Tim Kerr has been out there working his magic on various projects which includes the next CRAZED FARMERS instalment. However, that's down the road apiece, for now check out THUNDERBABIES. A three piece with a swell line in '77 Lower East Side swing to their raunch. Brane Thunderbaby reckons that his combo provides "real raw and fresh r'n'r music" and he's not wrong. Sending a solid, simple cattleprod-like jag up the arse of what tries to pass itself off as the real deal on this end. These T'babies beat their material until it's a thick paste that's pretty bruising but in a good way. "Don't Try To Shut Me Down" sounds like a Nomads title strapped onto a garage AC/DC lollup. Yep, these three kids kick up quite the racket.



HIC ET NUNC are a tad more sophisticated bordering on contemporary. Their (fifth!?) album, "Burn Fat Old Sun" is produced by Bambi's collaborator and Walkabout, Chris Eckman. Theirs is a soulful maelstrom that burns (no pun or owt else intended) with a sinewy brightness constructed from many shards of popular music history. It's a Died Pretty-ish intensity that burns to bond the tracks. This stuff could really travel. A record like this could start the bush telegraph buzzing with "Llubljana is the new Seattle" type bollocks. The title track channels Joy Division through Radio Birdman to arrive at a destination that our airwaves could use right about now. "Innstant Self Knowledge" (it has two 'n's' on the jacket) is positively Roy Wood-like. BFOS is a really excellent album that deserves a wide audience.

Frank Macdonald just contacted me with the bad news that the great John Herald died.

Update at 6.54am 21/7 : It was confirmed by John's agent, Sarah. No more details at present but when any news comes in I'll let you know. I had the pleasure of meeting John and seeing him play during his many trips to Scotland. He made a record with The Radio Sweethearts called "Roll on John" which was released on Spit and Polish. One of the original folk troubadors, his work with The Greenbriar Boys is exemplary and he deserved much more than the cards life dealt him.

ROTTERDAM RUMBLE... The Coyotemen and a shedload of other garage grapplers this coming September at The Waterfront in, where else, Rotterdam.

The "TOP 12 HOTTEST FEMALE GUITARISTS EVER"!

Well I'll be (insert expression of choice here)... ("fucked with the ragman's coronet" was always my favourite but what can I tell ya? Scotland is a wonderful country. Where else would you expect to hear that the word "fail" is to be replaced, when dealing with kids' exams with "deferred success". Just lately I've been excelling in "deffered success" or, er... failure.

I'm working to clear that long promised backlog but am also trapped in the mire of reality and all the crap that trails into the hall. You all know how that is, right?

So anyway, there's e-mail to answer and discs to spin. There's Film Festival tickets to sort out too, See, the distractions are creeping in already...

A message from Ms Cantrell...

"Hey folks,

I am very disappointed about the sudden cancellation of Lucinda Williams' U.K. tour on which I was to be her support act. I am so sorry we won't be seeing you in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Newcastle.

However, I did want to let you know that I will be appearing on my own dates in Birmingham and York as scheduled, and may even be adding a last minute show in Glasgow next week (please watch my website for updates). Also, for those of you with tickets to the Cambridge Folk Festival, I've been added to the lineup for Saturday, July 30.

In addition, I will be appearing on the "Loose Ends" programme with Ned Sherrin on BBC Radio 4 this Saturday, as well as upcoming sessions on the " Andy Kershaw Show" for Radio 3, "OneMusic" with Rob da Bank for Radio 1, and "The Gideon Coe Show" for 6Music.

I'll be back in the U.K. in September for more shows that will be announced shortly, so again check the website as confirmed tour dates are added. There are also some new photos and free downloads, as well as a very special NYC subway map that plays all of the songs on my new album, "Humming By The Flowered Vine."

Thanks again for your support and understanding,

Laura Cantrell
Jackson heights, NY

July 24 - The Glee Club, The Arcadian Centre, Hurst Street, Birmingham, England. Tel: 0870 2415093

July 25 - The National Centre for Early Music, St. Margaret's Church, Walmgate, York, England. Tel: 01904 658338

July 30 - Cambridge Folk Festival, Cherry Hinton Hall Grounds Cambridge, England"

RIP - James Doohan, boldly gone, aged 85.

Just noted this at our eXTReMe Tracking site; beautiful girls, beautiful Asian girl, and me. I would love to tell you I was such fine company, but alas...

Handy dandy eBay feedback generator.

Reigning Sound news : a new CD Live At Maxwell's will be out soon on Telstar, with Spoonful managing the Lp. Fourteen tracks, originals and covers, and liners notes by Miriam Linna. Also (as previously announced) a 10" and CD, Home for Orphans (the scrapped second album) on Sympathy.

Acetate records is set to release a demo album by NINE POUND HAMMER; "Mulebite Deluxe", recorded in 1990 (with three new tracks, two originals and a cover for good measure), while Get Hip will be issuin' a 45 of NPH's version of "Train Kept A Rollin', Part 1 and 2".

Locals will be happy to learn that Utrecht now has it's own Elvis shop.

That's their forte....

THIS COMING WEEKEND IN NYC...

Cool picture overview of the recent Primitive fest in Rotterdam at YadaYadaOink.com. (link c/o Sander Bink)
And even more...

Dear Cats and/or Kittens,

Can't knock the rock? Then give in for a triple helping of rock and/or roll, SIT & Die Co. style!

THURSDAY, JULY 21st / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD / 8:00 - 12:00

It's another spectacular monthly revue of music, mirth and canned ham -- and special featured guests: uptown's Heather Allison, down South's Rosalyn Morris and the gypsy that's everywhere, Baby Maria. DJ Fabio Roberti will provide the atmosphere and we'll provide the snack bowls, all in the air-conditioned elegance of Otto's, located at 538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan's East Village. Two complete shows, at 8:00 and 10:00 sharp. Free! / www.OttosShrunkenHead.com /

FRIDAY, JULY 22nd / FREDDY'S BACKROOM / 9:00 - 9:45

The 2nd Annual Brooklyn Country Music Festival returns to the old-timey setting of Freddy's in Park Slope, Brooklyn, found at 485 Dean Street. No cover -- and free frankfurters! / www.BrooklynCountryMusic.com /

SATURDAY, JULY 23rd / RODEO BAR / 10:30 - 1:30

We're back at the Rodeo Bar, home of Tex-Mex grub, cold beer and peanuts in the shell, located at 375 Third Avenue (at 27th Street) in Kips Bay, Manhattan. We'll play three sets(!), from 10:30 on, and the music, like the peanuts in the shell, is free. / www.RodeoBar.com /

Why, it's three times the rock!

Sincerely,
Michael Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

And now to a few random things that'll keep you occupied while I have the rest of the day away from the screen here. Give the old peepers a break, catch up on some of the music and stuff that's lying around. Might even look into the possibility of catching DIG! , if it's still playing at any of the cinemas around here. I'm not holding my breath. So this next segment comes courtesy of a man who knows how to mix it up (Thanks Marty)...

LONG GONE JOHN interview. Then visit Sympathy to check out the latest releases.

BUBBLEGUM MACHINE (does pretty much what it sez on the glass).

The men don't know but the little GHOULS understand.

As the great one said, "and awaaaaaaay we go!" So get going.

Sure I take requests; playlists, top 10s, whatever. You tell me...
Here goes:

Sods - Minutes To Go (1979, Step Forward LP).
Pulled this one from the shelves earlier today, fantastic p-rock from Denmark. The William Burroughs reference and Suicide cover make it clear these kids were in the know.

Various - Studio One Lovers (2005, Soul Jazz 2LP).
Fab collection of early reggae and rocksteady tunes. The Sharks' How Could I Live is easily worth the price of admission by itself. But dig the Mad Lads' Ten To One and the Wailers' ultra rare I'm Still Waiting as well. Beautiful vocal harmonies, and more proof that the Impressions were bigger than the Beatles in Jamaica..

Dictators - Viva Dictators (2005, Escapi CD).
As much as I obviously enjoy this one, it would have been so much better if there was at least one new tune aboard and they'd left in HDM's between song rants. Each song here is a classic of mythical proportions, sure, but Manitoba's anouncements are such an intregal part of the 'tators'live experience. If you wanna save rock 'n' roll, you gotta serve the entire ensalada, not just parts of it.

New York Dolls recording new album.

Lookin' PRETTY good... (thanks Martin!)

OLD FARTS AT PLAY: TELEVISION LIVE IN UTRECHT 15/07/2005.
It's close to three decades since Tom Verlaine graced the cover of the very first issue of NBT. But even so many years down the line, Television proved they can still present a clear, transparent image/sound that is remarkably free of outside or current influences. Recent material sounded fine enough, but hey, gimme Marquee Moon any day. I can sorta understand that new songs probably give some kinda validation to the band, but it's the strength of the original material that still pulls in the crowds. And really, there's nothing wrong with that, as long as it's done with the kind of dignity as displayed tonight. See no Evil, Venus, Friction, Marquee Moon and Prove It (tho'sadly no Little Johnny Jewel) were all performed in fine style with the amazing guitar interplay between Richard Lloyd and Verlaine as good as it ever was. This reuion biz can be rather tricky at times, but this TV set was built to last and will never need fancy extras to make an impact...

HIGHTONE have just released 4 albums that were recorded at The Studio in Springfield, Missouri by the great Lou Whitney. The Show Me state is still raising the bar when it comes to pumping out simple, life-affirming, rockin’ country blues and beyond.

The Morells – Think About It



What can I tell ya about The Morells? They should be a staple of each and every NBT visitors sonic diet. They’ve made three albums in 20+ years because they believe in quality not quantity. The Reverend Joe of Terry isn’t involved this time but Dudley Brown is a fine replacement. THINK ABOUT IT! is an 11 song masterpiece enveloping the vast spectrum that these guys curate into THE roots rock sound to beat all others.

Kicking off with a unique sinewy, slip, sliding romp complete with kazoo solo through Chuck Berry’s "Nadine", it’s a great feeling just to know that they’re active. Other cool covers here are Paul Revere and The Raiders “Ups and Downs” and The Delmore Brothers “Girls Don’t Worry My Mind”. Rubbing shoulders with equally groovy originals like Donnie’s “She’s Gone” (“and now my heart’s just a pile of masticated protein” indeed and “Cool Summer” which tips a keyboard nod toward Bananarama’s "Cruel Summer"). Rongo and Lou keep it all swingin’ as only they can.

All in all, forget what you’ve been told is the sound of this summer. This’ll see you through that and provide natural daylight all that remains of this annum and far beyond. I hope they can make it over this way because right now, I can’t afford to go to them. I would if I could. It’s 15 years since I made my pilgrimage to Springfield and methinks it’s time to be planning another.



Brian Capps – Walk Through Walls

Brian Capps used to be in The Domino Kings but these days he plays out with The True Liars. The TL’s include Skele-fellas past and present including Sir Bobby Lloyd Hicks and The Rt. Hon. Kelly Brown. Capps has made an album that sounds like Dave Edmunds recording in Bakersfield.

A rollocking, gospel tinged pot of primo rockin’ country that I do believe might make inroads to taking that Springfied sound a little further afield. The album contains mostly Capps originals but also includes a couple of merle Travis covers and a version of Rodney Crowell’s “Standing On A Rock”. The title track includes one of those patented heart-shredding Donnie Thompson solos. This is perhaps more mainstream than The Morells, but whatever trajectory it takes to put this ensemble on the map is something I’m down with.



The Bel Airs – Got Love

These guys are a kinda stripped down Midwest spawned Blasters that consists of David and Dick Pruitt along with onetime Paladin Mike Cherry. The sound is fleshed out with the spooner Oldham type keyboard stylings of the aforementioned Rev. Joe of Terry. Anything that this guy is involved with comes five star certified by me.
It’s a simple but effective strut down the bluesier, bruisier strip of that bar room hardy annual sound. American music – undiluted and undisputed.



The Domino Kings – Some Kind of Sign

Fellow ex-Slewfooters with The Morells, The DK’s sound a little like The Mavericks channelling Bobby Fuller on the title track. No bad thing in my book. Indeed these guys could appeal directly to the vast legion of fans that Raul Malo’s crew have built up over the years.

This is a pretty simple but effective style of country rock which probably stand the best chance of infiltrating the airwaves. Familiar enough to set the foot tapping but not to breed contempt. Not a bad strategy. Standouts are “Dark Side of The Moon”(don’t worry, it’s not a PF cover) and the title song. “Lying Next To Me” is like a great lost Del Lords song. What the hell could be bad about that.

The recording capital of Greene County is still churning them out, hoping that the world might catch up one day. It’s not about to be the new “Seattle” or anything like that but there’s a confidence in that community that will continue to buzz unabated while continually vapid trends come and go.

Update at 3.49pm: Some Big Noise from Springfield tour info! (Thanks Steve...)

BOONARAAA action over the next three weekends, starting today!

July 16 Bingen - Binger Open Air / Germany + Superpunk

July 23 Bensheim - Open Air / Germany

July 30 Oberhausen - Druckluft - Garage Craze / Germany + The Satelliters

Shoeshine's Evening of Glorious Music will take place on SUNDAY 7th August (NOT FRIDAY), King Tut's Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, 8.30pm, £6...

The Beauty Shop - dark acoustic country noir rock with a twinkle in its eye, all the way from Illinois.

Eugene Kelly (solo acoustic) - what can you say about Mr. Vaseline that hasn't been said before?

The Hermit Crabs - charming, tuneful indie pop.

Camera Obscura DJ sets.

Should be fun fun fun..........

FRIDAY 22nd JULY

THE BUFF MEDWAYS

ARMITAGE SHANKS

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FRIDAY 29th JULY

ZOMBINA & THE SKELETONES
NME described them as "an evil hybrid of the 80s Matchbox B-Line Disaster and, erm, Hello Kitty", but that¹s a gross simplification of course, as one would expect. In fact, they¹re rock¹n¹roll stomp and grind is joined by Tijuana brass, bongo rhythms, jews harp and gut bucket sax, making the perfect soundtrack to any party. Delivering drag-strip melodies and amphetamine paranoia in Johnny Kidd¹s best clothes, these punk rock vampires are the most chromed-up, greased-down, bubblegum switchblade punk rock since Gene Vincent back in ¹58.

LUNAR JET MAN
What would it sound like if The Sonics had written Green Onions? What would it have been like if Nick Cave had been signed to Stax? And how about if Dexy's Midnight Runners formed a Roxy Music tribute band? It would be f*cking brilliant, wouldn't it? Just like Lunar Jet Man, who bring their rock'n'soul stylings to the stage of the Dirty Water Club in anticipation of the release of their debut album. 2005 - Year of the Jet Man?

THE CHANDELIERS have had to cancel. Replacement to be advised.

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MONDAY 1st TUESDAY 2nd AUGUST

THE 5678S
Woo hoo! The 5678s became famous, of course, with their appearance in the Tarantino movie, "Kill Bill". But they have always been fantastic. What can I say about them that you don't know already? They've been around since around 1996 with a slew of records out on various labels over the years.
Their first trip over here following the release of "Kill Bill" was most likely something like their fifth or sixth visit to the UK. And on each time I've seen them previously they've always had a good crowd come out to enjoy their unpretentious fifties and sixties rock'n'roll sound. Now it's a case, though, of making sure to get your tickets in advance (before the hordes of baseball cap wearing football fans get there first). But with advance notice of this gig here and on the Dirty Water mailing list I think this will be a gig for the true fan. If you don't know them already, what do they sound like? The girls are cool like the blues, primitive like rockabilly, wild like surf hotrod music, cute like the girl groups, crazy like garage punk, danceable like R&B, hot like punk rock, rock'n'roll like... rock'n'roll!
One, two, three, four, chant the spell! Use the magic of rock'n'roll and off to another time, another frontier. The three oriental witches are rocking the earth as their stage. Banzai!

On the Monday night support comes from
THE PRISCILLAS and THE PIPETTES.

On the Tuesday night support comes from
VINCENT VINCENT & THE VILLAINS and NAKED RUBY.

Starting off each night will be ENOCKY from Japanese surf-instro rockers Jackie & the Cedrics, who¹ll be doing his one-man guitar stomp noise.

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FRIDAY 5TH AUGUST

THE URGES
These are exciting times in the Dublin music scene. All at once there is a glut of must-see bands and we¹re talking bands with masterplans, with definable images and, most importantly, songs to rival anything the UK is producing. The Urges are one such band. But the UK is taking to them too, this is a band with a big and fashionable following and there¹s a palpable sense of event when they play a gig. The five young sixties throwbacks emerge through a fog of dry ice and hairspray, a swirling psychedelic stage come on looking like they're an edition of Ready Steady Go! The style, then, is spot on ­ what of the substance? Straight up, their set of songs is as cool as the group appear. The Urges combine the perfectly executed pop of The Kinks with the more rugged blues edginess of Them but that doesn¹t begin to cover it. Yes, they are derivative but for all that they take their lead from that bygone era when popular music was uniformly fresh and fun, their sound, style and attitude is pretty much their own. They strut their hour upon the stage volleying one catchy, energetic pop song after another, no time being wasted on endless tuning or tiresome existential eulogies.
Entertainment is their key objective and the band is obviously well rehearsed and conscientious. Backed by his near perfect rhythm Œn¹ jangle minstrels, vocalist Jim Walters shakes his tambourine and maracas with brooding intent. He has the confident swagger of a young Jagger and the looks of a young Robin Askwith; surely a winning combination in anyone¹s book.

THE BLUES EXPERIMENTATION SOCIETY
When thinking of a guitar/drums duo with a penchent for the blues, the White Stripes inevitably come to mind. But the BXS are a very different beast indeed. And beast is probably the appropriate word. It¹s a huge behemoth of sound that wreaks havoc on unsuspecting bystanders, drums thrashed to breaking point, the vintage AC30¹s speakers reduced to dust, the guitar groaning in agony under a wave of distortion. Both guys are influenced by blues and rock¹n¹roll, from Muddy Waters through to Motorhead, grew up in the same street, moved away only to come together again years later and, finding musical tastes in common, have spent the past four years writing songs and building up their sound, eventually finding themselves sharing a stage with the likes of T-Model Ford, The Immortal Lee County Killers and The Soledad Brothers. A mini-album, "Original Dragstrip Blues", is due for release in June 2005.

Other band to be announced.

Check out THE GHETTO WAYS video for "The Na Na". Very rabble rousing...

Aaaach bollocks to it, I'm gonna keep my "ill-conceived screeds" to myself in future. Let's stick with getting the info out, starting with the launch of the 2005 EDINBURGH FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMME which will run from August 17th to 28th. It includes 2 screenings of George A. Romero's "Land of the Dead".

This week’s word, in terms of a rise to prominence in news reportage is radicalization. It’s been used to describe the indoctrination and resultant state that the Jihadsters which caused the carnage in London existed in. Seemingly an advanced discontent involving the belief that they’re bound for paradise in accepting a mission to strike for their twisted cause. I sincerely hope that the actuality of what they achieve is a constant replay of the exact moment of detonation and after a several millennia rerun of that will be topped up with slow-roasting on a burny fire just to underpin the level of their gullibility. The question of retaliation and Muslim people being targeted for revenge seems to me as if it’s getting stoked by the media. Anybody with any sense knows that Muslim people have no more or less number of arseholes, sorry, misguided souls, among their number than any other persuasion. Of course they shouldn’t be bloody "targeted". I’d hope that most people didn’t have to be reminded of that on heavy rotation.

So how do we curtail the rise of the sickness that brought suicide bombs to the UK? It’s a difficult one. The ideology of such individuals knows no reason and there’s yer line in the sand right there. The authorities are wondering how they/we/whoever can “channel their frustrations away from violence”. The answer in the short to medium term is you sodding can’t. However many of us will be offed in the time that it’ll take to rid the planet of this vermin is anybody’s guess but bloody turning on one another won’t solve it.

Other countries have had to deal with higher body counts and events like this on a daily basis. Their citizens are resilient and defiant too. However, however much bug spray or powder you put down, some of the bastards will beat it. Ditto for this type of infestation.

Great scot! Those double dumb dirtbags LOS COYOTE MEN seem to have gots their mitts on a web site! It's still gettin' pounded into shape but slide on over for details of future fisticuffs.

From Alien Snatch HQ: "Get down on the git down"! Spread the news, after the successful debut album the GHETTO WAYS are ready to perform their second bash of which we are damn proud here. Solid Brown is a soul trash rock´n´roll deathbeam album full of nitty-gritty, dirty soul and and proto-punk rawk titles by our favourite Brooklyn, NYC crime family. Their constant switching of the lead vocals, their luv & fights makes the live show an experience of the anarchic GHETTO WAYS adventure. What is this three piece all about? Treated like outcasts in their hometown, the old world celebrate them as a hot act right on their first tour in 2004. Entertainment-madman Harry Warwick III on the drums alone draw enuff attention with his raucous bashing breaking ranks drumming. Not able to sit tight for a minute it´s his boundless energy and filthy punk rock vocals delivering the steam. On the opposite, Captain Shane Konen got the talent to do an outstanding job on the bass, responsible for the undeniable rhythm. Again he´s the mastermind getting the merits for recording/producing this album. Yes, THIS is a blackly, yet brown garage rock record in its primal sense! The gospel-fervour, the roaring guitars, the stunning soul lead vocals and heartful screams is Jenna Young. The way she sings and rocks her way through "Say Yeah" and "Get Up" is pure class. On Solid Brown she takes the Solomon Burke classic "Home in Your Heart" to a new level. Suspected of poaching in the STAX records box, getting OBLIVIANS, STOOGES, CRIME, DEAD BOYS on the one and DIRTBOMBS, BELLRAYS references on the other hand it´s not possible to steer the GHETTO WAYS too far in any direction, which solely speaks for them. Witness the raw power making the audience sweat like galley slaves, listen to "Way Too Late" and imagine sold out clubs in late august! Those who've shared time with slick soul men and women with polished shoes and Austin Powers behavior might check their friends and rather bang on the trash cans with the wild ones. It´s a kick in the balls. It´s naked and real. See european tourdates below, GHETTO WAYS rampaging thru your city in September 2005. Be there as often as you can and change undies with the band! A US tour is planned for 2006, for those who not believe yet. Suprisingly professional video of the new dance in town "The Na Na" is available for download! Check out the black dude jamming with the band! Find out some more of Harry´s multiple personalities! Wonder why Jenna still isn´t on the album cover! LP is on 180g vinyl, first couple hundred come with a large poster.

2nd Primitive Festival, The Waterfront, Rotterdam – recollections by Lenny Helsing

Thursday 30 June

I missed the first group to appear, Fury 161, from Rotterdam, as we were still getiin' it together to get ourselves down to the Waterfront so I can't tell yez anything cept that in the photo in the programme they wear black, one has on a single black glove and they cite The Monks, The Standells, and Miracle Workers as an inspiration…

The Unchayned are a ramshackle, garage-a-holic type group with cool girl lead guitar player, and a diminutive dynamo of a drummer called Graham who takes care of the bulk of lead vocals/screams. They're from around the Wiltshire area of England, and what they lacked in finesse they made up for in snot-encrusted ineptitude. Amongst other things they did 'Wildman' of The Tamrons fame. Once their set ended it was outside for some much needed fresh air…and fresh beer …and to catch up with some old pals that were here somewhere.

Then came The Rapiers…well, our hearts went out to them as they’ve just experienced the tragic death of their rhythm guitar player, and his wife, in a horrific road accident earlier in the month in London when their motorbike was in collision with a learner-driver in a car…anyway they gallantly got themselves a stand-in and gave the show as a tribute. Well-executed renditions of Shadows’ material and other instro’s was the main order of the day, and their best moment, for me, was a cover of the old Johnny Sandon and the Remo Four vocal track 'Lies'.

The Phantom Surfers were the final act of the first night, a masked surf combo from San Francisco with the esteemed Russell Quan (Mummies, Flakes, Bobby Teens…) on drums. Mucho twang was in evidence here, and a lot of humour to boot. Three-quarters of the way into the set, Mr Quan chucked his sticks for a go at being the singer…Jeeeeez! no disrespect to the other guys, but this stole the show no contest, with pure maniacal romps through The Shakers' awesome beat stomper 'Break It All', 'Cara-Lin', complete with floor-tom out front and 'Don't You Just Know It', Russell going all over the shop, flailing his arms and demolishing mic stands in his wake. The crowd were now just putty in their hands and shakin' and flakin' for all they were worth…proceedings ended with a fine surf-o-rama version of 'Sheena Is A Punk Rocker'; the first in a mini-series of '66 into '77 style proclamations this event heralded as we shall see… Of course the party didn't end there as there was much merriment and dancing to be found on the floor and over at the café, and outside on the entrance walkway too, yeah! Though there were some (hello Viking man Jens from Copenhagen) that were dissing this whole first night as piss-weak bloody surf music with not enough testicles.

Day Two, Friday 1 July

Things kicked off with the record fayre in the early afternoon and live entertainment in the café by way of Dutch garage 3-piece ET Explore Me, apparently they were cool and fierce, but again we weren't around to catch them. Also at the café were The Hare-Kee-Rees from Germany, I must admit I didn't actually see these guys either, but I heard some of their set from a distance… First on in the hall were Norway's The Indikation. Expectations were running high. I love their singles - having not heard the LP until after I got home - but have to say I was somewhat underwhelmed by their live show. They have all the correct gear, vintage clothes etc, but it just seemed like they didn’t utilise what they had to gain the maximum advantage - way too timid, and too close to stuff like The Prisoners for my liking…hey, they weren't bad, it's just that they didn't float my boat as much as I thought they woulda done. But their singles are real strong…and the LP ain't half bad either, having given it an initial spin once I got home.

The Thanes were onstage next and since I play in the group I cannot say anything with any objectivity, except that I'd guess we were the first group to salute the late, and very great Wally Tax, lead singer of the finest Dutch '60s combo, the Outsiders, who died a couple of months back. As we (Angus and I especially) have been big fans for nigh on 22 years, he/they have been a great inspiration to us, so of course we were gonna do something; we were always gonna do 'Touch' anyway as it featured on our first EP as The Thanes way back in early '87, but we also decided to play CQ LP fave 'You're Everything On Earth' as our special tribute. As we were in Rotterdam we played a bunch of other Dutch beat covers too, surprise surprise.

The Masonics, who comprise ex-Milkshakers Mick Hampshire on git/vox, and Bruce 'Lord of the bish, bash, bosh' Brand on drums, alongside Wildebeests bass man John Gibbs, took the stage after us and let fly with a barrage of keenly felt rhythmic beat-punkers, the first few of which I only heard, but didn't see, as I was still recharging the old batteries back in the dressing room, miles from the stage…Anyway I finally made my way to the hall after their first coupla numbers and could see that the Masonics were without their famed aprons, but were nevertheless cavorting about onstage like the ne'er do wells they are. 'I'm Your Conscience Baby' was maybe one of the best, or was it ‘Silently By Night’ (?), huh, can’t remember, probably too smashed by now…but they sure excelled themselves by covering The Damned's cooler than cool 'New Rose' at the end. A few of us were beginning to make our way towards the exit just then to grab more beer, but could only stand near the stairs, rooted to the spot goin - wow! Phew, it's bleedin' hot in here man, gotta get out again…and get some…fresh air…ahh that's better!!!

I'd never seen King Khan and the Shrines before, KK himself is from Canada, but they are all based in Germany. They are a big band ensemble of rollicking soul-beat with brass, played out with just a tinge of garage-psych grooviness here and there to give it that extra edge. Unbelievably, they encored with a neat cover of The Saints' perennial favourite 'Know Your Product', Excellent stuff indeed let me say. Lucy Dee's Angels and the International Go-Go Go-Go Girl Galore ably assisted in the visual department throughout most of the evening.

The final day’s action began again with the record fayre…and then in the café in the early evening, where Dutch group The Stilettos played while folks like me were still wandering around the flea market looking for small round black things and drinking beer with pals, yeah I know, how lame, but so what! I think it was around then that folks like Erik Meinen were blasting out some vinyl 7”s to anyone listening inside the café. Then came the main Primitive organiser Dave Andriese’s crazy beat outfit The Nederbietels, who were holding court for, get this, a garage karaoke session. They started off playing a few cool tunes in their own right with Dave on vocals and guitar. The Haigs’ ‘Where To Run’ got things off to a great start, before the lists of songs went round the packed audience so they could pick their fave and get up and do their thing, which many folks did. Q65, Het and The Motions, alongside renditions of ‘Have Love Will Travel’ were belted out in earnest by punters and crazies alike…then legendary Outsiders guitar player Ronnie Splinter joined the group for a thrashing ‘Won’t You Listen’, closely followed by another legend, The Zipps’ frontman Philip Elzerman, who of course did ‘Kicks and Chicks’ complete with his solo on the flute. Both Ronnie and Philip contributed greatly to the upbeat vibe that was by now whirring around the café and outside…then Jeff ‘Monoman’ Connolly arrived and shook up the place even more with a furious ‘You’re Gonna Miss Me’. All this and the main hall event hadn’t even kicked off yet. After Nederbietel Dave came offstage and got himself refreshed, we exchanged bottles of spirits (Isle of Jura Whisky from Scotland for Zeer Oude Korenwijn from Holland) and some choice 7”s. After a salutary dram it was off to have dinner at the backstage area with Dave and his wife. As luck would have it, The Lyres’ Jeff was already lurking there drinking iced coffee, so he joined us too which was great for me as I’d not spoken face-to-face with him in years. He was on fine form, with lots of humourous anecdotes and vinyl tales.

Swedish beatsters The Dee Rangers were the first band of the night – these days the group features renowned Londoner Parsley (from Dutronc) on organ/vocals. He likes a bit of the limelight does Parsley, so he got changed into his groovy stage togs during the first number. Already releasing two LPs with former singer, the group now have a relatively new frontman Per (and maybe even a new drummer too?) joining stalwarts Nicke on guitar and Johnny on bass/vocals – remember The Maryland Cookies anyone? It’s the first time I’ve seen their live show, and it has to be said that The Dee Rangers created a real tangible buzz at this event with their tough, yet soulful garage-beat style. I can’t remember any song titles but I can tell you that, to me at least, they sounded much fuller and actually much stronger than on their records.

I’d never heard of The Cool Jerks before, from Germany, but from what I caught of their set, the last 5 songs or so, they had a rockin’ beat sound and a shouty, energetic lead singer who also played guitar, and got the crowd jumping along with them. Can’t remember now if it was these guys or The Dee Rangers that did a version of The Golden Ear-rings’ classic debut LP mover ‘No Need To Worry’ but whoever it was has class.

To be honest with you, I’d never even heard of The Black Lips from USA either, even though they seem to be gaining a lot of attention with the record buying public. Anyroad, they were next on and, I guess, the most different, not to mention the youngest, of all the combos who were booked for this 2nd Primitive festival. Not strictly garage or beat, they play modern age rock’n’roll with nods to Pebbles and BFTG ‘60s style, and have riffs and vocal melodies that recall some of the 2nd wave of UK punk-into-new wave groups…and then they have this big fuzz-out attack that sounds like a collision between The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Von Bondies (yeah I know they played last year and it is kinda lazy journalism to say so but…) and maybe in parts something like, I dunno Sonic Youth or similar, due to an unnerving rumbling, a sub-sonic bass heavy undercurrent that made you prick up your ears and take notice. There were a few dissenters within the audience but I and a lot of others dug them quite a bit. Certainly way better than Strokes, Vines and their horrible ilk.

I probably shoulda stayed where I was but I went back outside for a swim in the air and more beer and…and shockingly missed the first song of the much anticipated headliners The Lyres. As I descended into the hall they were already into ‘Don’t Give It Up Now’. I later learned that they started off, unbelievably, with the other side of that astonishing debut 45 ‘How Do You Know?’ OUCH! Imagine missing that, me a fan too! I thought they woulda kept that one for later. Anyway, there was no turning back now, and there would be plenty more killer cuts to come for sure, as these LYRES were definitely and most defiantly ON FYRE! Vocalist/organist/tambourine smasher Jeff ‘PokoMonomaniac’ Connolly was joined by the group as they were during their 1983-86 heyday, Dan McCormack on guitar, Rick Coraccio on bass/vocals and one of the best and most solid drummers, the astounding Paul Murphy. The last time I had seen them like this was here in Holland over 20 years ago. As then, they were really ultra-special now, attacking their classics with pure verve and an undying rock’n’roll passion. Obvious highlights had to be ‘Don’t Give It Up Now’, ‘Help You Ann’ with its urgent tremolo-driven rhythm; the feel-good frug of ‘Soapy’, ‘I Really Want You Right Now’, and ‘No Reason To Complain’. These merged effortlessly with cool renditions of Mal and the Primitives’ ‘Every Minute Of Every Day’, and The Stoics’ ‘Enough Of What I Need’, to say nothing of the magical double-whammy of Swiss beat kings The Sevens’ ‘Seven’ and ‘Talk About Her’…and by way of a tribute to their long-time friend and collaborator, the recently deceased Wally Tax - who was booked to play a set with The Lyres - they did ‘Touch’, bringing on Outsiders guitar hero Ronnie Splinter in the process and lifting the crowd even higher. But, like all great things, it seemed like it was all over far too quickly. Thankfully the group came back on for an encore of ‘She Pays The Rent’, but alas, no ‘You Won’t Be Sad Anymore’, or ‘The Only Thing’, or ‘Teach Me To Forget You’. No matter, this show will definitely go down as one of the best live shows I’ve seen in years, and one which bodes well for the future of primitive rock’n’roll.

The rest of the night was spent in a haze of stumbling around, drinking beer, talking to all and sundry, catching snatches of dee-jays Tony the Tyger Sanchez, and Primitive Dave blasting out garage and psych-beat faves as I wandered thru the big hall…and trying not to think about the 10 O’clock hotel reception curfew The Thanes had to meet to get to Amsterdam Schipol airport to make our flight home.

Whatta great rock’n’roll bash…and if you’re reading this: thanks Dave, Charlie, and all at the Waterfront for making this such a cool and happening event!

BEATSVILLE

SATURDAY 23RD JULY

IN THE CELLAR OF THE TRON, HUNTER SQUARE, EDINBURGH

doors open 9pm - £4 on the door

live on stage:

PRESTON PFANZ & THE SEATON SANDS

Surf and Beat instrumentalists

plus Guest Disc Jockey: Mr. Lenny Helsing

BOMBSITE BOUDICCAS - Ken Russell's 1955 Photo Essay on London's Teddy Girls.

(from the Staysick board)

Mr. Percival's Close encounter with The Rezillos at the altG8 gig... Pictures by Ross McIntyre... These gents run the 'zillo website, get with their program.

The Rezillos at the G8 Alternatives Benefit – Bongo Club Edinburgh - 8th July 2005



The G8 Summit at Gleneagles attracted not only the worlds’ political leaders but also what has now become the traditional accompaniment of many protesters traveling in from all over the world to demonstrate against ever encroaching globalization. In the months before the conference, internet sites of anarchists and extreme anti-globalisation and environmental activists had spoken of "bringing Scotland to its knees." As a result police presence was understandably heavy and many of the visitors were prevented from getting anywhere near the summit - therefore Edinburgh had had a fairly tense feel about it for several days by the time the “G8 Alternatives” benefit gig took place.



Police had been very much in evidence all along Princess Street, the main shopping street in the city, since the previous weekend. Many of the police had been drafted in from English forces and vans had even had to be rented from van companies to transport them to the potential flash points around the city. The combination of all of this resulted in an atmosphere in Edinburgh that reminded me, uncomfortably, of Yorkshire during the 1984/85 Coal Miners strike – the very worst period of “Thatcher’s Britain” from my personal perspective. I’d anticipated that the gig that night might even have to be cancelled upon Police advice, especially with the Scottish Parliament situated literally just a few hundred yards down the road from the venue and ringed by dozens of Police. All in all this was far from the usual setting for a Rezillos gig – an event that is normally an excuse for a great time to be had by all in a light hearted atmosphere.



After sets from other local Edinburgh bands Aberfeldy, the 55s, Saint Judes Infirmary and Peanut, the Rezillos hit the stage around midnight in front of a packed out venue and went straight into “25 Miles”, the Edwin Starr song and a really rousing set opener. It was clear from the off that they were totally unaffected by the events locally of the previous days.

Due to the nature of the event the audience was far from a hard core traditional Edinburgh Rezillos audience, a challenge they clearly relished. Rarely does a band in an intimate indoor venue have the chance to win over an audience consisting mainly of people who have probably been previously relatively unaware of them, and the band set about winning over some converts.



“Destination Venus”, “Top of the Pops’ and “Cold Wars” were up next, to leave the hardcore Rezillos fans in the crowd breathless and gasping for air after subsequent live airings of 3 of the bands classic singles in the very warm venue. It was so hot that the band’s “Purple Gang” rhythm section, drummer Angel Paterson and bass player Johnny Terminator, did not wear their traditional stage wear jackets – an event previously unheard of!

The as yet unreleased new song but live favourite “Number One Boy” was up next and after a few more of the bands classics the set closed with the band’s 1977 debut single, “I can’t stand my baby”. Much debate took place over the encore with Fay suggesting “Somebody’s going to get their head kicked in tonight” - Eugene decided that that choice was maybe a little inappropriate under the circumstances! “2000 AD” was an audience suggestion but it’s not a song that the band have performed live in over 27 years – one for the next rehearsal maybe? In the end “No” and “Mystery Action” were chosen to round off the night.



Another really terrific performance, leaving the audience wanting more after the compact 45 minute set and with the band having gained many converts from the younger than average audience. Anyone who has not seen the band should grab one of the opportunities to come later this year. Two dates for diaries that have been confirmed already are at Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall on Saturday 10th December and at the London Astoria the next night – both gigs are co-headliners with the Dickies. These should be really CLASSIC nights, so don’t miss them!!

Postscript

R.I.P. Jo Callis’s kilt – RIPPED & TORN

Purchased in 1977 and adjusted from a ladies full length kilt by Jo’s girlfriend of the time who shortened it for him, the kilt has since done sterling service as Jo’s preferred live stage outfit ever since. During the bands recent G8 Alternatives appearance, a mysterious rip appeared in the kilt toward the end of the bands set leaving it probably unserviceable in future.

Stop Press!

Lothian and Borders Police have just confirmed that a local woman, who will only identify herself by the name “Agnes” but who is believed to hail from Fife, is helping them with their enquiries into the above kilt ripping incident………….

Set List

25 Miles/Destination Venus/Top of the Pops/Cold Wars/Number One Boy/Getting me Down/ Good Sculptures/Flying Saucer Attack/Yesterday’s Tormentor/Can’t stand my baby/No/Mystery Action

The news from our pals at Norton goes like this...

Summer's here and the time is right for Devil Dancing in the street! Yes, the A-Bones will be on a ten day tour in Spain. Upcoming New York dates to be announced....

Spaniards take heed:

Wednesday July 20 Valencia * Red Shoe Club (with Los Borbones)

Thursday July 21 Madrid * Gruta 77 (with The Stepbrothers and Los Chicos)

Friday July 22 Gijon * Crossroad Festival

Saturday July 23 Gijon * Crossroad Festival (opening for Little Richard!!!!!!)

Sunday July 24 Baracaldo * Edaska (with The Estheticiens)

Monday July 25 Leon * Gran Cafe (with The Stepbrothers)

Wednesday July 27 Alicante * Coyote Ugly (with Jesus Racer)

Thursday July 28 Barcelona * Sala Sidecar (with Born Looser)

It's un-naturally hot here. Nothing to rave about for a lot of you guys in other countries mayhap but something of an abnormality in these parts. This means that one has to take advantage of such a situation and paint the unsightly wall outside the HQ here. Not exactly rock'n'roll I know but a necessary evil and my wee break is over. Back to the brush then...

Update at 8.33pm... the dilapidation has been averted but there was a price. A bit of sunburn, a visit to the dreaded home improvement emporium and it seems like turps don't work on masonry paint. Who knew? Got indoors to see the very shite Kasabian peddle their dross to the kids at T in The Park just over the river...
the song they're doing sounds like the Happy Mondays indulging in a bit of Morriconecide but without the charm. Crossing O*sis with The Flaming Lips and a couple of Primal Scream genes does not a palatable (for me) mix make. To the paint remover then...

New MORELLS album on HIGHTONE this coming Monday!