Voladoras action this coming Friday in Malmo!!

RIP - Bill Drake

QUATTROPHENIA IN TOKYO!






















Photos from the phront line
by Kjell Magnusson

This is the day we have to get up early and paint blue and white flags on our coupons. It's Saint Andrews day and I've never been able to work out why an act from Dundee gets its own day but there you go. My fair country is also trying to sell the idea of a "homecoming" for 2009 to celebrate Robert Burns birthday. The TV ad is particularly heinous. The mention of Rabbie reminds me of Chris Gaffney so thats a good thing. The actuality of the event is akin to some half-assed corporate Brigadoon.

Anyway Bjorn provided the link above as "The Hives vs Blue Angel", now to me - that's poetry.

Listen to The Raveonettes Christmas EP here. Criminally not available in ultrasonic vinyl or even cd, this knocks the Glasvegas festive offering all the way outta the ballpark...

The new Rezillos single, "No.1 Boy" for your listening and viewing pleasure...

I read in Mojo about the death of Ray Lowry during October. Never heard a thing about it until now. Had some contact with the man during my print days, we shared a fondness for Cyndi Lauper's pre-solo band Blue Angel. He was a nice bloke and a great, great cartoonist.

RIP - Ray Lowry

I also just discovered that Rob Partridge who worked with Island Records passed away during the week. I was talking about coming out there to St Peters Square just last week when the Rev. David Arnoff and I walked by the top of it on our way to The Dove last Sunday. He always had time for me when I contacted him about stuff in my formative years as a young idiot that did a fanzine. Really sorry to hear about this.

RIP - Rob Partridge

A wee bit distracted at the minute so console any jones for new music by entering the wonderful world of Beat Mädchen. It's Friday so rejoice. It'll all be over soon enough...

I like this new Springsteen "single" that was available for a day on Monday gone. Much better than "Radio Nowhere". It even has whistling, must have been checking out some Swedish indie...

So, what have I achieved tonight? Not much. I noticed that Fangs were going to be on one of those terrible "Orange Unsigned" debacles. This digibox thing of mine is pretty temperamental so I decided to just let it play in the background. There was a Pink special on and I have to confess here. I like some of that stuff. It's just the right kind of stupid, like Roxette. Plus I have it on good authority that some of here material is written by Swedes so I must have sensed that.

Anyway, I suffered through the unsigned trough and the aforementioned Glasgow act were on for all of less than a minute. However, they were several leagues beyond anything else which wouldn't have been a stretch even if they'd been total shite. Thankfully they weren't but I don't really understand why an act with this much raw potential is being subjected to this.

Lauren Laverne is somebody I rate and I can tholl Alex James but the alleged A&R guy...? I saw enough here to last me a very long lifetime. That's a good hour that I'll never be able to reclaim. Serves me right? Correctamundo but there's no need to look so fucking smug.

(link courtesy of Mr Bobby Lloyd Hicks)

A high ol' Thanksgiving to wir US readers today.

If you're doing a spot of on-line shopping today maybe you'd like to order this item to your left here...

This is Airthrey Castle in the grounds of Stirling University. You can see it from my office window and it was the scene of the first ever radio show I ever did as a guest of the Rev. Mark Hagen in (I think) 1981. Anyway I think it's a teaching "hospital" now but I'm not sure. There was some weird light going on so I thought I'd snap it.

Otherwise there is stuff going on and much info to impart with regard to that and this but it'll have to wait. there are more pressing matters to attend to. Plus I don't feel like staring at a screen in the hope that I can cough up a couple of paragraphs. Right now, I'm plum tuckered out on the inspiration front. You don't grudge me a night off do you? Those Quattros are taking their considerable tutti frutti pop action to Japan tomorrow. I'm wondering how HS was in Oslo, that kind of thing. Spiritual lollygadding if you will so sayonara and all that. I'm signing aff knowing that I'll be back soon enough...

Screenprinting Dean and Britta from dan rugh on Vimeo.

(Info courtesy of Mr Ulf)

So have I recovered? Have I heck as like but with Weasel Radio back to help me through the immediate future then I’ll live. As I sped back north I was deeply concious that this was my final gallivant of ’08. I already dealt a little with the DWC stint of the Boonaraaathon but it’s always an utter pleasure to see these girls. They’re a cut above most any of the retro-60’s/garage whatever you want to call it groups that are around today. Pure and simple.

The bill started out with some combo called The DeRellas. Shouty punk rock in a deep shade of ’77 UK punk. They didn’t suck but I don’t ever need to hear this kind of thing at my point on earth. The Boonaaas were playing the first show I’ve seen them do with a guy (Rodeo) on guitar. I miss Tine for sure and he did her proud. They were the fastest and loudest I’ve seen them and they swung in a different sense. It was an effervescent dose of everything that makes music go bang. The “No Blokes in The Boonaraaas!!!” lobby was silenced and veritably it worked.

The Madame Cats didn’t do it for me. It was a discordant racket, not without a little charm and if they sounded like they looked then they should have knocked us out. They had the happiest looking drummer I’ve ever seen since Kim Schifino. Less could have been more but they lost me early on. It had been a long day and I was soaking up the pleasure of being among friends.

Saturday started off well and fell away somewhat. A wrong turn, kinda Sliding Doors scenario ensued as the evening wore on. We got stuck in traffic. Central London is a giant car park and please, if you find yourself there then you’ll have to take the train. Then, the bill was swapped. The Giant Robots came from Switzerland and one of them got sick. The Boonaaa girls did the decent thing and gave then the slack to salvage their show but in doing so, I almost missed them altogether. I left the restaurant to get to the CRC for them starting at 10pm and they were almost done. Your scribe felt like something of a complete dumpling but its them eggs and they can’t be unscrambled. Philosophy be damned though, I couldn’t even watch The Robots because it felt like it woulda been some kind of consolation prize. I am fiercely loyal to my sometimes awry sensibilities. What can I tell ya? And there wasn’t a lot of time to hang out. The girls were heading back to Germany early on Sunday so the game was a bogey.

Other than that I had a swell time. Good to see the crew. I’m back at the coal face and it’s a fraught time but what the fuh. These things are set to try us. Despite the doom and gloom that’s reverberating around the world, there are plans afoot to light up 2009 with the odd flare or three. And Ben Weasel has just announced that there’ll be a new Riverdales album so how’s that for an upswing?

www.myspace.com/skydogrecords

I just got back from "the sahf" and am frankly knackered. There's stuff to be taken care of and the prospect of a 5.30am rise so I imagine you'll understand the short and sweetness of this check-in message. Boonaaa report coming soon but not tonight.

Those Boonaraaas!!! were on piping hot form last night. All roads lead to The Corn Rocket Club tonight! Representatives of NBItB (No blokes in the Boonaraaas!!!) had their gas put at a peep it has to be said. We miss Tine but they sure roused the rabble alright. More later or tomorrow or whenever...

Wandering around the corner to the paper shop yesterday morning, I was suddenly - for a second - under the impression that I might be going the wrong way. It was a time/space continuum type feeling and a tad louder on the weirdometer than I'm used to. I should add that there was no medication involved. Memory lapses have been all too frequent recently and reportage in the media suggests that I might be doolally. It's (sort of) official then...

I'm about to embark on an adventure that will take in two shows by one of my favourite combos on earth. This is exactly the kind of medicine that I need. It seems like forever since Spain even though it wasn't. So offsky it is then, out of the radar of the "we're all fucked" stories in relation to the crumbling economies. The greedy bastards have their escape pods but all we have is rock'n'roll. And, for my dwindling money, them Boonaraaas divvy up a mighty fine example of this. Who knows, I might check in here back and forward. Or is that sideways and down.

To the fine climes of Chiswick it is then. Ching ching...

Getting stuff together for the Boonaraaa-rama that's taking place "dahn the London" over the weekend. Also got up to speed with disc 2 of the first Mad Men season and have to say that eps 5 to 8 were pretty damn good. Probably make a wee pitstop here tomorrow prior to the schlep but hope to to see some of you folks in Tufnell Park and/or Stoke Newington.

I left the bunker at 5.50am this morning or therebouts and have been on the batter ever since. Survived a dental appointment and a tussle with Falkirk Bus Station and to be honest, both the flesh and the spirit have baled on me.

All sights are now focussed on hitting up the Boonaraaa!!! action this coming weekend. If you're in or around Brighton or Leicester, Amy and Eric are getting into the home strait with the final two shows of their recent marathon. No need to tell you that you oughtta be there.

I'll bid you goodnight now as there are more episodes of Mad Men to gander at. And very probably pass out in front of. Did I say that I didn't like the titles? No pleasing some people is there??

RIP - Jody Reynolds

The very Rev. Lennart Persson launches his website today and I am more than honoured to have been asked to participate. Based in Malmo (Sweden), LP is one of that rare breed of music journos that has never lost that all important beat. Mostly in Swedish, the site will reflect his missionary work in steering folks toward the right stuff. Folks outwith Scandanavia may be familiar with his amazing Feber compilations available via Bonnier Amigo. Stop by Brother L’s portal. Even if you can’t understand it, you’ll definitely FEEL the vibe.

And in honour of that country let's relight the fire under a couple of favourites here and here.

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. gives thanks for our last-Thursday-of-the-month residency at Otto's Shrunken Head -- a week early! All the better to get a head start on the Thanksgiving gluttony, says we, and the only chance we'll have to perform our holiday novelty song, "The Plymouth Rock". Saddle up, pilgrim!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD TIKI BAR & LOUNGE
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / Two fully stuffed shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / No cover!

Thankfully yours, Michael

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

I'm running on fumes here. Been a fraught day, I'm tired, cranky and somewhat fried, not necessarily in that order. I'll be more on form as the week progresses toward Boonaraaa time at the good ol' Boston Arms. If I was in Barcelona this Friday night though, I'd be heading out to catch The Moviemakers.

RIP - Reg Varney

So I watched the first two episodes of Mad Men. People have been raving to me about it and it’s shaping up pretty good. Very stylised and I’m not sure if it suffers a bit from that plus there’s all the smoking, evidently that’s done on purpose. Funny I was telling a young ‘un the other day that it was not uncommon for people to smoke at their desk and the reaction was not unlike claiming to have seen the Loch Ness monster in the car park. I then began to get all nostalgic for the time when it was common to work on Christmas day. Anyway, I’ll stick with it. Anybody who's keen on “The Apartment” will definitely get a kick out of this and I’m interested to see how it develops. So another two episodes later it is then.

Meanwhile, let’s take a break for some music…

I mentioned Eagleowl yesterday and just gave their EP a birl. “For The Thoughts You Never Had” successfully captures the folk-tinged film score atmosphere of the show. No harmonium, but maybe that wasn’t on the radar in March when it was recorded. The double bass bottom end is very Badalamenti. “If I call you motherfucker, would you be offended?” asks “MF” the closing track on this short 5 song introduction. I imagine its not the “radio plug” number then? This comes in a nice DIY package of 500. If you’re from around here go see them and score one. I think you can buy it at Elvis Shakespeare (Edinburgh) and very probably Monorail (Glasgow) as well as from their myspace.

On the subject of themes from an imaginary movie score, JD King and The Coachmen have an as yet unreleased grab bag of groovy tunes ready to go. "Mercy (Can Make You Happy)" is gloriously out of time and space and everything else kilterwise. Is exoticity a word? If not then it ought to be because it’s needed to describe the otherworldly nature of the twisted fidelity that this music is expressed in. Controlling the horizontal and the vertical is not an option when confronted with the free-form axe freakery that is “The Ultra GTO”. Its cousin “Little” was left in the dirt at the starting line.

These are the sounds of worlds colliding to the tune of The Modern Lovers most fried jazz moves. Not entirely soothing but possessed of an electricity far off the beaten path of anything remotely resembling a mainstream. Did someone put Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross” in a blender? Hopefully this will become available in the fullness of time but meanwhile visit JD’s myspace and check out this indiscriminate sensation for yourself.

Maybe the "Mercy" that everybody is bugging Duffy to deliver isn't her hit single but this opus? “yeah, yeah”…yeah - that would make sense. Possibly only to me but you get my drift here.

The David Sandstrom Overdrive has delivered a popular sucker punch called “Pigs Lose” that reminds me of The Replacements and The Db’s. I’ve said this before and I’m going to have to drag it out again. Where do Razzia find these acts? Is there a more consistent A&R force on earth right now? I doubt it.

Of course those two acts I just mentioned are merely reference points to facilitate an entry trajectory. It’s a fragrant concoction of rock shapes, none of which are instantly recognisable. It’s more an aspect of mood and dynamics. There are a lot of words to digest too, not your verse chorus, make it as simple as possible songcraft. Sandstrom’s voice reminds me a little of Eric Bloom. There’s an element of BOC in the sound too. DSO hail from Umeå, I think there's something odd used in the water purification system up yonder.

This isn’t easy stuff to pin down. The blueprint is evidently tattooed on the perpetrators mind and the cards are being played close to his chest. Where did he come from? Where is he going? I have no idea but my hunch is that “Pigs Lose” will sound very good blasting from your choice of music dispenser. “Songs That Maybe Won’t Be Forgotten” is like Randy Newman fronting “The Lovin’ Spoonful”, you have to concur that can only be a good thing.

I have been hopelessly remiss in reporting that The Scoundrelles “Atomic Batteries To Power” (Bang) has been available for a wee while now. While I know that some of you folks are aware of its existence, it seems that it hasn’t gone gold yet. Of course, such justice is not something one can take for granted. In terms of timeless pop marinated in a rumour of glam goes then this is your combo. Captain Thewlis’ one man take on “Rocket USA” is something else entirely. When most people are taking in a Coronation Street/Eastenders medley, this is the kind of artistic statement that he’s getting down to. Worthy of a commendation surely?

Anyway, this is a fine collection. The vinyl is probably all gone now but check in with Lutz at Soundflat, if anyone can help you then that guy can. Recorded in London and Memphis and comin’ at you via the Basque Country, exquisite gear.

So let’s close this particular strand with the news that The Things have a new “single” single "Set Me Free" on Psycho Sound Records out as a taster to their impending album "Some Kind of Kick" on Nicotine Records. (Hey we're back on the smoking thing again - entirely unplanned).

These rambunctious Dubliners have really come a long way in carving their own sonic stamp in recent times. “SMF” is an infectious organ-toting rave up that should have you frothing and no mistake. A limited number of cd copies are available for 3 euros a pop.

Boonaraaaaction in Blighty over next weekend, DWC (Friday) and CRC (Saturday).

Miss 'em at your peril.

Record Envelope - the little library of factory sleeves!

(found via So Many Records...)

Sunday already? Somebody has made off with a good few hours of mine and I want 'em back. So if that person would just like to leave 'em outside my front door then we'll say no more about it. Got a lot to do before I head south for the Boonaraaas this coming week.

"Well get fucking on with it then" comes the voice from the gallery. Easier heckled than done my friend. I could go into a long whine at this point but what would that achieve? No, heid doon - hope to come out the other side is the only way to go. You could almost chalk that up to a kind of twisted optimism, couldn't you?

If you're in Camden this evening, Chris Wilson, Robert Coyne, Jeremy Gluck and his Yohawks wil all be kicking it at The World's End. A bit of a hole but the music will more athn make up for that. It would ahave been ideal if it could have been happening next weekend but ye cannae have it all ways. Or at least I can't. Uh oh, slipping back into character there. More from me later then. Probably.

Photographer Max Natkiel shot thousands of pictures @ A'dam's Paradiso in the late 70s/early 80s. Not the performers, but the crowd... As fine a documantation of those bygone days those pics are, movie director Marc Geerards recently took things a step further. He located people in the original photgraphs and filmed 'em for a couple o' minutes as they are today.

No comments, just the visuals. The results deliver on various levels (just check the promo vid here) and should be able to connect on global level... First screening is at the Paradiso on November 26th... Well worth your time I figure...

I caught the “Audrey sings Nico” show at The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh last night. This was just the second time out for this celebration and if you’re down with the material then you’ll be aware that it’s not an easy thing to pull off.

It takes a certain amount of style in addition to a great voice and Audrey Redpath has those qualifications on stage. I know she was nervous about it but at certain points in the performance, it became even stronger because she was letting her own voice punctuate the material. The end of “Secret Side” was particularly strident to the point of being jaw dropping. This is a work in progress that will be extended into a full production as time goes on. As it stands this is a capsulation of an important canon of work. While the audience will undoubtedly be familiar with “I’ll be Your Mirror” and “Femme Fatale”, this short set really whets the appetite for more.

Audrey’s band is Brian Banford (bass), Mike Nolan (keyboards) and Alistair Wilson (drums). Whenever more shows are planned, you’ll hear about them here.

Eagleowl opened the evening’s entertainment with a dark, dreamy minimal Espers type folk portfolio. Always good to hear a harmonium thrown into the mix too. I picked up their cd ep and will report on that in due course.

Didn't stay for St Judes Infirmary because I'd been up for about 19 hours by that time. It was time to head for the train but I ran into Olaf Furniss of Born to be Wide on the schlep out.

The proceedings took place in The Voodoo Rooms as I previously stated. I always liked that room but the refurbishment has made it one of the best venues in town. Situated atop the Café Royal, it’s in a great location for the station too.

My pal Jon Graboff was in Edinburgh yesterday too. It’s always a pleasure to see him. His dayjob as guitar slinger with The Cardinals saw him play The Picturehouse, Auld Reekies newest venue. Very swish it is too. The town needed a decent sized place to entice larger acts. Not that there’s been anybody there since it opened that I’ve been down with seeing but in it’s (previous) day, REM, The Scientists and The Sisters Of Mercy all played there. The Picturehouse is like a bijou version of The Academy in Glasgow and acts would do well to consider two nights here as opposed to schlepping out to the Corn Exchange.

I didn't manage to post yesterday for a number of reasons. I was out clelebrating the 34th anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Scottish debut. Or was I?? Anyway, I found this via Kjell, who will have the pleasure of seeing The Quattros in Japan next week. Lucky so and so. Finally the gods have delivered him some rock'n'roll... I'll be back later but meanwhile, feast on this...

It's nearly Friday and not a moment too soon. There's no time to get into a legthy blog post tonight. There's stuff to do and tomorrow I'll be meeting Cardinal Jon Graboff for a couple of snifters in The Oxford Bar. On Saturday I plan to knuckle down and get on with some reviews, the goalposts could well be moved but I have the best of intentions.

This time next Thursday, I'll be getting ready to head south for The Boonaraaas!!! London raid. DWC (Friday 21st) and Corn Rocket Club (Saturday 22nd) - cut along to either or both should you have the requisite opportunity.

Of couse there's the maximum headnip of making it through to next week. I'm thinking about postponing a dentist appointment. Not because I'm a feartie you understand but it's fucking with my logistical feng shuey. (I spelled that incorrectly on purpose incase you're feeling comment happy). Ching ching until tomorrow (ish).

RIP - Mitch Mitchell

Sounds in the Suburbs present

VIC GODARD & THE SUBWAY SECT
The SEXUAL OBJECTS
The LEOPARDS (Glasgow only)

Friday 14th November @ the Citrus Club, Edinburgh
Saturday 15th November @ Stereo, Glasgow

Doors 7.30pm, first group on stage 8pm

N.B. Both shows finish at 10.30pm

Legendary punk – crooner Vic Godard brings the Subway Sect to Scotland for a couple of shows on Fri / Sat November 14th / 15th. The Sexual Objects are special guests on both dates, whilst The Leopards are also on the bill for the Glasgow show.

The Subway Sect will be playing a set covering all aspects of Vic’s career, from the early punk material through the northern soul and crooner periods. There will also be a few new songs, which will hopefully see the light of day on record next year.

The Sexual Objects is Davy Henderson’s new group, they release their 3rd 7” single on 17th Nov on Hamburg’s Aufgeladen und Bereit label. “Here Come The Rubber Cops” was produced by Boards of Canada, and will feature on the Objects debut album, which will be released next year.

The Leopards make a rare live outing with fellow Postcard Records alums Vic and Davy. The Leopards 2nd album is nearly finished and should be released next year, only 10 years after their debut album appeared.

The original (1983-1985) Nomads – Nick Vahlberg, Hans Östlund, Tony Carlsson, Frank Minarik and Ed Johnsson – together for the first time in many years at a friend's birthday party in Stockholm , November 8, 2008. In Osten we trust! Belated Happy Birthday big fella!

Reports on the demise of Forrest J. Ackerman appear to have been premature to say the least.

I hope the reportage that his health has actually improved is correct and that his lum will still reek for some considerable time.

Readers in the lowlands should note that the Wooden Shjips are appearing at the Pauze Fest this coming weekend.

Spread over two cities, they will appear in Gent (B) on Thursday and right over here in Utrecht (NL) on Friday... Be there or be square!

Found out about this too late to post this pre-going to work...

RIP - Miriam Makeba

Managed to watch the Joy Division documentary yesterday and it's actually very good. As I've mentioned before, I was never a fan but have come to appreciate that they did have a few good tunes. "Atmosphere" in particular is something I find particularly moving. Not exactly sure why because it never did when it came out. There's a sociological aspect to what was happening with all that too plus it was good to see folks like Liz Naylor and Richard Boon in there. The extra interview excepts are very entertaining with one of Tony Wilson relating a story about Emmylou Harris that's worth hiring this for alone.

For those of you that are tracking the Eric and Amy trek across the UK, they're stopping off with Marc Riley at his 6 music show between 7 and 9 tonight. So tune in if you can. This can be done anywhere in the whole wide world (did you see what I did there?) by clicking here.

A message from Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby!

"URGENT - we need gigs in England on the weekend of December 20th and 21st. Would anyone lke to throw a house concert??!?

If you do then contact them via here.

Just pondering the past week. Having blown out the consideration of going to the movies, there's some time to lollygad. Of course there's a ton of stuff I should attend to but the King of Procrastination needs some time to do what he does best. Since this time last week I saw the Wooden Shjips make their debut mooring in the port of Glesgae and attended two shows by the inimitable Wreckless Wrigby. It was an utter gas and a privilege to have them around.

This week will be a little quieter but another diamond geezer is set for these parts. Jon Graboff will be here in his role of Cardinal this Friday at The Picturehouse in Edinburgh. Weekend after that is The Boonaraaas in "the London" and then the one after that, Springfield-er Joe Terry will be in Glasgow. That takes me into bloody December!

When everything seems like they're gonna come crashing in, "it's the little things" that matter.

I'm thinking that this schedule isn't too shabby for somebody who is way old enough to know better. Let's hear it for the power of positive thinking.

Audrey sings Nico, this coming Friday in Edinburgh...

Still pondering the Icelandic double bill this afternoon. I need to make up my mind soon, not something that I'm terribly proficient at right now.

Meanwhile, swing by rezillos.com for word on the new (download only) single and shows in December. These include a return yo the Kinema in Dunfermline.

Me auld amigo, John Miller and his Country Casuals on BBC Alba. His stint starts at about 18.55. Probably only available in the UK....?

Jeez, I'm a lightweight and fell asleep during the Joy Division doc.

A week of late nights has caught up with me. Let's hear it for old age. My eye test went OK though, no need for new gregory's at the minute.

Worship at the altar of Big Knife this Saturday night. I'll be back neither bright nor breezy tomorrow. My heart feels like hitting up the Jar City/101 Reykjavik double bill at The Cameo but we'll take that as it comes...

And finally have yourself some Hairy Belafonte...

Well, Wreckless Wrigby is now headed for Bury so if you can get there, avail yourself of some seious high jinks! I'm off to get me eyes tested...

Just heard that The Fuzztones London show at DWC is cancelled. If you were heading for that then cancel all travel arrangements.

I'm listening to The Bambi Molesters "Dumb Loud Hollow Twang" at tilt volume. What a fantastic album...

OK I'll be back later nae dooobt.

RIP - Forrest J. Ackerman

Just got in from a momentous A&E show complete with fire alarm scenario to hear about Forry. Sad news. He was THE guy in horror, fantasy fandom and played no little part in twisting what might have otherwise been a normal childhood. My friend Chris was close to him too so I hope that she and Forry's family are alright. I guess it was inevitable but that doesn't make it any easier to take.

Update @ 3pm 8/11 - It seems that this might be premature. I can find no hard evidence of his passing. Indeed a couple of "sites" have made announcements to the effect that Forry is still with us. Soon as I can quantify this I will...

On a happier note, the show tonight was off the richter scale with Amy delivering a devastating "Don't Ever Change" and Eric serving up a rip-roaring "Joe Meek". Everybody in the room was unanimous in giving thanks for these two being nailed together.

After this wine is done, I'm gonna turn in. It's been a momentous few days.

RIP - Mark Price (Tin Huey)

One of my least favourite smells in the world is that of soy. Henry's Cellar Bar is part of the restaurant upstairs and it takes a wee while to adjust to the guff that comes with the territory. It's a bit of a howff for sure but magic can happen there and that was typified by the Eric and Amy show last night thrown courtesy of Murray Ramone.

Despite adverse PA conditions, the intrepid duo kicked up quite a stramash. A great set cherrypicking material from their extensive collective back catalogue interspersed with the kind of banter that sets them so far apart from anything else on earth. Yes Patrick, they did "You Tore Me Down".

In addition to being a musical and songwriting tour de force, these two are entertainers. Very few people are all three. They should be more popular than the most popular thing you can think of. Take it from me, they're working on that.

Ignorance is a big factor in the equation. The potential in this, what might seem on paper to be another americana or folkie bunfight is so wide of the mark as to be in another zip code. This is atomic pop, expertly warped that doesn't conform to any comfortable pigeonhole. I'm just about to head out for another helping.

Check the dates here and keep your fingers crossed that they're making a stop near you.

Last night's Edinburgh show went damn well and all roads lead to Glasgow tha'nicht.

I'm running a tad late this morning, just about plotzed when the alarm went off...

A big shout out to Francis and Ciara on the arrival of Hugh on to this post-Bush planet.

More later, quite possibly...

Hey, I just never got around to posting yesterday. The opportunity never presented itself really. Just a reminder that I hope to see all the east coasters at the Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby show in Edinburgh tonight. Ditto the west coasters tomorrow. Oh yeah, and here's somethin' to look forward to and believe in, as opposed to some of the bollocks we're being fed at the minute...

The results are in and it's official -- Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. takes to the Rodeo Bar on Thursday!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th / RODEO BAR & GRILL
375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in Manhattan

Three tabulated sets, from 10:00 sharp until 1am

No cover -- and free peanuts!

Yours in democracy,
Michael

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

Good luck America....

More footage of the Dictators in Barcelona...

Wooden Shjips sailed into the old port of Glasgow last night and delivered a searing psych punch up the hooter to those who had the stamina to stay out late on a school night. The SF four piece might be a bit reticent on the presentation front but there's no denying the velocity. Plus the album material is way less Doors-y at this throttle.

Both opening bands played short sets. I wish more would take a leaf out of their book. Gummy Stumps kick up a decent enough racket but the vocals lett he side down a bit. Think Roy Cropper of Coronation Street with a Glasgow brogue channelling Mark E Smith.

Some of the ex Uncle John and Whitelock guys have taken up as Tut Vu Vu. I've no idea what that means but I do know is that they were really something. Off kilter crime jazz as realised by Bernard Hermann via Zacherle with a little Graham Bond on the side. And the short set actually left me wanting more, that almost NEVER happens. I hope they can capture this rare spirit in a recording studio. The Rev Dep Downie tells me they've scored some local film or other and that would seem like a logical avenue for them to take.

Didn't manage to catch much of Amy and Eric's set on the Billy Sloan show last night sadly. I did manage to interuppt it though. By calling when they were still on air. Eric didn't have the phone switched off and much comedy ensued. Apparently.

RIP - Yma Sumac

RIP - Jimmy Carl Black

Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby are on Billy Sloan's show live tonight between 7 and 10pm (gmt). I think you can stream that live here. There's no listen again facility so fill your boots in real time.

The dynamic duo will also be on Tom Morton's BBC Scotland show on Tuesday (4th). That will be on the listen again feature for 7 days after that.

Tonights Wooden Shjips thing, there are no advance tickets. It's pay at the door (£7 supposedly), doors stated to open at 9pm. The Shjips will be onstage 10.30/11pm, after the stragglers from the Shellac show haul their carcasses up Sauchiehall Street.

Let's have something positive after that news about Nate...

The Quattros were filming their clip for "Donna, Donna" yesterday ahead of their upcoming trip to Japan at the end of this month. They should be on the cover of all the magazines but Doll is a pretty cool place to start.

The band will also be headed to the UK in March 2009.

All the dates (Japan, GB and beyond) are on their myspace now.

RIP - Nathaniel Mayer

RIP - Studs Terkel