According to the “stats”, we crept over the 600,000 mark sometime on Sunday morning. That’s from October 2006 until now. My inactivity here doesn’t seem to have hampered the drop-in’s too much.

There is an urge to quit altogether but I there’s still work to be done here. Not like facebook. I’m planning a cull over there at the very least. It’s still useful as a basic communication tool but that’s it. Plan is to reduce the number to people I’ve actually met or know but let’s see how that goes. I’m not working from the luxury of asking people to “de-friend” me so I can wheedle more people in, I just need to lose some "weigh", actually I started this yesterday when a couple of “posts” got up my humph.

I’m not sure what it was, maybe an attempt to rekindle my youth, but this past weekend I took in both Avengers Assemble! and The Amazing Spider Man. It seemed like a good idea at the time but in practice not so much. Both rely heavily on effects so that seems to trumph any necessity for actual imagination. It’s like sitting in the middle of a particularly noisy video game and I can’t be arsed with that.

In addition and in my opinion, they’re too chuffing long.

I almost never pick up the phone these days as a deterrent to the constant barrage of calls trying to help me out with payment protection insurance or accident blame or double glazing/kitchens. Sometimes I win holidays too but I never claim them. I prefer to let others partake, how big hearted is that? It’s just invasion after intrusion upon personal space. Who really, in this day and age, is going to respond positively to cold calling? I guess that calls cost nothing now so they can practice their mosquito-like fare because they expect to be swatted. I appreciate that they want to help me. Like all those messages about supplying Viagra and other gear, if I want something then I’ll seek it out. The latest offer seems to be qualifications not worth the inkjet paper they’re no doubt printed on.

Virtually everything is worthless. There’s always a wheeze, always a cheat, for everything. While on the arse end, it gets harder and harder to make ends that were never destined to meet in the first instance. I need a change of scene, a bolthole where I can just piddle about and not be disturbed unless I choose to be. Is that too much to ask? Probably it is.

RIP - Chris Langeland (Thee Vicars)

I just got this message from DWR and can't claim to have been a fan but I saw them play a couple of times. Doing the arithmetic, Chris was 23 (!). I don't know what happened and have no link but when there is one, I'll provide it. Gotta wonder how his friends and familiy are dealing with it. 23. Pfffffff....

From PJ's facebook post -

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2182648504687&set=t.1083486148&type=3&theater

If you wish to donate some money in Chris's memory, send whatever amount, small or large, to:

L Fulchers 80 Whiting Street Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1NX.

It will go to a charity called Youth Music that helps young people with a variety of different problems through music and supporting young artists who might not be able to afford instruments, rehearsal rooms, etc. More information here: http://www.youthmusic.org.uk/

Wednesday awready... thanks to those that stepped up to the plate in order to further the exploits of Eric and Amy. They won’t let you down. Never have and never will. Very much looking forward to visiting “A Working Museum”.

Let’s see, what else is happening? Everything and nothing. It stopped raining for long enough tonight that I managed to mow the disaster area that passes for a lawn here. I’ve been snorting grass cuttings up the wazoo and will likely stop hyperventilating soon.

As this country and others are about to disappear up around the U-bend, the biggest waste of money ever perpetrated ever is about to kick in. Like burning bales of fresh fifty quid notes. In readiness for this, I shall be continuing to boycott anything with a logo that signifies any connection with the putrid brand. This includes listening to the BBC with the probable exception of SOTS of a Saturday morning. My heart goes out to friends that have to live down “the London” and in the surrounding burghs that are going to have to deal with it.

There are other events around the country where I understand that such is the level of indifference, they can’t even paper them. Perhaps it’s karma, or justice even but we’re the ones that’ll be hung out to dry. I can’t even begin to convey how much I detest the scumbags that have landed us with this outmoded, outdated, fiddling while the world burns bullshit. Don't try and tell me it has anything to do with "sport". Just. Don't.

If I was anywhere near NY tonight then I'd be headed HERE!

Have you heard? Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. returns to Otto's this week! Hear, here:

*THURSDAY, JULY 26th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in ol' Manhattan

A pair of audiophonically attuned sets, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 /
No cover!

Sonically yours, Michael

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

This past weekend must have been the fastest ever. One minute it was Friday and the next it was Sunday.

The Wrecking Crew event in Glasgow was a blast. Who knew that (electronically reprocessed)  STEREO would make such a cool impromptu cinema? This was one leap of faith that paid dividends and the vibe was really great. Grand to see the film again and a slightly different cut to how I recall it from 3 (!) years ago at GFT. The Q+A with Denny Tedesco and Francis Macdonald was great too. Essentially they need $300,000 to clear the obstacles of publishing, etc. then the fun can start. That might seem like a hell of a chunk of change but in terms of what this movie is worth spiritually to future generations, it’s chicken feed. Even and especially in Austerity Central.

So, much kudos to Robert Green who engineered all this mischief. It sure was a trip to finally meet Denny and his wife Suzie. This guy is not about to quit. He knows the quality of his product here and I’m telling you – it’s just gonna keep gaining momentum. Often compared to “Standing In The Shadows of Motown”, The Wrecking Crew is better and the soundtrack is fucking unbelievable. It takes you into a world to meet characters the like of which the world will never ever see or hear the like of again and indicating their parts in creating the soundtrack of our lives.

We need all the faith we can get right night now and here’s 90 or so minutes that might jump start that old heart of yours. I’ve seen it three times now and the gilt is still very much on the gingerbread.

Go to the website, see what it’s all about and pitch in if you feel the urge.

And talking of pitching in – there’s something like twenny, twenny, twenny four hours to go on The Wrigbys Kickstarter Kampaign. They’ve got what they set out to get but they need more. And they deserve more. So if you haven’t already, please help them out.

Was very sad to hear of the passing of Lee Brilleaux's mum - the absolute star of Oil City Confidential.

RIP - Joan Collinson

Next Saturday at the Old Hairdresser's in Renfield Lane, A Strange Vice presentation...

And tonight in London, see The Phobics and bale before that tosspot Gene October hits the stage. You know it makes sense...

I forgot someone’s name the other day and it took an awful long time to register. The grey matter ain’t firing up to the pint of being scrambled and instances like this only serve to vex me. Can’t really figure much of anything other than a stream of unconsciousness. Several basic functions seem to have gone out the window altogether, it must be an age thing.

I’m working with a premise – not exactly based on scientific fact – that I might have 20 years. Give or take, and that’s erring on the kind side. Going through a classic David Byrne “how did I get here?” period and fairly certain that I’m not gonna haul it out to Kitty Wells territory that’s for damn sure. It’s not grim per se, just facing facts.

Time to catch up on stuff that’s going on and I’ll also take the opporchancity to flag up a couple of things that are imminent.

Hope you can get along to the Glasgow screening of The Wrecking Crew at Stereo on Friday (20th). Denny Tedesco will be in attendance and he’ll be doing a Q+A with wir ain Sir Francis Macdonald. Gerry Love will be spinning records across the evening also. Should be a hoot, it’s a fundraising exercise to get the film out properly. Future generations will be in your debt. This is one of the greatest music documentaries of all time. No "talking heads", just the folks who were there that brought the shimmer to all those classic pop songs that have become standards during our lifetime.

It’s the last week of Eric and Amy’s Kickstarter campaign and although they hit their “target”, they need all the green you can muster to keep their wagon rolling. Please help them out because they make having to put up with the day to day bullshit of existence totally worthwhile. This means that they can plan the campaign and administer it properly. Keep throwing money at them right up to the last minute and get ready because they’ll be playing somewhere near you in the coming weeks and months, bringing the “Working Museum” directly to you.

You may recall my recent posting of a video for a belting little Stiff-era ditty entitled “Right Hot Dog, Wrong Bun”? As you’d imagine, the person responsible – one Travis Ramin – terrorises the twin cities and further afield on this here interweb with his cohort Danny using a vehicle with the moniker of Jazzed Up and Bonkers. No, those aren’t the pair’s urban names. The latest edition has cool rambling chat with Kim Shattuck of The Muffs and a generous helping of crazy records to boot.

Dave Alvin and The Guilty Ones are hitting Ireland right about now. Would have loved to hop over but ‘tis not to be but Madrid for a double header with The Yum Yums and Suzy & Los Quattro is scheduled for August 9th at the mighty Wurlitzer Ballroom.

Some folks have been asking how to contact us since I removed the link. If you make a comment below any post then I'll respond. The reason for removing it was because I was inundated with guff mp3s and idiots that looking to parade on the circus that takes our moniker in vain. It’s actually quite alarming to consider that so many no-talents would consider that they might compete with anything but that’s human nature for you. Then there’s the bot traffic...

I ruthlessly delete anything that makes it through the defences but even that can take time. Something I really don't feel like I have on my side.

Have to say that I'm a little tired of posting RIP's but I just found out about these... the reaper oughtta be scoring a few bankers and politicians, not these guys.

RIP - Perry Baggs (Jason and the Scorchers)

RIP - Bob Babbitt

RIP - Kitty Wells

RIP - Jon Lord

It’s all going over the score. This upcoming shit fest down “The London” with scraps thrown around the country is an abomination. Nobody (that I determine to be of sound mind) cares. Why not just light a money bonfire? We’ve had some fitba tournament and Wimbledumb as warm acts, now it’s time for the headliner. The biggest shakedown to the taxpayer in this country ever!

The malaise that is sport doesn’t trouble my world in any way shape or form but this has nothing to do with “sport”. That was another of these notions that started out with honourable intent and got snaffled up. My tuppence worth – this should have been given to a developing nation or someplace that would have benefited. Not this pathetic little enclave. Now the designated security company has admitted they’re not up to the task and the army is being drafted in, just another episode in the knockabout, topsy-turvy spoof that is living in the UK 2012.

While the greedy stockpile their dough and hope that people will turn on one another like dogs across the planet, these are weird, disturbing times. The puppet masters are orchestrating the unrest, probably guffawing as the police wade into protesters on the streets of Madrid. Wondering where they should put together a flare-up next.

I keep hearing about “growth”. A word I equate with cancer. Whatever happened with just trying to maintain a reasonable level of business? Why does everything have to be about more? I was going to say sustain but that’s been co-opted like sustainable to be used as a buzzword by cloying twats who pretend to give a hoot about the environment.

As times go, I don’t much care for these.

RIP - Tim Cross

Got the word from BB Quattro a little while ago. My condolences to Tim's family and friends especially BB and Suzy without whom I'd never have met him. None of us will ever forget that drive from Barcelona to Madrid, sorta seems like it was yesterday. Anyway, sad news...

Louder than War obit

RIP - Lol Coxhill

RIP - Ernest Borgnine

New (to me) from Dundee... (Thanks to Murray Ramone for flagging it up).

At long, long, long last and proving the adage that all good things come to those who wait, and wait. And wait a little bit more. Voladoras debut album (on their own Marisa imprint) is finally out though typically only available on vinyl. It may well be up for grabs as one of those download shenanigans too someplace but to get the full seismic effect you need to play it the way recorded music was invented to enjoy, going round and round at a rate of 33rpm or thereabouts.

Stockholm’s premier beat girls + guy present their “True Love Stories”. These tales (14 of ‘em) undulate with an innate Cramps type swagger tempered with the swing of The Pandoras to arrive at a mighty racket that no rock’n’roll enthusiast will be able to resist.

These short sharp jags of tempo tantrum are the sound of a combo having big fun and giving not a fig for what the world thinks. If said planet feels the urge to join in then fine, if not - then perhaps even better. If you ever saw them then you’ll know what to expect and if you haven’t well – you’re in for a treat and a half when you do.

I have one complaint and it is this, the use of foul language on one cut. Shouldn’t a disc with a song (takes deep breath and apologises in advance for any offence the following title might cause) entitled “Paul Weller” have a parental advisory sticker on the front?

Bootleg Booze and Soundflat have copies of this bespoke chunk of vinyl so enquire at either of those. Or go direct to Vola Central...

The Wrecking Crew - Upcoming UK Screenings

UK Screenings of The Wrecking Crew -
Coming right up...

London
Bethnal Green Working Men's Club
Friday, July 13, 8:00pm - 2am Entry: £12 advance /£13.50 at the door
Tickets here and here
Exclusive London fundraising screening featuring:
Live Q&A with Director Denny Tedesco
Hosted by BBC London 94.9's Russell Clarke,
Fundraising Auction & After Party With DJ, BBC Radio's Sean Rowley,
and The Fabulous Penetrators - live

Glasgow
Stereo
Friday, July 20, 2012 6:30pm - 10:30 pm
Entry: £10 advance
Tickets
Exclusive Glasgow fundraising screening featuring:
Live Q&A with Director Denny Tedesco
Hosted by Francis Macdonald (Teenage Fanclub/Shoeshine Records/Spit & Polish)
Fundraising auction & DJ Set by Gerry Love (TFC/Lightships)

RIP - Eric Sykes

There’s been so much going on that I almost forgot that it’s 36 years today since we hit “the London” for one of those life-changing experiences. Then I saw Al Milman’s posting of Phyllis Stein’s photo of the Roundhouse poster and I was catapulted back in time. Maybe I would have had a career in banking if I hadn’t attended that show? Maybe I’d be refusing my bonus because I’d shaken down the world?? Well, we’ll never know but one thing I do know is that on that Independence Day 1976, my hayfever was playing up bigstyle but when those Ramones came on, they provided a mighty rush of sonic antihistamine. It was a hell of an evening.


The Ramones made everything possible. Perhaps even The Dictators getting over here to open for the reprehensible bottom of the billers a little over a year later. The Cramps were gestating at that point. Poised to become the force that had at least an equal seismic effect on, well, everything. Ditto Suicide.

And that brings us to the modern day and the ginger from Harry Potter playing Cheetah Chrome in a movie about some broken down old drinking haunt on the Bowery. Life taking the piss out of art to some degree, just as well we didn’t see any of it coming.

And Andy Dunkley, what a geezer!

The fate of popular music is in your hands...

RIP - Andy Griffith

(Just discovered via Scott Cornish's facebook post)

I was very excited about seeing “God Bless America”. Part of me hoped it was a documentary of sorts but it’s OK folks – I only partly suspended disbelief. Joel Murray’s portrayal of Frank is spot on. The facial expressions say more than the often laboured script and I didn’t realise this was Bill Murray’s brother but they do look alike.
For its shortcomings, there is a chunk of heart here. All the things that are slowly wearing us all down are identified and there for the grace of who or whatever, we’re all Frank(ie)s. At one point, I just felt so sorry for the guy and quickly realised that life post- Spinal Tap has just all gotten so spoof like. Who knows what’s real and what’s not anymore? Not me.

Director Bobcat Goldthwaite was at the screening with Joel Murray. They’re an entertaining double act and very funny. I don’t want to give too much away because you should see it. Maybe calibrate your expectations a little lower than mine but this, for the most part, ought to hit some kind of spot. The use of Alice Cooper’s “Hello Hooray” is truly great amidst a very cool soundtrack, one piece I’d swear was by ACC if I didn’t know it wasn’t the lady in question.

With elements of Waters and Bartel here and there it’s an entertaining ride. The “Glenn Beck” character wasn’t made to suffer as much as he deserved to but you can’t win ‘em all. A film festival screening might tend to be preaching to the converted. A better use of the film would be to screen it to the folks it goes after, those that accept the lowest common denominator shit that entertainment would appear to have become.

And try to see it in a theatre if you can. This is something to be experienced with other – preferably not like-minded - cattle.