Chronic Epoch
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THE STRIPCHORDS - Sunday 30th October, 12noon-2pm

As part of the Chronic Epoch exhibition at the BEACONSFIELD GALLERY, nr Lambeth Bridge, SE11, Bob & Roberta Smith presents a FREE Sunday lunchtime diversion with London's famed smutty twangers THE STRIPCHORDS, featuring Capt. Standish (50 Watts Of Power/Speed Of Sound), BigKegShandy (Sonic Reducer/Problem Hair), and Yan Quellien (The Barracudas/Chris Wilson's Groovin' Flames) ...

SEE! - Scratchy super-8 movies of gyrating ladies, now elderly or dead!

SEE! - Flickering images of a forbidden past!

SEE! - Upsetting and confusing soft furnishings and appliances!

SEE! - Some blokes sat down, twanging nearly £100-worth of guitars!

You will believe your own eyes and ears!!!

"Food and Concrete available" - Bob & Roberta Smith's Cement Soup Kitchen will be offering durable, art-style items.

12noon-2pm: THE STRIPCHORDS on promptly at 1pm. FREE entry, beer available.
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BEACONSFIELD

22 Newport Street London SE11 6AQ Tube: Vauxhall

It's A Sonic Reducer Hallow'een Thang!!

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Hey Ghouls and Ghoulettes!

Get ready to leave yer crypt this Saturday night, and zombie-walk along to the Sonic Reducer Hallow'een Thang! Expect plenty of undead-friendly rock'n'roll, garage punk, soul, rockabilly, R&B, and other horrible sounds from beyond the grave, creepy movies showing on the big screen, and late opening until 1am! And it's FREE!

AND THAT'S NOT ALL! No, siree! Come down between 7-8pm, pick up your FREE Sonic Reducer badge, which entitles the wearer to a FREE shooter with EVERY pint ordered between 7-8pm at EVERY Sonic Reducer nite. Free booze - wahey!

PLUS, at the witching hour, we'll be giving five lucky monster mashers the chance to win a copy of Ace Records' eerily awesome new compilation of horribly great Hallow'een rock'n'roll tunes, entitled These Ghoulish Things!

Our guest DJ this time around is Sean 'Murkleman' Prince, whose lengthy turntablist's CV stretches back to London's legendary Sugar Lump club, and he'll be dropping hip 7"s faster than a leper loses fingers.

Stay tuned for our special Sonic Reducer Xmess Thang night, and what's more, a mind-blowing set-up for New Year's Eve!!!

See ya at the bar!

Selah!

Joss & Joe

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Sonic Reducer At Filthy MacNasty's
Saturday Oct 29th
7pm-1am
Free
68 Amwell Street EC1
Tube: Angel
Tel: 7837 6067

Still 4 DT's shows to go...

- 10/26 (wed) Leicester,(The Charlotte)
- 10/27 (thurs) London,(Brixton Windmill)
- 10/28 (fri) Nottingham,(Sonic Dirt show @ Junction 7)
- 10/29 (sat) Birmingham,(Cold Rice show @ Bar Academy/Academy 3)

Yes, with help from our returning special ghost, the bewitching Rosalie Morris!

Susquehanna Industrial Ghoul & Die Co. / Thursday, October 27th / Otto's Shrunken Head / 538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) / Two shows, from 8:00 until 10:00 sharp / Free /

And, yes, we haunt Otto's EVERY Thursday. Being undead and all. Come visit us beyond the grave, too, at www.SITandDieCo.com.

Sincerely, Michael, SIT & Die Co. "Ballads, Boogies & Bloooood"

Picked up the latest issue of The Stool Pigeon in Mono t'other night. It has Billy Childish on the cover and if you visit their website you can find out where you can pick up a copy in your locale. Anyways, I'll be hornswaggled if Southern Distro aren't pushing releases by Messer Chups and Ennio Morricone to the kids. Both on a label called Ipecac outta Northern California.

If you find yourself in Stockholm this 4th November...

Sad news for the Dictators, the Coyote Men, the Mighty Ions and all you other fans of Pro Wrestling...RIP: The Crusher

Roky in yesterday's Guardian.

John Peel's Record Box.

(Thanks to Tom and Joss for the links)

Four shows in three days. Not bad for an auld geezer that should probably be sitting in front of the telly. Heck, I even missed the final episode of “Monarch Of The Glen”. The pummelling heavy soul stylings of The Dt’s hit Glasgow on a driech Sunday night. This is not a lightweight foo-foo appropriation of riffage, this is the real deal.

The folks culpable in bringing this monster to the UK are The Grease Monkeys and they opened the show in gonzo punk glory. Their recent time spent in the Tim Kerr Boot Camp has honed their sound and having a crisp, sharp drummer to propel their fare indicates a considerable improvement. Not sure what’s happening with the TK produced album but you’ll read about it here when I do.

Nice to have my old mucker David Crider in the ‘hood. Most of you will know him as the man who brought Estrus Records to the world. We fought in the first proto-garagerock wars together and he remains true to his school. The Dt’s are his latest combo and if you imagine the Detroit Cobras amped up with an animated frontperson then you’d be getting a snapshot of their sound. However, this is an almost industrial strength strain of classic rockin’ soul. Borne out by a trashing of instrument after instrument suggesting that they need to get some kind of sponsorship to keep things moving. Some kind of deal where guitar manufacturers road test their product so see how much abuse they'll stand. It’s a mighty beast in full flight. And who could even imagine the voice that emits from Diana, a slight lass. Nice, quiet and composed until she stalks the stage and a Maggie Bell-sized growl flies into play. A set of pipes from beyond Joplin and enriched with the warmth of Lulu. Taste their loud, proud racket that takes no prisoners as the band brings the noise to a locale near you over the coming week so make a point of going out to catch ‘em.

So there y’go, a report from the front line instead of the cocoa and biscuits one might expect from a critter of my late years. I’m looking forward to the smoking ban kicking in here next Spring. If there’s one thing that I dislike more than going out it’s coming back honking of smoke. I’m coughing and spluttering today as a result. But maybe it’s the bird flu? Like I should be so lucky.

The Punk 77 website is linked here somewhere to the left. But after getting lost once again into this site's incredible amount of information, I figured I'd give you all directions once again. Way comprehensive documentation of the UK punk scene (and some related American acts) from the time before it became another by-numbers identikit.

RIP: Sonny Fisher.

So I kinda made both shows but had to bale during The Grease Monkeys set but I’ll se them and the DT’s tomorrow in Glasgow. I don’t drive at night unless absolutely necessary anymore. I can’t see and ever since our accident some four years ago now there’s no great desire to have a passenger cut free by the fire brigade or whoever. So this generally means leaving for the last train which is a zoo but there’s no alternative. Noisy drunk assholes scooped up on whatever the fuck it is they neck in enormous quantity to make them so obnoxious. But anyway, The Café Royal Bistro was busy so that’s good. The kids there were all hopped up and ready to go, but in a good way.


Earlier, across town at Cabaret Voltaire (a bloody tidy venue by the way), The Hacienda Brothers did their thing in front of a small but appreciative throng consisting of folks (like myself) of let’s say, more mature years. The guys (who aren’t real brothers nor do they bear the surname of hacienda) got a standing ovation for their trouble and closed tonight’s second set with an encore version of Dave Alvin’s “Fourth Of July” which would have brought a tear to a glass eye. Absoferkinglutely outstanding.

As the papers this morning update the Python’s Parrot sketch for the impending 21st Century apocalypse let’s cruise the more important things. Seeing as we’re all doomed from bird flu or whatever pestilence, we might as well go down in relatively good spirits and I am still buoyed by the experience of last nights Hacienda Brothers show. Being in no doubt that they wouldn’t deliver, I had no idea as to the heady heights they’d take the less than decent turnout to. They can whip it up and they can take it down as only the most choice tex-mex soul can. By the encore, a version of The Intruders “Cowboys To Girls” which included a sliver of “Just My Imagination”, everybody in the room was floored. This kinda delivery deserves a better platform than a place that resembles a decent squat on the third floor of a Merchant City tenement. Dave Gonzalez guitarnastics were mesmerising, at points like getting hit by a train. Gaffney is a total fucking star, or at least he should be. There are singers and there are singers and he also plays accordion to punctuate the storming run through “Cry Like A Baby”. They did almost everything from the album and this band is literally smoking. Opening combo *Attic Lights played a set of loud, identikit country pop that sounded like an album in sequence and everything. Very well realised but not indicating much of a sense of themselves. I’m sorry that more folks didn’t get to experience the Hac experience but you have one shot at redemption tonight at Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh’s Blair St. It's not A Madchester tribute combo though so baggy critters be warned.

*Update at 3.18pm - Went to the band's website. The recordings there are very reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub and thusly hit most all of those power pop with Gram overtones spots. Check 'em out for yourself... maybe I'm just, er, jaded.

Couple other things, Kopper was in contact to light the blue touch paper on his garagepunk blog so you should visit there often for the skinny on what’s up in this global rock’n’roll village. Before the bird flu gets you. And also tune into garagepunk pirate radio and get a decent soundtrack to what's left of your life.

Also, on a non-rock note KIRK ELDER has been launched into cyberspace and his diaries will take you into portals of the Scots psyche you possibly never considered.

And remember, The DT’s are in Edinburgh tonight and Glasgow tomorrow. Some fancy footwork might be able to include both but I’m not sure about stage times. If I can find out then I’ll post them before I head out.

Dt's update - Onstage late in Edinburgh tonight (after 11pm)/Tomorrow - doors 8pm: Gig over by 11pm. (Thanks to Jim for that info)

Also I know how you kids in other countries like to get these things so tomorrow there’s a Franz Ferdinand thing in The Observer…

“On Sunday 23rd Oct, take an atmospheric leap to your newsagent and pick up The Observer. The publication will feature a covermount CD featuring previously unheard material by the band.. The 5-track disc features Matinée, Van Tango, new album tracks You Could Have It So Much Better and You're The Reason I'm Leaving as well as an acoustic version of the next UK single Walk Away.”

I’ve no idea what any of that means but I’m happy to score copies for anybody who needs a copy at whatever the paper costs plus postage. All part of the service. You need to e-mail by 10am Sunday GMT.

There's some great music around Central Scotland this weekend and I hope that some of you folk can drag your bahookies out into the driech night to catch it. It's hard, believe me, I know. You get in from dealing with nonsense all day and the last thing you want to do is move but c'mon. This time it's REALLY worth it.

So tonight, anybody in the vicinity of Glasgow should make a bee-line for The Carnival Arts Centre where The Hacienda Brothers will be doing their thing. They'll be doing likewise at Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh tomorrow (Saturday). And that's where the ol' venn diagram thing comes intae play because also in the Auld Reekster tomorrow are those DT's at The Cafe Royale Bistro. I'm not sure that too many of you would be able to catch both and in that case the Pacific Northwest Rockin' Soul Party will be moving to Glasgow at Mono this coming Sunday. So do what you can OK?

I'm heading out now, before I get too cosy. Before the wee procrastination gremlin comes to visit. Tonight, I'm voting GAFFNEY!

Locals should note tomorrow night's Bump 'n Grind party at db's featuring; Les Deux Larmes, The Anomalys, and special guests Hipbone Slim & the Knee Tremblers. db's is at Cartesiusweg 90A, 3534 BD Utrecht, Phone 030-2938209. Damage is 7 Euros and doors open at 21:00 hr.

From Brother Patrick over yonder in France…

"Anybody who never saw Margaret, Christine and Dan live can’t imagine how sexy and full of soul their shows are. But the next best thing to catching them in person is to grab these two great DVDs.

Demolition Doll Rods Live at Fortune Records is, without doubt, one of the coolest concepts for a recording I’ve ever witnessed - my friend Sean reckons “it’s so cool, you could keep beer on it”. It goes like this : the group drove down to the old Fortune Records shop/factory. Well in fact, the place where Fortune used to be: a wall with open door and windows and playing songs by Dr Ross, John Lee Hooker, Nolan Strong & The Diablos … to the delight of the public (2 passers by and a dog !). The band also proudly show their original copies of the records they covered.

Perhaps this indicates the direction that DDR music is taking. I wouldn’t be surprised to find some of these songs from this on their forthcoming album (please DDR, maybe consider doing other Detroit soul greats like something by The Falcons or maybe The Ohio Untouchables).

Demolition Doll Rods Live at the Perineum (great title !) is both a retrospective of shows (1993-2003) and a collection of rare songs. Some covers - Velvet Underground (“Heroin”, “What Goes On”), Rolling Stones (“I’m Free”, too bad “Stray Cat Blues” isn’t included, this song fits the band so well) but most of the songs are originals sung by Dan. The quotes on the cover suggest that the material is from gigs that have been recorded by fans over the years. Not professional quality but who cares, this is real rock’n’roll, not prog.

It would be great to see more rare material for sale officially. Maybe that killer show from the Empty Bottle, Chicago, 8/24/2000 or this the Magic Bag shindig from 1998. Here’s hoping…"

Congratulations to French correspondent Jean-Marc Rimette with the birth of his daughter Suzy. Take it easy on spinnin' those Fleshtones discs for her JM...

Big News! Five Morells albums in one year has to be a positive thing - I don't have one yet but I soon will and there'll be more then but meantime... "The Morells Anthology "LIVE" - 101 Songs about Cars, Girls, and Food!!! Nearly 5 hours of Morells Magic from 5 '80-'84 shows on 4 CDs. Limited to 500 hand-numbered copies. 8 page tri-fold booklet. $50 with free shipping in U.S. - add $5 for foreign unless you reside in some weird, expensive to mail to place, like South Korea! Available from Tom Taber, Almeron Records, 344 West State St., Albion, NY 14411 USA, e-mail him forth-blinkin'-with at tomtaber_14411@yahoo.com"

You can listen to practically all the songs at CD Baby. I warn you though, once you hear 'em you'll be hooked...

A company called Orange Production up in Norway has made a documentary about Kike Turmix. Check their site for the trailer...

Siesmologists get ready. I fear for the foundations of the smaller sized venues that are about to have the bejeezus shaken out of them by the pounding soul strains of The Dt’s. This veritable stadium filling sound will be reverberating the rafters of venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh this coming weekend. Showcasing material from their “Nice‘n’Ruff” album on Spanish label GP (Estrus in the US). Mixing up the Booker T with the Foger-T and the Roky E, this is some big-ass-shaking monolith. If Bon Scott had been a wummin, he would have been Diana Young-Blanchard. She might well be possessed by his spirit. Think the Detroit Cobras on steroids. Mighty and unabated. Taking no prisoners and beating all comers into stoner submission. This stuff could easily give you the shakes alright, and a fair degree of yon shivers too.

Just heard from Coyotemen HQ that our pal Kike Turmix has passed away. Can anybody confirm this?

Update at 19.00 hrs...
It’s true then, the big fella has made his exit. Sad news. I knew Kike for what seems like forever but I only actually met him once. He had a tireless passion for rock’n’roll and was absolutely key to the spread of this music as a virus across Spain and indeed the world. Kike got me on board to write the liner notes for his Dictators tribute volumes that came out on Roto and though we weren’t in constant contact, I guess we knew where the other one was should a situation arise. Last I recall was when he needed a copy of Girl Trouble’s "Hit It Or Quit It", which was retrieved from the vault and shipped forthwith because I knew it was going to a good home.

Mr Turmix made a difference and was a pleasure fucker through and through by all accounts, the man lived his short life to the full. Faster and louder than most all of the competition, we’ve lost one of our Generals here. Kike was a real character and the legend can only grow like topsy from here. Wonder who’ll play him in the film?

Photo from www.fanfatal.com

The "contraband" new MX-80 album, it's available now via CD BABY and who knows they might be able to get it out to you in some plain brown wrap. I sure hope so because you need this record. Hear samples at CD Baby and see the WAAB video at the MX site.
You know when you read about something and it states that said object/music/movie/whatev is like nothing else going on anywhere else? Well, this is actual proof that art of such a nature does exist. It might be rarer than sasquatch shit but these guys have been ahead of the game for at least three decades and are quite possibly further out than ever. How's about them apples?

You ever hear that “group” Massive Attack? I always reckoned that they should get done under the trades description act. Their music never moved me one way or another but MX-80 is a whole ‘nother enchilada. Their attack is sizeable, perhaps even massive but they aren't into bragging. A lingering, afterburning quasi-rocktastic soundtrack to dark places with a soothing menace that really hits the spot. There’s some nifty musical shape shifting with the metallic shards of that patented guitar wail haunting most every portal.

It’s a foreboding tapestry of subliminal breakdown. Rich in humour and Rich Stim narrating the noisescapes really punctuates the material to make damn sure that the delivery is never what you expect. “No Brainer” opens “We’re An American Band” with a cerebellum-kicking disregard for your noggin from the off. Like a mutant Jeff Beck sustain being applied directly to the front, centre and rear lobes. The MX twist of the Grand Funk tune is a slothlike trawl but still manages to “party down”. Down being the operative word in a totally up sense.

I’m wondering who outside of the US will ever hear this potentially life-changing set of, er, tunes. Sure, I’ll confess to my bias right now. Having been smitten since hearing “Hard Attack” in 1977 and having had the immense luck to have seen them deliver their mayhem in their home port of SF, this twisted avant-rawk has infected my blood, soul and bones. No point in any undue worrying about it.

There’s something oddly satisfying about songs like “Don’t Hate The French” where Rich warns that Wee Bush fella that he’ll “put a frog in his bidet”. This isn’t something that you might derive instant sensory gratification from. It works on many levels. All the way from background music to full volume, room shaking, eyeball searing tilt. This is the kind of slow-burn genius the planet needs right now and you may well be banned from hearing it, as the drawbridge on Fortress America prepares to be raised another notch or three. I’m sure CD Baby and Family Vineyard will take pity on your unfortunate euro-ass. And I’ll bet Volcanic Tongue is making contingency plans right now. The, um, “authorities” can’t keep something this infectious from infiltrating your musical immune system. Can they?

It’s been a weird week. Not in terms of any psychedelic shenanigans or anything like that but I’ve been doing some thinking in between and during headaches. Got a message from Bruce (e-mole) Mowat which saw him renounce his blogging and whatnot and it really struck a chord. I’ve been feeling blogged out and not entirely sure why I feel the need to drag my tuppence worth out to air it online let alone anywhere else. As a vehicle to pass on information it’s fine but in the grand scheme of things, the thought of pulling the plug is never too far away. In amongst these thoughts, there are shards of why I should maybe carry on. The fact that tickets for the upcoming shows by the Hacienda Brothers in Scotland haven’t sold out weeks ago is obscene to me. It might be a question of profile but to me it’s a grave oversight on the part of anybody around these parts that’s supposed to be into good music. Out here in the trenches, it rankles and smacks of outright stupidity (bad stupid not good) but if we manage to connect one lost soul with the majesty of their country soul stylings then my mithering is worth it.

Listened to Laura (Cantrell’s) short set at the Peel thing there just now and tis a thing of great beauty indeed. An amazing performance under a considerable strain of nerves and emotion I imagine. If you think I’m exaggerating hear it for yourself. The version of Don Gibson’s “(I’ll Be) A Legend In My Time” is particularly moving. I remember her performance of it on an early Peel Session, worked up specially for the man after hearing that it was a favourite of his on a tape I’d sent her of his commentary on playing cuts from “Trembling Kind”. She’s come a long way in these last five years and it’s a positive example of being able to watch something grow that’s real and not some lab experiment. I imagine that this short set would have made an impact on all that were there last Wednesday night. Wonder if it was filmed?

MON 17TH OCT - STEREO, Kelvinhaugh St., Glasgow:

JAWBONE

THE GREASE MONKEYS

DEM/HOBO record players
£4/£3 conc. 8 -til- 12

"JAWBONE: Jawbone is a one-man band, that man being Bob Zabor of Chicago, who plays harmonica, guitar, and drums (well, bass drum and tambourine) and sings. Although starting as just stand up harmonica in coffee houses and cafes, in a desire to play r'n'r shows Bob has become a raucous blues racket from the Bo Diddley/Lightning Hopkins tradition. John Peel of course adored Jawbone and played his debut "Dang Blues" on LOOSE Music (a totally home made album) tirelessly. He is well aware of fellow primitivist Bob Log III and like him, is no purist. This is hard and fast rock'n'roll stomp with heavy slide guitar. Check him out at... www.dangblues.com

THE GREASE MONKEYS: Definitive local rock and roll whoopers. Prime rump tunes that sizzle in a pan of international punk rock fat ...tasty. (...nice one Tom!)

...well, hopefully see yers down there - failing that, we gotta coupla gigs in Mono
comin' up: Sun 23rd Oct supporting the DT's; and Halloweennight (Mon 31st Oct).
Rock On! ...................Jim & the Grease Monkeys"

Since I'm still somewhat disabled as far as typing goes, here's only a (very) brief update on what's doin' the RPM's on HQ's hi-fi. First 'n foremost it's the various Stooges re-issues; the 2LP editions of both Elektra LPs not only offer some splendid extras, but easily blow any previous issue I own outta the water fidelity wise. Mentioned the accompanying 45s earlier on, but please be also on the look out for Sundazed's re-ish of the Search & Destroy/Penetration 7". It's such a blast the finally be able to spin S&D on this format. Was there ever a better intro? Rhino's Children Of Nuggets box-set also holds a lot of amazing material. And surprisingly plenty I'd never heard before. Long time NBT readers might find a lot of the inclusions rather obvious, but like the original Nuggets sets, this one can't be beat for shear start-to-finish playing pleasure. Sure, there's stuff I'd put on there if I was in charge (the Gun Club, Screamin' Blue messiahs, Scientists, New Christs etc. come to mind). But then again, with 5 hours of good, good music to enjoy; who's complainin'? Current day nuggets are supplied by the Reigning Sound. Hot on the heels of the fab-o Home For Orphans disc, comes the equally fine (but totally different) Live At Maxwell's on Spoonful. Liner notes by Miriam Linna should be all the recommendation you need...

I was gonna head into Edinburgh tonight but a bursting napper suggests perhaps not. I'm pondering taking some of the fantoosh new medication that's supposed to quieten said nip but I found that it made me woozy last time out. It's one thing being spaced out at work but fuck that for a game of soldiers in my own time.
So we'll see, maybe easy and quiet will work just as well. Brother Joss dropped some dvd comp action on me the other day so perhaps I'll just have a swatch at that instead?...
Also managed to get my hands on the "not for export" MX-80 "We're An American Band". Their discriminating noise might just kill or cure me and either would be fine at this juncture. Time to blog off...

Spend some time at the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum in Rotterdam today, and was absolutely floored by the work of Olafur Eliasson. The basic collection is very much worth your while, but Eliasson's water 'n light projections really stood out. Unexpected beauty...

It's THIS FRIDAY - clothing is optional, but advisable

Friday October the 14th 2005. The Subway, Cowgate, Edinburgh

doors open 7:30, gig over by 10:00 when the Subway reverts to its usual glamourous friday night self

A free gig of short sharp songs from the world famous Shock And Awe to promote their new album "School For Scoundrels" with the bonus of a rare set of multi-media art/punk/disco interface from Scars mainman Paul Research (onstage 8pm)

come on down, the gig is free to get in - if you want you can buy a cd to help us pay for the night (14 songs !, professionally recorded ! with real drums !, available at a special bargain offer price on the night !), tell all your friends and anyone else who might be interested

more details, mp3's etc here... Shock And Awe

I wish Mr Vedder all the best with his investment program and hope that this credo will serve the ol' modus op accordingly. Meanwhile here, the UK awaits the arrival of the heavy, heavy monster soul sound of The Dt's. They'll be landing in a week to give their big rawk'n'soul rave up to you with both (double) barrels. Bringing their Nice'n'Ruff Hard Soul Hits down on your ass following their haul through Spain.

Mr Spence has seen fit to organise these shindigs to give those eardrums of yours a wee testdrive the like of which I'm sure they haven't been subjected to since Zen Guerilla last blew though.

====THE DT'S - NICE 'N' RUFF UK TOUR - OCTOBER 2005====

Sat 22nd - EDINBURGH - Cafe Royal Bistro, Rose St.; £4; doors 9pm;w/ the Grease Monkeys & Denghis

Sun 23rd - GLASGOW - Mono, 10 Kings Court, King St.; (0141 553 2400); £4; doors 8pm; w/ the Grease Monkeys

Mon 24th - LIVERPOOL - Heaven & Hell, Fleet St.; (07743 343 056); £4; doors 8.30;
w/ Red Panda & the Dry Retch

Tues 25th - BRIGHTON - Polo Bar, Queen St.; £4; doors 8.30;
w/ Social Disorder

Weds 26th - LEICESTER - Charlotte, Oxford St.; (0116 255 3956); £4;
doors 8pm; w/ the Dry Retch

Thurs 27th - LONDON - Brixton Windmill, 22 Blenheim Gardens, SW2; (020 8671 0700); £5; doors 8pm

Fri 28th - NOTTINGHAM - Junktion 7, 6 Ilkeston Rd., Canning Circus; (0115 911 6959); £5; doors 7pm; w/ Gods Chosen Dealers & the Kull

Sat 29th - BIRMINGHAM - Academy 3, Dale End; (0121 224 7707); £5; doors 10pm

THE HACIENDA BROTHERS are heading North...

21st October - Glasgow - The Carnival Arts Centre

22nd October - Edinburgh - Cabaret Voltaire

23rd October - Newcastle - The Cluny

Tickets are available now and I strongly advise that you get your tail along to one or all of these shows. If you caught Mr Gaffney on recent visits with Dave Alvin then presumably you have yer tickets already...

FLAMINGO SWING

JUEVES 13 DE OCTUBRE --- 23:30 H.

Guest DJ
JB ZYCLONE -The Swingzine-

Fabulosos Cocktails -Top DJs – Exotic Dancers – Burlesque Acts

"Hey folks

Yup, the last Sonic Reducer was a real whap-dang'n'doozy of a night, thanks to the capacity crowd, who dug mightily the tunes that guest DJ Chris Bailey (The Saints) was picking-to-click! From The Runaways to Bobby Bland, Mr Bailey had the crowd eating outta his hand! He sure do know his pro-duct ...

But now (sweet lord!) it's time for THE SONIC REDUCER BADGES FOR BOOZE DEAL!

At Sonic Reducer on Saturday October 15th, you'll be able to pick up your exclusive SR badge, which will entitle you to a FREE shooter (hic) with each pint ordered at future club nights, between 7-8pm!

That's right, folks, FREE booze - all you gotta do is get down earlier in the evening, wearing the badge, starting with the 1am-closing Sonic Reducer Hallow'een Special on October 29, and simply start digging our righteous mix of Dixie Fried garage, R&B, blues, beat, punk, funk & junk!

Our guest DJ this time around is THE gentleman photographer of rock'n'roll, Mr David Arnoff, who not only made the wee wee hours much more fun with his own Xfm show, but also gave the Manson girls a lift once, and lived to tell the tale.

Plus there's gonna be choice music footage from the Sonic Reducer archive on the big screen!

ALSO ... stay tuned for our Hallow'een Special on October 29th - late license until 1am, creepy flicks, hairy monster hands, and a chance to win one of FIVE copies of Ace Records' fiendishly brilliant new horror rock'n'roll compilation: These Ghoulish Things!

Are we good to ya, or wot? See ya Saturday ... at the bar!

Selah, Joss & Joe"

Sonic Reducer At Filthy MacNasty's
Saturday October 15th - 7-11pm
Saturday October 29th - 7pm-1am
Free
68 Amwell Street EC1
Tube: Angel
Tel: 7837 6067

That's how Punk I am.

"I'm not payin', I'm investing".
My best excuse yet for droppin' way too much cash on wax. Came up with this after realizin' I picked up over 50 LPs in the past three weeks. No way am I ever gonna find the time to listen to it all...

Tomorrow is John Peel Day in the U.K. The BBC has put up a great online archive of everything Peel: Videos, music, picture galaries and a very detailed archive of all the Peel Sessions.

The Beatstalkers are back...Scotland’s No.1 Beat Group

"The Beatstalkers are back {all original members}. This legendary band from Glasgow will be taking to the stage for a one off reunion concert at the Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow on the 23rd December 2005. It will be their first time on stage together since their heyday 35 years ago when they caused mayhem wherever they played. They were famed for their riotous shows, selling out venues across Scotland, which attracted thousands of screaming fans crammed into venues such as The Barrowland and Dennistoun Palais to hear their authentic brand of r’n’b, soul and psychedelic sounds. During a lunchtime concert in Glasgow’s George Square they whipped their audience of 7000 fans into such a frenzy they caused a riot which brought the centre of Glasgow to a stand still. They also had a residency at the famous Marquee Club in London and appeared on Ready Steady Go. The Beatstalkers reached Beatle-like "superstar" status in their homeland becoming the first Scottish pop phenomenon. The support bands will be "The Thanes" and Figure5 plus Special Guests. They've been revered by fans and collectors over the passing decades, with only snatches of the group's material trickling out on compilations aimed at the '60s beat-mod connoisseur. Finally after years of fruitless waiting, Ika Records released the first ever anthology on CD in June this year. Due to its success, this lead to endless calls for the band to reform and play live. Read more about the fascinating times of The Beatstalkers."

Ms Fancher has tipped me off that THE WEIRDOS are headed for the UK in November/December.

FURTHER INFO!

Well, I expected DIG! to be a lot funnier than it turned out to be. I also expected The Dandy Warhols to come out of it a lot worse than they do. Wrong on two counts straight away. It’s a much darker piece than I imagined, quite depressing actually. Never having been a fan of the Brian Jonestown Massacre, this sort of underpins all of the shortcomings I figured their records had. Of course there were flashes of accidental sonic brilliance but ultimately this paisley underground with a shot of Altamont never really hit any spot for me. There’s a part in the movie where Anton Newcombe goes to disrupt a DW’s gig wearing rollerskates and a Davy Crockett-type bunnet. He looks ridiculous and he cannae go his skates. Actually he looks like Mike Nesmith on The Monkees. No dis intended. DIG! is worth seeing but couldn’t exactly be filed as entertainment. Jonestown is like Primal Scream with a performance artery bypass. I don’t feel that it’s kosher. Whatever modicum of talent Newcombe possesses, the destructive aspect towers over it. Anyone who has had to deal with an addictive personality will recognise that. The Dandys’ on the other hand went the corporate route and it seems to have worked for them. They’ve enjoyed a little more than the designated 15 minutes. Whether they deserve it is neither here nor there, they put in time at the office and made the compromises. The dying embers of the music industry, desperate to hang on to former glories can be felt choking all through the movie. It doesn’t make pleasant viewing or bode well for its future.

Ok, some stuff that I've come across lately that I think might be worthy of your valuable time,. They certainly diverted me from more pressing tasks...

HAPPY BLUES - great short interviews and stuff. Some with folks very close to our hearts.

This "alleged" phonecall to WFMU is a bit contrived but oughtta tickle you regulars also. It takes a wee while to load but i hope you reckon it's worth it. (Thanks to Mr Ulf for the link).

On the subject of Mr. U, he's got the FEBER and he'll be sharing it come October 19th.

Mr McLean is responsible for the next couple, GRUMPIER OLD MEN is something I'm totally down with and the terminology therein is dangerously close to what passes as reality in the day to day.

Also GLASGOW SURVIVAL, absolutely not office-friendly or for the faint hearted but damned funny.

My SF-based friend Marcos Sorensen designed the iconic Ask Jeeves logo and some pillock wants to can it. Read more about that and badger the idiot in question via the SAVE JEEVES BLOG

While Murray is somewhat flabbergasted by my liking the 'feldy, he was good enough to pass on this RED INVASION link. Nothing you haven't heard before but cool '77 NY punk sounding glam from MA.

So that should keep y'all goggle-eyed for a while. Hasta la eyesight...

In and around the fact that I don't seem to be able to manage my time to any great degree lately, there's been an upsurge in the amount of blog spam that's coming in. Lord knows it takes me enough time to respond to real messages at the minute that shit like this just makes me want to can the comments facility. Blogger has a feature now that can fox the automatic generation of this shit but I know how annoying it is when I'm checking hotmail and that kinda thing kicks in. It's good to receive comment om posts but would you still use it if you had the hurdle of letter and number recognition to go through in order to leave your tuppence worth? Let we know.

WEASELMANIA - out now!

Just returned from the Teenage Fanclub show with the same "bummin' heid" that's been bugging me all day. Also squeezed in a Tesco visit. Shopping is almost bearable when there are just a few people around. Of course there are the little arseholes that race around the carpark playing their alleged "music" at tilt volume but the only ones they're harming are themselves. One can only hope that they'll escape their pointless treadmall existences at some point but most of them appear to be too gormless to even contemplate so radical a culture shock. This is NO FUTURE in action.

But anyway, a busy FTH saw Laki-Mera open the show. I didn't catch much of it but the fractured dance nature of it didn't really come across in such a large setting. It's their third show ever apparently. I'm not sure if this is the first time that Malcolm Middleton has played his hometown but it might be. Full band in tow. I never warmed to Arab Strap but find his most recent solo outing, or what I've heard, to be fairly agreeable in a bleak sense. The third song is full pelt rambunctious folkabilly. Heck it practically rocks. TFC overcame the teeting troubles with the sound to deliver their patented beyond Big Star chimes. I always remember the old 13th Note where they played with Lx and the version of Telstar. It was indescribably mind blowing. But anyway, this was a good show. Norman appeared to be going though a consultancy about his hair with a section of the audience. Not sure what the outcome was. A guy behind me kept shout-mumbling "The Con-sepp". When they launched into it he damn near had a puhleery. A triumphant warm up to the Euro-jaunt which will see the troops travel from Paris to Seville this very weekend. I hope it turns out to be every bit the adventure Gerry expects it to be. There should be a gig in town like this every Friday night. Where people will travel from Glasgow and Edinburgh to a properly curated event like this. It could happen. Or could it?

Falkirk’s WAY TO BLUE festival kicked off last night. This year’s bill is the most impressive to date and infiltrates all strata. It’s a canny piece of organisation given that people in this area are notorious for not supporting live music events. They’ll pay a tenner to get into a disco but somehow won’t shell for a band, well, not often. Anyway, there was a respectable crowd in the Town Hall for this 3 band bill of Aberfeldy, The Pearlfishers (with string quartet) and The Trashcan Sinatras. In the past I’ve seen Alex Harvey and T. Rex there amongst others and to my mind, the place hasn’t changed. Of course there are many more facets to actually just putting on a gig in such a venue these days. The effort involved generally goes by un-noticed and the way that the seating is laid out leaves something of a psychological moat between the performers and the audience. However, in the bar – you can pre-order your drink for the interval. Cannae be bad even although I never took advantage of this facility.

But anyway, Aberfeldy kicked things off and are getting better as they notch up the gigs. The new songs, particularly one called “Hypnotized” bodes well for the second album. The ‘feldy employ a quaint line in banter that is quite possibly unintelligible outside of Central Scotland but adds an extra dimension to their pop thrills in tonights setting. They’re only wee but they’re pretty bloody good and that, as much as anything, could be an obstacle. The Pearlfishers delivered a bijou set complete with strings. A lush assault fused with that patented old school showbiz charm. “Todd is God” conjured up extreme visions of Rundgren and “Your Stars” is a cracking slice of anthemic Scotpop, even in this acoustic setting.

We left two numbers into the Trashcan Sinatras set. I don’t get the pathological fervour that surrounds them. Never did, never will. The singer (Frank Reeder?) made some comment about things being amplified that made me want to vom. Their music is anaemic, a cut and paste pot pourri of other things I don’t care for so ‘tis best in such an instance to leave ‘em to their believers.

Just read this from Ben on the staysick board... RIP - Nipsy Russell

No Bambi Molesters sadly but check out the BIG BIG WORLD roster taking place all over Glasgow. Also note that Soundsfine have John Doe and Peter Case at Brel in Ashton Lane, aff the Byres Road on Sunday November 20th.

Little Steven's Underground Garage Halloween A Go-Go.

With: Gluecifer (Last show EVER!), Rocket From the Crypt (Last East Coast show EVER!), Boss Martians and Special Guests.

Hosted by Little Steven. Go-Go Dancers! Costume prizes!

Friday, October 28, 2005. Doors 8pm, 21 and Up. @ Hard Rock Times Square 1501 Broadway / 43rd St New York City

The big news, just in, them NOMADS will play at the FV fest in Cvetlicarna Mediapark, Ljubljana on December 2nd!

"DJ's Tall Paul Robinson and Angus A-Go-Go are excited to announce The GO-GO will return this October as MONDO a GO-GO! After a short summer break the club will return - but monthly on Saturdays! - at The Venue on October the 8th.

To pay respect to the old and bring in the new, it was decided to support these changes and the expansion of the playlist - with a slight name revamp. In addition to the popular and ecclectic mix of Sixties that made The GO-GO such an established retro-hideout over the last five years, the club will now also play 60's Ska, and (selected) Punk and New-Wave:

"We're still going to be a Sixties club and the flavour of the dancefloor wont change" said Paul, "but we're adding new genres to give it more dimension and scope."

"We'll still play 60's garage, Nancy Sinatra, The Sonics etc, but can now spin The Cramps, The Fall or the Ramones if it feels right. Its very liberating.

MONDO a GO-GO's first night is Saturday 8th October, in The Loft @ The Venue, Calton Road Edinburgh.

11pm til 3am, £5/4 before Midnight, £6/5 after.

Tall Paul Robinson and Angus will be there to play;
60's, Mod, Garage, Soul, Punk, New Wave, Surf, Psychedelia and Ska.

Guest DJ Vic Galloway (Radio 1/Radio Scotland - 50's/60's/Punk/Rock and Roll)"

It's goodnight from him... RIP Ronnie Barker

From the Austin Chronicle reporting on Roky's live comeback.

Attendance at the following shindig looks pretty damn essential if you live in the Fort Worth area:

Remember the good ole days? "Fort Worth Teen Scene" garage bands, Teen Agogo, Jolly Time Skating Rink, Free music in Trinity Park, the Cellar. Well they're back. Music and Arts Agogo is sponsoring their 2nd annual "Music and Arts Share at Trinity Park".

What you missed: The last concert included reunions by Larry and the Blue Notes, The Elite and Johnny Nitzinger also contributions by Rockin' Chair, Bell Sheep, The Big Galoots, Ed Lively etc. T-shirts, Posters, Raffles for a custom guitar, art and gift certificates to restaurants all benefiting The Tarrant Area Food Bank.

This year we are expecting more of the same including reunions by Sundown Collection, the Elite, Bill Ham, Steve Hill of Bloodrock, Ed Lively and Willie Smith and also Rockin' Chair, The Blues Invaders, Larry and the Blue Notes, The Sleep Walkers, Cellar Bands (Orchrist and Neurotic Sheep) and members of the Mods, Cynics, Nomads, Jades, and more.

Share "Good Times" on Oct.16, 2005 at Trinity Park Shelter House on W. 7th St. near downtown Fort Worth. Time 10am-10pm

For more info contact Rick: rbened9864@aol.com

Our old mucker, Mr David Crider from The Church of Estrus, Bellingham, Wa is bringing the gospel to Europe with his fellow r&r, soul-wielding evangelista,

THE DT’S “NICE ‘N’ RUFF” EUROPEAN TOUR - OCTOBER 2005

SPAIN/PORTUGAL

06 (thur) Valladolid, Spain (tba)
07 (fri) Badajoz, Spain (Mercantil)
08 (sat) Lisbon, Por-tugal (Barreiro Rocks Festival)
11 (tues) Madrid, Spain (Gruta 77)
12 (wed) Burgos, Spain (tba)
13 (thur) Bilboa, Spain (Azkena)
14 (fri) San Sebastian, Spain (Irish Disco)
15 (sat) Vitoria, Spain (Helldorado)
16 (sun) Ulldecona, Spain (L’Ermita)
19 (wed) Barcelona, Spain (Side-car)
20 (thurs) Girona, Spain (La Merce o la Via)

Mr Spence will be providing the UK show details once everything is firm. Watch this space for the skinny on all that just as soon as it's available!

Mr McLean hepped us to this possible alternative to that "bouncy castle" you always thought about for the garden. The link won't work but I'm sure if you "google" Portapub you'll get what you deserve.

It's all pretty humdrum on the East of Scotland front, however Murray Ramone laid the following info upon us. I checked the Calendar and it's the 1st of October 2005 not 1978 so this'll be right then...

John Peel Day - October 13th -
Citrus Club, Edinburgh - Doors 19:30

Line Up/Details:

TV21
Jo Callis(The Rezillos/The Human League)
Malcolm Ross(Joseph K, Orange Juice, Aztec Camera)
Paul Research(The Scars)
Dave Carson(Boots For Dancing)
William Mysterious(The Rezillos)
The Twinsets

Not sure about ticket info but i'll let you know if I find owt out.

"Ignore it, and it'll go away", or at least that's what I figured. My right hand ringfinger had been hurtin' like hell over the past two weeks, so I finally went to down to the doctor's today. Various knifes and hypodermic needles were apparently used (heck, I certainly didn't wanna see what was goin' on!), and because of this my typin ability is down a serious number of levels. Please be patient if you're waiting for a response to your e-mail, I'll get to it, it just takes some extra time...

I have to say that I'm with Angel Corpus Christi on the "I wouldn't Want To Be Bob Dylan" thing. And likewise Bobby presumably wouldn't want to be us either as the lady's song goes. But what about No Direction Home then? Pretty goddamn groovy stuff even for a relative non-believer like myself.

Scorsese did a great job getting Dylan to open up like he did. Great as the way this appeared on TV was, I wish I'd seen it first in a cinema. As iconography goes, and if you dug nothing else about it those old photos and clips indicated what a world of possibilities existed then. Of course, living in it would never have seemed like that but nothing nowadays is ever not stage-managed. Almost nothing that makes it through that "sophisticated filter" to any manner of mainstream appeal that is.

It kinda fizzled out before I expected it to but I guess too much of a good thing would maybe make people think that something like this could happen again. Not many things live up to even the slightest hype but this did.

Howdy Cowpoke!
Please join SUSQUEHANNA INDUSTRIAL TOOL & DIE CO. on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH as we saddle up for the RODEO BAR, nestled in Manhattan at 375 Third Avenue, on the corner of 27th Street (www.RodeoBar.com). Sure as shootin' we'll be playing three sets, at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30 sharp -- and you bet it's FREE, as are the peanuts.

Your pardner, Michael "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

P.S. And we return to our Thursday night residency at OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD, starting on OCTOBER 6TH, just so you know.

Would you believe?... Agent 86 dead at 82. RIP - Don Adams (Sad news from Chief Thewlis)

Update at 6.15pm... Couldn't do much earlier but surreptitiously post something from work. I was sorry to hear about Max. When Channel 4 started here they broadcast a whole bunch of the original series. Pretty sure that's where my habit of addressing people as "Chief" came from but anyway, when Tony broke the news to me, I tried to find a story. The BBC ran a small piece but that was all. It's much bigger news in the USA and Australia where they take this kinda culture a bit more seriously. I imagine Agent 99 is fairly devastated right about now... Time to rake for those VHS's.

"Hey hey! 8 years after the sad closing of our beloved record shop in September 1997 we are very pleased to announce the RE-OPENING of COOL & CRAZY!! LPs, 7" singles, CDs, books, zines, etc. Specializing in WILD shit of the 50s & 60s (and recent practitioners of r&r wildness). Julius-Leber-Str 20, Souterrain 22765 Hamburg
hours: Monday to Friday 12 pm to 7 pm RING THE BELL LOUD & OFTEN!!!".

Count Bishops, Eddie & the Hot Rods. 100 Club, London, Friday Sept 23.
Thirty years ago this line-up would have probably been the hottest ticket in town, while hardly a year later both of these bands lost their place in the limelight thanks to the arrival of the Sex Pistols, Clash and their ilk. Not that they didn't soldier on without any success, but they never became as big they once seemed destined to be. So was it worth flying off to London to catch 'm in action once again all these years down the line you ask?. The answer is a resoundin' "YEAH!". The Hot Rods had only been added to the bill as special guests after I booked a flight to see the Bishops so that was a nice extra, and they certainly didn't disappoint. Even with Barrie Masters bein' the only original member, his current Rods are thus relatively young and still very energetic. Three new songs and a drumsolo stop me from givin' 'em both thumbs up, but with a setlist that included solid renditions of Telephone Love, Teenage Depression, Quit This Town, Life On The Line, and of course Do Anything You Wanna Do there's hardly any reason to argue against 'em. While Barrie & Co. are still somewhat of a going concern, The Count Bishops re-united especially for Ace Records' thirtieth anniversary party. For whatever reason I've been somewhat obsessed by this band for ages, but sadly never caught 'm live in their heyday. So when news of this on/off get together reached these shores all was set aside to make sure I'd be there this go 'round. Up on stage this Friday were Johnny Guitar, Dave Tice, Pat McMullen and a Australian drummer who's name I failed to catch (apparently both Mike Spencer and Steve Lewins were in attendance as well but neither went up on stage. Original rhythm guitar player Zenon de Fleur, who passed away in 1979, was represented by a large photo on top of on of the amps). Any doubts about dropping some serious coin to see these guys were quickly wiped out as soon as Tice opened his gravel throated yapper (Kenny Loggins hairdo or no). And when Johnny Guitar finally shifted into third gear a couple of songs into the set things couldn't have been better. The sound was perfect and there were thankfully no attempts to "update" their sound/looks with lengthy solo's, flying v's and ponytails. Just pure rockin' sounds with Johnny's razorsharp guitar attack bein' the absolute highlight for me. He also took over vocal duties for Train, Train (originally Zenon's tour-de-force), a brave attempt that brought on mucho goosebumps. Other highlights included a poundin' I Want Candy and a powerhouse take on Taste 'n Try. All 'n all this was a perfect night (and let's not forget Dave 'Boss' Goodman spinnin' many a Nugget for the rest of the evening). What with the Bishops spreaded all over the globe these days I don't think they'll repeat these kind o' thing anytime soon, but if so; do make sure you'll be there. In the meantime, be on the lookout for Ace Records upcomin' CD re-issues of the Bishops 2nd and 3rd LPs for some hi-octane Brit R&B.

I have to admit it. I'm no Dylan afficianado. However, I'll be tuned into the Scorsese doc on Monday and Tuesday like everybody else. I recognise his place in the musical firmament and am prepared to be blown away by this event. It's funny, with all the furore around it, this is a real happening. There'll be a huge TV audience all watching the same thing at the same time. That almost never happens anymore and that in itself is something tangibly reassuring. I know some hipsters have viewed the thing already and that the dvd is actually available but simply the notion of folks all tuning into the same item at the same time is huge. Well as huge as anything gets these days. Anyways, re Bob - what I like most about him is that he recognises Dave Alvin as the ace guitar player he is. I like Mary Lee's "Blood On The Tracks" more than I like the real thing. I'm hoping I can be swayed into discovering the secret that the man's rabid followers riff over. There's a piece in the Sunday Herald here today where "important figures" pick their favourite Dylan song. Jim Sclavunos is in there alongside Scotland's first minister Jack McConnell. Odd is perhaps the best word to describe such an undertaking. Have a look for yourselves... I have to split, more Status Quo coming up on Corry.

Last night’s Laura Cantrell show at The Queens’ Hall in Edinburgh was a real triumph, even by her own high standards. Packing the “acoustic” format, the bulk of the set came from the most recent album but there were plenty of chestnuts from the previous two also. The version of “Whiskey” where she had the crowd sing along was positively spine-tingling.

For the extended encore, Frank Macdonald joined his friends onstage to deliver several tunes from the albums he released that put the lassie on the map in the first place. There was a review in the Times on Friday that gave a tepid line on the performance in London but I don’t think I’ve ever seen the show appear so tight whilst retaining that element of loose that let’s things breathe. This wasn’t just a note-perfect run through the material, it was practically countryphonic soul.

Opener, Holly Williams came out to join them for a rousing version of Gillian Welch’s “Orphan Girl”. I was pretty underwhelmed by her own set but this showed off her sizeable vocal talent in no uncertain manner. Laura and Mark Spencer will be back in the UK briefly in a fortnight to appear at the Keeping It Peel Celebration at The Queen Elizabeth Hall on October 12th.

These are busy times for Ms C alright but she’s hitting all the right buttons and like previously intimated, last night took that craft to a whole ‘nother level.

FTC Bars Export of the New MX-80 Release - How American is "American"?

San Francisco -- The Federal Trade Commission has announced its preliminary ruling barring export of the new MX-80 album, "We're an American Band." The ruling, one of the first under the recently enacted "Made in America" Act will remain in place unless the band, or its record label, Family Vineyard, can provide "demonstrative evidence as to the national origin" of band members. So far, the band and its label have refused to participate in the FTC proceedings. Under the legislation, effective June 1, 2005, companies advertising products with the term "America" or "American" must file certification documentation with the FTC and U.S. Customs demonstrating that "all or virtually all" of the product-including processing and labor that go into the product-must be of U.S. origin. In this case, since the band is claiming "We're an American Band," as its album title, the FTC is requiring proof of national origin of each band member. "This is so incredibly surreal," said lead singer Rich Stim, "that I can't even classify it as surreal." Problems developed for MX-80-the eclectic avant rock band based in the Bay Area-when the Family Vineyard label sought a UPC bar code for the new album, scheduled for November, 2005 release. Under the new law, the organization managing bar codes (the Associated Code Council) must report any product names using the words "America," "American," "US," or "USA." Companies then have 90 days to provide certification to the FTC. "Did Grand Funk Railroad have to send in their passports?" asked Stim, referring to the Michigan rock band that popularized the song used as title track of the MX-80 album. "What about Scientific American, American Airlines or American Idol? I find it disingenuous that the U.S. government needs proof of my citizenship in order for me to sell records in Holland. My guess is that they're only going after so-called subversive artists."

The FTC has denied that the agency is targeting artists and claims that enforcement of the new law is mandatory.

A missive from Mr Tom Phobic...
"Hi Kids,
It's that time again....summer has packed it's bags and buggered off somewhere else, it's getting darker earlier, the kids are back at school (or not, according to figures) petrol keeps going up, politicians keep lying and killing and not giving a toss......dontitmakeyafeelsick?
.......afraid we can't offer a cure (or a final solution) but why not forget about your troubles for one night and drag your hides out to our spiritual (and i don't just mean liquor)home in Deptford for an evening of primo guitar slinging punk rock slop served just the way you like it!
As ever, it's FREE and we'll be playing stuff from our "Down and Out In Deptford EP" which is picking up rave reviews here, in Europe, over in the States and OZ, and EVEN in Argentina where we are radio stars! (yeah, we know - most of us have a face for radio!)
Anyway, enough ramble, here's the skinny -

SATURDAY, 1ST OCTOBER:
The Birds Nest, Deptford Church Street, Deptford SE8 FREE!!

9pm onwards, The Phobics play 2 sets - plenty of surprises, guests and the usual mayhem.

Anyone need directions, more info, whatever drop me a line. Tom"

A year ago, this very “noo”, I was attending the Punk Kongress in Kassel. Tis presactly 365 days since I saw CZD and The Boonaraaas in the Lolita Bar in that cool German town. Hopefully there’ll be some news on the next one soon…

Ms Laura Cantrell is back in the ‘hood and has a show at Edinburgh’s Queens Hall tonight. We caught up with her and Mr Jeremy Chatzky for a pleasant evening in Glasgow along with Sir Francis of Macdonald. Always great to catch up but Ms C had some bad news to lay on us. There’s no way to gild this so I’ll come straight out with it.

WFMU is taking The Radio Thrift Shop off the air. For reasons best known to the programmers of the NJ station, they’ve decided to remove the RTS from the upcoming Fall schedule. If you’ve got a mo’, maybe you could drop them a line and ask what they expect to gain from this plainly daft action. All good things and everything taken into account, this is an open and shut case of them not knowing what they’ve got ‘til it’s gone. I think the last show is on October 10th but I’ll get back to you on that. I think The proprietress is disappointed and maybe bloodied but absolutely unbowed. She’ll take the format to another station mayhap? One that understands the meaning of community in the terms that I always thought the WFMU did. I’m sure there are politics involved but that means less than F all to we - the listeners, it's more like a betrayal, in my er, humble opinion. A worthy programme, Rex's Fools Paradise will be brought forward into the RTS slot but that's not the point. Not having Laura on their roster isn't the sharpest decision that's been taken in Jersey City methinks.

Mr Chatzky, who plays with Ronnie Spector also, tells we that the new album by the lady is due for release soon and it contains her version of Amy Rigby’s oughtta be smash, “All I Want”. Things appear to be shaping up nicely for Ms Rigby who will hopefully be packing a band on her upcoming UK jaunt. More about that as the info becomes available.

On a loose Teenage Fanclub related point and having been out on the town last night, I set the VCR for “The Status Quo” appearing on Coronation Street. Absolutely brilliant stuff which reminds me of how great TV can be but seldom is. A national institution appearing on another national institution. Not quite at the lofty heights of Uncle Junior watching Larry David but pretty darn groovy nonetheless. It made me think about the time that "The Quo" were playing The Fillmore during a vacation in San Francisco and we didn’t go. Of course they haven’t made a decent record in forever but that’s not the point. I saw them many times in their heyday. They always had great support acts too, like Montrose and Savoy Brown to name but two. The memories are flooding back of late, I remember more about thirty years ago than I do about the past month.

Anyway, I’m heading for Edinburgh now. If you’re anywhere about these parts then you should consider a jaunt there also. There are tickets for the Laura gig to be had at the door… treat yourself.