Tuesday, January 31, 2006
David Behrel of the Havox has been doing some research and reveals that the Monks had genuine rivals in the 60s garage rock stakes. He writes: "Are you familiar with a Wisconsin band from the 60's "The Cords?" They recorded the song "Ghost Power" which appeared on Back From the Grave Volume 1. They had another WILD! instrumental 45 on Cucu records called "Cords, Inc" which happens to be one of my prize possessions. Anyway, fellow Havoc Bob and I did a little digging on these guys and were pretty impressed with what we came up with. To see a cool photo of them, go to Sandalprints Archives and scroll down to Fr. James Kendzierski at the bottom, then double click on the PDF of his bio. Then go to page 7. I think you'll be impressed but you really have to hear the songs to get the full impact.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Out Soon on Screaming Apple: MAGGOTS - MONKEY TIME! "The Maggots have been playing their brand of rockin' garage punk since 1999. The main influence behind The Maggots lay in the original garage punk from the 60's but that's not the whole picture. Years - hell, decades! - of dedicated love for everything that is real rock'n'roll is rolled into the Maggot sound! The Maggots has been touring Germany, Spain, Italy, England, Scandinavia, Belgium, France, Holland. They've been touring with the Fleshtones and successfully backed up Jeff Conolly as "Lyres" in Sweden. 'Monkey Time!' is the fourth Maggots album and we're happy to release it on Screaming Apple records - a label that goes way back and who's love of the garage/punk sounds is well documented. On this album they have added a fourth member on Farfisa organ to spice up the sounds some more. 'Monkey Time!' is a vital record, trying to capture the timeless qualities of all good rock'n'roll while paying the dues both to the original 50's/60's garage/r&r/beat and to the member's own roots in the first 80's garage wave. The record consists of 9 original songs and 3 covers where we do our takes on some old fave songs..."
Sunday, January 29, 2006
The sun will be up in an hour or so and I'm just about to head out to get the sunday papers that are supposed to have AA reviews in them. I'm listening to the Geator Show that I "captured" from last night. The show is on at 6pm on a Saturday so you work out when that is in relation to your timezone. It's fantastic, so here's the link. Make it a priority next Saturday.
Coupla great versions of "A Rockin' Good Way" on there which leads us neatly to the Rockin' Vicar blogspot. If you don't get the newsletter then you can sign up for that too. Entertaining stuff.
There's a Mary Harron film coming entitled "The Notorious Bettie Page". Here's the trailer.
Robyn Hitchcock makes a pitstop in Glasgow tomorrow with the Minus 3 which includes Peter Buck and the young, fresh Scott McCaughey. That reminds me, when are those Bambi Molesters gonna make it out this way? Need to look into that.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
AN INTRODUCTION TO DISCO/GARAGE CROSSOVER
Earlier this week I picked up a 45 by Amy Bolton on the Importe/12" label, it was cheap, it "looked" right in a late-70s-NYC-DIY kinda way, but it turned out to be just a halfway decent disco tune. Imagine my surprise tho' when I flipped it over and discovered a pretty solid stab at the Music Machine's Talk Talk. No disco, just a pretty straightforward take that in other hands might have made the recent Children Of Nuggets box-set. Anyways, this got me thinking; "was there ever any garage/disco crossover?". Obviously the answer differs with whatever your definition of "garage" might be. But I'd say that Boney M coverin' the Creation's Painter Man is as a good a starting point for creatin' a discography of this new founded genre as any. Farian & Co. also took a stab at Still I'm Sad, but still, that's strictly British invasion material (as is Santa Esmeralda's Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood), and I was wonderin' about the garage stuff.
One disc that might qualify is Barry White's 1980 version of Louie Louie. Close to eight minutes of aural hell. Imagine the soundtrack to a party scene in Porky's Revenge or some such flick, all eighties horns 'n syndrums. Freighting doesn't even begin to describe it! Weirder still, but not necessarily worse is Paul Parker's 1982 version of the Seeds' Pushin Too Hard. Produced by Patrick Cowley, this is one of those Hi-NRG/gay disco kinda things. Hardly up there with either Giorgio Moroder or Bobby O, but nothing you'll instantly hate either. These are only two discs I'm aware of, but there's gotta be more. So I'd like to tax the collective mind of you NBT readers in wonderin' if there's any other examples of this under appreciated sub-genre out there...
Earlier this week I picked up a 45 by Amy Bolton on the Importe/12" label, it was cheap, it "looked" right in a late-70s-NYC-DIY kinda way, but it turned out to be just a halfway decent disco tune. Imagine my surprise tho' when I flipped it over and discovered a pretty solid stab at the Music Machine's Talk Talk. No disco, just a pretty straightforward take that in other hands might have made the recent Children Of Nuggets box-set. Anyways, this got me thinking; "was there ever any garage/disco crossover?". Obviously the answer differs with whatever your definition of "garage" might be. But I'd say that Boney M coverin' the Creation's Painter Man is as a good a starting point for creatin' a discography of this new founded genre as any. Farian & Co. also took a stab at Still I'm Sad, but still, that's strictly British invasion material (as is Santa Esmeralda's Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood), and I was wonderin' about the garage stuff.One disc that might qualify is Barry White's 1980 version of Louie Louie. Close to eight minutes of aural hell. Imagine the soundtrack to a party scene in Porky's Revenge or some such flick, all eighties horns 'n syndrums. Freighting doesn't even begin to describe it! Weirder still, but not necessarily worse is Paul Parker's 1982 version of the Seeds' Pushin Too Hard. Produced by Patrick Cowley, this is one of those Hi-NRG/gay disco kinda things. Hardly up there with either Giorgio Moroder or Bobby O, but nothing you'll instantly hate either. These are only two discs I'm aware of, but there's gotta be more. So I'd like to tax the collective mind of you NBT readers in wonderin' if there's any other examples of this under appreciated sub-genre out there...
“I don’t worry about a thing because I know nothing’s gonna be alright”, reckons the great Mose Allison. Well I’m well and truly on that bus. One good thing happened today and that came in the form of Steve Wynn and The Miracle 3’s “… tick…tick…tick” but more about that after a half dozen circumnavigations of said disc. Right here, right now the reviews for Mose’s lassie Amy are beginning to trickle in ahead of her imminent arrival upon these shores. She has a unique voice, granted but has nobody listened to Antony and the euphemism for multiple boaby’s? For fucks sake, memo to would be reviewers – if you don’t like her voice then try to temper your inability to find the expression that doesn’t include the word “nasal”. “Everything and Nothing Too” is a corking album with great songs, mostly written by Amy. Some recognise that but there’s an inherent philistinism (is that a word?) running rampant through what’s left of the business that won’t give something that sounds a little different a chance.
Her singing will get to you, if it doesn't then I fear for that ticker of yours. But then, most of you folks are open. You’re in this for the long haul, not a flakey scenester that changes horses mid-race. I tell Amy that reviews mean exactly f-all in this day and age. The people who matter will decide for themselves if they can actually hear the music. Those that still buy music or go to shows. To that end, please visit Amy’s site or Shoeshine and decide for yourselves. You’d be doing me a great favour by sending the links to any of your friends who might be interested too. Let’s try and build this thing from basement level up. Remember real songs? Well here’s a wad of them for your listening pleasure made by somebody who cares about pop music from a bloodline that more or less started what we’re all addicted to. Good music. Yeah? Yeah.
Everything is fucked though basically, I just tried to take a walk down the docks here in Grungemooth and find that it’s become something of a stockade. In these times of terrorism, pestilence and rampant arseholism (not necessarily in that order), one can no longer amble down to the dock gates, or take a shortcut to the old town because it’s become a container haven. It’s good that the docks seem to be in business again but not like this. In the not so distant past, when people had to make their own entertainment, families would walk down there of a weekend. It was a well trodden social path (as opposed to sociopath which I think might be a relevant tag for me at the minute) and not exactly for imbibing fresh air since the advent of the oil refinery but a brush with nature nonetheless. A good route for a bike ride also but all of that is off limits now. Probably for our own safety of course because there’s a telephone book thick set of regulations for everything now. I’d probably need to have a risk assessment carried out on me before I could cycle that road now. Whatever happened to common sense? When exactly did it leave the building? Did it hightail it with Elvis and I’ve only just discovered it?
So Mose foretold all this. "Nothing's gonna be alright".
And, it’s getting worse by the minute.
Her singing will get to you, if it doesn't then I fear for that ticker of yours. But then, most of you folks are open. You’re in this for the long haul, not a flakey scenester that changes horses mid-race. I tell Amy that reviews mean exactly f-all in this day and age. The people who matter will decide for themselves if they can actually hear the music. Those that still buy music or go to shows. To that end, please visit Amy’s site or Shoeshine and decide for yourselves. You’d be doing me a great favour by sending the links to any of your friends who might be interested too. Let’s try and build this thing from basement level up. Remember real songs? Well here’s a wad of them for your listening pleasure made by somebody who cares about pop music from a bloodline that more or less started what we’re all addicted to. Good music. Yeah? Yeah.
Everything is fucked though basically, I just tried to take a walk down the docks here in Grungemooth and find that it’s become something of a stockade. In these times of terrorism, pestilence and rampant arseholism (not necessarily in that order), one can no longer amble down to the dock gates, or take a shortcut to the old town because it’s become a container haven. It’s good that the docks seem to be in business again but not like this. In the not so distant past, when people had to make their own entertainment, families would walk down there of a weekend. It was a well trodden social path (as opposed to sociopath which I think might be a relevant tag for me at the minute) and not exactly for imbibing fresh air since the advent of the oil refinery but a brush with nature nonetheless. A good route for a bike ride also but all of that is off limits now. Probably for our own safety of course because there’s a telephone book thick set of regulations for everything now. I’d probably need to have a risk assessment carried out on me before I could cycle that road now. Whatever happened to common sense? When exactly did it leave the building? Did it hightail it with Elvis and I’ve only just discovered it?
So Mose foretold all this. "Nothing's gonna be alright".
And, it’s getting worse by the minute.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Various - New York Noise vol.2, Various - Big Apple Rappin' (both Soul Jazz).Two sides of NYC's musical spectrum circa 1980. The Noise disc documents the city's post-punk/no wave scenes, not all of it up to the standards of Mars or Von Lmo, but a solid document of it's time anyways. The noisiest parts come c/o Red Transistor (from their Ecstatic Peace 7"), Rhys Chatham and the Static (w/ Glenn Branca), but there's also plenty of room for the more percussive and jazzy end of things. Suffice to say that this, and it's preceding volume, fit neatly next to the age-old No New York album on the shelves here at HQ. Not sure that rap (in any format) goes down too well w/ you NBT readers, but as for me, I've always enjoyed the pre-crack/pre-gangsta world of hip-hop. A world that radiated a sense of fun and/or innocence not unlike late 60s funk or even frat-rock in it's earliest incarnation. No foul mouthed over-aggressive garbage here, think Sugar Hill Gang if you need some point of reference, and no greatest hits either, I was only familiar w/ Spoonie Gee's Spoonin' Rap (his first), and the rest of it is new to me even this far down the line. Packaged with all the style and info we've come to expect from Soul Jazz, these are both well worth the bother of checking out...
"The first MONDO a GO-GO of 2006 occurs on Saturday 28th January,
in The Loft @ The Venue, Calton Road, Edinburgh. 11pm til 3am.
£5/4 before Midnight, £6/5 after.
Guest DJ ANDREW TULLY (Avalanche Records, Edinburgh) - A dab hand at buying and selling old records, but now Andrew is dusting off some Mod, Punk, 60's and New-Wave faves from his own shelves to spin this Saturday night. Some of our older patrons may also remember Mr Tully from his days as a member of cult Edinburgh band, Jesse Garon And The Desperadoes - who came out of retirement to support Slade.. sorry SUEDE! last time they played live in the Capital.
Residents Tall Paul Robinson and Angus will also be there to play;
60's, Mod, Garage, Soul, Punk, New Wave, Surf, Psychedelia and Ska."
Sunday, January 22, 2006
The following Amy Allison shows are confirmed and I hope you'll attend at least one if possible. Amy will be ably assisted by the great Jon Graboff. January 31st - Dublin - Whelan's (with Patty Griffin)
February 1st - London - The Spitz (with Camera Obscura)
February 2nd - Glasgow - ABC2
(with Lucky Luke, DJ set by Francis Macdonald)
February 7th - London - Dingwall's (with Gretchen Peters)
The new album, Everything and Nothing Too is out on January 30th, courtesy of the fine Spit and Polish imprint. You can get a copy at one of these shows or from any respected music outlet. They know who they are and there aren't a lot of 'em left but that's a grouch fo another day mayhap.
Also, in March - you can hear Amy and Christy McWilson add their vocals to the new Mudhoney album, "Under A Billion Suns" on Sub Pop.
The upcoming SCIENTISTS appearance at the Mudhoney ATP in May will feature the closest manifestation to the original that is possible in these times - Kim, Tony, Boris and Leanne. Stand by for news of additional shows...
and whilst we're on the subject of some positive noise... tonight (Sunday)!
Henry's Cellar Bar - with Shock and Awe, Paul Research and the Stivs
8 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BJ,UK - 4 quid
The world famous Shock And Awe and the legendary Paul Research plus The Stivs. The most accomplished guitarist Edinburgh has ever produced followed by the most basic. Full on multi-media art/punk/disco interface from Scars mainman Paul Research. Full on punk rock action like 1977 never happened from Shock And Awe. PLUS special guests "The new Edinburgh Stivs" non stop punk'n'roll jukebox pumping out classic punk covers - stooges/dead boys/ramones/heartbreakers etc.
and whilst we're on the subject of some positive noise... tonight (Sunday)!
Henry's Cellar Bar - with Shock and Awe, Paul Research and the Stivs
8 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8BJ,UK - 4 quid
The world famous Shock And Awe and the legendary Paul Research plus The Stivs. The most accomplished guitarist Edinburgh has ever produced followed by the most basic. Full on multi-media art/punk/disco interface from Scars mainman Paul Research. Full on punk rock action like 1977 never happened from Shock And Awe. PLUS special guests "The new Edinburgh Stivs" non stop punk'n'roll jukebox pumping out classic punk covers - stooges/dead boys/ramones/heartbreakers etc.
RIP - RHINO RECORDS
(Gracias to Mrs Stim for the tip-off)
The very first time in Sweden for wild Billy Childish. The Buff Medways + Norways finest The Indikation will shake Gearclub to it's very foundation !!
Friday, February 3rd at Debaser, Stockholm
Gearclub - First Friday Every Month (F.F.E.M.)
(Gracias to Mrs Stim for the tip-off)
The very first time in Sweden for wild Billy Childish. The Buff Medways + Norways finest The Indikation will shake Gearclub to it's very foundation !!
Friday, February 3rd at Debaser, Stockholm
Gearclub - First Friday Every Month (F.F.E.M.)
Friday, January 20, 2006
Coming February 28th on Screaming Apple..."Look out, here come those Wildebeests again with a whole new bunch of tunes to make you the listener perk up and take heed. Whether it be 'rivvum and bloos', 'tank pok', 'instro-mental larkabout', or 'skewed sick-stays styled beat-noise', these Lairds can KO with the best of them, fuck it, let's make with the fact that The Wildebeests, the band that features (ex)-members of the MILKSHAKES, KAISERS and THANES, can knock any and all others off the blocks anyday, anywhere, and at anytime.
After a pile of single, EP and album releases on Norton Records, Sympathy For The Record Industry and Smartguy Records in the US the Wildebeests have returned to Germany and Screaming Apple (who coincidently released their first single way back in 1995) to release this the groups 4th long-player and has taken many a long long while to arrive (often thought to have been lost in the peat bogs deep in the Tripe valley) and for that you have not to thank the efforts of the 3 goons who, heretoforeandthereafter,should be referred to as the artists, but for the efforts of record company blunders and problemos reaching near and far across the desert-scapes of days, nights, weeks, nay months I say, bouncing here and there almost resulting in a veritable record label tennis! The Lairds of the Boss Racket themselves had almost given up hope of this LP ever seeing the needle of a record player...
Holy gnu, its years now since the artists first threw this lot of rumbling artefacts onto magnetic tape after at the very least 3 long minutes of rehearsal and preparation. What could be better? Well just listen to the dim simplicity of 'Lucinda' and the untamed beauty of 'Your Mind' to say nothing of the wracked emotion of 'It Ain't Right' to get the measure of what these sensitive artists had to wade thru in order to bring their fans a steaming product of damn near perfection. The CD version of this new gnu-sound classic and bluesy beat-punk masterpiece will be out sometime later this spring."
Iggy Drab
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Life's shit tapestry continues to trample yours truly into the dirt but there are positive things on the horizon. Just not for me. Amy Rigby and Wreckless Eric will be doing a show together at The Marquee in Norwich on February 7th. Further details on Eric's site and while you're there check out his latest diary entry.
Also stand by for news on the imminent arrival of Amy Allison and her new release on Spit and Polish, "Everything and Nothing Too".
Also stand by for news on the imminent arrival of Amy Allison and her new release on Spit and Polish, "Everything and Nothing Too".
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Groningen correspondent Jan Kooi send in a link to another great Kim Fowley interview, that makes me wonder once again why no one seems to be workin' on the man's biography. If in the right hands, it could be one of the best rock-reads ever..
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Who woulda thunk? San Francisco's punk legends tourin' Euroland!
Avengers play Europe!
Please spread the word to all your
euro and globetrotting friends!
4-Feb Saturday Rome Penelope acoustic instore
5-Feb Sunday Road to Ruins Festival in Rome
7-Feb Tuesday Basel-CH Hirscheneck
8-Feb Wednesday Freiburg Walfisch
9-Feb Thursday Stuttgart Universum
10-Feb Friday Munster Gleiss 22
11-Feb Saturday Bielefeld AJZ
12-Feb Sunday Frankfurt Au
13-Feb Monday Koln Underground
14-Feb Tuesday Hannover Korn
16-Feb Thursday Chemnitz AJZ
17-Feb Friday Berlin Mudd Club
18-Feb Saturday Kiel Alte Meierei
19-Feb Sunday Hamburg Knust
20-Feb Monday Belgium, Gent
22-Feb Wednesday London Underworld w/Vibrators UK
23-Feb Thursday UK TBA
24-Feb Friday hanging about drinking tea with the Queen?
25-Feb Saturday UK TBA
(W/ thanks to Sander Bink for the tip-off)
Avengers play Europe!
Please spread the word to all your
euro and globetrotting friends!
4-Feb Saturday Rome Penelope acoustic instore
5-Feb Sunday Road to Ruins Festival in Rome
7-Feb Tuesday Basel-CH Hirscheneck
8-Feb Wednesday Freiburg Walfisch
9-Feb Thursday Stuttgart Universum
10-Feb Friday Munster Gleiss 22
11-Feb Saturday Bielefeld AJZ
12-Feb Sunday Frankfurt Au
13-Feb Monday Koln Underground
14-Feb Tuesday Hannover Korn
16-Feb Thursday Chemnitz AJZ
17-Feb Friday Berlin Mudd Club
18-Feb Saturday Kiel Alte Meierei
19-Feb Sunday Hamburg Knust
20-Feb Monday Belgium, Gent
22-Feb Wednesday London Underworld w/Vibrators UK
23-Feb Thursday UK TBA
24-Feb Friday hanging about drinking tea with the Queen?
25-Feb Saturday UK TBA
(W/ thanks to Sander Bink for the tip-off)
Monday, January 16, 2006
THE GIN PALACE (London)
+ THE NUKES (Edinburgh)
SATURDAY 28th JANUARY @ CABARET VOLTAIRE!
36 BLAIR ST. EDINBURGH. 7PM-10PM - £5 @ THE DOOR!
"THE GIN PALACE ARE ONE OF THE BEST F*..@IN BANDS ON EARTH! THEY COULD BE THE BASTARD CHILD OF THE BIRTHDAY PARTY & THE CRAMPS! IF YOU DONT DANCE YOUR PANTS OFF AND LEAVE COMPLETELY DEAF, THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH YOU!!"
"THE MOST EXCITING BAND IN LONDON RIGHT NOW!" (Artrocker Mag)
"THIS IS ROCK N' ROLL AT IT'S BASEST,
THE PUREST SPIRIT OF ADRENALIZED GARAGE FURY!" (Kerrang!)
The second issue of the Rock & Roll Poison 'zine is out and about and in need of your attention. Interviews w/ King Khan, the Mighty Go-Go Players, Two Tears and Hipbone Slim plus a lengthy appraisal on the delights of Fries with Peanut Sauce by my pal Fenderwoods. Most of it is en inglés, so easily digestible for alla you NBT readers. Drop 'em a line for ordering info here.
Sunday, January 15, 2006
While on my listening trip thru' the US mid 70s u-ground, the compass today pointed towards Beantown. No need to go 'n explain the joys of bands like DMZ or the Real Kids to you NBT readers, but this particular trip threw up a couple o' questions that I figured one of you might be able to answer. One of the 45s I pulled out was Marc Thor's Holiday Fire, hardly an earthshattering disc, but it made me wonder who might be on there as well. As far as I know Marc first appeared on the Live At The Rat comp where he was backed by DMZ-ers Rick Coracio, Mono Mann and Jay Jay Rassler. Soundwise I figure it's different crew on the 45, but if anyone can tell for sure, I'd really appreciate it. (also, can somebody put a date on this thing?). The second disc that threw up a bunch of question marks is by the Bonjour Aviators, a 1976 hard-rock styled 7" that might be best compared to early BOC on a budget. Diggin' thru' the excellent Boston Groupie News site, it quickly becomes clear that this band was very much part of the scene, doin' support slots with the likes of Television and the Heartbreakers. But no word on any further activities. Did these guys put out anything else? Did they pursue any other musical careers? I wanna know!
Saw the refurbished City Hall in Glasgow on TV and was reminded of seeing AC/DC there on their first UK tour (maybe 1973?). It was sponsored by Sounds and it was 75p to get in as I recall. Angus’ crew segue me nicely into the following rant which I’ll call “If You Want Blood” in testament to their live album some years later.
I went to “Give Blood” the other day. They could have taken it all and done me a favour but just took a pint. My service to the wider community and all that but donating blood, like most other activities in life, has become a chore. Something that is done in the spirit of helping people that’s fallen victim of a system gone haywire. You’re asked to read info and mark tick boxes and are grilled some more. The one that “processed” me was lacking any signs of social grace. Plus it’s been moved from the local town hall to the sports centre. When I finally got to the donating area it was like lying in one of those refugee centres you see on the TV after some kind of disaster. I hate sports halls and don’t care much for the critters that cut about inside them decked out in their garb either. In fact I actively avoid such individuals. Some of them might be perfectly agreeable but I’m not taking any chances. Anyway, one is left feeling like they’re doing you a favour by taking a pint of your probably infected blood. All done in the supposed interests of safety, I know. That’s what they tell you anyway but their front line rotweilers aren’t winning any charm school awards and if they’re putting me off then I’d imagine others are also thinking “fuck this for a game of soldiers”.
“We don’t start until 2 o’ clock” one of them grunts. Fine I nod thinking all the time, What’s it to you? I’m happy to wait. I didn’t ask you, I like to be punctual. I like to get in and get the heck out. You got a problem with that? But I manage to restrain any outburst and just wait. It’ll all be over soon enough. Hopefully. But anyway, I’ll think twice about ever going back. Particularly if they stick with that venue. Maybe I’ll visit one of their town centre places, see if it’s just the travelling posse that are so frozen faced. In the good old days, the blood bus would come to your place of employment. I’ve given something like 60 pints over the years. But now, like everything else in this country, it’s all going down the pan. Good manners cost nothing but lack of them may well result on them being a donation shy next time they hit this back arse-end of beyond.
I went to “Give Blood” the other day. They could have taken it all and done me a favour but just took a pint. My service to the wider community and all that but donating blood, like most other activities in life, has become a chore. Something that is done in the spirit of helping people that’s fallen victim of a system gone haywire. You’re asked to read info and mark tick boxes and are grilled some more. The one that “processed” me was lacking any signs of social grace. Plus it’s been moved from the local town hall to the sports centre. When I finally got to the donating area it was like lying in one of those refugee centres you see on the TV after some kind of disaster. I hate sports halls and don’t care much for the critters that cut about inside them decked out in their garb either. In fact I actively avoid such individuals. Some of them might be perfectly agreeable but I’m not taking any chances. Anyway, one is left feeling like they’re doing you a favour by taking a pint of your probably infected blood. All done in the supposed interests of safety, I know. That’s what they tell you anyway but their front line rotweilers aren’t winning any charm school awards and if they’re putting me off then I’d imagine others are also thinking “fuck this for a game of soldiers”.
“We don’t start until 2 o’ clock” one of them grunts. Fine I nod thinking all the time, What’s it to you? I’m happy to wait. I didn’t ask you, I like to be punctual. I like to get in and get the heck out. You got a problem with that? But I manage to restrain any outburst and just wait. It’ll all be over soon enough. Hopefully. But anyway, I’ll think twice about ever going back. Particularly if they stick with that venue. Maybe I’ll visit one of their town centre places, see if it’s just the travelling posse that are so frozen faced. In the good old days, the blood bus would come to your place of employment. I’ve given something like 60 pints over the years. But now, like everything else in this country, it’s all going down the pan. Good manners cost nothing but lack of them may well result on them being a donation shy next time they hit this back arse-end of beyond.
UK readers might wanna head for the annual All Tomorrow's Parties fest in May. As the news arrives just now that the A Minute To Pray, A Second To Die era Flesheaters will grace the stage. That's Chris D., John Doe, DJ Bonebrake, Dave Alvin, Bill Bateman and Steve Berlin! Not to be missed IMHO.
Update: The Scientists will also play the Mudhoney-curated segment! (LH)
Update: The Scientists will also play the Mudhoney-curated segment! (LH)
Upcoming BOONARAAAS shows...
Feb. 04 Düsseldorf - Stone im Ratinger Hof / Germany + Spittin Vicars
Tour presented by...
Feb. 10 Strassbourg - Zanzibar / France
Feb. 11 Paris - Gloria Club / France
Feb. 12 Valence - Mjc / France
Feb. 14 Torino - Velvet / Italy
Feb. 15 Riva del Garda - Lochness / Italy
Feb. 16 Forlì - Diagonal / Italy
Feb. 17 Castelnovo - Madly Pub / Italy
Feb. 18 Roncà - Jack the Ripper / Italy
Feb. 04 Düsseldorf - Stone im Ratinger Hof / Germany + Spittin Vicars
Tour presented by...
Feb. 10 Strassbourg - Zanzibar / France
Feb. 11 Paris - Gloria Club / France
Feb. 12 Valence - Mjc / France
Feb. 14 Torino - Velvet / Italy
Feb. 15 Riva del Garda - Lochness / Italy
Feb. 16 Forlì - Diagonal / Italy
Feb. 17 Castelnovo - Madly Pub / Italy
Feb. 18 Roncà - Jack the Ripper / Italy
NORTON NEWSLETTER • JANUARY 2006
GET YA KICKS IN 2006, INDEED! Dig ye the Winter-Spring Events calendar which will blow your gourd offa the stump (what, again?) with mass bashes piled up like a late night plate of Waffle House chili cheese fries-- and read on for some of the biggest NEW RELEASE news we've had, like EVER!
JAN-FEB-MARCH RAMA-LAMA-DING-DONGS:
JAN 15 SUNDAY (Rockville MD) THIS WEEKEND! LINK WRAY TRIB BASH! News came edged in black last time around, when we learned of the passing of guitar hero Link Wray. Now, in tribute to Link, the Wray family joins friends, musicians and fans to celebrate his life and music on January 15 in Rockville (where else) Maryland! Dig members of the original Raymen, Los Straitjackets, A-Bones, Billy Hancock, Jerry "The Bug" Dallman, the Triumphs, and loads more rock'n'rollers with an ear to the big bad Link beat! See you all there! El Boqueron II, 1330 Gude Ave, Rockville MD. Directions, maps, details at http://www.dc-rock-and-roll.org
FEB 2-3-4 THURS-FRI-SAT (NYC) FAB REACTION! WEEKENDER SMASHED!BLOCKED!
presents their first full-on rock'n'rollin' fab mod lost weekend basheroonie at 3 swank NYC venues with 3 big days of DJ's, shows, a record fair and loads more, including the first full-on MIGHTY HANNIBAL stage show in two years-- the sensational soul shouter has still got it.. in SPADES! See you all there!
www.smashedblocked.com/reaction.html (Scroll past calendar for three day schedule!)
MARCH 4 SATURDAY (CLEVELAND, OH) CHOIR/ ALARM CLOCKS/ES-SHADES REUNION BASH!
HOLY MOTHER OF MURGATROY! It took a miracle to hang the world in space and also to put this show together, so thank your lucky stars as well as the everso fabulous Beachland Ballroom for presenting this confab, and on the banks of hallowed lake Eerie, no less! As you may not know, missing Alarm Clocks screamer Mike Pierce reared his hollerin' noggin a few weeks ago and wheels aplenty started grinding for an immediate blast...just added the Es-Shades! This will sell out quickly so get tix like NOW! More info herein past calendar and on the site too. SEE YOU THERE!!!! http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
MARCH 18 SATURDAY (ALLENTOWN, PA) 14th ANNUAL 45/78 RPM RECORD EXPO All wax blast with dealers from all over the globe sellin' and swappin' their itty bitty brains out! Massive and essential! See you there!
http://www.surroundsoundproductions.com
MARCH 26 SUNDAY PAPERBACK COLLECTORS SHOW & SALE West Coast pulp mavens host the show of shows out in the land of fruits and nuts aplenty- we like it like that!- the cream of the crop dealers, pulp artists, writers, publishers, fans and general populi! See You There! Best Western Mission Hills Inn, 10621 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission Hills, CA 9 am to 4:30 pm, Admission $5 Information at Tom Lesser: TLesser@aol.com and Rose Idlet: RoseIdlet@aol.com
• GENERAL NORTON GIDDY-UP A DING-DONG • NEW RELEASES • STAY TUNED • Nortonians should all have received the new Norton 20th Anniversary catalog (with the PHANTOM UNMASKED on the cover!) by now- if not, check the bushes. If you've moved, been arrested and incarcerated, or are new to this ballyhoo, DEMAND A FREE CATALOG! Thanks to all who welcomed in the new year with the A-BONES and talented guest stars the BLACK LIPS and BLOODSHOT BILL plus local soul sensation MC the MIGHTY HANNIBAL and the brash bevy of boss jocks (dee jays!) Dave The Spazz (Music To Spazz By), Rex (Fool's Paradise), Andy Maltz (Little Killers), Tim Warren (Crypt Records) and Bazooka Joe and Christine X-Teen (Thing With Two Heads)! We needed that kind of megaton blast to catapult us into the rare air that is fast shaping into the wildest year ever!
THEE MIDNITERS INK WITH NORTON! Get ready for the first ever comp made up exclusively of these East LA kings' top 1964-67 stompers! NO BALLADS!! Just one souped-up killer after another! Whittier Blvd./Everybody Needs Somebody To Love/Jump, Jive And Harmonize/Gloria/Love Special Delivery/Thee Midnite Feeling/I Found A Peanut/Never Knew I Had it So Bad/Down Whittier Blvd./Empty Heart/Looking Out A Window/Do You Love Me/Dragon-Fly/Hey Little Girl/Money/Welcome Home Darling/Devil With A Blue Dress/Good Golly Miss Molly/Land Of A Thousand dances (extended live version)/Down Whittier Blvd. (Godfrey vocal) - pounds like no manana! Stay tuned for March release date info!
OUT JANUARY 25! REIGNING SOUND - BLACK SHEEP/TENNESSEE (Norton 45-128) Recorded live n' wild at Goner Records! Add a bonus cut to the Norton TURBAN RENEWAL LP with a tuff Sam The Sham cover! Carl Perkins flp spells firm double deck Memphis salute! Great sound!
INFO ABOUT REACTION! WEEKENDER Feb. 2nd, 3rd, & 4th 2006 with DJs:
ROB BAILEY (Le Beat Bespoke LP, New Untouchables, UK) JOSH STYLES (SMASHED!BLOCKED!, NYC) TONY THE TYGER SANCHEZ (Satisfaction Club, LA) TY JESSO (Wylde Card DJs, RI) BILLY MILLER and MIRIAM LINNA (Norton Records, NYC) TODD-O-PHONIC (Telstar Records) LORDJULIAN (7 of Clubs, France) JAIME KOZYRA (The Dansettes, NYC) MR. FINEWINE (Downtown Soulville, NYC) MICHAEL ROBINSON (Smashed!Blocked!, NYC) BRIAN HARRIS (Solid!, NC)
Plus LIVE on stage:
THE INSOMNIACS, THE DANSETTES and soul legend THE MIGHTY HANNIBAL!!!!
Schedule:
Thurs, Feb. 2nd: Party and BLACK AND WHITE BAR (86 East 10th St., any train to Union Square station) with DJs. Open Molinari Extra Sambuca and Fernet Branca bar 10 'til 11PM. Party from 10PM 'til 4AM. FREE!
Fri., Feb 3rd: Party at BEAUTY BAR (231 East 14th St. btwn 2nd & 3rd Aves., take L train to 3rd Avenue) with DJs and go-go dancers Anna Copacabanna and Miss Colleen. Open Molinari Extra Sambuca and Fernet Branca bar 10 'til 11PM. Party from 10PM 'til 4AM. FREE!
Sat. afternoon, Feb. 4th: Happening at NIAGARA (112 Ave. A at 7th St) Mini-record fair and LADIES ONLY DJ special featuring Lynne K. (UpTight!), Sheila B.
(Cha Cha Charming), DJ Gemini, The Soul Sisters aka Jennie Wasserman and Jaime
Kozyra (Dansettes), BossyBoots, and Miriam Linna (Norton Records). 2PM 'til
6PM. FREE!
Sat. evening, Feb. 4th: BIG FINALE with live performances, DJs, and go-go gals Anna Copacabanna, Miss Colleen, Jaiko Suzuki, and Noemi. Happening at THE DELANCEY BAR (112 Delancey Street, take f train to Delancey stop). Open Molinari Extra Sambuca and Fernet Branca bar 10 'til 11PM. 9PM 'til 4AM. $10.00.
www.smashedblocked.com/reaction.html
-----------------------
CHOIR/ALARM CLOCKS/ES-SHADES SHOW INFO
http://www.beachlandballroom.com
From BB site: The Beachland Ballroom is proud to announce the first public performance since 1970 of the legendary Cleveland (Mentor, to be exact) band THE CHOIR. The band will feature original members Dave Smalley (vocals), Wally Bryson (guitar, vocals), Jim Bonfanti (drums, vocals), Dave Burke (bass) and Dann Klawon (guitar, vocals) plus Kenny Margolis (who joined in '67) on keyboards. "It's Cold Outside" was the #1 record for five weeks in Cleveland in 1967, and the band opened for many of the top British-Invasion groups, including The Who, Dave Clark Five, Yardbirds and Herman's Hermits. Bryson, Bonfanti, and Smalley later went on to the Raspberries with Eric Carmen. Opening we'll have Parma's very own ALARM CLOCKS, a band that was discovered long after their '60s' high school days. NYC's Norton Records says, "wild sixties Ohio garage band mayhem" about the full-length LP of Alarm Clocks material they released in 2000. The Alarm Clocks' sole '66 single "Yeah/No Reason To Complain," which was only pressed in a quantity of 200, remains one of the most sought after punk 45s ever! They've been covered by the Lyres, Teengenerate, and countless other modern combos. The Alarm Clocks haven't played out since '67! We expect to be announcing some other very special opening bands within the next few days as well. Tickets will be available on Friday, January 13th at 10 a.m. through www.beachlandballroom.com. In addition, tickets for this performance will be available at all of our usual ticketing outlets: CD/Game Exchanges throughout the area, Music Saves, and Square Records. Advance tickets are $25.00; day of show tickets are $28.00> Norton adds: THIS WILL SELL OUT, KIDDOS SO GET TIX LIKE NOW! SEE YOU THERE!
GET YA KICKS IN 2006, INDEED! Dig ye the Winter-Spring Events calendar which will blow your gourd offa the stump (what, again?) with mass bashes piled up like a late night plate of Waffle House chili cheese fries-- and read on for some of the biggest NEW RELEASE news we've had, like EVER!
JAN-FEB-MARCH RAMA-LAMA-DING-DONGS:
JAN 15 SUNDAY (Rockville MD) THIS WEEKEND! LINK WRAY TRIB BASH! News came edged in black last time around, when we learned of the passing of guitar hero Link Wray. Now, in tribute to Link, the Wray family joins friends, musicians and fans to celebrate his life and music on January 15 in Rockville (where else) Maryland! Dig members of the original Raymen, Los Straitjackets, A-Bones, Billy Hancock, Jerry "The Bug" Dallman, the Triumphs, and loads more rock'n'rollers with an ear to the big bad Link beat! See you all there! El Boqueron II, 1330 Gude Ave, Rockville MD. Directions, maps, details at http://www.dc-rock-and-roll.org
FEB 2-3-4 THURS-FRI-SAT (NYC) FAB REACTION! WEEKENDER SMASHED!BLOCKED!
presents their first full-on rock'n'rollin' fab mod lost weekend basheroonie at 3 swank NYC venues with 3 big days of DJ's, shows, a record fair and loads more, including the first full-on MIGHTY HANNIBAL stage show in two years-- the sensational soul shouter has still got it.. in SPADES! See you all there!
www.smashedblocked.com/reaction.html (Scroll past calendar for three day schedule!)
MARCH 4 SATURDAY (CLEVELAND, OH) CHOIR/ ALARM CLOCKS/ES-SHADES REUNION BASH!
HOLY MOTHER OF MURGATROY! It took a miracle to hang the world in space and also to put this show together, so thank your lucky stars as well as the everso fabulous Beachland Ballroom for presenting this confab, and on the banks of hallowed lake Eerie, no less! As you may not know, missing Alarm Clocks screamer Mike Pierce reared his hollerin' noggin a few weeks ago and wheels aplenty started grinding for an immediate blast...just added the Es-Shades! This will sell out quickly so get tix like NOW! More info herein past calendar and on the site too. SEE YOU THERE!!!! http://www.beachlandballroom.com.
MARCH 18 SATURDAY (ALLENTOWN, PA) 14th ANNUAL 45/78 RPM RECORD EXPO All wax blast with dealers from all over the globe sellin' and swappin' their itty bitty brains out! Massive and essential! See you there!
http://www.surroundsoundproductions.com
MARCH 26 SUNDAY PAPERBACK COLLECTORS SHOW & SALE West Coast pulp mavens host the show of shows out in the land of fruits and nuts aplenty- we like it like that!- the cream of the crop dealers, pulp artists, writers, publishers, fans and general populi! See You There! Best Western Mission Hills Inn, 10621 Sepulveda Blvd. Mission Hills, CA 9 am to 4:30 pm, Admission $5 Information at Tom Lesser: TLesser@aol.com and Rose Idlet: RoseIdlet@aol.com
• GENERAL NORTON GIDDY-UP A DING-DONG • NEW RELEASES • STAY TUNED • Nortonians should all have received the new Norton 20th Anniversary catalog (with the PHANTOM UNMASKED on the cover!) by now- if not, check the bushes. If you've moved, been arrested and incarcerated, or are new to this ballyhoo, DEMAND A FREE CATALOG! Thanks to all who welcomed in the new year with the A-BONES and talented guest stars the BLACK LIPS and BLOODSHOT BILL plus local soul sensation MC the MIGHTY HANNIBAL and the brash bevy of boss jocks (dee jays!) Dave The Spazz (Music To Spazz By), Rex (Fool's Paradise), Andy Maltz (Little Killers), Tim Warren (Crypt Records) and Bazooka Joe and Christine X-Teen (Thing With Two Heads)! We needed that kind of megaton blast to catapult us into the rare air that is fast shaping into the wildest year ever!
THEE MIDNITERS INK WITH NORTON! Get ready for the first ever comp made up exclusively of these East LA kings' top 1964-67 stompers! NO BALLADS!! Just one souped-up killer after another! Whittier Blvd./Everybody Needs Somebody To Love/Jump, Jive And Harmonize/Gloria/Love Special Delivery/Thee Midnite Feeling/I Found A Peanut/Never Knew I Had it So Bad/Down Whittier Blvd./Empty Heart/Looking Out A Window/Do You Love Me/Dragon-Fly/Hey Little Girl/Money/Welcome Home Darling/Devil With A Blue Dress/Good Golly Miss Molly/Land Of A Thousand dances (extended live version)/Down Whittier Blvd. (Godfrey vocal) - pounds like no manana! Stay tuned for March release date info!
OUT JANUARY 25! REIGNING SOUND - BLACK SHEEP/TENNESSEE (Norton 45-128) Recorded live n' wild at Goner Records! Add a bonus cut to the Norton TURBAN RENEWAL LP with a tuff Sam The Sham cover! Carl Perkins flp spells firm double deck Memphis salute! Great sound!
INFO ABOUT REACTION! WEEKENDER Feb. 2nd, 3rd, & 4th 2006 with DJs:
ROB BAILEY (Le Beat Bespoke LP, New Untouchables, UK) JOSH STYLES (SMASHED!BLOCKED!, NYC) TONY THE TYGER SANCHEZ (Satisfaction Club, LA) TY JESSO (Wylde Card DJs, RI) BILLY MILLER and MIRIAM LINNA (Norton Records, NYC) TODD-O-PHONIC (Telstar Records) LORDJULIAN (7 of Clubs, France) JAIME KOZYRA (The Dansettes, NYC) MR. FINEWINE (Downtown Soulville, NYC) MICHAEL ROBINSON (Smashed!Blocked!, NYC) BRIAN HARRIS (Solid!, NC)
Plus LIVE on stage:
THE INSOMNIACS, THE DANSETTES and soul legend THE MIGHTY HANNIBAL!!!!
Schedule:
Thurs, Feb. 2nd: Party and BLACK AND WHITE BAR (86 East 10th St., any train to Union Square station) with DJs. Open Molinari Extra Sambuca and Fernet Branca bar 10 'til 11PM. Party from 10PM 'til 4AM. FREE!
Fri., Feb 3rd: Party at BEAUTY BAR (231 East 14th St. btwn 2nd & 3rd Aves., take L train to 3rd Avenue) with DJs and go-go dancers Anna Copacabanna and Miss Colleen. Open Molinari Extra Sambuca and Fernet Branca bar 10 'til 11PM. Party from 10PM 'til 4AM. FREE!
Sat. afternoon, Feb. 4th: Happening at NIAGARA (112 Ave. A at 7th St) Mini-record fair and LADIES ONLY DJ special featuring Lynne K. (UpTight!), Sheila B.
(Cha Cha Charming), DJ Gemini, The Soul Sisters aka Jennie Wasserman and Jaime
Kozyra (Dansettes), BossyBoots, and Miriam Linna (Norton Records). 2PM 'til
6PM. FREE!
Sat. evening, Feb. 4th: BIG FINALE with live performances, DJs, and go-go gals Anna Copacabanna, Miss Colleen, Jaiko Suzuki, and Noemi. Happening at THE DELANCEY BAR (112 Delancey Street, take f train to Delancey stop). Open Molinari Extra Sambuca and Fernet Branca bar 10 'til 11PM. 9PM 'til 4AM. $10.00.
www.smashedblocked.com/reaction.html
-----------------------
CHOIR/ALARM CLOCKS/ES-SHADES SHOW INFO
http://www.beachlandballroom.com
From BB site: The Beachland Ballroom is proud to announce the first public performance since 1970 of the legendary Cleveland (Mentor, to be exact) band THE CHOIR. The band will feature original members Dave Smalley (vocals), Wally Bryson (guitar, vocals), Jim Bonfanti (drums, vocals), Dave Burke (bass) and Dann Klawon (guitar, vocals) plus Kenny Margolis (who joined in '67) on keyboards. "It's Cold Outside" was the #1 record for five weeks in Cleveland in 1967, and the band opened for many of the top British-Invasion groups, including The Who, Dave Clark Five, Yardbirds and Herman's Hermits. Bryson, Bonfanti, and Smalley later went on to the Raspberries with Eric Carmen. Opening we'll have Parma's very own ALARM CLOCKS, a band that was discovered long after their '60s' high school days. NYC's Norton Records says, "wild sixties Ohio garage band mayhem" about the full-length LP of Alarm Clocks material they released in 2000. The Alarm Clocks' sole '66 single "Yeah/No Reason To Complain," which was only pressed in a quantity of 200, remains one of the most sought after punk 45s ever! They've been covered by the Lyres, Teengenerate, and countless other modern combos. The Alarm Clocks haven't played out since '67! We expect to be announcing some other very special opening bands within the next few days as well. Tickets will be available on Friday, January 13th at 10 a.m. through www.beachlandballroom.com. In addition, tickets for this performance will be available at all of our usual ticketing outlets: CD/Game Exchanges throughout the area, Music Saves, and Square Records. Advance tickets are $25.00; day of show tickets are $28.00> Norton adds: THIS WILL SELL OUT, KIDDOS SO GET TIX LIKE NOW! SEE YOU THERE!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Playlist time again!
Last time we met near the ol' hi-fi, I was diggin' the likes of Patti Smith and the Bizarros. Predictably as it may be, my journey's next stop was Cleveland Ohio. Mucho Pa Ubu of course (I don't think I will ever tire of hearin' Final Solution or 30 Seconds Over Tokyo), Pagans and esp the age old triple 10" set Those Were Different Times featurin' the Mirrors, Electric Eels and Styrenes. From there on I've been diggin' a wide variety of mid 70s US underground stuff; Brats, Debris, MX-80 Sound, Simply Saucer, Imperial Dogs etc. The kind of thing Chris Stigliano at Black To Comm can write about so elongatly if he's not off on one of his socio-political rants. One of the joys in listening to this era's sounds is that you can hear avant-kinda rock that is not yet tarnished by either rap or metal. As much as I dig the earliest incarnations of said genres, I just can't stand all that watered down cross-over shit doin' the rounds these days ("fusion" anyone?). Random goodies: Elvis Costello's No Action, Mott The Hoople The Moon Upstairs, Dutch powerpop classic X-Ray Proved by the Princes Of Peace (issued on the horrid picture disc format), Dictators Stay With Me, Ramones Poison Heart, Sonic Youth's Pipeline (not the surf tune, tho' it, uh, "flows" just fine), Birds No Good Without You, John Holt Ali Baba (and all it's dozen or so versions!), Sound Magics Don't You Remember (Dutch six-0 Zombies-like minor chord masterpiece), Ultravox Young Savage (Peel Sessions version), fuck Midge Ure!, early Vox was just that; young and savage!. T. Rex Children Of The Revolution ("I Drive A Rolse Royce 'cause It's Good For My Voice"), Bob Dylan Ballad Of A Thin Man, Peter Hammill Nadir's Big Chance, Gaunt Jim Motherfucker (45 version), Spinvis Aan De Oevers Van De Tijd, Blondie Out In the Streets (demo), Headcoatees Ca Plane Pour Moi (anybody out there able to land me a copy of the Dutch language version by Rubberen Robbie Geef Mij Maar Drank?), Wipers Romeo (Suicide w/ guitars!), Ivy Green No Love Is Kind, ooh wee!, friggin' ace tune by T Mullens & Co. that 'll strike the right chord with alla you that have been cold shouldered too oft....
That's it for now...
Last time we met near the ol' hi-fi, I was diggin' the likes of Patti Smith and the Bizarros. Predictably as it may be, my journey's next stop was Cleveland Ohio. Mucho Pa Ubu of course (I don't think I will ever tire of hearin' Final Solution or 30 Seconds Over Tokyo), Pagans and esp the age old triple 10" set Those Were Different Times featurin' the Mirrors, Electric Eels and Styrenes. From there on I've been diggin' a wide variety of mid 70s US underground stuff; Brats, Debris, MX-80 Sound, Simply Saucer, Imperial Dogs etc. The kind of thing Chris Stigliano at Black To Comm can write about so elongatly if he's not off on one of his socio-political rants. One of the joys in listening to this era's sounds is that you can hear avant-kinda rock that is not yet tarnished by either rap or metal. As much as I dig the earliest incarnations of said genres, I just can't stand all that watered down cross-over shit doin' the rounds these days ("fusion" anyone?). Random goodies: Elvis Costello's No Action, Mott The Hoople The Moon Upstairs, Dutch powerpop classic X-Ray Proved by the Princes Of Peace (issued on the horrid picture disc format), Dictators Stay With Me, Ramones Poison Heart, Sonic Youth's Pipeline (not the surf tune, tho' it, uh, "flows" just fine), Birds No Good Without You, John Holt Ali Baba (and all it's dozen or so versions!), Sound Magics Don't You Remember (Dutch six-0 Zombies-like minor chord masterpiece), Ultravox Young Savage (Peel Sessions version), fuck Midge Ure!, early Vox was just that; young and savage!. T. Rex Children Of The Revolution ("I Drive A Rolse Royce 'cause It's Good For My Voice"), Bob Dylan Ballad Of A Thin Man, Peter Hammill Nadir's Big Chance, Gaunt Jim Motherfucker (45 version), Spinvis Aan De Oevers Van De Tijd, Blondie Out In the Streets (demo), Headcoatees Ca Plane Pour Moi (anybody out there able to land me a copy of the Dutch language version by Rubberen Robbie Geef Mij Maar Drank?), Wipers Romeo (Suicide w/ guitars!), Ivy Green No Love Is Kind, ooh wee!, friggin' ace tune by T Mullens & Co. that 'll strike the right chord with alla you that have been cold shouldered too oft....
That's it for now...
Friday, January 13, 2006
"Hey Folks
First off, thanks for making our start to the year such a blast! Filthy's was packed to the rafters with kits'n'kittens, all digging the Big Beat (thanks, Mr Freed!) laid by yer ever-lovin' SR Tag Team, plus guest DJ Craig Roythorne, who travelled up from Bristol to spin such gusset-ripping platters as The Shades' Strollin' After Dark ...
January 21st will see one of London's finest purveyors and spinners of vintage vinyl grace the decks at Filthy's, namely Intoxica! / Stag-O-Lee linchpin Nick Brown. Plus, as per, we've unearthed another trove of vintage rock'n'roll footage - this time it's Love TV and promo clips from the '60s plus, ta-daa, The Mummies! Big Beat, big screen!
So gird yer loins, and make it to the bar next Saturday ...
Selah,
Joss & Joe
Sonic Reducer at Filthy Macnasty's, 68 Amwell St EC1R, 7pm, FREE
Nearest Tube: Angel / Kings Cross"
Not exactly the day to find your Voorhees (or however you spell it) mask has a couple of straps broken... so no killing spree for me this Friday 13th. Anyway don't forget this at the GLASGOW FILM THEATRE on the 15th and 16th at 6.30pm, showing with Frank Macdonald's debut short about The Beauty Shop. That's the group not a favourite hangout.
Screaming Masterpiece (Film, Documentary (12A)
A look at the Icelandic music industry from its roots in eccentric melodies and ancient poetry, through to modern electronica, thrash metal, Sigur Rós and Bjork. A unique piece of musical history recorded in an inspirational documentary endorsed by the likes of Foo Fighters and Damon Albarn.
Iceland/Demark (2005) Ari Alexander/Eric Magnusson Duration: 187 mins.
Screaming Masterpiece (Film, Documentary (12A)
A look at the Icelandic music industry from its roots in eccentric melodies and ancient poetry, through to modern electronica, thrash metal, Sigur Rós and Bjork. A unique piece of musical history recorded in an inspirational documentary endorsed by the likes of Foo Fighters and Damon Albarn.
Iceland/Demark (2005) Ari Alexander/Eric Magnusson Duration: 187 mins.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
And speakin' of cool blogs: why not dig Sonic Pollutions. A site that goes beyond mere MP3s and offers cool videos by the likes of Bobby Gentry, the Kinks, Del Shannon and the 13th Floor Elevators...
Monday, January 09, 2006
Various - Glitterbest: UK Glam With Attitude 1971 - 1976 (RPM CD).Yeah I know, this one's been around for a while, and it's definitively my loss not picking up a copy on it's release. The party line on the punk influx has always been the Nuggets/Velvets/Stooges continuum, and while this is certainly true for the US, the Brit counterpart was probably as much, if not more, inspired by the glam explosion of the first half of the 70s. You name 'em; Roxy, Bolan, Mott, Sweet, Bowie etc. RPM's digs thru this era had already turned up a bunch of obscuro stuff released on such discs like Velvet Tinmine that showed a definite link between the punk and glam age, but the theme was taken to it's surprising conclusion on this CD where you can hear members of (ao) the Boys, Vibrators, Gorillas, Only Ones, Radio Stars and Ultravox in their formative years. And no, this ain't just a 'historical artifact', 'cause this thing has a poundin' non-hit-after-non-hit track selection that hasn't left HQ's CD player for three days in a row. Even some of the stuff that was already familiar to me gets an extra lease on life bein' put into context here. From the fantastic Dolls-like wail of the Hollywood Brats to the perfect pop of the Jook and the Roxy-isms of Tiger Lily, this sounds like a perfect K-Tel comp from some lost dimension. Five brightly sparkling stars!
Related websites and further reading: The Biased History of English Glam Rock, All You Pretty Things and Punk '77.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The Fleshtones return to Spain on Friday 13th for a twelve date tour. A mere month later they once again climb aboard the "big bird" for dates in France. An Italian tour is proposed for later in the year with appearances in London and Rotterdam a remote possibility. In the meantime, those of you convinced that the road to RnR salvation lies in warmer climes should don your clogs and kilts and head on out to...more
I missed the debut of The Geator on WXPN last night but will hopefully be able to tune into the next instalment. You should hit that cyberdial also...
Friday, January 06, 2006
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
"Happy Noo Yerr, kits and kittens!
So your tum's now the size of a pot-bellied pig, and your bank account balance couldn't get more crimson - but here's SONIC REDUCER to save the day!
Yus, this Saturday (January 7th) is our first FREE club night of 2006, and will see resident spinners BigKegShandy and TeenSlain ease their way into the New Year with some smooth southern/deep soul sounds, pulsing rhythm'n'blues, backbone-slipping funk, kickin' garage, moon-hopping reggae'n'ska, and the freshest bands from around the world, plus all the other mutant reefer jazz, Nederbeat, 1970s punk, and avant electonica that's fit to spin.
There'll be vintage rock'n'roll footage on the big screen (including masses of Pretty Things stuff, The Stooges in 1971, and the Cramps back in '78!), plus guest DJ Craig Roythorne (Shake, Jubjub) from Bristol, and a whole mess of good vibes ...
Sonic Reducer @ Filthy MacNasty's, Saturday January 7th, 7pm, FREE
68 Amwell Street, London EC1V, Nearest Tube is Angel / King's Cross"
So your tum's now the size of a pot-bellied pig, and your bank account balance couldn't get more crimson - but here's SONIC REDUCER to save the day!
Yus, this Saturday (January 7th) is our first FREE club night of 2006, and will see resident spinners BigKegShandy and TeenSlain ease their way into the New Year with some smooth southern/deep soul sounds, pulsing rhythm'n'blues, backbone-slipping funk, kickin' garage, moon-hopping reggae'n'ska, and the freshest bands from around the world, plus all the other mutant reefer jazz, Nederbeat, 1970s punk, and avant electonica that's fit to spin.
There'll be vintage rock'n'roll footage on the big screen (including masses of Pretty Things stuff, The Stooges in 1971, and the Cramps back in '78!), plus guest DJ Craig Roythorne (Shake, Jubjub) from Bristol, and a whole mess of good vibes ...
Sonic Reducer @ Filthy MacNasty's, Saturday January 7th, 7pm, FREE
68 Amwell Street, London EC1V, Nearest Tube is Angel / King's Cross"
"SUZY & LOS QUATTRO have returned to SCREAMING APPLE to offer their fans the opportunity to get some of the stuff they have released in the past few years on CD only for the first time on vinyl. This compilation contains the whole ‘Freak show’ MCD, all their sold out 45s and other hard to find goodies recorded by the best REAL power-pop band in Europe besides the mighty YUM YUMS. The origin of the band from Barcelona, Spain is a truly romantic one. B.B. (bass, guitars, keyboards, backing vocals) and Suzy(vocals) were about to celebrate their anniversary as a couple, and they decided that they could not find a better present for the other than booking a weekend at Coky’s (former Shock Treatment member) Rockaway Studios and record several tunes B.B. had in the can with Tomás, former singer of the sadly missed pop-punk legend DEPRESSING CLAIM on drums. They take all those sounds we’ve loved for so many years (RAMONES, BLONDIE, NIKKI & the CORVETTES, DWIGHT TWILLEY, PHIL SEYMOUR and so many more) and blend them with a style that is both pure, lovely, sweet, sexy and exciting. They show incredibly good songwriting (for a band that was never intended to be!) and the production and vocal arrangements are superb. Finding the right combination of energy and sweet melodies is hard to do, but SUZY & LOS QUATTRO certainly discovered the perfect way to pop heaven. Get this platter and you can be sure to survive even the longest and coldest winter, just to be perfectly prepared for the next summer!"
Monday, January 02, 2006
Playlist time! Well this certainly took ages to materialize, but for those of you who axed, here it is, again...
On high rotation in the past couple o' months were a trio of Patti Smith boots (I Never Talked To BoB Dylan, Teenage Perversity And Ships In The Night and Free Music Store), all showing the Patti Smith Group in their pre-'77 magnificence, adding dynamics and humor to their songs that was missing on the still genius-like, first two "legal" discs. Does anyone remember Akron misfits the Bizarros? As much as I like their Mercury LP and the split thingy they did with the Rubber City Rebels, nothing beats their 1976 EP on the Gorilla label. Both Lady Doubonette and I Bizarro kinda sound like you always wished Roxy Music would sound like. Speakin' of which, I've been groovin' to the second side of For Your Pleasure quite a bit lately. Probably the most "out there" Roxy ever got (The Bogus Man esp. bein' kinda like the short interlude on Bowie's Daimond Dogs inbetween Sweet Thing and Rebel Rebel in it's bein' ahead of the times). There is always time and a place for yet another Oblivians off-shoot here at H.Q. And the Knaughty Knights (featurin'' Jack O.) easily live up to the legend deliverin' a solid EP on Eric O's Goner imprint that holds just about everything that is lackin' on the past three years o' Rip Off releases. Wenches Of Turpentine St. is as good as anything on the first Boys LP. The Real Kids' Foggy Notion 10" on Norton might be lo on the fi, but hearin' Felice & Co tear thru' the Velvets' songbook (plus a mighty fine take on his previous employer's Fly Into The Mystery) is a real pleasure. And dig the artwork, Norton's attention to detail should be an industry standard... On to some Dutch stuff: Ivy Green is one of my all time fave bands. Why they never get the same kudos as, say, the Motions or the Outsiders, is beyond me. Their first LP is the Dutch equivalent of Stranded or Bollocks, and everything they released during the 80s has a strong Saints-like punk-with-horns feel to it that just can't be beat. The Bintangs usually get the thumbs up for their 60s stuff, but truth be told, I prefer their mid 70s Exile On Main Street inspired releases. Genuine Bull is one of the best Dutch LPs ever with its Stones' like swagger that was recorded at Rockfield. I've been gettin' a lot of flak for atmittin' enjoyin' local hero Spinvis (for you furruners: he's best compared to a Dutch language Beck), but what the heck. His Aan De Oevers Van De Tijd, is not just a great tune, but also serves as an example of how my native tongue can be used in a non sucko way.
That's it for now...
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Thanks to all of you folks who have taken time to check in with good wishes for 2006. I left the bunker this morning to get some air. The partying and fireworks are over once again and the streets are deserted. Something resembling peace reigns. For the time being. May you (and yours) grab a coupla bagfuls of said tranquility while it's going.This was the view looking across the River Forth from Bo'ness towards Fife at approx. 9.30am when the sun was on the way up to chase the frost.
A couple o' minutes before midnight we switched on the TV to check the "official" countdown on national television. The final seconds were tick-tocked away to the sound of Louis Armstrong's 'What A Wonderful World', but as soon as the clock hit 24:00 the familiar 'Pretty Vacant'-like intro of Joey Ramone's version of the song hit the airwaves while the screen was filled with images of fireworks. I'm a real sucker for these type o' things, and can get way too sentimental over 'em, but whoever pulled off that little trick has my eternal gratitude...
Saturday, December 31, 2005
So here's the hot ones from the past 12 months as far as I'm concerned. I could list several dozen cool reissues, but since they're nearly all released by the various labels mentioned in the sidebar, I suggest you dig around a bit and select your own picks. Signing off for 2005. Best wishes for the new year to all you NBT readers out there.
Records:
A-Lines - A-Lines
Black Lips - Let It Bloom
Black Time - New Vague Times
Cocorosie - Noah's Ark
Dictators - Viva Dictators!
Digger & the Pussycats - Watch Yer Back
Fevers - Love Always Wins
Ghetto Ways - Solid Brown
Nitwitz - Sex, Lies and Duct Tape
Reigning Sound - Home For Orphans
Spinvis - Dagen Van Gras Dagen Van Stro
Teenage Fanclub - Man Made
zZz - Sound Of zZz
Live:
Black Lips (Rotterdam)
Black Time (London)
CocoRosie (Utrecht)
Count Bishops (London)
Eddie & the Hot Rods (London)
Lyres (Rotterdam)
Television (Utrecht)
Records:
A-Lines - A-Lines
Black Lips - Let It Bloom
Black Time - New Vague Times
Cocorosie - Noah's Ark
Dictators - Viva Dictators!
Digger & the Pussycats - Watch Yer Back
Fevers - Love Always Wins
Ghetto Ways - Solid Brown
Nitwitz - Sex, Lies and Duct Tape
Reigning Sound - Home For Orphans
Spinvis - Dagen Van Gras Dagen Van Stro
Teenage Fanclub - Man Made
zZz - Sound Of zZz
Live:
Black Lips (Rotterdam)
Black Time (London)
CocoRosie (Utrecht)
Count Bishops (London)
Eddie & the Hot Rods (London)
Lyres (Rotterdam)
Television (Utrecht)
Friday, December 30, 2005
New York Dolls on New Year's Eve!
Hard Rock Cafe - Times Square, 42nd st & 7th ave, NYC
Rock & Roll this new year's eve with a show put on by Little Steven and his Underground Garage... NY Dolls will headline with a 45 min. set supported by The Troggs, The Mooney Suzuki, The Woggles, The Fab Faux and others TBA.
Broadcast live on ESPN & ESPN 2 @ 12:30 am! Also streamed worldwide on MSN.com
Find out about tickets
Update at 6.51pm - Chuffin' Hell... I just read Kopper's thing about the tickets for this being $300 a pop!? For that m sort of money surely you would expect The Fleshtones and not The Woggles? A rare stab at humour (forgive me or don't). The world hast surely tilted off its axis. Maybe it's like a fine for crossing the threshold of The Hard Rock Cafe. Oh well. The people who would really like to see a show like that would most likely not be able to afford it. Tis an ill-divided planet.
The real action is at Union Pool in Brooklyn. No doubt about it.
Hard Rock Cafe - Times Square, 42nd st & 7th ave, NYC
Rock & Roll this new year's eve with a show put on by Little Steven and his Underground Garage... NY Dolls will headline with a 45 min. set supported by The Troggs, The Mooney Suzuki, The Woggles, The Fab Faux and others TBA.
Broadcast live on ESPN & ESPN 2 @ 12:30 am! Also streamed worldwide on MSN.com
Find out about tickets
Update at 6.51pm - Chuffin' Hell... I just read Kopper's thing about the tickets for this being $300 a pop!? For that m sort of money surely you would expect The Fleshtones and not The Woggles? A rare stab at humour (forgive me or don't). The world hast surely tilted off its axis. Maybe it's like a fine for crossing the threshold of The Hard Rock Cafe. Oh well. The people who would really like to see a show like that would most likely not be able to afford it. Tis an ill-divided planet.
The real action is at Union Pool in Brooklyn. No doubt about it.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
End of the year lists are like the proverbial death and taxes so here's mine. In alphabetical order, cut and paste the artist/title into Google. Many of the act sites are listed on the LH side of this guff.
If you're in NY tonight then head to the Lakeside Lounge for the Amy Rigby show there.
If not then you'll have to make your own entertainment.
Louie Louie – Angel Corpus Christi (Gulcher)
The Barracudas – The Barracudas (NDN Records)
Humming By The Flowered Vine – Laura Cantrell (Matador)
Viva Dictators – The Dictators (Escapi)
Beachhead – The Fleshtones (Yep Roc)
Fuck Y’all EP – Fuck Y’all (Slutty)
Hacienda Brothers – Hacienda Brothers (Proper)
Rock & Roll Is Dead – The Hellacopters (Universal)
Triangle, Dot and Devil – Messer Fur Frau Muller (Aerocccp)
101 Songs about Cars, Girls and Food – The Morells (Almeron)
Think About It – The Morells (Hightone)
We’re An American Band – MX80 (Family Vineyard)
Music For Orphans – Reigning Sound (Sympathy)
Black Hole Rock – Mike Rep and The Quotas (Old Age/No Age)
Little Fugitive – Amy Rigby (Signature Sounds)
Weaselmania – Screeching Weasel (Fat Wreck)
Aloha! Go Bananas – The Spazzys (Fur)
Ready To Go – Suzy & Los Quattro (No Tomorrow)
Feber 2 – Lennart Persson Sweethearts – Various Artists (Amigo Musik)
Designs In Music - Ben Vaughn (Soundstage 15)
Happy trails to you and yours in 2006. Over and out of it.
If you're in NY tonight then head to the Lakeside Lounge for the Amy Rigby show there.
If not then you'll have to make your own entertainment.
Louie Louie – Angel Corpus Christi (Gulcher)
The Barracudas – The Barracudas (NDN Records)
Humming By The Flowered Vine – Laura Cantrell (Matador)
Viva Dictators – The Dictators (Escapi)
Beachhead – The Fleshtones (Yep Roc)
Fuck Y’all EP – Fuck Y’all (Slutty)
Hacienda Brothers – Hacienda Brothers (Proper)
Rock & Roll Is Dead – The Hellacopters (Universal)
Triangle, Dot and Devil – Messer Fur Frau Muller (Aerocccp)
101 Songs about Cars, Girls and Food – The Morells (Almeron)
Think About It – The Morells (Hightone)
We’re An American Band – MX80 (Family Vineyard)
Music For Orphans – Reigning Sound (Sympathy)
Black Hole Rock – Mike Rep and The Quotas (Old Age/No Age)
Little Fugitive – Amy Rigby (Signature Sounds)
Weaselmania – Screeching Weasel (Fat Wreck)
Aloha! Go Bananas – The Spazzys (Fur)
Ready To Go – Suzy & Los Quattro (No Tomorrow)
Feber 2 – Lennart Persson Sweethearts – Various Artists (Amigo Musik)
Designs In Music - Ben Vaughn (Soundstage 15)
Happy trails to you and yours in 2006. Over and out of it.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
While RSI and a rather bizarre infection in my fingers is (still) keeping me away from the computer, the positive side is that I have plenty of time to catch up on reading and spinning discs. Tho' I promise to try to give you a rundown on what I've been into before the end of the year. In other "news"; Alice 'n me spend last weekend in (former rock-city) Groningen for some Christmas shopping and a visit to the local museum (pictured). Even with the Vera club no longer bein' the hot spot it once was, a trip to Groningen is still well worth the bother. Good/cheap record shops, restaurants and musea will always be a plus... And just today we hit The Hague for a visit to the Gemeente Museum. Which, besides the (excellent) usual collection, had some amazing stuff on display by Constant Nieuwenhuijs and Jessurun de Mesquita. Also did a long walk in the freezin' cold to dig some of the city's architectural highlights, and again it was well worth it. NBT tourist info; Who woulda thunk it?
Sunday, December 25, 2005
So, you're looking for some Christmas music to make that party swing right? Well, Mike McEchron has stepped up to the plate and saved you. Click this BLACK CHRISTMAS link and you'll get what you deserve.
If you're playing around on the computer, killing time before the world starts to turn again, visit EVAN JOHNS site. I googled him after pulling out "Please Mr Santa Claus" and there he was.
If you're playing around on the computer, killing time before the world starts to turn again, visit EVAN JOHNS site. I googled him after pulling out "Please Mr Santa Claus" and there he was.
Saturday, December 24, 2005
Circumstances prevent me from covering last night’s BEATSTALKERS show at any great length but I can tell you that they pulled it off. They built the critter and people dragged themselves along to the fabled Glasgow venue where the band played regularly some 40 years ago. Augmented by backing singers and brass there was a certain oomph added to the material which included their recorded work and some “standards”. Particularly impressive was a glam marinated sprint through “Stagger Lee”. The Thanes did what they do prior to The ‘stalkers and turned in a fine, possibly too short set of long forgotten and some never known beat nuggets. I left to catch a train with a flu virus stompin’ on my noggin and it’s showing no signs of abating at the minute. My “Christmas” is pretty much on the ropes. I hope you’re faring somewhat better…
Update @ 15.50 hours - Mr Cruickshank confirmed that Zal Cleminson (SAHB) joined the band onstage toward the end of the show and fired things up a gear. It really was a good-natured affair. Like something set up for a great lost episode of Taggart or something. It was more like a social than your regular Barra's rock show. With a special ambience specific to Glasgow and then some.
Update @ 15.50 hours - Mr Cruickshank confirmed that Zal Cleminson (SAHB) joined the band onstage toward the end of the show and fired things up a gear. It really was a good-natured affair. Like something set up for a great lost episode of Taggart or something. It was more like a social than your regular Barra's rock show. With a special ambience specific to Glasgow and then some.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Just got the word from Mr Vahlberg that FREAK SCENE RECORDS in Stockholm will be starting a closing-down sale on Tuesday (27th). This is one of the last proper record stores on earth and sad news. Juan Capel has done one heckuva tour of duty but he's had enough. And who could blame him? Juan has been a huge supporter of NBT over the years and we wish him nothing but the best.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Yesterday was supposed to be the shortest day but it didn’t feel like that from where I was sitting. Another relative kick in the ribs was the recent realisation that it is Thursday and not Friday. Bollocks indeed. But anyway, the days are fair drawing out and ‘tis the season that yours truly would prefer to be over. The faux bonhomie is in full swing and the (scum)hordes are buying up tons of stuff neither they or you need. The fact they can spend their brains out until late into Saturday means that all kindsa daftness will probably ensue. I don’t think the stores are closing here at all this year?
Need to get to compiling a list of “gear of the year”, assembling a cd, that type of activity. Roll on 12.30pm tomorrow! Beatstalkers at The Barra'lands tomorrow night, be there and be whisked back to what seem like better days.
Check out this NPR interview with AMY RIGBY. She'll be back out this way (hopefully) in Spring 2006...
Ben Weasel's latest entry really resonated with me and he's a young 'un compared to Methusalah here. I scored a copy of his combo's Weaselmania for my nephew's Christmas, hoping that it'll rub off in some way or other. Screeching Weasel really were something y'know and this latest Fat Wreck release is a belter if you need to hit upside the head to that fact. Then you can stock up on the albums...
Need to get to compiling a list of “gear of the year”, assembling a cd, that type of activity. Roll on 12.30pm tomorrow! Beatstalkers at The Barra'lands tomorrow night, be there and be whisked back to what seem like better days.
Check out this NPR interview with AMY RIGBY. She'll be back out this way (hopefully) in Spring 2006...
Ben Weasel's latest entry really resonated with me and he's a young 'un compared to Methusalah here. I scored a copy of his combo's Weaselmania for my nephew's Christmas, hoping that it'll rub off in some way or other. Screeching Weasel really were something y'know and this latest Fat Wreck release is a belter if you need to hit upside the head to that fact. Then you can stock up on the albums...
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
"To all our friends and enemies alike, we at Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Company offer season's greetings -- hillbilly style, naturally! And we'll be celebrating in such suitable style at Otto's Shrunken Head this Thursday, December 22nd, so stroll, bike or scooter on over and join us, won't you? Next week's show will be our LAST at Otto's until Spring!" Thursday, December 22nd ~ Otto's Shrunken Head ~ 538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B), Manhattan ~ From 8:00 until 10:00 sharp ~ No cover ~ Last Otto's show is on December 29th! ~
Seems as though the Lefsetz thing I posted earlier links to an i-Pod commercial so bollocks to that. Too bad because it's very entertaining and the link took me directly to the "podcast". Anyway, nothing is ever simple, it seems.
So what to report? Absolutely sod all happening in this neck of the woods. Gearing up for The Beatstalkers on Friday and very much looking forward to not having to drive to the open prison of a dark foreboding morning until January 4th 2006. I have a dentist appointment on the 9th, gimme that any ol' day!
Let me know if there's anything I should be letting folks in on. Something in your locale perhaps? Don't care where on the planet it's happening, we have readers in every percievable nook and cranny looking for action. Me? I'm getting the bunker ready for some serious batoning of them hatches.
So what to report? Absolutely sod all happening in this neck of the woods. Gearing up for The Beatstalkers on Friday and very much looking forward to not having to drive to the open prison of a dark foreboding morning until January 4th 2006. I have a dentist appointment on the 9th, gimme that any ol' day!
Let me know if there's anything I should be letting folks in on. Something in your locale perhaps? Don't care where on the planet it's happening, we have readers in every percievable nook and cranny looking for action. Me? I'm getting the bunker ready for some serious batoning of them hatches.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
I think that the "security" isssue is sorted now. Tis early days but fingers and everything else crossed that the bugs won't work, cyberinfection wise...
Had the misfortune to have to go out in the early afternoon yesterday, Whoa nelly! The scumhordes were out in droves and all the rages that converge to result in the "festive" mulled variety were bubbling away in the cauldron. I made it but it was touch and go for a wee whiley. Today, we're off to see a "heart-lifting" movie called - wait for it- "Merry Christmas" at Filmhouse in Edinburgh. My ticker ain't in the habit of being raised above working level but we'll see how it goes...
Update - Well the movie wasn't awful but not my kinda thing really. Railing perilously close to being a costume drama, it all seems a little contrived to the point of beyond obvious. It also has "Trevor" from Eastenders in it. Can't exactly recommend that it's a good use of two hours to be honest but there y'go...
Way more Christmassy and very likely to warm the cockles of your ticker is the ability to download Angel Corpus Christi's "Still Feels Like Christmas" for the duration of this holiday season. Go get it!
Had the misfortune to have to go out in the early afternoon yesterday, Whoa nelly! The scumhordes were out in droves and all the rages that converge to result in the "festive" mulled variety were bubbling away in the cauldron. I made it but it was touch and go for a wee whiley. Today, we're off to see a "heart-lifting" movie called - wait for it- "Merry Christmas" at Filmhouse in Edinburgh. My ticker ain't in the habit of being raised above working level but we'll see how it goes...
Update - Well the movie wasn't awful but not my kinda thing really. Railing perilously close to being a costume drama, it all seems a little contrived to the point of beyond obvious. It also has "Trevor" from Eastenders in it. Can't exactly recommend that it's a good use of two hours to be honest but there y'go...
Way more Christmassy and very likely to warm the cockles of your ticker is the ability to download Angel Corpus Christi's "Still Feels Like Christmas" for the duration of this holiday season. Go get it!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
The amount of decent seasonal tuneage this year is meagre but, completely out of the blue (no pun intended), a lowly 7" by The Come-Ons arrived at this here manger in a sharp hand stamped bag. Three songs, wrapped up in signed brown paper and string. The A-side is an original - "Christmas Lights of Blue", when you flip this baby over there are versions of "Don't Forget To Feed The Reindeer" and "My Favourite Things". I wonder sometimes, how this girl and boys haven't been discovered and thrust upon our undeserving world and then the penny drops. They actually offer entertainment value and our "friends" in the "business" evidently aren't down with that. You (however) can and may download the "Reindeer" portion whist learning about said combo in readiness for the revolution HERE.
Well, after listening to Sounds of the Sixties this morning, I have a desire to buy a Roger Whittaker compilation but that, as they say, is my problem. The other problem with this computer is still persisting so i'm trading warily. As it is, there's sod all to report anyway except to remind you about The Beatstalkers show at the Barra's in Glasgow this coming Friday (23rd). If anything REALLY scintillating turns up then i'll jump on this sucker and will check e-mail periodically. One is thinking of resolution on a number of fronts including my seemingly compuholic tendancies. Of course it wouldn't last but what if it did? What if it did?
Update - The Beatstalkers were on the Janice Forsyth Show on Radio Scotland this morning during the alst hour. You can catch that on the Listen Again feature available through the BBC website. They sound very much up for it and knocked out a groovy version of "Ramble On" in the studio to make sure the listenership got that.
Update - The Beatstalkers were on the Janice Forsyth Show on Radio Scotland this morning during the alst hour. You can catch that on the Listen Again feature available through the BBC website. They sound very much up for it and knocked out a groovy version of "Ramble On" in the studio to make sure the listenership got that.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Hello everybody. Getting ready for the Festering Season? Good. There are several hurdles to be overcome on this end including some kinda security issue with this thing I tap away at. I need to get that sorted out before I leave we open to all kindsa nasties which they don't do cream for. Please bear with this. There is almost nada to report anyway so you're not missing owt. If anything REALLY important goes down then I'll brave the cyber cooties to bring it to you. Cannae say fairer than that...
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
The Human League, The Proclaimers and… The Woggles were among the entertainers that hit up Edinburgh last night. I dragged my arse, through the birdshit canopy that is the underside of the train tracks along the Calton Road to Studio 24 for the latter but due to a coughing fit, I didn’t stay until the end. The venue was bloody Baltic and figure the cold and the smoke must have triggered something to make me feel decidedly gubbed. Anyways, the instro-mental stylings of Preston Pfanz and the Seaton Sands kicked things off quite nattily. With a perfectly measured set both in tuneage and length. Other combos could do well to take a leaf out of their book. I saw The Woggles once before, opening for the very wonderful Girl Trouble in San Francisco. Their Fleshtones approximation disturbed me then and it does so now. It makes me pine for the real super-rock deal and as entertaining as these Atlanta chaps can be, they’re not Zaremba, Streng, Milhiser and Fox. Throwing all the ‘tone shapes, The Woggles work hard but I detect little of themselves in their g*r*ge-r*ck pantomime. These are the Great Grandchildren of Nuggets and the crazy paving to the big burny fire is festooned with good intentions. Sometimes though, that ain't enough.
Preston Pfanz and The Seaton Sands have a 45 available on Forth Bridge Recordings. comprising "Knock Hill Chicane" and "Forth Dimension". The Valves claimed there was "no surf in Portobello", well - there's a fair head of twang to be had in close proximity some 28 years later.
Preston Pfanz and The Seaton Sands have a 45 available on Forth Bridge Recordings. comprising "Knock Hill Chicane" and "Forth Dimension". The Valves claimed there was "no surf in Portobello", well - there's a fair head of twang to be had in close proximity some 28 years later.
"Hey folksJingle balls'n'bells to all you goodly people, especially Andrew & Lisa Perry, lovebirds of this parish, who recently tied the knot! Huzzah!
Saturday the 17th is set for the Sonic Reducer Xmess Thang, a riot of tinsel, bonhomie, alcoholic beverages, and twisted festive funk, soul, garage, punk, soul'n'junk 45s. Expect a snow-capped mountain of tuneage, including Clarence Carter's Back Door Santa, The Sonics' Santa Claus, Otis Redding's White Christmas, Fountains Of Wayne's I Want An Alien For Christmas, and TWO versions of the cockle-warming Christmas In Vietnam (neither by G Glitter!) ...
Our guest spinner for Old Saint Nick's fave hoedown of any annum is Tony 'The Folkie' Bailey, one of yer ever-lovin' SR crew's oldest and bestest friends, and he'll be dishing top drawer 45s from his legendary stash, kept under maximum security at a secret lair, high above the Holloway Road.
Truly, Jambo don't come no better, bar none ...
This Saturday will also mark BigKegShandy's birthday, and you're all invited to come and take the piss out of his increasingly Ray Reardon-ish hairline ... Tips on superior hairpiece manufacturers, under plain cover, will be gratefully accepted ...
If we don't see you at the bar, have a kool yule, and gear noo yerr ...
Selah! Joss & Joe"
---------------------
Sonic Reducer At Filthy MacNasty's - Saturday December 17th - 7pm - Free
68 Amwell Street EC1
Tube: Angel
Tel: 7837 6067
Next SR: Saturday January 7th ...
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
"The first showing in Scotland of "WE JAM ECONO" The Story of the Minutemen will take place at STEREO on Kelvinhaugh Street, Glasgow on Sunday 18th December. It's at 7pm and entry is a meagre £4 at the door.All (any?) profits will be sent to the film makers and in addition to the movie there'll be dj's playing the hits and rarities from The Reactionaries on. Plus screeing of live footage of the band in action. Don't choke, do it... econo."
Sunday, December 11, 2005
I made a brief, relatively unsuccesful attempt to attempt some Christmas shopping earlier. Not in a busy, bustling metropolis you understand but basically, my retailophobia is accelerating. The condition is now bordering upon apopleptic with no sign of regress in sight. Even in the relatively quiet backwater that I tried, it's too busy. People buying anything and everything to quell an urge to over extend themselves. You get the same crap everywhere now. Market forces have seen to it that conned-sumers like the limited choice. Of course, you can shop on-line but that too is fraught with problems. The fact that you'd have to factor delivery into the fray is, at this point, not really an option. My mind hurts at the very consideration of another patrol but tomorrow, as they say, is another, er, day. Another can o' worms more like...innit?
Saturday, December 10, 2005
It's too late an outing for Gran'paw here but you young 'uns are cordially encouraged to hightail it along to Optimo in Glasgow tomorrow (Sunday 11th December) to catch Quintron & Miss Pussycat... "The story goes as such: A club owner-turned outlaw flees Chicago and meets an oil painting puppet theatre founder in New Orleans. There, Quintron's Swamp-tech / Noise / Mood meets Miss Pussycat's Puppetry / Minimal Electronic Soundtracks. This one will be mental. You will also be helping the band out if you attend as they sadly lost pretty much their entire studio when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans."
What's with this weather? Less than a week ago it was sub zero, now its miserably damp but mild. Stand by for mutating viruses everybody. Just in time for your Christmas break. Coughs and sneezes are everywhere, Brits have a stiff upper lip, they don't like to stay in until their cold, flu, whatever is gone. They like to share, particularly the denizens of large open plan, call centre-esque offices. However, jockeying for some imaginary position of status will always win out so what's the point in mithering about it.
Don't forget The Woggles show in Edinburgh this coming Tuesday at Studio 24. It's a school night I know but it'll all be over by 11pm so it's kinda like a matinee. Besides Aram needs to cover his stake on this. Maybe Mr Coleman will write something about his encounter with the band at Dirty Water last night over the next day or so to put you in the mood?
Let's see what else... I guess the deadline for objections to The Cameo debacle passed yesterday. let's hope that enough of us responded to get this ridiculous notion banished from our collective radar. It'll be a couple of weeks before we find out what the verdict on the planning application will be. Fingers and everything else crossed then, eh?
Jings, crivvens, help ma boab... just found this Broons/Oor Wullie site on Tom Morton's Beat Croft blog.
Don't forget The Woggles show in Edinburgh this coming Tuesday at Studio 24. It's a school night I know but it'll all be over by 11pm so it's kinda like a matinee. Besides Aram needs to cover his stake on this. Maybe Mr Coleman will write something about his encounter with the band at Dirty Water last night over the next day or so to put you in the mood?
Let's see what else... I guess the deadline for objections to The Cameo debacle passed yesterday. let's hope that enough of us responded to get this ridiculous notion banished from our collective radar. It'll be a couple of weeks before we find out what the verdict on the planning application will be. Fingers and everything else crossed then, eh?
Jings, crivvens, help ma boab... just found this Broons/Oor Wullie site on Tom Morton's Beat Croft blog.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Don't forget the Mose Allison documentary on BBC4 tonight at 9pm then again at 2.30am (Saturday morning). I think it's on again Sunday also (late, going into the wee hours of Monday). They bumped the duet with Amy apparently. Daft but what could one expect. The main thing is that it's on and the music will tower above the pontificating by Mose fans. The thought of Jools Holland giving a demo of the Mose style would be funny if it didn't creep me out so much. However, this is the guy that's done it all and started the whole enchilada. All hail to the king!
Update - Well it could have done with another half hour at least but this was a largely satisfying endeavour. There's a decent balance between Mose himself and his "famous fans". Further clips can be found here including Amy's duet on "Was". This cut will appear on her forthcoming "Everything And Nothing Too", out January 30th 2006 on Shoeshine.
Mose will be in London with his trio at Pizza on the Park from 13-23 January 2006.
Update - Well it could have done with another half hour at least but this was a largely satisfying endeavour. There's a decent balance between Mose himself and his "famous fans". Further clips can be found here including Amy's duet on "Was". This cut will appear on her forthcoming "Everything And Nothing Too", out January 30th 2006 on Shoeshine.
Mose will be in London with his trio at Pizza on the Park from 13-23 January 2006.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
The stupid season is well underway. The time when people get even more cavalier with common sense than normal. It's no secret that I hate Christmas (or pretty much everything) but I do have a soft spot for a decent seasonal tune. The Raveonettes "Christmas Song" being one of the very best examples of the type in a long time. And how did I discover it? Through a blinkin' TV ad for a Garden Centre that pushes trees and all manner of other festive bollocks to the tinsel junkies. But anyway, I digress, much as I just want to hibernate in the bunker - sometimes one has to go amidst the hordes of zomboid subscribers to all this hollow tosh. One doesnae have to like it though and the napper-nipping volume of the Christmas music in my local supermarket tonight caused me to formally complain to the cashier about it. People around nodded in agreement and someone was sent to turn it down. If it had been The Ramones, loud wouldnae have been a problem, but Whitney Houston and East-feckin'-17? - just say no. Thankyou but no. No.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Soon available on Norton is a set of Dictators rarities and previously unreleased material. These songs have been doin' the rounds among fans for ages (see the DIY sleeve on the left that I found on the web), but it's great to finally see 'm appear legit. The album will be preceded by a 45 featuring the stellar 16 Forever in it's original 1978 incarnation. Demand a rush release here!
Some good things happenin' en France c/o Rockin' Prod. So mark your calenders.More details on the Fleshtones tour as soon as they come in...
Don't let this be your winter of discontent, friend! Please come join Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. in December for its final four shows of the winter at Otto's Shrunken Head. Brrrr! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8TH / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) /
Two BIG shows, from 8:00 until 10:00 sharp / No cover!
Sincerely,
Michael "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
In a galaxy far, far removed from all the bullshit awards and Hall’s of Fame that plague our daily existence, there are people who really deserve the accolades that these corporate could never understand. Take Feathered Apple Records from Switzerland as an example. Serving up long-lost slabs of sixties beat of the kind that that simply can’t be. The Sevens were from Basel where the label is based. The joins between the covers and their own fare comes together like a cool piece of invisible patchwork comprising fragments of the brit-scene that inspired them. Fairly Animal-istic. The album is available on cd and vinyl, the latter in a neat repro sleeve with a heavy stock poster tucked into the jacket. The reverse of said wall adornment has the liners and some memorabilia and photos, all curated painstakingly to give the group a voice in 2005. 
The Jackie Fountains were a Swedish combo that have unwittingly part of The Stranglers Family Tree. However, before you roll your eyes and think – oh god, not those hippie bandwagoning shysters then rest easy, this was way before all of that bollocks. One of the founding members, Hasse ended up in the pre-Burnel version of that band and co-wrote their “Strange Little Girl”. Anyways, the rich seam of Swedish beat proves that country has always been ahead and The Fountains twang resonates as wantonly today as it did when it was cut. If you have the slightest interest in the period then you oughtta be hightailing it over to the FA emporium. Thrills guaranteed bird-flu free.While we’re on the subject of beatsville ala 60's, don’t forget about The Beatstalkers pre-Christmas extravaganza at The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom. They’ll be frugging it up with The Thanes and are promising all kinds of surprises on the night. See you down thonder!
NORTON NEW YEARS EVE BLAST!
Make plans for Rockville now to start the new year off with a Rumble, but not before sending this old year off by Crashing The Party here in Brooklyn, USA with MC Mighty Hannibal as the A-Bones and their special guests the Black Lips (insane new album LET IT BLOOM on In The Red label, kids!) blast off on New Years Eve at Union Pool, with the creme of the local disc jockey crew spinnin' their tiny little brains out: WFMU's Dave The Spazz and Rex of Fool's Paradise fame, Crypt Records' Tim Warren and the Little Killers' Andy Maltz. Union Pool boasts a beautacious old bar, excellent bathroom facilities, and a new showroom with all new fabulous sound system, lights, dance floor and full bar-- plus a great big stage with velvet curtains, plus under the stars patio smoke-n-booze patio lounge for huffers, puffers and overheated Booty Greeners! Rumor has it that the Mighty Hannibal will instruct the curious with Fishing Pole dance lessons, and that the Great Gaylord may be squatting to the E! Also, the 24 hour Kellog Diner is a block away for wee hour eggs and grits! Pass the hot sauce! Union Pool, 484 Union Ave at Meeker, Brooklyn NY (718) 609-0484
Make plans for Rockville now to start the new year off with a Rumble, but not before sending this old year off by Crashing The Party here in Brooklyn, USA with MC Mighty Hannibal as the A-Bones and their special guests the Black Lips (insane new album LET IT BLOOM on In The Red label, kids!) blast off on New Years Eve at Union Pool, with the creme of the local disc jockey crew spinnin' their tiny little brains out: WFMU's Dave The Spazz and Rex of Fool's Paradise fame, Crypt Records' Tim Warren and the Little Killers' Andy Maltz. Union Pool boasts a beautacious old bar, excellent bathroom facilities, and a new showroom with all new fabulous sound system, lights, dance floor and full bar-- plus a great big stage with velvet curtains, plus under the stars patio smoke-n-booze patio lounge for huffers, puffers and overheated Booty Greeners! Rumor has it that the Mighty Hannibal will instruct the curious with Fishing Pole dance lessons, and that the Great Gaylord may be squatting to the E! Also, the 24 hour Kellog Diner is a block away for wee hour eggs and grits! Pass the hot sauce! Union Pool, 484 Union Ave at Meeker, Brooklyn NY (718) 609-0484
Monday, December 05, 2005
Black Lips - Let It Bloom (In The Red). The Black Lips were the big surprise of the Rotterdam Primitive festival earlier this year. What with their previous discs only hinting at what was a rather spectacular live set.With their latest album Let It Bloom they have finally managed to capture their brand of hi-octane rocket fuel on wax. There's a strong Back From The Grave-like feel to the proceedings but without a hint of retro-isms. This is strictly here and now. Great songs and a scope that is way beyond the reach of your average garage band, this is a strong contender for album of the year.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
The closing dates for the SAVE THE CAMEO campaign are looming large. If you haven't already done so, please DO IT NOW! Even if you're not from around these parts, if you have time, lodge an objection. The more, the better the chance that the Council will notice the error of this way.
Apparently the "for sale" signs are soon to go up if they haven't already. Dark days for those of us who neeb independent cinema like oxygen.
Apparently the "for sale" signs are soon to go up if they haven't already. Dark days for those of us who neeb independent cinema like oxygen.
So, Amy "did" Edinburgh last night and people came out. The show was also louder than the Glasgow set and underlined the fact that this Cabaret Voltaire place will be more than ready to take over from The Venue when it ceases to operate. It's a great space. Ms Rigby and co were blowing a head of steam just two days into the adventure. It really is something to see her front a band and I hope this is the start of a boost to her status here. It's about fucking time is an understatement. During her visit we also became acquainted with the great Wreckless Eric whose "Whole Wide World" makes an appearance in Amy's set. Eric is magnanimous when he says she should change the gender but the girl plays it in the original male perspective. Check the Amy Rigby site and if she's in your 'hood then do yourself a favour and cut along. The wheels are in no danger of falling off this time out.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Mr Rooney sent a message to the effect that this very Sunday night, 11pm - Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds at The Sub Club in Glasgow. He might even sneak out and go... I just got back from seeing The Damned, it didn't move me and the keyboard player made it sound fairly heinous here and there. Wreckless Eric did the bizzo though, his half hour delivered more vitriol than the Carry On Up The Punk Rock Oldies seem to be able to conjure up here at the close of 2005. The sooner this year is over, the better!
Friday, December 02, 2005
THE WOGGLES + Preston Pfanz & the Seaton Sands @Studio 24.
Tuesday 13th December 7:30pm-11pm
Tickets £4 at the door.
24-46 Calton Rd.
Edinburgh. T:0131 558 3758
"All the way from America. Combine a splash of surf, a pinch of rhythm and blues, a few fistfuls of soul, a whole lotta 60's-inspired rock n' roll, and you get the musical phenomenon that is The Woggles. From songs that shake the rafters to shows that tear the roof off, The Woggles are a four-man delivery system for 200-proof butt-shakin' r-o-c-k."
Amy Rigby's first UK show with a purpose built band kicked off last night at The Riverside Club in Glasgow. Considering this was the combo's first public outing it all went off swimmingly. Much of the set was culled from the latest album, "Little Fugitive" but there were also airings of a full-scale "All I Want" plus a groovin' flamey "You Tore Me Down".By the time these folks get a few shows notched up this is gonna be a nifty outfit. Skewing away from the trad country path and into twang pop brush. Catch the show in Edinburgh on Saturday at Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh. It starts at 7pm.
Sad to hear that The Weirdos had to cancel their tour with The Damned because of personal stuff. It was the main reason for going. Also Patricia Morrison isn't with The Damned either. Bummer. Just have to close my peepers and let the ol' soul drift over to Ljubljana where The Nomads will be tearin' it up as only they can.
Anyway, that's the scoop. More later...
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