I heard about the Easter bunny...

It feels like ages since the last time I posted some kinda general update on the goin'-ons here at N.B.T.'s Dutch H.Q. So where to begin?

One thing that has been keepin' me occupied is Jeff Chang's Can't Stop Won't Stop. Subtitled A History Of The Hip-Hop Generation, this is one of the best rock reads I've come across in ages. Not just a musical history, but also a very clear look at the social/political backgrounds of the genre. And as much as I dig 80s rap, it certainly didn't warm me to "gangsta" morons, or that hideous "urban" crap that is everywhere these days. But as a solid read this is up there with England's Dreaming or Days In The Life. While reading this, the recent Big Apple Rappin' comp on Soul Jazz served as fine background music. Compiled and annotated by Ugly Things contributor Johan Kugelberg (who does a great job on the liners), this is a fab selection of (very) early rap that was mostly new to me. From the same label comes a fine collection of mixes by Tom Moulton, the guy who invented the 12" disco mix. Not sure if this would go down well with your average N.B.T. reader, but what the hey... Dutch readers might wanna check a new book on record collectors by Robert Haagsma entitled Vinylfanaten. The guy's a metalhead, so I gotta deduct some points for includin' not one, but four collectors of the genre. (For the life of me I can't understand the attraction of Iron Maidon pictures discs, or the constant one-upmanship of "I've-been-a-fan-since-their-first-demo"-like tales). No fans of punk, reggae, soul or Americana (blues, country etc.) either. But at least some of the good guys (Michel Terstegen, Johan Visser, Marthy Coumans, Jules Deelder and Johan Derksen) are featured as well. And it's always fun reading how others deal with these, er, "problems"...And yeah, there's more, plenty more, but it's way past midnight and I need some sleep before tomorrow anounces itself by way of our one-tone-only alarm clock (Loud!)...

You on holiday today? Revved up to make that visit to the DIY superstore or some such retail facility?? I'm not. On holiday that is. Don't want to burn a day's annual leave. That's not to say that I want to attend the daily drudge but one of the only pleasures left is to be off when the other drones are in attendance.

The urge not to go in this am is strong but I'm not folding. I'd only regret it and be twice as despondent later. That's the quandry right there. Recent conditioning suggests that I'm lucky to have a job. That so many people don't. Life is just a big bowl of something... gruel mostly.

But anyway, the racket that is Easter will soon be over and Mayday will loom into view. That's one "holiday" I will partake of because it describes my downward spiral perfectly. So, if you are off today. Make a pact with yourself. Stay home and play some records and generally goof off. Don't go spending anything that'll make the pundits seem like they know your every habit. Even though they alarmingly do. Time I wasn't here...

"Tho we've been spinning A good bit of SKA ourselves. This Saturday, 22nd April, we're Bringing in the experts. None other than BAZ & TAM from DR NO's SKA CLUB - Expect the best Jamaica and the London 60's Mod Reggae scene had to offer.

Tall Paul Robinson & Angus will also be there to spin 60s, Garage, Psych, Beat and Soul. All happenin' at THE LOFT, @ The Venue, Calton Road, Edinburgh. 11pm-3am. £6/5."

"Hey Hey hey!

Memphis's BLACK DIAMOND HEAVIES play the only Scottish show of their UK tour this Friday at Stereo, Glasgow. Support comes from local swamp blues punkers, UNCLE JOHN AND WHITELOCK
Here's the lowdown...

FRIDAY 21ST APRIL at STEREO, Kelvinhaugh St., Glasgow;

doors: 9pm; £5 entrance...
THE BLACK DIAMOND HEAVIES and UNCLE JOHN AND WHITELOCK

....see y'all there!

- Jim (CEO of TCB promotions)"

Patti Smith and Francis Macdonald at the Glasgow International Festival.

The PS thing was limited to 100 tickets and is already sold out. There goes my chance to ask her what the "bagpipes, bagpipes" record was from Ben Vaughn's work in progress about The Geator.

It's Easter (everywhere) and don't forget that the Roky Erickson documentary, "You're Gonna Miss me" is on in Glasgow (GFT) and Edinburgh (Filmhouse) at the end of the month as part of Triptych.

The talk of the steamie around these parts is the alleged "Al(va) Quaeda". The wags are working overtime. A quiet hillfoots town, all of a sudden whisked into a media scrum that would perhaps be better employed looking into the hell that is the Sterling warehoose, just along the road. But that's the beauty of the "global village". There could be skullduggery happening through the wall from you right now. Or in the flat below. Or out in an allotment shed someplace via laptop. To think, last week we were all in for the bird flu. No' being able to park the car an' that, ken...

Big news around here however is that Laura Cantrell has recorded (I think) a half dozen new Radio Thrift Shops for BBC Radio Scotland. These will go out on Monday nights (don't know the slot by will convey that when I do) during July into August. these will include interviews with Charlie Louvin, Cowboy Jack Clement, Bobby Bare, Pig Robbins and Merle Haggard. (Thanks to Richard for the info.)

What else, yeah... Dollsquad are in London at the DWC tonight (Friday). Shock and Awe are at The Subway in Edinburgh tomorrow night (Saturday), a matinee of sorts because it all has to be over by 10pm.

Last night's Bill Wells Combo show is still resonating in my noggin and I'll bet that Nika is still dancing. Check out some photos and commentary here at the TFC message board.

Time to go and stretch the old legs methinks. And to think about making a start on tidying up the area that passes for a garden. Doing is some way off I think.

This looks great, named after the Wreckless Eric album and featuring a performance by the man himself.

Wish someone would organise something like this around here. And what's more that there was an audience for such a beast.

Eric is also doing shows in the Pacific Northwest with Scott McCaughey en route to a rendezvous in San Francisco with Amy Rigby and Marti Jones.

RIP - June Pointer

The Bill Wells Alternative Japanese Wall-Of-Sound package tour held court at The Tolbooth in Stirling tonight. If you’re in the vicinity of Tobermory, Aberdeen, Stornoway, Wick and Evie in Orkney between here and the 22nd then I strongly suggest that you take in the show when it hits your neck of the woods.

It’s a privilege for music this challenging, entertaining and downright cinematic to be able to be experienced live. Some of it defies designation. Like Morricone hotwired to the BBC Radiophonic workshop. Then The Velvet Underground with Tijuana brass overtones. And the there’s Kazumi Nikaidoh who simply can’t keep still. Her ability to play duelling trumpet as a mimic is both captivating and disturbing in equal measure. Her Audrey Horne-esque dances add a bizarre David Lynch type shape to soundscapes that belong alongside his movies.

I honestly have NEVER seen anything like it. This show is not 50 minutes of the same old routine toured for 18 months to promote “an album”. It’s a showcase of real, odd but utterly compelling music that has a childlike heart and soul. A bravado untainted by the trappings of what passes for the mainstream. Major props to Mr Wells for his vision and furthermore for sharing it.

desktopblues

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE ROYAL KIND

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands pictured earlier today just across the road from the day job.
Well, I thought it was exciting....

A short film about Jeff Connolly's visit earlier today to Wally Tax's gravesite can be found here. (the page is in Dutch, but just hit the sign and you'll be directed to the film).

Thanks to Jocke for this eyewitness report from Friday night in Stockholm...

"Friday was superb. The Pipelines opened up with a rocketing sharp 7 minute set (Ace of Spades, Jack the Ripper) and were followed by Fatboy with 3 vocal tracks (Good Rockin' Tonite, Mustang, Born to Love One Woman). They revealed that their bassplayer had backed up Link in the 80's. Then it was The Bottle-ups (Jack the Ripper, Fatback, Rumble), reunited after 20 years. These guys did the instro-rock thing better then anyone in the 80's and it showed here too, impressive. Stefan Ahlqvist from Problem, a legendary band from South Sweden, joined them and did a great, great set. Then the oddest band in the line-up, Sci-fi Skane that comprises a DJ, a melodica/tambourine player and a commentator. The singer Thomas Öberg screamed out anecdotes about Link across the wild, weird Link DJ mix (Big Ben, My Alberta, Sunglasses After Dark, Shadow Knows, Deuces Wild). Ridiculously good. The Barbwires followed with a Bunker Hill set (Drag-Strip, Run Chicken Run, The Girl Can´t Dance) with Martin Savage on vocals and a piano player. The Nomads played Fire & Brimstone, Hidden Charms and I'm Branded, It was fun and Hans is always great with tunes like that. Robert Johnson & Punchdrunks were probably the rawest and hardest band this evening. Drums and two guitars roared (Genocide, Fuzz, Streets Of Chicago, Streetfighter) to the huge crowd. The show was completely sold out. Finally The Hives went on without Howlin' Pelle. Jyrki Juvonen from Wildfire Willie & The Ramblers took his place in the spotlight and showed us how to handle a danelectro (Hang On, Rawhide). As a grand finale, ten guitarists joined together for a rousing version of Rumble.

Two and half hours of Link music was over and everybody was satisfied."

Jocke Ericson

plus for video highlights, enter the visual laboratory of b_grrrlie

Riverside Club, Glasgow on Friday May 5th.

Visit the Fallen Angels Club site for further details.

RIP: Gerard Reve

More viewing material: Kino Digital Video has some cool videos on-line by beantown legends Pastiche, La Peste, Unnaturel Axe, Nervous Eaters and Lyres...

The Stooges and Sonic Youth kick off pantomime season.

Info here.

Thanks to Tom for the info.

Yeah, this "new" thing with cutting unlikely music with clips and "remixing" movie trailers is an entertaining thread. Reminds me of what they used to do on The Old Grey Whistle Test many moons ago but way more twisted. Here's the revamped trailer for BLUE VELVET.

Link to ifilm via Dugpa.com

And while you're at watching stuff on your computer when you should be doing something else, why not make a brew and catch The Cryptkicker V play a jeans-emporium in Stockholm on April 1st. (Thanks to Jocke for this one)

clip one

clip two

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND ON THE LAWRENCE WELK SHOW, 1968

Link c/o Chris @ BTC.

"NEXT Saturday (April 15th) - come and see the world famous Shock And Awe for FREE to celebrate the release of "SHOCK AND AWE GO HOME" with the added bonus of some audio/video live action from Paul Research.

Come along, bring your friends, free night in the subway, doors open at 7:30 first band on at 8 - has to be over by 10:30 (at the latest - I plan to finish playing by 10). The plan is to play the whole of the new album from start to finish and then play some of our older songs, so if you've got any requests, let me know ? hopefully see ye there ? Cheers, Murray"

A missive from Duglas T Stewart....

"Here's some info about a show we have coming soon in Glasgow. A special club night, presented by the wonderful ladies of Dollymixture. We'll be playing something like a 45 minute set and as you'll see below there are plenty of other good things on the bill... this is from their myspace site...

We're extremely excited to announce the lineup for the Dolly Mixture 1st Birthday bash at Mono on Sunday, April 16 (8 - 12.30pm). Hold on to your hats as here's the full details: Live we have *drum roll* : BMX Bandits (need no introductions I'm sure) Popup (Just signed to Chemikal Underground and will do fabulously well this year) Johnny and the Debutantes (Only band to play Dolly twice. Selecting spesh outfits for the party but we hope it's not their birthday suits!). Our guest DJ for this momentous event is Emma Pollock from the Delgados. Emma has been gigging on a solo basis for the last wee while but for the birthday she'll be setting her guitar aside to play her selection of lady sounds. We'll of course be handling the decks at various points too. Tickets for the birthday are £5 and available from Tickets Scotland and Mono from Wednesday, March 29. Subject to booking/cc fee of course. Your £5 also buys you free badges, balloons, easter treats (mini eggs, dolly sweets lala whatever we can find), games (diplomatic hats mibs for Jen n' Ross, big style pass the parcel, god knows what else), perhaps a slice of the birthday cake too! Oh, and there's a few other surprises we're keeping schtum on."

Well, the bird flu is here. Or is it? The media has come down upon the east neuk of Fife like a virus this week and the news bulletins look like they're being directed by Bill Forsyth. Cellardyke (or Sillardike as my Granny used to say because she came from just along the coast) looks like the reporters are on the set of Local Hero. Maybe The Fence Collective will appear in the remake of the ceidlidh scene? Have you taken your poultry inside?. No? Me neither.

Another big news story this week has been that "single" that made it to the top of the charts on downloads alone. Before it was even "released". Isn't that prone to the very apex of chart rigging? Surpassing the days when retailers had to write sales down and people who worked in chart return shops had cart blanche to list their fave at every turn. Of course in these days. The good old days before computerised stock checking and god knows what else, this was carried out in good faith. I'm not saying that a mass download was planned or even undertaken but isn't it distinctly possible that this placing was gotten through subterfuge? Couldn't I just sit here and download something again and again for it to register? Like sending your family and their family and a slew of other people to buy copies of an actual single you made in a bid to secure chart notoriety? It strikes me that this is a system open to abuse. They haven't got to the point where it's limited to one download per household. And what if every member of said household just has to have that "track" on their bloody iPod? Preferring to support the artist rather than just cop a dub of their old fella or wummin (delete as applicable). More power to 'em if that's the way they pulled it off because the Top 20 is such a mire that they're welcome to it. One of the only pleasures I get is to sit and watch Top Of The Pops (on whatever night they switch it to) and seeth. That's how fucked things are around here. If it weren't for the prospect of The Sopranos (cheers H) then I dunno what I'd do.

Go outside? You can forget that... i'm feart of catching that bird flu if I walk past a refrigerator o' chicken or whatever. You can't take any chances, like, ken?

"hi kids,

if you can pull yourself off the easter bunny and chocolate over the next couple of weeks come and see The Phobics roll away the stone for easter at Indie Spin on Wednesday 26 April 2006

it's at The Rhythm Factory , 16-18 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1EW. and only a fiver in for 5 (count em) doses of rock n roll. nearest tubes are whitechapel or aldgate east.

8pm start five bands plus DJ Wayne Bootleg. "An evening of alternative and new sounds" (dunno which we come under!!)

GNA ( Global Noise Attack )... industrial rock theatre.
The Phobics .......you know what we do.
The Spider House ...NW London songsmithquartet Glorious...delivering sharp 3 minute gems
Plus... an exciting act , come and find out for yourself !

we'll be checking your hands and feet for holes so make sure you have one of our fliers cos they'll pay us if there's enough of ya.

help the poor and needy, dance to the beat of the living dead and see us finish a set with all members concious

tom"

Just incase you haven't got the energy to go to Eric's site and follow the link to the World Cafe interview like Little Randy suggested in his comment then here's a direct conduit. A British (inter)National treasure on American Radio.

Kingly Books launch Val Lewton's "No Bed Of Her Own" at Mono this coming Wednesday 12th April at 8pm... more details here.

I should be outta here by now but the flesh is weak and the spirit is even less willing but needs must. Anyway, some info to convey...

As well as the Amy Rigby/Wreckless Eric show in London tomorrow night (Friday 7th), The Dirty Water Club plays host to Chris Wilson and those Groovin' Flames of his.

While over in Stockholm, Debaser plays host to the all star Link Wray tribute.

Dave from Gloria Club in Paris has relayed the news that The Remains will be shaking some of their particular action a week from tomorrow (Friday 14th April)...



And if you're heading for Madrid, then the Louie Louie bar is one hangout where they don't partake of anything but the finest musical entertainment.
So there you have it. For my sins I won't be able to attend any of 'em but feel free to rub in what I'll no doubt be missing.

RIP - Gene Pitney

An excellent obit by Dawn Eden, here.

(Link courtesy of JD King)

Catch one of these (Wreckless) Eric and Amy (Rigby) shows over these next few days (if you're about)...

April 5th St. Bonaventure's Club, Berkeley Road, Bishopston, Bristol

April 7th The Plough, Walthamstow, London

April 8th The Granary, High Street, Buckingham

April 10th The Prince Albert, Trafalgar Street, Brighton

Next weekend we have the gigundo record fair here in town once again. If you're headin' this way, you might wanna check the festivities at the dB‘s club on saturday night featuring London's mighty Blacktime trio and Jeff Conolly's Teringlyres...

Nick Vahlberg just gave me the heads up that another Swedish institution is selling up. Gunnar Johansson's WILD and WICKED has a blow out, closing sale that includes records, posters and other hard to get stuff at super bargain prices. Check it out!

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die returns to the Rodeo Bar for more rootin', tootin' Tuesday shenanigans, friend, but shall we see YOU there? We hope the answer is a resounding "quite possibly". Sincerely, Michael

April 12: O'Ceallaigh in Groningen. Open 21:30, band on at 22:45.

So yeah, a few bits and pieces here that should keep you back from doing what you ought to be doing. Like chores, etc.

I recently discovered a guy called MC Lars who is playing at King Tuts in Glasgow tomorrow night. I was gonna roll along to see him but the show has been sold out for weeks. Seems like the bush telegraph still works. Anyway, it’s savvy, funny and completely irreverent. Punk flavoured Hip hop for people who don't necessary relate to that demographic as a rule. Hear him for yourself.

The great Richard Stim has been making his presence felt at YouTube. He has 4 films on there including one of his commute between Sutro Heights and Berkeley and also the clip for MX80’s “We’re An American Band”. Neither you or I are worthy of his genius.

Jeremy Gluck knew Buffalo Bill. Details here.

The long awaited second Yayhoos album is just about to come out on the Lakeside Lounge imprint. You can hear every cut on “Put The Hammer Down” at their site. The album will only be available via that portal and at shows. What are you waitin’ for?

The release date of this latest epistle is April 18th but if you’re lucky enough to be in the vicinity of their European shows then maybe you can score a copy upfront of that? The word that separates the DDR from the host of post-Cramps combos is undulate. Their mutant primal blues undulates like the former throbs. They’re possessed by a spirit of undiluted entertainment and this new album on Swami goes a long way to capturing what I imagine that they bring down upon an audience in the, er, flesh. “There Is A Difference” is a great title because it tells it like it is. This isn’t an easy strain of “music” to carry off but you know that these folks mean it. They pummel their Motor City gospel out and you can either go with ‘em or get the heck outta their way because they patently don’t care. There’s an inherent soul in what DDR do, “Lil’ Naked” is a brooding rough diamond of an anthem. It precedes a run through Donnie Elbert’s “Little Piece of Leather” which isn’t an easy song to treat right. There’s a glam transfusion at the intersection of where the NY Dolls headed up Devilgate Drive to the cross street marked Fleshtones. The production offers an olive branch to passers-by that are drawn to the ruckus. It’s cohesive and maybe even radio-friendly without sacrificing an inch of what makes them unique. They even offer up a version of “Amazing Grace" for chrissakes. Viva le “difference” indeed.

Whoa Dad! From The Count Bishops' French fan site: "Denis Vaughan is presently booking dates for The COUNT BISHOPS Tour in Europe for May and June 2006. The line up of band will be original including Dave TICE, Johnny GUITAR, Pat McMULLEN, Paul BALBI. Chiswick Records intend to release a new CD/DVD to coincide with the tour".

So as of today, NBT is another year older and not necessarily wiser. Actually definitely not wiser. Yesterday was of note for another reason entirely, and one that will have ramifications with regard to the BBC here in Scotland.

The one and the only Stewart Cruickshank hung up his senior producer bunnet at Queen Margaret Drive. Ask anyone, Stewart has been responsible for much of what we know as the Scottish music terrain. He's forgotten more than many of us ever thought we knew and leaves several individuals to carry the torch. I hope that doesn't get snuffed out by the corrie-fisted actions of what passes for the hierarchy there. Wish them luck. By the time that BBC Scotland relocates to the south side of the Clyde, who knows what shape it'll be in but all is not completely lost. It just feels like it is.

And wish the good Captain a big bucket of that luck stuff also as he continues to produce the ground-breaking Iain Anderson show for an independent company. The BBC family silver is being "sold" to bolster up the balance sheets. It's a sad indictment on this world we live in but wodjagaunnae dae? On the plus side for Stewart, hopefully he'll get some of his life back and maybe even get to sorting out his record cupboard(s).

If you've ever met Stewart then you'll know that his enthusiasm is infectious. If there were more people like him around then maybe, just maybe I could ease up on the pessimism. So here's to you chief, there's still a lot of rhythm in those auld rockin' bones. May that lum of yours shake, rattle and roll to the bridge.

The Last Record Shop

Link courtesy of Sid Griffin by way of Phil Dennison.

Be Wild, Not Evil - The Link Wray Story by Jimmy McDonough on Perfect Sound Forever

Thanks to Ben Gart for the heads-up.

Messthetics make the Guardian.

"..4 limbs! 3 chords! 2drums! 1busted up guitar!...yes misters 'n' sisters the buzz on the streets of old europa is true.Randy "CAPTAIN DYNAMITE" Hornocker of the world famous stage and recording outfit THE COYOTEMEN is headin' out yonder on his lonesome ownsome.The lucky folks of the european union will be the first to taste the sight and smell of this masked master of moron-o-phonic muck, when THE CAPTAIN treads the boards with his old sparrin' partners LOS CHICOS, in April, in the year of our lord 2006.takin' THE COYOTEMEN black 'n' blue print of masked lucha libre garage rock action to it's barest form CAPTAIN DYNAMITE throws in some illegal moves in the form of country/rockabilly and full on punk-ola'n' y'know it goes without sayin' the big.D. will be sportin' his trade mark wrasslin' hood 'n' fancy duds! "y'now son,"CAPTAIN DYNAMITE told BONGO BUTT magazine in an exclusive interview last month,"this is a test of just how far a brave man can go without a 3 man safety net.I guess i'm sort of a ROCK 'N' ROLL EVEL KNIEVEL, goin' out there in front of those crazy kids with just THE CAPTAIN 'n' his old guitar..but hell, it's easy to carry on churnin' out the hits with 3 other masked mooks.This time around i wannatake music down to another level and bring some razzle dazzle to the one man band arena and prove to the world that a simple wrestlin' man can reach his goals...oh yeah, it also means i get all the beer for myself!"

Catch the CAPTAIN DYNAMITE CAVALCADE OF CRUD at...

NL - UTRECHT : DB'S 12th April
NL - ROTTERDAM :WATERFRONT 13th April
F - PARIS tba :14th April
F - BORDEAUX tba :15tha April

Thanks to Tom Crossley for doing this at such short notice...

The Jacobites/ Mark Mulholland/Knox - 12 Bar London 29 March 2006

"Due to Nikki ‘s recent passing, a gig I was looking forward to, became one that I approached with a fair amount of dread. Lindsay had asked me if I would write a few lines about the gig and I anticipated a few paragraphs. Once I started, the memories came flooding back and as you can’t put your arms around them I thought I’d share them with anyone that cares.

First, a bit of background - I ’m lucky to have been a friend of Nikki’s since the early 80’s when I first met him at a gig at the Africa Centre in Covent Garden after being persuaded to check out a guy who had been described to me as a cross twix Johnny Thunders and Neil Young by an equally old friend of mine Mr Pedro Mercedes.

Being an obsessive Thunders fan I needed little persuasion, but we somehow managed to miss almost all the gig. Pedro and I sheepishly approached Nikki who called us over for a chat. Such was his easy going nature after a few minutes it was like we were long lost friends, not just fans.

We soon did become friends and had many weird and wonderful adventure,s meeting up at almost every Thunders gig in town and at the especially memorable Heartbreakers reunion gigs at the Hacienda and elsewhere. Pedro was also involved in the legendary Pipeline Club in Soho, one of our happiest nights was the time Johnny agreed to play there - more on that night can be found in Nikki’s book which I am sure will come out one day…

I got roped in to play drums (very badly) in a few ad-hoc line ups with Nikki in the mid 80’s, and in return he would often join my band (Bad Karma Beckons) on stage for the odd Dolls/Thunders/T. Rex cover, whenever we shared bills or if he was in town.

Ironically, I last spoke to Nikki after his recent 12 Bar gig and he asked me to email my recollections of us playing together way back then for his autobiography - emails and photos came back and forth and I was really looking forward to fine tuning my addled recollections in person. Unfortunately, I received a call from Nina (Antonia) about the tragic news from New York.

It was fitting that I met up with Nina and Pedro prior to last night’s gig and appropriate that we waited in a pub called “The Angel”, while Dave Kusworth, Darrell Bath and Paul Caton, tonight’s Jacobites were sound-checking.

Off now to the 12 Bar which was filling with many familiar faces of friends and ex band members throughout the years. As reported earlier , Dave decided to go ahead with the gig in memory of Nikki, who of course would have wanted the show to go on!

The atmosphere in the 12 bar was very strange, almost as though Nikki’s aura remained from the last show. All around people were talking about him, exchanging stories and tales in abundance. Without trying to sound like an old hippy, you could feel the love and affection in those four walls.

It was good to see old friends again, some I hadn’t seen for 15 odd years even though the circumstances were sad. I won’t bore you with names because I’m bound to forget to mention someone.

Sadly there were at least a couple of people that had seen Nikki play a only few days ago in the States and who were here to see him again unaware of what happened.

After being warmed up by a solo set by Knox (of the Vibrators) and Mark Mulholland, who someone informed me, has played with Nikki in the past, a good sized crowd squeezed it’s way in front of the tiny stage.

On the wall behind Dave, Darrell and Paul was a large black and white poster of Nikki playing on stage and by the side of it, a single (yellow I think) flower. The 3 Jacobites were seated side by side with acoustic guitars and Paul’s selection of mouth harps.

After brief intros the band took off and stormed through old faves like Big Store, Pin your heart, Kings and Queens, and Fortune and Fame it all seemed to be a bit of a blur but wasn’t at all a sombre affair. Everywhere people were smiling singing and shouting encouragement, banter and requests. I almost expected Nikki’s voice to somehow join in.

The band took it down a little for a touching version of Johnny Thunders’ You can’t put your arms around a memory, dedicated to Nikki, Desperate Dave and JT, which then segued into Lonely Planet Boy - now I had tears in my eyes.

The band requested and received refreshment in the shape of a glass of JD and ice each. And then surprised everyone by playing Peter Sarstedts’ 1969 hit "Where do you go to my lovely?" Slipping in a lovely touch by changing a line the 2nd verse as follows

"You live in a fancy apartment
Off the Boulevard Saint-Michel
Where you keep your Jacobites* records
And a friend of Sacha Distel, yes you do"

(originally *Rolling Stones )

The night finished off with "Silver Street" and "First cut is the deepest", "Bring it on Home" The Faces’ "Debris", "Shame for the Angels".

I said my goodbyes, liberated a poster from the door and bought the latest issue of Bucketful of Brains, which, to cap it has Nikki on the cover and an interview inside.

While writing this, I received an email from the New York Dolls Forum as follows:

Speaking of "old days", the fantastic NEW YORK DOLLS performed a hot 'n' nasty set of classic tunes as well as at least a half dozen new songs at the legendary CBGB's on Tuesday night...Overall, this was a perfect evening of "punk music", and it was nice to hear them dedicate songs to the likes of Nikki Sudden, Arthur "Killer" Kane, and of course, the late, great, Mister Johnny Thunders...

I think Nikki would have felt so proud to get a dedication from a band that meant so much to him.

He lived, breathed, ate and drank rock n roll 24/7. He’ll be sadly missed but thankfully leaves a fine legacy of written and recorded work that deserves your attention.

It’s a shame for the mortals now Nikki’s an Angel."

Tom

From the Dirty Water newsletter/mailout...

ROMEO PRADO, R.I.P.
Romeo Prado, leader of the horn section for Los Angeles band THEE MIDNIGHTERS sadly passed away last weekend. Thee Midnighters, one of my favourite bands, scored a minor hit in the USA with the instrumental "Whittier Boulevard" and also with their version of "Land of 1,000 Dances". With their horn section, they achieved a fantastic mix of garage rock'n'roll and soul, equally adept at knocking out fuzzed-out stompers like "Love Special Delivery" or "Never Knew I Had It So Bad" as they were at lovelorn ballads. These guys were of Mexican heritage and were proud of their background, later recording the funky "Chicano Power". Do yourself a favour and track them down online to read more about them and hear some of their tunes.

HELLO SAFERIDE is Annika Norlin and if there's any justice then this album will make her a huge selling artist outside of Scandanavia. There's something about these songs that really carry. That get under your skin. Not just with the tunes but with the simplicity of the arrangements too. Very quiet and understated but somewhat twisted. A very classy debut chock full of wry little ditties that play out in the dead of night and in the middle of the afternoon with equal aplomb. Like The Concretes or The Wannadies channelled via The Modern Lovers maybe. All I know is that this is a great way to spend 35 minutes. No having to skip tracks. A keeper.

"Hey DollSters!

If you are not busy come along to our farwell show and see us off in style with a sensational line up of supports. All ofr just $10 at the door.

We are off to do 30 shows in Europe and details can be viewed here

See you all at the gig!"

Joey Ramone performs "Eighteen" with Raging Slab and Rick Richards (Georgia Satellites).

And also two Suicide clips here and here

Brought to you by the wonder of YouTube and the good offices of 25million.

The very Reverend Patrick B has had another run in with those Doll Rods...

"DEMOLITION DOLL RODS = DETROIT SOUL

Sunday 26 March at the Dum Dum, Châlon Sur Saone (France) DDR are celebrating their 10th anniversary with a new album “There Is A Difference” and a European to be followed by a US trek. I caught them in Châlon Sur Saone. This time, Christine, who is gonna have a baby (in May) lent her drum kit (no cymbals but who needs them, same for a bass guitar) to another doll, by the name of Tia. "We didn't try out anybody else. Meeting her seemed to be divine providence" declared Danny.
It was the original lineup : Danny, Margaret and sis Christine - who recorded the new album, soulful garage punk blues gospel ... and best album so far. It begins with Margaret's sexiest as ever anthem "Take You Home" and features all time classics like the Gories "Baby Say Uhn !" (90's), Richard and the Young Lions "Open Up Your Door" (60's, other Detroiters – personally, I can’t name one group/artist from Detroit that I don’t like at all, same goes for Memphis) and John Newton "Amazing Grace" (1779). “Difference” is mostly composed of original songs like "Booty Call", with Danny on vocals or "Lil Piece Of Leather" (that already featured on "Broad Daylight" soundtrack, with weaker production. The best way to savour DDR is to see them on stage. That’s the place where they really drive you out of your mind and etch themselves into your soul. The Dum Dum (tribute name to the French group Dum Dum Boys) is a cool place, and so is Michel, the boss. The Vibromaniacs opened with a set composed of 60’s classics (He’s Waiting, Your’re Gonna Miss Me, I wanna Be Your Dog ...), punk covers (Commando, California Über Alles) and a few originals – well, not original but entertaining.
As usual, DDR organise their own equipment. After a quick soundcheck (I didn’t know that had soundchecks, eheh), just time to dress (!) and they’re back on stage. Well in fact the most important in the way they dress is rather what they have not than what they wear. All 3 wear boots and tiny shorts, plus leather bra for Tia, a lace shirt for Danny and a 100 % see thru scarf for Margaret (no pix, sorry).
Tia is very young, adorable, shy and too cute to be a minute over 20 (maybe). Her drumming is simple but effective and her empathy with the others is obvious, especially when Margaret and her make fun of Danny durin his Jimi hendrixesque solo. She also sings during “Baby Say Uhn !”. Margaret is always generous to show her ability as a go-go-goddess. She often drops her guitar, to dance or play the maraccas or to crack the whip. Danny is singing a lot more than on previous tours and it suits him. Being asked "Which musician have you ever wanted to be?" in a recent interview in Mojo, Asia Argento answered, "Danny Doll Rod especially when he used to be in The Gories. You just have to see him playing guitar on-stage in his leather underwear to want to be him." It was a great show and the DDR credo to spread the gospel of rock'n'roll continues unabated. Catch them if they play near (or even far) from your place. At the upcoming show in Ljubljana, Margaret will open the evening with a solo set, her second solo album will be issues soon, the recording is done but a few photos are required to complete the cover. I can’t wait to hear her cover of Roy Orbison’s "Dream Baby". She told That her personal faves were Jonathan Richman and Hasil Adkins and sang one of the crazy songs that Hasil wrote for her."

The news of Nikki Sudden's passing threw me for a loop this morning. He was a tireless and passionate practioner of the rock'n'roll arts and was always a staunch supporter of this NBT shennanigan that's been going for longer than any of us can imagine or perhaps care to remember. My thoughts go out to his friends and family, he was a great bloke and a believer.

And, as we approach the great 30th anniversary of (UK) punk, last night's Eastenders featured the Mitchell brothers heading on down the (2-4-6-8) motorway with a Jam/Clash soundtrack. Not a Bachman Turner Overdrive 8 track to be found. Curiouser still was the background music in a cafe they stopped at, Eddie and The Hot Rods "Get Out Of Denver". Strike a light, Guv.

Ever get the feeling that you're about to be cheated?

RIP - Pete Wells (Rose Tattoo)
(Link courtesy of Trevor Block)

RIP: Nikki Sudden.

An update here.

All round nice guy Niels from the Sack-O-Woes has gone the bloggin' route as well: Eet U Smakelijk.

Heard Ronnie Spector’s version of Amy Rigby’s “All I Want” on the Tom Morton show t’other afternoon and cool as it is with Keef on it and all, it sounds a little clean compared to the original. However, having your song covered by one of the greatest singers that ever opened her yap must be pretty exciting.

The album “Last of the Rock Stars” is released on the High Coin imprint. It doesn’t seem to have that Elliot Murphy tune on it though. If only it could go as far and wide as Tina Turner, it certainly deserves too. Tony Thewlis figures that Keef got his Ronnie’s mixed up and turned up at the wrong session. As Judy Tenuta would say in her trademark brogue, “it could happen”.

Update @ 6.50pm - Amy tells me that AIW will be the single from Ronnie's album.

And talking of Mr Thewlis who is connected with this post in more ways than one, on Friday April 7th, there’s a case of conflicting gigs in London. Amy had Tony in her combo for yon recent UK tour but said combo will be fulfilling their role within Chris Wilson’s Groovin’ Flames at Dirty Water that evening. Across town (?) at The Plough in Walthamstow. Ms Rigby and Mr Goulden will be providing the entertainment that self same night so fill your boots pop pickers! The latter pair also have shows in Bristol, Brighton and Buckingham around that feted day. Next time they'll be playing places that all begin with C.

Today is a tumultuous one in terms of Scots life with the smoking ban in pubs and clubs coming into play. The practice of coming in from a night in either honking of smoke is likely to be a thing of the past although it'll be weird being in The Horseshoe Bar in Glasgow and there not being a smoke haze. However, running the gauntlet of puffers outside of such establishments might result in the odd waft or seven adhering to your garments as you scuttle past wearing oxygen equipent. Or those masks that japanese people wear to keep out the petrol fumes and day to day guffs that go around. It’ll be interesting to see how it all pans out. Most probably in fisticuffs but if it can work in NY and Ireland then who knows.

"Hello Friend,
Care to double your hillbilly pleasure? Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. offers two such opportunities in one week, with not only our weekly Rodeo Bar Tuesday, but also our monthly dose of Otto's Shrunken Head, the happiest place on earth!

TUESDAY, MARCH 28th / And EVERY TUESDAY this Spring / Rodeo Bar /
375 Third Avenue (corner of 27th Street), Manhattan / 10:00 sharp until 12:30 / No cover! And, returning to the home of the tiki gods...

THURSDAY, MARCH 30th / And the LAST THURSDAY of every month / Otto's Shrunken Head / 538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B), Manhattan / 8:00 until 10:00 sharp / No cover! / Featuring DJ Scratchy ("He's yellow...he's square...he's solid state") /

Double the pleasure, indeed! Sincerely yours, Michael"

RIP: Buck Owens.

A Ramones photo exhibition in London. Just shy of 30 years from their Roundhouse debut on July 4th 1976. Time is fleeting right enough... (Link courtesy of Sir Martin of Percival)

This year's TIGERFEST includes a rare east coast show by THE PRIMEVALS. That's the East Coast of Scotland, not the USA. Thanks to Murray for the link.

If you're in the vicinity of Auld Reekie this coming weekend...

"BROTHERS, SISTERS, AUNTS AND UNCLES! It's been long overdue, but the GREASE MONKEYS' first Edinburgh gig of the year's happenin' this Saturday. As well as blastin' out our brand of cranked-up garage punk rock'n'roll, we'll be celebrating/commiserating your last chance to smoke inside a licensed venue in Scotland - so SMOKE 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM!!! ...it's yer last chance to light up while watching live rock'n'roll! Supports come in the form of Glasgow hardy perennials, the POISON SISTERS ...long-standing masters of crafting twisted but catchy punk-edged toons and Edinburgh's very own PLASTIC ADULTS who do a good line in hooky rock/punk tunes. Soo, here's the full gen...........

SATURDAY 25TH MARCH at the CAFE ROYALE BISTRO,
17 West Register Street, Edinburgh (0131 557 4792). Doors: 9pm, £4 entry...hope to see y'all there - remember to bring a spare pack of cigs! Yours in Good Faith......................Jim (Grease Monkeys CEO)"

and if you're not flagging and need to smoke indoors once more before tis forbidden then cut through Waverley Station or head round past the Black Bull to...



"come and smoke your last nightclub fag, or celebrate the end of passive smoking at...... MONDO a GO-GO - Saturday 25th March, in The Loft @ The Venue, Calton Road, Edinburgh. 11pm til 3am, £5/4 before Midnight, £6/5 after. Residents Tall Paul Robinson and Angus will be there to play; 60's, Mod, Garage, Punk, Surf and Psych. But much more important than that will be the Guest DJ presence of Edinburgh Vinyl Guru, Professor Plastic, spining some mighty 60's European Beat and Pop, Soundtracks and Ska - all from the depths of his vinyl vaults."

Something to live for... (other than The Sopranos)

LOOK OUT! LOOK OUT! LOOK OUT! LOOK OUT!

MARY WEISS TO RECORD WITH THE REIGNING SOUND ON NORTON!

Norton Records is proud to announce the signing of Mary Weiss, lead singer of the Shangri-Las, to the Norton cavalcade of stars... Mary is set for a spring NYC recording date with THE REIGNING SOUND... Billy Miller and Greg Cartwright to produce ... Mary is selecting from a batch of great new comps from today's most talked-about songwriters including Greg Cartwright, John Felice, Andy Shernoff, Jackie DeShannon and others TBA... Mary's first album of new material since 1965... Mary is geared up for her return to the studio and STAGE... and so are we! Mary was fifteen years old when she and her sister Elizabeth (Betty) began singing with identical twins Margie and Mary Ann Ganser in their Cambria Heights neighborhood of Queens, New York, as students at Andrew Jackson High School. They soon came to the attention of George "Shadow" Morton and shot into the charts with massive hits on the Red bird label including Remember (Walking In The Sand), Leader Of The Pack, Give Him A Great Big Kiss, I Can Never Go Home Anymore, Give Us Your Blessings and Out In The Streets. The Shangri-Las gave a voice to real teenagers, with Mary's explosive lead vocals delivering emotion packed melodramas that made them one of the most consistently exciting groups of the day. Look for our interview with Mary on the Norton website in April, when you will learn where she's been and where she's going, setting the record straight about her days as a teenage rock n' roll star. Says Mary: "I'm excited by the opportunity to work with Billy, Miriam, some great writers and a kick ass rock n' roll band!" Hail, Mary Weiss, ultimate cultural icon!

Out soon: UGLY THINGS - ISSUE #24 "Special INLAND EMPIRE GARAGE issue with big stories on The Bush and The Mustangs, plus the Rubber City Rebels, Part 2 of Sheridan & Price and Mike & the Ravens, the Flamin' Groovies, the Phantom Brothers, the Stiphnoyds, Willie Alexander & the Boom Boom Band & more".

New 7”e.p. Digger & the Pussycats, live at World Cup 2006! 4 Kick-ass live recordings from yr favourite World Cup-countries from Group A, Group C and Group F (Germany, Holland and Australia that is) Co-release with P-Trash Records from Bielefeld, Germany
For more info see http://www.ptrashrecords.com/startseite.html

Don’t be a moron, catch Digger live on their Eurotour NOW !!! :
Wed Mar 8 - Ekko, Utrecht, Netherlands
Thurs Mar 9 – 013, Tilburg, Netherlands
Fri Mar 10 - Station 77, Wuppertal, Germany
Sat Mar 11 - Kulturpalast, Hannover, Germany
Sun Mar 12 - Patronaat, Haarlem, Netherlands
Mon Mar 13 - 2 Palmiers, Nancy, France
Tues Mar 14 - The Pits, Kortrijk, Belgium
Wed Mar 15 - Tsunami, Koln, Germany
Thurs Mar 16 - Lades Kaelder, Copenhagen, Denmark
Fri Mar 17 - Rock Bottom, Oslo, Norway
Sat Mar 18 - Feelgood, Halden, Norway
Sun Mar 19 – Skylten, Linkoping, Sweden
Mon Mar 20 - Decibel, Oskarsham, Sweden
Thur Mar 23 - Suburbia, Stockholm, Sweden
Fri Mar 24 – Club Idiot, Orebro, Sweden
Sat Mar 25 – Club Showdown, Gothenburg, Sweden
Mon Mar 27 - Hafenklang, Hamburg, Germany
Tues Mar 28 - Black Fleck, Potsdam, Germany
Wed Mar 29 - Wild At Heart, Berlin, Germany
Thurs Mar 30 – Gleis 22, Munster, Germany
Fri Mar 31 - Pretty Vacant, Dusseldorf, Germany
Sat Apr 1 - Dipol, Freiberg, Germany

A FISTFUL OF RECORDS, NOT ON OLD-FASHIONED CD'S BUT ON BRAND-NEW VINYL !!

Punk Rock Comes to Canada. From the CBC Archives.

Destined to be "bigger than gigantic" and coming at you April 10th courtesy of Spit and Polish. Karine Polwart's "Scribbled In Chalk", see the video for "I'm Gonna Do It all" here.

So the intention was to go and see “The Proposition”. However, as it turns out, it wasn’t bloody on so – being in the cinema I decided, agin my inner judgement to see “Walk The Line”. For weeks now I managed to quell the nosey gene but faced with no real alternative I laid the money down. Turns out that my hunch was right all along, it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. It’s watchable enough and, though I’m not a fan, Reese Witherspoon really steals the show. Such as it is. That Phoenix guy reminds me more of Morrissey by way of Chris Isaak than Johnny Cash. Of course if you deck him out in black then it’s like a cloak of invisibility but I’d rather that Lou Whitney had done the voiceover. It’s in the same biopic territory as Ray and the superior “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. All very authentic but missing any real heart and/or soul. It’s no “Great Balls Of Fire” and if you thought that Dennis Quaid didn’t look like Jerry Lee then you want to clock the geezer that plays him in this. “WTL” has none of “Great Balls” raggedy charm. The score is good if slightly homogenized but I think that’s because the real tracks are so familiar to me. It’s a seasoned crew including Peter Case and Tony Gilkyson. My favourite was their rendition of “It Ain’t Me Babe”, there was actually some on-screen chemistry there. The practice of making films about people who haven’t long shifted this mortal coil is something I find uncomfortable. If it introduces the music to an audience that hasn’t been exposed to it then fine but the vehicle is too glossy. Too slick. But ain’t those the breaks…

Website coming soon... stay tuned for that link.

Soon as it's available!

An old NBT mucker caught Radio Birdman recently, read the report here...

Also, there's a match update on the Wreckless Eric/Cynical Girls tag team tour on Mr Goulden's site. All of human life is in these tracts.

Not much in the way of gigs around here but further afield, The Alex Chilton Trio will be in Europe and will be Whelan's in Dublin on Tuesday 25th April. Those Fleshtones are headed for Scandanavia at the start of May, Olso (3rd), Helsinki (4th), Stockholm (5th), and Gothenburg (6th). Click HERE for venue info.

In addition to the Link show,The Nomads have a show just outside of Frankfurt called DARMSTADT at Goldene Krone on May 13 together w/ the Doits (also from Stockholm).

Mr Crider tells me that the finalisedMono Men SPANISH ATTACK dates are as follows...
April 12 - Vitoria @ Helldorado,
April 13 - Ponferrada @ Freakland Festival
April 14 - Madrid @ Gruta 77

As always, Stockholm is the place to be for action-packed rock'n'roll antics. Sheriff (I assume that makes sense to the locals?) and Debaser on April 7th for a stellar line up saluting Mr Link Wray.

What's up with that?

Wed. 4/19 - Winston, Amsterdam Holland w/ Sonic Litter, Reputation
Thu. 4/20 - Trefkoel, Groningen Holland
Fri. 4/21 - King Calavera, Hamburg Germany w/ Divine Brown
Sat. 4/22 - Club Showdown, Gothenburg Sweden w/ The Shocker
Sun. 4/23 - Elm Street, Oslo Norway
Mon. 4/24 - Sluggy will be DJ-ing at the BUZZCOCKS show in Gothenburg
Tue. 4/25 - WE DON'T KNOW !! HELP US OUT !!
Wed. 4/26 - Feelgood, Halden Norway
Thu. 4/27 - Orebro, Sweden, TBC
Fri. 4/28 - Vernissa, Vantaa Finland
Sat. 4/29 - Vastavirta-Klubi, Tampere Finland
Sun. 4/30 - ???, Stockholm Sweden
Mon. 5/1 - ???, Malmo Sweden
Tue. 5/2 - WE DON'T KNOW !! HELP US OUT IN NORTH GERMANY
Wed. 5/3 MDC practise
Thu. 5/4 MDC practise
Fri. 5/5 MDC Wasted fest
Sat. 5/6 Tenne Musikkneipe, Hoehr-Grenzhausen Germanyw/ M.D.C.
Sun 5/7 MDC + Nitwitz Rotterdam Holland TBC
Mon 5/8
Tue 5/9
Wed 5/10 - TBC Spain
Thu. 5/11 - Pub Districte, Sant Carles de la Rapita Spain
Fri. 5/12 - Festival, Lleida Spain w/ Saratoga, Primal Fear
Sat. 5/13 - Billy Cool, Bilbao Spain w/ Torazinas
Sun. 5/14 - Sala Jam, Bergara Spain w/ Señor No
Mon. 5/15 - Mogambo, Donosti (st. Sebastian) Spain w/ Señor No
Tue. 5/16 - Edaska, Barakaldo Spain w/ Señor No
Wed. 5/17 - L'Ile aux Tresors, Limoges France
Thu. 5/18 - Club TBC, Paris France
Fri. 5/19 - Cul-de-Sac, Tilburg Holland
Sat. 5/20 - TBC, Hoogeveen Holland
Sun. 5/21 - Amsterdam, Holland

Hey, hey, hey Kits'n'Kittens! There's a double-dose of Sonic Reducer action next weekend! We'll be a-rockin'n'sockin' on Saturday nite up at Filthy MacNasty's, dishing our patented, superlative muss'n'fuss of barmy funk, lairy beat, scintillatin' soul, good-gawd-y'all gospel, gripping garage punk, mutant rock'n'drool, and The Singing Postman, with special guest DJ Captain Rex Standish (RCA MGB RKO DiPso) of the justly-revered 50 Watts Of Power club. As per, we'll be showin' a loada vintage footage on the biiiig screen and, it being St Pat's, there'll also a free packet of Tayto crisps with each pint of Guinness purchased! Gratis potato products AND the Big Beat, free! Truly, we live in wondrous times ...
Captain Standish will also be taking control of rudder and throttle next Sunday evensong, when he'll be piloting The Stripchords through a set of saucy bump'n'grind instrumentals at The Large Club, a hep night at Bethnal Green Working Mens' Club. 'Big' Alan Milliner's shindig also feature the organ styling of Rory More, and post-set tuneage from yer ever-loving Sonic Reducer Tag Team DJs.
Having been rehearsing furiously in their North London smut space, The Stripchords are proud to reveal that they'll be debuting some new tunes next Sunday, including "Voodoo Clam", "The Dirty Burglar", and a cover of "Love Potion Number 9". Plus, this tits'n'twang-centric aggregation have collated a fresh'n'fruity line-up of vintage 8mm cheesecake films for your titillation - as ever, curated by Mr Jim Bishop. Check out The Stripchords. So, izzat a double date?

See ya at the bar(s)! Selah Joss & Joe

Sonic Reducer @ Filthy MacNasty's, 68 Amwell Street, London EC1V

Nearest Tube is Angel / King's Cross

Saturday March 18th, 7pm-11.30pm, FREE ENTRY

The Stripchords

March, 19 2006 at The Large Club

Bethnal Green Working Men's Club, London, E2 6NB 7.30pm-midnite

Cost: £4, free before 9pm

Further info

The Sonic Reducer Tag Team will also be spinning 45s after The Stripchords' set.

Bettie Page in the LA Times
(Thanks to Lisa F. for the link)

"HELLO, HELLO ...AND HELLO AGAIN!

THE GREASE MONKEYS are supporting UNCLE JOHN & WHITELOCK this Wednesday at Oran Mor (on the corner of Byres Road & Great Western Road) in Glasgow

WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH at ORAN MOR, Great Western Road, doors: 7.30, first band: possibly as early as 8, tickets: £7

...yeah, I know £7 is pretty steep - there's a big buzz around UJ&W at the mo' - they sold out King Tuts early January, but they're actually pretty damn good!"

A Fleshtones tribute?

Although it'll probably be Slush Central in a few hours, there's a veritable Billie Jo Spears situation out of doors. A blanket on the ground (for those not familiar with the country chanteuse). I made the antarctic trek for the Sunday paper and got splattered by a show plough for my trouble. Anyway I is back, dried off and not planning to leave the ol' "midden heid" again today. Compared to some places this 6 or 8 inch fall is nothing but it's causing chaos throughout Central Scotland today and certainly the most snow I can remember since maybe 1992 or thereabouts.

"Greetings, dear friend, from your trusted source in Hillbilly-styled entertainment, Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.!

Please join SIT & Die Co. at the RODEO BAR on TUESDAY, MARCH 14th, for the opening night of our new rootin' tootin' Tuesday residency, won't you? It'll be our first show of the year -- and on hand will be everyone's favorite gypsy, THE BABY MARIA, joining us for three colossal sets beginning at 10pm sharp. The show's free and so are the peanuts!

TUESDAY, MARCH 14th and EVERY TUESDAY this Spring!

Rodeo Bar
275 Third Avenue (corner of 27th Street), Manhattan / Three colossal sets, at 10:00, 11:00 & 12:00 sharp / No cover!

Also, for the tiki lover in you...

THURSDAY, MARCH 30th and the LAST THURSDAY of every month!

Otto's Shrunken Head,
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B), Manhattan / 8:00 until 10:00 sharp / No cover!

Sincerely, Michael, "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

Death rattle from the tombs...

DEMOLITION DATES...

The Doll Rods will be making an assault on sections of Europe as follows... their new album "There Is A Difference" is heading your way courtesy of Swami.

Shows list updated 18/03

march 24 France tba
march 25 France St Etienne Thunderbird
march 26 France Chalon Dum Dum
march 27 Switzerland tba
march 28 Switzerland Zurich
march 29 Croatia Varazdin Gimnet
march 30 Slovenia Ljubljana Orto Club
march 31 Italy Cineglio Zion Rock Club
april 1 Italy Cavriago Calamita
april 2 Italy Roma
april 3 Italy Lecce Candle
april 4 Italy Madonna del Albero Bronson
april 5 Italy Torino Spazio 211
april 7 Italy Vitoria at Helldorado
april 8 Spain Santona Tropicana
april 9 Spain Castellon Ricoamor
april 10 Spain Madrid at El Juglar
april 11 Spain Madrid Gruta 77
april 12 Spain Caceres Belle Epoque
april 13 Spain Ponferrada Freakland festival
april 14 Spain Orense at Rock Club
april 15 Spain Andoain at Gaztetxe
april 16 France Marmande garorock

Photo by Fabrizio Costantini

No this isn't a radio show about me, PRETTY ANCIENT was discovered by Martin Percival because those REZILLOS have been asked to participate.

I hope that BBC 6 have asked Wreckless Eric along... anyway, I suppose we're gearing up for a 30 years of scenario as 2006 unfolds. Christ, NBT is nudging that vintage itsel'.

Hello Cleveland.... if you're in the vicinity of this establishment then please take a wee schlep along to see my buddy Jon's fine work. He da man!

THE STRIPCHORDS comin' atcha courtesy of myspace... for once my pc never crashed when entering that stratosphere.

Dollsquad have a release coming up on the Teen Sounds label outta Italy and will be hitting up Blighty on Friday 14th April at DIRTY WATER with THE HOLLYWOOD SINNERS (Spain) + THE HIGHER STATE with Mole & Martin (both former membes of The Mystreated) DJing.

Mark it in what's left of yer mynds...

This is the high society...