You know all these soothsayers banging on about "the great satan" and all that? I think the reportage was misheard and what they were actually foretelling was the great "Sator". As rock-tastic returns to form go this one flies out of the starting blocks and hardly takes a breather. They even make a brief stop at Pig Valley Beach along the way. "Basement Noise" is exactly what you get. The perfect blend of Redd Kross-type pop crunch with all that Ramonic buzzsaw riffola we've come to expect across the years. All topped off with a sprinkling of teenage heavy metal thunder that'd put the collywobbles up combos many years their junior. The strength of this album lies in the fact that they made it for themselves first and foremost. The fact that it turned out to be a pedigree champion is the proverbial icing. Sator pack a sizeable wallop and remind me of a hopped up Teenage Fanclub. Acres of fine tunes, coming at you one after another. What Chips Kiesbye doesn't know about primo punk rock isn't worth knowing and if you ever get a chance to see them hammer it out in person then you should take it. Imagine if (The) Status Quo was born of CBGB's then they might well have come up with "The Ghost Of My Control". "Goodbye Joey" is the latest in a line of fine songs that namecheck the great man. Thirteen cuts of bespoke rock action, straight outta Stockholm. Where else?

Barrow Square, Clarendon Dock, Belfast June 30th - July 2nd 2006

As the 30th anniversary of their UK debut looms, Those Ramones continue to infiltrate every strata of our daily existence with their version of "Baby I Love You" being used for the latest KFC ad. The ever vigilant Martin Percival found reference to the brudders in the Financial Times and also at the other end of the spectrum, this Ramones name generator(?).

The Hello Saferide ep is out today (June 14th) and Joey is namechecked (along with Audrey Horne) in an Esquivel-flavoured tune called "The Best Night Of Your Life". Make this cool breeze the sound of your summer.

PUNK Magazine Is Coming Back..!...

Hello Friend,
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. is going uptown this week -- all the way uptown! Indeed, please join us this Saturday in the lovely Riverdale section of the Bronx for the monthly "Riverdale Round-Up" at An Beal Bocht Cafe, an Irish bar that defines the term. (Umm, "Irish bar", that is.) Your "Round-Up" host, Karen Hudson, promises trivia, prizes and song, and we have no reason to believe that Karen would fib. Oh, and there'll be shepherd's pie, to boot!

SATURDAY, JUNE 17TH / "RIVERDALE ROUND-UP" / An Beal Bocht Cafe /
445 West 238th Street (between Waldo and Greystone) /

Show starts at 9:30, with SIT & Die Co. sets at 10:00 and 11:00 / No cover charge!

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

Sonic Reducer returns, Saturday June 17th!
All hail kits'n'kittens
Yer ever-lovin' Sonic Reducer crew returns to the fray, armed with the finest 45rpm ammo on Saturday June 17th, at a spiffy new venue! As per, your hosts BigKegShandy and TeenSlain will be spinning only the finest soul, garage, punk, funk, country, rock'n'roll, analogue synth, and mutant blues platters in the well-appointed gallery space at the justifiably celebrated Spitz venue in Londinium's Spitalfields Market, on Saturday nights, once a month. Entry is FREE, there's a lovely terrace to relax on, a seriously well-stocked bar to quaff from, and we now run from 7pm-1am! So hoist up yer drawers, check yer change, and make ready for a gratis sesh of backbone-slipping thrills at the all-new, everso-improved Sonic Reducer! Guest DJs to be announced shortly ... See ya at the bar! Selah The Sonic Reducer Tag Team
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sonic Reducer @ The Spitz (gallery space) June 17th & July15th & August 12th & September 16th Spitalfields Market, Londinium E1 7pm-1am, FREE ENTRY , Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street.

The Darling Downs – How Can I Forget This Heart Of Mine?

Kim Salmon and Ron Peno cast as an antipodean latter day Louvin Brothers? Well, this is about as far away from “Swampland” and “Mirror Blues” as you’re likely to get. Bridging a gap between folk and country with a spare, plaintive air. I think there’s always been an affinity with country music in Australia, in much the same way as there is in Scotland. It’s locked into the dna. It’s only fitting that an Appalachian mood could infect a simple acoustic format such as this and the result is an accomplished feat of beating the Americana subculture at its own game. Kim cast as a different type of backwoods man as he sings about with The Scientists. Maybe. Anyway, this is available outside Oz on The Handsome Family’s Carrot Top imprint. Dark and foreboding but with all hope not quite abandoned. Play after twilight.

I interrupt my heavy rotation of the Hello Saferide EP to bring you this info on what’s hot on the HQ stereo from Slovenia…

Stirje Pravi Dedci translates as something approximating “gang of four” but in a more spiritual team sense. Not the Chinese communist angle that informed their UK forebears. Anyway, this posthumous release presents a discordant funk bridge between The Fun Lovin’ Criminals and The Screaming Blue Messiahs. Muscular and rhythmic crime jazz that rocks. The songs are told like stories over a distressed guitar bass and drum attack. One of ‘em is a CZD cover recorded for a tribute to that unique combo which has still to see the light of day. SPD included the great Igor (BIGor) Basin in its ranks and the bass player is now with Crazed Farmers.

Crazed Farmers “Because” continues their unabated fusion of influences to create an organic fusion of sound that’s practically unclassifiable. Eastern European Cajun Hardcore is just one facet of their oeuvre. This one was produced by Tim Kerr who has had to rope these rogue wildcards to harness a focussed direction for the noise. The version of “Psychotherapy” here is virtually unrecognisable except for their glowing eyes. Sounds like it was recorded by people who’d just been given a double dose. Whereas Gershwin’s “Summertime” is positively baroque. You always know that you’re on to something when an accordion is thrown into the mix and there are cool sprinkles of that here. Žiga and his band of reprobates aren’t afraid to break eggs on their quest to take their noise to the next level. This is a cohesive experiment which will be ongoing, so don’t say you weren’t warned.

Pankrti 06 is a tribute compilation to Llubjlana’s most notorious punk rock combo who have just reactivated in recent weeks. I’m not familiar with the source material but judging by these songs they were more than a match for many of the Western exponents of that ’77 sound. This includes versions of Pankrti songs by the aforementioned CZD and Crazed Farmers as well as surf intonations by The Bitch Boys and some risqué triphop from Gušti and Polona. A broad canvas. I think that it’s worth pointing out here that the youth in this territory were way more at risk of having the authorities cart them off than any spotty oik here in the UK. Eastern European punks were a far hardier breed because they risked being locked up for their beliefs. These kids were prepared to take on the authorities and what they’ve got going now is a testament to that. They made a difference. I’m not sure that punk did here, not the way it’s been absorbed into the mainstream and homogenised. We tend to take things for granted here on this sceptic isle.

“One Day It Will Please Us To Remember Even This”, the upcoming New York Dolls comeback is way better than any of us could have hoped for. However, having seen the NYD movie about Arthur, the fact that it stands up maybe isn’t so much of a surprise. When you think of the shite records that Iggy has made since The Stooges – and I tend to lump The Idiot and LFL among those, and "Skull Ring" – this is all the more remarkable. Of course, Johnny. Jerry and Arthur are gone but Dave and Syl still have the chops. They’re not afraid to send themselves up either. “Evolution is obsolete” is the message in “Dance Like A Monkey” and well, now that the truth is out then we might as well make like the apes. The band sound good without coming on like a carbon copy of the original, untouchable and unstable ingredients. The spirit is intact. That’s what matters. That’s all that ever fucking mattered.

(Thanks to Brian for the copy of this – that’s one guy that never stopped believing)

Just heard something on the news about “intelligence” and that big police raid in London last Friday or whenever it was. Talk about leaving yerself wide open… Anyway, it’s the 11am bulletin because Wreckless Eric was on Jonathan Ross. The "play it again" feature is a real godsend for situations where you just can’t be in front of the radio. Of course, you WANT to be but it isn’t possible sometimes. Even the most seasoned shut-in has to venture outdoors now and again. I had to go and have an eye test. Some would say I should have had my napper checked at the same time but the offer wasn’t made. I’m sure the relevant authorities are keeping tabs on the situation. But anyway, I’m safely back indoors. Not basking in the sun here, in Florida or anywhere else. This is just a hobby for me, etc. Got a bunch of music to tell you about. Eventually.

So this is working again now? I hope the "migrating databases" angle works because it's been a right royal pain the arse trying to post stuff this past couple of days. Not that I'm complaining exactly but one expects these newfangled addictions to be available as and when necessary. On top of that, it's abnormally hot so you're getting the picture. I doubt if there's anybody less interested in this tournament over in Germany that will take over much of the media for the next month than me. If there is then I salute you.

Anyway, will try to play catch up with the e-mail and news backlog over the weekend. You've heard that one before I know. It's like the postal order from Australia. But you never can tell. David Johansen is on the Janice Forsyth Show on BBC Radio Scotland tomorrow at 10am. It's a funny ol' world and no mistake. When we were basking in the glow of watching The Dolls on the Whistle Test all those moons ago, who woulda thunk it?

Wreckless Eric's pension plan (I hope)... (with thanks to Joris for the link)

All the fun you can stand... Midsummer in Stockholm!

MONDO A GOGO @ LAST NIGHT OF THE VENUE. The Edinburgh Nightclub Institution opens its doors to close them for the last time, and we are very honoured to be spinning the tunes on the top floor for this very special night. This will be part of a 3-floor (one door entry) event. Entry £10 on the night. Tickets £8 available from Ripping Records, South Bridge, and Ticket Scotland. Would advise being early if you've no got a ticket. DJ's Tall Paul Robinson and Angus will be there - playing 60s, Garage, Mod, Soul, Beat, and Ska.

Saturday 10th June, 11pm til 3am, in The Loft @ The Venue, Calton Road.

Neil Young busking outside Glasgow Central Station in 1976. Only on Youtube! You can clearly see what would become the entrance to the Shoeshine/Spit and Polish Empire in the background as the camera pans around. Where do the folks that post on YT find this stuff? Thanks to Paul Kerr for the link.

Which member of the New York Dolls are you?

You're Billy Murcia!Poor Poor Billy M. Your Hot, talented, and OH SO tragic. You like to drink and party AND fight with people, (this gets you into some trouble sometimes). You don't always make the best choices but youre still wonderful, original, and the best of your time. Youre the type everyone needs, and misses dearly when youre gone. Congrats man, you're almost perfect.(Billy Murcia was the original drummer for the NYD who tragically drowned while intoxicated sometime during a party (he took the night off from hanging with the band after a vicious and embarassing attack by David Jo, soon after Jerry takes the floor but things are never the same, loved by all he proved to be the personality AND the crisis).
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RIP: Billy Preston

Tarnation! According to the timepieces around here, that last missive should have been an ol' 666 special but mysterious forces (of maybe dodgy clocks) threw it off course. This final attempt at making such a ritualistic posting is clearly something that the de'il is making me dae. Or whatever.

Spooky, this one was sent taking into account the time difference and according to the blogger clock, it was the same as the computer time. Now I'm spooked. It obviously wasn't meant to be. How could this have happened? Maybe it'll blow up into a major news story by the end of the day?? And then again, perhaps it willnae.

Fuck it. I'm in the huff now.

So here we are, the end of the world, some person called Auntie Christ is said to be making an appearance right about now, and there's a remake of The Omen to help it along. I'm surprised its not a Public Holiday with Hallmark cards to help it along but hey, y'can't have everything. Or indeed anything. Anyway if we're still around, here's a date for your diary...

"...16 (stone) forever! THE CAMPUS TRAMPS come out of the closet for a bit of hi-vaultage "hows your father?" rock 'n' roll at the CORN ROCKET CLUB london on the 12th August. It'll be an afternoon set, before the band heads off to witness THEE MIGHTY COYOTEMEN do battle with THE NIGHTS OF THE NEW CRUSADE that very same night at the DIRTY WATER CLUB...'n' if the Tramps can manage to still speak to each other after the show they MIGHT drag their fat arses to play the ROTTERDAM RUMBLE when September comes..."

Those Boonaraaa girls are back and the seven songs on this teaser disc for the prospective new album are all crackers. If there’s a label out there that’s looking for top of the range femme punk rock’n’roll action then let me know and I’ll make the introduction. This is high octane and real, not some fake hipster pantomime. The B’s pound it out with an exhilarating gusto which they can more than deliver live. So yeah, this short sharp burst of energy really hit the spot. Better than a crate of Red Bull.

Coming as it did after a particularly turbulent week, those cobwebs were well and truly consigned to the dumper. Six pop-tastic originals and a cover of Fabian’s “Stop Thief” is the fare that's come together and they’re working on (I think) another 7 to complete the long-awaited follow up to Go Get Goo Goo. Can’t come soon enough for my liking…




The girls are playing at the Sounds Of The Suburbs festival on September 16th in Essen, Germany with all manner of daft punk (not the French duo) acts past and present including The Boys (Yeah!) and Cockney Rejects (Jury is out on that one). Could be quite a ruckus. Before that they have a show on July 15th in Coburg - Outside Rodeo - Bei Adam / Germany + The Schogettes

RIP - Vince Welnick (The Tubes)

“Would You Let Me Play This EP 10 Times A Day?” is the new Hello Saferide EP which comes out on June 14th. You can order one now HERE. It follows seamlessly on from the “Introducing…” album that’s been on heavy rotation here since its arrival that seems like only yesterday. There’s a raucous quiet majesty to this material which makes it seem almost understated. The neuroses are intact and Annika’s apparent losses are very much our gain because these songs, lyrically and structurally are sublime. By the time the torch-soul classic “Leaving You Behind” fades out you’ll feel like you’ve been through the wringer. The Colliery band style brass will give you chills or at least it does me. These 5 songs are world class snapshots of what real music is capable of. When all the hype and bullshit that we’re bombarded with daily/hourly is washed away then there’s something like this to pick you up no matter how far you reckon you’ve fallen. Recorded and mixed in less than a week, HS oozes grace. The like of which many lesser acts could never capture in four times that. Here’s to the next big Swedish export, remember where you heard about it – perhaps not first – but at least early.

Lost the plot somewhere between last night and today. Meant to list a bunch of shows like the last live music night at STEREO in Glasgow, presumably before it moves to its new location. There's also the Shock and Awe/Electra thing at Opium in Edinburgh and Robin Guthrie at The Cameo cinema. These are happening tonight and if you're looking for last minute kicks then go for it.

A little further afield there's HEAVY TRASH in Newcastle this coming Tuesday (June 6th) at The Cluny. This is the furthest North they're coming so...

I had to make a move in tidying up the HQ garden area and now I'm paying for it allergy-wise so nae gallavanting for me. Incessant sneezing during a set is not an attractive quality to my mind, particularly if it includes spray. So best stay in the bunker, Bigor and Ziga will be on Radio Student tonight doing a show about the recent All Tomorrows Parties weekend that included the Mudhoney-curated day.

The brief spells of what passes for summer seem to be upon us. I saw sights earlier today that endorse this belief and there's only so much bright white blubber a guy can stand. Surely "let it all hang out" shouldn't be taken so literally, particularly around eating times. But heck, it takes all sorts and the rain will be back soon enough. On that upbeat notion...

Update at 8.22pm... the Radio Student ATP review is in full swing and where else could you possibly catch The Scientists back to back with Teenage Fanclub? Not in this chuffing country that's for sure.

Been listening to the Bob Dylan Theme Night XM shows and he's been playing some great stuff. Imagine the surprise of hearing him open the "baseball" show with The Skeletons version of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" from the 1988 NBT release, "In The Flesh". That and 7 new Boonaraaas songs in the mail. I'm sure it's all heading down the swannee from here...

RIP - Stinky Sono Buoni (Mad Daddys)

This is the closest you'll come on this site to anything to do with the impending football bollocks that is set take over most (allegedly normal) people's lives in a weeks time. For Wreckless Eric, I'll make an exception. The video is HERE.

Being asked to compile this beastie was a trip. How do you whittle a catalogue like that of The Nomads down to just one disc? Of course, the band is familiar to NBT regulars but there are many thousands out there who have yet to have the pleasure. First exposure to these guys is up there with the first time you saw “It’s a Wonderful Life” or some other life-changing cultural event. Like watching The Sopranos. Check out the Mike Judge style cover art which shows the Kings of this particular hill getting ready to play a 25th anniversary show at Debaser, Stockholm this Midsummer. The set includes one brand new cut, “Ain’t No King of R’n’R Tonight”, the rare Dom Galna Hundarna belter “Skolsången” and killer liner notes by Jan Gradvall. So here’s to the best of the first 25 years and also to the next. Here’s a combo that’s at the very top of it’s game and showing no signs of fading. Raise a glass and toast their ability to raise a real boss racket whilst blasting their music as loud as your asbo (that's anti-social behaviour order for non-British citizens) will allow. Here’s the tracklist…

1. (I’m) Out of It
2. Wasn’t Born To Work
3. Primordial Ooze
4. Ain’t No King of R’n’R tonight
5. The Way (You Touch My Hand)
6. Where The Wolfbane Blooms
7. The Fast Can’t Lose
8. Call Off Your Dogs
9. Crystal Ball
10. The King of Night Train (single version)
11. She Pays the Rent
12. Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls
13. Fire and Brimstone
14. Don’t Pull My Strings
15. The Goodbye Look
16. Twilight Fades
17. Bad Vibes
18. Salvation by Damnation
19. I Can’t Wait Forever
20. Skolsången

Pre-order your copy at CD ON now. Release date is June 25th.

Bloody June 1st already? I must be getting old because time is verily racing by. Time is a precious commodity and it’s at a premium around here. It’s practically a week since Mary Lee’s Corvette was here and if you’re here in the UK, the shows are all over. You missed a rare old treat. Smash Palace did a great job of delivering a twang-tastic backdrop to let the material fly the way it does on record. Mayhap because Stephen Butler was heavily involved in harnessing what has become Love Loss and Lunacy. Anyway, hopefully it won’t be too long before the ‘vette can shoot back this way again. Check the MLC site for details of Stateside shows to celebrate the domestic release. This includes a schlep out west with Eric Ambel and the Roscoe Trio. If there’s somewhere I’d like to be tonight then that’d be Llubljana. Limbering up for an appearance by HQ favourites, The Bambi Molesters. I’m practicing my astral travelling in the vague hope that I can leave my earthly shackles and scoot over there but I’m fairly certain that I’ll have to make do with watching the dvd documentary at home. One of these days though, one of these days…

Congratulations to Jackson Heights residents, Laura Cantrell and Jeremy Tepper on the world debut of Miss Isabella May Cantrell Tepper. Born May 27th. I trust all is well and she'll have her own show at Sirius before we know it. All the best...

I came home tonight with every intention of trying to get caught up on stuff I think you oughtta know about. However, this has proved to be another bum steer for a number of reasons which I'll spare you. The continued lack of activity will be rectified eventually. Possibly later rather than sooner but willing as the spirit is, that nasty ol' flesh is verging on comatose. Meanwhile, thanks for dropping by. There's a ton of stuff in the ol' sidebar for you to peruse while we here get to grips with the day to day. There's so much I want to tell you about the new Hello Saferide EP, there really is, but it'll have to wait just a wee bit longer.

Primal Scream were on Top of the Pops playing their latest identikit, cut and shut “single” last night. This one reminds me of, I think it’s “The Shape I’m In” by The Band, and also The Faces playing “Cadillac Ranch”. I always saw them as nothing more than the result of a curated record collection. There’s never been any passion involved in their fare (for me). Like that tosser from The Brian Jonestown Shenanigan.
The Scream have also appropriated Shirley Ellis’ “Nitty Gritty” and grafted on a call to “shake some action”. Unlike The Cramps who provided source material to be mined which educated many generations, The “Scream” just galumph through a perceived “cool” footbath. Utter bollocks. As is the fact that it’s Monday morning, NOT a holiday here so it’s time I was hauling my carcass outta here. Both the flesh and the spirit are at a very low peep. When is (inter)national call in sick day?

Stockholm this coming Friday (June 3rd)... Check out the Gearclub site for further info on this and upcoming shows...

RIP - Desmond Dekker

CBGB's Hilly Kristal for the NYC Hall of Fame

Go here and nominate Hilly for the NYC Hall of Fame

After the ordeal he went through trying to keep his club open last year, it would be a nice tribute...

**Hollywoods Premiere 6t's Psych Club!**
$5 B4 11pm, $8 after, Under 21 $10. The Ramada Inn @ 1160 N. Vermont
Dee Jays: Tony the Tygerr, Jason Ringgold, Leenda Karina, Lord Albert Cozzette III
oh yeah, wear your dancing shoes cuz this is a dance party!

I dunno, maybe the world is finally catchin' up with me. But besides the Jesse Hector CD mentioned below, there's also a new CD-single out by the mighty Count Bishops with two previously unreleased tunes. No word yet on the promised Euro tour, but rest assured you'll be the first to know as soon as any news reaches HQ.

Update: Oh well: "The COUNT BISHOPS tour in Europe for May and June 2006 is cancelled"...

Gorilla Garage is the title of a new Jesse Hector CD anthology on the RPM label. Haven't seen a copy yet, but the tracklistin' and RPM's general high standards in packagin' makes this one a must have anyways... If you're unfamiliar with this stuff, be prepared to be blown away into some previously unimagined distance...

"Auld age doesnae come itsel'" is an expression that's used around these parts. Just recently my powers of recall and indeed organisation have taken a real dive. Even dealing with e-mail and simple tasks. Earlier today, I forgot Steve Earle's name. No big deal I hear you say but in the context that I was trying to remember, it bloody is. It gave itself up eventually but not without much racking of the canyons. There are a number of governing factors in all this and this lapse really gave me a jolt (I ain't talking cola here). Whether this is temporary or a descent further into the recollection vacuum remains to be seen.

Some shows this week, happening around the UK and further afield that I'd attend if I could but I cannae. Other than the MLC Glasgow and Edinburgh gigs.

Mary Lee's Corvette around the UK, dates here.

Suzy Y Los Quattro at The International Pop Overthrow in Liverpool this Sunday (28th). Two shows in one day. Anybody who can is encouraged to cut along there.

The Bambi Molesters have a bill topping headline appearance at a festival in Llubljana next Friday, June 2nd. I'll try to get some more info on that for those of you who live near Stansted and fancy a wee break.

Things are slow, verging on static. Circumstances prevail that I'm not venturing too far from the ol' "midden heid" and have no real desire to either. That’s what’s passing for showbusiness hereabouts.

Now here's the kinda radio show we could use more of Gorilla Got Me by Sara J. on WMBR 88.1 FM Radio (also available on-line).

Cool new webzine: trakMARX.

Ever felt like you were going no place fast? Jeroen might have given in to the magnetic pull of myspace but not me. Anyway, I can't get into it anyway. Tried to access the Hello Saferide page five times over the past couple of days and it no workee. I also tried J's which I presume has no music on it(?) but the browser freezes and I have to shut it all down and reboot. Message to self. Stop trying to access myspace...

So Lordi won the ESC eh? It's only right, I mean anybody that can walk on those platforms should be rewarded? The radio reports and newspapers are crawling with stories about their "day of rockoning" and "arockalypse". The actual performance was nothing compared to the video and it's "Faculty"-like setting. Still the cod-Def Leppard riffage and Gwar suits were entertaining for a few minutes at least. In the grand unravelling, I guess that has to count for something.

The Tom Morton Two –
A Complete and Utter History of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Lo-fidelity folk tales of High Fidelitesque obsessive type antics all the way from The Shetlands. A couple of them would make fine high octane fare for any self-respecting rock’n’roll band to work up into a full-bloodied onslaught. As it is, the simplicity gives the songs an endearing charm that a proper production might have choked the life out of. Funny and poignant, a song called “Learning To Hate The Beatles” was a racing certain to strike a chord with me. Like “I wish Sergeant Pepper never taught the band to play” did. “The Ballad of Johnnie Notions” is like an Alan Vega song being played by Robin Hall and Jimmy McGregor. Oor Wullie fans will get quite a charge from “That’s Braw”, about Mrs McGlumphie and her haggis quiche. You can check out some of these wares here (scroll down to the April 23rd entry) prior to any prospective purchase.

And if you find yourself in or around Shetland next weekend… The TM2 have a big gig next Friday (26th May) in the Eshaness Community Hall - a benefit for a local CT scanner appeal. The evening will incorporate "The Vinyl Choice: remember those 45s and 33s if your loft? The ones you haven't played for decades? Bring them along and have them spun at high volume on the wheels of steel by DJ Tom Morton....50p contribution to CT appeal per side! No Sydney Devine!"

A Steak and Kidney free zone? The European Court of (in)human Rights might have something to say about that. And it’s unlikely to be “jings, crivvens or help ma boab”.

Done 'n did it; In an attempt to keep up-to-date I'v joined Myspace...

Welfare Records has just released a CD/DVD thingy by legendary US p-rockers Pure Hell. Haven't heard it yet, but it's limited to 1000 copies so you might wanna jump before it evaporates...

RIP - Freddie Garrity

"Hi Kids,

First off, a big thanks to those who you who turned up on saturday at The Birds Nest to see what must go down as one of most enjoyable gigs for eons. As promised, we came up with the goods (and the T-Shirts) and for those of you who have been asking, sorry all the T-shirts are all gone but we'll be getting more............

The next gig is in a few weeks time SUNDAY 11th JUNE at the DUBLIN CASTLE, 94 PARKWAY, CAMDEN TOWN. It's for "LOVE IS HOPE" a charity nite for Cancer the bill is THE MASTERMINDZ, SCANNERS, THE PHOBICS and LUNATIC CRASH. Doors open at 8pm and THE PHOBICS are on at 9:15

It's 6 quid in but you can get in for a fiver if you have a flyer so watch out for em around town and I'll attach some next week. Come along, support a great cause and see some eclectic rock n roll.

On the following SATURDAY 17th JUNE at THE PLOUGH INN, 173 Wood Street, Walthamstow, London E17 3NU, Tel: 020 8503 7419.

We've been invited back to play with ED TUDOR-POLE by special request! We musta done something right at the first gig, or we owe someone money - come on down and find out! The Plough Inn is located directly opposite Wood Street British Rail station, one stop from Walthamstow Central or about 15 minutes from Liverpool Street mainline.Bus 230 (from Wood Green) and W16 (from Leytonstone underground) stop outside the venue. Bus 56, 257, 357, W12, W15,W19 also stop nearby at Whipps Cross Hospital, a short walk away. I'm not sure but I think the gig may be FREE but i'll confirm that! Phew info overload!

Finally, hot off the press......................to celebrate the band's 30th anniversary, founding Damned members Rat Scabies and Brian James will be performing the band's classic first album, Damned Damned Damned in its entirety at the 100 Club in London, England.

The album, often described as the first British punk rock album, and predating the Sex Pistols Never Mind the Bollocks by six months. Scabies and James will perform with Casey Chaos of Amen covering vocals. The current active Damned lineup, including founding members David Vanian and Captain Sensible, will not be part of this performance.

Drummer Rat Scabies had this to say about their choice of frontman:

"Brian and I were quite adamant to have Casey do this gig- there were no other names above his. Amen is the only band I've seen in the last 10 years who are truly punk rock. We dont know what will happen when Casey gets onstage with us- and thats the way we like it."

While Casey added:

"To share the stage with Rat And Brian on this night will be engraved into my epitaph as The Most Important Show Of My Life! -- "Damned Damned Damned" changed my life as well as musical history. I'm gonna treat this with the utmost respect for them and their fans. I want to do everything I can to do it justice and make Rat, Brian, Captain, Vanian, Algy and everyone else proud of what they have achieved and celebrate their contribution to punk rock and the legacy that they left . To say that I am humbled and honored is inappropriate. I am ready to slash my throat at the altar of The Damned in dedication to all the lives they changed. I am ready to destroy"

This show will be at London's 100 Club on July 6th, 2006

Tickets for the event which, due to the size of the venue, will be obscenely limited are available strictly by post only (ltd to 4 tickets per application). The address for postal applications is:

Wintergarden Productions
35, Godfrey Ave, Twickenham , TW2 7PE UK

Cheques made payable to:Wintergarden Productions

Tickets will go on sale 19th May on a strictly first come first served basis - £19.76 +£1.24p processing.

Well Kids, get cracking (ask a grown up to help with difficult spellings) There will be more soon so watch this space!

tomx"

Double Stripchords live action, Friday 26th & Saturday 27th May!

"All hail, kits'n'kittens!

The Stripchords are pleased to announce a brace of London live shows, on Friday May 26th & Saturday 27th - now with the added attraction of live go-go dancers Ms Lager-Shandy and Mizz Stephanie!

Friday night will see The Stripchords take their patented tits'n'twang combination, plus live go-go action, to the stage of London's historic 100 Club, where they'll be playing with Stoke-On-Trent's soul sensations, This Is Seb Clark, at a Club Bang! Bang! bash, which will also feature top DJ Dave Edwards.

Saturday night will see The Stripchords' roadshow, plus the Sonic Reducer Tag Team DJs, play a double-header with former Flamin' Groovies linchpin Chris Wilson & His Famous Groovin' Flames, an all-star combo featuring Scientists, Barracudas, Silver Chapter and Mean Vincent members, at the hippest night in East London, namely Stephen and Ali's What's Cookin' in Leytonstone - and it's FREE to get in! Expect a riotous soiree, with Mr Wilson and chums dispensing rip-roaring versions of such 'Groovies classics as Shake Some Action, Slow Death, You Tore Me Down, and Let Me Rock ...

For downloadable Stripchords action, and all other upcoming news, check out ...

See ya at the bar!

The Stripchords"

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Friday May 26th
This Is Seb Clark & The Stripchords plus DJ Dave Edwards Club Bang! Bang! @ The 100 Club 100 Oxford St, London 7.30pm £12.50, adv £10.50







Saturday May 27th
Chris Wilson & His Famous Groovin' Flames & The Stripchords plus Sonic Reducer Tag Team DJs What's Cookin' @ The Sheepwalk, 692 High Road Leytonstone, London, E11 3AA (opp Leytonstone Tube, Central Line) 7.30pm FREE

Back to earth with a sharp dunt after last weekend's escapade then with a brief reprieve in the shape of Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham at The Arches in Glasgow last night. I say reprieve but it wasn’t a patch on the last time I saw them. That wasn’t down to the act but rather the mix of the venue and the audience. Why the fuck do people pay money for a ticket and gibber all through the show? The Arches are directly below Glasgow Central Station so everytime a train goes overhead it rumbles through a song. Now that might be fine if it’s a full band but something like this that requires intimacy and attention doesn’t fare well in such circumstances. I’ll take the sound of the trains over the ignorant gabbing bastards anyday though. Thing is that you’re farting against thunder if you try them all to clam up. You’d be there all night and it can get ugly. I’d have thought that the audience being mainly more “mature” they’d value a visit by legends like these. That they’d be a little more reverential. Hell that they should shut the fuck up for an hour or so? Too much to ask or expect? I guess so.

Things have taken a dive ala the stock market but it doesn't feel much like a "correction". More a swift kick in the bollocks. Anyway, the wires are all agog with the news that The Cramps (with Bill Bateman) are headed for Europe in August. You can catch up with the dates here and no, I won't be in attendance at any of them but thanks for asking. It's good to hear that they're active at least. Who knows, maybe there's a dvd release or something to promote but then again perhaps not. Anyway, their public is moist with anticipation. I'm going to try and get to grips with the backlog here today before I settle down to cheer on Finland's LORDI in the Eurovision tomorrow and their "Hard Rock Hallelujah" entry. Way off the daftometer and worthy of a phone or web vote even. If I could text I'd even consider that. Life in the fast lane at the cutting edge of entertainment.

However while you're at Youtube, check out the scopitonetastic BMX Bandits clip on Youtube for “I’m Still Hungry”. More through the course of today, gig news, recent releases and who knows what else. First though, I have to catch up with The Sopranos. Only two episodes to go after these until the final eight that begin during January 2007. Cannae help trouble...

I know, this is taking place even as I type. I know also that the boundaries of good taste are being stretched by some of the acts on the bill but it's for a worthy cause. I hope they'll play "Dancing With Joey Ramone" during the proceedings at some point. Plus the old guard that fought in the punk rock wars with the great man, all together in one place for one night per year only. Messrs (Andy) Shernoff and (Cheetah) Chrome in particular, we salute youse!

Thanks to HT for the jpeg.

In the world of bloggin' things come and go. Generally it comes down to people startin' off full of enthusiasm before they realize it takes a serious amount of time to keep those blogs up 'n runnin'.
Here's some new ones that will hopefully stay with us for a while: Low Down Kids is run by former Fierce label head honcho Steve Gregory. Focused on obscure 70s UK punk 'n powerpop 45s he throws up all kindsa obscure knowledge. Along similar lines comes Worthless Trash. "Nostalgia... And Other Rock 'n' Roll Habits" as they say, but it goes deeper than just that. Robin Wills should need no introduction to alla you NBT readers out there. His Pure Pop blog is a cool personal look at all things "Power Pop, Pop/psych, Glam, Garage, Surf, 60's Girl Group and Protest/Folk Rock". Just for the fact that he had me diggin' out Stanley Frank's S'?Cool Days and Trevor White's Crazy Kids (just play 'em back-to-back and you'll understand!) I'm awardin' him NBT's blog-of-the-week status!

'77 The Year of Punk & New Wave by Henrik Bech Poulsen (Helter Skelter).
And yet another book on punk rock!, this one bein' of the reference guide variety. The basic "theme" is that it details every UK band that released a record in '77. The scope is surprisingly broad, everything from the Acme Sewage Co. to the Tyla Gang is included. Short biographies, detailed discographies, handsomely illustrated, in short; the works. I can well imagine pullin' this from the shelves frequently in the years to come to look up some arcane detail. Minor points? Well, it obvious that English ain't Poulsen's first language, and referin' to a punk-rock band as "cats" and their output as "platters" certainly feels kinda awkward (bein' in the same position, I'm well aware of the difficulties involved here!). And because they didn't have any records out in '77 the book misses out on seminal acts like Siouxsie, Slits and Subway Sect. That said, this does come recommended, just dig around a bit for a decent price and you're well set...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEY!

MAY 19th

LA 1976, Photo by David Arnoff.

Keep your eyes peeled for DA site info... coming soon!

MONDO A GO-GO (Edinburgh) is this Saturday 20th May. Guest DJ's Slim Jim Spectre (Leeds) and Professor Plastic (Edinburgh) will be joining Tall Paul Robinson to revel in some mainly UK and European 60's Sounds. Tho daresay The Sonics and Captain Beefheart will be thrown in somewhere. Garage, Beat, Soul, Ska, Soundtracks Etc. All happeing in The Loft at The Venue. 11pm - 3am. £6/5.

Now some people go to the ends of the earth or travel to watch football. Not me, I don't know one end of a football park from the other but I do like to catch my favourite bands. There was one chance to dance with regard to seeing The Flesheaters on this side of the pond and the gamble paid off. Handsomely. The concept of going to a "festival", even for one day filled me with some dread. I’d been primed that All Tomorrows Parties wasn't like your average slog to a middle of a field but didn’t really compute as to how it could be. It’s held in a bloody "holiday camp" for chrissakes, It might even be worse but it was worth the risk which turned out to be no risk at all. It was actually something of a pleasure and I think I'd actually consider eating a whole one at some juncture, if the bill was right a la Las Vegas Grind or whatever. Pontin's at Camber Sands is like stepping back in time. Where 2500 actual music fans converge to see artists that I've largely never heard let alone heard of. Not smelly folk or drunks or junkies but actually ordinary individuals that all seemed to get along. I'll tell you, it's a pretty good feeling to stand at the front of a packed hall where the people all around you are singing The Scientists songs. Most of them seem like they should be too young but they know the stuff and they're digging it. Just along from me, Mark Arm from Mudhoney - who "curated" the Friday is standing in the middle at the front for at least half the set. This is a destination for people who feel disenfranchised by the live music experience. Where people can interact with the artists, far far away from all the VIP bollocks that generally drags this kind of thing down. Even the security was generally low key. So what I’m essentially telling you here is that maybe you should try one of these ATP things. You could well be pleasantly surprised also. It was good to be amongst friends, some expected and some not. You can have as much or as little to do with the music as you see fit.

It takes a few hours to adjust to the environment, wandering about. Not exactly aimlessly but something approaching that. I ran into my Slovenian buds, Bigor and Ziga just walking back from the beach. Now that’s something I could use some more of. Bigor’s Pankrti documentary had it’s triumphant world premiere the previous night back at home in Llubjlana but here he was in East Sussex. Ziga gave me a copy of his combo, Crazed Farmers latest (more about that soon) which was produced by Tim Kerr, who was playing the fest with his Total Sound Group Direct Action Committee. They raised quite the ruckus with their rabble rousing gospel-kissed, scrunched soul noise and gave the room a right sonic pasting.

So anyways, The Scientists third and final set of their all too swift visit was loud and clear. The twists and the turns of their visceral Creedence vs Suicide soup took the vintage recipe to a whole different level. There seems to be a very cohesive rock element which could thrill audiences way outside their considered demographic. There are people out there waiting for a band with a sound that could change their lives and these folks have it down. The distortion, the beats, the very pulse of fucking life.

So after that it was time to gather the senses for a bit just prior to The Flesheaters and who should I spot across the room but the Wreckless fella himself. Turned out he had played with some ex-Screaming Tree, Mark Pickerel in the afternoon when we were probably checking out the sands part of the Camber thing. Bollocks.

And finally The Flesheaters. You’d never be able to tell that this line up had only done a handful of shows since 1981. 98% of the audience definitely weren’t even born when they recorded “A Minute To Pray, A Second To Die” and this was (allegedly) the 25th anniversary of their disbanding. Imagine a dive where Santana meet the Sonics and bludgeon some avant jazz music hall into the failing air supply. And it sounded like they were having fun sticking it to the pre-Mudhoney throng. An encore of “She’s Like Heroin To Me” conjured up the spirit of another great lost LA renegade. Good ol’ Jeffrey was grinning wherever he is for sure.

It’s funny how things work out. If Nick Jones could have made it then it would perhaps have been a perfect day out but as you know we can’t have everything. It was above and beyond the call that Penny drove us down there. I’m hoping for another crack at the ATP experience down the road apiece and can unreservedly say that a whole bunch of people who would not normally touch such a shindig with a bargepole are somewhat in agreement. Who (indeed) woulda thunk it!

Scientists 2006/Photo by Vanessa Exton (Courtesy of Bro. T. Thewlis)

Well actually you need to CLICK HERE!

Just spent a few days “on the road”, dodging reality or whatever you want to call it - “dah sarf” or “souf” depending on how my teeth are acting up. Last Thursday. I saw The Scientists open for Mudhoney at the Shepherds Bush Empire. Their headlining appearance at The Spitz on Tuesday which was by all accounts a skull-splitter. Anyway the SBE set was pretty impressive too and it was really something to see them on a proper stage. Rattling through a set that felt like they’d never been away. Still unique by any standards with a sinewy swing that’s powered by rhythms that are not of this earth. Kim was giving up his finest Alan Vega style yelps as Tony pummelled and tortured his guitars with a strongbow can that he’d nonchalantly swig from when he wasn’t “playing” it. Boris laid down massive bass action and Leanne kept the whole ballast sweet with some nifty beats and tempo tantrums. The pure pleasure of hearing that noise again was practically too much, the fact that it was even more primal than it seemed 20 years ago was stunning. “Swampland” to “We Had Love”, The Scientists can still throb like nobody else and forget the fucking Stooges dragging the same sorry set through the neighbourhood for the umpteenth time. If only fate could deal these Aussies the mortal blow they deserve then the kids would be going mental for this altogether more cohesive form of scuzz rock. Props to Mudhoney for setting the scene to make this evidence admissable in the court of rock'n'roll. I hope that festivals in Spain or wherever will consider asking The Scientists back to Europe sooner rather than later. I have to gather my thoughts about the Camber Sands experience before I spill it onto this thing but it’s been a heady few days. The bush telegraph, I’m sure, will be buzzing for weeks to come. I’m still not altogether sure that it really happened but it was the polar opposite of a nightmare. I just checked youtube to see if anybody had uploaded any footage yet but there’s nowt as of yet. That bloody We Are Scientist or whatever they’re called better get ready to change their handle. Either that or we’ll send the hundred headhunters around to sort ‘em out. These are The Scientists and they’ve not gone too far, not yet. Not by a long ferking chalk.

The excellent Searchin' For Shakes database has an amazing new feature where you can search the contents of old fanzines. Not just handy dandy for checkin' out in which issue of NBT ol' Lindsay sang the praises of Cindy Lauper, bust just browsing digs up all kindsa curios. Like I said; amazin'...

Help George Tabb.