Wednesday, October 10, 2007
So far, so good with heading off the fallout from the sneezing and snottering that's going on all around. Not so good with the ISP connection as the signal has been weak, however I don't fancy spending hours on the phone to Delhi or wherever. It would be useful also to back stuff up to see if that helps the general lethargy. But that would depend on there being time and these past evenings, that has been in short supply for one reason and another. Last night it was a thumping napper. But that's my problem. Hey, there might be a couple of postal deliveries between now and Monday. How positive is that? Anyway, time to ship out into the darkness yet again. Negotiating the roadworks and fog at 7am, now that's living... alright?
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The SIT & Die Co. Thursday Tour continues this week, with a special 10/11 party at Teneleven -- and with a Baby on board! The East Village's recently opened bar Teneleven celebrates 10/11 (as in October 11th, naturally) with yours truly along for the festivities, joined on stage by that naughtiest of gypsy singers, The Baby Maria! Strictly for adults only.THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11th / TENELEVEN /
With THE BABY MARIA /
171 Avenue C (between 10th & 11th Streets in Manhattan, NYC / Two big & bawdy shows, from 9:00 sharp until 11:00 / No cover! /
Yours truly,
Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
http://www.SITandDieCo.com
http://www.myspace.com/sitanddieco
Monday, October 08, 2007
NORTON NEWS • AUTUMN ALMANAC
Dig out your goggles and mops, kids, cause this here newsletter is action packed! Scorchin' fall wax is OUT NOW plus blasteroos blow forth on a nightly basis. Read carefully and follow all directions for optimum results!
• RIBS N' BRISKETS! Shows, shindigs & ballyhoos!
• RUBBER BISCUITS! New wax has landed!
• GOODBYE BILL PEITSCH & DOUG MEECH -- two drummer pals are gone!
• TUES OCT 9 MARY WEISS WITH JOE BELOCK ON WFMU!
Join the effervescent Joe Belock as he hosts the Three Chord Monte radio show with Mary Weiss on tap for chat, wax and calls! Don't miss! 12-3 PM on WFMU, 91.1 FM/
• TUES OCT 9 BLACK LIPS ON LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN
Check local listings to catch the incredible Black Lips for real on TV!!
• FRI OCT 12 MARY WEISS ON STAGE! The posh velvet curtain at Brooklyn's fabulous Southpaw nitery never had it so sweet! Welcome Mary in this exclusive appearance as she hits the stage for an unforgettable evening! Mary turned in a stellar performance to a jam packed crowd at Brooklyn's Atlantic Antic last Sunday and her new album DANGEROUS GAME is getting reviews like, "Worth the wait. Weiss has the same brash attitude she had more than forty years ago. Let's hear it for the girl." (Rolling Stone) Getcha tickets now! See you in Park Slope at 125 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY (718) 230-0236 http://www.spsounds.com
• SAT OCT 13 WFMU LCD BLAST @ SOUTHPAW! Our favorite radio station's house organ gets the hi/lowbrow treatment with a gloriously gargantuan compendium called BEST OF LCD and a bevy of boss jocks will be spinning all night long at the Southpaw to celebrate its arrival at a bookstand near you! Details at wfmu.org! Doors at 8. See ya there and also just down the road apiece at the Lyres show! http://www.spsounds.com
• SAT OCT 13 LYRES @ MAGNETIC FIELD! What a weekend! Mary on Friday, Lyres on Saturday-- these are the "good old days"! The Lyres trek down from Boston to blast away as no other can! See ya there! Magnetic Field, 97 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn NY
http://www.magneticbrooklyn.com
• THURS OCT 25 MIRIAM LINNA WITH SPAZZ ON WFMU! Okay, it's me blabbing about being on MUSIC TO SPAZZ BY, blasting the upcoming Norton wax and recent finds. Keep the aspirin handy, there are some traumatizing sounds on tap plus super scorching new and upcoming stuff and maybe a few hints of proects in da works! 8-11 PM on WFMU, 91.1 FM/ http://www.wfmu.org
• OCT 25 THE KING KHAN AND BBQ SHOW Tony Montana Bar, Bushwick, Brooklyn This hot spot is so exclusive that it's Google-proof. Check the KK/BBQ myspace and see if they want you to know where they're at!
• OCT 26 THE KING KHAN AND BBQ SHOW Cake Shop, 152 Ludlow St., NYC Back waddlin' around on our shores!Don't miss new 45s on Norton and Crypt!
• OCT 25-28 BUDGET ROCK VI (Oakland Calif) Join the Real Kids, Trashwomen, Flakes, Knights Of The New Crusade and mo' at this wild-ass rockin' affair at Oakland's Stork Club! And be sure to let Tina tease and tame yo' mane Down at Lulu's Place while you're lurking in O-town! http://www.myspace.com/budgetrock
• NOV 2-4 WFMU RECORD FAIR It don't get bigger than this, friends! This is the biggest, best record convention in the country with lots of great things going on during the swapfest. Norton will be there with a ton of new stuff, old stuff and advance gunk galore! This is a supreme holiday stock up event! Start ya engines-- the countdown is on! Metropolitan Center, NYC Info at http://www.wfmu.org/recfair
• NOV 2-4 CAVESTOMP FESTIVAL! Cavestomp returns with their biggest bang yet, geared up for the same weekend as WFMU's record fair so don't plan on getting any sleep! Norton stars the Sonics, Alarm Clocks and Wildebeests will be on tap representing the Northwest, the Midwest and the ... Moors! Lots of cool garage bands in the 3-day roster! MC'ing Friday and Saturday will be the Fleshtones' Peter Zaremba and MC'ing Sunday will be Link Cromwell.. I mean.. Lenny Kaye! Norton twin-spinners Billy and Miriam will DJ on Sunday night! Did anybody say LUG NUTS? Scope out digs right now- the NYC Marathon will be happening this same weekend and loads of people will be running-- hopefully direct to Brooklyn's greatest kielbasa and pierogi haven, the Warsaw where CS is set to happen! See you there! http://www.cavestomp.com
Email us for Sonics/Alarm Clocks/Wildebeests press releases!
• SAT DEC 15 NORTON RECORDS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR! Yes, kids! We have the date set for Brooklyn's fab Southpaw so ink in ya calendars and get ready for a whompus deluxe! Norton stars upon stars! Info to follow in upcoming newsletter!!! See-ya-there!!
• APRIL 28-29 2008 PONDEROSA STOMP! It's still a couple blizzards away, but PONDEROSA STOMP is set for APRIL 28 & 29 in New Orleans with their biggest
showcase weekender yet! So far, we're free to blast about Roky Erickson, the Collins Kids, Ronnie Spector, the Green Fuz, and Syl Johnson ... with lots of supah-stars to be added!!!! Details as they develop at http://www.ponderosastomp.com
NEW NORTON RELEASES HAVE ARRIVED... RUBBER BISCUITS, ANYONE?
• Norton 322 THE ROCK-A-ROUND Hair-raising 1958-60 rock n' roll from the vaults of Atlanta's National Recording Corporation. Detailed liners, unreal photos and some of the wildest sounds you'll ever hear! Paul Peek The Rock-A-Round/Joe South I'm Snowed/Four Mints Wolf/Chuck Wiley I Love You So Much/Ric Cartey Scratching On My Screen/Shades Strollin' After Dark/Little Jimmy Dempsey Bop Hop/Tommy Roe and the Satins Caveman/Joe South Baby That's All Right/Rod Willis The Cat/Sweetie Jones Baby Please Don't Leave/Paul Peek Sweet Skinny Jenny/Shades Splashin'/Rod Willis Will Travel/Night Owls You Shouldn't Oughta Done It/Wayne Cochran The Naughty Coo/Joe South Chills/Link Wray and the Raymen Vendetta
• Norton 324 LUIS AND THE WILDFIRES - BRAIN JAIL Luis and his gang go for
broke on their savage debut album! Recorded in LA's legendary Wild Records garage studio and issued to worldwide acclaim on the red hot WILD label on CD, the album makes its vinyl debut on Norton with two exclusive bonus cuts! Includes the dance floor monster hit Let's Party.The Wildfires blend together such influences as Johnny Carroll and Slim Harpo with a garage whomp and a solid nod to their Mexican musical heritage with a cover of Tony Casanova's Yeah Yeah Come Another Day. The Wildfires continue to tear it up on stages at major rock n' roll festivals from Spain to Japan. After witnessing their insane show, astute talent scout Todd Abramson was led to remark, "I've just seen the new Los Locos Del Ritmo!" The band was recently nominated for an AVN award for Best Porn Soundtrack to Vivid Video's THE REBELLE ROUSERS. Dance In The Rain/Wild In The Head/Gonna Leave/Yeah Yeah Come Another Day/I Hear Voices/Genie In A Bottle/Wildfire/Let's Party/That's Love/Under Your Spell/Cast Iron Arm/Come On Over Baby/Mouth Hug/Goodbye
• Norton 325 BOBBY FULLER - ROCK AND ROLL KING OF THE SOUTHWEST
We heard your call and we're heeding the needy- here comes Bobby Fuller and the Fanatics on black wax full lengths -- all recorded in his garage studio on Album Avenue in El Paso, Texas. Dig our obsession with the Bobby and with the great teen stomp combos of the Southwest with our wax series on the scene, starting right here! I Fought The Law/Shakedown/Unreliable Irresistible Girl/Summertime Blues/Fool Of Love/Pamela/Only For You/Saturday Night/King Of The Beach/Rock House/You Made Me Cry/Keep On Dancing/Nancy Jean/Nervous Breakdown/A New Shade Of Blue/I Fought The Law
• Norton 326 BOBBY FULLER LIVE!!! Bobby Fuller was making records, running a night club, and dragging a professional recording deck to his shows in Texas years before he made any records outside of his home state. Check out this astonishing sampling of live sounds and prepare yourselves for another upcoming volume of mayhem from West Texas! El Paso Rock/Angel Face/(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care/Night Train/It's Love Come What May/Miserlou/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On/Peggy Sue/Pamela/2000 Lb. Bee/Wine Wine Wine/Louie Louie/Farmer John/Jenny Lee (Do The Jerk With Me)
...MORE FALL NORTON RELEASES ARE DUE IN NOVEMBER- ONE KILLER CD PLUS A TON OF WAX!!!!
Keep both ears to the ground for rumblings on these primo November releases that are plainly gonna mess with ya mind!
• Norton 319 DICTATORS - EVERY DAY IS SATURDAY (CD/double LP)
"The all-true adventures of the Dictators, from pre-punk shenanigans to the sound of Young America to the death of rock n' roll!" Unissued demos and rare tracks from the vaults, from pre-Manitoba 1973 recordings (from master tapes!) up through DFFD outtakes! Photo filled package includes liner notes by Scott "Top Ten" Kempner, Handsome Dick Manitoba, Andy Shernoff and crew chief/soundman Rich Nesin! Weekend/Backseat Boogie/Master Race Rock/California Sun/Fireman's Friend/Whisky Radio Spot/America The Beautiful/Sleepin' With The TV On/Eugene Radio Spot/Faster And Louder/Minnesota Strip/Baby Let's Twist/What It Is/Borneo Jimmy/I Stand Tall/No Tomorrow/Stay With Me/Bloodbrothers Radio Spot/16 Forever/Loyola/Laughing Out Loud/What's Up With That? #2/16 Forever #2/Owensboro Radio Spot Double LP adds a cover of the Ramones' I Just Want To Have Something To Do
JUSTICE IS SERVED! Norton delves into the vaults of North Carolina's legendary Justice label for three vinyl sets - straight up reissues on the garage classic SPEAKING OF THE TEMPOS and THE PHANTOM RAIDERS - NEW SOUND '67, a big in demand teen genius nugget and for the first time ever, THE BEST OF JUSTICE RECORDS culled from the label's nearly two dozen ultra rare albums! You'll be pounding the gavel for more-more-more Justice once you get a lobeful so get all three while court is in session!
• Norton 329 PHANTOM RAIDERS - NEW SOUND '67 (LP) Steppin' Stone/Stick Shift/Gloria/Day Tripper/Devil With A Blue Dress On/New Sound '67/Walk Don't Run/I'm A Believer/Pipeline/Last Kiss/Wipeout
• Norton 330 TEMPOS - SPEAKING OF… (LP) Two Timer/Last Time/You're Not Here/Wipeout/You're Gonna Miss Me/Money/You Got Me Goin' Out Of My Mond/Pardon Me/Heartbeat/I've Got A Girl/To Conquer This Whole World/Baby It's You
• Norton 331 VARIOUS - THE BEST OF JUSTICE RECORDS (LP) Tempos, Fugitives, Tony Lane and the Fabulous Spades, Mod and the Rockers, Skip and the Creations, Stowaways, Barracudas, Phantom Raiders, Rockets Combo, Speckulations and the Turks
…plus eight new seven inchers!
• Norton 138 BLACK LIPS - CHRISTMAS IN BAGHDAD/THE KING KHAN AND BBQ SHOW - PLUMP RIGHTEOUS Holiday mayhem from today's top merry makers! Don ye now your gay apparel and dig these new festive favorites!
• Norton 139 ZODIACS - THE PRIMITVE INSTRUMENTAL SOUNDS OF THE ZODIACS Norton's downstairs neighbor turns up an acetate of his crude 1960 combo and joins the team! Blintz/Jungle Beat/Caravan/The Caterpillar Crawl - a scratchy blast!
• Norton 140 EGYPTIANS - THE PARTY STOMP/INKSTER BOOGIE Pounding 1960 R&B stomp instrumentals from turban clad Detroit racket squad! Two solid sides of hoof shakin' frenzy!
• Norton 141 MARY WEISS - STOP AND THINK IT OVER/I DON'T WANT TO KNOW Fan fave from former Shangri-Las lead singer's DANGEROUS GAME album b/w stunning Greg Cartwright original unavailable elsewhere! Backed by the Reigning Sound!
• Norton 9658 BLOODSHOT BILL - HIGH AND DRY/ROCKIN' ENOCKY - MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER Battle of the one man bands as they wail on two Stones classics! Canada vs. Japan! Donuts vs. sushi! Hockey vs. sumo wrestling! You be the judge, papa san, eh?
• Norton 871 C.J. & THE CASUALS - STUDY HALL/ZOMBIE Over the top deranged
newly discovered obscuro single! Leering JD vocals and torrid instro! Truly bent!!!
• Norton 872 TURNER MOORE - I'LL BE LEAVING YOU/JACK AND THE KNIGHTS - ROCK THE BLUES AWAY Two mega rare rockers on one platter! A frantic four minute party!
• Norton 876 LITTLE VICTOR - PAPA LOU AND GRAN/UPSETTERS -WHERE YOU GOIN' THERE, SAPPHIRE? Screamin' new Orleans rocker ("That fight was so good/Police couldn't even stop it!") b/w a wild unissued workout by Little Richard's band!
RED ALERT! DECEMBER 4 IS THE DAY THAT HELL FREEZES OVER!
NORTON WAX GOES DIGITAL!
I HATE CDs: NORTON RECORDS 45 RPM SINGLES BOX SET VOLUME ONE Face it, we're about as analog as you can get here at Norton. And we'll always be that way. So long as PVC is free to be, we'll keep punching out rubber biscuits like no tomorrow. And when the last oil well runs dry and vinyl becomes an exhorbitant commodity, we can go back to shellac and solve the world's cockroach problem at the same time. However, in recent years, we've been hounded by rock n' roll fans who've moved into the future, shedding their record players (and records... shudder!). These poor souls have been unable to hear the full cacaphony of Norton talent due to the simple fact that much of our catalog has only been available on 45 RPM. On December 4, the hills will finally be alive for everyone with full spectrum Nortophonic sound!
I HATE CD'S is our first time ever collection of 45 RPM singles in a digital-only box set format. The set will include tracks from Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Kid Thomas, Mary Weiss, Herbie Duncan, Ramones, Hasil Adkins, 5.6.7.8's, Esquerita, Legendary Stardust Cowboy, Don Covay, Doug Sahm, Link Wray, Shades Of Night, Jerry McCain, Big Star and mo'! This is Volume One with more to come so as our hero Ed Norton would say, "Official space helmet on, Captain Video!" Our rubber bisuits are blasting into orbit! Send one of these salamis to your
boy in the army on Dec 4 at Amazon Digital Store and iTunes (top 2 players).
GOODBYE TO A COUPLE OF REAL GONE TUB MASTERS:
BILL PEITSCH AND DOUG MEECH
Hannibal called a while back, morose as could be about sad news that had reached him about one of his drummers "from the day" passing on. I comiserated with him, as we had just heard that original Chesterfield Kings beat-man Doug Meech, too, had retired from this sphere. Hannibal immediately noted that there would be a third, and soon. Now I know why he wears the turban. Han was too right. We all lost Bill Peitsch of the Church Keys on September 21-- Bill, who Han called "the red headed drummer boy".
I don't think Doug and Bill ever met, but they would have been friends, I can warrant that. Doug was out of the Kings many moons ago, yet he sent a Christmas card every year, a traditional card with a short message that basically spelled out, I'm here, I'm okay, see you later. Doug was an unassuming guy, and a tremendous drummer. Bill was great trapsman as well, and he was an even better full capacity friend.
I first met Bill when he came to work at the Strand Bookstore in 1988. I was working personnel, a ten year vet myself of our beloved Strand at that time.
We became friends instantly. He and his gal Michelle, whom he would wed the following November, were cut from a rare old school bolt of friendship and an even rarer code of action, one that dictated DO IT, NOW! It was a privilege to
know Bill. He was an amazing individual. When we were all sitting around
reminiscing this week, there were so many repeated moments discussing his generosity, his kindness, his sense of responsibility. Still, some hilarious moments up time and again. I remember when the James Brown FUTURE SHOCK TV shows were found in some film vault in Atlanta some years ago, and we were all watching the tapes, which included some pretty funky dance contests. Bill's favorite was a male dancer who was acting out a tourist bit with his flight bag over his shoulder. The bizarre dance ended with the dancer pulling his bag over his head and flapping around wildly. If any of you have seen FUTURE SHOCK, I know you're laughing. Well, not long before the World Trade Center came a-tumbling, local lads the Fleshtones played a wild show at the top of the towers, in this very suave night club. Maybe it was Windows of the World.. Whatever, it was at the top and it was a nutty night. Billy (Miller) and I went with visiting Michael Lucas of the Phantom Surfers in tow, and we met up with Bill Peitsch and some
stray Finnish rock n' roll tourists up there. At one point, we were looking out the windows and reminiscing about seeing the Fleshtones in divey spots way down below, and it was one of those haunting, happy, crystal clear evenings when all the lights of the city were sparkling below and here we were, grotty overgrown teenagers dancing to a band from Queens in a grand sophisticated bom-booom room high above the streets of New York City. At the time, my handbag of choice was a TWA flight bag, which ended up, emptied of its scraps and upside down on dancing Bill Peitsch's head, completely engulfing his entire noggin, FUTURE SHOCK style. It was one of the most wildly surreal, hilarious moments in my life, Bill on the dance floor reenacting a James Brown moment that only made sense to a handful of lunatics who had been privy to the reel. I laughed then, until I cried, I've laughed hundreds of times since then just thinking of it, and I laugh now, but it's all tears. Gee we're gonna miss you Bill.
Everybody sends their love.
Your friend always,
Miriam
Bill's obituary
This too-brief obit neglects to mention of the fact that Bill worked continuously at the best bookstore in the world, the Strand, for just shy of 20 years, and that he was a Norton recording artist of merit, and that he appeared in several films, including Bruce Bennett's SHIRTSLEEVES, Dan Rose's WAYNE COUNTY RAMBLIN', and Christopher Frieri's I WAS A TEENAGE MUMMY. Let these things, too, be known.
BYE BYE BILLY
BILL PEITSCH (1962-2007)
By Billy Miller
I first met Bill and Michelle shortly before Miriam and I got married twenty years ago. They'd just moved to town from Detroit and the four of us instantly became inseparable best friends. Bill really was the guy you'd want around if you were down. I sure am down now, but quite honestly, I can't muster up maudlin words and I don't think Bill would want me to get overly gushy in his memory.
One thing about Bill, he always put his friends and family first. He'd be sure your car was running right even though he always drove old beaters ("Never spend more than 500 bucks on a car," he'd advise). He once put a new alternator in my van and called me ten minutes later to come and give his car a jump a few blocks away.
Bill could make anyone laugh, even in tragedy. His apartment once had a pretty serious fire (his cat tipped over a lit cigarette) and when I got there to help, I just couldn't stop laughing. His sofa had a hole in it burned about two feet wide and looked like a prop from the Three Stooges.
He even cracked Ike Turner up. We were watching Ike play one night and one of the modern Ikettes launched into a Whitney Houston ballad. Just as the song peaked and hit a pause, Bill hollered out a request for his favorite Turner classic - the Sly Fox's Hoodoo Say. "Hey Ike, " Bill howled, "What did the Hoodoo say?!" Ike doubled over and was laughing so hard. It was perfect.
After an Andre Williams gig at Coney Island High, Bill offered to chauffer Mr. Rhythm to JFK Airport for a 6AM flight to Los Angeles. Bill and Andre bar hopped their way through three counties and were none the worse for wear when they arrived at the curbside check in. Andre was fumbling with his check on pimp hat cases and would just laugh at every security question the frustrated attendant would ask. She finally got some semblance of a satisfactory answer out of Andre and turned to Bill and asked, "Are you flying as well?" "No, ma'am," Bill replied. "I'm just here to drop off my dad!" He said the lady nearly fainted.
Once at Rye Playland, Michelle and Miriam were arrested for attacking Freddy Cannon onstage. The girls had given Bill and me their purses a second before the impromptu attack and subsequent squad car ride down to the precinct the street. Bill and I walked into the police station where he loudly bellowed, "We're here for our womens!" with both of us holding ladies pocketbooks.
Bill attended hundreds of shows, each made better by his presence. It really didn't matter if he was on stage with any one of his bands (the Church Keys, Gowanus Canal Boys, Clams or Purple Wizard) or firing on all pistons from the audience, Bill could always be counted on to shake up the house. Lenny Kaye called Bill "a shining light" and that hits it on the head.
Chuck Berry was Bill's ultimate hero. "The farther it is from Chuck Berry," he once said, "the less I have any use for it." There was a time where I was between cars and Bill would let me borrow his truck. I'd swing by his job at the Strand and get the keys. There must have always been fifty cassettes scattered around the car, but every time I turned on the ignition, Chuck Berry started playing. Every single time.
There are so many shared wiggy memories that included conga lines, hot dog stands, pre-dawn living room jam sessions, wrestling matches (Bill was honored with a birthday cake in the ring at the Arena Puerto Rico), karate chopped watermelons, White Castle hijinx, all night Bingo with blue haired ladies in Vegas, doorbell ringing at all hours (the best was his "Your hedges are crooked. I could fix that" prank at 5:30 AM) that it's hard to figure just where one incident ended and the next one began. It's impossible to even fathom how Bill packed such an upbeat life into just 45 years. We had great times roaring through Virginia listening to Chuck Berry, roaring through Texas listening to Chuck Berry, roaring through Maine listening to Chuck Berry, and don't get me started on the New Jersey Turnpike in the wee wee hours…
My father taught me that the single greatest virtue a person could possess is loyalty. Bill Peitsch epitomized that. If you were his friend, he would never let you down. He was the most genuine cat I have ever known. There was definitely nothing phony about Bill. He was generous, smart, strong (it's true, he did drum an entire set with a girl perched on his shoulders) and lived his life by an admirably noble set of rules. And for bringing Speedo, our beloved pooch of 15 years into our home, I could never be able to thank Bill enough.
To all of Bill's family and friends, I offer my deepest heartfelt condolences.
We have lost Bill, but we've all gained so much from knowing him.
Bill Peitsch attended his last rock n' roll show just a week before his passing. He got to see Chuck Berry play Johnny B. Goode one last time.
See what's new at Norton
Dig out your goggles and mops, kids, cause this here newsletter is action packed! Scorchin' fall wax is OUT NOW plus blasteroos blow forth on a nightly basis. Read carefully and follow all directions for optimum results!
• RIBS N' BRISKETS! Shows, shindigs & ballyhoos!
• RUBBER BISCUITS! New wax has landed!
• GOODBYE BILL PEITSCH & DOUG MEECH -- two drummer pals are gone!
• TUES OCT 9 MARY WEISS WITH JOE BELOCK ON WFMU!
Join the effervescent Joe Belock as he hosts the Three Chord Monte radio show with Mary Weiss on tap for chat, wax and calls! Don't miss! 12-3 PM on WFMU, 91.1 FM/
• TUES OCT 9 BLACK LIPS ON LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIEN
Check local listings to catch the incredible Black Lips for real on TV!!
• FRI OCT 12 MARY WEISS ON STAGE! The posh velvet curtain at Brooklyn's fabulous Southpaw nitery never had it so sweet! Welcome Mary in this exclusive appearance as she hits the stage for an unforgettable evening! Mary turned in a stellar performance to a jam packed crowd at Brooklyn's Atlantic Antic last Sunday and her new album DANGEROUS GAME is getting reviews like, "Worth the wait. Weiss has the same brash attitude she had more than forty years ago. Let's hear it for the girl." (Rolling Stone) Getcha tickets now! See you in Park Slope at 125 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY (718) 230-0236 http://www.spsounds.com
• SAT OCT 13 WFMU LCD BLAST @ SOUTHPAW! Our favorite radio station's house organ gets the hi/lowbrow treatment with a gloriously gargantuan compendium called BEST OF LCD and a bevy of boss jocks will be spinning all night long at the Southpaw to celebrate its arrival at a bookstand near you! Details at wfmu.org! Doors at 8. See ya there and also just down the road apiece at the Lyres show! http://www.spsounds.com
• SAT OCT 13 LYRES @ MAGNETIC FIELD! What a weekend! Mary on Friday, Lyres on Saturday-- these are the "good old days"! The Lyres trek down from Boston to blast away as no other can! See ya there! Magnetic Field, 97 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn NY
http://www.magneticbrooklyn.com
• THURS OCT 25 MIRIAM LINNA WITH SPAZZ ON WFMU! Okay, it's me blabbing about being on MUSIC TO SPAZZ BY, blasting the upcoming Norton wax and recent finds. Keep the aspirin handy, there are some traumatizing sounds on tap plus super scorching new and upcoming stuff and maybe a few hints of proects in da works! 8-11 PM on WFMU, 91.1 FM/ http://www.wfmu.org
• OCT 25 THE KING KHAN AND BBQ SHOW Tony Montana Bar, Bushwick, Brooklyn This hot spot is so exclusive that it's Google-proof. Check the KK/BBQ myspace and see if they want you to know where they're at!
• OCT 26 THE KING KHAN AND BBQ SHOW Cake Shop, 152 Ludlow St., NYC Back waddlin' around on our shores!Don't miss new 45s on Norton and Crypt!
• OCT 25-28 BUDGET ROCK VI (Oakland Calif) Join the Real Kids, Trashwomen, Flakes, Knights Of The New Crusade and mo' at this wild-ass rockin' affair at Oakland's Stork Club! And be sure to let Tina tease and tame yo' mane Down at Lulu's Place while you're lurking in O-town! http://www.myspace.com/budgetrock
• NOV 2-4 WFMU RECORD FAIR It don't get bigger than this, friends! This is the biggest, best record convention in the country with lots of great things going on during the swapfest. Norton will be there with a ton of new stuff, old stuff and advance gunk galore! This is a supreme holiday stock up event! Start ya engines-- the countdown is on! Metropolitan Center, NYC Info at http://www.wfmu.org/recfair
• NOV 2-4 CAVESTOMP FESTIVAL! Cavestomp returns with their biggest bang yet, geared up for the same weekend as WFMU's record fair so don't plan on getting any sleep! Norton stars the Sonics, Alarm Clocks and Wildebeests will be on tap representing the Northwest, the Midwest and the ... Moors! Lots of cool garage bands in the 3-day roster! MC'ing Friday and Saturday will be the Fleshtones' Peter Zaremba and MC'ing Sunday will be Link Cromwell.. I mean.. Lenny Kaye! Norton twin-spinners Billy and Miriam will DJ on Sunday night! Did anybody say LUG NUTS? Scope out digs right now- the NYC Marathon will be happening this same weekend and loads of people will be running-- hopefully direct to Brooklyn's greatest kielbasa and pierogi haven, the Warsaw where CS is set to happen! See you there! http://www.cavestomp.com
Email us for Sonics/Alarm Clocks/Wildebeests press releases!
• SAT DEC 15 NORTON RECORDS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR! Yes, kids! We have the date set for Brooklyn's fab Southpaw so ink in ya calendars and get ready for a whompus deluxe! Norton stars upon stars! Info to follow in upcoming newsletter!!! See-ya-there!!
• APRIL 28-29 2008 PONDEROSA STOMP! It's still a couple blizzards away, but PONDEROSA STOMP is set for APRIL 28 & 29 in New Orleans with their biggest
showcase weekender yet! So far, we're free to blast about Roky Erickson, the Collins Kids, Ronnie Spector, the Green Fuz, and Syl Johnson ... with lots of supah-stars to be added!!!! Details as they develop at http://www.ponderosastomp.com
NEW NORTON RELEASES HAVE ARRIVED... RUBBER BISCUITS, ANYONE?
• Norton 322 THE ROCK-A-ROUND Hair-raising 1958-60 rock n' roll from the vaults of Atlanta's National Recording Corporation. Detailed liners, unreal photos and some of the wildest sounds you'll ever hear! Paul Peek The Rock-A-Round/Joe South I'm Snowed/Four Mints Wolf/Chuck Wiley I Love You So Much/Ric Cartey Scratching On My Screen/Shades Strollin' After Dark/Little Jimmy Dempsey Bop Hop/Tommy Roe and the Satins Caveman/Joe South Baby That's All Right/Rod Willis The Cat/Sweetie Jones Baby Please Don't Leave/Paul Peek Sweet Skinny Jenny/Shades Splashin'/Rod Willis Will Travel/Night Owls You Shouldn't Oughta Done It/Wayne Cochran The Naughty Coo/Joe South Chills/Link Wray and the Raymen Vendetta
• Norton 324 LUIS AND THE WILDFIRES - BRAIN JAIL Luis and his gang go for
broke on their savage debut album! Recorded in LA's legendary Wild Records garage studio and issued to worldwide acclaim on the red hot WILD label on CD, the album makes its vinyl debut on Norton with two exclusive bonus cuts! Includes the dance floor monster hit Let's Party.The Wildfires blend together such influences as Johnny Carroll and Slim Harpo with a garage whomp and a solid nod to their Mexican musical heritage with a cover of Tony Casanova's Yeah Yeah Come Another Day. The Wildfires continue to tear it up on stages at major rock n' roll festivals from Spain to Japan. After witnessing their insane show, astute talent scout Todd Abramson was led to remark, "I've just seen the new Los Locos Del Ritmo!" The band was recently nominated for an AVN award for Best Porn Soundtrack to Vivid Video's THE REBELLE ROUSERS. Dance In The Rain/Wild In The Head/Gonna Leave/Yeah Yeah Come Another Day/I Hear Voices/Genie In A Bottle/Wildfire/Let's Party/That's Love/Under Your Spell/Cast Iron Arm/Come On Over Baby/Mouth Hug/Goodbye
• Norton 325 BOBBY FULLER - ROCK AND ROLL KING OF THE SOUTHWEST
We heard your call and we're heeding the needy- here comes Bobby Fuller and the Fanatics on black wax full lengths -- all recorded in his garage studio on Album Avenue in El Paso, Texas. Dig our obsession with the Bobby and with the great teen stomp combos of the Southwest with our wax series on the scene, starting right here! I Fought The Law/Shakedown/Unreliable Irresistible Girl/Summertime Blues/Fool Of Love/Pamela/Only For You/Saturday Night/King Of The Beach/Rock House/You Made Me Cry/Keep On Dancing/Nancy Jean/Nervous Breakdown/A New Shade Of Blue/I Fought The Law
• Norton 326 BOBBY FULLER LIVE!!! Bobby Fuller was making records, running a night club, and dragging a professional recording deck to his shows in Texas years before he made any records outside of his home state. Check out this astonishing sampling of live sounds and prepare yourselves for another upcoming volume of mayhem from West Texas! El Paso Rock/Angel Face/(You're So Square) Baby I Don't Care/Night Train/It's Love Come What May/Miserlou/Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On/Peggy Sue/Pamela/2000 Lb. Bee/Wine Wine Wine/Louie Louie/Farmer John/Jenny Lee (Do The Jerk With Me)
...MORE FALL NORTON RELEASES ARE DUE IN NOVEMBER- ONE KILLER CD PLUS A TON OF WAX!!!!
Keep both ears to the ground for rumblings on these primo November releases that are plainly gonna mess with ya mind!
• Norton 319 DICTATORS - EVERY DAY IS SATURDAY (CD/double LP)
"The all-true adventures of the Dictators, from pre-punk shenanigans to the sound of Young America to the death of rock n' roll!" Unissued demos and rare tracks from the vaults, from pre-Manitoba 1973 recordings (from master tapes!) up through DFFD outtakes! Photo filled package includes liner notes by Scott "Top Ten" Kempner, Handsome Dick Manitoba, Andy Shernoff and crew chief/soundman Rich Nesin! Weekend/Backseat Boogie/Master Race Rock/California Sun/Fireman's Friend/Whisky Radio Spot/America The Beautiful/Sleepin' With The TV On/Eugene Radio Spot/Faster And Louder/Minnesota Strip/Baby Let's Twist/What It Is/Borneo Jimmy/I Stand Tall/No Tomorrow/Stay With Me/Bloodbrothers Radio Spot/16 Forever/Loyola/Laughing Out Loud/What's Up With That? #2/16 Forever #2/Owensboro Radio Spot Double LP adds a cover of the Ramones' I Just Want To Have Something To Do
JUSTICE IS SERVED! Norton delves into the vaults of North Carolina's legendary Justice label for three vinyl sets - straight up reissues on the garage classic SPEAKING OF THE TEMPOS and THE PHANTOM RAIDERS - NEW SOUND '67, a big in demand teen genius nugget and for the first time ever, THE BEST OF JUSTICE RECORDS culled from the label's nearly two dozen ultra rare albums! You'll be pounding the gavel for more-more-more Justice once you get a lobeful so get all three while court is in session!
• Norton 329 PHANTOM RAIDERS - NEW SOUND '67 (LP) Steppin' Stone/Stick Shift/Gloria/Day Tripper/Devil With A Blue Dress On/New Sound '67/Walk Don't Run/I'm A Believer/Pipeline/Last Kiss/Wipeout
• Norton 330 TEMPOS - SPEAKING OF… (LP) Two Timer/Last Time/You're Not Here/Wipeout/You're Gonna Miss Me/Money/You Got Me Goin' Out Of My Mond/Pardon Me/Heartbeat/I've Got A Girl/To Conquer This Whole World/Baby It's You
• Norton 331 VARIOUS - THE BEST OF JUSTICE RECORDS (LP) Tempos, Fugitives, Tony Lane and the Fabulous Spades, Mod and the Rockers, Skip and the Creations, Stowaways, Barracudas, Phantom Raiders, Rockets Combo, Speckulations and the Turks
…plus eight new seven inchers!
• Norton 138 BLACK LIPS - CHRISTMAS IN BAGHDAD/THE KING KHAN AND BBQ SHOW - PLUMP RIGHTEOUS Holiday mayhem from today's top merry makers! Don ye now your gay apparel and dig these new festive favorites!
• Norton 139 ZODIACS - THE PRIMITVE INSTRUMENTAL SOUNDS OF THE ZODIACS Norton's downstairs neighbor turns up an acetate of his crude 1960 combo and joins the team! Blintz/Jungle Beat/Caravan/The Caterpillar Crawl - a scratchy blast!
• Norton 140 EGYPTIANS - THE PARTY STOMP/INKSTER BOOGIE Pounding 1960 R&B stomp instrumentals from turban clad Detroit racket squad! Two solid sides of hoof shakin' frenzy!
• Norton 141 MARY WEISS - STOP AND THINK IT OVER/I DON'T WANT TO KNOW Fan fave from former Shangri-Las lead singer's DANGEROUS GAME album b/w stunning Greg Cartwright original unavailable elsewhere! Backed by the Reigning Sound!
• Norton 9658 BLOODSHOT BILL - HIGH AND DRY/ROCKIN' ENOCKY - MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER Battle of the one man bands as they wail on two Stones classics! Canada vs. Japan! Donuts vs. sushi! Hockey vs. sumo wrestling! You be the judge, papa san, eh?
• Norton 871 C.J. & THE CASUALS - STUDY HALL/ZOMBIE Over the top deranged
newly discovered obscuro single! Leering JD vocals and torrid instro! Truly bent!!!
• Norton 872 TURNER MOORE - I'LL BE LEAVING YOU/JACK AND THE KNIGHTS - ROCK THE BLUES AWAY Two mega rare rockers on one platter! A frantic four minute party!
• Norton 876 LITTLE VICTOR - PAPA LOU AND GRAN/UPSETTERS -WHERE YOU GOIN' THERE, SAPPHIRE? Screamin' new Orleans rocker ("That fight was so good/Police couldn't even stop it!") b/w a wild unissued workout by Little Richard's band!
RED ALERT! DECEMBER 4 IS THE DAY THAT HELL FREEZES OVER!
NORTON WAX GOES DIGITAL!
I HATE CDs: NORTON RECORDS 45 RPM SINGLES BOX SET VOLUME ONE Face it, we're about as analog as you can get here at Norton. And we'll always be that way. So long as PVC is free to be, we'll keep punching out rubber biscuits like no tomorrow. And when the last oil well runs dry and vinyl becomes an exhorbitant commodity, we can go back to shellac and solve the world's cockroach problem at the same time. However, in recent years, we've been hounded by rock n' roll fans who've moved into the future, shedding their record players (and records... shudder!). These poor souls have been unable to hear the full cacaphony of Norton talent due to the simple fact that much of our catalog has only been available on 45 RPM. On December 4, the hills will finally be alive for everyone with full spectrum Nortophonic sound!
I HATE CD'S is our first time ever collection of 45 RPM singles in a digital-only box set format. The set will include tracks from Screamin' Jay Hawkins, Kid Thomas, Mary Weiss, Herbie Duncan, Ramones, Hasil Adkins, 5.6.7.8's, Esquerita, Legendary Stardust Cowboy, Don Covay, Doug Sahm, Link Wray, Shades Of Night, Jerry McCain, Big Star and mo'! This is Volume One with more to come so as our hero Ed Norton would say, "Official space helmet on, Captain Video!" Our rubber bisuits are blasting into orbit! Send one of these salamis to your
boy in the army on Dec 4 at Amazon Digital Store and iTunes (top 2 players).
GOODBYE TO A COUPLE OF REAL GONE TUB MASTERS:
BILL PEITSCH AND DOUG MEECH
Hannibal called a while back, morose as could be about sad news that had reached him about one of his drummers "from the day" passing on. I comiserated with him, as we had just heard that original Chesterfield Kings beat-man Doug Meech, too, had retired from this sphere. Hannibal immediately noted that there would be a third, and soon. Now I know why he wears the turban. Han was too right. We all lost Bill Peitsch of the Church Keys on September 21-- Bill, who Han called "the red headed drummer boy".
I don't think Doug and Bill ever met, but they would have been friends, I can warrant that. Doug was out of the Kings many moons ago, yet he sent a Christmas card every year, a traditional card with a short message that basically spelled out, I'm here, I'm okay, see you later. Doug was an unassuming guy, and a tremendous drummer. Bill was great trapsman as well, and he was an even better full capacity friend.
I first met Bill when he came to work at the Strand Bookstore in 1988. I was working personnel, a ten year vet myself of our beloved Strand at that time.
We became friends instantly. He and his gal Michelle, whom he would wed the following November, were cut from a rare old school bolt of friendship and an even rarer code of action, one that dictated DO IT, NOW! It was a privilege to
know Bill. He was an amazing individual. When we were all sitting around
reminiscing this week, there were so many repeated moments discussing his generosity, his kindness, his sense of responsibility. Still, some hilarious moments up time and again. I remember when the James Brown FUTURE SHOCK TV shows were found in some film vault in Atlanta some years ago, and we were all watching the tapes, which included some pretty funky dance contests. Bill's favorite was a male dancer who was acting out a tourist bit with his flight bag over his shoulder. The bizarre dance ended with the dancer pulling his bag over his head and flapping around wildly. If any of you have seen FUTURE SHOCK, I know you're laughing. Well, not long before the World Trade Center came a-tumbling, local lads the Fleshtones played a wild show at the top of the towers, in this very suave night club. Maybe it was Windows of the World.. Whatever, it was at the top and it was a nutty night. Billy (Miller) and I went with visiting Michael Lucas of the Phantom Surfers in tow, and we met up with Bill Peitsch and some
stray Finnish rock n' roll tourists up there. At one point, we were looking out the windows and reminiscing about seeing the Fleshtones in divey spots way down below, and it was one of those haunting, happy, crystal clear evenings when all the lights of the city were sparkling below and here we were, grotty overgrown teenagers dancing to a band from Queens in a grand sophisticated bom-booom room high above the streets of New York City. At the time, my handbag of choice was a TWA flight bag, which ended up, emptied of its scraps and upside down on dancing Bill Peitsch's head, completely engulfing his entire noggin, FUTURE SHOCK style. It was one of the most wildly surreal, hilarious moments in my life, Bill on the dance floor reenacting a James Brown moment that only made sense to a handful of lunatics who had been privy to the reel. I laughed then, until I cried, I've laughed hundreds of times since then just thinking of it, and I laugh now, but it's all tears. Gee we're gonna miss you Bill.
Everybody sends their love.
Your friend always,
Miriam
Bill's obituary
This too-brief obit neglects to mention of the fact that Bill worked continuously at the best bookstore in the world, the Strand, for just shy of 20 years, and that he was a Norton recording artist of merit, and that he appeared in several films, including Bruce Bennett's SHIRTSLEEVES, Dan Rose's WAYNE COUNTY RAMBLIN', and Christopher Frieri's I WAS A TEENAGE MUMMY. Let these things, too, be known.
BYE BYE BILLY
BILL PEITSCH (1962-2007)
By Billy Miller
I first met Bill and Michelle shortly before Miriam and I got married twenty years ago. They'd just moved to town from Detroit and the four of us instantly became inseparable best friends. Bill really was the guy you'd want around if you were down. I sure am down now, but quite honestly, I can't muster up maudlin words and I don't think Bill would want me to get overly gushy in his memory.
One thing about Bill, he always put his friends and family first. He'd be sure your car was running right even though he always drove old beaters ("Never spend more than 500 bucks on a car," he'd advise). He once put a new alternator in my van and called me ten minutes later to come and give his car a jump a few blocks away.
Bill could make anyone laugh, even in tragedy. His apartment once had a pretty serious fire (his cat tipped over a lit cigarette) and when I got there to help, I just couldn't stop laughing. His sofa had a hole in it burned about two feet wide and looked like a prop from the Three Stooges.
He even cracked Ike Turner up. We were watching Ike play one night and one of the modern Ikettes launched into a Whitney Houston ballad. Just as the song peaked and hit a pause, Bill hollered out a request for his favorite Turner classic - the Sly Fox's Hoodoo Say. "Hey Ike, " Bill howled, "What did the Hoodoo say?!" Ike doubled over and was laughing so hard. It was perfect.
After an Andre Williams gig at Coney Island High, Bill offered to chauffer Mr. Rhythm to JFK Airport for a 6AM flight to Los Angeles. Bill and Andre bar hopped their way through three counties and were none the worse for wear when they arrived at the curbside check in. Andre was fumbling with his check on pimp hat cases and would just laugh at every security question the frustrated attendant would ask. She finally got some semblance of a satisfactory answer out of Andre and turned to Bill and asked, "Are you flying as well?" "No, ma'am," Bill replied. "I'm just here to drop off my dad!" He said the lady nearly fainted.
Once at Rye Playland, Michelle and Miriam were arrested for attacking Freddy Cannon onstage. The girls had given Bill and me their purses a second before the impromptu attack and subsequent squad car ride down to the precinct the street. Bill and I walked into the police station where he loudly bellowed, "We're here for our womens!" with both of us holding ladies pocketbooks.
Bill attended hundreds of shows, each made better by his presence. It really didn't matter if he was on stage with any one of his bands (the Church Keys, Gowanus Canal Boys, Clams or Purple Wizard) or firing on all pistons from the audience, Bill could always be counted on to shake up the house. Lenny Kaye called Bill "a shining light" and that hits it on the head.
Chuck Berry was Bill's ultimate hero. "The farther it is from Chuck Berry," he once said, "the less I have any use for it." There was a time where I was between cars and Bill would let me borrow his truck. I'd swing by his job at the Strand and get the keys. There must have always been fifty cassettes scattered around the car, but every time I turned on the ignition, Chuck Berry started playing. Every single time.
There are so many shared wiggy memories that included conga lines, hot dog stands, pre-dawn living room jam sessions, wrestling matches (Bill was honored with a birthday cake in the ring at the Arena Puerto Rico), karate chopped watermelons, White Castle hijinx, all night Bingo with blue haired ladies in Vegas, doorbell ringing at all hours (the best was his "Your hedges are crooked. I could fix that" prank at 5:30 AM) that it's hard to figure just where one incident ended and the next one began. It's impossible to even fathom how Bill packed such an upbeat life into just 45 years. We had great times roaring through Virginia listening to Chuck Berry, roaring through Texas listening to Chuck Berry, roaring through Maine listening to Chuck Berry, and don't get me started on the New Jersey Turnpike in the wee wee hours…
My father taught me that the single greatest virtue a person could possess is loyalty. Bill Peitsch epitomized that. If you were his friend, he would never let you down. He was the most genuine cat I have ever known. There was definitely nothing phony about Bill. He was generous, smart, strong (it's true, he did drum an entire set with a girl perched on his shoulders) and lived his life by an admirably noble set of rules. And for bringing Speedo, our beloved pooch of 15 years into our home, I could never be able to thank Bill enough.
To all of Bill's family and friends, I offer my deepest heartfelt condolences.
We have lost Bill, but we've all gained so much from knowing him.
Bill Peitsch attended his last rock n' roll show just a week before his passing. He got to see Chuck Berry play Johnny B. Goode one last time.
See what's new at Norton
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Caught the tail-end of the Rotterdam Rumble fest last night. Alice 'n me entered the Waterfront rather late as a quick meal in a nearby restaurant turned out to be a coupious four course dinner with appropriate wine samples.
Anyways, we were just in time for Radio Birdman. After seeing them in London a couple o' years back, there was no real need to re-acquaint ourselves, but what heck, this is Radio Birdman!
Suffering from a rather weak mix (Dennis Tek's guitar being notably absent most of the time) and a handful of new songs (I understand the necessity for the band to keep things interesting, but from my p.o.v. coming up with something as great as 'D.F.F.D.' is a on/off that hardly anybody can pull off. 'Zeno Beach' is OK-ish at best) That aside, there's really no way knocking a band that has a back-catalogue like these guys. 'Murder City Nights', 'Do The Pop', 'Burn My Eye', 'Dark Surprise', you name it. Topping it off w/ a grand finale of 'You're Gonna Miss Me' and 'New Race' even I couldn't resist punshin' the air and shoutin' "Yeah Hup"!
Closing the Rumble were the Rip-Offs who's sole LP I completely wore out at the time, but who failed to impress last night. In-audioble vocals by the drummer and a barage of "fuck you's" and "you're all gay" references took the wind outta their sails from the git go. Juvenile behaviour is cool as long as it's by actual teenagers. Thirty somethings tryin' to do likewise only end up lookin' stupid, just like the people they're supposedly rebelling against...
Like the more garagey Primitive fests these Rumbles are turnin' out to be a cool tradition and the Waterfront is turnin' out to be my favorite venue in Holland right now (the view outside over the river Maas is amazin'!) Roll on the next edition!
(youtube link 1, 2)
We finished our stay in Rotterdam with a visit to the VIP's gallery that's currently hosting a cool exibith of pictures by Bob Gruen (w/ lotsa cool pics of the Dolls, Ramones, and the pre-Blondie Stilettos) that's well worth checkin' out if you're in the neighborhood.
Anyways, we were just in time for Radio Birdman. After seeing them in London a couple o' years back, there was no real need to re-acquaint ourselves, but what heck, this is Radio Birdman!
Suffering from a rather weak mix (Dennis Tek's guitar being notably absent most of the time) and a handful of new songs (I understand the necessity for the band to keep things interesting, but from my p.o.v. coming up with something as great as 'D.F.F.D.' is a on/off that hardly anybody can pull off. 'Zeno Beach' is OK-ish at best) That aside, there's really no way knocking a band that has a back-catalogue like these guys. 'Murder City Nights', 'Do The Pop', 'Burn My Eye', 'Dark Surprise', you name it. Topping it off w/ a grand finale of 'You're Gonna Miss Me' and 'New Race' even I couldn't resist punshin' the air and shoutin' "Yeah Hup"!
Closing the Rumble were the Rip-Offs who's sole LP I completely wore out at the time, but who failed to impress last night. In-audioble vocals by the drummer and a barage of "fuck you's" and "you're all gay" references took the wind outta their sails from the git go. Juvenile behaviour is cool as long as it's by actual teenagers. Thirty somethings tryin' to do likewise only end up lookin' stupid, just like the people they're supposedly rebelling against...
Like the more garagey Primitive fests these Rumbles are turnin' out to be a cool tradition and the Waterfront is turnin' out to be my favorite venue in Holland right now (the view outside over the river Maas is amazin'!) Roll on the next edition!
(youtube link 1, 2)
We finished our stay in Rotterdam with a visit to the VIP's gallery that's currently hosting a cool exibith of pictures by Bob Gruen (w/ lotsa cool pics of the Dolls, Ramones, and the pre-Blondie Stilettos) that's well worth checkin' out if you're in the neighborhood.
Saturday, October 06, 2007
You'll have to excuse the fact that there's no real post today. This is because work on my screenplay for "Haggis In A Black Leather Jacket" has taken precedence. This is a gaelic homage to the first John Waters film and will play out like a cross between "Whisky Galore" and "Pink Flamingos". Also, even although there's a postal strike - when I happened by the collection office this very am - my copy of SWEAT was there. It had snuck in just before the old industrial action swung into play. No deliveries until next Thursday at the earliest but the upside of that is that there'll be no bills either. Ok so let’s see there’s a bunch of things here to distract you from what you ought to be doing, starting with…Vera Peppermint version of the ACC chestnut “John Cassavetes”.
A Roky/Elevators tome (info courtesy of Dr Hesske)
Groovy new find (by Amy Allison)… Nicole Atkins
And there was more but I've just lost the document that it was all cut and pasted on... this is obviously a sign, so see ya...
Friday, October 05, 2007
Sometimes it seems as though the world has gone all Christopher Guest. Like we're, or I rather, might be living out some big spoof. Where somehow a band circumnavigating a record label and an utter balloon making a speech without notes is news? Here in this particular bubble, importance lies with the fact that Säkert! is doing shows in Sweden and it's unlikely that I'll be able to attend. There's just too much going on plus there's the flat out broke scenario to contend with. Life being the proverbial b-ii-atch and all that. This postal strike looks like it'll disrupt things majorly too, I was kind of hoping for a stay of execution on that. For my own selfish ends you understand, not for the greater good. Anyway, it's Friday, the grind is over momentarily and this blighter about to be switched off for the evening. Happy trails.
(Thanks to Mr Hägred for the Säkert! info)
(Thanks to Mr Hägred for the Säkert! info)
Thursday, October 04, 2007
I just got this incase any of you are interested...
"We can exclusively announce UK punk legends, THE SEX PISTOLS, have just confirmed their first Scottish show in 12 years at Glasgow’s, SECC on Sunday 18th November.
As a GigsInScotland registered user (That's me!) - this is YOUR EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY to buy tickets for this incredible show. Don’t miss this unique pre-sale chance to ensure you get your ticket to see The Sex Pistols live!
LIMITED PRE-SALE TICKETS available HERE as of FRIDAY 5th OCTOBER 9AM
GENERAL RELEASE TICKETS available HERE as of SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER 9AM"
Ticket price appears to be 35 quid, probably plus a 4 quid booking fee, but if you're so inclined...
At least they're coming north to fleece us direct...
"We can exclusively announce UK punk legends, THE SEX PISTOLS, have just confirmed their first Scottish show in 12 years at Glasgow’s, SECC on Sunday 18th November.
As a GigsInScotland registered user (That's me!) - this is YOUR EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITY to buy tickets for this incredible show. Don’t miss this unique pre-sale chance to ensure you get your ticket to see The Sex Pistols live!
LIMITED PRE-SALE TICKETS available HERE as of FRIDAY 5th OCTOBER 9AM
GENERAL RELEASE TICKETS available HERE as of SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER 9AM"
Ticket price appears to be 35 quid, probably plus a 4 quid booking fee, but if you're so inclined...
At least they're coming north to fleece us direct...
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Fret not, we won't be breaking out the ol' five-stringed banjo -- just all the more reason to come join Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. this week for our first ever appearance at Banjo Jim's! Two big shows are in store, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00, and there's not only no cover charge, but no banjo, either. Sweet, yes?THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4th / BANJO JIM'S / 700 East 9th Street (on the corner of 9th Street and Avenue C) in Manhattan's "East Village", NYC / Two sets, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / Followed at 10:00 by the expectedly well-cooked Swamp Cabbage /
No cover charge!
Remaining banjo-free, as always,
Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
As October seems destined hurtle by in much the same way as September did, I've somewhat come to the conclusion that I have no control over the order and priority of the day to day. Seems like I used to have all that nailed but no more, also I'd like to spend less time in front of a computer screen. Way less time, both here and at work. Adding to everyone's info overload is something that seems somewhat surplus to requirements. The constant bombardment gets to be very tiring and can turn something that's supposed to be fun into a chore. Sound familiar?
Time to take some kind of stock then, in terms of what's up with what’s going down. My liner notes for the upcoming Munster Nomads and Supersuckers dvds are completed and filed with the relevant authorities in Madrid. Couple or three other bits and pieces to take care of but after that it's a straight run into The Boonaraaas London debut on November 2nd at Dirty Water. 
Reserve your tickets by clicking on the logo to your immediate left. Of course, some of you will be digging The Sonics that self same night at Cavestomp in Brooklyn.
As of tomorrow, another mail strike is set to swing into action and it'll last until next Thursday, give or take. I guess that'll hold up delivery of my copy of Sweat for another while? It’s all set to escalate and I imagine that it's gonna get ugly in the run up to the big money spinner and the fact that boths sides won't want to capitulate. Meanwhile what about the stuff we've ordered!?
As the news of the Pistols re-recording “Anarchy” for some computer game (dearie me - not terribly indicative antichrist behaviour is it?) broke, PUNK 365 arrived to remind us of times long past. This is a veritable doorstop of a volume that has plenty to distract you from what you ought to be doing. Get yourself a Home Blitz cd to accompany this malingering and odds are you could put off what you meant to do for, och, days at least. P365 is a total bargain from Amazon so treat your good or bad self.
The Ramones It’s Alive double dvd is out too. Order both to score super saver delivery!
As I attempt to get my head around the "bucky gift pack" concept, further rumours of a deluxe version with a burberry scarf type ribbon and a cap are as yet unsubstantiated.
OK, gonna put some music on and I'm going to veg out. Order and priority have been AWOL for long and weary, another day or so in the wilderness won't hurt. Have a fine evening, whatever you end up getting up to.
Time to take some kind of stock then, in terms of what's up with what’s going down. My liner notes for the upcoming Munster Nomads and Supersuckers dvds are completed and filed with the relevant authorities in Madrid. Couple or three other bits and pieces to take care of but after that it's a straight run into The Boonaraaas London debut on November 2nd at Dirty Water. 
Reserve your tickets by clicking on the logo to your immediate left. Of course, some of you will be digging The Sonics that self same night at Cavestomp in Brooklyn.As of tomorrow, another mail strike is set to swing into action and it'll last until next Thursday, give or take. I guess that'll hold up delivery of my copy of Sweat for another while? It’s all set to escalate and I imagine that it's gonna get ugly in the run up to the big money spinner and the fact that boths sides won't want to capitulate. Meanwhile what about the stuff we've ordered!?
As the news of the Pistols re-recording “Anarchy” for some computer game (dearie me - not terribly indicative antichrist behaviour is it?) broke, PUNK 365 arrived to remind us of times long past. This is a veritable doorstop of a volume that has plenty to distract you from what you ought to be doing. Get yourself a Home Blitz cd to accompany this malingering and odds are you could put off what you meant to do for, och, days at least. P365 is a total bargain from Amazon so treat your good or bad self.
The Ramones It’s Alive double dvd is out too. Order both to score super saver delivery!As I attempt to get my head around the "bucky gift pack" concept, further rumours of a deluxe version with a burberry scarf type ribbon and a cap are as yet unsubstantiated.
OK, gonna put some music on and I'm going to veg out. Order and priority have been AWOL for long and weary, another day or so in the wilderness won't hurt. Have a fine evening, whatever you end up getting up to.
I've always believed that tha Scandanavian quality of life is better and this is further borne out by the information below.
What better way to forget this blah days to Christmas malarky than to be looking forward to a real Rok around the Christmas tree. (Thanks to Mr Hagred for the info)
ROKY ERICKSON and the EXPLOSIVES office party tour!
Thursday - 13th December 2007 - Malmo, Sweden, KB
Saturday - 15th December 2007 - Stockholm, Sweden, Nalen
Sunday - 16th December 2007 - Stockholm, Sweden, Nalen
Tuesday - 18th December 2007 - Helsinki, Finland, Tavastia
Thursday - 2oth December 2007 - Oslo, Norway, Rockerfeller
Friday - 21st December 2007 - Gothenburg, Sweden, Tragarn - SOLD OUT
What better way to forget this blah days to Christmas malarky than to be looking forward to a real Rok around the Christmas tree. (Thanks to Mr Hagred for the info)
ROKY ERICKSON and the EXPLOSIVES office party tour!
Thursday - 13th December 2007 - Malmo, Sweden, KB
Saturday - 15th December 2007 - Stockholm, Sweden, Nalen
Sunday - 16th December 2007 - Stockholm, Sweden, Nalen
Tuesday - 18th December 2007 - Helsinki, Finland, Tavastia
Thursday - 2oth December 2007 - Oslo, Norway, Rockerfeller
Friday - 21st December 2007 - Gothenburg, Sweden, Tragarn - SOLD OUT
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
London's finest, the mighty Blacktime are playing two shows over here in Holland this week. Tomorrow (03.okt) at the first night of the Rotterdam Rumble and on Thursday (04.okt) at DBs here in Utrecht.
The Stripchords take to the Thames!
Hey ho kidlets!
The Stripchords are set to take their patent-pending mix of instrumental sleaze and vintage 8mm nudie cutie flicks onto the river Thames on Wednesday October 10th, when they take to the stage on the Battersea Barge, in support of former Stairs fella Edgar 'Summertyme' Jones' combo, um, Edgar Jones & The Joneses. This shindig comes to you courtesy of the redoubtable Rock'n'Roll Soul crew and tickets are limited, so get yerself a ticket quick, like!
See you at the ba-arrrrr, me hearties!
Selah!
The Stripchords
Edgar Jones & The Joneses, The Stripchords, Black Elvis@ Rock'n'Roll Soul Goes Large On The Barge, The Battersea Barge, Nine Elms Lane, London SW8
Wednesday October 10th at 7.30pm - £7
www.rocknrollsoul.co.uk
www.myspace.com/thestripchords
The Works are a new band from Amsterdam and they are playing their second show this Friday at the Baarmoeder (Zeeburgerdijk 265) They feature a former member of Frites Modern and tell me they sound "Dictators-like", they even do a Dutch language version of 'New York, New York' ('Mokum, Mokum') Reasons enough to warrent investigation I'd say...
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Upp Till Kamp translates as "How Soon Is Now?!", actually there may be more exclamations and question marks involved but that'll do for now. UTK, the soundtrack, is music composed for the 4 part TV series of the same name. Composed by Mattias Bärjed, it runs the gamut from authentic 60's garage rock through soul balladry to fuzz instrumentals not unlike Jack Nitzsche. It's absolutely stellar and I doubt that you'll hear a better OST this (or maybe any other) year. It's a 2cd set which features an array of musicians including fellow TSOOLer Ebbot Lundberg and the Martin "Konie" Ehrencrona. Release by Razzia, is something you really need to treat yourself to. It'll keep you warm for many years to come. And the films themselves, well that's available on dvd with full English subtitles. Set in Gothenburg between 1966 and 1976, it follows the (mis)fortunes of four close friends. UTK is about aspiration, principle, compromise and ultimately being worn down, in other words, real fucking life. Kind of like a Mike Leigh piece with a rock'n'roll heart. And I don't think I've ever seen that much smoking on screen. Ever. All of the main players are exceptional. In particular, Fanny Risberg that plays Lena. Somebody should be thinking about making a record with this girl. The version of "Stay With Me Forever" on disc 2 is heartbreaking. I guess it's an old song judging by the credits but you just never know, anyway if the original is better then it really must be something. Those Gary Brookeresque keyboards, blimey. The whole thing is operating in a zone way beyond mere authenticity and I really hope that you take whatever chance presents itself to see and hear this.
Listen again to "The Story of Flowers in the Rain" on BBC Radio 4. Tony Blackburn recalls the 1967 hit Flowers in the Rain by The Move, the first record played on Radio 1. A controversial publicity stunt to promote the single led to the band being sued by Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Contributors include former band members, photographers, producers and fans.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Dr Hesske sent me this, even if it's not real, it certainly rocked me like a hurricane.
Couldn't resist that... trying to hang onto the moment. (Makes hail satan sign on way to kitchen)
Couldn't resist that... trying to hang onto the moment. (Makes hail satan sign on way to kitchen)
Ok, so while I get my bearings - check these things out...
Tickets for the David Lynch/Donovan "Catching The Big Fish" event on Friday October 26th at The Queens Hall in Edinburgh are now available to book online.
TM is just the ticket for the impending long dark nichts... and while we're on the subject, check out what's out on October 23rd.
Postcard Records
tribute night
Sunday, October 7
Mono, 103 King Street, (0141 553-2400)
8pm-12am
£4 suggested donation, proceeds to benefit Oxfam as part of the Oxjam Music Festival
Taking his cue from the melancholic side of the Velvet Underground, the ideals of punk, and his own maverick Caledonian stubbornness, Glaswegian Alan Horne managed in two short years (1979-81) to release a handful of masterpieces that continue to inspire pop people everywhere. Without Postcard Records, there might well have been no Pastels, no C86, no Sarah, no Flying Nun, no Smiths, no indiepop revival at all.
(Steve Thorton - Tweenet)
On Sunday (October 7th), Glasgow will pay tribute with local bands old and new performing live sets of covers from the label that brought us Orange Juice, Josef K and Aztec Camera.
Expect to see some famous faces in the line-up – and among the packed crowd – including Malcolm Ross (Orange Juice, Josef K, Aztec Camera), Justin Currie (Del Amitri), The Bluebells, BMX Bandits, The Poems, Wake The President, The Low Miffs, Lou Hickey, DJ Andrew Divine and other special guests.
Tickets for the David Lynch/Donovan "Catching The Big Fish" event on Friday October 26th at The Queens Hall in Edinburgh are now available to book online.TM is just the ticket for the impending long dark nichts... and while we're on the subject, check out what's out on October 23rd.
Postcard Records tribute night
Sunday, October 7
Mono, 103 King Street, (0141 553-2400)
8pm-12am
£4 suggested donation, proceeds to benefit Oxfam as part of the Oxjam Music Festival
Taking his cue from the melancholic side of the Velvet Underground, the ideals of punk, and his own maverick Caledonian stubbornness, Glaswegian Alan Horne managed in two short years (1979-81) to release a handful of masterpieces that continue to inspire pop people everywhere. Without Postcard Records, there might well have been no Pastels, no C86, no Sarah, no Flying Nun, no Smiths, no indiepop revival at all.
(Steve Thorton - Tweenet)
On Sunday (October 7th), Glasgow will pay tribute with local bands old and new performing live sets of covers from the label that brought us Orange Juice, Josef K and Aztec Camera.
Expect to see some famous faces in the line-up – and among the packed crowd – including Malcolm Ross (Orange Juice, Josef K, Aztec Camera), Justin Currie (Del Amitri), The Bluebells, BMX Bandits, The Poems, Wake The President, The Low Miffs, Lou Hickey, DJ Andrew Divine and other special guests.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. returns to Otto's Shrunken Head this week for its last-Thursday-of-every-month dose of tiki tonic -- and with returning special guest singer Miss Rosalie Morris joining us for good measure! "The Southern Spitfire", as we like to call her, will offer the tropical cure for whatever ails you, alright. Unless it's something really serious, in which case you should just drink. Heavily.-----------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD TIKI BAR & LOUNGE / With special guest singer ROSALIE MORRIS! /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in ol' Manhattan / Two B-I-G shows, from 8:00 sharp 'til 10:00 / With DJ Scratchy ("He's square...He's yellow...He's solid state!"), salty snacks and your barkeep Pam / No cover! /
And, coming up in Thursday-happy October...
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4th -- Banjo Jim's (NYC)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11th -- teneleven bar (NYC)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25th -- Otto's Shrunken Head (NYC)
-----------------------------------------------------
Details galore at...
http://www.SITandDieCo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sitanddieco/
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Yours in health,
Michael, Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Primevals will be back in the ring this October with these Edinburgh and Glasgow shows to herald the release of "there is no other life and this is it" on their own 'triple wide' label on October 12th. They're also on the upcoming Dirty Water Imprint Fleshtones tribute and set for a show at that self same club on December 7th. Full details on how to get all this stuff coming soon!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Got myself a double dose of culture yesterday to add to my general procrastination. I imagine that if I'd stayed at home I'd be no further forward anyways. Not that I'm trying to convince you either way. So anyways, it was Doors Open Day here and as part of that, the old Hippodrome renovation in Bo'ness was one of the buildings involved. You may have caught me gabbing about the place before. T'was an interesting wander indeed and it's hoped that the place will be open as a cinema and heritage centre sometime in 2008. It's an amazing space, sort of like the Roundhouse in London only minatureised. I'm not sure it would be possible to be used for live music but I can't see how it couldn't be utilised in an acoustic sense. Time and some investigation will no doubt tell. There were a lot of interested parties. Let's hope that keeps up when it actually opens. Then it was off to Glasgow to see a movie that might actually have played there back in the 60's, Sam Fuller's "Pickup on South Street". It was shown to launch the publication of The Dark Page by Kingly Reprieve which I just saw on Amazon for the bargain price of £7.67! It's possibly a mistake so score your copy now at this canny rate. Couldn't hang around for the Monorail Film Club shindig but I did get my tickets for the David Lynch/Donovan event in October. Tried to buy a couple extra incase any of you folks were up for it but they were all gone. Many thanks to Marc Baines for hipping me to this particular trip...
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Events of the past few days have been a wee bit overwhelming. It's going to take some time to try and process all that's gotta be dealt with. This is both good and bad but most certainly not evil. Anything but. I was all set to go and have a look at the Hippodrome in Bo'ness today, part of the Doors Open Day. It's only open tomorrow though so that's postponed. It's going to re-open as a cinema and heritage centre during 2008. Wonder what happened to the plans to put on music? Anyway, I hope to find out about all that tomorrow...
Meanwhile, it's probably time to "get in aboot" what has to be "gotten inaboot". 'til later perhaps. I see that the formatting has gone back to normal, everything indeed comes to he who waits. And waits a little more.
Meanwhile, it's probably time to "get in aboot" what has to be "gotten inaboot". 'til later perhaps. I see that the formatting has gone back to normal, everything indeed comes to he who waits. And waits a little more.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Still feeling a wee bit woolly after having way too much fun at the wedding of Captain David Scott and Margaret yesterday. Congratulations to those fine folks.
Amy Allison is on a plane headed for Newark as I tap away and you can hear her on Ricky's American Tunes on Radio Scotland tonight between 8.05 and 10pm. Listening to the tunes she recorded during the trip, there's another excellent album headed your way in the wilds of 2008.
Amy Allison is on a plane headed for Newark as I tap away and you can hear her on Ricky's American Tunes on Radio Scotland tonight between 8.05 and 10pm. Listening to the tunes she recorded during the trip, there's another excellent album headed your way in the wilds of 2008.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
MONORAIL FILM CLUB PRESENTS –THE HOLY MODAL ROUNDERS:
BOUND TO LOSE
and SILVER JEW
This month Monorail Film Club turns it's attention to two generations of American underground music. The Holy Modal Rounders: Bound To Lose chronicles the wild forty-year history of 'The Rounders', who originated as a 1960's Greenwich Village psychedelic folk duo of Peter Stampfel and Steve Weber. Featured in the film are Dennis Hopper, former band member Sam Shepard, Peter Tork of The Monkees, Ira Kaplan of Yo La Tengo, The Fugs, Loudon Wainwright III, among many others.
Silver Jew is an intimate portrait of sometimes reclusive poet/ musician David Berman and his band the Silver Jews on their historic first visit to Israel in 2006. For Berman this trip was always going to be significant and emotional and the film offers a unique insight into the charismatic word-genius as he performs his music in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem with a country-tinged incarnation of his group which includes his wife Cassie.
Sunday 23rd September, 6.45. We very much recommend booking tickets in advance.
GFT, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow. 0141 332 8128
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Mr Rafferty wishes it to be known that The Beat Poets are playing the Bell St Stage at the Merchant City Festival in Glasgow on Saturday 22nd September. Stage time is 1:20 to 2:30pm.
I HATE 4 band bills. Particularly when the perceived order is futzed with. So thinking that by arriving late, we would actually miss one of the others - it was a bastard to turn up at Tuts to find that The Vivians had been on first. So this meant having to endure two others that might, to quote that Calvin Harris guy, have been "acceptable in the Eighties" but tonight it's two dollups of grating bollocks. Two bands that pushed the running time back to mean that leaving the SohoDolls set during "Weekender" to catch the last train was the less than satisfactory result.
I don't like going to Tuts anymore. Haven't since they got rid of the big mirror at the bar area. However, the 'Dolls deserve better. They should have been on second to last because then people wouldn't have had to leave. They also wouldn't have to endure way inferior musical faffing. If the "Ribbed Music" album is a little too polished then catching the band live is the way to put flesh on those production bones. The band also look greats and Tony Sailor reminded me of the one and only Keith Streng, you know that's a big plus around here. The loudness provides the songs a visceral quality and in places it's like Jo Callis period Human League sculpted by Al Jourgensen. Maya Doll's vocals were crystal clear and the overall sound in general was amazing. There are obviously samples involved but who the fuck cares when it's as well delivered as this. I've seen some rather unkind dismissals of the album, obviously penned by people who wouldn't know a real, living, breathing, groovy ensemble if they fell across it. SohoDolls are a rare commodity in these piss-poor pop saturated times. So, no chance to hear "Stripper" as we make our way into the rain but I'm sure it would have brought the house down. No other group in the UK has come close to capturing the heady days of The Sweet or Mud to my mind in recent living memory.
If you're in Aberdeen tonight then head for The Tunnels, they're in Greenock(!) tomorrow (Thursday) so give the QE2 a bodyswerve and get down to Reds. There are shows all over the country, check their myspace. They have potential to burn in the old-fashioned biblical sense but is that enough in these ADD festooned times? Only time will tell...
I don't like going to Tuts anymore. Haven't since they got rid of the big mirror at the bar area. However, the 'Dolls deserve better. They should have been on second to last because then people wouldn't have had to leave. They also wouldn't have to endure way inferior musical faffing. If the "Ribbed Music" album is a little too polished then catching the band live is the way to put flesh on those production bones. The band also look greats and Tony Sailor reminded me of the one and only Keith Streng, you know that's a big plus around here. The loudness provides the songs a visceral quality and in places it's like Jo Callis period Human League sculpted by Al Jourgensen. Maya Doll's vocals were crystal clear and the overall sound in general was amazing. There are obviously samples involved but who the fuck cares when it's as well delivered as this. I've seen some rather unkind dismissals of the album, obviously penned by people who wouldn't know a real, living, breathing, groovy ensemble if they fell across it. SohoDolls are a rare commodity in these piss-poor pop saturated times. So, no chance to hear "Stripper" as we make our way into the rain but I'm sure it would have brought the house down. No other group in the UK has come close to capturing the heady days of The Sweet or Mud to my mind in recent living memory.
If you're in Aberdeen tonight then head for The Tunnels, they're in Greenock(!) tomorrow (Thursday) so give the QE2 a bodyswerve and get down to Reds. There are shows all over the country, check their myspace. They have potential to burn in the old-fashioned biblical sense but is that enough in these ADD festooned times? Only time will tell...
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dammit. I just discovered some stuff I should have posted over the last week or so. It was on a folder on my desktop that should have been visible but evidently never registered on my peepers when I logged on. Apologies if that has hurt anyone's draw in terms of shows, etc. I bit off more than these teeth can deal with, OK? However equilibrium should be restored over the next few days. I said "should" there as a possible disclaimer.
No drive to the stalag this morning. That has to be a good thing... don't think I have any petrol anyhoo.
No drive to the stalag this morning. That has to be a good thing... don't think I have any petrol anyhoo.
Monday, September 17, 2007
For the fifth year in a row, Impolite Records proudly present their annual, free rock 'n' roll frenzy: Impolite Garage Fest! IGF is the only way to get your rock 'n' roll in The Hague. A town once known for great sixties beatbands as: The Golden Earrings, The Motions, Shocking Blue & Q65. We try to live up to that spirit! This year we got: Lo-Lite (Slovenly recording artists from Arnhem play dirty "a bridge too far" garageblues), The Quotes (Rotterdamned punkrock'n'rollers voted best Dutch live act by Grunnen's Vera crowd), Los Tiki Boys (For that special surf sensation! With (ex-)members of The Kliek, Firebirds, Ouke Baas, Treble Spankers and Hallo Venray), The Peptones (garageR’n’R from The Hague with special guest Eric Geevers, of the legendary Ace-Tones, on his vox continental).
Last but not least we got Mark Sultan (aka BBQ). Straight from Canada comes half of The King Khan & BBQ Show, Former member of Les Sexereenos and The Spaceshits. His latest and greatest record is called “The Sultanic Verses” and is released by In The Red Records. On top of that marvellous line-up we got some of the coolest dj's who'll spin their grooviest 45's all night long!!! What about: Stefan Stardumb? Well, he'll be there! And as always: The Upper Shelves, Ziggy The Zigster, Robbie The Robster, Alvin and The Boogieman! And introducing: Funkstrut! So, come shake your hips, have a drink and meet your friends at our free Rock 'n' Roll Extravaganza! Hope to see you there,
Bram Haasdijk (Impolite Records, The Peptones)
WWW.IGF5.TK
WWW.PEPTONES.NL
Pick Up On South Street (PG)Glasgow Film Theatre, Rose Street.
Sunday 23rd September @ 4.30pm.
To mark their publication of THE DARK PAGE, the long-lost 1944 crime novel by Hollywood iconoclast Sam Fuller, GFT and Glasgow's Kingly Reprieve Books presents a special screening of Fuller's frantic slam-bang noir masterpiece, Pickup On South Street. Lowlife pickpocket Richard Widmark and B-girl Jean Peters reluctantly save the world from a communist spy ring. From the startling opening close-ups, chronicling a pursesnatch in a crowded, greasy New York subway, it develops into a torrid love story and spy thriller where the world hangs in the balance. The film is introduced by David Will, who got to know Fuller during the Edinburgh Film Festival's 1969 retrospective, the book will be launched in the GFT bar at 3.30 and available at reduced price for one day only.
and from the press release for the book -
"If you don’t like Sam Fuller, you just don’t like cinema.”~ MARTIN SCORSESE
As director and writer, Sam Fuller is revered for raw films noir like Pickup on South Street and searing war movies such as The Big Red One, earning a devoted cult of fans that has included filmmakers from Jean-Luc Godard to Quentin Tarantino, and writers from James Ellroy to George Pelecanos. Before movies, however, Fuller was a newspaperman, and a prolific novelist, blasting out books for the disreputable pulp market. Drawing on his own experience, Fuller sets this story against the vividly rendered world of Manhattan’s ravenous tabloid newspaper industry. The Dark Page is the tale of Carl Chapman, a powerful city editor turned murderer, who finds himself hunted through the pages of his own paper by the young star crime reporter he personally groomed.First published in 1944, this fantastically readable murder story has been unavailable for decades, and never published in the UK before. A bestseller in its day – when it was awarded “Best Psychological Novel of 1944” - the novel’s page turning pace, hardboiled stance, cynical wit and grit remain surprising, as do the cinematic eye and powerhouse story-telling of its author. A gripping noir snapshot of its era, with still-pertinent observations on the workings of the tabloid press, it is one of the great rediscoveries of the year.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
I wonder what happened to the formatting on this? Not aware that anything was futzed with at this end to cause this but you never know. And, some messages with regard to not being able to access the posting area when I DO get a chance to attempt some of my patented gibberish. It seems to be letting me prepare this at least but who knows? I'll press publish and it'll vanish. The Wooden Shjips album arrival put me in a good mood but that's not likely to last. Things are backed up to Jackson Heights here in a manner of speaking so how that all pans out is open to conjecture, particularly up until the end of the month. After that it's expected that things will settle down but such expectation has a tendancy to be extended. I still feel a little EIFF-lagged and I've been busy lollygadding with exotic visitors. Reality is threatening to land me an almighty set of bumps and bruises but bobbing and weaving has kept me outta the range of any direct punch up the throat up to this point. I think a very lazy Sunday is in order. Normal service? How the heck would I know...
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
RIP - Doug Meech
"Sad news courtesy of James Booth: Original Chesterield Kings' drummer, Doug Meech has apparently passed away recently.
I don't have much information to go on other than a message from current Chesterfield Kings' guitarist Paul Morabito that Doug was found dead in his apartment after having been missing from work for almost a week.
Doug Meech was the original drummer in the Chesterfield Kings, forming the band with Greg Prevost and Rick Cona even before Andy Babiuk was involved. As the 'heart and soul' of the band, Doug (together with Greg, Rick, Andy and Ori Guran and later Walt O'Brien and Mike Pappert), played with the band from 1979-1988 performing on the bands early single and first few records as well as touring the States and Europe with the band. Since his departure from the music scene in 1988, Doug has lived a quiet life. On Sundays he would frequent the record store i work at (the Bop Shop) after church and buy loads of early 60's soul and r&b vinyl. In fact i just saw him last week and asked him if he still had his original Kings' drums (which he did)."
from a Garagepunkrecords.com mailout
"Sad news courtesy of James Booth: Original Chesterield Kings' drummer, Doug Meech has apparently passed away recently.
I don't have much information to go on other than a message from current Chesterfield Kings' guitarist Paul Morabito that Doug was found dead in his apartment after having been missing from work for almost a week.
Doug Meech was the original drummer in the Chesterfield Kings, forming the band with Greg Prevost and Rick Cona even before Andy Babiuk was involved. As the 'heart and soul' of the band, Doug (together with Greg, Rick, Andy and Ori Guran and later Walt O'Brien and Mike Pappert), played with the band from 1979-1988 performing on the bands early single and first few records as well as touring the States and Europe with the band. Since his departure from the music scene in 1988, Doug has lived a quiet life. On Sundays he would frequent the record store i work at (the Bop Shop) after church and buy loads of early 60's soul and r&b vinyl. In fact i just saw him last week and asked him if he still had his original Kings' drums (which he did)."
from a Garagepunkrecords.com mailout
Saturday, September 08, 2007
FRIDAY SEPT 14 - 8PM - THE DIRTY WATER CLUB - MUSIC ROOM AT THE BOSTON ARMS, JUNCTION ROAD - ACROSS FROM TUFNELL PK UNDERGROUND STATION
The Wildebeests
http://www.myspace.com/wildebeests
Members of the Kaisers, Milkshakes and Thanes combine their talents to become the Lairds of the Boss Racket. At the Primitive Festival in Rotterdam in June, despite being on a bill with so many great bands, the general opinion was that they were the best thing of the entire weekend!
The Stabilisers
http://www.myspace.com/thestabilisers
Featuring ex-Prisoners / Solarflares /Headcoats / James Taylor Quartet man Allan Crockford, The Stabilsisers are an unholy crossbreed of early Clash, XTC, the Buzzcocks, Generation X and The Boys, with the added genetic fingerprints of The Who in ‘65, the Ramones, The Modern Lovers, The Damned and some of the more angular garage bands of the late 60s
Black Time http://www.myspace.com/blacktimemutant77
Featuring former members of the Action Time and the Hotwires, Black Time indulge their love for underground LA punk legends Crime and obscure, mostly forgotten DIY punk 45s, mixed in with the Cramps and early Fall.
>>some images of Black Time playing the 10 year anniversary gig supporting the Monks
**************************************************************************************
SATURDAY SEPT 15 - PARIS, FRANCE - LA MECANIQUE ONDULATOIRE -
Passage Thiéré
THE WILDEBEESTS + 'garage / punk / surf combo TU SERAS TERRIBLEMENT GENTILLE
www.myspace.com/tuserasterriblementgentille
**********************************************************************************************************
SUNDAY 16 Sep 2007, 18:00 CORN ROCKET CLUB:
the Birdcage, 58 Stamford Hill, London N16, FREE!!!
T H E W I L D E B E E S T S + T H E B U C K E T S
Wooden Shjips have set sail and you can preview the album now. There was a lot to live up to and I think they've got the virus contained. Good old fashioned neu-sy, oscillation. The like of which I haven't encountered since the halcyon Spacemen 3 days. Just the thing for what ails yer... due in a week on cd and vinyl. Just the thing to book your ticket out of this world on the impending winter nights.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. goes country this week – at the 4th Annual Brooklyn Country Music Festival! It’s a colossal three-day happening of over 20 local pea-pickin’ acts and homemade pie, with our contribution coming on Saturday, September 8th at 6pm on the curtained stage of spacious Southpaw in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Why, we even had our picture in the paper. Complete festival lineup here. Also this week, should you just happen to be in the Philadelphia area, we’re appearing at the 8th Annual Hotroad Hoedown on Friday, September 7th, with all the gassed up details here.Yours truly, Michael "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Oversubscribed and/or flailing. That's the order of the day around here. Many distractions and a total and utter lack of organisation on my part. Seems like the power to schedule has been lost and hence the rather tardy attempts at making an appearance here. I've sort of lost the will to blog actually. That's the truth of the matter, especially when the ISP seems to be playing up into the bargain. Using a bloody computer all day, every day means that I'm not altogether in the best tid for starting again when I drag my arse home, tonight - like last night - I had every intention of schlepping to Glasgow but the flesh, the spirit and the wallet are all vying for which is the sodding weakest. But anyway, Murray sent me this link to some Hilly the K tributes from outside what was CBGB's. From there you can navigate to more cool images by Debbie CB's. Go do it.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
I thought I'd mentioned the Lucky Soul shows and in particular the one in Glasgow tonight at Barfly. Mr Duff sez no so I better rectify that. It's unlikely I'll make it over there but there's a loooooong days hard rain between now and then. Jeez... look at the time, ought to be gone...
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
RIP - Janis Martin (The Female Elvis)
I had about 5 minutes to post this information earlier from a bulletin recieved from Leee Black Childers. Been checking back and forth throughout the day but the only thing I've come across other than her myspace is this from the Noise Board. It was only last week Rosie Flores alerted the world to the fact that she was terminally ill. Maybe it's a blessing that it happened this fast but obviously not for her family, friends and fans. May she be boppin' with her boy Elvis right this very minute!
I had about 5 minutes to post this information earlier from a bulletin recieved from Leee Black Childers. Been checking back and forth throughout the day but the only thing I've come across other than her myspace is this from the Noise Board. It was only last week Rosie Flores alerted the world to the fact that she was terminally ill. Maybe it's a blessing that it happened this fast but obviously not for her family, friends and fans. May she be boppin' with her boy Elvis right this very minute!
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Wooden Shjips are on the cover-mount cd with the new Mojo. Pt 1 of the new "SOL '07" 45 providing a taster for the album coming on Holy Mountain (September 10th?). You can listen to "SOL Pt. 2" on their myspace continuum. It got that throb.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Bit hectic around here at the minute but that news about The Sonics has really set the heather on fire. Of course, I'll have to sit it out but I'm hoping that Mr Lenny Helsing will report back on what goes down as both his combos, The Thanes and The Wildebeests are in on the action. As are the mighty Fleshtones!
Can't believe that we're grazing September already and there's a lot to consider. Trying to update this thing everyday unravels sometimes. However, between this, that and trying to maintain an existence then this is the hand I've been dealt. It could be way worse or it could be be a tad or two smoother. Anyway, there's some haggis to fry and supplies to be got in. Or is it the other way aboot? Either way, I'm outta here...
Can't believe that we're grazing September already and there's a lot to consider. Trying to update this thing everyday unravels sometimes. However, between this, that and trying to maintain an existence then this is the hand I've been dealt. It could be way worse or it could be be a tad or two smoother. Anyway, there's some haggis to fry and supplies to be got in. Or is it the other way aboot? Either way, I'm outta here...
Friday, August 31, 2007
THE WAIT IS OVER... AND HERE'S THE WORD!
THE LINEUP (and ticket info) FOR CAVESTOMP! 2007 --
"The GARAGE Rock Festacular!" They said it couldn't be done (hell, WE said it couldn't be done)but... BASEBALL BAT BOMBASTIC-LIKE DRUM ROLL, PUH-LEEZ!
.... STRAIGHT FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST IT'S THE ONE AND ONLY... SONICS!!!!!
First time in 35 years! And these TWO nights are their ONLY shows!Featuring original members: Gerry Roslie!!! on throat/keyboards,Larry Parypa!!! on guitar, and Rob Lind!!! on tenor sax! With DaveRowland (of The Wailers) on drums!! And Don Wilhelm (of The Daily Flash) on bass!!
THE NEW COLONY SIX!!! Doing all their hits! "I Confess!!!" "At theRiver's Edge!!!" "Dawn Is Breaking!!!
"THE STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK!!! Performing their first LP "Incense and Peppermints!" in its entirety! (Complete with surface noise!) Withoriginal members George Bunnell, Lee Freeman, Randy Seoul, Mark Weitz, Gene Gunnels, andSteve Bartek! And now -- the complete lineups!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2
THE SONICS!!!!!!
THE THANES!!!
THE SATELLITERS!!!
THE OUTTA PLACE!!!
THE STAGGERS!!!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3
THE STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK!!!
THE NEW COLONY SIX!!!
THE ALARM CLOCKS!!!
THE URGES!!!THE HIGHER STATE!!!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
THE SONICS!!!!!!
THE FLESHTONES!!!
(support band to be confirmed)
THE WILDEBEESTS!!!
THE HALL MONITORS!!!
The venue: WARSAW! 261 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn NY! We can't prove it,but this is probably the first time you can get THE SONICS and kielbasa inthe same place since 1964!!! And don't forget Polish beer by the barrel! (Smaller quantities available as well!)
Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of show, and THANK YOU JE-ZUS!!$90 for a three day pass!!!! Tickets are available NOW!! NOW!! NOW!! thru TICKETWEB at this direct link:
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/event/EventListings?orgId=20324
If you're in the neighborhood, pick your tix up at Ear Wax Records (218Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) or Warsaw
(261 Driggs Ave.Greenpoint, Brooklyn -- call (718) 387-0505) starting Wednesday, Sept. 5.
Watch this space for more info!
THE LINEUP (and ticket info) FOR CAVESTOMP! 2007 --
"The GARAGE Rock Festacular!" They said it couldn't be done (hell, WE said it couldn't be done)but... BASEBALL BAT BOMBASTIC-LIKE DRUM ROLL, PUH-LEEZ!
.... STRAIGHT FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST IT'S THE ONE AND ONLY... SONICS!!!!!
First time in 35 years! And these TWO nights are their ONLY shows!Featuring original members: Gerry Roslie!!! on throat/keyboards,Larry Parypa!!! on guitar, and Rob Lind!!! on tenor sax! With DaveRowland (of The Wailers) on drums!! And Don Wilhelm (of The Daily Flash) on bass!!
THE NEW COLONY SIX!!! Doing all their hits! "I Confess!!!" "At theRiver's Edge!!!" "Dawn Is Breaking!!!
"THE STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK!!! Performing their first LP "Incense and Peppermints!" in its entirety! (Complete with surface noise!) Withoriginal members George Bunnell, Lee Freeman, Randy Seoul, Mark Weitz, Gene Gunnels, andSteve Bartek! And now -- the complete lineups!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2
THE SONICS!!!!!!
THE THANES!!!
THE SATELLITERS!!!
THE OUTTA PLACE!!!
THE STAGGERS!!!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3
THE STRAWBERRY ALARM CLOCK!!!
THE NEW COLONY SIX!!!
THE ALARM CLOCKS!!!
THE URGES!!!THE HIGHER STATE!!!
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4
THE SONICS!!!!!!
THE FLESHTONES!!!
(support band to be confirmed)
THE WILDEBEESTS!!!
THE HALL MONITORS!!!
The venue: WARSAW! 261 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn NY! We can't prove it,but this is probably the first time you can get THE SONICS and kielbasa inthe same place since 1964!!! And don't forget Polish beer by the barrel! (Smaller quantities available as well!)
Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of show, and THANK YOU JE-ZUS!!$90 for a three day pass!!!! Tickets are available NOW!! NOW!! NOW!! thru TICKETWEB at this direct link:
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/event/EventListings?orgId=20324
If you're in the neighborhood, pick your tix up at Ear Wax Records (218Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) or Warsaw
(261 Driggs Ave.Greenpoint, Brooklyn -- call (718) 387-0505) starting Wednesday, Sept. 5.
Watch this space for more info!
Hey de ho, kidlets!The Stripchords return to Londinium next Saturday, to
Mr Eric Ulcer's venerable Corn Rocket Club, to supply some summertime knockers and guitar raunch action, powered by an amazing 65 watts of sound and our new, digital projection system! Support comes from Immortal Lee County Killers fella Sweet Velvet C, and there's also hep weax action from yer very own BigKegShandy and Gluey Louie, plus mein hosts, Eric 'le chemise de bateau' Ulcer and Victor 'silk' Torpedo. AND IT'S FREE! Shenanigans start at 6pm, don't be late... See you at the bar... Selah! The Stripchords
The Stripchords & Sweet Velvet C
The Corn Rocket Club @ The Birdcage
Saturday September 8th
58 Stamford Hill, London N16
BR: Stoke Newington 6pm, FREE
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
RIP - Hilly Kristal
Jeez, where would we all be without what this guy did?
Just got the news from Phast Phreddie and Mr Percival.
Jeez, where would we all be without what this guy did?
Just got the news from Phast Phreddie and Mr Percival.
THE GO-GO. Saturday 1st September,
upstairs at Studio 24, Calton Road, Edinburgh.
60's garage,pop, mod, beat, soul, ska, sleazy-listening, groovy soundtracks, psychedelia, girl groups, French pop, and punk. With DJ's Tall Paul Robinson and Angus.
11pm til 3am (possibly 4 or 5am).
60's garage,pop, mod, beat, soul, ska, sleazy-listening, groovy soundtracks, psychedelia, girl groups, French pop, and punk. With DJ's Tall Paul Robinson and Angus.
11pm til 3am (possibly 4 or 5am).
Admission £5 - which also includes entry to Retribution.
£4 for students and artists.
£3 before midnight (with a flyer).
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Oh, it's finally decided to let me in... ? Too bad I don't have time to futz around however, it's Sit and Die time again...
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. gets back on schedule at Otto's Shrunken Head this week, friend! A rigorous touring schedule (well, rigorous for us, at least) had us missing our last-Thursday-of-every-month show there in July, but we're back on track with a whale of a show this Thursday, August 30th -- featuring a double bill of surf and turf with our pals, Mr. Action & The Boss Guitars! They'll play the surf and we'll play 'em dirty. The scoop...
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 30th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD TIKI BAR & LOUNGE /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in ol' Manhattan / Two B-I-G shows, from 8:00 sharp 'til 10:00 -- followed by Mr. Action & The Boss Guitars / With DJ Scratchy ("He's square...He's yellow...He's solid state!"), salty snacks and your barkeep Pam / No cover! / http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com /
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And, coming up in September...
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 7th -- 8th Annual Hotrod Hoedown (Philadelphia, PA)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 8th -- Brooklyn Country Music Festival (NYC)
SATURDAY, SEPT. 15th -- Rodeo Bar & Grill (NYC)
THURSDAY, SEPT. 27th -- Otto's Shrunken Head (NYC) /
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Details galore at... http://www.SITandDieCo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sitanddieco/
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Yours truly, Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
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