I haven’t felt much like writing lately. The responsibility of updating this thing doesn’t seem to square with the amount of time that’s available. With that comes the pressure of needing to get the word out but not being able to. There’s no statute of limitations on this stuff though so that’s something. You read about something here then it’s a keeper. Sometimes there's so much coming out that it’s hard to keep up never mind being able to consume it all.

I was just about to go into Glasgow thinking that The Pearlfishers show was tonight but its tomorrow (20th). Paul Burch is on tonight but I don’t have the readies to do both. And I need to get a Pearlies cd for Amy Rigby too so that would scratch that itch. Hey, these are good options to have. Getting royally screwed in the day to day employment scenario sometimes pales into insignificance. There’s nothing one can do about it anyways so why spend so much time mothering? I could always buy a lottery ticket, right? I’m done with trying to make any sense of it, that’s for sure. He typed stoically.

Riches come in many forms and these are not always to be measured in hard currency. I should write that Bart Simpson-like until I get it into my skull. There’s certainly no recession dawning in terms of good music to be enjoyed. So some of that will be coming up in due course.

Talking of which, John Kongos is on CAKE (click on the link in the sidebar, directly below DWC). Great to hear that again… the proprieter of this fine portal was responsible for bringing this to the attention of Happy Mondays who baggified it in the early 90’s.

So yeah, plenty of distractions and no work until Tuesday. Good deal!

If you find yourself out Stockholm way on February 9th...

Chris Wilson in London on 7th February... (info from Brother Patrick)

DON'T LOOK BACK AUSTRALIA
With Sonic Youth's first night in Sydney performing Daydream Nation at The Enmore Theatre on Monday February 18th sold out, Feel Presents and ATP are proud to announce a 2nd and final Sydney show for Sonic Youth. The show takes place on the following night, Tuesday 19th February again at the Enmore Theatre.
In support are The Scientists, presenting the extended version of the grunge-template Blood Red River.
In addition to Sydney, Sonic Youth sold out their Perth Arts Festival show in just three days, and their appearance at Melbourne's Metro Nightclub followed closely after. There are no plans for a further Perth show but a second Melbourne Metro show on Thursday 21st February has been placed on sale. Again this is a double bill with The Scientists.
Tickets for the new shows are on sale now, and are available online from http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/

Downtown, you say? Then downtown it is, as Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. makes a trip this Saturday for the kickoff of the Knitting Factory's new monthly "retro" music series! (Retro? And here we thought we were on the cutting edge of songs about animals and self love.) Also on the bill is the US film premiere of "Rockabilly 514", a documentary look at the seedy underbelly of the rockabilly subculture of Montreal -- ooh la la!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19th / KNITTING FACTORY "TAP BAR" /74 Leonard Street (between Broadway & Church) in Manhattan / One set at 10:30, following "Rockabilly 514" at 9:00 / No cover! Also, on the near horizon...
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24th / LUCKY CAT / Colonial Williamsburg, Brooklyn / THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st / WFMU / On Fabio's "Strength Through Failure" / THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st / OTTO'S / Our East Village monthly residency / SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd / FREDDY'S BACKROOM / Prospect Heights, Brooklyn /
Truly yours, Michael,
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

I'm not sure what happened to fun. Sometimes it does visit but only fleetingly. I'm even less conscious about where time goes. Recently the routine has gotten ever more mundane. Spending too much time in the dark both metaphorically and figuratively. According to that Death Clock thing, I'm supposed to peg it this year.

I hope that it's not before the new Hello Saferide, Suzy & Los Quattro and WReckless WRigby releases see the light of day.

Celtic Connections is just about to kick off in Glasgow this week. There are a lot of shows, too many really but we'll see how it pans out. Looking forward to seeing my old mucker, Bobby Lloyd Hicks when he's here with Steve Forbert. It's not often that Springfield, Mo. dignitaries come around these parts. Of course, it's The Skeletons that SHOULD be playing at CC but as you know, justice is seldom forthcoming. Particularly in terms of what is perceived to be a draw and what isn't.

Nothing going on here today really. Got some upbeat news in the latter part of my sentence this afternoon but it's all a bit premature to put into print.

Meanwhile, carrying on the metal theme from yesterday, why not check out D4D? Thanks Steve...

I really must check out the availability of "Heavy Metal Parking Lot" on dvd. Have you ever seen that? Blimey, it is... let's check "Neil Diamond Parking Lot"...

Both of these are classics. Really. Anyway that's yer lot, throws hail satan sign - sticks tongue out a la Dio and switches on TV. It's time to veg.

Oh, here's Roky on PBS to be going on with then...

Still battling with this cold and a general inability to function. I did kind of consider a schlepp to the pictures but wouldn't want to cough and splutter my way through the feature. It's called consideration for other people. Some of the dolts around these parts should try it sometime.

Of course, if certain parties would just lock themselve s away when the lurghi comes over them then the fallout would be limited but no. Everywhere you turn there are individuals who want to share their germs. And not in any positive way. So hopefully this'll subside soon and some kind of normality which doesn't include the red raw Rudolph look will ensue.

So that's an explanation of sorts in between sneezes. Normal service is a struggle for now. If anything pressing comes up then I'll let you know. Until then, I'm out of here - it - and whatever else...

I'll just leave you with this thought, as pondered by "hair" band Candy. Thanks for the link Jonathan...

RIP - Rod Allen (The Fortunes)

From Larry Shell...

RIP - Maila Nurmi (Vampira)

"One of my favorite 50s icons, Maila Nurmi, who became synonymous with her character, Vampira, passed away in her sleep yesterday at the age of 86. She was born Maila Elizabeth Syrjäniemi on December 21, 1921, in Petsamo, Finland - now Pechenga, Russia.

Maila came to America and started her career as a model, actress and dancer in Hollywood, but her life was forever changed when she attended the Ball Caribe Masquerade Party in Hollywood in 1953. She attended dressed as a vampish character based on the Charles Addams drawing of Morticia from the New Yorker magazine cartoons. She beat out 2000 contestants in the costume contest and won first prize! She also won the attention of ABC channel 7 producer Hunt Stromberg Jr. who hired her to host the station's new late-night horror show, called what else? The Vampira Show!

The show premiered in 1954 and Vampira quickly got national attention. Fan clubs and magazine articles followed. Soon she was jet setting with Hollywood icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando. Unfortunately, she was fired from the studio after only just a year and a half. Why? Vampira claims she was blacklisted from Hollywood because she didn't cooperate with the Hollywood factory.

Despite Vampira’s short-lived television career, the character was to set the standard for an entire legion of horror hostesses, actresses, and even cartoon characters to follow. Maila Nurmi’s film oeuvre includes the Ed Wood-directed cult classic, Plan 9 From Outer Space, Sex Kittens Go To College and The Beat Generation.

A documentary, Vampira: The Movie, was released late last year and can be found here: http://www.oldies.com/product-view/1033D.html

Obit by Ellis Dee Plagiarized from several sources"

A missive from yer Uncle Tom...

"Hi kids,

Unlike the majority of the nation THE PHOBICS have lost poundage over the festive period and are now a four piece tag team. Come and see the new lightweight (in pounds, not power) line up play our debut 2008 show alongside our old muckers The Cherry Reds at The New Cross Inn on Saturday 12th January.

It's sure to be a fat free, sarf london punk rocking extravaganza and we'll confirm times, prices and full line up as soon as those lovely Modern Love people spill the beans.

For those who get confused crossing the river,The New Cross Inn is easypeasy to get to, and back from -

NEAREST BR & TUBE STATIONS: NEW CROSS or NEW CROSS GATE, DEPTFORD BRIDGE DLR AND DEPTFORD BR STATIONS ARE A FIVE MINUTE WALK AWAY TOO.

It's directly opposite "The Venue", so just look to the left of the queues of drunk students with no musical taste. The New Cross Inn is right on the corner, sticking out like a beacon of salvation.

BUS ROUTES:45, 453 (24 hrs), 436, 177, 171, 36, 21,136, 225, 321, 453, 53, N89, N36, N171.

Address is 323 NEW CROSS ROAD NEW CROSS ROCKLANDS LONDON SE14 6AS

Open Daily mid-day to 2am 020-8692-1866

Alternatively, enter "Best Punk Rock Gig of the Night" into your sat nav and it'll get you there.

tpx

RIP - Ken Nelson

RIP - Dave Day (The Monks)

The Misfits - Sunday 13th January at 5pm

This month, the Monorail Film Club is proud to have Tracyanne Campbell presenting The Misfits. Based on an original screenplay by Arthur Miller, this elegiac, beautifully shot modern Western gave his then wife Marilyn Monroe arguably her greatest dramatic role. She plays a divorcee in Reno, Nevada who gets hooked up with a trio of disillusioned cowboys (Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift and Eli Wallach) reduced to rounding up wild horses to sell for dog food.


Introduced by Tracyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura.

Come and join us in the bar afterwards to talk music, cinema and life in an informal and random way. Hope to see you there!

GFT, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow. 0141 332 8128.

We recommend booking tickets in advance.

Happy New Year from the Monorail Film Club

x

Hot on the heels of scoring #1 album here, these results just in from the Swedish Grammi's

Årets Kvinnliga Artist (Best Female Artist)

Säkert! – Säkert!

Årets Textförfattare (Best Lyrics)

Annika Norlin – Säkert!

Stick with us, we know the score! Congrats to Annika and her crew!

The Star Spangles in Spain...

january 10th 2008 - Estudio 27 - Burgos

january 11th 2008 - Boite - Madrid

january 12th 2008 - Sals Beat - Tomelloso

just a quick hit and run...

Ok, so the tickets are on sale now.

If you just want Sonics tickets, Click here!

If you want a pass for the entire Le Beat Bespoke 4 weekender then, Click here!

I suggest you grab them quick. The Forum holds 2110 apparently but circumstances prevail that these will sell out. Don't leave it too late and likewise divnae say you weren't warned.

There is other pressing work to be going on with now. Annika Norlin and Maia Hirasawa are up for Swedish Grammi's tonight. May whatever force they require to be with them weigh in where necessary.

And lastly for tonight, but decidedly not least, dig SPACEACHE while yer cybershopping for tickets...

I'm told that tickets for The Sonics LBB shingig will be available tomorrow. Spoke to someone at the ticket office at 229 The Venue but there was no info available on what time this would take place. If I find out anything before I leave for work then I'll post the info for you folks overseas that are keen to get your mitts on them. That just leaves those of us outside the London to deal with potential engaged tones up the wazoo. Looking forward to that (not). It's not clear that there will be an online booking facility.

It's pitch black outside, the weather is tipped to become nasty and I've had a hellish day. The mail seems to be awry too but apart from that, everything is just james dandy... Meanwhile, I can't stand to look at a computer screen for one second longer so see yers...

Oh yeah, PJ has The Stems at Dirty Water the night before the Pacific Northwest comes to town. Details can be yours by clicking that DWC button to your immediate left.

D.I.Y. and (very) indie post-punk from Scotland, ’77-81

Messthetics’ first Scottish installment focuses on a brief, intense scene of ardently independent bands who got started rubbing shoulders with 1977 punk then paid no attention at all to London after that. (London returned the favor.) The sound was based on guitars of all sorts, ingeniously skewed melodies and unashamed local accents. Naturally, it all fell apart as soon as “The Sound of Young Scotland” became a marketable commodity, but they left behind a rich cache of lost ‘alternative’ hits. Plenty of ‘traditional’ D.I.Y., too…

24 songs on the CD plus nine bonus MP3 tracks. 90 minutes of music.
24-page booklet, lovingly documented with histories & photos galore.

Messthetics #105 features rarities by the Fire Engines, Scrotum Poles, 35mm Dreams, The Exile, Commercials, Fakes, Metropak, Tony Pilley, Visitors, Article 58, Radio Ghosts, Rapid Dance, Strutz, Vertical Smiles, Restricted Code, Brills, Rhythm Method, He's Dead Jim, Paul Reekie, and Friction.

Unreleased first recordings by The Dirty Reds [who became the Fire Engines], 35mm Dreams, Jazzateers, International Spys [pre-Radio Ghosts, Wee Cherubs, Bachelor Pad] and Edinburgh’s legendary Ettes. Plus other never-before-released material from the Scrotum Poles, Commercials, Tony Pilley, Article 58, Radio Ghosts, Vertical Smiles, and Restricted Code…

Mess+Aesthetics. Between 1977 and ’83 hundreds of U.K. bands put out their own records and tapes –on the cheap and utterly without apology. With “D.I.Y.”, Punk and everything that came before it collided gloriously with D.I.Y.’s fresh aesthetic of making and sharing music without any pretension to popular success. There’s no common style: instead these songs are united by wit, enthusiasm, musical risk-taking …and a conspicuous lack of pose.

More about this later... blimey, this jump-started what is left of my recall...

Tickets for Le Beat Bespoke 4 will go on sale on Tuesday 8th January (Elvis's birthday)

Here's the link.

So without further ado, let's get to business...

The Roys – Holus Bolus (In-Fidelity)

Imagine a peculiar intersection between Crowded House and The Gun Club. There’s an inordinately commercial aspect to this album. The title means “all at once” and is something that I remember my old man saying a lot when I was a nipper. Anyway, they kick up a mighty agreeable racket with all manner of musical shards to trade up a broad swathe of appeal. It’s fairly understated in the way it gets under your skin and isn’t too much like anything that I’ve heard in recent times.

“Sabrina” recalls The Johnnys and that’s no bad thing at this point on a driech January Sunday morning. In these days where it’s almost impossible for a band to appear on media radar, The Roys brand of acoustic country blues could undoubtedly appeal across a whole mess of demographic twaddle. A whip-crackin’ hell of a time is here to be had by all. The closing “All I Had” is a great, great song that combines the best country and pop aesthetics to arrive at a something quite timeless in terms of twang.

Klondike’s North 40 – The Straight Path (I-94 Bar)

The esteemed Antipodean info-portal is now a label and what better way to kick off such a venture than with Chris Masuak’s current outfit. I know that most of you folks of a certain vintage are familiar with this guy’s guitar slinging prowess. However, there may be readers that fell by here by accident so let’s address that possibility. Chris is the Australian Ross The Boss and Scott Kempner sort of rolled into one. His work with The Hitmen (Shock has just reissued two sets to prove it) and Radio Birdman is the stuff of legend. Heck, he was even on the Manitoba’s Wild Kingdom album. We’re not dealing with chopped liver here.

Several generations of rock’n’roll kudos are wrapped up in all this. Old and in the way but positively bustling with that trademark stringbending. “Recipe for Disaster” takes place in the good old Four Winds bar. A tale of a bona fide catastrophe. “The Straight Path” is a head-banging example of a man wearing his indulgences well. It might introduce younger folks to these at the same time as it pushes the buttons for those of us who miss those rolls in the thunder. BOC fans will find much to transport them back to their old haunt. Screamin’ dizbuster cocktails all round.

The place where this would work most effectively is presumably in a club, louder than hell in a churchlike environment. The surf/metal cut and shut of “Gershwin May Consider” is a prime example of what is and always shall be the holy grail of our raison d'être here at this cyber rag.


The Maharajas – In Pure Spite (Low Impact)

To Sweden then, and the latest instalment of primo r&r from these past masters of the form. Garage and pub rock hops are brewed in measures only known to themselves. This allows them to pour their hearts and souls out with a gusto seldom heard in these cynical, formulated times. As has been suspected for some time though, there’s something in the drinking water over there. Some strange crystals or something that transforms those who imbibe into authentic purveyors of the music that’ll be around long after the latest fad is consigned to landfill. It’s all about recycling and if you can serve it up like this then there’s surely a nobel prize in the pipeline.

“Suckerpunch” sounds like a lost Hoodoo Gurus nugget. In fact the whole shebang is like some unexploded bomb that’s just gone off. Maybe I should take that authentic claim back, or at least put it into some kind of perspective. It might suggest that this stuff is contrived which of course it isn’t. It’s a concoction arrived at by people who know the form inside out. The knowing refrain of “it’s a buzz buzz buzz” on “Not A New Sensation” is especially great. “the flavour of the month, lasting for a week”. These guys know their product inside, outside and all points between, when you get to digging that then “In Pure Spite” gets even better.


The Friggs – Today Is Yesterdays Tomorrow (Singles and unreleased songs) (Apex East recording)

A collection of gal-punk gold log considered lost to the world. For the uninitiated, The Friggs were the missing link between The Pandoras and Girlschool. An east coast phenom that included the great Palmyra Delran who has been a collaborator with Ben Vaughn in a squad of great North Jersey groups over the years. In fact, Ben produced the bulk of these sides so you know its packing heat. These were previously scattered across Apex, Sympathy and Telstar releases and of corse, these demos have never seen the light of day until now.

This is available now from CD Baby and with the dollar rate the way it is then I’d advise you pick up these 15 songs for the price of a couple of pints. The sounds will intoxicate you and induce a noggin crunch but you won’t feel the worse for wear. In addition , they’ll be there for you to revisit time and time again. What’s not to dig?

I believe, from a reliable authority, that the tickets for the Le Beat Bespoke shindig will go on sale next week. As soon as the info is available, it'll be on here.

And don't forget The Nomads are at the DWC in just about 6 weeks. If you can, and you don't attend that, then you forfeit your op to party with the Easter bunny. Well, in a perfect world...

... in Edinburgh tomorrow night, while SONIC BOOM and ST. DELUXE are at the new STEREO in Glasgow. Unlikely I'll be at either the way things are going but you never know...

I'm sure there are things happening all over but it takes some time to get back into any sort of swing. One things for sure, soon as I find out anything hard and fast about tickets, etc. for The Sonics then such info will be posted faster than straight away. Can't say nae fairer than that.

Started the annual grind today so it was cool to come home and (courtesy of Mr Spence) found the new Carbon 14 waiting. That being the case, I'm going to investigate that so I can give you folks the full lowdown in due course.

The only other positive spin I can muster with regard to today is that it's nearly Friday.

Don't feel much like jabbering but I do have a hankering to turn this thing off... a habit I'm keen to embrace here in this much vaunted but thus far more of the same thing called 2008.

In a bid to take my mind off the fact that I have to return to work tomorrow, it seemed fitting to rake in the archives. While I have no tangible resolution to do so, some order needs to be restored to what stays and what goes. Landfill is not an option but recycling certainly is.

Anyway, I found this and thought it might be of interest to some of you folks. particularly in far flung places. The intention to update this at least once a day is still in place although the spirit is oft weak. I'll get back to the actual business of the music soon, but not the music business.

Well, I guess this 2008 beast is well and truly ring-a-ding'd (or is that dung'd?) in. Thanks for the various massages, etc. I've been a right lazy sod today and intend to keep that practice up for the duration. Watched "The Apartment" and then "McLintock" came on so old square eyes is considering how to follow that, possibly with a Twin Peaks-athon after I rustle up a snack. In the meantime, hopefully what you're up to - or have been up to - hasn't resulted in a sorry heid or worse. No resolutions made thus none to break. I can feel the inevitable pumpkin-ness coming on. Normality, or whatever passes for that, is just up over that ridge. Them nights are once again fair drawing oot...

I discovered the joys of The Dollyrots via CAKE and thunk to myself that you folks might be up for a spot of good-natured daft pop this NYE.

So here we are again folks, on the cusp. As always, may the good stuff extend way beyond the confines of merely 2008. We're all awesome, ain't we?

Anyway, thanks for continuing to drop by. Who knows what's in store? That's it for "this one". Catch you on the flipside. That's "hipster" speak for tomorrow... aye, right!

So here comes the backwards glance over 2007…

Säkert! – s/t (Razzia)

This is outright, the album I’ve listened to most this past year. Once a day at least since it rolled up. The fact that it’s all in Swedish matters not a jot and I’m betting that you’ll be smitten too.



The Dictators – Every Day Is Saturday (Norton)

To have all this stuff properly released is like manna from some rock’n’roll heaven. Oh it is from R&R heaven… Norton Records.





The Boonaraaas!!! – 5 Steps Ahead (SoS)

2007 finally saw the follow up to Go Get Goo Goo blast across our bows. Not a second too soon. And also their first live foray into the UK.





The Star Spangles – Dirty Bomb (Tic)

The second album came out and never set the world on fire.
Shame on the world.





Ben Weasel and the Iron String Quartet – This One is Bitter (Mendota)

The undisputed master of post Ramonic punk dropped in with another caché of anthems for every generation.




Upp Till Kamp – OST (Razzia)

Amazing soundtrack to the best thing I saw on the wee screen this year. And that includes The Sopranos and the latest season of Curb. Composed by Mattias Bärjed of TSOOL. Treat yourself to the dvd.




Ben Vaughn – Vaughn sings Vaughn Vol. 2 (ManyMoods)

Do I have to explain this to you? In the unlikely event that you don’t have all his records already then go here and start stocking up. I just found out that there's a Volume 3 now... blimey.




Lola Dutronic – The Love Parade (Bongo Beat)

Includes a sublime treatment of “La Mer”. A welcome diversion off the loud rock path.





Stereo Total – Paris <> Berlin (Disko B)

They still got it, Two people with the ability to rock with the gusto of at least 11. Vinyl 45 of "Plastico" headed your way via Elefant.





Wooden Shjips – s/t (Holy Mountain)

I think it lived up to expectations. Some didn’t. The trick will be to deliver it live to we Euro types. That has to be on the cards?





Shows…

Suicide – Soundcheck at The Buffalo Bar, London
Roky Erickson – Royal Festival Hall, London
Suzy & Los Quattro (twice) – Dirty Water, London
SohoDolls – King Tuts, Glasgow
Stereo Total/Fangs – The Admiral Bar, Glasgow
Teenage Fanclub/Pastels – Mono, Glasgow
The Primevals/The Thanes – Henry’s Cellar Bar, Edinburgh
Robbie Fulks -ABC, Glasgow
Amy Rigby/Wreckless Eric – Bein Inn, Glenfarg
The David Scott Ensemble – Willow Tea Rooms, Glasgow

Not music but quite a trip… David Lynch at the GFT

And that’s your lot, enough with the looking back. Plenty stuff coming up in 2008 to make your eyes and ears water. Feel free to list your preferred booty in the comments dept...

The Cannibals will warm up in London before heading to Japan in January 2008!

Check here for details. I see my old bud Hiroshi Sekiguchi is djing too...

Sounds like a top night out...

I hope to make some inroads on the Boonaraaas!!! thing for Dig It magazine today but you never know. Well there is one thing that I know, the world has to be fucked when the singer in Jethro Tull makes the New Years Honours List. And then there's Weller with Primal Scream just there on Janice Forsyth - utter guff although she has just redeemed things by following it up with The Red Hot Chili Pipers version of "Smoke On The Water". But now that's broken ito something more trad now too. Bollocks.

Anyway, yesterday was weird. Thought I was sickening for something but it seems to have backed off. I'm hoping that 2008 will see an upswing in all our fortunes. Been fannying about with a top gear for '07 listing, it might even make it on here before Monday but then again...

A message from Theresa Kereakes...

"I'm bringing my Vintage Punk Rock photo exhibit to the Field!!! Free party - Phast Phreddie, the Boogaloo Omnibus will be spinning... There will be all kinds of rare, behind-the-scenes kind of photos as well as popular favorites... like THE CRAMPS!!! Kid Congo!!!

The tour site is at: http://unguardedmoments.INFO

Its called UNGUARDED MOMENTS: Backstage and Beyond... pretty self-explanatory. This tour started in October of this year in Oxford, MS and has beenbuilding momentum on its stops at Memphis, Houston, Los Angeles andAtlanta... Sold out of prints everywhere I went - so - YOU CAN PRE-ORDER /PRE-BUY your favorite print... seriously... folks in Houston were outraged that one guy came early and bought ALL the Cramps pix... details on the pre-order are at http://punkrockgiftshop.com

8x10's are $25 and if you want 16x20 portraits of The Cramps, Jeffrey Lee Pierce or Stiv Bators... those are $100.

If you're out of town and want em, you can add shipping and I'll send em to you...

See you at the Field... January 10 (2008)."

Brother Patrick kindly sent me this mag a couple or three weeks ago and I just remembered that I hadn't mentioned it. The advancing years seem to be ramping up up the memory loss, what can I say... so yeah, Rock Hardi is all in French and it comes with a cd that includes The Sonic Angels and The Fleshtones. It also has Ivy on the cover and I know that'll be enough for some of you to be reaching for the trigger.

Nowt much else to report. Heading out to hook up with The Rt. Hon Peter Tjolsen so no time for the jibjab right now. I did have a fusion breakfast which involved haggis and coca cola, which seemed like a reasonable idea at the time. Those old Andy Shernoff commandments are a hard habit to break.

It's all pretty quiet in all, 'cept for the weather which sucks but when I don't have to venture out to the stalag, that's really not a problem.

Happy holidays, dear friend, from your dapper friends at Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. And, to keep things merry, for your consideration we offer up a festive trio of shows this week -- featuring a rockabilly revue with our Ropin' Records pals Ace Brown & His Ohio Valley Boys (Cleveland, OH) and Johnny Carlevale & The Rollin' Pins (Providence, RI)!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD / 538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / 8:00 sharp until 11:30 / No cover!

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28th / HANK'S SALOON /
46 Third Avenue (at the corner of Atlantic Avenue) in Brooklyn / 10:00 sharp until 1:00 / No cover!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29th / RODEO BAR & GRILL /
375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in Manhattan / 10:30 sharp until 1:30 / No cover!

Season's greetings! Sincerely- Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

"La Mecanique Ondulatoire is a rather small venue near by the place de la Bastille in Paris. But the place was filled up with true fans of the Flamin Groovies yesterday evening. It was a perfect opportunity for some members of the "Flamin Groovies en France" group to meet. JLBassman, Patrick and myself got to meet Anthony who is playing bass on Chris' album in progress and who is doing the nice Chris Wilson Web page. Chris Wilson did three sets during the evening. First was acoustic with the mandatory cover of "Chimes of freedom", why is Chris way of singing this again reminding me of Roky Erickson? I noticed a rare acoustic version of "You tore me down".

Soon Chris was going to his pirate setlist a la Shane Mc Gowan singing traditional Irish songs. The second set was electric, Chris being backed by an efficient French band, the BaDmen, obviously fans of the Groovies themselves. The set started with "feel whole lota better", Chris playing his immaculate twelve string Rickenbaker, which he had to re-tune every other song ("if you ever saw the Groovies live, you remember this happened all of the time" was his comment).The guitar player then asked Chris what about playing now "Talahassee Lassie".

"No way !!" replied the singer.Actually, I had been told by the band members before the show that during rehearsals with Chris they had mentioned that song as one of their Groovies favourites and he had told them he considered it as a too old song. So the request on stage had been like a private joke between them. The following went faster, bust out at full speed, we were treated with "Shake some action",( I have put a video clip I shot at : http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni8cjkI7X80 )"First plane home", "Yes I am", "Jumpin' in the night" this one a bit chaotic. Eventually Chris left the ever going out of tune Rickenbaker to hold a Gibson. There was "When I heard your name" and the classic vintage Groovies doublet "Teenage Head" and "Slow Death".

At the end of the set, I realized that having heavy smokers in the audience in a closed ceiling was producing a really hazy foggy and thick atmosphere. I was expecting tar to condensate on the cold beer glass I was drinking. I went to discuss with Chris exchanging memories of '72, that concert for the commercial center opening in Creteil. "T'was a long time ago" Then Anthony gave me an update about the recording of the new album, scheduled to be ready next February. I was introduced by Anthony to a former Groovies roadie who had come with the band from San Francisco to London in 1972 and stayed in England with them. He confirmed me that some live tapes from that time must exist somewhere.. my holy Grail..Chris went back on stage for a third set, using an acoustic guitar and wearing that idiosyncrasic folk singer tool, the harp holder around the neck. He gave us then a very moving renddition of out of time songs, starting by Leadbelly's "good bye Irene".. It had been a good evening."

Report from December 20th in Paris by Jacques Ball. Thanks Jacques!

RIP - Oscar Peterson

As a reknowned bah-humbugger, I've already tackled several chores this morning which have nothing to do with the season. It's not that I don't like the theory of Christmas, and I do like a Christmas tune or six if it hits the spot like "Ipod Xmas" or Ben Vaughn's "Christmas Feeling" to name but two recent favourites. No, this time of year sparks memories that I'd rather forget for one reason and another without getting maudlin but hey, it'll all be over soon enough.

The Proclaimers show in Glasgow on Saturday night was a hoot. Not least for the fact that my Uncle Wreckless joined them onstage for "Whole Wide World". Whatever anybody wants to chip in, this is solid entertainment and they have songs in their canon that are standards now. Hard to compute that these guys that I once saw opening for The Cateran in Edinburgh have gone from that to being an institution in a little over two decades. That sort of thing could never happen now, most acts don't even last two months. They dedicated "A Letter From America" to Kai Davidson and I understand they donated proceeds from the Edinburgh show to the charity that has been set up in his memory. I imagine that's what should have been reported in the rags instead of what was this past weekend. Just as well that nobody who reads that shit thinks twice about it and if they do that's once for either brain cell so it doesn't count.

Sometimes, when I admit to liking The Proclaimers, people look at me funny. That's generally because they haven't seen them. It's true that all the songs aren't great but this is good, old fashioned, honest music hall. So oddly normal yet light years weirder than the material might suggest. And, isn't that what it's all about after all?

So more chores are a callin' kids... there are a few creatures a-stirrin' and the sun has come out. Even the frost this morning was disappointing so not a hint of winter wonderland even. See you on Boxing Day, when most everybody is at the sales buying more shite they don't need.

Keep checking this link for an important announcement!

Suzy Shaw & Mick Farren - Bomp!: Saving the World One Record at a Time(Ammo Books)

Can't even begin to tell you all how effin' cool it was findin' this here book on the doormath earlier today. Finally the long promised Bomp anthology has arrived, and it has turned out a fittin' tribute to the late Greg Shaw, mastermind behind both the magazine and the label. Suzy and Mick have done a great job mixing original articles with personal recollections and putting Greg's work in perspective. What you also get are contributions by Lenny Kaye, Mike Stax, Peter Case and others, plus a look at Greg's pre-Bomp Mojo Navigator and sci-fi 'zines, not forgetting the Lester Bangs classic "James Taylor Marked For Death" in facemile (all 24 pages!) and best of all the unpublished issue #22! Droolin' is what I did on notechin' that...
The entire roots of what you people worship is spelled out here in great detail. The only thing missin' is a discography of the Bomp group of labels, and all the other discs Greg's been involved with. But you can mark this as an essential part of your edumacation and order it a.s.a.p. anyways. Get it direct from Suzy, the coolest kitten in transatlantic mail-order...

The great JD King sent this St. Nick pic and what better way could there be to convey the age-auld message of "I hope you kids get what you deserve". The atches on this end are all polished and ready to be batoned down. I hope that 2008 be a better year for us all, although there have been some fun times scattered about in the debris of '07. This is probably it for today, there's crap TV to be watched. Might get to a short Proclaimers report later but I wouldn't bet on it. There's something very comforting about a pissed-up Barras singing "Whole Wide World" though. It suggests some kind of fair play is actually active in these tosspot times... so on that happy note...

Good and not so good news this Christmas eve eve. Glasgow's Grease Monkeys have ceased to be but stand by for news of a phoenix-like rekindling of several of their parts. Colonel James Spence has in the meantime compiled a UK rock-comp entitled "Blighty's Still Smokin'" for the spanking new and esteemed Carbon 14. More about this in due course.
There's other information to convey but there is neither the time or exactly the inclination to get to that now. I've been deflated by the fact that I can't find a link to "Ipod Christmas" by Hello Saferide but i'll be darned if that's not just another shining example of not being able to win 'em all. In a just world, that would be the seasonal chune of choice.

Update at 01.09am - Mr Harry Rag came up this link to HS at Swedesplease from November 28th... Thankyer sir!

That Tesco mulled wine must be some kinda medicinal compound because I didn't wake up until 9am this morning. Which kind of set the tone for the day, but so far so good. Sir Wreckless of Eric is here to rev up this weekend's Edinburgh and Glasgow gigs by The Proclaimers. I left him and Lady Amy of Rigby at their hotel in Edinburgh this afternoon and schlepped home, completely forgetting that The Thanes were appearing at Elvis Shakespeare. Felt pretty disenfranchised from the fest(ering)ive experience really and need to conserve my energies for tomorrow.

Meanwhile, here's something to keep you amused... as far from the rock firmament as you could ever expect to be. The anti-Archers that reside at the Page Family Page. And while you're at it, listen to Eric on Jonesy's Jukebox from 6th December. Top sociological debate, including a consderation of Millets.

And in advance of an impending Australiathon from here, The Eastern Dark have a myspace which you should pledge allegience to forthwith. If you don't know what I'm talking about then I envy you but there's been a new intake of visitors here lately and you just never know.

One burst of activity outwith the bunker to go and then the hatches will be batoned well and truly down. Christmas eve will be spent far from the lemmings piling over the cliff scenarios that will be happening across the planet. However, if you're in Glasgow and you need to get something for somebody who doesn't have the Hello Saferide album yet... I happen to know that Avalanche in Glasgow just got a bunch in. I'll leave you pondering that top tip and am about to switch this thing off for the evening. Thankyer and goodnicht...

Woah, made it to the holidays. Not a millisec too soon... nothing much to report but the relief is palpable. Some hijinks planned but not festive related. Come Monday, the bunker door will be secured til the madness blows over. Here endeth this short lesson.

DO THE POP! FOR XMAS!

First of THREE new volumes of the acclaimed collection of ‘70s/80s Australian punk & garage rock to be released December 8.

Includes rare live Radio Birdman track from ’77, a 1974 demo of ‘(I’m) Stranded’ by the Saints, a track from Deniz Tek’s pre-Birdman outfit TV Jones, and unreleased tracks by the Lipstick Killers, Hitmen and much more.

2002's acclaimed collection 'Do The Pop! The Australian Garage Rock Sound 1976-67' returns just in time for Xmas on Savage Beat! Records though Shock under the name 'DO THE POP! REDUX'. Like the original collection - which received substantial acclaim internationally, including a full page feature review in 'Mojo' and a rave review from David Fricke in American Rolling Stone - the new set differentiates itself from other Australian punk and post-punk collections by following the unique high energy rock'n'roll sound that spewed forth here in the late '70s and '80s, following the lead of Radio Birdman and The Saints. The new project will be spread over THREE new double discs, and is set to feature over 150 tracks, none of which appeared on the original set in 2002 .

'DO THE POP! REDUX Part One' will kicks off BIRDMAN and THE SAINTS themselves (Birdman are profiled with the album's title track as well as a rare live track from one of their legendary Paddington Town Hall shows). Punk era acolytes including THE PSYCHO SURGEONS, THE SURVIVORS, THE VICTIMS, JOHNNY DOLE & THE SCABS, THE LEFTOVERS, THE NUMBERS (aka THE RIPTIDES), ROCKS and RAZAR follow, as do X, perhaps the only Australian band of the original punk era whose reputation rivals that of Birdman and the Saints in some quarters. PartOne then proceeds to revel in the rock'n'roll spirit that took hold in Australia at the turn of the decade, at the very time the rest of post-punk world was proclaiming rock dead. THE SCIENTISTS, THE FUN THINGS, THE SUNNYBOYS, THE FLAMING HANDS, THE LIPSTICK KILLERS, SHY IMPOSTERS, THE MANIKINS are amongst the bands of this period, as are Birdman offshoots including THE HITMEN, THE VISITORS and NEW RACE.. Rare and unreleased tracks from Brisbane's THE 31st (fronted by Ron Peno) and THE END (led by Brett Myers) and obscure Sydney combos ME262 and SLAUGHTERHOUSE 5 (featuring James Darroch, pre-Celibate Rifles & Eastern Dark) and Perth's ROCKETS will also be featured. Melbourne fans will be happy to note that their hometown, which wasn't represented on the original set because of its narrower focus, is represented by a number of punk era bands, including BABEEZ, THE CHOSEN FEW and even the legendary REALS, featuring Garry Gray, Chris Walsh and Ollie Olsen, recordings of whom have never previously seen the light of day.

Volumes 2 & 3 will follow in March/April, covering the multi-faceted garage rock scene of the ‘80s as it explodes out of Sydney and takes hold around the country, and ultimately around the world. Expect killer tracks from a range of bands big and small - from THE HOODOO GURUS, LIME SPIDERS, GAS BABIES and WET TAXIS to THE JOHNNYS, CELIBATE RIFLES, STEMS and EXPLODING WHITE MICE.

The release of 'DO THE POP! REDUX Part One' follows by a few weeks the release of deluxe double-disc reissues of the legendary first two albums by THE HITMEN, comprising members of TWO recent ARIA Hall of Fame inductees and soon to be touring partners, RADIO BIRDMAN and THE HOODOO GURUS. Formed by Birdmen CHRIS MASUAK and WARWICK GILBERT and Birdman MC JOHNNY KANNIS soon after Birdman's initial demise in '78, the band featured future Gurus mainstays BRAD SHEPHERD and MARK KINGSMILL by the time they came to record their two albums in '81 and '82. Overshadowed for far too long, The Hitmen's music is ripe for re-evaluation, and Savage Beat!/Shock's deluxe reissues will provide just cause. Each album will come with a massive booklet with lengthy notes and numerous images. More importantly, each will be expanded to include about 45 tracks, with a bounty of previously unheard demo and live material added to each set. Hitmen classics like 'Didn't Tell The Man', 'Corridors Of Power', 'Rocket On The Elevator Up' and '15 Hours' will be featured alongside long lost fan favourites like 'Cold December' and 'Wings of Steel', as well as incredible covers of the Sonics, MC5, Thirteenth Floor Elevators, Blue Oyster Cult, Dictators and the Flamin' Groovies' great 'Shake Some Action'. Fans of Birdman, the Gurus and high energy rock'n'roll in general will find the wit and the power of The Hitmen an absolute revelation, and Johnny Kannis and Chris Masuak are set to reconvene the band towards the year's end in celebration.

Future releases on Savage Beat!, alongside ‘Do The Pop! Redux’ Parts Two & Three will include comprehensive sets from Sydney‘s Lipstick Killers and Melbourne’s Sacred Cowboys.

Check out - www.myspace.com/dothepopsavagebeatrecords

‘DO THE POP! REDUX PART ONE’ IS OUT NOW ON SAVAGE BEAT!/SHOCK

Dodge the seasonal sickness this coming weekend with The Thanes. Dejected shoppers in Edinburgh should thrust themselves toward the Elvis Shakespeare record shop in Leith Walk (b/w Iona and Dalmeny Streets) for 3pm on Saturday a'noon. Mulled r+r music to release you from the all-enveloping Christmas frenzy. Still fresh from their Stateside success with The Sonics who only have gone on the record as not believing in Christmas. I believe they're out to shake up Easter too...

I know, there's a ton of catching up to do but the spirit and the flesh are in cahoots. What can I tell you? Good to have J back on the beam to provide some actual information. Your reporter here went to work this morning thinking it was Wednesday, have you any idea what kind of trauma that could induce? but anyway, there are plenty of things bubbling under the surface and a lot of input for 2008 to consider heading your way soon. Providing this connection doesn't keep booting me outta the internut like it has been this past wee while. Roll on Friday...

New Ugly Things out soon!

UGLY THINGS - ISSUE #26, 224 pages! / perfect bound / full-color glossy cover.

This issue is sure to make a big splash with our big MC5 cover story, featuring a lengthy, previously unpublished interview with Rob Tyner and some incredible rare photos.

Our other features include the story of 66 Sunset Strip rockers THE SONS OF ADAM, English folk-rock outfit TREES, the NORWEGIAN BEAT SCENE in the 60s, and British punk rock & rollers THE POP RIVETS (Billy Childishs first band, 1977-79).

There’s also an extensive Pre-Punk feature by Johan Kugelberg, with a foreword by Jon Savage.

Articles on California garage band THE FLOGGS (who featured a pre-Kaleidoscope Chris Darrow), legendary Ohio psychsters THE TIFFANY SHADE, and the amazing tale of THE CEDARS from Lebanon.

Theres also exclusive interviews with THE PRETTY THINGS, Arthur Brown, Dave Lambert (of UK freakbeat icons FIRE: "Fathers Name Was Dad"), Art Wood, Zappa associate Jeff Simmons, and much more, including of course our massive review section covering all the latest reissues and music-related books and DVDs.

The Psychotic Art Exhibition

The Masonics @ café De Flitz, Utrecht.



God knows how long it's been since I last saw Micky Hampshire in action with The Milkshakes, it certainly feels like a lifetime. And what a pleasure it was to get re-acquainted with the man and his music! I've picked up some of their records over the years and obviously enjoyed 'em. But live that patented Medway beat, that mixes the sounds of the 1962 Cavern with those of the 1977 Roxy (kinda like The Big Three meets Johnny Moped) sure packs a punch on a distinctly higher level. And instead of the bitter vibes emitting from the stage the last time I caught his former cohort, this was a stricktly fun affair. Amply backed by Bruce Brand on drums and John Gibbs on bass, Micky rocked like there was no tomorrow. Miss Ludella Black guested for a couple of songs, most notably I'm Gonna Make You Mine and Why Don't You Smile Now, and even with the band bordering dangerously on being way outta tune, still brought the house down.

Café De Flitz was a new-to-me location (even tho' it's been there for at least two decades!) and it's perfectly suited for these kinda shows with an atmosphere that's close to that of the Boston Arms or even St. John's Tavern back in the day. Exactly what we've been missing here in Utrecht since the demise of the "old" Kikker Theatre. The turnout showed that there's still a large crowd for events such as these, but also that a conveniant location is essential for such a turnout!

Here's hopin' that this was the beginning of a new tradition of cool gigs in Utrecht. And yeah, yeah, yeah, go and see The Masonics a.s.a.p. when they're appearing in your "'hood", 'cause these guys 'll have you movin' 'n groovin' with a wide grin on your face in no time.

Been in Edinburgh today to catch "It's A Wonderful Life" for the umpteenth time in my five decade tenure. Guaranteed to warm the cockles of the hardest heart, no matter how many times you see it. Half an hour afterwards, even wading through a sea of zomboid shoppers doesn't feel so bad. Just turned on the TV and caught some of the Spice, er, "Girls" comeback. Just say no thank you. Don't fancy that O2 venue at all, the Zeppelin footage I saw sounded well ropey too. Of course the gushing fans, pouring out of the place aren't gonna testify to the fact that they mortgaged their existences to see something that sucked. Are they?

There's stuff to be done, but not on the 'puter. Early start tomorrow. Roll on not having to drive to the stalag for a cool 8 days. Like George Bailey sez "Hot Dog!".

JOHNNY MOPED LIVES!!!

Johnny Moped duets with his wife Brenda

Now here's something that you won't find in any of those high street rat-runs.

Isabel Samaras limited edition, Alt. Nativity Shindig jigsaw. Other Christmas shopping tips include The Fleshtones SWEAT and the Bomp books. Punk 365 too. Also the Munster DVD series has just issued The Nomads show from Madrid earlier this year. All of these can be found on this here interweb thing. You don't even have to leave the house.

That has to be the signal of a good deal.

Those good people at Double Crown have prepared another seasonal collection that offers an alternative to "Here's the same old repackaged Christmas Bollocks Vol 2549b". Although I doubt you'll be able to snag a copy at the supermarket with your turkey and sprouts.

I made an attempt to go amongst the hordes yesterday but was beaten back. Wonder if there are classes you can attend to make you be able to stomach the wanton abandon of the mind that seems to get even worse at this time of year? But anyway, I'm glad J weighed in with a wee post last night. I was struggling and couldn't even begin to think about switching this damn thing on.

Nobody's reading this anyway, right? You're all out on the high streets or strasses or whatever they call the main drags of your part of the world? Doing your bit for the season. Away from the pulsebeat (Hi Art!) of the planet going to hell in a handbasket. I'm trying to figure out a strategy for today but could well end up staying put in the bunker here. Decisions bloody decisions...

Sat Dec 15: The Masonics (Micky Hampshire, Bruce Brand, John Gibbs and Miss Ludella Black) @ Café De Flitz, Rozenstraat 15, Utrecht. 22:00 'till late. Be there or be square...

Get with Ben Vaughn's
"CHRISTMAS FEELING"!

RIP: Ike Turner.

I get bombarded with requests to put links up for stuff and when I do listen, it's mainly tosh. However, here's an opporchancity to get some primo pop gear for exactly nada, nowt, nuthin' in the run up to all this festive carry on.

"Glasgow band THE MARTIAL ARTS have decided to give away their critically acclaimed album 'YOUR SINCLAIR' as a free download from the front page of their myspace website, as a Christmas present to any one who fancies a listen.

The band, who are signed to Groover Recordings in Sweden, have had success in Scandinavia and almost exclusively great reviews, yet remain unsigned back home in the UK. The band produce melodic guitar pop, in places reminiscent of power pop acts like The dB's and Big Star, Indie pop like Hefner, The Wedding Present and The Yummy Fur and Elephant 6 bands like Of Montreal and The Apples In Stereo. 'Your Sinclair' is no badly recorded demo album - it was produced by Ronald Bood (Shout Out Louds). The band intend to make the album available for free until December 25th - CD copies remaining available to buy via links provided on their myspace - and hope the album can be heard by as many as possible.

I hope you might be interested in spreading the word, be it linking to their myspace/download links, playing their tracks or just featuring the band in your blog. The Martial Arts have full approval from their record label and are excited by the prospect of having their album heard by those who might not have heard of them."

The band is also playing at the 13th Note this coming Saturday (15th)...

(updated at 6.51pm)

It's been a heck of a day and as much as I'd like to sit here creating links and all, the computer seems to have other ideas. The silly season is approaching full swing and this cold of mine better shit or get off the pot. Feeling like I've been kicked down the stairs might have been a novelty before but it's well since worn off. All part of life's "rich" tapestry. 'til tomorrow or thereabouts then...

I have a blinding headache and need to shut this thing down.

However, The Lemon Tree in Aberdeen is in trouble and they need to raise £150,000 by Tuesday 18th December. That's a week tomorrow. Click here for further details.

Surely the local council won't allow this fine venue to go under? But anyway stranger things have happened - why on earth would they use their coffers for the common good? You can donate via Paypal, etc. so please give this your consideration during this festering season.

Amy Allison gave me the tip on Nicole Atkins when she discovered her via an American Express ad of all things. So far, as far as I'm aware, it hasn't done what ipod did for Feist but if you give "Neptune City" some house room then prepare to be swept out to sea. It's quite an old-fashioned orchestral pop record with some Badalamentiesque overtones in terms of brooding twang. "The Way It Is" is worth the price of entry to this fictional boardwalk wonderland alone.

Turns out that these 10 songs were recorded in Sweden and it certainly has that Scandanavian majesty. Layers of lush, textural arrangements with Atkins great, great voice soaring over the whole shebang. Somebody at Columbia needs to be thinking about getting her on to "Later with Jools Holland" with all the trimmings. Check out this Letterman appearance if you reckon I'm joshing.

"Cool Enough" has a ghostly refrain of The Crying Shames "Please Stay" (see below) about it. The line about "one day I'll feel different" in particular with the backing vocals, recalls that Joe Meek nugget. There's some great sleigh bell fairy dust sprinkled here and there also but be warned, this is a hardy perennial that'll linger way beyond even next Christmas. Much more consistent than Bernard Butler's Duffy project, I hope that Nicole will be bringing these songs to the UK as early in 2008 as the strategy allows.

The Wreckless Wrigby report from Brother D in SF...

"well... lessee... they came on at midnight following first... a guy singing and playing dobro accompanied by a bagpipe player in a kilt (who's headed your way, so look out) and second... a local garage/punk outfit called the flakes. amy and the wreckless one walked in at 11:40pm, tuned up and then began at midnight. started with something about "you can't be a man w/o a beer in your hand" which had the punters hoisting their budweisers.

they took turns with songs but mostly they did eric stuff and the crowd was clearly there to see him. different crowd than amy had across the bay a few years ago. funny how things change... last time they were here (with marti jones), only a handful of people there even knew who eric was. this time they were yelling out his songs all night. (nothing like having your song in a movie!). amy played her gibson j45 acoustic and also what looked like an old solid body harmony eclectric. she also played some keys, most notably some great organ on eric's classic, "reconnez cherie" (always was my fave of his). didn't know she could play so well on keyboard. also didn't know eric was such a good bass player. he played fender bass now and then. but mostly he played his acoustic cutaway. the mix was bad. sound gal (why do all these dives have 20 yr old chicks doing the sound?)

blasted the guitars and you could barely make out amy's vocals. i complained but she said amy wasn't singing close enough to the mic. which was ridiculous. the crowd didn't notice tho cause they were into eric anyway. but amy was having a great time backing him up. and she did belt out a few... "i'm like rasputin" for instance -- that was great. and her songs were very well received. they were both really having a blast. wish eric would've tuned up in between songs now and then. anyways they did one song i wasn't familiar at all with... maybe new... "please be nice to her"... really excellent. they did eric's "semaphore signals" -- another one of my faves of his... and he talked about ian dury starting out as his drummer way back when. i can't remember all the songs... they did amy's "joey ramone" thing and "don't break the heart that needs you". eric did 33's and 45's while amy took a little break. they were having a blast together and kept going on-- finally warned that they only had 10 minutes before 2AM curfew.

they finished up with a sing-along "whole wide world" followed by "take the kash" which literally ended with the sound girl coming over the PA saying, "that's it, we have to close NOW, we love you eddie (sic) but we have to go". and off they went. i gave amy a bunch of guitar strings and told her "for keith" (did you read about that guy on her website?) and she thanked me. wanted to hang out but we had to split as we didn't have our wheels and the bus was coming.

what a night! hope they have as good a time up north. -- don

They could well still be onstage in Portland right now or maybe not even if it runs to the same schedule as SF. However, if you're in Seattle tonight (Sunday) then cancel any other plans and go see them there because it's the final show of this short trip...

Finally heard Malcolm Middleton's "We're All Going To Die" that everybody's banging on about. Should probably become the Scottish National Anthem rather than the Christmas #1. It's not bad but nary a patch on "Vi kommer att dö samtidigt" ("We Will Die At The Same Time").







Actually, there's a whole bunch of Säkert! stuff on YouTube from the shows last week so off down that particular rabbit hole I go. It includes a version of The Wannadies "My Hometown". "Nothing good on TV anyway..."

Well here's something that's making me feel better than any alleged cold remedy. Keeping the snotters and all that unpleasantness at bay... I keep hearing all this Led Zep and to be honest it's souring any postive memories I have. Bustling hedgerows notwithstanding, the TV ads in between Emmerdale and Coronation Street, were the final straw.

I'd rather have the 5 cd Simon and Garfunkel that followed it. However, if it's supreme rock (dude) thrills you're after then Santa will be hard pushed to come up with anything finer than this. From the liner notes to the presentation to the SOUND!, this is Norton delivering you from the fug bigstyle. And when I found myself mentioned in dispatches then that's gotta be the pinnacle and more than a little humbling. Like a R&R Nobel Prize or something, blimey. So anyway, this vinyl is posively smoking and I'd never heard the Bloodbrothers demos before so it's all something of a revelation. Performance-wise I think that all of these trump the "proper" version.

It's like they're possessed on the intersection of MC5 and E-Street Band. I wonder if Southside Johnny ever considered tackling "No Tomorrow"? It's a real thrill to hear the stuff that is familiar sounding so vibrant and not just hidden gems trapped on cassette or undernourished cdr. For full multi dimensional effect, you should plump for the vinyl but if your deck is on hiatus then dig on in to the compact disc. J mentioned before that this is mandatory and all I'm gonna tell you is that "Stay With Me" is flying out of the speakers right now and those guitars are killing me in the best sense of the expression.

Scott, HD and Andy all document the history along with Rich Nesin to complete an exercise that's been a long time coming. In the end, it's all about the songs and sch beasties don't really come any better than these. You can craw about Bobby Dylan and The Beatles but that slop isn't fit to touch the hem of HD's wrestling jacket! Ha, ha. HAH! They made me what I am today so blame them and I'm telling you, if they were to reform and play for you now then you'd be foaming at the mouth. What is that Eagles strapline that they're using lately? "Remember When Music Sounded This Good?" well, it still does if you know where to look and "Every Day Is Saturday" is positively chocka. God bless The Dictators and all they stand for, then now and for all fecking eternity.

RIP - Karlheinz Stockhausen