Sometimes I feel like I'm making progress of the recuperation front. Then I try to up the pace and end up feeeling like I've been kicked down a flight of stairs. Very peculiar. But anyway, stopping by at Amy Rigby's diary today - it was great to catch a new posting there about their latest adventure. Every one a maserati...

Firefox AK – If I Were A Melody (Razzia)

The follow up to “Madame Madame” has been assembled in Berlin and the electro-stamp of that environment is the cornerstone here. There are echoes of the dreamier moments of Suicide amongst a Kraftwerkian smorgasbord. Glistening and pulsating in equal measure, this type of sound used to be employed to evoke the future. I’ve been reading a lot of positive reviews regarding Gary Numan recently and there are elements of Tubeway Army about this too. “Winter Rose” must sound pretty mighty pumping out on a high-spec club PA.

At one time, such synth driven things were considered cold or remote, but now machines can emote warmth. It’s no longer just about bpm in this post-Moroderist age. fAK is about 3000 times better than anything New Order ever even hinted at and Andrea Kellerman’s voice is an integral part of what sets it apart. The heart of which is pure analogue, the placement of the vocal within the electro-mentation strike me as finite. The guy who put this together evidently did that by design and not accident. This ain’t remotely rock’n’roll but it does verge on soul, albeit of an android-gynous variety. But hey, why read my gibberish when you can listen and make up your own mind.

Niccokick – The Good Times We Shared, Were They So Bad? (Startracks)

Well, these Scandanavian kids have conjured up a noise that welds an Aha type commerciality to Pixies QuietLoud staple. But in addition to that, they’ve employed the secret weapon of a crack horn section plus some serious orchestral grandeur. I don’t mean brass players that are addicts stupid, I’m talking top notch players.

These Söderlund brothers are only youngsters but they’ve crafted another collection of real quality pop here. “The Art Of Doing Nothing” swings like The Skeletons Vs The Herd and there are acts that have been hauling their carcasses around the earth for decades that couldn’t muster that.

Here in Blighty, this could be lumped in with “Indie”. Niccokick’s sound is overwhelmingly optimistic bordering on stadium rocktastic. I’m not sure it has any place in this world because things have become so cynical that their oeuvre could be mistaken for something that it isn’t. I honestly believe that this could rid the world of yer Coldplays and Snow Patrols given a smidge of a chance. It won’t whet the whistle of some NBT readers but even they would have to recognise the luxurious musical fabric these guys have woven.

And whilst we're in the manor of sound, don't forget the screening tomorrow of "A Life In The Death of Joe Meek" at the GFT. See you there...

If you should find yourself in NYC tonight...

Having spent a lot of time staring at the ceiling, sweating, this week – and not in a good way – it was something of a relief to even feel like listening to music and going through the dreaded e-mail backlog. Lot of cackle on the wires about two “hotly-tipped” female artists – Adele and Duffy and I’m compelled to air my tuppence worth. Adele emits a formless, shapeless style to me. Apparently a graduate of the dreaded Brit-School, it’s like Michelle McManus goes lite Jazz. I spelled it that way purposely. Jeez, at least Kate Nash has a whiff of Kirsty MacColl about her however... And Duffy – well this “Mercy” thing is fine if you like pastiche. “Rockferry” was better in my opinion in its MacAlmont and Butler sort of swooping pop way but really – this is saving the beleaguered music business? Well if y’all say so. There’s something very calculated and maybe even cynical about both of these artists swift rise to “popularity”.

It’s not their fault, they’re doing a job. They’ll jump through hoops for their respective imprint but the way all this appears to work makes any kind of longevity unlikely. I keep hoping that Mari Wilson would just come back and be done with it. The concept of being groomed to be a pop star or whatever must surely cause advance precipitation of the dry boke followed by the full on heave. At least Duffy didn't go to class to come up with her Bonnie Tyler goes Dusty faux beat. Give "The Brits" their own TV Station where the sheep can subscribe and be kept up to speed and maybe free up some other areas for acts with no such tacit connections to the sad mafia that seem to have a grip on the what passes for entertainment industry. Did you see poor old Ozzy on that awards shit the other night? He deserves better than that surely.

I think it’s maybe time to wrap up (warm) and go outside. I must be recuperating because this shit is winding me up.

Ghost On The Highway dvd coming soon...

Did they ever sort out the music licensing for this? Either way it's a must see...

The Fleshtones return Europe in May for a series of dates in France. As usual, the men who added "Super" to "Rock" will zigzag across The Hexagon while performing strategic sorties on Holland, Italy and Germany. How do they do it? Do not attempt these dangerous manoeuvres at home, simply head for one of the following destinations and join in the fun!

May 12 - Locomotive, Paris, France
May 13 - Vauban , Brest, France
May 15 - Bikini, Toulouse, France
May 16 - Poste à galene, Marseille, France
May 17 - Nikea, Nice, France
May 18 - Garage, Milan, Italy
May 19 - Cafe Atlantik , Frieburg, Germany
May 20 - Le Fil, Beauvais, France
May 21 - BBC , Caen, France
May 22 - Aknathon, Amsterdam, Holland

Needless to say, further dates will be added. Why, there is even talk of a stop-over in Geneva. How the hell are they gonna fit that in?

RIP: Jim Jones

News just reached HQ that the Fleshtones will end their next Euro tour in Amsterdam on May 22! No details yet on pre-sale tickets or anything but we'll keep you posted. In the mean time start making travelling arrangements and book those cheap flights!

Apart from the ongoing headaches and gut considerations, I generally get by on the health front. However, this past few days has caused me to make a doctors appointment. Being laid out and having to just peg out in the old scratcher until it kind of passes was my only option. Plus I've got this nagging stitch "pain". It's not really pain but rather irritation. I have no faith in doctors really but there's enough going on to require some kind of check. Have to say that it goes 100% agin the grain but these things seem to happen sometime.

You'd think that being forced into taking days off work would be a relief but not really because I've had no energy to do anything. I don't like that. I don't like wasting time languishing but there was nothing else for it. Hardly seems possible that it's a week already since The Nomads. What is that Cher was on about about turning back time? I'd definitley bodyswerve the connection with the lurghi bug.

Forget the cast of "Heroes", these folks COULD actually save the world!

"No, the birthday boy won't be there to celebrate his 76th, but we will be -- it's the annual "Johnny Cash Birthday Bash" this Saturday at Southpaw! Alex Battles and his Whisky Rebellion will be joined by a pantheon of stars to perform Cash classics, including "Live At Folsom Prison" in its entirety -- with a set by SIT & Die Co. to open the show!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd / "JOHNNY CASH 76TH BIRTHDAY BASH" at SOUTHPAW / Presented by Alex Battles' Whisky Rebellion / with guest SIT & Die Co./ 125 Fifth Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn / Doors at 8pm / $12 in advance (tickets are very limited!) /
And next week, for something a bit more intimate...

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD TIKI BAR & LOUNGE /
And the last Thursday of every month!
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / Two big shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / No cover!

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

I'd like to be able to tell you that the shivering and shaking that's going on here was induced by some finite rock'n'roll record but alas no. The symptoms are down to some damn virus that made it's presence felt on Sunday and finally laid me out today. It's a pretty miserable interlude to be sure but anyway, hopefully it'll pass to feed on some other mope sooner rather than later.

Hot on the heels of their festive exhumation of "Dead By Christmas", SohoDolls will be opening for Hanoi Rocks on their tour which kicks off next week. Bear in mind that they'll probably be on stage by 7.30 most nights too so get there early.

I'm off to partake of some more fluids...

RIP - DD Meanie (from Bruce Milne) Click on the image to enlarge.

Lou Molinaro interviews Mary Weiss.

RIP - Joaquim Costa

Not long back from "the london". Train wasn't as mobbed as it was on the schlep down so that was good. Arrived back pretty close to schedule and caught the connection with just about a minute to spare. Result. I imagine it's all downhill from here...

Anyway, if you are within travelling distance of Brighton then I hope you'll be heading for The Nomads show. It's the second of a quick UK hit and run and their first gigs here in 6+ years.

So last night's DWC stint went spiffingly. Unfortunately The Cannibals couldn't open with a short set like they were supposed to because Mike had to fly back home to the US. So that meant that The Sweet Zeros were first to bat. They bang out a nice line in teen punk that is far more multi-faceted than the "Motorhead with tits" description would suggest. it would be fair to say the none of 'em are teens, or even punks but they embody the spirit and the fun that make this stuff run. By the time they finish with their brudder-ified version of "Rehab", I think they made a lot of friends. I'll be watching their progress closely.

Next it was The Fugitives, who in my opinion were flat out lumpy. An "oldies" band that slung out patently lukewarm versions of songs that deserve better. "A Question of Temperature" had me pining for Brownsville Station and that's about the only positive thing I can say about their set. It seems unlikely that they'll be getting chased anywhere and I'm sure they're doing it for fun but it simply isn't from my side of the fence. You know the one about the road to heck and the main ingredient of that particular asphalt.

So finally it's time for The Nomads and the relief, not to mention the anticipation, is palpable. I'm incredibly biased when it comes to this band. They are dear, dear friends but they'd expect me to be honest if I thought they sucked. And they never, ever do. They set the bar for the perfect measures that all I hold dear about this rock'n'roll lark. they even rolled out a version of "Who Dat?" which I don't recall them ever doing when I seen em before. The kids, as they say, dug it and were baying for more for some time after the last strains of "16 Forever" reverberated through our noggins. I'm always inspired when I leave the Dirty Water. It's my kinda people who go there. We can but dream about having a shindig like that up thisaway.

Missing in action but attending in spirit were Ms Hermansson and Ms Zetterberg. And also Field Marshall Vedder and the very Rev. M. Percival. It was a cracking night of the type that trouble us all too rarely. I oughtta be in Brighton, that reality is burning in my napper but t'was not to be. like I said if there's any way on earth you can make it then cut along now. I think it'll be stowed.

On a related note, The Sonics are now playing on the Sunday night also with The Horrors and another support tba. So if you didn't score tickets for the Friday then all is not lost.

So, I made it to Friday. The weather doesn't suck and all eyes are on tonight's show by The Nomads in (uptown Nigel) Tufnell Park at the famed DWC. More info by clicking on the sidebar, just to the left of this. Catch you on yonder flipside hillock...

Bone up on your français... #42 Available now!

(spelling corrected following reprimand from Brother Patrick)

RIP - Steve Gerber (Creator of Howard The Duck)

(Thanks to Ben for the link)

Today started way early but the fog actually burned off to reveal a cracking blue sky. Too bad I couldn't make it outside. The warden put paid to that. Hoo'ever - it's just two days until those Nomads hit "the London". To quote my big buddy Joss - "see you at the bar...".

Saturday night they're in Brighton so maybe that's more convenient for some of you? Just don't flippin' miss them, OK?

OK.

And I almost forgot, but you shouldn't - that Fay Fife makes her "solo" debut at The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh this coming Thursday. That's Valentines Day, 14th February.

There's a new movie on Patti Smith doin' the rounds on the film festival circuit. Dream Of Life sounds like a hot one by all acounts.
Here's the trailer and here's the press conference Patti and director Steven Sebring gave at the Berlinale.

Tom Morton to the rescue. Jim Dandy was a no show...

He also reminded me about the great David Roter who left us 5 years ago this coming Saturday. Time is sure hurtling in...

Check out his oeuvre at Cellsum!

RIP - Roy Scheider

As we career toward hell in the proverbial handbasket, fate dealt another blow earlier today. I know, stock market's are crashing and there are wars on etc, but nobody told me that Malcolm Allan had shut down. That's my (breakfast) haggis dealer to you or any of my homies that have stopped by in recent years. Now I know how you potheads feel when your connection goes down but never fear, I'll pull myself out of the tailspin and will find another. In the interests of "normal service"...

There's a pile of new music lying here ready to check out. However, am I doing that? No, I'm not. I pulled out Bachman Turner Overdrive's "Not Fragile" and am reminiscing about peceived better days. When I saw them in Glasgow, Thin Lizzy opened. It was fucking great. Big lumberjacks wielding wailing guitars. Rock'n'roll was much less complicated back then. I mean, the MC5 were OK but ye cannae beat the real thing eh, Rich? Ha ha.

So maybe I'll check out some of this recent hootch later, or maybe I'll regress further and pull out some more "back catalogue". Time will indeed tell.

"Hey ho, kidlets!

The Stripchords return to the stage in Londinium next Friday night, February 15th, to headline at The Gutter Club, Francois Dirty South's mash-up of rockin' sounds – "Zounds, what sounds!" as yer Brian Matthew would say... be sure to request a free Stripchords bumper sticker from a member of WOOFF! (Worshipful Oglers Of the Female Form), to decorate the tail of your hardtop, speedster or motor launch...

See you at the ball rack...

Selah! The Stripchords"

The Stripchords - February, 15thThe Gutter Club @ Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes,

Bloomsbury Hotel, London, London WC1H 9EU

£3 after 9pm

Tom Taber just set four copies of the new Almeron imprint Symptoms live cd loose on Ebay for a cool $20 apiece including worldwide postage. Go get 'em...

Not much time for blogging at the minute coupled with a serious attempt at trying to cut down on the amount of time I spend on a computer. If anything urgent comes up then, of course, it'll be reported but until then... there are episodes of The Wire to watch.

Meanwhile, It's just a little over 7 days until The Nomads hit Blighty...

RIP - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

The UK Dolls...

Amazing footage from the 1977 Stiff tour featuring Nick Lowe, Larry Wallis, Dave Edmunds, Ian Dury, Wreckless Eric etc: Heart Of The City, Reconnez Cherie, Blockheads plus scenes from backstage...

RIP: Jeff Salen

Beleaguered just about covers it for me at this point tonight, maybe preceded by an expletive or two. I’ll spare you the details and crack on...

“Nous Sommes The Tremolo Beer Gut Qui le Fuck Êtes-Vous?” translates as “We Are The Tremolo Beer Gut, Who The Fuck Are You?” Charmed I’m sure…

Reminds me of this wee oily creep that goes up to a good looking girl way off his beat and says “What would you say to a wee fuck?” The girl replies, “Hello wee fuck”. Ha ha but anyway, let’s get on with the meat of the matter. This Danish instro-Mental combo has the chops to back up the bravado of that title. This isn’t just another surf flavoured sturm und drang. We’re cruising the fjords sailed by the likes of The Bambi Molesters and Robert Johnson and Punchdrunks here. Cinematic with a dash of Morricone and Nietzsche (Jack , natch) Heavy duty fare, not that piss thin proto-garage that so often let’s the side down. This is somewhere between The Scientists shooting the curl on that "Blood Red River" and Link Wray blasting us from beyond the phantom zone. Coming at you in their own, patented “Wide-ass Stereo”. “9 Times The Pain” has an analog Moroder groove. “Junkie Tools” deconstructs Cliff’s “Devil Woman” and shimmies dangerously close to the tomb of Joe Meek to whip up something more damaging than a mere tornado or three.

Special guest stars such as Matt Verta-Ray and The Micragirls drafted in to make the party swing but this is some sick, twisted fun alright. Top tuneage with great titles like “(She’s Got) Peter Lorre Eyes”, what’s not to worship.

Available now on the Crunchy Frog imprint.

NORTON RECORDS • FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Greetings, Earth people! This email comes to you on the 50th anniversary of the launch of the very first US satellite, Galaxy I a/k/a Satellite 1958 Alpha on January 31, 1958! And in commemoration of that launch, we at Norton blast forth with news of many jet-powered events and releases! Let's get with the countdown-- minus two, minus one... BLAST OFF!

FRIDAY FEB. 1 SMASHED! BLOCKED! NORTON CREW GUEST WITH JOSH STYLES!
Resident DJ Josh Styles spins mayhem with Billy and Miriam of Norton Records with the MADDEST sounds from Nortonville and beyond! Also appearing birthday gal Jodie Artichoke and talented semi-pro torso twisters! Washable duds, people. THIS IS IT! THE WILDEST!!!! BEAUTY BAR, 231 E. 14th St. Btwn 2nd & 3rd Ave. NYC 11PM-4AM
www.smashedblocked.com

FEB. 15-17 - THE A-BONES HIT THE WEST COAST!
BOSS HOSS BLOWOUT AT MR. T's BOWL, LOS ANGELES
A-Bones attack LA with Roy Loney in tow on Sunday night of this fabulous Presidents Day three night fest costarring a veritable pantload of talent including Nikki Corvette (Miriam's teenage pen pal), Haunted George (Norton A&R genius who discovered the U-Turns), Ape City R&B, Rock N' Roll Adventure Kids, Guilty Hearts, Tina's fab combo Special Ed, the Dazes, Thee Cormans, Wild Weekend, Jail Weddings, Deke Dickerson's All Star Frat Band, Th' Losin' Streaks, the Lateenos, the Jinxes, Les Hormones… and much mo'! This is a rare chance to catch the A-Bones (with Ira Kaplan on piano, no less!) as they tear it up on the West Coast!!! DJ's will be spinnin' wildass records all night long!! MR. T'S BOWL, 5621 1/2 N. Figuera St, Highland Park, CA 323-256-7561 21+ (sorry kiddies!) Promoter sez "Get advance tickets or you'll be sorry!" TICKETS ARE $12 A DAY OR PURCHASE A SPECIAL 3 DAY PASS FOR $30 @ DON'S MUSIC 4873 EAGLE ROCK BLVD EAGLE ROCK, CA (323) 255-3551 OR BY PAYPAL!! SEND PAYMENT FOR TICKET OPTIONS TO: realbosshoss@yahoo.com

SAT. FEB. 16 - LYRES, CLUB MIDWAY NYC Boston's fantabulous Lyres return
to bop NYC on the noggin with their superb sound. Last go-round at Magnetic Field, and co-billed at the Warsaw with the Sonics, proved Monoman & crew to be the ultimate contenders. Go, Lyres! Billed w/Black Hollies, 25 Avenue B, NYC

SAT. FEB. 23 - THE A-BONES BAM "NEXT" MUSIC FESTIVAL, MAGNETIC FIELD, BROOKLYN Back from their surfin’ safari, the A-Bones return to their tip top home stompin' ground hangeroo sporting tans, possibly but not probably! Also on the bill for your enjoyment, the Mess Arounds! People, for real, this date commemorates some very important holidays: International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day and National Banana Bread Day. It's also the 113th anniversary day of the Tootsie Roll. Wonder when Interstellar Pepto-Bismol Day is? http://www.myspace/theabones

SAT. MARCH 1 ROKY ERICKSON AND THE EXPLOSIVES, WEBSTER HALL, NYC The first of two fab nights with superstar ROKY and the legendary EXPLOSIVES settin' the big town aflame with rock & roll of the highest order. Roky's lauded return to touring last year caused quite a commotion and for good reason- jaw-dropping performances, spot-on delivery, perfect pitch and flawless sets! Not to be missed! Webster Hall is the old Ritz on East 11th Street.

SUN. MARCH 2 ROKY ERICKSON AND THE EXPLOSIVES, MAXWELLS, HOBOKEN Getcha tickets to both shows now, but especially for this exclusive Texas Independence Day performance in glittering Hoboken! How the promoters of this posh venue managed to secure the services of Texas' best and most legendary star alive on a holiday of this magnitude is beyond the big brains at Norton! See you there!

FRI. MARCH 7 & SAT. MARCH 8 THE A-BONES IN MEXICO CITY Los A-Bones invade our southern neighbors for el stomp fest grande! Stay tuned for the nitty gritty and join us on this mid-winter double-header in sunny Mexico! Friday at Bar Grotesk (with Los Sicoticos and Los Mustang 66 and Saturday at Multiforo Alicia with Los Sicoticos, Los Mustang 66 and Los Twangers! http://www.myspace/theabones

SAT. MARCH 15 ALLENTOWN RECORD FAIR Where wax reigns supreme! Miles of aisles of round sound pounders, styrene savagery and shellac sharpies! Start turning in those pop bottles, this show is just six weeks away! 100,000+ 45s and 78s - no LPs/CDs!! www.surroundsoundproductions.com

SAT. MARCH 22 MARY WEISS NYC! Dig Mary in Manhattan at the posh Blender Theatre at Gramercy! And as fate would have it, fable fans, Mary's date coincides with the ancient Roman festival held in honor of Minerva, the INVENTOR OF MUSIC! There is no such thing as coincidence, kiddos! Tickets available now! http://www.blendertheater.com

SAT. MARCH 22 THE SONICS IN LONDON! Josh Styles to DJ! Our revered in-house Gods THE SONICS head acros the pond for their first show out of the US.. ever at Dr Robert's Le Beat Bespoke in London, England! Look out world, this is gonna be a brain blaster, especially with Stalker Josh Styles DJ'ing the event!
http://podgroup.typepad.com/lebeatbespoke4/the-sonics-lbb4-yipppeeee.html

SUN. MARCH 30 BLACK ACE BOOKS 29th ANNUAL PAPERBACK COLLECTORS SHOW! 9 AM-4PM Paperback goddess Rose of Black Ace Books presents the ultimate paperback collectors tour-de-force fantasy camp where piles of pulp are proffered! Tons of guest authors will include top icons Victor Banis, Earl Kemp, Charles Nuetzel, Don Glut, Ray Bradbury and more! Outta towners, fear not: "All the rooms are equipped with electronic door locks." Swank! Call Rose at 323 661 5052 or Tom at 818-349-3844 for mo' info! GUEST HOUSE INN (formerly MISSION HILLS INN), 10621 Sepulveda Boulevard, Mission Hills, CA 91345

WED. APRIL 9 PRETTY THINGS BLENDER THEATRE, NYC
THURS. APRIL 10 PRETTY THINGS WARSAW, BROOKLYN
Late breakin' news! The world famous Pretty Things return to blow our little minds to bits with a pair of NYC shows! Details in next newsletter!

TUES-WED APRIL 29-30 PONDEROSA STOMP! It's still a couple blizzards away, but PONDEROSA STOMP is set for APRIL 29 & 30 in New Orleans with their biggest showcase weekender yet! What a lineup- check the Stomp site for the fll-on ballyhoo, get tix and reserve rooms now for Mary Weiss, Roky Erickson, the Green Fuz, Nathaniel Mayer, Question Mark and the Mysterians, the Collins Kids, Ronnie Spector ... with lots mo' supah-stars!!!! Details at http://www.ponderosastomp.com

*********************************************
FAB FEBRUARY NORTON RELEASES…

CHARLIE FEATHERS - WE'RE GETTING CLOSER TO BEING APART/IF YOU WERE MINE TO LOSE (45-142) Two more powerful rockabilly offerings from the master! To be followed up by THREE big albums of rare and unreleased Charlie Feathers demos. Sorry for the long wait - we can't hardly stand it oiurselves!

THE BO-KEYS - CONGRATULATIONS/ROYAL PENDLETONS - TELL ME (45-9659) Our popular Rolling Stones 45 cover series continues with our 19th nervous breakdown, yes the 19th single in the series! This double dip of slow drag burners showcases the Mad Lads lead singer John Gary Williams teaming up with Memphis soul sensations the Bo-Keys on the terrific topside, while Southern slop lords the Royal Pendletons tell us they're coming back to us in grand style!

THE DICTATORS - MANIFEST DESTINY Vinyl reissue of their 1977 Asylum platter comes complete with original doofus cover and incredible Andy Shernoff anthems like Science Gone Too Far, Exposed, Heartache, Young Fast And Scientific and mo'!

MARCH/APRIL NORTON RELEASES! Official space helmets on extra tight, loud sounders- we're about to blast out several savage slabs that may cause erratic behavior! We hepped you to a threesome elsewhere in this email but no mo' yap about the others quite yet... just when you thought things couldn't get any better, louder, wilder, more sensational!!!!!!

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN • TWO STARS PASS JANUARY 10th

Two of the biggest stars in our galaxy passed on January 10th. If Vampira and Dave Day had met at a cocktail party, they would have gotten along famously.
MAILA NURMI (1921-2008) Maila Nurmi Syrjaniemi, better known to the clued-in as Vampira,
passed away January 10. Maila, along with Joyce (Sirola) Randolph of Honeymooners fame, represents the greatest of Finnish TV and Movie Stars, that is if you don't count Pamela (Hyytiainen) Anderson. This beautiful, talented femme fatale inspired the careers of countless vamps via her work with Ed Wood in the fabulous PLAN NINE FROM OUTER SPACE, but her legacy includes a deep friendship with James Dean, her own TV Show ("The Vampira Show") and precious cameos in Too Much Too Soon, The Beat Generation, The Big Operator, The Magic Sword and I Passed For White. She also dated dreamboat Orson Welles. Our gal grew up in Ashtabula, Ohio on the banks of Lake Eerie, leaving for Hollywood after high school. She will forever remain the definitive blood countess, although young raven-hair'd vamps would be hard put to match Maila's famous 18-inch wasp waist and mystic gaze.

DAVE DAY
Super great cat and total NW genius Dave Day of Torquays/Monks fame, headed for the great beyond same day as Vampira. Billy and I first met Dave at Jeff Miller's killer house party in 1998, where an impromptu living-room jam session turned into a garage fan's wildest dream, with Larry Parypa, Jerry Miller, Larry Thompson, Jim Valley and, yes, Dave Day making the scene and making a racket! Dave played rhythm guitar in the Torquays, who formed in 1964 in a US Army base in Germany in 1964. The "de-volved" as Dave put it, into the Monks in '65, one of the most superlatively primal rock & roll combos ever. Dave played banjo in the Monks, but there was no "Deliverance" in his style- he pounded the sucker into submission, forging an new and wild sound that is yet to be replicated. The Monks broke up in '67 when all but Dave returned to the US. The Monks blew everybody's ears into orbit and hearts into some fantastic, distant stratosphere when they blasted away at the 2004 Las Vegas Rockaround, the same weekender that had Sky Saxon storming the stage during the A-Bones set and Rudy Ray Moore and Hasil Adkins providing the ebony and ivory wig-out bookends to one heck of a soundsational sandwich. It was the last show Hasil ever played.

For More Nortonic Information:

http://www.myspace.com/nortonrecords

http://www.nortonrecords.com

I was reading Amy Rigby’s latest blog entry about the new Jill Sobule record. The way she’s financing it isn’t groundbreaking but I’m sure it’s going to work out. For every label like Razzia or YepRoc that do a solid job of promoting their artists there are 50 that just coast. That are just an overhead for the artist. I dunno about you but I’d willingly pay a subscription to my favourite artists. To aid their continued existence and to make the music they want to make. I’m not sure how that will pan out but there has to be a way. After all, there are plenty of wingnuts out there who will gladly sign up to their tracking device. On one hand you’ve got U2’s manager – an outfit that has more money than some countries – baying for the blood of the download pirates. Why doesn’t he use some of that untold world to fund some scheme that might ultimately mean that all bands and musicians get a cut? The genie is out of the bottle bigstyle so it’s time to try and cajole people into putting themselves in the acts position. Would we like somebody to come into our house and just have ‘em help themselves? No. And somebody needs to think about the independent shops too, they need to make a living too.

Music is an important staple of everybody’s existence. To a lesser or greater degree. Consider operations like Norton, Ace or RPM. All mining to bring us top grade packages with liner notes, design and information. There has to be several tiers. If some donkey just wants the track for their phone or iPod, that’s one thing. But some of us want more. It would indeed be great if people would attend shows and buy their product direct from the artists. However in these economically challenged times, there’s not a lot of disposable income to go around. So things like music are the first to suffer. It’s an expensive consideration to go to a couple of shows every week.

There’s just so much stuff. It’s hard to process it even if you have the will to do it. I’m swamped, but in a good way. That’s why I want this to be a positive filter. Some folks have asked me, why don’t I publish any bad reviews? Well for obvious reasons. There’s no point. I might be the ultimate grouch but I want to direct you, the browser, to something I think you’ll get a kick out of. Something that’ll give you a lift, even for a second or five. In these days where you can actually hear, and see if you agree, then there’s no damage done. I don’t want or expect everybody to agree. Whether you do or not is immaterial. Not owning an iPod, I’m old school. I want the physical item. Checking out mp3’s is useful but beyond that there’s the whole sound quality argument. It's a pickle alright and no mistake...

OK, I know - I said I was bailing but let me just leave you with this Fleshtones Video Chronology and Kim Salmon talking about Blood Red River and other stuff at the I-Bar in the run-up to impending Scientists ATP shows in Australia next week.

A missive from Mr Taber...

"Hi, folks!

In what will likely be Almeron Records final release, I've just received 500 copies of "Always Heed the SYMPTOMS- 'LIVE' in 78".
27 cuts in excellent sound quality, with a total time of 78 minutes. Some classics done LIVE from their classic (and valuable!) original lp, plus a nice mixture of 50s, 60s, and 70s well-known (and not so
well-known) classics. It doesn't suck!

It's $14.99 plus $3.01 postage ($7.01 overseas)= $18 (or $22).

Paypal to tomtaber_14411@yahoo.com, or check, m.o. to Tom Taber, 3746 Tuthill Road, Albion, NY 14411. USA.

Thanks, Tom

p.s. Want an extra copy for a friend (or to put away still sealed)? Just add an extra $10!"

On top of sundry other headaches, I've been having trouble with Blogger and Google today. Pretty low on the list of priorities but just another hassle. This shit should work right?? In these days when we're expected to be contactable etc every hour of the day?? I tell you, this week has made me an arbiter of this ditch MySpazz/Faceblock/Blogger movement that's gathering momentum. Unfortunately I'm addicted so we'll see but one of these outages is gonna push me too far. On top of that the apocalyptic weather conditions that were supposed to engulf us haven't materialised in this part of the world.

The quality of light as I drove back from my daily penance yesterday evening was comparable with summer. Bloody cauld mind you but that's not a problem. There was a micro show flurry this morning but other than that nothing. Even the high winds have subsided. I'm sure that by Wednesday, when we least expect it, mother nature will put her climate boot up our collective jacksy. Anyway, I'm about to switch this blighter off until tomorrow. Aye, right...

Peter C Johnson 1978 – 1981 compiles tracks from the A&M and CBS albums he made during this time. This limited reissue has been put together to benefit the Mark Sandman Music Project in Cambridge, Ma.

Mark Sandman of Morphine died onstage in Italy in 1999. He was “an essential thread in the fabric of Cambridge life” and this facility has been set up in his memory. For anyone who doesn’t know PCJ was all about minimal instrumentation/maximum atmospherics before most. His alumnus includes Nils Lofgren and Bonnie Raitt as well as Carlene Carter and Irene Cara (!). The song “Snowblind” is one of my favourite cuts of all time because every time I hear it I’m transported to another place. It’s dream-like ability to conjure up a trancelike condition has been long overdue. My vinyl copy can rest up now.

Hopefully, as well as providing much needed financial aid to a good cause, this compilation will introduce PCJ to a whole new generation. People who need this kind of aural pop kaboom to soothe away the bullshit that passes for what’s left of the established music biz. This stuff sounds a lot fresher than most all of the stuff that was “happening” at the time. Built in obsolescence wasn’t part of the gameplan back then. There was room to breathe. 30 years later we can use all the clean musical air we can get. So head over to CD Baby, listen to a couple of cuts and see if you agree.

Don’t lollygad though, you need to score one before they’re all gone and you have to live with yet another regret on top of that pile you have already.

Next Saturday night in Edinburgh...

Well, I had intended heading for Auld Reekie to catch FANGS but the weather is somewhat inclement. Another couple of episodes of The Wire Season One it is then. I'll believe in the snow fairy provided I can't leave the house tomorrow but I think it's just 80mph winds and horizontal rain for this part of the world.

So anyway, back on Monday yonder I caught Billie The Vision and the Dancers opening for Jools Holland/Mojo phenomenon, Seasick Steve. Have to say that despite not being able to see what anyone sees in this guys albums, live he's something of a hoot. Playing banged up instruments is various stages of disrepair and generally sounding like a one man Led Zeppelin. But anyway, BTV was the reason I was there. Having dug their latest album "Where The Ocean Meets My Hand" which includes "Overdosing With You", I wasn't exactly ready for the power they pack in person. Bitchslapping the UK is right. This 7 piece ensemble is just about the freshest pop combo I've seen in ages. Their mutant power folk combines almost skifflelike acoustabilly with a mariachi glam undertow. Soaring and percussive and toting a hell of a trumpet player.

BTV singer, Lars is like a cross between Zal Cleminson and Jayne County. Mixed up and shook up like a great entertainer should be. You'll be hearing more about them here when I properly digest their previous two releases. In he meantime, I hope they're planning to come back to capitalise on their Glasgow welcome. I feared it might be a Cramps/Police or Suicide/Clash scenario but it wasn't. That Seasick Steve crowd is open to new things that don't conform. Good for them, it makes me think that all is perhaps not lost after all.

I also saw part of the set by Glasgow's criminally unknown The Martial Arts but had to bale to catch the last train. It was a school night too but well worth the next day knackeredness. Hopefully, before too long, I'll catch a whole show but they can deliver. Count on that. This Groover Recordings combo isn't your common or garden amalgam or identikit indie ranch stash. Bear in mind that Redd Kross never broke through but O-arse-is did. Most people are not like the Seasick audience. They like their music cut up for their consumption and they like to be spoonfed. For instance, this Glasvegas mob that are getting big licks. Doesn't their 45 just sound like a Proclaimer singing with The Mary Chain? It's not bad, maybe quite good but not world beating. Not like Billie The Vision and not like The Martial Arts. What they do comes from the soul with a couple dollups of heart thrown in.

Been a bastard of a week, roll on Friday. Hey, that's tomorrow... there goes the phone...

Indeed, Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. is on the air -- and on the stage! This week, for your consideration...

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st -- SIT & Die returns to the airwaves of WFMU and the "Strength Through Failure" program with Fabio, performing live and giving away canned hams from noon until 3pm! Should we mention that our last risque appearance resulted in Fabio's suspension? Um, let's not. Available at both 91.1 FM on your radio dial.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st -- Same day, same canned ham...but the setting is Otto's Shrunken Head Tiki Bar & Lounge for our last-Thursday-of-the-month residency! Two big and bawdy shows are in store, from 8:00 sharp until 10pm, and there's no cover. 538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan's "East Village".

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd -- Lastly, we set out to Brooklyn and Freddy's Backroom for a "Found In Brooklyn" extravaganza of art and music, featuring a group art show at 7:00 and a set by yours truly at 9pm. Also with Les Sans Culottes, The Anabolics and Georgio Valentino -- and it's free! 485 Dean Street (corner of 6th Avenue) in Prospect Heights.

Yours truly, friend, Michael Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

Take in some American Beat as seen in Manitoba's on Saturday night (thanks for the link Ben...) There are also some great Redd Kross clips in this section. Great to see some "Third Eye" songs on there...

I haven’t been making the most of my Cameo membership. The intention to go there every week hasn’t materialised but when I saw there was a screening of "Juno" at 11am this morning then I decided to cut along. That’s a great time to go to a movie theatre. If the shows started at that time normally then I’d have no problem. Wouldn’t have no time to convince myself not to leave the bunker.

However, the psycho-ology of this is not of your concern. The local flooding never even fucked the train schedule up and I ran into Happy G on the way back, total result. The only route from here is downhill. No, not Dowan Hill... Anyway, J is a pretty decent way to while away a little over 90 minutes. It’s like a modern day Bill Forsyth movie. Evidently the result of a fevered indie music mentality, the scene where Juno spits, “I bought another Sonic Youth album and it sucked” resonated somewhat on a number of plains.

A film about a 16 year old Stooges/Patti Smith fan with a smart mouth. What’s not to dig in terms of plain old entertainment? I enjoyed it a lot more than “No Country For Old Men”. I think?

The Voodoo Rooms proudly presents

THE PHAROAH SANDERS QUARTET




Pharoah Sanders - Saxophone
William Henderson - Piano
Nat Reeves - Bass
Joe Farnsworth - Drums

The legendary saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, best known for "The Creator Has a Master Plan", who recorded with John Coltrane, Sun Ra and Don Cherry, makes a rare visit to Scotland. An unmissable opportunity to see a Jazz legend in an intimate venue.

For more Pharoah Sanders info please click here

Doors 7.00 p.m. 2 (hour-long) sets at 8.00 p.m. & 10.00 p.m.

Tickets £25 in advance (stbf) from Ripping Records, Tickets Scotland, 127 Rose Street, Edinburgh, The Voodoo Rooms, & Underground Solushun.

Buy tickets online here

Please note that this show is standing only.

RIP - John Stewart

It's been a quick week. I'll concede that. One in which my last remaining, precious leave day was burned because of the bunker water being cut off due to a burst around the corner. Made me feel for the poor blighters who have to go days, weeks and longer without any. Not a cool scene, with or without wet wipes.

Anyway, there was some solace in that Steve Forbert brought a cracking band with him for his Glasgow show the other night. I also had the pleasure of catching up with Mr Bobby Lloyd Hicks of The Skeletons. Always a good thing. I'm not a Forbert fan but he has his moments and a reasonable following. Highlight was a little number called "The Glasgow Rock" which they worked up just for this one Celtic Connections appearance. Lloyd announced it as "a Ramones outtake" so that'll give you an idea of where it sat sonically. John Williamson gave the musicians a bit of a roasting in The Herald but I disagree with his opinion. The show was too long for sure. I hesitate to use the word, stool, but SF falls somewhere between Springsteen and Earle without having anything like the firepower of the former or the songs of the latter. He brought one of the greatest r&r drummers on earth with him though and I’m definitely down with that.

Anybody going to see this Seasick Steve guy on Monday night?

Billie the Vision and the Dancers are the support so get there early and see them. I hope the SS audience will be open to what they do because it’s nothing like the headliner. And at 9pm, The Martial Arts are playing at Bloc on Bath Street in Glasgow. So if everything comes together, I’ll be at both of those. He typed optimistically, probably intoxicated by the fact that there’s no schlep to the stalag tomorrow…

The Glasgow Film Festival programme is available now. It includes a Monorail Film Club screening of "A Life In the Death of Joe Meek" on Sunday February 24th. Here's a clip...

Anna Järvinen & Annika Norlin - För varje hjärtslag

Say, is the cat lucky? You'll have to join Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. this week for a visit to The Lucky Cat in Williamsburg to find out! It's an evening of readings and musical performances -- with us doing more of the latter than the former. Which is pretty lucky in itself:
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24th / THE LUCKY CAT /
245 Grand Street (between Driggs and Roebling) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn / Program begins at 8:00, with one SIT & Die set at 10:00 /$5 cover, if you mention SIT & Die -- a hefty $10 otherwise!

And more good fortune...

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31st / WFMU / On Fabio's "Strength Through Failure" and later that same day... OTTO'S / Our East Village monthly residency

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd / FREDDY'S BACKROOM / Prospect Heights, Brooklyn

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23rd / SOUTHPAW / Park Slope, Brooklyn

Luckily yours,

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

and sticking with Brooklyn, The Fleshtones "Take A Good Look" is out today on YepRoc. More when my copy arrives but in the meantime, you can take a good listen here...

Lou Reed - Kill Your Sons (from The Bottom Line 1983)

(link courtesy of Sonic Producer/Please Kill Me)

Managed to drag myself out of the bunker yesterday for some culture. Starting with the Coen Brother’s “No Country For Old Men”. It’s not bad but is it a return to “form”?, I’m not sure. It has its moments and one particularly great line. Can’t tell you what the correlation is with the book because I haven’t read it. Javier Barden’s remorseless killing machine could be being set up to take on the winner between the Alien and The Predator. I’d like to see the Coen’s take that on. So yeah, it does have ripples of “Blood Simple” and it’s not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon but I wasn’t convinced that it was the tour de force the meeja is painting it as.

So after that, I had a rake about a couple of bookshops and some dvd racks. The sheer amount of stuff out there is alarming and the way it’s presented is generally soulless, as is the packaging. Saw the Ace book but it was shrink wrapped but the same publisher has another one on Rough Trade which is a very good-looking tome.

So on then to The Pearlfishers at the Classic Grand, first time that I’ve been in this relatively new venue. Good size. Better sightlines than Tuts. This old porno cinema has scrubbed up very well into a very cool room. Openers Finniston were on already and their homogenous folk pop was going down OK but it wasn’t for me. Mr Blake noticed that one of their songs bore a resemblance to Cliff’s “Wired For Sound”. I think we’ll leave it at that.

The Pearlfishers aren’t like anything else. Particularly when they can employ the full strings and horns bhuna as they did last night. In this day and age of the bottom line, quality is often sacrificed but not here. I believe that if this could be presented around the country and beyond like this then it the penny would finally drop. The version of “New Stars” convinces me even more that Teenage Fanclub should record it.

Playing tunes from all stages of their existence, it was a classy affair. There’s only one person on earth that I’d forgive for slipping a Paul McCartney song into a set and that’s Davie Scott. A lot of heart and a similar helping of soul arranged to perfection the way you (almost) never hear it anymore.

So let’s tackle a couple of cd’s that mine something of the same field…

The 17th Pygmy – Ballade of Tristram’s Last Harping (Trackwerx)

So here’s the paisley overground. A lush, soaring psychedelic psmogasbord that seems to connect Fleetwood Mac with Wooden Shjips. Beautifully packaged, which seems to be a trademark of Trakwerx quality and very tastefully recorded. If there were such a thing as airwaves in the traditional sense then this would or should be all over it. These lysergic folk pop hark back and pull forward at the same time. The result positively shimmers. If they can pull this off live then there are a wealth of REM and Dream Syndicate fans out there that are starved of something substantial. “Beautiful Lie” sounds like something Debbie Harry could use. In fact Meg Maryatt bears quite a striking vocal resemblance throughout.

She also plays accordion which is a big plus point. Heard a feature on the wireless this morning about that instrument being back but it was never away if you knew where to look. (Hi Angel!)

If you want something substantial that has elements of the Radionapper/Brian Jonestown formula then those vibes don’t come much closer than “Just Like Brian Jones”. Being that there’s no consensus anymore, I’m not sure how you get something like this to the people who would go gaga for it. In terms of what I perceive to be broad commercial appeal then this has everything. It doesn’t require hype, it just needs to be heard. It’s one of those things that if you heard it in a record store (remember those?), you’d be up at the counter asking what it was. I don’t believe there’s a higher accolade than that.

“No tambourines were harmed in the making of this album”. Damnit, they’re funny too.

Cult.With.No.Name – Paper.Wraps.Rock (Trackwerx)

This is a strange concept that initially sounds like a lounge pianists outing with a piece entitled “the morning after the night before last”. This is as far away from “rock” as I’ve been in some time. Drifting way out to sea and I think that the calming effect is something I could use more of.

There’s something quite Roxy Music about it without them sounding anything alike. Kinda abstract Ben Folds territory even. Or Todd Rundgren? It kind of reminds me of The Pearlfishers with a darker streak too.

PWR is a grower. I was sceptical at first but their songs have somehow wheedled themselves under my skin with repeated plays. Look at the influences listed on their myspace as you listen. Go easy on the head scratching though.

If you fancy something atmospheric, fairly relaxing with shades of Julee Cruise then check out Laki Mera for the princely sum of exactly nowt.

And finally for today, I’ve just found out that Redd Kross and Wooden Shjips are paying the upcoming ATP vs Pitchfork. Fingers crossed that both will tack a few more shows on to their respective visits.

RIP - Suzanne Pleshette

RIP - Allan Melvin

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...