Sunday, May 25, 2008
2 guys, 22 years of DJing, 80 years of great music, 1000's of 45's... 100,000 satisfied customers What you got?
RUBBER BISCUIT - They buy their hats from the same guy as Elvis, caused the MC5 to reform, earned Ray Davies' money (twice), knocked Ron Asheton down the stairs (by accident!), picked covers for The Detroit Cobras, got stood up by Alex Chilton, were fed cigarillos by Dr John, told the NME and Kerrang! to f-off, and got married at Sun Studios (one just watched)...
Steptoe and BigKegShandy play music by people from many lands and decades, all of whom know the magic formula which causes backbones to slip, hips to gyrate, elbows to flap and ears to dance on the sides of heads. Since 1985, they have played the wonderful musics that have been called rock'n'roll, soul, funk, R&B, punk, ska, garage, calypso, boogaloo, voodoo, country, gospel, blues, rockabilly, disco, roots, psychedelia, pub rock, folk-rock, frat rock, glam rock, Dutch beat, high energy, really f-ing stoopid or just plain FUN.
They like it, and so do other people, some of whom you may know, including Arthur Lee & Love, the MC5, Big Star, The Soundtrack Of Our Lives, Andre Williams, The Vines, Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham, The Saints, Tav Falco's Panther Burns, Radio Birdman, Monsieur Jeffrey Evans, The Scientists, The Stooges' Asheton Brothers, Dick Dale, The Detroit Cobras, Wilko Johnson, You Am I, The Dirt Bombs, Jay Reatard, The Fleshtones and James Hunter.
They like to DJ at gigs and clubs. A lot.
Rubber Biscuit @ The Thunderbolt
Bath Road, Bristol
Saturday May 31st 8pm-midnite FREE
Friday, May 23, 2008
Free gig - come along if you can make it, couplae pints doon leith walk and some dancing ? check out the links, its quality stuff
the world famous SHOCK AND AWE are playing with HYPERBUBBLE (from TEXAS) and LAMENS TERMS (from Falkirk/Fife) all 3 acts are appearing as duo's hence the nights title "A trio of duo's" although theres also going to be a special short mystery surprise slot from another duo - come early and find out who we'll be playing with the drum machine so it'll be a lot different from normal, come and check it out heres the spiel, come on down if you can make it, First band on at 9 sharp
EVENT NAME: HYPERBUBBLE - a trio of duo's MUSIC EVENT TYPE: ROCK/POP
DATE: Friday 23rd MaY VENUE: Meridian
ADDRESS: 138 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 5DT PHONE: (0131) 554 4238
www.myspace.com/meridian_edinburgh
PRICE: FREE TIME 20:00
BANDS: Hyperbubble , Shock And Awe , Lamens Terms
www.myspace.com/hyperbubble
www.myspace.com/shockandawemusic
www.myspace.com/lamenstermsband
Hyperbubble (Texas, USA)
Electro / Glam / New Wave - Hyperbubble are a boy girl duo like a stripped down synthesized Texan Rezillos
Shock And Awe (Edinburgh)
Big guitars, Big Choruses, Big fun. In keeping with tonights theme they play as a duo - "We stole the guitars from the Ramones and the drummer from Suicide"
Lamens Terms (Falkirk/Fife)
Acoustic Guitar Girl keeps the beat and sings her heart out while Electric Guitar Boy paints pictures in sound around her
head down Leith walk and just before the Kentucky Fried Chicken shop you will find ....... THE MERIDIAN !
its free, come along, buy a cd if you like it, tell your friends
the world famous SHOCK AND AWE are playing with HYPERBUBBLE (from TEXAS) and LAMENS TERMS (from Falkirk/Fife) all 3 acts are appearing as duo's hence the nights title "A trio of duo's" although theres also going to be a special short mystery surprise slot from another duo - come early and find out who we'll be playing with the drum machine so it'll be a lot different from normal, come and check it out heres the spiel, come on down if you can make it, First band on at 9 sharp
EVENT NAME: HYPERBUBBLE - a trio of duo's MUSIC EVENT TYPE: ROCK/POP
DATE: Friday 23rd MaY VENUE: Meridian
ADDRESS: 138 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, EH6 5DT PHONE: (0131) 554 4238
www.myspace.com/meridian_edinburgh
PRICE: FREE TIME 20:00
BANDS: Hyperbubble , Shock And Awe , Lamens Terms
www.myspace.com/hyperbubble
www.myspace.com/shockandawemusic
www.myspace.com/lamenstermsband
Hyperbubble (Texas, USA)
Electro / Glam / New Wave - Hyperbubble are a boy girl duo like a stripped down synthesized Texan Rezillos
Shock And Awe (Edinburgh)
Big guitars, Big Choruses, Big fun. In keeping with tonights theme they play as a duo - "We stole the guitars from the Ramones and the drummer from Suicide"
Lamens Terms (Falkirk/Fife)
Acoustic Guitar Girl keeps the beat and sings her heart out while Electric Guitar Boy paints pictures in sound around her
head down Leith walk and just before the Kentucky Fried Chicken shop you will find ....... THE MERIDIAN !
its free, come along, buy a cd if you like it, tell your friends
A great, great night. The Fleshtones took over A'dam in seconds flat... Rock 'n awe... A well deserved tip o' the hat to the Works for makin' this happen...
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The EIFF trailer...
I'm going to be out of commish for the rest of the day. You folks in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas, The Fleshtones show is tonight, and you need to go along and support the campaign. Yesterday's ISP problems means I have a bunch of mail to deal with but I'll attempt to deal with that later tonight, after the arrival of leading Swedish diplomat, Mr Ulf.
I'm going to be out of commish for the rest of the day. You folks in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas, The Fleshtones show is tonight, and you need to go along and support the campaign. Yesterday's ISP problems means I have a bunch of mail to deal with but I'll attempt to deal with that later tonight, after the arrival of leading Swedish diplomat, Mr Ulf.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Nomads are headed for Spain this weekend...
The Fleshtones for Amsterdam (tomorrow, Thursday! excuse any previous bum information)... (thanks to Steve for the link)
On this side of the water, The Pastels with Taken By Trees in Stirling on Friday.
The Fleshtones for Amsterdam (tomorrow, Thursday! excuse any previous bum information)... (thanks to Steve for the link)
On this side of the water, The Pastels with Taken By Trees in Stirling on Friday.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Saw this new movie "Smart People" and while it's not outright awful, I couldn't really recommend it. If that’s what’s knocking ‘em dead at Sundance then the movie biz be in big trubb.
On Sunday mornings, I'm prone to listening to the religious programmes on BBC Scotland. Semi-related to that, Father John Fitzsimmons presented a greetings programme that was somewhat old school but he came across as an affable curmudgeon. He also appeared a talking head to offer opinions during news, current and not-so-current affairs.
Anyway, sadly he passed away at the weekend there at age 68. He always projected being older and wiser than that less than ripe old age.
The guy was never afraid to stick his head above the parapet, earning himself a controversial tag for the trouble but I always liked to listen to him talk irrespective of the subject. My own considerations of all religion being tosh notwithstanding, Radio Scotland has lost a great character which they can ill-afford at the minute.
My granny used to tell a story about a minister telling her that I’d maybe become a minister. Imagine her horror when that calling came in the form of rock’n’roll but anyway… My sense of spirituality might be a little skewed at times but it’s generally sincere. I think you folks would have dug this guy whether you agreed with him or not. Irrespective of persuasion.
Later today I have the dentist. I’m looking forward to that a bit more than where I’m just about to leave for but a lifestyle has to be maintained. Has it not?
On Sunday mornings, I'm prone to listening to the religious programmes on BBC Scotland. Semi-related to that, Father John Fitzsimmons presented a greetings programme that was somewhat old school but he came across as an affable curmudgeon. He also appeared a talking head to offer opinions during news, current and not-so-current affairs.
Anyway, sadly he passed away at the weekend there at age 68. He always projected being older and wiser than that less than ripe old age.
The guy was never afraid to stick his head above the parapet, earning himself a controversial tag for the trouble but I always liked to listen to him talk irrespective of the subject. My own considerations of all religion being tosh notwithstanding, Radio Scotland has lost a great character which they can ill-afford at the minute.
My granny used to tell a story about a minister telling her that I’d maybe become a minister. Imagine her horror when that calling came in the form of rock’n’roll but anyway… My sense of spirituality might be a little skewed at times but it’s generally sincere. I think you folks would have dug this guy whether you agreed with him or not. Irrespective of persuasion.
Later today I have the dentist. I’m looking forward to that a bit more than where I’m just about to leave for but a lifestyle has to be maintained. Has it not?
Sunday, May 18, 2008
I just got back in from Edinburgh and don't feel much like gabbing. Having done a stupid thing this morning by attempting to cut down an overgrown hedge, my hands are a wee bit tender. And this cold ain't for the shiftin' so I'm just about to crash in front of whatever shite is on the telly. If you're in New York then you should be heading for Banjo Jim's to see Amy Allison.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The lollygadding continues... did you catch "Kaiser" George Miller on "Later" with Sharleen Spiteri? The song I saw bore more than a passing resemblance to a certain Shangri-Las number.
And Glasvegas from the same show. Pretty good in spite of my ongoing reservations. Like Midge Ure (circa Slik) fronting The Mary Chain. I actively distrust the hype but there's no denying that "wall o'" sound. Maybe they could cover "Forever and Ever"?
And Glasvegas from the same show. Pretty good in spite of my ongoing reservations. Like Midge Ure (circa Slik) fronting The Mary Chain. I actively distrust the hype but there's no denying that "wall o'" sound. Maybe they could cover "Forever and Ever"?
Seeing as the rain was on and I couldn't attack the overgrown hedge, even if I wanted to, it was decided to resort to another major procrastination of recent times. Largely spurred on by not being able to find stuff when M&K were here. So anyway, a clear out of the cd howff has been undertaken and it's one of these "wish you'd never started" situations.
Any plus points like being reminded how fucking great The Eyeliners "Here Comes Trouble" is kind of pales in trying to establish order to an area that is quite frankly overpopulated. The concept of culling some of it is fine in theory but the humming and haw-ing and eventual inability to let go has resulted in me having a coffee as I do this to recharge the old ruthless batteries.
I've gotten to "F" and I'm pretty much busted. Can't shake this cold either. Plus Monk isn't on today. It could be worse but it could also be better, yon big Italian capital wasn't built in a day as the cliche goes. I bet you could build a fair size city quicker than you could make order of the shite I've accumulated over the past 30+ years! There's always the skip option which looks VERY attractive at the minute...
Any plus points like being reminded how fucking great The Eyeliners "Here Comes Trouble" is kind of pales in trying to establish order to an area that is quite frankly overpopulated. The concept of culling some of it is fine in theory but the humming and haw-ing and eventual inability to let go has resulted in me having a coffee as I do this to recharge the old ruthless batteries.
I've gotten to "F" and I'm pretty much busted. Can't shake this cold either. Plus Monk isn't on today. It could be worse but it could also be better, yon big Italian capital wasn't built in a day as the cliche goes. I bet you could build a fair size city quicker than you could make order of the shite I've accumulated over the past 30+ years! There's always the skip option which looks VERY attractive at the minute...
Friday, May 16, 2008
It's sure to be a reasonably big Saturday night on Avenue C this week when SUSQUEHANNA INDUSTRIAL TOOL & DIE CO. takes to the happiest bar in the East Village, TENELEVEN -- joined by that naughtiest of guest gypsy singers, THE BABY MARIA!
SATURDAY, MAY 17th, 171 Avenue C (between 10th & 11th Streets) in Manhattan, NYC
Two bad & bawdy shows, from 9:00 sharp until 11:00 / No cover! / Oh, and not to toot our hillbilly horn, but thanks to New York Magazine for a kind mention this week! "Bluegrass"? Well, they got the moustaches right. And, frankly, my Tool *hasn't* been getting the press it deserves. Fourth blurb down, if you care to peek:
http://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/features/46822/
Always yours, Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
Not sure if I have a cold or hay fever. Probably both but figure it's best not to be spreading any lurghi around at the David Scott/Norman Blake/Vaselines shindig in Dunfermline tonight. It's been a busy old week but mostly cool. Attended a funeral of a colleague that retired from the rat race less than a year ago. Not a good deal by any stretch of the imagination.
Not exactly sure what's gonna give this weekend 'ceptin a trip to auld reekie on Sunday. I really do need to cut down a dirty big hedge in the garden. This cold may well prevent that happening again and one has to be sorted out in time for The Pastels/Taken By Trees double header at Le Weekend next Friday.
Not exactly sure what's gonna give this weekend 'ceptin a trip to auld reekie on Sunday. I really do need to cut down a dirty big hedge in the garden. This cold may well prevent that happening again and one has to be sorted out in time for The Pastels/Taken By Trees double header at Le Weekend next Friday.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Matt and Kim’s Glasgow debut was fated to happen on the same night as the European Cup football debacle. As you know this means less than absolutely zero to me. The stage time was pushed back to 11pm and the two detonated pretty much bang on schedule. What you hear on myspace or wherever is purely an approximation of the atomic energy that these two youngsters generate.
Kim pounds those drums like a being possessed and Matt sings something like Emo Phillips channelling Mark Mothersbaugh. His keyboard oscillates in time and space with frequencies that even put a grin on my mug. The fun that these two have playing is practically immoral and most definitely infectious.
They don’t do encores either you get the heart, soul and kitchen sink in the actual performance. It’s tiring to witness because the energy levels never drop below tilt. Even when they claim to take it down a notch.
They’re in Sheffield tonight, Brighton tomorrow and London on Saturday. Check their site for details and see them if you can. By the time they get back out this way in November, tickets could well be in short supply. They’re out to build an M&K army, fan by fan if need be. What they do might not be for everybody but I think that anybody who likes to feel the crackle of genuine electricity would find much to love here. These two, and their tour manager Brian – are an active cell that are out to subvert the terrible careerist bollocks that shite like the NME continues to foist on our pop kids.
Kim pounds those drums like a being possessed and Matt sings something like Emo Phillips channelling Mark Mothersbaugh. His keyboard oscillates in time and space with frequencies that even put a grin on my mug. The fun that these two have playing is practically immoral and most definitely infectious.
They don’t do encores either you get the heart, soul and kitchen sink in the actual performance. It’s tiring to witness because the energy levels never drop below tilt. Even when they claim to take it down a notch.
They’re in Sheffield tonight, Brighton tomorrow and London on Saturday. Check their site for details and see them if you can. By the time they get back out this way in November, tickets could well be in short supply. They’re out to build an M&K army, fan by fan if need be. What they do might not be for everybody but I think that anybody who likes to feel the crackle of genuine electricity would find much to love here. These two, and their tour manager Brian – are an active cell that are out to subvert the terrible careerist bollocks that shite like the NME continues to foist on our pop kids.
From the Please Kill Me mailout...
Update - Go to his myspace and hear more! Pub rock is heading back!!
Update - Go to his myspace and hear more! Pub rock is heading back!!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
“This is a Monday night, in Paris!,” announced Peter Zaremba mid-way through the set at La Locomotive at the start of the Fleshtones’ latest Euro jaunt. A near capacity crowd reacted with enthusiasm to an upbeat performance (are they ever downbeat?) as the ‘Tones commenced a two week trip around France that includes “one night only” appearances in Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Holland. Placing the emphasis on material from Take A Good Look, the new album on Yep Roc, the band refused to remain static and used every square metre of the venue for strumming power chords, performing press-ups, and singing a cappella. The audience responded by dancing to current party starters like Feels Good To Feel and Love Yourself, inserting “Hey!” at the appropriate moment, and following the band from one end of the venue to the other. Thank the gods that the ‘Tones can still perform in such a manner and in front of fans that are not inclined to launch beer into the air or wrestle them to the ground. One of the warmest moments of the evening was spotting members of the support band, the New Christs, crowded around the stage door, wearing big smiles and taking pictures of the mayhem. Thirty years down the line and the Fleshtones continue to deliver catchy material with energy and enthusiasm that puts most bands to shame. On current evidence there is no reason why they should not enjoy many more Monday night’s in Paris.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Running at the last mo' here and will be outta commish until at least tomorrow...
Got my EIFF tickets and am ready to roll come June. The criteria was that there would be no "blockbusters" but are there any? Another rule I enforced was "no Cineworld screenings" so my patch is limited to Filmhouse and The Cameo. No multiplex! Let's see how it all pans out.
The recent attempts to find homes for those badges and issues of Mojo magazines have come to pretty much nowt. The buttons did OK but only one Mojo has left the crib. I even left info on the magazine message board but heard not one jot. So maybe they'll be bound for recycling in the not too distant future. I hate that thought but I sure as hell no longer have the room for stuff like that just lying about gathering dust.
One good thing is that I managed to repatriate a bunch of Woodentops badges with the band. I've no idea where they even came from but now they can go to folks that want them. I'm gearing myself up for a huge purge because well, I can't take it with me.
Where am I going? Who the chuff knows but I don't need all this STUFF anymore. Maybe I've grown up?? It doesn't feel like it and I doubt that you'd get certification to that effect. And finally - like that spot on the real news. An alternative to that UEFA action in Glasgow tomorrow night... Matt and Kim's debut show in Scotland...
Got my EIFF tickets and am ready to roll come June. The criteria was that there would be no "blockbusters" but are there any? Another rule I enforced was "no Cineworld screenings" so my patch is limited to Filmhouse and The Cameo. No multiplex! Let's see how it all pans out.
The recent attempts to find homes for those badges and issues of Mojo magazines have come to pretty much nowt. The buttons did OK but only one Mojo has left the crib. I even left info on the magazine message board but heard not one jot. So maybe they'll be bound for recycling in the not too distant future. I hate that thought but I sure as hell no longer have the room for stuff like that just lying about gathering dust.
One good thing is that I managed to repatriate a bunch of Woodentops badges with the band. I've no idea where they even came from but now they can go to folks that want them. I'm gearing myself up for a huge purge because well, I can't take it with me.
Where am I going? Who the chuff knows but I don't need all this STUFF anymore. Maybe I've grown up?? It doesn't feel like it and I doubt that you'd get certification to that effect. And finally - like that spot on the real news. An alternative to that UEFA action in Glasgow tomorrow night... Matt and Kim's debut show in Scotland...
Monday, May 12, 2008
"Announcing the Glasgow debut of THE BRUTES, the new ex-Grease Monkeys combo. Our world debut was a coupla Fridays back in Edinburgh in the fine company of The Thanes and The Bucky Rage (we were billed as the Buggs 'cos we were called that the week we got booked for the show!) - and even tho' I say so myself, it went rather well. We're on MySpazz at www.myspace.com/theebrutes, if you wanna hit us up - should have some songs on there by the end of the week, just before the gig. Anyways, hope to see y'all at Blackfriars on Saturday - expect cool "old shit" on the decks before & after our "loud garage punk" set - drinkin' & dancin' 'til 3am!!!! " ....Jim
Friday, May 09, 2008
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
I interrupt my perusing to bring you the news that onetime Moodist and co-conspirator with Kim Salmon, Mr Dave Graney is at the Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh tomorrow night.
Too short notice for me but maybe you'd like to cut along...
Too short notice for me but maybe you'd like to cut along...
Second day of unfathomably decent weather for this part of the world, not sure what's going on but it's not unpleasant. With that though comes the chore of keeping the garden tidy and my lawnmower - of the non-human being variety - died during a valiant attempt at the first grass cutting of the year. Anyway, the proverbial ball is burst and I'm not altogether sure what the options are. Not fucking visiting garden centres to research getting a new one, thats fer sure.
So I'll keep this short. I have to peruse the EIFF programme and that might take some time. Documentaries on Patti Smith and Lee Perry are on the agenda though as is the new Werner Hertzog. The fact that the print copy didn't arrive in the mail means I have to do that online, not ideal as my eyeballs aren't fried as it is.
Been looking at the stats on this blog lately and visitor numbers seem to be dropping off. I can't say I blame anybody for clicking on less frequently, it suggests that lives are being led. Ho'ever it would be more of a motivation for me if a wee bit of buoyancy was maintained. I DO TRY to update things at least once a day. It's not always possible but it's not though want of giving a hoot. On the other hand, we'd be exactly noplace without our regulars and appreciate the heck out of you folks that do drop by often. So anyway, to the listings...
So I'll keep this short. I have to peruse the EIFF programme and that might take some time. Documentaries on Patti Smith and Lee Perry are on the agenda though as is the new Werner Hertzog. The fact that the print copy didn't arrive in the mail means I have to do that online, not ideal as my eyeballs aren't fried as it is.
Been looking at the stats on this blog lately and visitor numbers seem to be dropping off. I can't say I blame anybody for clicking on less frequently, it suggests that lives are being led. Ho'ever it would be more of a motivation for me if a wee bit of buoyancy was maintained. I DO TRY to update things at least once a day. It's not always possible but it's not though want of giving a hoot. On the other hand, we'd be exactly noplace without our regulars and appreciate the heck out of you folks that do drop by often. So anyway, to the listings...
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
The latest two instalments in the Feber series are Mats Olsson's "pubrock" and Lennart Persson's "folk/rock". Each 2cd set is curated and sequenced to give them a mix tape feel. That's their ultimate strength. With so many compilations just being thrown together these days, these are up to Ace Records type scratch. There's no booklet with reams of information but all the salient details are there. You can get the full tracklists here, or here, you just have to put the titles in to access them.Both come in covers designed by Daniel Novakovic, who also did the Nomadic Dementia comp.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) sees the launch of the Edinburgh International Film Festival programme. Here's hoping that the selection and the switch to being in June rather than August will work. This year I'm not going to screenings of stuff that's due to come out within a month or so of the event.Tickets go on sale this coming Friday...
Monday, May 05, 2008
monorail film club is one-year old!
Monorail Film Club: PLAYTIME (U)
Sunday 18th May at 3.40pm
Director Jacques Tati
Cast: Jacques Tati, Barbara Dennek, Rita Maiden
France 1967, 2h 4m (French, German and English with subtitles)
Playtime is a Tati masterpiece. Three years in production and dazzling looking, it shows off a futuristic Paris which some of its inhabitants, notably Monsieur Hulot (played by Tati), are struggling to come to terms with. Hulot roams around Paris with a group of American tourists, lost in the maze of modern architecture filled with the latest gadgets.
The film will be preceded by a short (12m) KH-4, a strange film about a Glasgow artist (played by a young Bill Forsyth) who uses the city as a source of inspiration.
The screening will be presented by Glasgow artist, Toby Paterson.
Baskery are three sisters. A Swedish trio that combine a punk-rock skiffle aesthetic with an “O Brother” sensibility to deliver an admirable debut album, “Fall Among Thieves” (Veranda). The cover might look a bit Stevie Nicks but don’t be fooled, nae disrespect to Ms Nicks intended.Somebody should snap them up for Celtic Connections next January. A little bit country and a whole lot of understated rock’n’roll, recorded live. “Nothing hidden, nothing added”. If the Dixie Chicks were Babes in Toyland but actually much cooler than either then they’d be Baskery. I have no idea what the name means, maybe an alternative to calling themselves, The Bondessons. Which I think would be a pretty cool name but that's my svenskophile side talking.
Hear them at their myspace, “One Horse Down” might be a groovy place to start. If the just a smidge over 2 minute “Why Don’t Ya” is on there, give that one a birl too. “Haunt You” has a cool acoustic G-L-O-R-I-A vibe and I bet it’s plenty loud in person. Quite possibly their set closer.
If it is, then the crowd is going to be baying for more. Wonder how their Irish shows have been going these last few days?
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Inspired by hearing Pavlov's Dog on Iain Anderson's show this past Friday night, I pulled out the first two albums. Listening to "Pampered Menial" now, it sounds very rich and not at all dated. When the cd reissue came out, it didn't sound right. The depth of sound on the record had been flattened. Of course, what brought many of us to the party in the first place was that they were produced by Sandy Pearlman and Murray Krugman.
They weren't as far away from Blue Oyster Cult as they seemed back then. In fact, what it sounds like now is maybe Sparks. "PM" rocks more than I remember it and "Natchez Trace" is a classic. As cool as any Led Zep song you care to recite. David Surkamp's vocal was considered something of a novelty and somewhat a little operatic for it's setting but hearing it this afternoon - it brings back memories. It's actually a perfect instrument in the setting of the considerable firepower and orchestral nature of the group. I'm pretty easily distracted at the minute and spinning this instead of some of the newer gear scattered around this place.
Often labelled prog, I don't see them as that at all and these albums stand the test of time. On the other hand, it's pretty far removed from anything resembling punk rock. A version of the band has played in Germany and Greece fairly recently so they're still active. Their myspace site has nothing from "PM" on it but here's the link anyway.
They weren't as far away from Blue Oyster Cult as they seemed back then. In fact, what it sounds like now is maybe Sparks. "PM" rocks more than I remember it and "Natchez Trace" is a classic. As cool as any Led Zep song you care to recite. David Surkamp's vocal was considered something of a novelty and somewhat a little operatic for it's setting but hearing it this afternoon - it brings back memories. It's actually a perfect instrument in the setting of the considerable firepower and orchestral nature of the group. I'm pretty easily distracted at the minute and spinning this instead of some of the newer gear scattered around this place.
Often labelled prog, I don't see them as that at all and these albums stand the test of time. On the other hand, it's pretty far removed from anything resembling punk rock. A version of the band has played in Germany and Greece fairly recently so they're still active. Their myspace site has nothing from "PM" on it but here's the link anyway.
My brother gave me a box of Mojo magazines and in the attempt to de-clutter and to find good homes for them, they're up for grabs.
Gratis. Free, For nowt. All you need to do is cover the postage and packing.
The issues are: 91, 93, 95, 96, 100, 101, 105 - 107, 110, 152 -171 inclusive and 175.
There are also copies of Uncut: Issues 57 and 61.
CD giveaways are NOT included. I think those are already headed for landfill.
Gratis. Free, For nowt. All you need to do is cover the postage and packing.
The issues are: 91, 93, 95, 96, 100, 101, 105 - 107, 110, 152 -171 inclusive and 175.
There are also copies of Uncut: Issues 57 and 61.
CD giveaways are NOT included. I think those are already headed for landfill.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
YouTube, don't you just love it... You never know what turns up!
Yep, that's me, interviewing The Dickies some 18 years ago...
Yep, that's me, interviewing The Dickies some 18 years ago...
I found 6 x Raybeats and 5 x db's badges. 1" diameter buttons from back in the mists of time when said combos played at Valentinos in Edinburgh, courtesy of Mr Allan Campbell.
Anyway if any of you fancy one of these artefacts then send me your snail mail address via the contact function. First come, first served. One badge per application...
When I head that the new Mayor of London was called Boris, I hoped it was my old mate from The Scientists. But wait, he’s in Australia and the reality is perhaps even more absurd. It’s the guy from “Have I Got News For You” or whatever!?
I always thought he was a Matt Lucas character. That could be a thatch, right? But anyway Ken’s out and the big fella has it. Politics eh? You can’t get a decent turnout at the polls but the proles meltdown the phonelines to pledge allegiance in these bloody (no) talent shows and (far from reality) TV travesties. Reports that the contestants for next Prime Minister of the UK are likely to be put through their paces in this format are unsubstantiated but more than possible.
All of this will quite possibly accelerate Scotland's "indie-pendence" and probably the materials for the big fence to go up are on order as I tap away. Labour’s buck is pretty worthless and the concept that the Tories could gain a foothold here is simply mental. Isn’t it?
So that leaves us as a giant haggis and shortbread theme park. But hey, it could be worse...
I always thought he was a Matt Lucas character. That could be a thatch, right? But anyway Ken’s out and the big fella has it. Politics eh? You can’t get a decent turnout at the polls but the proles meltdown the phonelines to pledge allegiance in these bloody (no) talent shows and (far from reality) TV travesties. Reports that the contestants for next Prime Minister of the UK are likely to be put through their paces in this format are unsubstantiated but more than possible.
All of this will quite possibly accelerate Scotland's "indie-pendence" and probably the materials for the big fence to go up are on order as I tap away. Labour’s buck is pretty worthless and the concept that the Tories could gain a foothold here is simply mental. Isn’t it?
So that leaves us as a giant haggis and shortbread theme park. But hey, it could be worse...
Friday, May 02, 2008
It's a long weekend and although it's been chucking it down for the last wee while, the rain seems to have cleared. The sun is actually attempting to make an appearance so I better stay put. If it looks like yours truly might leave the bunker then it would be sure to piss down. If you excuse the terminology.
Thinking about turning this computer thing off and cracking open a bottle of something. There's nothing going down that won't keep to my knowledge so I'll take my leave. The flesh and the spirit took off about a half hour ago...
Thinking about turning this computer thing off and cracking open a bottle of something. There's nothing going down that won't keep to my knowledge so I'll take my leave. The flesh and the spirit took off about a half hour ago...
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Watch the trailer here!(Thanks to HT for the link)
Iain just informed me that those Hoodoo Gurus are headed for The Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh on July 1st.
And, Manitoba's Wild Kingdom are playing Joey's Birthday Bash on May 19th.
That's enough to mull over for tonight...
A message from Mr Helsing...Hey Lindsay....not sure if anyone told you yet or not (no they didn't) but THE THANES, shown below tearing it up at one of their recent Beatsville gigs... will be playing in Edinburgh tomorrow night (friday May 2nd), with support coming from ex-Grease Monkey folks in their new guise of THE BRUTES (used to be The Buggs last week I think...) with THE BUCKY RAGE and THE WASHINGTON RAYS also... it's at THE ARK in Waterloo Place the east end of Princes St. 7.30pm till 1.30am - £5 entry.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
So today has worked out. The meter is in situ so let the fleecing begin. My Ox column is done and I’m sitting here listening to Cake. It just gets better and better and it has made getting my copy of Ellen Foley’s “Nightout” down for a birl something of a priority. I’ve got an urge to spin some T. Rex now too. Ah, the power of PROPER radio!
With regards the fuel crisis, I imagine that's the excitement just about over. We'll see how the Union Vs Ineos dispute goes from here. Not only does the company sound like something from Dr Who, the general mantra of their representatives isn't terribly far removed either. Let's hope that something can be figured out so we don’t have to suffer the pontificating. Meanwhile, the rice "crisis" will perhaps be next to conjure up panic buying. I'm all out of the stuff and who knows when it'll be possible to get some more. Jings.
I wonder if anyone has come up with electronic ration cards yet? Seems like those could be in demand across a number of sectors very soon. The term "emerging markets" seems to be a new term for greedy bastards.
I just read something about Madonna being Number 1 for the second week. I'm not purposely avoiding her music but I haven't heard it. I've read that she has a new record out but none of the old channels which would have flogged it to death in the run-up to release exist any longer. Is that a good thing? Well, it kinda cuts two ways. There's too much information to process these days and the ubiquity once afforded those with a high profile is spread more thinly over far, far more outlets.
It's not that I'm not interested. More that I'm not THAT interested. I like to keep my finger on the pulse if possible but there aren't enough hours in the day anymore. Maybe it's great. Maybe it would make such an impression that I'd get it as a ringtone and everything. But wait, I'd have to get a phone first for that to work.
Anyways, what I'm getting at is that it's very easy to avoid things. You don't even have to be actively avoiding it, you just make the call based on your attention span. If it ain’t on Cake – well chances are it doesn’t exist.
With regards the fuel crisis, I imagine that's the excitement just about over. We'll see how the Union Vs Ineos dispute goes from here. Not only does the company sound like something from Dr Who, the general mantra of their representatives isn't terribly far removed either. Let's hope that something can be figured out so we don’t have to suffer the pontificating. Meanwhile, the rice "crisis" will perhaps be next to conjure up panic buying. I'm all out of the stuff and who knows when it'll be possible to get some more. Jings.
I wonder if anyone has come up with electronic ration cards yet? Seems like those could be in demand across a number of sectors very soon. The term "emerging markets" seems to be a new term for greedy bastards.
I just read something about Madonna being Number 1 for the second week. I'm not purposely avoiding her music but I haven't heard it. I've read that she has a new record out but none of the old channels which would have flogged it to death in the run-up to release exist any longer. Is that a good thing? Well, it kinda cuts two ways. There's too much information to process these days and the ubiquity once afforded those with a high profile is spread more thinly over far, far more outlets.
It's not that I'm not interested. More that I'm not THAT interested. I like to keep my finger on the pulse if possible but there aren't enough hours in the day anymore. Maybe it's great. Maybe it would make such an impression that I'd get it as a ringtone and everything. But wait, I'd have to get a phone first for that to work.
Anyways, what I'm getting at is that it's very easy to avoid things. You don't even have to be actively avoiding it, you just make the call based on your attention span. If it ain’t on Cake – well chances are it doesn’t exist.
Ok, couple of things to keep you occupied as I gather my, er, thoughts... Supposed to be getting a new gas meter fitted today and have had to burn a day's holiday for the privilege. Not happy but shit - inevitably - happens.
Half the opus that Suzy & Los Quattro have christened "Stick With It" is available for your listening pleasure on their myspace now. It'll be out in May on Wild Punk (cd) and Screaming Apple (vinyl). Order your copies now direct or from Soundflat!
I Are Droid includes the great Konie and the ubiquitous Jens Lagergren. The sound of their first Razzia "single" illustrates what happens if some Clash genes were to invade a test tube with some John Foxx era Ultravox bone samples! Sweeping pop prog from Sweden.
Half the opus that Suzy & Los Quattro have christened "Stick With It" is available for your listening pleasure on their myspace now. It'll be out in May on Wild Punk (cd) and Screaming Apple (vinyl). Order your copies now direct or from Soundflat!
I Are Droid includes the great Konie and the ubiquitous Jens Lagergren. The sound of their first Razzia "single" illustrates what happens if some Clash genes were to invade a test tube with some John Foxx era Ultravox bone samples! Sweeping pop prog from Sweden.
Awraverybest, Congratulations, Gaun Yersel's to my friends - Amy Rigby and (Wreckless) Eric Goulden who are getting married today out yonder in France.
You can help them make an extended celebration when they come to your 'hood to introduce you to their recording debut as a couple also. They're great kids as well as being great - kids! Lang may their collective lum reek!
You can help them make an extended celebration when they come to your 'hood to introduce you to their recording debut as a couple also. They're great kids as well as being great - kids! Lang may their collective lum reek!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Mjeeelloooo! Sorry to be back a-knocking on your inbox so soon after last time,
but we just wanted to make y'all good lookin' kids know about this new track we've done.
It is a cover version of the new single by our friends and labelmates from First Floor Power. It will be released next week on their 12 inch maxi single called "The Jacket" and includes mixes from Karin form The Knife, Bjorn from Peter, Bjorn and John and a couple more that we don't really know so much about. Just like we did with the Blues Explosion track and the Superheroes track before this one we recorded our own old school version of the song instead of doing a remix. The spectacular result is boldly entitled "Le Jaquet" and you can listen to it on our myspace-site right about now (find the link under "The Skinny"). If you decide you NEED to own it - and we can understand if you do - then you'll have to get it on Vibrashop.com as soon as it is released next week.
It is a cover version of the new single by our friends and labelmates from First Floor Power. It will be released next week on their 12 inch maxi single called "The Jacket" and includes mixes from Karin form The Knife, Bjorn from Peter, Bjorn and John and a couple more that we don't really know so much about. Just like we did with the Blues Explosion track and the Superheroes track before this one we recorded our own old school version of the song instead of doing a remix. The spectacular result is boldly entitled "Le Jaquet" and you can listen to it on our myspace-site right about now (find the link under "The Skinny"). If you decide you NEED to own it - and we can understand if you do - then you'll have to get it on Vibrashop.com as soon as it is released next week.
Apart form that all is well in TBG-land. We had a get together last weekend to brush up some old songs for the upcoming shows in the weekend at Debaser in Stockholm (on friday) and at Rust in Copenhagen (saturday). Hope to see a lot of you out there!
The special shows with Sci-Fi SKANE and Snake and Jet on may 23rd in Malmö is also shaping up. There's gonna be cajun food, cold beer and a couple of cool DJs. All for just 100 kr.
Check the flyer and be there.
The T to the B to the inevitable G
Monday, April 28, 2008
A just cause methinks...
Coldcuts Productions is now editing the Fleshtones documentary titled: "Pardon Us For Living But The Graveyard is Full".
We are looking for live, interviews, photos or any footage that you would be the sole owner. Making documentaries are often stopped by the lack of release from the archives owner.
If you have shot with your own camera a concert or interviews with the Flesthones and own the right to it, please share it with us.
Please send any materials with the brief letter with your name and contact stating that you are authorizing Coldcuts productions to use the footage for the documentary to:
Coldcuts Productions
36 South 4th Street Suite c6
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Coldcuts Productions is now editing the Fleshtones documentary titled: "Pardon Us For Living But The Graveyard is Full".
We are looking for live, interviews, photos or any footage that you would be the sole owner. Making documentaries are often stopped by the lack of release from the archives owner.
If you have shot with your own camera a concert or interviews with the Flesthones and own the right to it, please share it with us.
Please send any materials with the brief letter with your name and contact stating that you are authorizing Coldcuts productions to use the footage for the documentary to:
Coldcuts Productions
36 South 4th Street Suite c6
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Montys Loco is a peculiar name for a musical combo, I’ll grant you that. It occurs to me that it might be taken from a comic book called Robotman but you never know. Anyway, “Farewell Mr Happy” is the fourth(!) album by these two Swedish women. Anja Bigrell and Marie Eklund make an unusual sound that comes over like Roxy Music going equal parts exotica/electronica. Anja’s vocal reminds me of Eva Parker from the great Scandopunk group Parker, with a little twist of Bjork but maybe that’s just the inflection rather than the voice itself.
Imagine if Shakespeare’s Sister had decided to introduce a Rev/Vega aspect to their work. I never heard anything quite like and their songs come across as oddly infectious. I don’t think that you can listen to “Ages Ago” at their myspace but have a wee taste of what is there. The first word in “Whose Blood” is “Saunter”, one that I don’t associate that with the Swedish language at all. “Nice White Boys” is a tad Carl Stalling.
I can’t find any information as to what makes this strange assortment possible let alone tick so virulently. I’m not even sure that’s a word but it describes what I’m too gobsmacked to explain any better. This gear is pretty fresh and not in the hip hop sense of the lingo.
ML display an experimental edge that approximates trip pop. I think they might be on to something - as opposed to being on something. Or perhaps even both?
Panic on the streets of Grungemooth? Well not exactly.
In the interest of "world events", in addition to the choicest rock'n'roll - I just took a stroll fout or the Sunday paper. The BP garage closest to the plant is 5 minutes walk from here. The forecourt was empty and the "won't get fueled again" scares of the media seem to be a good distance away. Further along the road, the pickets or whoever were assuming their positions.
There's a heightened police presence and I walked past two sauntering along Powdrake Road. That was the hotbed of activity last time but it's all quiet along there too. Trees have been strategically planted around the perimeter to reduce visibility in recent times, it's a while since I was round that way.
The plant itself is a little quieter. The birthday candle type flares are out and the hum has been replaced by the hiss of cooling. Janine from Spinal tap might describe it as being like "non-dobly"... Plumes of steam are rising from here and there but it is a tad quieter. Grangemouth itself is something of a fortress in that area these days. While you have to drive through the middle of the plant to get to Bo'ness, it's impossible to walk down the perimeter of the Grange Burn to the dock gates. Something to do with security. Or is it a further erosion of the right to roam? I always get those two mixed up.
So anyway, there's plenty of petrol here at the minute and BP and Jet tankers drove past me from the distro area evidently bound for an outlet near you. The scaremongering tosspots that caused this furore must be pretty pleased with themselves and the blame culture is revving up to demonise the union. Whilst I can't say that they won't miss a couple of days pay at their rates, the picture for further into the dispute looks muddy. For the minute we don't need the fuel that's alleged to be headed to the UK from elsewhere in Europe. Let's see where we are by Tuesday. Me?, I think I'm sorted until next weekend so that seems like an eternity from this point. There are no meeja vans parked along the street so just as well that I let that haggis roll idea go.
If I can be arsed, I might take another toddle out closer to the "action" later. But then again...
In the interest of "world events", in addition to the choicest rock'n'roll - I just took a stroll fout or the Sunday paper. The BP garage closest to the plant is 5 minutes walk from here. The forecourt was empty and the "won't get fueled again" scares of the media seem to be a good distance away. Further along the road, the pickets or whoever were assuming their positions.
There's a heightened police presence and I walked past two sauntering along Powdrake Road. That was the hotbed of activity last time but it's all quiet along there too. Trees have been strategically planted around the perimeter to reduce visibility in recent times, it's a while since I was round that way.
The plant itself is a little quieter. The birthday candle type flares are out and the hum has been replaced by the hiss of cooling. Janine from Spinal tap might describe it as being like "non-dobly"... Plumes of steam are rising from here and there but it is a tad quieter. Grangemouth itself is something of a fortress in that area these days. While you have to drive through the middle of the plant to get to Bo'ness, it's impossible to walk down the perimeter of the Grange Burn to the dock gates. Something to do with security. Or is it a further erosion of the right to roam? I always get those two mixed up.
So anyway, there's plenty of petrol here at the minute and BP and Jet tankers drove past me from the distro area evidently bound for an outlet near you. The scaremongering tosspots that caused this furore must be pretty pleased with themselves and the blame culture is revving up to demonise the union. Whilst I can't say that they won't miss a couple of days pay at their rates, the picture for further into the dispute looks muddy. For the minute we don't need the fuel that's alleged to be headed to the UK from elsewhere in Europe. Let's see where we are by Tuesday. Me?, I think I'm sorted until next weekend so that seems like an eternity from this point. There are no meeja vans parked along the street so just as well that I let that haggis roll idea go.
If I can be arsed, I might take another toddle out closer to the "action" later. But then again...
Saturday, April 26, 2008
I'm listening to the first Pascal album and thinking how huge they could be if they sung in English. This Swedish three piece just cut though all the swill and nail it. They make a fantabulous racket that swings like so many faux hipsters simply don't. Listen to them here and order both of their albums here.
So let's play catch up on some stuff you may have some fun with...
An interview interspersed with the music of Danny Federici. An integral part of the E-Street sound.
The Nomads are the kings of rock and roll despite their protestations. But of course - WE knew that!
Back in Sweden, the land of understated band names, Tunic provide free music and you can sample it here on their myspace and download their album for nada. I particularly dug "Seventeen".
This interview with Walter Yetnikoff is pretty entertaining. The link came from a recent Lefsetz mailing but I didn't find the time to catch it until now.
Pascal are still banging away in the background. Fuck the petrol shortage, these kids could light up a city with this kind of energy!! Now if only I could figure a way to harness it as an alternative to fossil fuel...
So let's play catch up on some stuff you may have some fun with...
An interview interspersed with the music of Danny Federici. An integral part of the E-Street sound.
The Nomads are the kings of rock and roll despite their protestations. But of course - WE knew that!
Back in Sweden, the land of understated band names, Tunic provide free music and you can sample it here on their myspace and download their album for nada. I particularly dug "Seventeen".
This interview with Walter Yetnikoff is pretty entertaining. The link came from a recent Lefsetz mailing but I didn't find the time to catch it until now.
Pascal are still banging away in the background. Fuck the petrol shortage, these kids could light up a city with this kind of energy!! Now if only I could figure a way to harness it as an alternative to fossil fuel...
Friday, April 25, 2008
Woke up twice during the night thinking that today was Saturday but knowing that it wasn't. I think there was some other stuff going on too that was kind of fucking with me. All I can say is that thank christ it's actually the weekend. Having a day off on Wednesday didn't exactly help in real terms either, it kind of made for two Mondays.
Don't know what the post office situation is in your corner of the world but here, it's a pricey business. Had the need to send off a few sizeable packages and was, to use Brother P's favourite expression - flabbergasted. As one who spent most of his pre-cyberspace existence in the Larbert PO most lunchtimes holding up the queues to dispatch print to however many corners of the world there are. It was costly then but now, blimey, I think there's a conspiracy on to price the service out of the common or garden ballpark.
That coupled with the end of the world – or as they’re calling it here – the fuel shortage, suggests that we’re all headed for hell in yon proverbial handbasket. The refinery is said to have been shut down but it was still emitting that trademark hum when I got home. I don’t mean stink, rather the low buzz that permeates our airspace here in the belly of the beast that’s poised to bring the entire country to it’s sobbing, pampered, over-privileged knees. If anything really gives – particularly when they’re firing the place up again – then you could well hear it here first.
Or then again…
Some R&R reportage coming up this weekend. Probably.
Don't know what the post office situation is in your corner of the world but here, it's a pricey business. Had the need to send off a few sizeable packages and was, to use Brother P's favourite expression - flabbergasted. As one who spent most of his pre-cyberspace existence in the Larbert PO most lunchtimes holding up the queues to dispatch print to however many corners of the world there are. It was costly then but now, blimey, I think there's a conspiracy on to price the service out of the common or garden ballpark.
That coupled with the end of the world – or as they’re calling it here – the fuel shortage, suggests that we’re all headed for hell in yon proverbial handbasket. The refinery is said to have been shut down but it was still emitting that trademark hum when I got home. I don’t mean stink, rather the low buzz that permeates our airspace here in the belly of the beast that’s poised to bring the entire country to it’s sobbing, pampered, over-privileged knees. If anything really gives – particularly when they’re firing the place up again – then you could well hear it here first.
Or then again…
Some R&R reportage coming up this weekend. Probably.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Just a quick one today... it's just been or it is just about to be announced that Teenage Fanclub will play 3 shows at Oran Mor in Glasgow as part of this year's West End Festival.
The shows are Saturday 14th , Sunday 15th and Monday 16th June. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (25th April). Just incase any of you overseas folks fancy a wee jaunt...
The shows are Saturday 14th , Sunday 15th and Monday 16th June. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (25th April). Just incase any of you overseas folks fancy a wee jaunt...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
If you're in Glasgow tomorrow (24th) night then you may be interested in a show that's happening at Mono. A charity show in aid of orphan support in Malawi will feature Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee as well as Emma Pollock. They will all perform solo sets and the evening will culminate in a Vaselines section with Belle and Sebastian backing 'em up.
I imagine that indie kids everywhere are salivating at the very thought...
I imagine that indie kids everywhere are salivating at the very thought...
Today I went to take a look at the progress with the refurbishment of The Hippodrome in Bo’ness. It dawned on me as I left there that it hadn’t actually become the La Fabrique at all. That place was along the road where the Lidl store is now or thereabouts. Anyway, I’ve been doing a lot of looking at buildings and places that should be retained rather than demolished. Must be an age thing.
The Hippodrome has got a lottery grant via Scottish Screen and that would suggest that the vast collection of archive material might get a big screen airing. That would be better than just being a place to screen the same old circuit contenders time and again. It was pretty busy over there, lots of older citizens of the town going back to see what’s up with where they probably spent some of their formative years.
The opening is scheduled to take place in 2009 so the format of the programming should be starting to take shape. This A listed building doesn’t look like it’ll play host to live music though. I think that early intentions in that direction are unlikely to happen but you never know. It certainly seems like it would be a good place for acoustic/singer-songwriter type acts.
On the road out to Bo’ness, there were council workers picking up litter. They don’t seem to be evident here in Grangemooth though. I’m thinking about noising up the authorities a bit over the coming months because this place is a dump and getting worse by the second.
Of course BP selling out to Ineos has put the cat amongst the proverbial flying rats. And with the strike there pending next week, conspiracy theorists are packing tales of opportunism to 86 areas that they don’t want no more. Shutting down the plant is one thing but what about firing it up again? Might not have to bother about the litter problem.
Ruptured pipes, air in the bloody things, a downright inability to have any real scoob as to what could happen in the aftermath. That’s what’s shakin’ just a short distance from the bunker. The main bugbear of the dispute is that the employees are being asked to contribute to their own pensions. Boo and indeed hoo. As somebody who has just been rogered in terms of my own facility should I stumble on to retirement age, I don’t have much sympathy. On the other hand, they’re prepared to make a stand when so many just roll over. Meanwhile there’s a fuel shortage pending and people are making like they’re at the bread counter on Chrishmaz Eve. Don't you love the de-evolution of (in)human nature.
I’m half hoping it all escalates – just to see what the outcome is. Devilment an' that...
The Hippodrome has got a lottery grant via Scottish Screen and that would suggest that the vast collection of archive material might get a big screen airing. That would be better than just being a place to screen the same old circuit contenders time and again. It was pretty busy over there, lots of older citizens of the town going back to see what’s up with where they probably spent some of their formative years.
The opening is scheduled to take place in 2009 so the format of the programming should be starting to take shape. This A listed building doesn’t look like it’ll play host to live music though. I think that early intentions in that direction are unlikely to happen but you never know. It certainly seems like it would be a good place for acoustic/singer-songwriter type acts.
On the road out to Bo’ness, there were council workers picking up litter. They don’t seem to be evident here in Grangemooth though. I’m thinking about noising up the authorities a bit over the coming months because this place is a dump and getting worse by the second.
Of course BP selling out to Ineos has put the cat amongst the proverbial flying rats. And with the strike there pending next week, conspiracy theorists are packing tales of opportunism to 86 areas that they don’t want no more. Shutting down the plant is one thing but what about firing it up again? Might not have to bother about the litter problem.
Ruptured pipes, air in the bloody things, a downright inability to have any real scoob as to what could happen in the aftermath. That’s what’s shakin’ just a short distance from the bunker. The main bugbear of the dispute is that the employees are being asked to contribute to their own pensions. Boo and indeed hoo. As somebody who has just been rogered in terms of my own facility should I stumble on to retirement age, I don’t have much sympathy. On the other hand, they’re prepared to make a stand when so many just roll over. Meanwhile there’s a fuel shortage pending and people are making like they’re at the bread counter on Chrishmaz Eve. Don't you love the de-evolution of (in)human nature.
I’m half hoping it all escalates – just to see what the outcome is. Devilment an' that...
Dear friends,Please join us in celebrating the life of Chris Gaffney, April 30th at The Cellar in Long Beach, California.
Andy Kindler and the Gaffney family will be hosting a night of stories and music.
Special guests include Dave Alvin and The Guilty Men, Hacienda Brothers, The Cold Hard Facts and many other friends.
The Cellar’s address: 201 E. Broadway, Downtown Long Beach.
Located on the Promenade at Broadway. The memorial celebration begins at 3pm.
Donations are graciously accepted and deeply appreciated.
We hope to see you all there.
Love, The Gaffneys
Martin Percival sent me this report yesterday and Randy Haecker who compiled it gave me the go ahead to post it here. My thanks to Randy and also to Madeline Bocaro...
As you might guess, I had mixed emotions stepping foot into CBGB again now that it's been re-opened by designer John Varvatos as an upscale clothing boutique. But curiosity got the best of me and I appreciated the fact that the opening night party last Thursday was a benefit concert to support the Save The Music Foundation. Plus, the night promised a terrific linuep of talent: IAN HUNTER, RONNIE SPECTOR, CLEM BURKE (Blondie), CHEETAH CHROME (Dead Boys), ALAN VEGA (Suicide), HANDSOME DICK MANITOBA (Dictators), the LOSER'S LOUNGE band, and a rare reunion gig from L.E.S. heroes D GENERATION.
So I dutifully bought my ticket (thanks Lindsey) and took the subway down to CB's.
The interior was certainly recognizable as CBGB. Portions of the sticker-covered original walls still remain, though they are now behind protective glass covers. The original stage is gone but for the night's festivities they had installed a replacement stage in approximately the same location as the original.
I winced at the vast number of security staff inside the place, all wearing headsets and dressed in black designer suits. And then there were scores of people with designer hair running around with t-shirts that said "Birthplace of Punk" on the back. ICK.
But I can't say anything bad about the concert. The concert ROCKED. I spotted a couple of the original sound guys from CB's and the Continental, and everything sounded perfect. In addition to the aforementioned musical guests, Varvatos and crew managed to gather a jaw-dropping lineup of unannounced "special guests" including JOAN JETT, WAYNE KRAMER (MC5), TOM MORELLO (Rage Against The Machine), PERRY FARRELL, SLASH, JERRY CANTRELL (Alice In Chains) and SEN DOG (Cypress Hill) among others.
I was right up against the stage and documented the whole thing. I got several shots of the new interior, including three of the new "chandelier" that now hangs in the middle of the space. All my photos are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldofrandsom/sets/72157604633346919/
Here's an additional take on the night, this one provided by my pal Madeline Bocaro, who was pressed up against the front of the stage all night.
CBGB - ONE MORE TIME! By Madeline Bocaro
On April 17, 2008 we stood outside under the new black 315 Bowery awning as ropes were put up, and limos pulled up. I don't know where these people thought they were, but I was at CBGB! The CBGB gallery next door(now Morrison Hotel Gallery) exhibits a huge poster in its window announcing Bob Gruen's exhibit Rockers, featuring Sid Vicious smashing a condiment-loaded hot dog into his own face, sporting a badge that says, "I'm A Mess".
A guy approaches me asking, "Where's the Bowery Hotel?" and I recognize him -former T. Rex/Led Zep publicist, B.P. Fallon. Elements of heaven and hell and surrealism permeated the evening. Up walked the cowboy from The Village People. The only logical explanation is that he probably has Alzheimer's and wandered into the most inappropriate place for him on earth!
DGeneration are magnificently sound-checking inside while way too many security staffers are strategizing the guestlist/wrist band coordination. When I roll my eyes, someone asks, "Wasn't it ever like this before?" I reply, "There hardly was a door - people just stumbled in and out of the cavernous hole all night long."
Tonight, we enter and there's an eerily empty space to the right where dear old gray-haired owner Hilly used to sit and stamp hands. But the place is pretty much intact. It feels the same. It even looks the same, but a bit cleaner.
All the graffiti and historic crap stuck to the walls has been preserved under glass, with lots of cool rock posters and framed photos everywhere. Alice Cooper, T. Rex, the Jam and Iggy Pop music is playing. It feels like the line in Bowie's song "Heroes", "We can steal time, just for one day." A new bar is placed right where the old one used to be, and as we enter deeper and see the stage, it's just like old times - except the infamous bathrooms are gone. (There were Port-O-Pottys set up outside).
The new tenant, designer John Varvatos has retained the spirit of the old place. It could've become a Starbucks or a bank, but here we are -at CBGB again!
It's an opening bash for the Varvatos boutique (not a garment in sight) and a benefit for VH1's Save The Music. The cavalcade of stars begins. First up is a group of kids under age 12 – maybe even 9 - Care Bears on Fire. If I didn't feel old when I walked in, I sure did now. Next was another group of teen boys, Pop Girls etc.. They were the pimply cretins of the class whom all the girls ridiculed, dressed in pointy boots and too-tight jackets. They had no idea how ridiculous they looked!
Up next was the DGeneration reunion - the first in 10 years. My god did they rock! Incredible memories of how great they were. "No Way Out", "Frankie" and "Degenerated" floored everyone! Bassist Howie Pyro flew in from L.A. I reminded guitarist Danny Sage that he once told me I'd see them at Madison Square Garden, and I did - when they opened for KISS in 1996. He yelled down to me from the stage at MSG, "I told you!!!" Now he said, "Look where it got us, right back here!" A wild blast from the past.
I guess Debbie Harry had better things to do that night, so Clem Burke backed up the Losers Lounge with some singers who did T. Rex, Blondie and Bowie songs. Then came the redemption of Ronnie Spector! She looked incredible and sang her gorgeous rendition of Johnny Thunders' "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory". She wiped away tears and said, "This place started it all - so many faces are running through my mind like - Joey Ramone..." At least SHE remembered! Then she sang the most beautiful "Be My Baby" knocking down the confining wall of sound...just her pure "Woah oh oh oh oh." It was heavenly. I've always admired her - a true pop diva from another era who stepped down from her throne to appreciate and befriend the underground creatures of CBGB.
Without hesitation, they announced Ian Hunter. I wasn't ready for another of my most precious heroes so suddenly, but out he came amidst the loudest cheers of the evening for "Once Bitten Twice Shy", "Central Park N' West", "Roll Away The Stone" and "All The Young Dudes."
Alan Vega from Suicide, still ever so insane did a mystifying version of ? And The Mysterians' "96 Tears" - at once classic and ridiculous. Joan Jett, looking amazing, did "Bad Reputation". The Dead Boys' Cheetah Chrome came out for "Sonic Reducer" and the Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog". The Dictators' Handsome Dick Manitoba, MC5's Wayne Kramer and others jammed on "Kick Out The Jams". Then came Slash and Perry Farrell, and later members of Cypress Hill. The evening became confusing as it derailed and degenerated from Degeneration to this.
But at least we know that a stage still can be pulled out at any time, and anything can happen in this preserved historic place where we all grew up.
As you might guess, I had mixed emotions stepping foot into CBGB again now that it's been re-opened by designer John Varvatos as an upscale clothing boutique. But curiosity got the best of me and I appreciated the fact that the opening night party last Thursday was a benefit concert to support the Save The Music Foundation. Plus, the night promised a terrific linuep of talent: IAN HUNTER, RONNIE SPECTOR, CLEM BURKE (Blondie), CHEETAH CHROME (Dead Boys), ALAN VEGA (Suicide), HANDSOME DICK MANITOBA (Dictators), the LOSER'S LOUNGE band, and a rare reunion gig from L.E.S. heroes D GENERATION.
So I dutifully bought my ticket (thanks Lindsey) and took the subway down to CB's.
The interior was certainly recognizable as CBGB. Portions of the sticker-covered original walls still remain, though they are now behind protective glass covers. The original stage is gone but for the night's festivities they had installed a replacement stage in approximately the same location as the original.
I winced at the vast number of security staff inside the place, all wearing headsets and dressed in black designer suits. And then there were scores of people with designer hair running around with t-shirts that said "Birthplace of Punk" on the back. ICK.
But I can't say anything bad about the concert. The concert ROCKED. I spotted a couple of the original sound guys from CB's and the Continental, and everything sounded perfect. In addition to the aforementioned musical guests, Varvatos and crew managed to gather a jaw-dropping lineup of unannounced "special guests" including JOAN JETT, WAYNE KRAMER (MC5), TOM MORELLO (Rage Against The Machine), PERRY FARRELL, SLASH, JERRY CANTRELL (Alice In Chains) and SEN DOG (Cypress Hill) among others.
I was right up against the stage and documented the whole thing. I got several shots of the new interior, including three of the new "chandelier" that now hangs in the middle of the space. All my photos are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldofrandsom/sets/72157604633346919/
Here's an additional take on the night, this one provided by my pal Madeline Bocaro, who was pressed up against the front of the stage all night.
CBGB - ONE MORE TIME! By Madeline Bocaro
On April 17, 2008 we stood outside under the new black 315 Bowery awning as ropes were put up, and limos pulled up. I don't know where these people thought they were, but I was at CBGB! The CBGB gallery next door(now Morrison Hotel Gallery) exhibits a huge poster in its window announcing Bob Gruen's exhibit Rockers, featuring Sid Vicious smashing a condiment-loaded hot dog into his own face, sporting a badge that says, "I'm A Mess".
A guy approaches me asking, "Where's the Bowery Hotel?" and I recognize him -former T. Rex/Led Zep publicist, B.P. Fallon. Elements of heaven and hell and surrealism permeated the evening. Up walked the cowboy from The Village People. The only logical explanation is that he probably has Alzheimer's and wandered into the most inappropriate place for him on earth!
DGeneration are magnificently sound-checking inside while way too many security staffers are strategizing the guestlist/wrist band coordination. When I roll my eyes, someone asks, "Wasn't it ever like this before?" I reply, "There hardly was a door - people just stumbled in and out of the cavernous hole all night long."
Tonight, we enter and there's an eerily empty space to the right where dear old gray-haired owner Hilly used to sit and stamp hands. But the place is pretty much intact. It feels the same. It even looks the same, but a bit cleaner.
All the graffiti and historic crap stuck to the walls has been preserved under glass, with lots of cool rock posters and framed photos everywhere. Alice Cooper, T. Rex, the Jam and Iggy Pop music is playing. It feels like the line in Bowie's song "Heroes", "We can steal time, just for one day." A new bar is placed right where the old one used to be, and as we enter deeper and see the stage, it's just like old times - except the infamous bathrooms are gone. (There were Port-O-Pottys set up outside).
The new tenant, designer John Varvatos has retained the spirit of the old place. It could've become a Starbucks or a bank, but here we are -at CBGB again!
It's an opening bash for the Varvatos boutique (not a garment in sight) and a benefit for VH1's Save The Music. The cavalcade of stars begins. First up is a group of kids under age 12 – maybe even 9 - Care Bears on Fire. If I didn't feel old when I walked in, I sure did now. Next was another group of teen boys, Pop Girls etc.. They were the pimply cretins of the class whom all the girls ridiculed, dressed in pointy boots and too-tight jackets. They had no idea how ridiculous they looked!
Up next was the DGeneration reunion - the first in 10 years. My god did they rock! Incredible memories of how great they were. "No Way Out", "Frankie" and "Degenerated" floored everyone! Bassist Howie Pyro flew in from L.A. I reminded guitarist Danny Sage that he once told me I'd see them at Madison Square Garden, and I did - when they opened for KISS in 1996. He yelled down to me from the stage at MSG, "I told you!!!" Now he said, "Look where it got us, right back here!" A wild blast from the past.
I guess Debbie Harry had better things to do that night, so Clem Burke backed up the Losers Lounge with some singers who did T. Rex, Blondie and Bowie songs. Then came the redemption of Ronnie Spector! She looked incredible and sang her gorgeous rendition of Johnny Thunders' "You Can't Put Your Arms Around A Memory". She wiped away tears and said, "This place started it all - so many faces are running through my mind like - Joey Ramone..." At least SHE remembered! Then she sang the most beautiful "Be My Baby" knocking down the confining wall of sound...just her pure "Woah oh oh oh oh." It was heavenly. I've always admired her - a true pop diva from another era who stepped down from her throne to appreciate and befriend the underground creatures of CBGB.
Without hesitation, they announced Ian Hunter. I wasn't ready for another of my most precious heroes so suddenly, but out he came amidst the loudest cheers of the evening for "Once Bitten Twice Shy", "Central Park N' West", "Roll Away The Stone" and "All The Young Dudes."
Alan Vega from Suicide, still ever so insane did a mystifying version of ? And The Mysterians' "96 Tears" - at once classic and ridiculous. Joan Jett, looking amazing, did "Bad Reputation". The Dead Boys' Cheetah Chrome came out for "Sonic Reducer" and the Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog". The Dictators' Handsome Dick Manitoba, MC5's Wayne Kramer and others jammed on "Kick Out The Jams". Then came Slash and Perry Farrell, and later members of Cypress Hill. The evening became confusing as it derailed and degenerated from Degeneration to this.
But at least we know that a stage still can be pulled out at any time, and anything can happen in this preserved historic place where we all grew up.
Brother Patrick has organised this interview for your reading pleasure..."I am super successful, because I live the life I love and I love the life I live." - Margaret Doll Rod(s)
Margaret just issued her new (and second) album, called "Scintillating" on Gonna Puke records. An Italian label mostly distributed on ebay, it seems. It deserves to available more widely, so spread the word.
I've always thought of her as a kind of female Jonathan Richman (by coincidence, both she and Jojo just issued a new records and are touring Europe at the same time) : same kind of emotional, down to earth person. Always giving their best, even if the audience is limited. They’re not disillusioned by a certain lack of what is often perceived as success. These people are beautiful human beings.
Patrick: I remember you once told me that the artists that inspired you the most are Hasil Adkins (RIP) and Jonathan Richman. What can you tell us about the?.
Margaret: I can't tell you a whole lot about Jonathan Richman, because I have never met him. I do however love dancin my booty off at his shows. Hasil Adkins on the other hand was one of the sweetest and kindest crazy men I ever met. We'd talk for hours on the telephone and see who could holler the loudest and laugh our butts off. When we met he always treated me like a little girl swinging me around and then ask me sumthin kind of sexy. Like do you wanna hunch. He made me cassettes of songs he would like to hear me cover, but I never did. I just liked listening to Hasil. He would tell me about my picture that he had up on the wall, and well I don't eat no more hot dogs (“No More Hot Dogs” is a song by Hasil Adkins).
P: Have you ever thought of covering a Jonathan Richman's song and if you have, which one ?
M: I never thought to cover a Jonathan Richman song, crazy thing is I rarely even think
P: You recently explained why you decided to stop the Demolition Doll Rods. Were they the very first group you were involved with? Before that you toured with the Gories in 1992, dancing on stage while they were playing, right?
M: The Demolition Doll Rods was the first band I was ever in. I did not decide to stop the Doll Rods. I would never leave the Doll Rods. I always have and still do love them with all my heart. Christine. a.k.a Thump had a baby and decided to devote herself to her little one which I would do the same if she were mine. Danny left the band to find himself. I did help the Gories out on their first tour selling records, carrying equipment, sewing the crotch of Micks pants every other night, and well I couldn't help myself. I do love to dance. So for sure like all shows I go to you'll find me dancin. Heck I dance even when there isn't any music playin’.P: Was the show at the Fillmore on Halloween 2006,opening for the Cramps, the ultimate highlight of DDR's career? Can you tell me about your friendship with Lux & Ivy?
M: The Doll Rods have had some pretty amazing highlites in this life time. The Fillmore was a great time. Anytime I can spend with Lux and Ivy is out of this world. They are a main line to a good time.
P: I would have bet that you were living in Italy those last months. But I guess you miss your sister in Detroit, too. Are you living partly in Detoit and Italy ?
M: My home is where my heart is. Usually on the road, sometimes in the air. It's true what they say about me I definitely get around. I do spend a lot of time in Italy these days and whenever Italy and I are together it definitely feels like home. The same goes for when I stay in Michigan such an amazing place. You know people came from all over the world to stay there. The crazy thing is it's not where you come from it's where your goin to. Yep my heart is my home.
P: Your latest album, called "Scintillating " was been recorded in Brazil at the same time of the previous one (Enchanté), why did it take such a long time to come out ?
M: I did record "Scintillatin'" in Brazil some time after “Enchante” was released. While at the same time, I was making costumes for myself and sometimes for Danny. Writing songs for the Doll Rods constantly. Touring with the Doll Rods constantly and of course making albums with the Doll Rods. So as hard as it was to stop playing with the Doll Rods it gave me a chance to give a little time to myself and put out this album.
P: It's a limited edition of 500 on Gonna Puke. I only saw it available on ebay, no info anywhere else... Don't you think that a brilliant album with such a beautiful cover deserves to be widely distributed ?
M: It is my dream that this music that flows through me is available to everyone. So I just keep dreamin and am so thankful for every bit of help I get.
P: The cover of the album mentions Margaret Doll Rods. Has the “s” been added because you’re a full (one woman) band ? Or else ?
M: I don't know why I added the s, but I did and I like it.
P: The sound on this new album, produced by you and Marco Butcher, is far better than on the previous one. Please tell me more about the recording.
M: It was simple and straight up. I played the songs - instruments and vocals all at once like I do on stage. We didn't have much time because I was also on tour at the time promoting the last album. So we just got in there, I played and that was it. If I had an idea I would tell it to Marco and he would translate for me and I knew Clayton (Clayton Martin, the owner of the studio where Margaret’s album was recorded) understood because he did exactly what I asked for. Really great guys!
P: Marco is the leader of Thee Butchers Orchestra, the best Brazilian group ever, one of their albums was produced by Danny and they even covered a DDR song (Move To The Music). How did you meet them, are they your connection with Brazil ?
M: Marco and a girl named Debby wrote us years ago asking us to please come and tour in Brazil. The Doll Rods toured there for two weeks. It was a really great experience so for sure, when they asked for me to come back, I was happy to go back and tour there and make an album. It was crazy!
P: Another place where you’re famous seem to be Slovenia, where you played you’re 1st solo show a couple of years ago, right ?
M: I was also fortunate enough to play my solo show in Slovenia.
P: The new album is a real masterpiece with lots of powerful ballads. Except for some few backing vocals on “This Lil’ Light ‘O Mine”, it’s a full one woman band record, right?
M: Yes of course except for the backing vocals on this Lil' Light O' Mine. I play everything and sing everything all at once. It's the only way I know how. It's all me. Sometimes I feel all woman and sometimes I feel part girl, and a little bit of who knows what!
P: Yep! This gospel song “This Lil’ Light O’ Mine” could have featured on the latest (I hope, not last) DDR album. This lil’ light o’ mine is the light of love ... This song fits perfectly with your philosophy about hearts that should be “big and always open”, as you wrote in the liner notes of your album.
M: It's strange I don't believe I have a philosophy on love or life. I just try and follow my heart and listen, and if my heart has something good to offer then I share it with those that would like some.
P: Apart from this song which is traditional (credits generally goes to Harry Dixon Loes) and Big O’s “Dream Baby”, all the songs have been written by you. They’re all killers with Margaret’s touch, no filler and as I already said, the sound is perfect. What is your personal fave on the album ?
M: I think my personal favorite is Hey Lil' Stranger
P: My fave Big O album is “Roy Orbison Sings", from 1972, do you know this one?
M: Please burn me a copy of the big O CD. I'd love to have something new to listen too
P: An album is completely perfect on if it has a beautiful cover. And this one has ! You’re not as naked as on the previous one but you’re sexy as ever (please, don’t imagine i’m crude or whatever – hey, come on, you know you’re sexy, ahahah). In the liner notes, you mention Bambi painting you – do you mean that those pix on the cover are paintings, like those by Guy Pellaert or Edward Hopper ?
M : Thanks! Bambi is a make up artist. She just put make up on me so no the album is not painted. I just feel like I am personally being painted when people put make up on me. It is such a strange feeling the brushes on your skin. I feel like a canvas. However I do love Guy Pelleart. I don't Edward Hopper.
P: Is there something else that you’d like to say about your album or your current tour ?
M: Not really I am just excited to have the opportunity to play.
P : See ya soon – in Paris, May 1st
M : Thanks Patrick, if there is anything else please write, and I will see you real soon.
Margaret Doll Rod(s) on tour :Forthcoming shows :
Saturday, April 26th @ Gaswerk, Winterthur / Sunday, April 27th @ the Swamp, Freiburg / Monday, April 28th @ the Tsunami, Cologne / Tuesday, April 29th @ Le Pot au Lait, Liège / Wednesday, April 30th @ the Pit's, Courtrai / Thursday, May 1st @ Le Rocher, Paris / Friday, May 2nd @ the Cosmic Trip Fest, Bourges / Sunday, May 4th @ the Ratpack, Clermond Ferrand / / Monday, May 5th @ Donald's Pub, Tours / Tuesday, May 6th @ Barbarella, La Rochelle / Tuesday, May 13th @ the Mau Club, Rostock / Wednesday, May 14th @ White Trash Fast Food, Berlin / Thursday, May 15th @ Bessunger Knabanschule, Darmstadt / Friday, May 16th @ Deep Inside, Dijon / Saturday, May 17th @ the Party, Nolay / Sunday, May 18th @ TAF, Montpellier
The album is available at Gonna Puke records.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Things have been a tad awry and I hope to regain some semblance of regularity from here on in but don't count on it. Lot of primo entertainment to share so that's coming down the pipe in due course. Let's kick it all off with a reminder that the Susquehanna laddies will be doing their thing thusly... Their poster for this week strangely reflects the mood from here in what is about to become the epicentre of a "fuel crisis" when the unions go toe to toe with Ineos.
Dear Fellow Laborer-
Please be assured that Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. supports our common cause this week, with two hard-working displays of solidarity uniting two boroughs.
THURSDAY, APRIL 24th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / Two union-sanctioned shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / Free to the masses
SATURDAY, APRIL 26th / HANK'S SALOON /
46 Third Avenue (at the corner of Atlantic Avenue) in Brooklyn / One striking set at 10:00 sharp, with the "Cemetery & Western" stylings of Ninth House at 11:00 and the gothic angst of Bitter Grace at (appropriately) midnight / No bourgeoisie cover
And, Comrade, what of next week, you may ask?
SATURDAY, MAY 3rd / RODEO BAR & GRILL /
375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in Manhattan / Three unified sets, from 10:30 sharp until 1:30 / No cover -- and free proletariat peanuts
Industrially yours, Michael - Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
Dear Fellow Laborer-Please be assured that Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. supports our common cause this week, with two hard-working displays of solidarity uniting two boroughs.
THURSDAY, APRIL 24th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / Two union-sanctioned shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / Free to the masses
SATURDAY, APRIL 26th / HANK'S SALOON /
46 Third Avenue (at the corner of Atlantic Avenue) in Brooklyn / One striking set at 10:00 sharp, with the "Cemetery & Western" stylings of Ninth House at 11:00 and the gothic angst of Bitter Grace at (appropriately) midnight / No bourgeoisie cover
And, Comrade, what of next week, you may ask?
SATURDAY, MAY 3rd / RODEO BAR & GRILL /
375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in Manhattan / Three unified sets, from 10:30 sharp until 1:30 / No cover -- and free proletariat peanuts
Industrially yours, Michael - Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
Monday, April 21, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
"Novelist, poet and musician Jeremy Gluck draws on his experiences of growing up in post-War Canada in a breath-takingly beautiful and poignant account of his battle with bipolar disorder (manic depression). He contrasts a depiction of his descent into depression and madness with the narrative innocence of his childhood. The book is in three parts or "lives". The first part accounts the author’s innocence of the illness, when it lies dormant but shadowing. In the second part, the author wrestles with madness as the illness reveals itself. Coming from a more balanced and objective viewpoint, in the final part there is a review of both, the author having brought himself back. He can now show himself as someone different, neither the innocent nor the madman, and importantly not the person he has been mistaken as being". Published by Chipmunka, E-book version available now. Paperback coming soon...
Today, as you are possibly aware, is record store day. Fast becoming extinct in all corners of the world we need to conserve these beasties like any endangered species.
So no big chain stores or chucking a Duffy cd into your basket along with the oven chips at Tesco or wherever, OK? You want music on this day, you seek out the little guy or go without, while there are some still out there. So you can explain to your grand kids what these things were if nothing else. There are so many reasons why we need this kind of community more than ever.
Every Saturday should be Record Store Day...
So no big chain stores or chucking a Duffy cd into your basket along with the oven chips at Tesco or wherever, OK? You want music on this day, you seek out the little guy or go without, while there are some still out there. So you can explain to your grand kids what these things were if nothing else. There are so many reasons why we need this kind of community more than ever.
Every Saturday should be Record Store Day...
Friday, April 18, 2008
The world has lost two great accordion players this past couple of days.
Before I went to work this morning I checked the Gaffometer total and saw it was making steady progress. Checking the "stats" a little later, I came across a google that somebody had typed in "chris gaffney rip". When I clicked on it, it took me down a rabbit hole that I really didn't want to navigate. It was the OC Register obit that really hit home that it was in fact true. A reply to an e-mail sent to Dave in a mild panic confirmed what I already was in a tiz about.
I discovered Chris Gaffney via Art Fein who sent me "Road To Indio" when it came out. Many years later I would get acquainted with the man himself when he came to Glasgow with Dave Alvin and the Guilty Men. Tom Hamilton and I put on a show at Glasgow's Grand Ole Opry at which Chris opened and captivated everybody in the room. It was quite a night. Earlier that day we all made our way from London to Glasgow by train. Quite the trek but what a great time we all had and that memory will stick with me for as long as I'm around.
It became obvious that Chris was something special both as a human being and a performer.
He ought to have starred in his own TV show. He had such strength of character and was in many ways larger than life. The guy was also a gentleman in the most honourable sense of the word.
It was a pleasure to be in his company the few times that I was privileged for that to happen. This was a man that really seemed to have lived and despite not having become a household name like he deserved to, he made more of a mark in his short time on this earth than any of us might be aware including, in the end, his own good self. If he’d won some kind of title as the funniest guy on earth, I wouldn’t have been surprised.
Tonight I'm gonna spend some time with his music and will hoist a couple of bottles while doing so. One thing I'll remember is the proud look on his face when we were playing his (at the time) recently completed Hacienda Bros demos in the bar at Glasgow's Central Hotel. Chris was also a huge boxing aficionado and Ken Buchanan was a big hero of his. The younger Chris was pretty nippy in the ring by all accounts too.
I feel a great sense of loss with regard to Chris' untimely passing. My thoughts are very much with his family including the great David Alvin Esq, all of whom must be devastated. The world has lost a great, great artist who many have yet to discover and I kind of envy them that. Getting knocked out by those golden tones, the very essence of country soul.
On the other hand, as I tap away here, Gaffney is singing Joe Ely’s “Are You Listening Lucky” which is just about to segue into the Cold Hard Facts definitive roadhouse version of Deep Purple’s “Highway Star”. This guy had all the bases covered and our big backyard is not a better place for his not being around.
Hacienda Brothers homepage.
http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Rec/rec.music.artists.springsteen/2008-04/msg04256.html
I didn’t know Danny Federici of the E-Street Band on the other hand but he was always an integral part of the Springsteen sound. To hear that he’d passed away today was a surprise and he too touched a great many folks over the years.
The Customs are back, for one night only though...
...with The Tigerlillies (from Ohio as I recall but can't find anything on the web strangely) who almost appeared on the never-released NBT comp way back when such considerations could almost be realised.
That and The Quick are on myspace. can't be sure what year I'm existing in but all of a sudden the soundtrack has gotten real good!
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