CMJ HAPPY HOUR SWEDISH MUSIC SHOWCASE
Wednesday, October 22 @ Bowery Electric, NYC
(326 Bowery @ 2nd)
Firefox AK (6pm)
Juvelen (7pm)
Hello Saferide (8pm)
FREE entry, $4 drink specials
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Norton Records... Mid-October News Flash!
Autumn Almanac * New Releases *
True Confessions • In The Grapevine • Big Break Ballyhoo!
Our perfect world continues to shape up as we reach peak mayhem here at Nortonville! Dig, if you will ...MAD MIKE MANIA! Yes, kids, all three volumes of MAD MIKE MONSTERS are out now on posh gatefold LP and handy dandy CD, so latch on! The big blast off at Pittsburgh's palacial Pietro's Pizza this past weekend pulled scads of local fans, pals and biz-wigs out of the woodwork to trib the early years (1964-67) of the late and legendary local disc jockey who changed the world for the much wilder for all of us loud sound hounds! One night hanging out with the original 60's Mad Mike RAT PACK (and Norton-type celebs like the drummer for Pat and the Satellites of Jupiter C fame!) was like two weeks at a Slovenian Slop juvenile delinquent training camp, and that's the highest praise ever compounded from his maven! Can we do it again, like soon? Dig all the scoops and links on Mad Mike further down this newsletter....
Thursday, Oct 16th, 8pm - 11pm
WFMU Calvalcade of Stars Live Remote from the Tip Top!Music to Spazz By with Dave the Spazz comes live and wild from scenic Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn as WFMU rock & roll/rock & soul radio stars Gaylord Fields, future married lady Debbie D, Rex, Mr. Finewine, Michael Shelley and Todd-o-Phonic Todd join Spazz battle for turntable supremacy! There'll be free FMU swag, raucous musical monkeyshines, a Cornish game hen raffle plus other surprises! The Tip Top Bar & Grill is located at 432 Franklin Avenue (two blocks from the Franklin Avenue C stop). This will be a live radio event not to be missed either in person or on the airwaves!
Friday, Oct 24-Sunday Oct 26 - WFMU Record Fair, NYC
The big one wraps up the year with the wildest wax weekender yet! Pick up the wildest wax and all sorts of musical masterpieces at the big town's biggest record roundup. Live broadcasts all weekend long include the on-air wedding of Boss lady deejay Debbie D to her one and only Jimmy boy during Rex's radio show! As for Nortonville, come by for a big shellac attack and dig tons of wild and tuff-to-git records at our sprawling set up! All the new releases will BE THERE, including advance copies of our upcoming singles!
Friday Oct 24 - THE WORLD'S GREATEST SINNER on TCM Underground
Turner Classic Movies presents the world television debut of the mesmeric and magnificent Timothy Carey's brain-spraining 1962 film in all its rockin' rollin glory! Do not miss. If you are seeing it for the first time get ready to readjust your horizontal!! Top rank, all the way. Best rock n roll scene of any film! Dig the scene where Carey is digging the wild antics of a blonde haired rock n' roll kid going mental on stage at the 5/4 Ballroom. This is the fabled hot spot name checked in Eddie Cochran's Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie - "All the cats are hoppin' at the big 5/4..."
Saturday, Oct 25 - Check local listings. Looks to be 2 AM EST but confirm or be lost!
Saturday Oct 25 - DMZ @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
Holy mackerel! Dig the original lineup (Jeff Conolly, Peter Greenberg, J.J. Rassler, Rick Corracio and Paul Murphy) in their first area show in 30 years! What a weekend!
Saturday, Oct 25 ZACHERLEY AND CHILLER THEATRE RETURN TO WPIX!
From the press releases "CHILLLLLLER THEATRE RETURNS FROM THE DEAD! For the first time in over 25 years, Chiller Theatre is back on WPIX with the presentation of the 1955 pulp horror classic Tarantula at 8 pm on Saturday, October 25th. Zacherley “The Cool Ghoul” (John Zacherle) and former host of Chiller Theatre in New York on WPIX (1963) will resurrect his alter-ego and host WPIX’s October 25 special. Plus, the original opens: “The Six-Fingered Hand” and the “Monster Montage” along with Tarantula trivia will run as interstitials." Tune in before you head for Maxwell's! Billy grew up on a steady diet of Zach and CHILLER THEATRE and recalls having to be walked three doors home after a frightening viewing of THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMON.
Wednesday, Oct 29 - DEX ROMWEBER DUO @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
You loved the Flat Duo Jets with Dex and Crow, now dig Dex blasting off with his incredible sis Sara at the traps!
Friday, Oct 31 - SONICS Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Holy moly! The local boys get their day on Halloween, naturally! Few tix remain so go git 'em. Tacoma terrors Girl Trouble featuring big beat sensation Miss BON will open this legendary show!
Hey, be sure to check out this insane footage of the Sonics in Scandinavia!!
Friday, Nov 7 - A-BONES, BIG CITY STOMPERS, MOTOGATORS @ UNION POOL
Brooklyn Three way face off under the BQE with the boro's top noise makers!
Saturday, Nov 22 - MARY WEISS/REIGNING SOUND @ The Earl, Atlanta GA
Double whammy jammy deluxe at the home of the best cole slaw on the planet …congratulations to Mary on the Shangri-Las induction to the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame!
NEW NORTON RELEASES HOT OFF THE TRUCK!
CHANTS R&B (Norton 335) Fifteen raving 1966 blasts from New Zealand’s wildest combo! This vinyl only set features one side of mauling studio recordings (Neighbour Neighbour/I’m Your Witchdoctor) and one side with their legendary live Stage Door recordings (That’s The Way It’s Gotta Be/Don’t Bring Me Down). Thrill to extensive liner notes by the band and a knockout photo filled package, not to the most deranged version of Land Of 1000 Dances ever recorded! LP only
MAD MIKE MONSTERS VOL. 1-2-3 (Norton 338/339/340) The wildest 45’s discovered and popularized by enigmatic Pittsburgh hoo-doo DJ during his primo prime years 1964-67, compiled into three sets of instant party mashers! Massive gatefold LPs tell the story of the Mad One in his own words, complete with tons of memories from his many local fans, while the CD packs deliver the same in a pocket-size format! Absolutely staggering array of sounds from this Norton icon! Includes Scott Wood Chicken Rock, Count Ferrell Wizard Of Ah’s, the Saxons Camel Walk and the Vels Mysterious Teenage! All sizzle, no gristle! LP/CD
NOVEMBER 4 RELEASES • MOMENTS AWAY FROM LIFT OFF!
JOHNNY AND THE SILVERTONES – ROCK ‘TIL THE END OF TIME/I’VE GOT A WOMAN (45-144) Blood curdling unissued 1963 R&B booze savagery! The Figures of Light It's Lame was the Monster Of The Year for 2006, CJ and the Casuals’ Study Hall was the Monster of the Year for 2007– all hail the new champ! This recently unearthed Ohio acetate is over the top WILD!!! Dig these lyrics, dad – “I wanna cash my check at the liquor store/Crawl into that barroom door/Goin’ to the bar get me a jug of wine...” Savage guitars, pounding drums, this is IT!!!! For fans of Screamin’ Joe Neal!!!
FLYIN’ SAUCER TWIST: THE NORTHWAY SOUND RECORDS STORY VOL. ONE (EP-145) Four rockin’ 1961-62 guitar instrumentals from rural Michigan's answer to Gaity Records! Tom Carter and the Ramrods Flyin’ Saucer Twist/Twistin’ Boogie, Jerry Lee Trio Banshee, Billy Lee and the Ramblers Trav’lin – cool stuff!
TOM AND THE TORNADOES: THE NORTHWAY SOUND RECORDS STORY VOL. TWO (45-146) Tommy James’ first record Long Pony Tail/Judy – 1962! Pre-Hanky Panky raw rock n’ roll! Includes amazing pics of the Tornadoes plus the story in Tommy’s words!
KING KHAN – IT’S A LIE/CONGRATULATIONS I’M SORRY (45-148) Khantagious new set from His Majesty pairs two originals, a deadly snarler plus a tense, brooding instro flip! King on all instruments! First there was King Uszniewicz, then King Coleman… now King Khan! We bow deeply to the three Kings of Norton!
FIGURES OF LIGHT OUT NOW!FIGURES OF LIGHT - SMASH HITS (Norton 336) Gimme Gimme Gimme / Black Cadillac / Seething Psychosexual Conflict Blues / Nothing To Do / I’m So Sick Of Everything / Why Not Knock Yourself Off? / Angeline / I Got Spies Watching You / Gimme Gimme Gimme / Nothing To Do / It’s Lame / I’m So Sick Of Everything / It’s Lame / I Jes Wanna Go To Bed / Ritual TV Smashing Finale / Velvet Touch They came and combusted as teenagers thirty years ago, now they’re back to retake the two-chord monte in SPADES! Wheeler Winston Dixon wails while Michael Downey cranks up the proto-punk x-factor on this snarling set including their alarmingly faboo first single, newly unearthed live recordings from their first show ever in July, 1970, unheard demos and new NYC live and studio recordings. Essential!http://www.myspace.com/figuresoflight
CHARLIE FEATHERS • THREE NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!
Norton is very proud to present three full volumes of Charlie Feathers with rare and unissued performances spanning his entire career. This series has been much anticipated by rockabilly fans worldwide and the wait is over! Each set features liner notes by Mike Hurtt including interviews with Charlie’s family, friends and fellow musicians as well as unbelievable photos. Many rare titles are offered from master tapes for the first time since their initial release.
TWENTY FIVE PERFORMANCES HAVE NEVER BEEN ISSUED ANYWHERE!!"
Charlie Feathers is the main reason there is and was Sun Records. I will always be a Charlie Feathers fan." - Johnny Cash
CHARLIE FEATHERS - WILD SIDE OF LIFE (Norton 332) Wild Side Of Life*/One More Time*/We’re Getting Closer To Being Apart*/Am I That Easy To Forget*/Pardon Me Mister*/Cockroach/I Want To Love You*/Wedding Gown Of White (1973 version)/Dig Myself A Hole*/’Cause I Love You*/Frankie And Johnny*/Mound Of Clay/Why Pretend*/I Forgot To Remember To Forget/Man In Love/Folsom Prison Blues CD adds… Release Me (with Junior Kimbrough)/Charlie Feathers Interview Part One
CHARLIE FEATHERS - HONKY TONK KIND (Norton 333) One Good Gal/Give Back All The Love You Gave*/Honky Tonk Kind*/I Can’t Seem To Remember To Forget*/If You Were Mine To Lose/I Lose My Mind*/Folsom Prison Blues*/We’re Getting Closer To Being Apart*/You Believe Everyone But Me/I Want To Love You*/Send Me The Pillow You Dream On/Cold Cold Heart*/Dinky John/Two To Choose/Dig Myself A Hole CD adds Feel Good Again (with Junior Kimbrough)/Charlie Feathers Interview Part Two
CHARLIE FEATHERS - LONG TIME AGO (Norton 334) Jungle Fever/Frankie And Johnny*/She’s Gone*/That’s All Right/It’s Just That Song/Why Don’t You/Knoxville Girl/I Lose My Mind*/Jungle Fever/Long Time Ago*/I Want To Love You*/Will You Be Satisfied That Way*/Folsom Prison Blues/We’re Getting Closer To Being Apart*/South Of Chicago/Mound Of Clay CD adds Lonesome Whistle/Charlie Feathers Interview Part Three *=previously unissued
ROKY! ROKY! ROKY!
ROKY ERICKSON AND THE EXPLOSIVES – HALLOWEEN: RECORDED LIVE 1979-81 (Norton 337) Two Headed Dog/Don’t Shake Me Lucifer/Bermuda/The Wind And More/Starry Eyes/I Walked With A Zombie/Stand For The Fire Demon/Bloody Hammer/Wait For You/Wake Up To Rock And Roll/You’re Gonna Miss Me/Creature With The Atom Brain/I Think Up Demons/The Beast/I’ve Just Seen A Face/The Interpreter/White Faces/KLBJ Radio Ad This howling live set from Roky and the Explosives’ original incarnation moves from horror classics (Creature With The Atom Brain), to Buddy Holly inspired rockers (Wait For You) to a blistering version of the Elevators’ You’re Gonna Miss Me. Norton’s gatefold double LP comes with a different cover than the CD version and on the preferred miracle PVC format!
…PLUS THREE WILD NEW NORTON SEVEN INCH KILLERS!
CHARLIE FEATHERS - WE'RE GETTING CLOSER TO BEING APART/IF YOU WERE MINE TO LOSE (Norton 45-142) Two more powerful rockabilly offerings from the master! To be followed up by THREE big albums of rare and unreleased Charlie Feathers demos. Sorry for the long wait - we can't hardly stand it ourselves!
ROKY ERICKSON AND THE EXPLOSIVES – WAIT FOR YOU/I’VE JUST SEEN A FACE (Norton 45-143) Roky tears it up on a rousing Buddy Holly inspired original and delivers a wild one-off version of the Fabs classic on the flip! Both decks from Roky’s live Norton double LP HALLOWEEN.
THE BO-KEYS - CONGRATULATIONS/ROYAL PENDLETONS - TELL ME (Norton 45-9659) Our popular Rolling Stones 45 cover series continues with our 19th nervous breakdown, yes the 19th single in the series! This double dip of slow drag burners showcases the Mad Lads lead singer John Gary Williams teaming up with Memphis soul sensations the Bo-Keys on the terrific topside, while Southern slop lords the Royal Pendletons tell us they're coming back to us in grand style!
ANOTHER NORTON EXCLOOSIVE!
THE DICTATORS - MANIFEST DESTINY (Norton/Asylum 1109) Vinyl reissue of their 1977 Asylum platter comes complete with original cover and incredible Andy Shernoff anthems like Science Gone Too Far, Exposed, Heartache, Young, Fast, Scientific and mo'! Complete your Dictators footlong collection!
IN THE WORKS...I STILL HATE CDs Coming this fall, 45 more singles from the vaults of Norton Records. This release, like the first set, is download only and is available from all download outlets – no Goodwill or yard sale action this time, sorry. But it is cheap and easy to grab these babies. By the way, there were some comments that folks wished we provided cover art and notes. If you pick up volume one from I-tunes, it comes with a detailed booklet!
GARAGE ACETATES We are in the midst of whipping up four LPs worth of unissued sixties acetates including three chord killers from the Blue Embers, Henchmen, Khuns, Thorns and Creation’s Disciple! Utter mayhem!
MAD MIKE HAPPENINGS THAT ARE ARCHIVED, KINDA MOSTLY!SATURDAY SEPT. 27 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WFMU RADIO SPECIAL 1-3 PM EST Rex at the Fools Paradise show hosts a two hour sneak peak at our upcoming MAD MIKE MONSTERS series, dedicated to the music of legendary Pittsburgh DJ Mad Mike, the cat who made Camel Walk, Hanky Panky, Goo Goo Muck and Psycho the hits they are today, forty years ago! Mad Mike Maven Miriam Linna will blast Mad Mike exclusives and preview the inaugural MONSTERS volumes, slated for Oct 7 release. The program will be archived at WFMU.ORG/FPWRFRIDAY OCT 10 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WRCT PITTSBURGH RADIO SNEAK PREVIEW 10 AM-2PM Zombo's Record Party starts us all off on the mad track giving all you teenagers a sneak peak at MAD MIKE MONSTERS on his wild and wooly lunchbox melange of mayhem! Locals dial your dashboards in to 88.3 FM, worldwiders tune in to www.wrct.org! Drivers, kindly pull to the curb. We cannot be responsible for traffic violations caused by listening!
SAT. OCTOBER 11 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WRCT SATURDAY LIGHT BRIGADE CALL-IN BALLYHOO SPOT! Get ready good and early as the Norton staffers pull over on Route 80 enroute to Pittsburgh to enjoy some hot coffee and rev up Mad Mike style with Jeff Baron and his gallant crew at SLB! Slated for 10:35 AM, Miriam and Billy will fill you in with the evening's festivities celebrating the Mad, Mad World of Mad Mike Metrovich! Internet listeners, tap in to http://www.slbradio.org
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WYEP PITTSBURGH RADIO BLAST 6-7 PM! Howard pulls out all the stops for this mad show featuring music, quips and quotes from his friend Mad Mike. Howard is quoted in our MAD MIKE MONSTERS series and had the rare privilege of sharing the mike with the Mad One. Locals tune in to 91.3 FM while blazing a trail down to Pietros! Unlucky cellar dwellers elsewhere log onto www.wyep.org and follow instructions for the Bumblebee Slim show with Howard Kozy!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11 MAD MIKE MONSTERS! NORTON RECORDS RELEASE PARTY IN PITTSBURGH! 7 PM- Midnight Celebrate all things Mad Mike as three inaugural volumes of this sensational series blast off at the site of the late, great Mad One’s own radio studio, located at Pietro’s Pizza Pub at 2957 Banksville Road, Pittsburgh! Guest DJ’s will spin Mad Mike music exclusively, all night long! A great night for family, friends, fans… and pizza!
MAD MIKE MYSPACE! Semi-genius Howie Pyro, president of Mad Mike Maniacs, the California chapter of MMAS (Mad Mike Appreciation Society) has started up a tribute myspace page for Mad Mike! Check it out and also check out Senor Pyro at Intoxica Radio-- he was the first to trib Mad Mike and has a marvellous show!
http://www.myspace.com/madmikemoldies
http://jellsmayhemsgarage.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-20T12_310-07_00
MEATBALLS IN THE NEWS
The swank Swedish rock n’ roll mag Denimzine will be featuring a six page Norton Records blowout in the new ish due on the stands September 16 and will feature photos, interview with Norton honchos Billy and Miriam and swingin’ Swedes clocking in with their favorite Norton platters! Hurry up – you have less than two weeks to learn Swedish! Ya!
For More Nortonic Information:
http://www.myspace.com/nortonrecords
http://www.nortonrecords.com
Autumn Almanac * New Releases *
True Confessions • In The Grapevine • Big Break Ballyhoo!
Our perfect world continues to shape up as we reach peak mayhem here at Nortonville! Dig, if you will ...MAD MIKE MANIA! Yes, kids, all three volumes of MAD MIKE MONSTERS are out now on posh gatefold LP and handy dandy CD, so latch on! The big blast off at Pittsburgh's palacial Pietro's Pizza this past weekend pulled scads of local fans, pals and biz-wigs out of the woodwork to trib the early years (1964-67) of the late and legendary local disc jockey who changed the world for the much wilder for all of us loud sound hounds! One night hanging out with the original 60's Mad Mike RAT PACK (and Norton-type celebs like the drummer for Pat and the Satellites of Jupiter C fame!) was like two weeks at a Slovenian Slop juvenile delinquent training camp, and that's the highest praise ever compounded from his maven! Can we do it again, like soon? Dig all the scoops and links on Mad Mike further down this newsletter....
Thursday, Oct 16th, 8pm - 11pm
WFMU Calvalcade of Stars Live Remote from the Tip Top!Music to Spazz By with Dave the Spazz comes live and wild from scenic Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn as WFMU rock & roll/rock & soul radio stars Gaylord Fields, future married lady Debbie D, Rex, Mr. Finewine, Michael Shelley and Todd-o-Phonic Todd join Spazz battle for turntable supremacy! There'll be free FMU swag, raucous musical monkeyshines, a Cornish game hen raffle plus other surprises! The Tip Top Bar & Grill is located at 432 Franklin Avenue (two blocks from the Franklin Avenue C stop). This will be a live radio event not to be missed either in person or on the airwaves!
Friday, Oct 24-Sunday Oct 26 - WFMU Record Fair, NYC
The big one wraps up the year with the wildest wax weekender yet! Pick up the wildest wax and all sorts of musical masterpieces at the big town's biggest record roundup. Live broadcasts all weekend long include the on-air wedding of Boss lady deejay Debbie D to her one and only Jimmy boy during Rex's radio show! As for Nortonville, come by for a big shellac attack and dig tons of wild and tuff-to-git records at our sprawling set up! All the new releases will BE THERE, including advance copies of our upcoming singles!
Friday Oct 24 - THE WORLD'S GREATEST SINNER on TCM Underground
Turner Classic Movies presents the world television debut of the mesmeric and magnificent Timothy Carey's brain-spraining 1962 film in all its rockin' rollin glory! Do not miss. If you are seeing it for the first time get ready to readjust your horizontal!! Top rank, all the way. Best rock n roll scene of any film! Dig the scene where Carey is digging the wild antics of a blonde haired rock n' roll kid going mental on stage at the 5/4 Ballroom. This is the fabled hot spot name checked in Eddie Cochran's Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie - "All the cats are hoppin' at the big 5/4..."
Saturday, Oct 25 - Check local listings. Looks to be 2 AM EST but confirm or be lost!
Saturday Oct 25 - DMZ @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
Holy mackerel! Dig the original lineup (Jeff Conolly, Peter Greenberg, J.J. Rassler, Rick Corracio and Paul Murphy) in their first area show in 30 years! What a weekend!
Saturday, Oct 25 ZACHERLEY AND CHILLER THEATRE RETURN TO WPIX!
From the press releases "CHILLLLLLER THEATRE RETURNS FROM THE DEAD! For the first time in over 25 years, Chiller Theatre is back on WPIX with the presentation of the 1955 pulp horror classic Tarantula at 8 pm on Saturday, October 25th. Zacherley “The Cool Ghoul” (John Zacherle) and former host of Chiller Theatre in New York on WPIX (1963) will resurrect his alter-ego and host WPIX’s October 25 special. Plus, the original opens: “The Six-Fingered Hand” and the “Monster Montage” along with Tarantula trivia will run as interstitials." Tune in before you head for Maxwell's! Billy grew up on a steady diet of Zach and CHILLER THEATRE and recalls having to be walked three doors home after a frightening viewing of THE HIDEOUS SUN DEMON.
Wednesday, Oct 29 - DEX ROMWEBER DUO @ Maxwell's, Hoboken
You loved the Flat Duo Jets with Dex and Crow, now dig Dex blasting off with his incredible sis Sara at the traps!
Friday, Oct 31 - SONICS Paramount Theatre, Seattle
Holy moly! The local boys get their day on Halloween, naturally! Few tix remain so go git 'em. Tacoma terrors Girl Trouble featuring big beat sensation Miss BON will open this legendary show!
Hey, be sure to check out this insane footage of the Sonics in Scandinavia!!
Friday, Nov 7 - A-BONES, BIG CITY STOMPERS, MOTOGATORS @ UNION POOL
Brooklyn Three way face off under the BQE with the boro's top noise makers!
Saturday, Nov 22 - MARY WEISS/REIGNING SOUND @ The Earl, Atlanta GA
Double whammy jammy deluxe at the home of the best cole slaw on the planet …congratulations to Mary on the Shangri-Las induction to the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame!
NEW NORTON RELEASES HOT OFF THE TRUCK!
CHANTS R&B (Norton 335) Fifteen raving 1966 blasts from New Zealand’s wildest combo! This vinyl only set features one side of mauling studio recordings (Neighbour Neighbour/I’m Your Witchdoctor) and one side with their legendary live Stage Door recordings (That’s The Way It’s Gotta Be/Don’t Bring Me Down). Thrill to extensive liner notes by the band and a knockout photo filled package, not to the most deranged version of Land Of 1000 Dances ever recorded! LP only
MAD MIKE MONSTERS VOL. 1-2-3 (Norton 338/339/340) The wildest 45’s discovered and popularized by enigmatic Pittsburgh hoo-doo DJ during his primo prime years 1964-67, compiled into three sets of instant party mashers! Massive gatefold LPs tell the story of the Mad One in his own words, complete with tons of memories from his many local fans, while the CD packs deliver the same in a pocket-size format! Absolutely staggering array of sounds from this Norton icon! Includes Scott Wood Chicken Rock, Count Ferrell Wizard Of Ah’s, the Saxons Camel Walk and the Vels Mysterious Teenage! All sizzle, no gristle! LP/CD
NOVEMBER 4 RELEASES • MOMENTS AWAY FROM LIFT OFF!
JOHNNY AND THE SILVERTONES – ROCK ‘TIL THE END OF TIME/I’VE GOT A WOMAN (45-144) Blood curdling unissued 1963 R&B booze savagery! The Figures of Light It's Lame was the Monster Of The Year for 2006, CJ and the Casuals’ Study Hall was the Monster of the Year for 2007– all hail the new champ! This recently unearthed Ohio acetate is over the top WILD!!! Dig these lyrics, dad – “I wanna cash my check at the liquor store/Crawl into that barroom door/Goin’ to the bar get me a jug of wine...” Savage guitars, pounding drums, this is IT!!!! For fans of Screamin’ Joe Neal!!!
FLYIN’ SAUCER TWIST: THE NORTHWAY SOUND RECORDS STORY VOL. ONE (EP-145) Four rockin’ 1961-62 guitar instrumentals from rural Michigan's answer to Gaity Records! Tom Carter and the Ramrods Flyin’ Saucer Twist/Twistin’ Boogie, Jerry Lee Trio Banshee, Billy Lee and the Ramblers Trav’lin – cool stuff!
TOM AND THE TORNADOES: THE NORTHWAY SOUND RECORDS STORY VOL. TWO (45-146) Tommy James’ first record Long Pony Tail/Judy – 1962! Pre-Hanky Panky raw rock n’ roll! Includes amazing pics of the Tornadoes plus the story in Tommy’s words!
KING KHAN – IT’S A LIE/CONGRATULATIONS I’M SORRY (45-148) Khantagious new set from His Majesty pairs two originals, a deadly snarler plus a tense, brooding instro flip! King on all instruments! First there was King Uszniewicz, then King Coleman… now King Khan! We bow deeply to the three Kings of Norton!
FIGURES OF LIGHT OUT NOW!FIGURES OF LIGHT - SMASH HITS (Norton 336) Gimme Gimme Gimme / Black Cadillac / Seething Psychosexual Conflict Blues / Nothing To Do / I’m So Sick Of Everything / Why Not Knock Yourself Off? / Angeline / I Got Spies Watching You / Gimme Gimme Gimme / Nothing To Do / It’s Lame / I’m So Sick Of Everything / It’s Lame / I Jes Wanna Go To Bed / Ritual TV Smashing Finale / Velvet Touch They came and combusted as teenagers thirty years ago, now they’re back to retake the two-chord monte in SPADES! Wheeler Winston Dixon wails while Michael Downey cranks up the proto-punk x-factor on this snarling set including their alarmingly faboo first single, newly unearthed live recordings from their first show ever in July, 1970, unheard demos and new NYC live and studio recordings. Essential!http://www.myspace.com/figuresoflight
CHARLIE FEATHERS • THREE NEW RELEASES OUT NOW!
Norton is very proud to present three full volumes of Charlie Feathers with rare and unissued performances spanning his entire career. This series has been much anticipated by rockabilly fans worldwide and the wait is over! Each set features liner notes by Mike Hurtt including interviews with Charlie’s family, friends and fellow musicians as well as unbelievable photos. Many rare titles are offered from master tapes for the first time since their initial release.
TWENTY FIVE PERFORMANCES HAVE NEVER BEEN ISSUED ANYWHERE!!"
Charlie Feathers is the main reason there is and was Sun Records. I will always be a Charlie Feathers fan." - Johnny Cash
CHARLIE FEATHERS - WILD SIDE OF LIFE (Norton 332) Wild Side Of Life*/One More Time*/We’re Getting Closer To Being Apart*/Am I That Easy To Forget*/Pardon Me Mister*/Cockroach/I Want To Love You*/Wedding Gown Of White (1973 version)/Dig Myself A Hole*/’Cause I Love You*/Frankie And Johnny*/Mound Of Clay/Why Pretend*/I Forgot To Remember To Forget/Man In Love/Folsom Prison Blues CD adds… Release Me (with Junior Kimbrough)/Charlie Feathers Interview Part One
CHARLIE FEATHERS - HONKY TONK KIND (Norton 333) One Good Gal/Give Back All The Love You Gave*/Honky Tonk Kind*/I Can’t Seem To Remember To Forget*/If You Were Mine To Lose/I Lose My Mind*/Folsom Prison Blues*/We’re Getting Closer To Being Apart*/You Believe Everyone But Me/I Want To Love You*/Send Me The Pillow You Dream On/Cold Cold Heart*/Dinky John/Two To Choose/Dig Myself A Hole CD adds Feel Good Again (with Junior Kimbrough)/Charlie Feathers Interview Part Two
CHARLIE FEATHERS - LONG TIME AGO (Norton 334) Jungle Fever/Frankie And Johnny*/She’s Gone*/That’s All Right/It’s Just That Song/Why Don’t You/Knoxville Girl/I Lose My Mind*/Jungle Fever/Long Time Ago*/I Want To Love You*/Will You Be Satisfied That Way*/Folsom Prison Blues/We’re Getting Closer To Being Apart*/South Of Chicago/Mound Of Clay CD adds Lonesome Whistle/Charlie Feathers Interview Part Three *=previously unissued
ROKY! ROKY! ROKY!
ROKY ERICKSON AND THE EXPLOSIVES – HALLOWEEN: RECORDED LIVE 1979-81 (Norton 337) Two Headed Dog/Don’t Shake Me Lucifer/Bermuda/The Wind And More/Starry Eyes/I Walked With A Zombie/Stand For The Fire Demon/Bloody Hammer/Wait For You/Wake Up To Rock And Roll/You’re Gonna Miss Me/Creature With The Atom Brain/I Think Up Demons/The Beast/I’ve Just Seen A Face/The Interpreter/White Faces/KLBJ Radio Ad This howling live set from Roky and the Explosives’ original incarnation moves from horror classics (Creature With The Atom Brain), to Buddy Holly inspired rockers (Wait For You) to a blistering version of the Elevators’ You’re Gonna Miss Me. Norton’s gatefold double LP comes with a different cover than the CD version and on the preferred miracle PVC format!
…PLUS THREE WILD NEW NORTON SEVEN INCH KILLERS!
CHARLIE FEATHERS - WE'RE GETTING CLOSER TO BEING APART/IF YOU WERE MINE TO LOSE (Norton 45-142) Two more powerful rockabilly offerings from the master! To be followed up by THREE big albums of rare and unreleased Charlie Feathers demos. Sorry for the long wait - we can't hardly stand it ourselves!
ROKY ERICKSON AND THE EXPLOSIVES – WAIT FOR YOU/I’VE JUST SEEN A FACE (Norton 45-143) Roky tears it up on a rousing Buddy Holly inspired original and delivers a wild one-off version of the Fabs classic on the flip! Both decks from Roky’s live Norton double LP HALLOWEEN.
THE BO-KEYS - CONGRATULATIONS/ROYAL PENDLETONS - TELL ME (Norton 45-9659) Our popular Rolling Stones 45 cover series continues with our 19th nervous breakdown, yes the 19th single in the series! This double dip of slow drag burners showcases the Mad Lads lead singer John Gary Williams teaming up with Memphis soul sensations the Bo-Keys on the terrific topside, while Southern slop lords the Royal Pendletons tell us they're coming back to us in grand style!
ANOTHER NORTON EXCLOOSIVE!
THE DICTATORS - MANIFEST DESTINY (Norton/Asylum 1109) Vinyl reissue of their 1977 Asylum platter comes complete with original cover and incredible Andy Shernoff anthems like Science Gone Too Far, Exposed, Heartache, Young, Fast, Scientific and mo'! Complete your Dictators footlong collection!
IN THE WORKS...I STILL HATE CDs Coming this fall, 45 more singles from the vaults of Norton Records. This release, like the first set, is download only and is available from all download outlets – no Goodwill or yard sale action this time, sorry. But it is cheap and easy to grab these babies. By the way, there were some comments that folks wished we provided cover art and notes. If you pick up volume one from I-tunes, it comes with a detailed booklet!
GARAGE ACETATES We are in the midst of whipping up four LPs worth of unissued sixties acetates including three chord killers from the Blue Embers, Henchmen, Khuns, Thorns and Creation’s Disciple! Utter mayhem!
MAD MIKE HAPPENINGS THAT ARE ARCHIVED, KINDA MOSTLY!SATURDAY SEPT. 27 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WFMU RADIO SPECIAL 1-3 PM EST Rex at the Fools Paradise show hosts a two hour sneak peak at our upcoming MAD MIKE MONSTERS series, dedicated to the music of legendary Pittsburgh DJ Mad Mike, the cat who made Camel Walk, Hanky Panky, Goo Goo Muck and Psycho the hits they are today, forty years ago! Mad Mike Maven Miriam Linna will blast Mad Mike exclusives and preview the inaugural MONSTERS volumes, slated for Oct 7 release. The program will be archived at WFMU.ORG/FPWRFRIDAY OCT 10 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WRCT PITTSBURGH RADIO SNEAK PREVIEW 10 AM-2PM Zombo's Record Party starts us all off on the mad track giving all you teenagers a sneak peak at MAD MIKE MONSTERS on his wild and wooly lunchbox melange of mayhem! Locals dial your dashboards in to 88.3 FM, worldwiders tune in to www.wrct.org! Drivers, kindly pull to the curb. We cannot be responsible for traffic violations caused by listening!
SAT. OCTOBER 11 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WRCT SATURDAY LIGHT BRIGADE CALL-IN BALLYHOO SPOT! Get ready good and early as the Norton staffers pull over on Route 80 enroute to Pittsburgh to enjoy some hot coffee and rev up Mad Mike style with Jeff Baron and his gallant crew at SLB! Slated for 10:35 AM, Miriam and Billy will fill you in with the evening's festivities celebrating the Mad, Mad World of Mad Mike Metrovich! Internet listeners, tap in to http://www.slbradio.org
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11 MAD MIKE MONSTERS - WYEP PITTSBURGH RADIO BLAST 6-7 PM! Howard pulls out all the stops for this mad show featuring music, quips and quotes from his friend Mad Mike. Howard is quoted in our MAD MIKE MONSTERS series and had the rare privilege of sharing the mike with the Mad One. Locals tune in to 91.3 FM while blazing a trail down to Pietros! Unlucky cellar dwellers elsewhere log onto www.wyep.org and follow instructions for the Bumblebee Slim show with Howard Kozy!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 11 MAD MIKE MONSTERS! NORTON RECORDS RELEASE PARTY IN PITTSBURGH! 7 PM- Midnight Celebrate all things Mad Mike as three inaugural volumes of this sensational series blast off at the site of the late, great Mad One’s own radio studio, located at Pietro’s Pizza Pub at 2957 Banksville Road, Pittsburgh! Guest DJ’s will spin Mad Mike music exclusively, all night long! A great night for family, friends, fans… and pizza!
MAD MIKE MYSPACE! Semi-genius Howie Pyro, president of Mad Mike Maniacs, the California chapter of MMAS (Mad Mike Appreciation Society) has started up a tribute myspace page for Mad Mike! Check it out and also check out Senor Pyro at Intoxica Radio-- he was the first to trib Mad Mike and has a marvellous show!
http://www.myspace.com/madmikemoldies
http://jellsmayhemsgarage.podOmatic.com/entry/2008-09-20T12_310-07_00
MEATBALLS IN THE NEWS
The swank Swedish rock n’ roll mag Denimzine will be featuring a six page Norton Records blowout in the new ish due on the stands September 16 and will feature photos, interview with Norton honchos Billy and Miriam and swingin’ Swedes clocking in with their favorite Norton platters! Hurry up – you have less than two weeks to learn Swedish! Ya!
For More Nortonic Information:
http://www.myspace.com/nortonrecords
http://www.nortonrecords.com
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I'm not sure how I made it through this past few days.
When the news hit that there would be no more Ringo signings, my proverbial world fell down. We may be two steps from sackcloth and ashes but this is surely the big one. I'm not sure where the centre of pillockdom lies exactly. Is it with the man himself who thinks anybody gives a fuck or is it with the media that's reporting it? And even worse, Madonna is getting a divorce. Hopefully it's not because her (soon to be ex) old man put The Scientists on the soundtrack of his recent movie instead of one of her's??
Maybe R. Starkey was just being nice, not wanting these sad bastards not to waste stamps.
To quote Judy Tenuta, in that foghorn voice, "It could happen". If Barbara Bach is reading this, give beardy a good hard foot up the arse. Didn't he piss on his chips already with that appearance in Liverpool recent(ish) anyway?
Anyway, here's some proper news - don't forget the Suzy & Los Quattro acoustic show tomorrow night in Barcelona if you're privileged to reside there.
Me? I'll just have to make do with a few more episodes of The Wire.
When the news hit that there would be no more Ringo signings, my proverbial world fell down. We may be two steps from sackcloth and ashes but this is surely the big one. I'm not sure where the centre of pillockdom lies exactly. Is it with the man himself who thinks anybody gives a fuck or is it with the media that's reporting it? And even worse, Madonna is getting a divorce. Hopefully it's not because her (soon to be ex) old man put The Scientists on the soundtrack of his recent movie instead of one of her's??
Maybe R. Starkey was just being nice, not wanting these sad bastards not to waste stamps.
To quote Judy Tenuta, in that foghorn voice, "It could happen". If Barbara Bach is reading this, give beardy a good hard foot up the arse. Didn't he piss on his chips already with that appearance in Liverpool recent(ish) anyway?
Anyway, here's some proper news - don't forget the Suzy & Los Quattro acoustic show tomorrow night in Barcelona if you're privileged to reside there.
Me? I'll just have to make do with a few more episodes of The Wire.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Just a quick note to remind my friends in the NY area that Hello Saferide will be in town next week. Please try to see either the Manhattan or Brooklyn show. If you go to the Bowery Electric though you'll get the urge to go to Brooklyn anyway.
Check what works best for you and cut along to catch a bona fide tip for the stratosphere. Forget the zillion or so other CMJ bands that will be choking up the city. Vote Annika and Co!
Check what works best for you and cut along to catch a bona fide tip for the stratosphere. Forget the zillion or so other CMJ bands that will be choking up the city. Vote Annika and Co!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Woke up this morning, found out I had a share in the banking industry but still don't have a pot to piss in if you pardon the terminology. Not sure how all that works but it's something of a rum do. But anyway, it's all very fragile and I'm sure it wouldn't take much to have it all collapse in a heap again.
Yesterday's screening of "That Sinking Feeling" at GFT was a resounding smash. The film stands up very well both as entertainment and as a document of Glasgow at the time. Almost none of the locations that it was shot in are around anymore. Difficult to believe that it's nearly 30 years old. Stuart Murdoch (of Belle and Sebastian) did a great informal chat/q&a thing after the movie with Rab Buchanan of the original Bill Forsyth alumnii. He's a genuinely charming wee guy as anybody who has met him at The Tolbooth in Stirling will tell you.
The trailblazing ways of what Forsyth did made it possible for Scotland to become a player in the movie industry through this film. Everything else to this point was of a "Play For Today" style, drama made for TV. The formula seems to have almost gone the opposite way again since then. Being that a lot of projects are made for TV distribution but have a limited cinema run. So anyway, see "That Sinking Feeling" if you can. I'd love to see it in other countries to see the reaction, it has all the qualities of a silent movie and is thusly multidimensional.
Nice to see a film star on the last train from Queen Street too. Keeping it real like he did in the films before so called reality became a homogenised commodity. I think I'll watch Gregory's Girl tonight just to keep the vibe going. Looking at the visitor locations today, there was one in particular that I reckon was someone who I'd really like to hear from. Who I hope can let bygones be bygones. Here's hoping anyway...
I discovered this via Kip on the Bomp refugee mailing today who posted their version of Freebird, I like this one better but thanks for the info...
Yesterday's screening of "That Sinking Feeling" at GFT was a resounding smash. The film stands up very well both as entertainment and as a document of Glasgow at the time. Almost none of the locations that it was shot in are around anymore. Difficult to believe that it's nearly 30 years old. Stuart Murdoch (of Belle and Sebastian) did a great informal chat/q&a thing after the movie with Rab Buchanan of the original Bill Forsyth alumnii. He's a genuinely charming wee guy as anybody who has met him at The Tolbooth in Stirling will tell you.
The trailblazing ways of what Forsyth did made it possible for Scotland to become a player in the movie industry through this film. Everything else to this point was of a "Play For Today" style, drama made for TV. The formula seems to have almost gone the opposite way again since then. Being that a lot of projects are made for TV distribution but have a limited cinema run. So anyway, see "That Sinking Feeling" if you can. I'd love to see it in other countries to see the reaction, it has all the qualities of a silent movie and is thusly multidimensional.
Nice to see a film star on the last train from Queen Street too. Keeping it real like he did in the films before so called reality became a homogenised commodity. I think I'll watch Gregory's Girl tonight just to keep the vibe going. Looking at the visitor locations today, there was one in particular that I reckon was someone who I'd really like to hear from. Who I hope can let bygones be bygones. Here's hoping anyway...
I discovered this via Kip on the Bomp refugee mailing today who posted their version of Freebird, I like this one better but thanks for the info...
An important note from Tom Phobic. If you can help with any of this contact him here.
You may have caught my earlier post that Mick sadly died recently. If so apologies for duplicity.
I'm trying to contact friends and people who knew him, or of him and asking them just to pass the word around.
For the record (and i know it's a common name too) this Mick started off in Wasted Youth (original london version- not to be confused with dodgy american heavy metal version).
The Bridge House forum are on the case with the east end connections, so big thanks to Terry Murphy and Lee for their input. After that he was in a band called October Revolution who played around the early to mid-80's. Then a few splinter projects here and there leading to The Famous Monsters with Giovanni Dadomo (RIP) me and a few others who already know. I can pick most of it up from there but am trying to get hold a few ex-Monsters who I don't have contacts for.
I will be visiting Mick's Mums today and if she has on old phone book then should be able to fill in more gaps. Here are some blanks - Paul Romane (harp player - lived in forest gate, had a pink cadillac if memory serves me right and a recording studio in his house)
Deptford Andy - rotund erstwhile drummer, but better known as roadie of legendary proportions friend of deptford andy another roadie too.
Our sax player Mike Harris I think.
Lou, Giovanni Dadomo's cousin who produced some of our demos.
Any help gratefully received. No funeral date yet, but will post here when known.
thanks,
Tom
You may have caught my earlier post that Mick sadly died recently. If so apologies for duplicity.
I'm trying to contact friends and people who knew him, or of him and asking them just to pass the word around.
For the record (and i know it's a common name too) this Mick started off in Wasted Youth (original london version- not to be confused with dodgy american heavy metal version).
The Bridge House forum are on the case with the east end connections, so big thanks to Terry Murphy and Lee for their input. After that he was in a band called October Revolution who played around the early to mid-80's. Then a few splinter projects here and there leading to The Famous Monsters with Giovanni Dadomo (RIP) me and a few others who already know. I can pick most of it up from there but am trying to get hold a few ex-Monsters who I don't have contacts for.
I will be visiting Mick's Mums today and if she has on old phone book then should be able to fill in more gaps. Here are some blanks - Paul Romane (harp player - lived in forest gate, had a pink cadillac if memory serves me right and a recording studio in his house)
Deptford Andy - rotund erstwhile drummer, but better known as roadie of legendary proportions friend of deptford andy another roadie too.
Our sax player Mike Harris I think.
Lou, Giovanni Dadomo's cousin who produced some of our demos.
Any help gratefully received. No funeral date yet, but will post here when known.
thanks,
Tom
Here's some cool stuff for you crazy kooks around the world....
THIS MONDAY, OCTOBER 13th
NEW YORK CITY, GET READY AND GET YOUR CUES OUT, DANCING SHOES ON AND POLICE RECORDS HIDDEN.....
DOUBLE DOWN SALOON
KILLER POOL! Watch some of the meanest pool playing guys n' gals bring the house down. Sign up 11:30pm, games begin at midnight.... mohahahaha.
Emma Vikingskull will be there 10pm - 4am spinning the greatest killer records you can imagine! Since the games are so and so legal... expect criminal tunes from heavy duty whackos! Bad News Becca behind the bar and as usual mechanic horse, pinball, run down bathrooms and free condoms will be present for whoever likes that kind of stuff. ALSO! 4 dollar Coney Island pints!!!! WHATTA DEAL!!! Ave A, btwn 2nd & Houston.
DENIMZINE # 18
It's out all over Sweden. Git it!!!! Killer 6 page lowdown on Norton Records feat. full on interview with Norton bosses Billy & Miriam, great pictures now & then AND some cool comments from some of Sweden's coolest rock'n'rollers.... ALSO: Great NY travel guide and cool blurbs on great NY bands like Stalkers and Ex-Humans.
KIM FOWLEY ON SATELLITE RADIO
Apparently iconic freak Kim Fowley is playing some groovy stuff Saturday, Oct 12th. It's come to my attention that he'll be blasting off some cool intros and rockers off new Norton Records release Mad Mike Monsters... 3 volumes out on CD and LP. The show will be archived, but it goes of on satellite sirus radio noon-4pm E.T:
ALSO! ROCKIN' REMINDER.....
THE JADEWALKERS EP, produced by Ivan Julian (of Voidoids fame) is still available.
THIS MONDAY, OCTOBER 13th
NEW YORK CITY, GET READY AND GET YOUR CUES OUT, DANCING SHOES ON AND POLICE RECORDS HIDDEN.....
DOUBLE DOWN SALOON
KILLER POOL! Watch some of the meanest pool playing guys n' gals bring the house down. Sign up 11:30pm, games begin at midnight.... mohahahaha.
Emma Vikingskull will be there 10pm - 4am spinning the greatest killer records you can imagine! Since the games are so and so legal... expect criminal tunes from heavy duty whackos! Bad News Becca behind the bar and as usual mechanic horse, pinball, run down bathrooms and free condoms will be present for whoever likes that kind of stuff. ALSO! 4 dollar Coney Island pints!!!! WHATTA DEAL!!! Ave A, btwn 2nd & Houston.
DENIMZINE # 18
It's out all over Sweden. Git it!!!! Killer 6 page lowdown on Norton Records feat. full on interview with Norton bosses Billy & Miriam, great pictures now & then AND some cool comments from some of Sweden's coolest rock'n'rollers.... ALSO: Great NY travel guide and cool blurbs on great NY bands like Stalkers and Ex-Humans.
KIM FOWLEY ON SATELLITE RADIO
Apparently iconic freak Kim Fowley is playing some groovy stuff Saturday, Oct 12th. It's come to my attention that he'll be blasting off some cool intros and rockers off new Norton Records release Mad Mike Monsters... 3 volumes out on CD and LP. The show will be archived, but it goes of on satellite sirus radio noon-4pm E.T:
ALSO! ROCKIN' REMINDER.....
THE JADEWALKERS EP, produced by Ivan Julian (of Voidoids fame) is still available.
Get it! We're running out!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Hey you, yeah you, with one of those iPod things or whatever.
You need good tunes to put on there right?
Well stick the new single by Matt and Kim in your digital pipe and smoke it.
Entitled "Daylight", you can score it here.
You need good tunes to put on there right?
Well stick the new single by Matt and Kim in your digital pipe and smoke it.
Entitled "Daylight", you can score it here.
I know. I should have been cramming album reviews. However, watching the first three episodes of the final season of The Wire before I have to send them back had to be done. There's a lot to take in. Things are ramping up but you won't be getting any spoilers here. Mind you, I don't like the way McNulty is treating Beady but oh yeah, it's just a TV show...
I need to keep telling myself that. See you at "That Sinking Feeling" I hope.
I need to keep telling myself that. See you at "That Sinking Feeling" I hope.
Entering the Swedish album charts on the same week as HS, that Fatboy twang has obviously hit the spot there. Imagine The Mavericks as realised by David Lynch and Angelo Badalamenti. There's an inherent glamour and old-fashioned showbiz, not to mention jazz chops in this 'billy. Chris Isaak is another name that's brought up in conjunction with this Stockholm monster. It's all valid. This is the sound of a big band playing in a lush ballroom in front of the deepest blood red velvet backdrop. Trad by nature but sounding not a jot backdated, these are entertainers with a "fuck you" attitude to their chosen forte. They're doing what feels right and if the requisite goosebumps don't come a-knockin', then that's altogether your problem.If you miss the oeuvre of Roy Orbison then what these guys do is probably closer to that than we should expect in 2008. Thomas Paregis' voice is uncannily similar to that of the Big O and they've drafted a wealth of guest stars in too, including the Baskery girls.
There's a great, practically orchestral live feel to these recordings. Each of the 11 songs swing outwith the realms of pastiche. "Down At The Room" is undoubtedly the place to be and this music is evidently imprinted in the dna of each and every man in the group. "In Their Bones" might have been a better title but who's quibbling.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Here’s Brother Patrick’s angle on the brand spanking new Chris Wilson and his Shameless Pickups album, “Second Life”. The review was done in one take, no overdubs, so run with it OK?"Second Life" kicks off with the high energy, should be all over the radio (if there still was such a thing) “All The Action” followed by “Shake That Feeling”, the end of which sounds like it was recorded in a cathedral.
(A wee bit of the William Burroughs cut up going on with those titles there I think Patrick… LH)
“Sweet Deceit” establishes a kind of ”Harlem Nocturne” mood. It’s a beautiful mid tempo number with great sax parts like Mink DeVille circa “Return To Magenta”. An irresistible slice of soul. “Set Free” has an “all along the watchtower” intro and soon turns into something that sounds like the Barracudas at their very best.
“Never Love Again” is a re-recording of the poignant ballad from Chris’s 1993 LP with the Sneetches. “Blaze Away” is another anthem and that’s followed by a cool country tune called, “Rise”. The title cut is a very appropriate and hopeful title. I’d swear I hear real violins as it evokes a tragic mood like a cool Shangri-Las song.
“Under The Power Lines” takes us down a Memphis blues route and “Visions Of Johanna” is the only cover version. “While There’s Life” will slap your callow cheeks, make you weep and set you up for the next set of songs that are coming your way soon.
The stylish cover photo action by Ann'Arbor perfectly reflects the music which is a welcome antidote to those records that promise but never deliver. Chris and co have created some good vibes here (big kudos to Anthony who wrote many of these songs). It’s a real 'aftermath', as good and varied as “Exile On Main Street”.
No matter how many lives you’ve had, this could change your present course…
Book yourself a "Second Life" right here!
Friday, October 10, 2008
As doom, despondency and a couple of their mates line up to spice up our lives a bit, there's a reasonable degree of buoyancy here. And I'm not talking about that pop singer either. Our visitor figures are up a wee bit too. Can it really be a week since Sidecar? Apparently so.
Thought about walking into town but it's absolutely pissing down. It's Friday night and I need to take stock of what needs doing. Of course I'd rather still be in Spain. The Funtastic Dracula shindig will be in full swing and by all accounts, some surprises are in store.
Other than seeing "That Sinking Feeling" on Sunday, I'll be sticking close to the midden heid so all going to plan there'll be something to read appearing here from time to time.
Kick off as you mean to go on with the Prissteens clips posted on North Fork Sound on October 4th.
Thought about walking into town but it's absolutely pissing down. It's Friday night and I need to take stock of what needs doing. Of course I'd rather still be in Spain. The Funtastic Dracula shindig will be in full swing and by all accounts, some surprises are in store.
Other than seeing "That Sinking Feeling" on Sunday, I'll be sticking close to the midden heid so all going to plan there'll be something to read appearing here from time to time.
Kick off as you mean to go on with the Prissteens clips posted on North Fork Sound on October 4th.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The upcoming Hello Saferide shows in the US are as follows:
October 20th - House of Sweden, Washington (with Firefox AK)
October 22nd - The Bowery Electric, New York (with Firefox AK and Juvelen)
October 25th - The Bellhouse, Brooklyn, NY (with Blackstrap and the Seabellies)
Firefox AK remix of "Anna" here...
That's it for tonight, there are episodes of The Wire to be watched.
Mucho catching up to do over the weekend... it'll (hopefully) be here before we realise.
October 20th - House of Sweden, Washington (with Firefox AK)
October 22nd - The Bowery Electric, New York (with Firefox AK and Juvelen)
October 25th - The Bellhouse, Brooklyn, NY (with Blackstrap and the Seabellies)
Firefox AK remix of "Anna" here...
That's it for tonight, there are episodes of The Wire to be watched.
Mucho catching up to do over the weekend... it'll (hopefully) be here before we realise.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
RIP - Toto 'Knuckles' McNaughton
(info courtesy of Lenny Helsing: " I've just heard that the legendary Edinburgh drummer, Toto 'Knuckles' McNaughton of '60s R&Beatsters THE BOSTON DEXTERS... and later TOTO & THE JAZZ BOSTONS died the other day. He'll be cremated today at the town's Warriston Crematorium...just thought some NBT'ers may wanna know...)
RIP - Lloyd Thaxton (info courtesy of Larry Shell)
RIP - Mick Aktins (ex-Wasted Youth, Famous Monsters, etc.) (info courtesy of Tom Phobic)
That's it for tonight. Just about to start Season 5 of The Wire. I think there's enogh to be going on with though...
(info courtesy of Lenny Helsing: " I've just heard that the legendary Edinburgh drummer, Toto 'Knuckles' McNaughton of '60s R&Beatsters THE BOSTON DEXTERS... and later TOTO & THE JAZZ BOSTONS died the other day. He'll be cremated today at the town's Warriston Crematorium...just thought some NBT'ers may wanna know...)
RIP - Lloyd Thaxton (info courtesy of Larry Shell)
RIP - Mick Aktins (ex-Wasted Youth, Famous Monsters, etc.) (info courtesy of Tom Phobic)
That's it for tonight. Just about to start Season 5 of The Wire. I think there's enogh to be going on with though...
So let’s see, where were we? Oh yeah, Barcelona… intensive S&LQ rehearsals meant that the next time we’d see J & S would be at Sidecar. I was keen to see this place because Ben Vaughn played there just a couple of weeks ago. Anyway, I know that a lot of you are interested in this bikini eating action so we have to rewind to being at the beach on Thursday (2nd). I didn’t know that you could actually walk to the sea from the city and it was a whopping 27 degrees down there at one point. So the natural thing to do is get into the shade in a café and soak up the ambience.
I’d seen “bikini” on the menu in various places but never put two and two together to make the requisite four until that point so I ordered one. Thinking it was like one of those terrible places where you get to choose a live lobster or fish or something (I don’t do seafood), I’d seen one or two passing that I definitely liked. But did I get to choose, did I heck as like. No chums, and here’s where the big dissy comes in, a “bikini” is a toasted cheese sandwich, cut diagonally to make it beachwear shaped. And this one was pretty teeny weeny, I can tell you.Friday was a bit touristy, forsaking another rattle around the record stores for a trip up to the castle on foot and by cablecar and then down over the dock area from there, back to the beach. And then “home” to pick up the gear for my first dj set in many, many moons. I have to say that I was more than a little nervous and that could have translated into cackhandedness but it didn’t. So this was the weekend that Suzy & Los Quattro would play their 100th and 101st shows consecutively. They had Tim Cross come out from Blighty too in order that they could properly celebrate the release of “Stick With It”, resplendent with keyboards.
They put a lot of work into making these events somewhat special and it was an honour and three-quattros to be included. I am spiritually indebted to these kids for re-introducing me to the concept that rock (‘n’roll) is not dead, certainly not in their country. I keep reading that Barcelona wasn’t a r’n’r town but if anybody thinks that then they need to hit up a few of the bigger cities here. Then you’d know what the stench of undernourished music really niffs like. We pontificated amongst ourselves with regard to what might be responsible. Most likely that the “freedom” aspect is relatively new having only come in 1980. It’s a rocket up the arse to a jaded old twonk like me that it doesn’t actually have to be like it is here. At this point I’m thinking, I want to live 6 months here and 6 months in Stockholm.
After November, Europeans could well not be welcome in the USA anyway, depending on what goes down with the extended season finale of The West Wing and the arse that could be potentially made with regard to the “rescue package”. Anyway, back to the positive (at this point you’re checking who wrote this, right?) So the beers were going down a treat, as were the jagermeister shots. I don’t normally indulge in this kind of business but when in Barcelona and all that. It reminded me of being in NY during the 80’s and hitting the bars with the Elektra posse. So perhaps that calmed the nerves a bit.
Opening act, The MovieMakers were playing their first ever show with this line up. I imagine they were nervous too and I was wishing that they’d opened for The Dictators two nights before. Actually the Quattros should have had that spot when all is said and done. They would have complemented one another perfectly. The act that did do it played too long and was fundamentally awful. The MovieMakers played it short and sharp. Reminding me of a lot of things but not actually sounding like any of them. They left the people wanting more, how often does that happen? Let’s watch them go.
I should add at this point that joining us was Mr Clive Gilling from The Surfin' Lungs. No stranger to this fine Catalonian city. His is another group that enjoys an affinity with Spanish audiences, and Italy also - where they're bound next month.
Time for Suzy and Co. and this was my first taste of the new line up. Joey Q reminds me of the late, great James Darroch of The Eastern Dark both visually and stylewise. He doesn’t dress like a beach bum though, certainly not at showtime. Yuri Quattro is as clean and precise a drummer as you’ll find this side of Clem Burke. He propels the material in conjunction with musical director BB Quattro at a finite velocity. The lady herself frugs, shimmies and sticks out her tongue not necessarily in that order. She also belts out all these great tunes the band has in their armoury. I couldn’t really hear the keyboards other than at a couple of points near the stage. As it turns out they couldn’t hear anything onstage so for it to sound as good as it did out on the floor was a karmic result.
The distinction between djing and playing records and that of writing and being a journalist is a broad church. I've been in places where alleged djs are essentially deaf and unable to cue anything. I've also been in places where people are curating the music in the way that Andy Dunkley did.Neither of these should be confused with the principle of clearing a room. One of the coolest things I ever heard or witnessed was when Mr U played Peter Brotzman's Machine Gun at shredding volume, driving the inhbitants out of the immediate area. If that's the intention then good, but don't you go to places where the music sucks and wonder what the fuck is going on?
The people who took over from me in both cities had a real flair for tempo. I couldn't mix anything to save my life but I can set up a string of knockout songs or whatever you want to call them. I had Adiam dymott running into Matt and Kim into Screeching Weasel into The Nomads into The Dictators. And people danced! Some folks asked for stuff I didn't have and wouldn't have. One guy asked for Midnight Oil. I did wish that I had Cheap Trick's "Surrender" and Tracy Ullman's "Breakaway" though and that there is the learning curve.
I guess we stayed maybe a half hour or so after the Sidecar set. A lot of nice people came up and said "hi" and asked what stuff was and just generally made me feel very welcome. It felt like some kind of triumph but most importantly, it was seriously great fun.
It was “too late” (now that’s a familiar song title – let’s have a wee think…?) for any Barbara Ann action because Madrid beckoned the next morning. Jeroen and Stefan were going to their respective countries that evening but the hardcore got in the van. It was a great experience to be taken across country like this, seeing areas that looked like the north of Scotland and also those that bore a resemblance to the moon. Stopping off at a cool roadhouse called Restaurante San Cristobal for some sustenance in the form of chorizo, egg and chips. Lovely jubbly, as they say in the England.
We made it to the Madrid city limits and the Stone Temple Pilots cd was jettisoned in preference to a kids show that prompted much Quattro participation. I wish I had an audio of that because it was priceless. In addition, The new YumYums album (more of which another day) seemed like much better mood music. Chewing bubblegum and kicking ass is a worthy sentiment, irrespective of order.
Madrid was pretty much as I remembered it. The busiest, most full-on place I’ve ever visited. We made it to the Wurlitzer Ballroom, loaded in and the kids set up while Clive and I set out for the billet. A quick freshen up and I was back on the streets heading for the gig. Just as I got there, a very cool-looking girl asked me if this was The Wurlitzer. I was able to confirm that it was indeed and we made our way inside. The band was finishing soundcheck. It felt way better than the previous night even without bodies. Loud but clear and The Q’s seemed happy. Some people had made a long journey to meet up with Tim and at the end of the s/c he played a wee bit “Mike Oldfield” for them. It was odd but possibly related to the way J, S and I felt when The Dictators were ripping down the Minnesota Strip back in Barcelona.
The bar closed for an hour and that gave me a chance to meet up with Simon Birrell who has been living out there for a while now. If you didn’t check out his short film “His Last Request” then you need to do so. It’s a beautiful looking piece in sumptious monochrome. Supped a quick Guinness and went back for showtime. I was introduced to my workspace and got to laying down the vibe for my gracious hosts. It’s all a little humbling to be honest. To be given this kind of opportunity to play good music to cool people. Every kind of people too, not just a single demographic.
The Quattros knocked us out. They could obviously hear what was going on and were all the happier for it. You’d hardly think they’d spent all day travelling when they exploded onstage. There are so many potential avenues that they could take and I think that the upcoming visit to Japan will give the folks there something to believe in, some good old, well-dressed, pop-drenched glamour to keep reality at bay. I even managed to try out a few of my unique (read: bad) dance moves with the lady that I came in with earlier. There might be a handful of places in the UK that could even come close. The Dirty Water, some places in Brighton, club nights by certain parties in Glasgow or wherever but not with this electricity.
I always err on the worried side but played music for nearly 4 hours, maybe more. I was running out of sonic gas by the end but it seemed to go over pretty well. I’d switched to water by that time because the “Mahou” (cheers Simon) was going down just a little too smoothly. And there was travelling to be done the next day. Young people here would never take their grandparents to the rock club, I think I’d like to retire there. Tim and Clive got in a taxi and headed for the airport and we headed back to the hostal. There were Chinese people selling beers and mars bars and other stuff. But their main trade was in unlicensed hot food. I couldn’t get my head around it. A very shifty enterprise. I asked Jonathan if there was a name (possibly derogatory) for this practice and he told me they call them “The Chinese”. Now that’s what I call funny.
So that’s about it, I was dropped at the airport as the band made their way back to Barcelona. It was pretty much downhill from there. Flight delays on the way back seem to be a regular malaise and by the time I got back to Edinburgh, the temperature had plummeted. It was too late to do anything other than pick up a haggis supper…I had a ball and would like to thank all concerned. Unfortunately I never caught up with my Munster friends in Madrid but one postscript to all this is that I didn’t catch the name of that delectable young lady that was at the gig. Via the wonders of Quattro-Communications International and the good offices of its president, Colonel Vidal – she has been identified as Ms Eli Ramos, a real sweetheart. Dig these S&LQ photos that she took last Saturday night and check out her myspace.
That’s about your lot, I guess there’s stuff that hasn’t percolated back to the surface so if it does and it seems relevant then who knows… I just wish I were still there. Who wouldn’t?
Eternal gracias to Jonathan and Suzy for making this happen.
Also to Joey and Yuri Q.
S&LQ photos courtesy of Ms Eli Ramos
Andy, Scott, Richard, Ross and JP – you rule!
Sylvia Sans – nice to meet you – all too brief.
Simon – thanks for taking time out to come on down.
Clive and Tim – good to hang with you guys.
Santi and the guys at The Wurlitzer Ballroom
Nacho Ruiz @ Sidecar
Dos Amigos – Vedder Conrad Associates
Barbara Ann – A local to die for in the magnitude of Manitoba’s or The Lakeside Lounge
And everyone else for making an old guy so welcome… Goodnight Espana, I hope to be seeing you again…
Andy, Scott, Richard, Ross and JP – you rule!
Sylvia Sans – nice to meet you – all too brief.
Simon – thanks for taking time out to come on down.
Clive and Tim – good to hang with you guys.
Santi and the guys at The Wurlitzer Ballroom
Nacho Ruiz @ Sidecar
Dos Amigos – Vedder Conrad Associates
Barbara Ann – A local to die for in the magnitude of Manitoba’s or The Lakeside Lounge
And everyone else for making an old guy so welcome… Goodnight Espana, I hope to be seeing you again…
Hey folks, not seen often these days, That Sinking Feeling is perhaps the only real Scottish heist movie. I can't think of another. It also contains a suggestion that a certain east coast town may be a holday destination.So if you can, cut along and see a real classic on the big screen this coming Sunday in Glasgow. Chosen by the one and only Dep Downie and in addition a man has come in all the way fro Carracas for the screening... or has he?
MONORAIL FILM CLUB -
SUNDAY 12th OCTOBER
Hello!
We'd like to bring your attention to a very special Monorail Film Club presentation this Sunday.
Bill Forsyth's iconic first feature film, set in a fictitious town called Glasgow, lays down a winning, slightly awkward style which paved the way, only one year later for the much better known Gregory's Girl. That Sinking Feeling, which has a very similar cast to Gregory's Girl, is perhaps slightly clunkier, but is still a brilliant document of a late 70s / early 80s Glasgow which already looks very different to the city we now know. But it's still raining and the character types are familiar enough - Ronnie (Robert Buchanan) and his pals are on the lookout for a brilliant scam to get rich quick, only to hit upon the idea of stealing 90 stainless steel sinks. It sounds slightly unplotted and gauche, and really it is, but somehow it totters forward with brilliant performances and excellent dialogue, into something completely life-affirming and magical.
That Sinking Feeling was selected by Dep Downie from Monorail Music and will be followed by a conversation between actor, Robert Buchanan and Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian.
Sunday 12 October 2008, 8.15pm.
We recommend booking tickets in advance. GFT, Rose Street, Glasgow. 0141 332 8128.
Hope to see you there.
x
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
While Lindsay is busy tryin' to come up with some explanation in regards to his bikini eating habbits, I figured I'd pass on a couple of amusin' things that were forwarded to me in the past few days.
First off is the picture below, taken by my pal Jos at the local "rock café", displayin' the effects those R2D2 type DJs have on common knowledge...
For some serious weirdness tho', there's always Tony Slug's Youtube suggestions: Here's some Mexican Metal for ya, and, I kid thee not, Christian Ska...
First off is the picture below, taken by my pal Jos at the local "rock café", displayin' the effects those R2D2 type DJs have on common knowledge...
For some serious weirdness tho', there's always Tony Slug's Youtube suggestions: Here's some Mexican Metal for ya, and, I kid thee not, Christian Ska...
I’ve done more than 2500 rock’n’roll miles since last Monday and feel a wee bitty worse for wear but all for a great cause. It was supreme and obviously nothing good ever lasts but it does have a way of searing into your soul. As send offs go, it can’t get much better than seeing Ronnie Spector. While there were points that her voice was undeniably flat there were others where it rang out pretty much like you dreamed it would. The band provides a safety net of being able to recreate the mood and sometimes even the sound. This isn’t easy in a place like The Arches where I’ve seldom heard the room sound much better.
The great and good and even the singer from Glasvegas were all there. This had been the best turnout of the very short tour and Glasgow is a spiritual home of this sound. The fact that she had Daniel Rey on guitar twinned the generations of the Ramones and her Philles compadres. It never descended into cabaret hell either. There aren’t too many icons of this status around so lets just consider that when mumping and moaning. For my money, it was as good as the Brian Wilson show I saw on his first comeback tour. Tricia Scotti is involved with The Losers Lounge group/events, Jeremy Chatzky is of wir ain lass Laura Cantrell alumnus and was also playing in Springsteen's Seeger sessions crew while Louie Appel has played with Amy Rigby, Southside Johnnny and Tom Verlaine. Wendy Ip and Danny Obadia completed this mini orchestra and although I'm not familiar with the individual careers of those folks, they made the whole thing shimmer.
So then to Spain, smooth trip out all the way to Plaça de Sants. When I got to the bus station in Barcelona, a guy asked me for instructions and it turned out he lives about 5 miles from me. My directions from my tour manager, Colonel Vidal were better than spot on. Quiet start, Suzy, Jonathan and Donna came to meet us for an aperitif or two. Lovely kids, on a punk rock mission to save the world.
Next morning, prior to Senor Vedder’s arrival, Stefan and I headed for Plaza de las Glorias some distance from our HQ. It was like a larger, expansive version of The Barra’s in Glasgow. When Jeroen arrived it was time to head into town for some record stores and ultimately to arrive at The Dictators soundcheck to make sure all was ship shape and Bristol fashion. It certainly was and what a total pleasure it was to see these guys.
Now, I’ve written about the band many times. Most everyone knows it’s why I’m here. Now with the wonders of YouTube you can see what I’ve been known to froth at the mouth about. This is the real deal and you can prattle on with your Stooges and whatever but THIS is one of the greatest bands that ever was, is or ever shall be. And this was the first show they’d done in a long time. An unsurpassed set list and the chops to take it all to another level is a rare commodity but it really doesn’t get any better.
As HDM said all those years ago, “I don’t care who you bring on daddy”. They’re most likely going to go under the thunder wondering just what hit ‘em. Add to that the passion and fervour of a Spanish audience and you’ve got something truly life-affirming. The band's status will continue to grow through all eternity. In the unlikely event that you’re new to all this malarkey then just look at the clips. If you don’t like ‘em, them please move along. Sharpish.
I asked Andy if they’ll do it again and he’s not sure. We can only hope that they will. Gasoline shortages and all out meltdown on a global scale be damned. Andy, JP, Richard (HD), Ross and Scott, we salute you. And gracias also Pepe for making it happen.
So we were flying pretty high from there and arranged to go to Barbara Ann. This is a small but perfectly formed haunt that is a mandatory visit if you find yourself in Barcelona. Great music, top people and pictures of Girl Trouble and The Shame Idols on the walls to mention but two – how can it fail? All of a sudden it’s 2.30am and the place is closing. I paraphrase the late Joey Ramone here when I say, “What we’re leaving already?”
So Thursday was relatively quiet. Jeroen and I walked the length and breadth of the city for something like 9 hours. Record stores, the beach and some pitstops for fuel. It has to be said that I’m not big on tapas so for my next jaunt I’m going to investigate the cuisine a bit further. It’s not ideal for near-veggies that aren’t keen on rabbit food. On the way back to the digs, we chanced upon the BA again but it wasn’t opening until 11pm. Being somewhat puggled, it was best not to return but I wanted to. Make no mistake about that.
Coming soon, Part Two… I just have to check some facts and spelling. Highlights include two shows by S&LQ and a scorchio few hours in Madrid. There’s a bit about eating a bikini also, so stay tuned...
Dictators @ Apolo 2 1/10/09 photo by Jeroen Vedder
The great and good and even the singer from Glasvegas were all there. This had been the best turnout of the very short tour and Glasgow is a spiritual home of this sound. The fact that she had Daniel Rey on guitar twinned the generations of the Ramones and her Philles compadres. It never descended into cabaret hell either. There aren’t too many icons of this status around so lets just consider that when mumping and moaning. For my money, it was as good as the Brian Wilson show I saw on his first comeback tour. Tricia Scotti is involved with The Losers Lounge group/events, Jeremy Chatzky is of wir ain lass Laura Cantrell alumnus and was also playing in Springsteen's Seeger sessions crew while Louie Appel has played with Amy Rigby, Southside Johnnny and Tom Verlaine. Wendy Ip and Danny Obadia completed this mini orchestra and although I'm not familiar with the individual careers of those folks, they made the whole thing shimmer.
So then to Spain, smooth trip out all the way to Plaça de Sants. When I got to the bus station in Barcelona, a guy asked me for instructions and it turned out he lives about 5 miles from me. My directions from my tour manager, Colonel Vidal were better than spot on. Quiet start, Suzy, Jonathan and Donna came to meet us for an aperitif or two. Lovely kids, on a punk rock mission to save the world.
Next morning, prior to Senor Vedder’s arrival, Stefan and I headed for Plaza de las Glorias some distance from our HQ. It was like a larger, expansive version of The Barra’s in Glasgow. When Jeroen arrived it was time to head into town for some record stores and ultimately to arrive at The Dictators soundcheck to make sure all was ship shape and Bristol fashion. It certainly was and what a total pleasure it was to see these guys.
Now, I’ve written about the band many times. Most everyone knows it’s why I’m here. Now with the wonders of YouTube you can see what I’ve been known to froth at the mouth about. This is the real deal and you can prattle on with your Stooges and whatever but THIS is one of the greatest bands that ever was, is or ever shall be. And this was the first show they’d done in a long time. An unsurpassed set list and the chops to take it all to another level is a rare commodity but it really doesn’t get any better.As HDM said all those years ago, “I don’t care who you bring on daddy”. They’re most likely going to go under the thunder wondering just what hit ‘em. Add to that the passion and fervour of a Spanish audience and you’ve got something truly life-affirming. The band's status will continue to grow through all eternity. In the unlikely event that you’re new to all this malarkey then just look at the clips. If you don’t like ‘em, them please move along. Sharpish.
I asked Andy if they’ll do it again and he’s not sure. We can only hope that they will. Gasoline shortages and all out meltdown on a global scale be damned. Andy, JP, Richard (HD), Ross and Scott, we salute you. And gracias also Pepe for making it happen.
So we were flying pretty high from there and arranged to go to Barbara Ann. This is a small but perfectly formed haunt that is a mandatory visit if you find yourself in Barcelona. Great music, top people and pictures of Girl Trouble and The Shame Idols on the walls to mention but two – how can it fail? All of a sudden it’s 2.30am and the place is closing. I paraphrase the late Joey Ramone here when I say, “What we’re leaving already?”So Thursday was relatively quiet. Jeroen and I walked the length and breadth of the city for something like 9 hours. Record stores, the beach and some pitstops for fuel. It has to be said that I’m not big on tapas so for my next jaunt I’m going to investigate the cuisine a bit further. It’s not ideal for near-veggies that aren’t keen on rabbit food. On the way back to the digs, we chanced upon the BA again but it wasn’t opening until 11pm. Being somewhat puggled, it was best not to return but I wanted to. Make no mistake about that.
Coming soon, Part Two… I just have to check some facts and spelling. Highlights include two shows by S&LQ and a scorchio few hours in Madrid. There’s a bit about eating a bikini also, so stay tuned...
Dictators @ Apolo 2 1/10/09 photo by Jeroen Vedder
Monday, October 06, 2008
Some bits and pieces before I get to my Spanish report. Still feeling a little knaquero'd (obviously not a proper expression but rather a Scots/Spanish hybrid) but kind of getting there. I was sounding a bit like Barry White this morning having been exposed to more cigarette smoke than I've been used to in recent living memory. Used to be that people could smoke in the office or anywhere. Even on planes. And not all that long ago. Maybe 20 years-ish?Anyways, bit late with the Susquehanna info this week so here tis...
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10th / THE SPIEGELTENT at SOUTH STREET SEAPORT / It's "The SIT & Die Co. Medicine Show" -- with a cavalcade of stars! / WRECKLESS ERIC & AMY RIGBY -- The punk icon and the Mod Housewife, together! / JACK GRACE BAND -- The Martini Cowboy, himself! / ERIN & HER CELLO -- Has been known to perform in roller skates! / and CARLA RHODES & CECIL -- The ventriloquist with more moxie! / All in a three-hour spectacular variety show!
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10th / THE SPIEGELTENT at SOUTH STREET SEAPORT / It's "The SIT & Die Co. Medicine Show" -- with a cavalcade of stars! / WRECKLESS ERIC & AMY RIGBY -- The punk icon and the Mod Housewife, together! / JACK GRACE BAND -- The Martini Cowboy, himself! / ERIN & HER CELLO -- Has been known to perform in roller skates! / and CARLA RHODES & CECIL -- The ventriloquist with more moxie! / All in a three-hour spectacular variety show!
I also discovered this today... RIP - Nick Reynolds (Kingston Trio)
Of course, I'd rather BE in Spain than have to write about it but I was pretty much blessed these past few days so let's hear it for perspective.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
It's true, I was but now I've turned into a pumpkin again but it's October so at least the format is seasonal. Now I have to process the past few fantastic days in a country that quite frankly shows every other the road in terms of the essence of rock'n'roll. I'm a little frazzled and there's a 6am start looming but I can still feel the excitement, nearly 18 hours later. Blimey.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
It's The Hellacopters final UK show tomorrow at the LA2, down yonder in 'The London'. By the end of October, it'll all be over. All good things I guess... while the bad and worse just trundles on and on and then hobbles forward some more.
The Hellacopters-Darling Darling
The Hellacopters-Darling Darling
Mr Macdonald hepped me to this earlier in the week and I totally forgot to post it...
Eric's in Liverpool from The Guardian.
The first phase of my shed antics is complete and I'm reeking of creosote. So far, so - er...
Eric's in Liverpool from The Guardian.
The first phase of my shed antics is complete and I'm reeking of creosote. So far, so - er...
I'm just about to attend to some long overdue, and probably pointless garden shed maintenance. It could be messy too. Managed to summon the wherewithal to go to a local "retail park". Later than I'd have liked but one store wasn't going to be open until 11am.
So anyway, I made it there and back but the scumhordes were already out in considerable force. My ability to tholl such activity is running on empty plus. It doesn't help that when you go into these large warehouse-size stores, your mind is sucked out and your soul, if you're still in ownership, heads for the hills. I have no idea how to operate in such places and no real desire to learn. However, there are no small places left. They've gone out of business or given up. I was definitely NOT made for these times.
If you're in the Glasgow locale, I hope you'll be heading to see Ronnie Spector at The Arches tomorrow (Monday 29th). The band includes Jeremy Chatzky and Daniel Rey.
So anyway, I made it there and back but the scumhordes were already out in considerable force. My ability to tholl such activity is running on empty plus. It doesn't help that when you go into these large warehouse-size stores, your mind is sucked out and your soul, if you're still in ownership, heads for the hills. I have no idea how to operate in such places and no real desire to learn. However, there are no small places left. They've gone out of business or given up. I was definitely NOT made for these times.
If you're in the Glasgow locale, I hope you'll be heading to see Ronnie Spector at The Arches tomorrow (Monday 29th). The band includes Jeremy Chatzky and Daniel Rey.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Listening to WFMU here and Miriam is on Rex's Fools Paradise where they're doing a programme on the upcoming Norton Mad Mike comps. All of this stuff is further out and more contemporary than most any of the stuff that's "new". And what's with the "brickie look"? I've no beef with that particular skillset but hopefully the building trade will bounce back soon and they'll stop infiltrating the entertainment business. I don't think that Elbow are awful (I'm half inclined to make a snidey derriere quip here) but c'mon, at least Gomez was a reasonable name. Presumably named after Mr Addams...
I'm at that stage again where I can't really be arsed with 90% of the stuff I've amassed over the years. I could get shot of it and just tune into a handful of internet radio stations. You can exist completely outside of any mainstream notion in a world where you never need to hear Foals, did I miss a "the"? Who knows or cares. Of course, I do have the urge to hear alleged new phenomenon and am almost always left wondering where I should send the cotton buds. It comes with the territory. Maybe there's a course I could go on that would teach me not to give a fuck. Anyway, this Mad Mike Monsters stuff is just amazing and it will restore your faith in the artform known as music.
It's the countdown to The Dictators Spanish schlep for just 4 shows. Are you going? This here webathon will be represented at the opening salvo in Barcelona. All those who wish Sergeant Pepper never taught them limey bozos to "play", raise dem hands.
I'm at that stage again where I can't really be arsed with 90% of the stuff I've amassed over the years. I could get shot of it and just tune into a handful of internet radio stations. You can exist completely outside of any mainstream notion in a world where you never need to hear Foals, did I miss a "the"? Who knows or cares. Of course, I do have the urge to hear alleged new phenomenon and am almost always left wondering where I should send the cotton buds. It comes with the territory. Maybe there's a course I could go on that would teach me not to give a fuck. Anyway, this Mad Mike Monsters stuff is just amazing and it will restore your faith in the artform known as music.
It's the countdown to The Dictators Spanish schlep for just 4 shows. Are you going? This here webathon will be represented at the opening salvo in Barcelona. All those who wish Sergeant Pepper never taught them limey bozos to "play", raise dem hands.
Something else I missed, heard about it a few minutes ago listening to Michael Shelley on WFMU via Phast Phreddie...
RIP - Nappy Brown
RIP - Nappy Brown
So far so good today but I'm not taking any chances.
Have you heard that Jack White/Alicia Keys Bond theme/track whatever they call these things in this day and age? Woah, stinker alert! Still haven't been to see how The Scientists figure into that recent Guy Richie flick. It's all a matter of priorities...
There are chores to be done though. More later perhaps.
Have you heard that Jack White/Alicia Keys Bond theme/track whatever they call these things in this day and age? Woah, stinker alert! Still haven't been to see how The Scientists figure into that recent Guy Richie flick. It's all a matter of priorities...
There are chores to be done though. More later perhaps.
Friday, September 26, 2008
It's Friday and there's a lot to do before I slip off the radar next week so this will be short and sweet. Just discovered the following via a message that JD King sent to E-Mole.
A long flippin' road for a short cut but that's how it plays out sometime.
The great Jim Marshall's doin' something called the HOUND BLOG.
A long flippin' road for a short cut but that's how it plays out sometime.
The great Jim Marshall's doin' something called the HOUND BLOG.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
As they say, good things come in "threes". Um...death, too. But Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. offers up something for most everyone with three scintillating shows -- Otto's, Southpaw and WKCR! THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD TIKI BAR & LOUNGE / Our monthly residency! /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / Two B-I-G shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / No cover! /
From behind the velveteen curtain...
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th / SOUTHPAW / With THE WRECKLESS ERIC & AMY RIGBY SHOW! / 125 Fifth Avenue (at St. Johns Place) in Park Slope, Brooklyn / One SIT & Die Co. set at 9pm / Tickets a mere $10 And, for the crystal set...
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th / WKCR 89.9 FM NY / "THE MOONSHINE SHOW" / With your host Matt Winters / 10am until noon / Live on air performance by SIT & Die Co.!
Yours in triplicate, Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. "Ballads, Boogies & Blues"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Had a couple or three messages about where the Hello Saferide album review is. Anticipating some more being that it's out tomorrow, just click here and you'll be taken right to it. Whisked back in time to September 4th.
But don't read about it, hear it. This download malarky is pretty cheap if you're in that market. And by the way, the signed copies are all gone but stand by for word on the vinyl. When I find out what's happening with the 7".
The new Fatboy record is also out tomorrow. More about that in due course. I'm still in full transfusion mode.
But don't read about it, hear it. This download malarky is pretty cheap if you're in that market. And by the way, the signed copies are all gone but stand by for word on the vinyl. When I find out what's happening with the 7".
The new Fatboy record is also out tomorrow. More about that in due course. I'm still in full transfusion mode.
The situation with e-mail just keeps getting worse. There's been a problem with blueyonder all day today. I've no idea if, where, how or sodding why and am pretty much up to here (makes gesture way above napper) with it all. It's all pretty exasperating. particularly when I'm trying to sort stuff out.
Ah, but these things are sent to try us goes the reasoned angle on such insignificant piffle. I'm trying to dig that as I tear what little hair I've got left the fuck out.
It's not rational to get mad and it's not possible to get even. So I'm left in a limbo of sorts which is kind of making me wonder "why even bother". 'ceptin' that I inevitably will...
So now I have to go back stuff up and time consuming twaddle like that. Try to take a little of the load off this steam-powered, as far as one can possibly be from state of the art pc that I tap away at. This may take a while...
Ah, but these things are sent to try us goes the reasoned angle on such insignificant piffle. I'm trying to dig that as I tear what little hair I've got left the fuck out.
It's not rational to get mad and it's not possible to get even. So I'm left in a limbo of sorts which is kind of making me wonder "why even bother". 'ceptin' that I inevitably will...
So now I have to go back stuff up and time consuming twaddle like that. Try to take a little of the load off this steam-powered, as far as one can possibly be from state of the art pc that I tap away at. This may take a while...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tired of the Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin twaddle? Vote Goulden/Rigby when they resume their US campaign tomorrow with an east coast leg.
Tonight is the launch party for "More Modern Short Stories from Hello Saferide". I'm there in spirit so forgive any apparent lapse on this end. It's album of the week on Tom Morton's show and I just heard a double header of The Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You Believe In Magic" into "Anna".
I've been involved in an exercise that has left my eyes fried and my head tired so my appearance here will be brief tonight. If I can motivate myself prior to heading out the door in the morning I'll convey anything important that comes up between now and yonder. I know it's old age so don't bother chiming in with that particular chestnut.
A wee blast of Suzy & Los Quattro and a mug of strong coffee is in order here methinks.
Tonight is the launch party for "More Modern Short Stories from Hello Saferide". I'm there in spirit so forgive any apparent lapse on this end. It's album of the week on Tom Morton's show and I just heard a double header of The Lovin' Spoonful's "Do You Believe In Magic" into "Anna".
I've been involved in an exercise that has left my eyes fried and my head tired so my appearance here will be brief tonight. If I can motivate myself prior to heading out the door in the morning I'll convey anything important that comes up between now and yonder. I know it's old age so don't bother chiming in with that particular chestnut.
A wee blast of Suzy & Los Quattro and a mug of strong coffee is in order here methinks.
Lost & found dept.: Ago old footage of the Ramones on Dutch TV (1 & 2) The same guy uploaded many more obscure vid's originating in the Netherlands: Trevor White, Joan Jett, Wreckless Eric, Young Marble Giants, Dr. Feelgood, Cylinders, Undertones, The Knack, Specials (I was there!) The Cure (I was there!), Nick Lowe, Blondie, and god knows what else. This guy has put up over 2000 vid's all taped from Dutch tv, more when I can find the time to check it all out...
UPDATE: The guy's account has been suspended...
UPDATE: The guy's account has been suspended...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Generally the prospect of the silly season in September is somewhat gut-churning but being that this little blighter is available from October 14th, then I'll bend the rules a little. I hope that Ben Vaughn will make the tune that was on his myspace last year. And that Hello Saferide will issue "Ipod Xmas" as a 7"... Anyway, eagle scout Ben Gart discovered that you can sample the Super Rock Crimbo here.I've discovered that there's an Attic Lights sampler with today's Scotland on Sunday. Usual deal, if you want one, let me know by 2pm-ish UK time and I'll sort it out. Cover price plus postage. Tomorrow's hits today...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Dig It! 44
Just watched The Roxy Music Story that aired last night on BBC 4. Excellent doc that brought many memories of the early years flooding back. Not sure what countries have access with regard to viewing over the net but it's well worth catching. The Whistle Test sequence of "In Every Dream Home, A Heartache" is to this day like something being beamed in from outer space.
This'll move those Saturday morning cobwebs (link courtesy of North Fork Sound blogspot)
Watch out for Scots tribute combo, Motörheid...
Watch out for Scots tribute combo, Motörheid...
Friday, September 19, 2008
You know what drives me up around the proverbial bend and beyond? People who can't do their supposed job. Then, in addition, there are institutions that purport to provide a service then don't. The customer or client is always right, right? Isn't that the cliche? Well not always and if someone tells me they'll do something or they'll call then I expect them to bloody follow through.
That's the trouble, the concept of following through seems to have gone by the wayside.
The David Simon thing at GFT was pretty great. They screened the second episode of the fifth season prior to the Q&A. It was Alan Taylor of the Sunday Herald that was guiding the conversation and he had a good beat on the tempo of the show. You can get an idea of how it all went with this Wirecast from The Word magazine website.
A woman next to me was a huge fan of the programme and decreed the event to be "massive". She had come to the theatre purely on chance and scored a ticket in the foyer. Jonathan Watson of the BBC's "Only An Excuse", that records his "Watson's Wind-up" show at this venue was at the other side of me. Strangely I didn't recognise anyone else there.
The only bummer about the whole thing is that they were selling pre-signed books after the session. He didn't hang about to meet the audience and that meant that the copies I had to get signed for gifts never got the necessary scribble. You win a few and indeed some things do not come to pass. Qué whassname.
Incidentally, on Sunday the GFT has a doors open day on Sunday 21st September (this weekend)... Special events: Meet the staff and find out how one of the UK’s most successful independent, specialist cinemas works. Its legendary predecessor, The Cosmo, opened in 1939 in this modernist European building (with clear Dutch influences) which still boasts much of its Art Deco interior
I did sort out the tickets for next week's Ronnie Spector visit after Mr Duff telling me she was a revelation at Ponderosa Stomp. It's at The Arches so I hope there isn't a groundswell of fuckers with mobile phones in the audience. I still have a bad, bad taste from the disrespectful tosspots that attended the Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham show there.
And talking about these devices of doom, they're nothing to do with the devil, I'm sure he or she hates them too. Have you seen the furore about Metallica's James Hetfield allegedly acting like a baby at the O2 arena show? All he was doing was reasonably asking these fucking idiots to switch the bastard things off for a while. Unfortunately these life support systems must now be on at all times. Entire generations are utterly controlled by these portals and their constant need to photograph, record and upload to Dufustube.
This weekend I will mostly be selecting tunes to play at my "Andy Dunkley" (if you click the link, scroll down to March 16th entry) stint in Spain that's coming up in a wee while.
And as a footnote, The Spice Dragons reunion trounced the comeback of Led Zep. Page must have had wind of that when he "did" the Olympic ceremony. Hold on to that integrity folks. It's the only one you've got. Use it or down the slippery slope to bathe with the other dunderheids.
Am I relieved that it’s Friday? "nor’alf "(apply Alan Freeman impression here).
That's the trouble, the concept of following through seems to have gone by the wayside.
The David Simon thing at GFT was pretty great. They screened the second episode of the fifth season prior to the Q&A. It was Alan Taylor of the Sunday Herald that was guiding the conversation and he had a good beat on the tempo of the show. You can get an idea of how it all went with this Wirecast from The Word magazine website.
A woman next to me was a huge fan of the programme and decreed the event to be "massive". She had come to the theatre purely on chance and scored a ticket in the foyer. Jonathan Watson of the BBC's "Only An Excuse", that records his "Watson's Wind-up" show at this venue was at the other side of me. Strangely I didn't recognise anyone else there.
The only bummer about the whole thing is that they were selling pre-signed books after the session. He didn't hang about to meet the audience and that meant that the copies I had to get signed for gifts never got the necessary scribble. You win a few and indeed some things do not come to pass. Qué whassname.
Incidentally, on Sunday the GFT has a doors open day on Sunday 21st September (this weekend)... Special events: Meet the staff and find out how one of the UK’s most successful independent, specialist cinemas works. Its legendary predecessor, The Cosmo, opened in 1939 in this modernist European building (with clear Dutch influences) which still boasts much of its Art Deco interior
I did sort out the tickets for next week's Ronnie Spector visit after Mr Duff telling me she was a revelation at Ponderosa Stomp. It's at The Arches so I hope there isn't a groundswell of fuckers with mobile phones in the audience. I still have a bad, bad taste from the disrespectful tosspots that attended the Dan Penn & Spooner Oldham show there.
And talking about these devices of doom, they're nothing to do with the devil, I'm sure he or she hates them too. Have you seen the furore about Metallica's James Hetfield allegedly acting like a baby at the O2 arena show? All he was doing was reasonably asking these fucking idiots to switch the bastard things off for a while. Unfortunately these life support systems must now be on at all times. Entire generations are utterly controlled by these portals and their constant need to photograph, record and upload to Dufustube.
This weekend I will mostly be selecting tunes to play at my "Andy Dunkley" (if you click the link, scroll down to March 16th entry) stint in Spain that's coming up in a wee while.
And as a footnote, The Spice Dragons reunion trounced the comeback of Led Zep. Page must have had wind of that when he "did" the Olympic ceremony. Hold on to that integrity folks. It's the only one you've got. Use it or down the slippery slope to bathe with the other dunderheids.
Am I relieved that it’s Friday? "nor’alf "(apply Alan Freeman impression here).
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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