So, what have I achieved tonight? Not much. I noticed that Fangs were going to be on one of those terrible "Orange Unsigned" debacles. This digibox thing of mine is pretty temperamental so I decided to just let it play in the background. There was a Pink special on and I have to confess here. I like some of that stuff. It's just the right kind of stupid, like Roxette. Plus I have it on good authority that some of here material is written by Swedes so I must have sensed that.

Anyway, I suffered through the unsigned trough and the aforementioned Glasgow act were on for all of less than a minute. However, they were several leagues beyond anything else which wouldn't have been a stretch even if they'd been total shite. Thankfully they weren't but I don't really understand why an act with this much raw potential is being subjected to this.

Lauren Laverne is somebody I rate and I can tholl Alex James but the alleged A&R guy...? I saw enough here to last me a very long lifetime. That's a good hour that I'll never be able to reclaim. Serves me right? Correctamundo but there's no need to look so fucking smug.

(link courtesy of Mr Bobby Lloyd Hicks)

A high ol' Thanksgiving to wir US readers today.

If you're doing a spot of on-line shopping today maybe you'd like to order this item to your left here...

This is Airthrey Castle in the grounds of Stirling University. You can see it from my office window and it was the scene of the first ever radio show I ever did as a guest of the Rev. Mark Hagen in (I think) 1981. Anyway I think it's a teaching "hospital" now but I'm not sure. There was some weird light going on so I thought I'd snap it.

Otherwise there is stuff going on and much info to impart with regard to that and this but it'll have to wait. there are more pressing matters to attend to. Plus I don't feel like staring at a screen in the hope that I can cough up a couple of paragraphs. Right now, I'm plum tuckered out on the inspiration front. You don't grudge me a night off do you? Those Quattros are taking their considerable tutti frutti pop action to Japan tomorrow. I'm wondering how HS was in Oslo, that kind of thing. Spiritual lollygadding if you will so sayonara and all that. I'm signing aff knowing that I'll be back soon enough...

Screenprinting Dean and Britta from dan rugh on Vimeo.

(Info courtesy of Mr Ulf)

So have I recovered? Have I heck as like but with Weasel Radio back to help me through the immediate future then I’ll live. As I sped back north I was deeply concious that this was my final gallivant of ’08. I already dealt a little with the DWC stint of the Boonaraaathon but it’s always an utter pleasure to see these girls. They’re a cut above most any of the retro-60’s/garage whatever you want to call it groups that are around today. Pure and simple.

The bill started out with some combo called The DeRellas. Shouty punk rock in a deep shade of ’77 UK punk. They didn’t suck but I don’t ever need to hear this kind of thing at my point on earth. The Boonaaas were playing the first show I’ve seen them do with a guy (Rodeo) on guitar. I miss Tine for sure and he did her proud. They were the fastest and loudest I’ve seen them and they swung in a different sense. It was an effervescent dose of everything that makes music go bang. The “No Blokes in The Boonaraaas!!!” lobby was silenced and veritably it worked.

The Madame Cats didn’t do it for me. It was a discordant racket, not without a little charm and if they sounded like they looked then they should have knocked us out. They had the happiest looking drummer I’ve ever seen since Kim Schifino. Less could have been more but they lost me early on. It had been a long day and I was soaking up the pleasure of being among friends.

Saturday started off well and fell away somewhat. A wrong turn, kinda Sliding Doors scenario ensued as the evening wore on. We got stuck in traffic. Central London is a giant car park and please, if you find yourself there then you’ll have to take the train. Then, the bill was swapped. The Giant Robots came from Switzerland and one of them got sick. The Boonaaa girls did the decent thing and gave then the slack to salvage their show but in doing so, I almost missed them altogether. I left the restaurant to get to the CRC for them starting at 10pm and they were almost done. Your scribe felt like something of a complete dumpling but its them eggs and they can’t be unscrambled. Philosophy be damned though, I couldn’t even watch The Robots because it felt like it woulda been some kind of consolation prize. I am fiercely loyal to my sometimes awry sensibilities. What can I tell ya? And there wasn’t a lot of time to hang out. The girls were heading back to Germany early on Sunday so the game was a bogey.

Other than that I had a swell time. Good to see the crew. I’m back at the coal face and it’s a fraught time but what the fuh. These things are set to try us. Despite the doom and gloom that’s reverberating around the world, there are plans afoot to light up 2009 with the odd flare or three. And Ben Weasel has just announced that there’ll be a new Riverdales album so how’s that for an upswing?

www.myspace.com/skydogrecords

I just got back from "the sahf" and am frankly knackered. There's stuff to be taken care of and the prospect of a 5.30am rise so I imagine you'll understand the short and sweetness of this check-in message. Boonaaa report coming soon but not tonight.

Those Boonaraaas!!! were on piping hot form last night. All roads lead to The Corn Rocket Club tonight! Representatives of NBItB (No blokes in the Boonaraaas!!!) had their gas put at a peep it has to be said. We miss Tine but they sure roused the rabble alright. More later or tomorrow or whenever...

Wandering around the corner to the paper shop yesterday morning, I was suddenly - for a second - under the impression that I might be going the wrong way. It was a time/space continuum type feeling and a tad louder on the weirdometer than I'm used to. I should add that there was no medication involved. Memory lapses have been all too frequent recently and reportage in the media suggests that I might be doolally. It's (sort of) official then...

I'm about to embark on an adventure that will take in two shows by one of my favourite combos on earth. This is exactly the kind of medicine that I need. It seems like forever since Spain even though it wasn't. So offsky it is then, out of the radar of the "we're all fucked" stories in relation to the crumbling economies. The greedy bastards have their escape pods but all we have is rock'n'roll. And, for my dwindling money, them Boonaraaas divvy up a mighty fine example of this. Who knows, I might check in here back and forward. Or is that sideways and down.

To the fine climes of Chiswick it is then. Ching ching...

Getting stuff together for the Boonaraaa-rama that's taking place "dahn the London" over the weekend. Also got up to speed with disc 2 of the first Mad Men season and have to say that eps 5 to 8 were pretty damn good. Probably make a wee pitstop here tomorrow prior to the schlep but hope to to see some of you folks in Tufnell Park and/or Stoke Newington.

I left the bunker at 5.50am this morning or therebouts and have been on the batter ever since. Survived a dental appointment and a tussle with Falkirk Bus Station and to be honest, both the flesh and the spirit have baled on me.

All sights are now focussed on hitting up the Boonaraaa!!! action this coming weekend. If you're in or around Brighton or Leicester, Amy and Eric are getting into the home strait with the final two shows of their recent marathon. No need to tell you that you oughtta be there.

I'll bid you goodnight now as there are more episodes of Mad Men to gander at. And very probably pass out in front of. Did I say that I didn't like the titles? No pleasing some people is there??

RIP - Jody Reynolds

The very Rev. Lennart Persson launches his website today and I am more than honoured to have been asked to participate. Based in Malmo (Sweden), LP is one of that rare breed of music journos that has never lost that all important beat. Mostly in Swedish, the site will reflect his missionary work in steering folks toward the right stuff. Folks outwith Scandanavia may be familiar with his amazing Feber compilations available via Bonnier Amigo. Stop by Brother L’s portal. Even if you can’t understand it, you’ll definitely FEEL the vibe.

And in honour of that country let's relight the fire under a couple of favourites here and here.

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. gives thanks for our last-Thursday-of-the-month residency at Otto's Shrunken Head -- a week early! All the better to get a head start on the Thanksgiving gluttony, says we, and the only chance we'll have to perform our holiday novelty song, "The Plymouth Rock". Saddle up, pilgrim!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD TIKI BAR & LOUNGE
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / Two fully stuffed shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / No cover!

Thankfully yours, Michael

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

I'm running on fumes here. Been a fraught day, I'm tired, cranky and somewhat fried, not necessarily in that order. I'll be more on form as the week progresses toward Boonaraaa time at the good ol' Boston Arms. If I was in Barcelona this Friday night though, I'd be heading out to catch The Moviemakers.

RIP - Reg Varney

So I watched the first two episodes of Mad Men. People have been raving to me about it and it’s shaping up pretty good. Very stylised and I’m not sure if it suffers a bit from that plus there’s all the smoking, evidently that’s done on purpose. Funny I was telling a young ‘un the other day that it was not uncommon for people to smoke at their desk and the reaction was not unlike claiming to have seen the Loch Ness monster in the car park. I then began to get all nostalgic for the time when it was common to work on Christmas day. Anyway, I’ll stick with it. Anybody who's keen on “The Apartment” will definitely get a kick out of this and I’m interested to see how it develops. So another two episodes later it is then.

Meanwhile, let’s take a break for some music…

I mentioned Eagleowl yesterday and just gave their EP a birl. “For The Thoughts You Never Had” successfully captures the folk-tinged film score atmosphere of the show. No harmonium, but maybe that wasn’t on the radar in March when it was recorded. The double bass bottom end is very Badalamenti. “If I call you motherfucker, would you be offended?” asks “MF” the closing track on this short 5 song introduction. I imagine its not the “radio plug” number then? This comes in a nice DIY package of 500. If you’re from around here go see them and score one. I think you can buy it at Elvis Shakespeare (Edinburgh) and very probably Monorail (Glasgow) as well as from their myspace.

On the subject of themes from an imaginary movie score, JD King and The Coachmen have an as yet unreleased grab bag of groovy tunes ready to go. "Mercy (Can Make You Happy)" is gloriously out of time and space and everything else kilterwise. Is exoticity a word? If not then it ought to be because it’s needed to describe the otherworldly nature of the twisted fidelity that this music is expressed in. Controlling the horizontal and the vertical is not an option when confronted with the free-form axe freakery that is “The Ultra GTO”. Its cousin “Little” was left in the dirt at the starting line.

These are the sounds of worlds colliding to the tune of The Modern Lovers most fried jazz moves. Not entirely soothing but possessed of an electricity far off the beaten path of anything remotely resembling a mainstream. Did someone put Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross” in a blender? Hopefully this will become available in the fullness of time but meanwhile visit JD’s myspace and check out this indiscriminate sensation for yourself.

Maybe the "Mercy" that everybody is bugging Duffy to deliver isn't her hit single but this opus? “yeah, yeah”…yeah - that would make sense. Possibly only to me but you get my drift here.

The David Sandstrom Overdrive has delivered a popular sucker punch called “Pigs Lose” that reminds me of The Replacements and The Db’s. I’ve said this before and I’m going to have to drag it out again. Where do Razzia find these acts? Is there a more consistent A&R force on earth right now? I doubt it.

Of course those two acts I just mentioned are merely reference points to facilitate an entry trajectory. It’s a fragrant concoction of rock shapes, none of which are instantly recognisable. It’s more an aspect of mood and dynamics. There are a lot of words to digest too, not your verse chorus, make it as simple as possible songcraft. Sandstrom’s voice reminds me a little of Eric Bloom. There’s an element of BOC in the sound too. DSO hail from Umeå, I think there's something odd used in the water purification system up yonder.

This isn’t easy stuff to pin down. The blueprint is evidently tattooed on the perpetrators mind and the cards are being played close to his chest. Where did he come from? Where is he going? I have no idea but my hunch is that “Pigs Lose” will sound very good blasting from your choice of music dispenser. “Songs That Maybe Won’t Be Forgotten” is like Randy Newman fronting “The Lovin’ Spoonful”, you have to concur that can only be a good thing.

I have been hopelessly remiss in reporting that The Scoundrelles “Atomic Batteries To Power” (Bang) has been available for a wee while now. While I know that some of you folks are aware of its existence, it seems that it hasn’t gone gold yet. Of course, such justice is not something one can take for granted. In terms of timeless pop marinated in a rumour of glam goes then this is your combo. Captain Thewlis’ one man take on “Rocket USA” is something else entirely. When most people are taking in a Coronation Street/Eastenders medley, this is the kind of artistic statement that he’s getting down to. Worthy of a commendation surely?

Anyway, this is a fine collection. The vinyl is probably all gone now but check in with Lutz at Soundflat, if anyone can help you then that guy can. Recorded in London and Memphis and comin’ at you via the Basque Country, exquisite gear.

So let’s close this particular strand with the news that The Things have a new “single” single "Set Me Free" on Psycho Sound Records out as a taster to their impending album "Some Kind of Kick" on Nicotine Records. (Hey we're back on the smoking thing again - entirely unplanned).

These rambunctious Dubliners have really come a long way in carving their own sonic stamp in recent times. “SMF” is an infectious organ-toting rave up that should have you frothing and no mistake. A limited number of cd copies are available for 3 euros a pop.

Boonaraaaaction in Blighty over next weekend, DWC (Friday) and CRC (Saturday).

Miss 'em at your peril.

Record Envelope - the little library of factory sleeves!

(found via So Many Records...)

Sunday already? Somebody has made off with a good few hours of mine and I want 'em back. So if that person would just like to leave 'em outside my front door then we'll say no more about it. Got a lot to do before I head south for the Boonaraaas this coming week.

"Well get fucking on with it then" comes the voice from the gallery. Easier heckled than done my friend. I could go into a long whine at this point but what would that achieve? No, heid doon - hope to come out the other side is the only way to go. You could almost chalk that up to a kind of twisted optimism, couldn't you?

If you're in Camden this evening, Chris Wilson, Robert Coyne, Jeremy Gluck and his Yohawks wil all be kicking it at The World's End. A bit of a hole but the music will more athn make up for that. It would ahave been ideal if it could have been happening next weekend but ye cannae have it all ways. Or at least I can't. Uh oh, slipping back into character there. More from me later then. Probably.

Photographer Max Natkiel shot thousands of pictures @ A'dam's Paradiso in the late 70s/early 80s. Not the performers, but the crowd... As fine a documantation of those bygone days those pics are, movie director Marc Geerards recently took things a step further. He located people in the original photgraphs and filmed 'em for a couple o' minutes as they are today.

No comments, just the visuals. The results deliver on various levels (just check the promo vid here) and should be able to connect on global level... First screening is at the Paradiso on November 26th... Well worth your time I figure...

I caught the “Audrey sings Nico” show at The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh last night. This was just the second time out for this celebration and if you’re down with the material then you’ll be aware that it’s not an easy thing to pull off.

It takes a certain amount of style in addition to a great voice and Audrey Redpath has those qualifications on stage. I know she was nervous about it but at certain points in the performance, it became even stronger because she was letting her own voice punctuate the material. The end of “Secret Side” was particularly strident to the point of being jaw dropping. This is a work in progress that will be extended into a full production as time goes on. As it stands this is a capsulation of an important canon of work. While the audience will undoubtedly be familiar with “I’ll be Your Mirror” and “Femme Fatale”, this short set really whets the appetite for more.

Audrey’s band is Brian Banford (bass), Mike Nolan (keyboards) and Alistair Wilson (drums). Whenever more shows are planned, you’ll hear about them here.

Eagleowl opened the evening’s entertainment with a dark, dreamy minimal Espers type folk portfolio. Always good to hear a harmonium thrown into the mix too. I picked up their cd ep and will report on that in due course.

Didn't stay for St Judes Infirmary because I'd been up for about 19 hours by that time. It was time to head for the train but I ran into Olaf Furniss of Born to be Wide on the schlep out.

The proceedings took place in The Voodoo Rooms as I previously stated. I always liked that room but the refurbishment has made it one of the best venues in town. Situated atop the Café Royal, it’s in a great location for the station too.

My pal Jon Graboff was in Edinburgh yesterday too. It’s always a pleasure to see him. His dayjob as guitar slinger with The Cardinals saw him play The Picturehouse, Auld Reekies newest venue. Very swish it is too. The town needed a decent sized place to entice larger acts. Not that there’s been anybody there since it opened that I’ve been down with seeing but in it’s (previous) day, REM, The Scientists and The Sisters Of Mercy all played there. The Picturehouse is like a bijou version of The Academy in Glasgow and acts would do well to consider two nights here as opposed to schlepping out to the Corn Exchange.

I didn't manage to post yesterday for a number of reasons. I was out clelebrating the 34th anniversary of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Scottish debut. Or was I?? Anyway, I found this via Kjell, who will have the pleasure of seeing The Quattros in Japan next week. Lucky so and so. Finally the gods have delivered him some rock'n'roll... I'll be back later but meanwhile, feast on this...

It's nearly Friday and not a moment too soon. There's no time to get into a legthy blog post tonight. There's stuff to do and tomorrow I'll be meeting Cardinal Jon Graboff for a couple of snifters in The Oxford Bar. On Saturday I plan to knuckle down and get on with some reviews, the goalposts could well be moved but I have the best of intentions.

This time next Thursday, I'll be getting ready to head south for The Boonaraaas!!! London raid. DWC (Friday 21st) and Corn Rocket Club (Saturday 22nd) - cut along to either or both should you have the requisite opportunity.

Of couse there's the maximum headnip of making it through to next week. I'm thinking about postponing a dentist appointment. Not because I'm a feartie you understand but it's fucking with my logistical feng shuey. (I spelled that incorrectly on purpose incase you're feeling comment happy). Ching ching until tomorrow (ish).

RIP - Mitch Mitchell

Sounds in the Suburbs present

VIC GODARD & THE SUBWAY SECT
The SEXUAL OBJECTS
The LEOPARDS (Glasgow only)

Friday 14th November @ the Citrus Club, Edinburgh
Saturday 15th November @ Stereo, Glasgow

Doors 7.30pm, first group on stage 8pm

N.B. Both shows finish at 10.30pm

Legendary punk – crooner Vic Godard brings the Subway Sect to Scotland for a couple of shows on Fri / Sat November 14th / 15th. The Sexual Objects are special guests on both dates, whilst The Leopards are also on the bill for the Glasgow show.

The Subway Sect will be playing a set covering all aspects of Vic’s career, from the early punk material through the northern soul and crooner periods. There will also be a few new songs, which will hopefully see the light of day on record next year.

The Sexual Objects is Davy Henderson’s new group, they release their 3rd 7” single on 17th Nov on Hamburg’s Aufgeladen und Bereit label. “Here Come The Rubber Cops” was produced by Boards of Canada, and will feature on the Objects debut album, which will be released next year.

The Leopards make a rare live outing with fellow Postcard Records alums Vic and Davy. The Leopards 2nd album is nearly finished and should be released next year, only 10 years after their debut album appeared.

The original (1983-1985) Nomads – Nick Vahlberg, Hans Östlund, Tony Carlsson, Frank Minarik and Ed Johnsson – together for the first time in many years at a friend's birthday party in Stockholm , November 8, 2008. In Osten we trust! Belated Happy Birthday big fella!

Reports on the demise of Forrest J. Ackerman appear to have been premature to say the least.

I hope the reportage that his health has actually improved is correct and that his lum will still reek for some considerable time.

Readers in the lowlands should note that the Wooden Shjips are appearing at the Pauze Fest this coming weekend.

Spread over two cities, they will appear in Gent (B) on Thursday and right over here in Utrecht (NL) on Friday... Be there or be square!

Found out about this too late to post this pre-going to work...

RIP - Miriam Makeba

Managed to watch the Joy Division documentary yesterday and it's actually very good. As I've mentioned before, I was never a fan but have come to appreciate that they did have a few good tunes. "Atmosphere" in particular is something I find particularly moving. Not exactly sure why because it never did when it came out. There's a sociological aspect to what was happening with all that too plus it was good to see folks like Liz Naylor and Richard Boon in there. The extra interview excepts are very entertaining with one of Tony Wilson relating a story about Emmylou Harris that's worth hiring this for alone.

For those of you that are tracking the Eric and Amy trek across the UK, they're stopping off with Marc Riley at his 6 music show between 7 and 9 tonight. So tune in if you can. This can be done anywhere in the whole wide world (did you see what I did there?) by clicking here.

A message from Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby!

"URGENT - we need gigs in England on the weekend of December 20th and 21st. Would anyone lke to throw a house concert??!?

If you do then contact them via here.

Just pondering the past week. Having blown out the consideration of going to the movies, there's some time to lollygad. Of course there's a ton of stuff I should attend to but the King of Procrastination needs some time to do what he does best. Since this time last week I saw the Wooden Shjips make their debut mooring in the port of Glesgae and attended two shows by the inimitable Wreckless Wrigby. It was an utter gas and a privilege to have them around.

This week will be a little quieter but another diamond geezer is set for these parts. Jon Graboff will be here in his role of Cardinal this Friday at The Picturehouse in Edinburgh. Weekend after that is The Boonaraaas in "the London" and then the one after that, Springfield-er Joe Terry will be in Glasgow. That takes me into bloody December!

When everything seems like they're gonna come crashing in, "it's the little things" that matter.

I'm thinking that this schedule isn't too shabby for somebody who is way old enough to know better. Let's hear it for the power of positive thinking.

Audrey sings Nico, this coming Friday in Edinburgh...

Still pondering the Icelandic double bill this afternoon. I need to make up my mind soon, not something that I'm terribly proficient at right now.

Meanwhile, swing by rezillos.com for word on the new (download only) single and shows in December. These include a return yo the Kinema in Dunfermline.

Me auld amigo, John Miller and his Country Casuals on BBC Alba. His stint starts at about 18.55. Probably only available in the UK....?

Jeez, I'm a lightweight and fell asleep during the Joy Division doc.

A week of late nights has caught up with me. Let's hear it for old age. My eye test went OK though, no need for new gregory's at the minute.

Worship at the altar of Big Knife this Saturday night. I'll be back neither bright nor breezy tomorrow. My heart feels like hitting up the Jar City/101 Reykjavik double bill at The Cameo but we'll take that as it comes...

And finally have yourself some Hairy Belafonte...

Well, Wreckless Wrigby is now headed for Bury so if you can get there, avail yourself of some seious high jinks! I'm off to get me eyes tested...

Just heard that The Fuzztones London show at DWC is cancelled. If you were heading for that then cancel all travel arrangements.

I'm listening to The Bambi Molesters "Dumb Loud Hollow Twang" at tilt volume. What a fantastic album...

OK I'll be back later nae dooobt.

RIP - Forrest J. Ackerman

Just got in from a momentous A&E show complete with fire alarm scenario to hear about Forry. Sad news. He was THE guy in horror, fantasy fandom and played no little part in twisting what might have otherwise been a normal childhood. My friend Chris was close to him too so I hope that she and Forry's family are alright. I guess it was inevitable but that doesn't make it any easier to take.

Update @ 3pm 8/11 - It seems that this might be premature. I can find no hard evidence of his passing. Indeed a couple of "sites" have made announcements to the effect that Forry is still with us. Soon as I can quantify this I will...

On a happier note, the show tonight was off the richter scale with Amy delivering a devastating "Don't Ever Change" and Eric serving up a rip-roaring "Joe Meek". Everybody in the room was unanimous in giving thanks for these two being nailed together.

After this wine is done, I'm gonna turn in. It's been a momentous few days.

RIP - Mark Price (Tin Huey)

One of my least favourite smells in the world is that of soy. Henry's Cellar Bar is part of the restaurant upstairs and it takes a wee while to adjust to the guff that comes with the territory. It's a bit of a howff for sure but magic can happen there and that was typified by the Eric and Amy show last night thrown courtesy of Murray Ramone.

Despite adverse PA conditions, the intrepid duo kicked up quite a stramash. A great set cherrypicking material from their extensive collective back catalogue interspersed with the kind of banter that sets them so far apart from anything else on earth. Yes Patrick, they did "You Tore Me Down".

In addition to being a musical and songwriting tour de force, these two are entertainers. Very few people are all three. They should be more popular than the most popular thing you can think of. Take it from me, they're working on that.

Ignorance is a big factor in the equation. The potential in this, what might seem on paper to be another americana or folkie bunfight is so wide of the mark as to be in another zip code. This is atomic pop, expertly warped that doesn't conform to any comfortable pigeonhole. I'm just about to head out for another helping.

Check the dates here and keep your fingers crossed that they're making a stop near you.

Last night's Edinburgh show went damn well and all roads lead to Glasgow tha'nicht.

I'm running a tad late this morning, just about plotzed when the alarm went off...

A big shout out to Francis and Ciara on the arrival of Hugh on to this post-Bush planet.

More later, quite possibly...

Hey, I just never got around to posting yesterday. The opportunity never presented itself really. Just a reminder that I hope to see all the east coasters at the Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby show in Edinburgh tonight. Ditto the west coasters tomorrow. Oh yeah, and here's somethin' to look forward to and believe in, as opposed to some of the bollocks we're being fed at the minute...

The results are in and it's official -- Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. takes to the Rodeo Bar on Thursday!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6th / RODEO BAR & GRILL
375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in Manhattan

Three tabulated sets, from 10:00 sharp until 1am

No cover -- and free peanuts!

Yours in democracy,
Michael

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"

Good luck America....

More footage of the Dictators in Barcelona...

Wooden Shjips sailed into the old port of Glasgow last night and delivered a searing psych punch up the hooter to those who had the stamina to stay out late on a school night. The SF four piece might be a bit reticent on the presentation front but there's no denying the velocity. Plus the album material is way less Doors-y at this throttle.

Both opening bands played short sets. I wish more would take a leaf out of their book. Gummy Stumps kick up a decent enough racket but the vocals lett he side down a bit. Think Roy Cropper of Coronation Street with a Glasgow brogue channelling Mark E Smith.

Some of the ex Uncle John and Whitelock guys have taken up as Tut Vu Vu. I've no idea what that means but I do know is that they were really something. Off kilter crime jazz as realised by Bernard Hermann via Zacherle with a little Graham Bond on the side. And the short set actually left me wanting more, that almost NEVER happens. I hope they can capture this rare spirit in a recording studio. The Rev Dep Downie tells me they've scored some local film or other and that would seem like a logical avenue for them to take.

Didn't manage to catch much of Amy and Eric's set on the Billy Sloan show last night sadly. I did manage to interuppt it though. By calling when they were still on air. Eric didn't have the phone switched off and much comedy ensued. Apparently.

RIP - Yma Sumac

RIP - Jimmy Carl Black

Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby are on Billy Sloan's show live tonight between 7 and 10pm (gmt). I think you can stream that live here. There's no listen again facility so fill your boots in real time.

The dynamic duo will also be on Tom Morton's BBC Scotland show on Tuesday (4th). That will be on the listen again feature for 7 days after that.

Tonights Wooden Shjips thing, there are no advance tickets. It's pay at the door (£7 supposedly), doors stated to open at 9pm. The Shjips will be onstage 10.30/11pm, after the stragglers from the Shellac show haul their carcasses up Sauchiehall Street.

Let's have something positive after that news about Nate...

The Quattros were filming their clip for "Donna, Donna" yesterday ahead of their upcoming trip to Japan at the end of this month. They should be on the cover of all the magazines but Doll is a pretty cool place to start.

The band will also be headed to the UK in March 2009.

All the dates (Japan, GB and beyond) are on their myspace now.

RIP - Nathaniel Mayer

RIP - Studs Terkel

Hallowe'en with The Hound...

Wishing all you girls and guisers

a guid hallowe'en and a few drunk boo's!

Also a wee bit social commentary for early this Friday morn. The BBC is not a better place this morning for Lesley Douglas the controller resigning over the actions of these two twonks. She was an arbiter of quality (in the main) and one of the people who reinvented Radio 2. It's an honourable thing that she's done but spiritually it's a hell of a price for the corporation to pay in the current climate. A bit "serious" for this time of the day, I know, but it's an undeniable fact.

OK, time I was gone.

I've sort of had it with lists, charts and the like. Polls too. None of it really means shit other than what those who stand to gain want it to mean. I appreciate seeing people I like make it on to these things. Sure I do. It may make the saddoes that follow such things check something out that they wouldn't ordinarily. May...

Where these things really come into their own is when they're rigged for whatever reason. Anyway, this is a long way around to getting to something that has interested me for a while now. Only having 100 albums. Fuck having truckloads of stuff gathered on files from the internet or even a huge tactile music collection in the form of records, tapes and cds. If you wanted something new then something would have to go. I float this as a concept to justify letting go of stuff that is frankly choking me. I've mentioned this before but I don't think I've ever been closer to pulling the plug. Of course, it's unlikely that I'll have the bottle to go beyond that but one should never say never.

Afore I close, Paul Bridges has rightfully reminded me that it's 40 years since "Kick out The Jams" was recorded. Happy Zenta everybody!

I was going to post the Roky Halloween stuff and lo and behold J already did it. That's service. A reminder then that Seattle will be the place to be as two generations of Tacoma cool come together to bring an almighty racket to the environs of the Paramount Theatre. I imagine that it's totally sold out by now but this is a top bill by any standards.

With regard to the Wooden Shjips this coming Sunday in Glasgow, I believe that doors will be 9pm and that the band is due onstage at Nice and Sleazy around 10.30/11pm. I've seldom known a show to run to schedule there but I imagine that's as close to a timetable as we're likely to get. I'll investigate ticket price, etc today and let you know if I find out anything. my guess would be a tenner.

No frost this morning, as far as I can tell...

We've been talking up the coming-together of our very own The Black Angels and psych-legend Roky Erickson (of The Thirteenth Floor Elevators) for weeks now, but tonight their four-date West Coast tour finally kicks off. For those of you not in the know, The Black Angels will open for Roky Erickson each night before taking a brief break and then RETURNING to the stage to act as the rhythm section for one of their greatest influences. This is truly a rare, and sure to be amazing collaboration between two of the great psych-rock bands of the last thirty years. Not to be missed!

Tour Dates:

Wednesday, October 29th - Portland, OR, The Wonder Ballroom

Friday, October 31st - Los Angeles, CA, El Rey

Saturday, November 1st - San Francisco, CA, The Great American Music Hall

Sunday, November 2nd - San Francisco, CA, The Great American Music Hall

Hurrah, went for almost three days without a problem with receiving e-mail. Could be something of a record. Or should that be cd? or maybe even a download?? Anyway, there's a problem again so who knows what the chuff is going on. I've given up even bothering now. All our thoughts have to be with those two dolts from the BBC that have been suspended. Actually, I don't mind Wossy. He's disappeared up his own back end in recent times but he's a harmless numpty. The other one is completely and utterly useless. A charmless symptom of our times. I heard him being justified as a liability this morning. If only he had that much talent. There are earthquakes, financial meltdowns and Presidential infomercials on the go but these two have got top billing here in the U of K. Anybody having problems viewing images here? They appear fine on some computers and not at all on others. Yet another irritation in the ongoing wearing down process. Looking for something to do this Hallowe'en?

In Glasgow... (I thought the third band on the bill was Thee Phantom Heid)


In Madrid...


And don't forget, Eric and Amy kick off their UK tour tomorrow night so check out your local listings and make an effort to catch them.

This morning saw the first frost of the descent into winter. It got to be a bright, blue cold day and in many ways my perfect weather. Too bad there was no time to be spent actually out in it until way too late. Wasn't aware of the US term "buy-out" as being the same as redundancy until I saw Season Five of The Wire. Never did the two plus two to equal four. Generally that would mean takeover here I think. So near, yet so far. And no "fanny" quips from you folks in the cheap seats either... Whatever goes down in the Yoo-ess of A next Tuesday, there are dimly-lit days ahead for sure.

I always remember being in Stockholm one November and it was brighter and bluer than I recall anywhere being and it snowed all the way to the airport. Anyway, that city is hosting two very different but related exhibits over the next wee while. I imagine that if you stay there you might well know about them. However, there's always a chance that you don't so here goes.

Robert (100% pot success) Johnson has curated a Record Store Bag exhibition that's taking place at the city's finest music emporium Pet Sounds right now.

In a gallery of a different sort, Johan Ödmann has his amazing pictures on show at the address on the flyer below. I'm trying to get an English blurb, but locals will dig the gist...



And while we're talking about that fine Swedish city, check out the Pitchfork report (with photos) from the Hello Saferide showcase in NY last week.

That's your lot for this evening. Chores are beckoning. I'm not saying I'll attend to any of them but who knows...

Crisis? Well, if you ask me, the only way to keep things afloat is to spend, spend, spend.

So, while you're off loading up goods for the common 'cause, I'd like to suggest the following items for your shopping list:

The Olivetti Chronicals rounds up a truckload of material as written by John Peel over the years for various magazines. Suffice to say it's a mandatory purchase, as Peel's way with words wasn't confined to radio only. In print he was equally informed and funny. And my only complaint about this book is that it doesn't include all of his writings...

Coincidence or no, but while reading this book I was listening to a new Undertones 2CD compilation. And before you shrug your shoulders in a "What's new?" gesture, lemme explain that while disc 1 features the familiar, but still stellar stuff we all know and love; disc 2 is all previously unreleased demo and live goodies that 'll make you wet your pants... The crude, crude demo of "I Don't Wanna See You Again" alone, will keep me happy for weeks to come! Fantabulous liner notes by Michael Bradley add up to another must have...

Finally, there's the deluxe editions of the first three Buzzcocks albums... I know Lindsay doesn't rate 'em, but what the heck. I sure like this stuff. Offered with a massive amount of previously unreleased wares, these are the final word on this subject. Liners by Jon Savage, what more could you want?

Black Diamond Heavies, Wilson Tan and The Brutes @ Mono this coming Thursday...

I had an odd dream last night (and I seldom dream). Can't remember too much about it but it involved going to see The Cramps and they'd gone all old school Bollywood. Lux and Ivy plus a sitar player and less than conventional percussion set up. Very cool as my vague recollection serves. Anyway, that was soon flushed away by the daily deluge of "you're fucked" messages.

Turn on the radio the subtext is doom. Look at the news and gloom abounds. By the time I get out the door, I wonder if it's worth the effort being very much entrenched in the half empty camp in the first instance as you know. Actually, the overriding message is that we're all fucked, that's the royal we - you, me and everybody so we might as well get used to it. What? You are? Good. Latest is that its maybe a good idea to go and take a big loan out to spend your way out of the downward trajectory. I like the sound of that but reckonn that the bank won't wear it.

They can't take our spiritual wealth away from us though can they? Maybe not but they'll have a damn good shot at it. As the Obama hype plays out in the US, all the positivism, all the good vibes, all the hope might just get humped when the cheats start to work the room. Not outwith the bounds of possibility now, is it?

All very sobering for the day after the clocks went back. By the time they go forward again, the world will be an altogether different place. Maybes.

Now that winter is here, visitor numbers seem to be up again. Always a good thing to see that people are dropping by and hopefully being directed toward stuff that'll hit the spot. And more often than not, you don't even have to leave the house. Gig thumbs up for we shut-ins.

The more time I spend in front of a computer for work, the less likely I'll come home and rattle up another couple of hours. This is becoming something of an issue with keeping this thing as fresh as I'd like it to be but we'll see how that particular cookie crumbles. It's not as if I have an actual life to be getting in about although there is the odd moment.

People have asked why I don't have mp3's available for download or why isn't there a "player" on the blog. Essentially because I don't have the time and furthermore, I prefer to direct folks to either the artists website or to places that do that kind of thing way better than I would or could.

Who knows, maybe down the road apiece but don't even consider holding yr breath.

There's a poster for the projected Wooden Shjips Scottish debut now so I guess by the scale of the drip feed, we might find out what time the gig (a week from today) starts by Friday.

Or am I just being uncharacteristically optimistic?

No smartass comments about coming up the Clyde in a banana boat please....

Brijitte West in London this coming Wednesday 29th October...

Ooh la la, ici some punque psychedelique… it’s all on the debut 45 “Young Virgin EP” by Bordeaux, France rockers Polar Strong.
Polar Strong is part of a healthy and strong new French rock scene, which has already brought us such upstarts as Volt, Magnetix, Cheveu, Fatals, Feeling of Love, Crusaders of Love, Dave, Complications and so on. The 4-song EP contains three self-penned crunchers plus “Platform Blues” the first Bassholes cover ever ! (that is, according to Don Howland himself). Recorded, mixed and whatever by Lo' Spider at his infamous Boogaloo Studios. Hey,and guess what, it’s on white vinyl ! Hand silkscreened cover in three colours on brown cardboard hand numbered with inlay-sheet. Check out one of their songs on afistfulofrecords.nl . Also check out our site’s pictures page to see Don’s reaction before and after hearing this thing!!!






While we're on the subject of France, the latest issue of Dig It! is available now. #44 continues the continually stellar standard that they set themselves over the years. It's a testament to Gilda's and Co's contribution to pushing the finest rock'n'roll available.

Long may it continue. It's all in French and even although you don't speak da lingo, you'll feel the love.

Talk about a sense of achievement... it's not even noon and I've made a start on cleaning up this dump for the arrival of some esteemed houseguests in the not too distant future. Small potatoes really but you wouldn't believe just how long I've been putting this one particular aspect off.

All the clocks are set, five minutes fast as always. So in this industrious mode, theres a pile of cds eyeing me from the floor. Maybe I'll check a couple out while I get the ironing together?

Did you see that Spector thing last night? Jings, it was equal parts compulsive and excruciating. And I'm not even talking about the over emphasis on The Beatles/Lennon on the music front. What a weird little guy and what's with his Dylan obsession? For my money, the Zim hasn't come anywhere near creating something like this...



So time to press on, although I'm pretty sure it's all downhill from here.

Hey gurls & ghouls!

Rubber Biscuit returns to Bristol's best free house and venue, The Thunderbolt, on Friday October 31st for its FREE Halloween Special, entitled Trick and Treat!

Expect a ghoulish selection of top vinyl 45s, inna Halloween stylee, including such selections as Screamin' Lord Sutch's "All Black and Hairy", The Frantics' "Werewolf" and, who could forget, plenty of Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's "Monster Mash"-ish classics! Yeah!

Children will be most welcome in The Thunderbolt's landscaped garden until 10pm, where Love Food will be hosting a Halloween BBQ and laying on some kool-i-o fun frolics for young 'uns and oldsters alike, including face painting, apple bobbing, jack-o-lanterns and even a fire juggler!

So for a way-hep rock'n'roll Halloween, head to Rubber Biscuit's Trick and Treat at The Thunderbolt! Dancing 'til the clock strikes 12... hairy hands optional...

Rubber Biscuit Halloween Special – Trick and Treat, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Bristol

Friday October 31st 8pm-midnite FREE

Rubber Biscuit bio: 2 guys, 22 years of DJing, 80 years of great music, 1,000s of 45s, 100,000 satisfied customers - What you got? RUBBER BISCUIT

They buy their hats from the same guy as Elvis, caused the MC5 to reform, earned Ray Davies' money (twice), knocked Ron Asheton down the stairs (by accident!), picked covers for The Detroit Cobras, got stood up by Alex Chilton, were fed cigarillos by Dr John, told the NME and Kerrang! to f-off, and got married at Sun Studios (one just watched)...

Steptoe and BigKegShandy play music by people from many lands and decades, all of whom know the magic formula which causes backbones to slip, hips to gyrate, elbows to flap and ears to dance on the sides of heads.

Since 1985, they have played the wonderful musics that have been called rock'n'roll, soul, funk, R&B, punk, ska, garage, calypso, boogaloo, voodoo, country, gospel, blues, rockabilly, disco, roots, psychedelia, pub rock, folk-rock, frat rock, glam rock, Dutch beat, high energy, really f-ing stoopid or just plain FUN.

US visitors are reminded that "The World's Greatest Sinner" is on TCM tonight.
Check listings for time details.

REZILL-NEWS!

Rezillos single, video, tour, management and website... all NEW!

Read about it all in Jo Callis' latest newsletter.

The October 2008 edition of Tally Ho! is available now!

Don't miss the tour dates and early-warning on how you
can help our heroes back into the charts this November...

The deadline for submissions to the Glasgow Film Festival is Friday, October 31st.

If you have something you'd like to screen there then give them a holler.

Hank Williams -
A Celebration Featuring
The Parsonage and Guests
@ Glasgow University Union, 32 University Avenue, Glasgow, Scotland G12 Cost: £6

Hank Williams tribute fundraiser featuring an eclectic and impressive array of local musicians. Children welcome and free entry. Home baking, tea and coffee to warm this winter day as well as licensed bar.

Finishes 7.00pm. Funds raised for donation to Scottish Spina Bifida Association and Glasgow Women’s Aid Children’s Fund.

Jeremy Gluck's new band The Yohawks will be playing the famous Worlds End public house in Camden Town, London on November 16th.

Located at 174 Camden High Street, the Bucketfull of Brains bunch will present The Yohawks, and Robert Coyne, a former Barracuda, accomplished solo artist and son of the late and legendary Kevin Coyne. Rumour has it that Chris Wilson of Groovies fame may also pay a visit.

The Yohawks will be playing some of Jeremy's back catalogue, both from The Barracudas and otherwise, and knocking out new material such as forthcoming single "Sally Suicide".

It's an early show. Call 0207 482 1932 for info.

Not sure if the e-mail thing is totally rectified or not. There's been a sort of drip delivery over the course of a day. I know I have trouble receiving from aol, comhem and earthlink to name but three. Confidence in the basic business structure is pretty low, it's been in recession for a while much like everything else but hey, the clocks go back this weekend. We have one hour more away from the leg irons of the workplace, what will you do with your additional 60 minutes?

It's time to go a bit insane but frankly I don't have energy or the sheckels but I do know that a lot of you folks are Larry David fans so check this out.

And here is some important information...

There's an analogy about a piss up and a brewery that's not unlike the ongoing bollocks surrounding Wooden Shjips upcoming Glasgow show on November 2nd.

This is no longer happening at Sloans but will go ahead at Nice and Sleazy on that date but after Shellac play just along the road. In an ideal world, someone would have the sense to pair them up and have the Shjips open but y'know how those things go. It would make too fucking much sense.

Anyway, as soon as I find out the time, ticket price, etc. then I'll let you know. Despite the inefficiency of the operation you should really cut along.

Tonight, The Crypt Kicker V are playing at The Hellacopters party in Stockholm. After this weekend it's all over. The band will cease to exist. Finito. However, it was primo fun while it lasted.

Doubtful I'll be back on here tonight but you never know. It's Friday night, time to kick back and... no, sorry it actually reads snib the door and make for the couch. The final episode of The Wire beckons.

Been trying to find a link to Billy and Miriam's Rudy Ray Moore tributes but they don't seem to be on the Norton site yet. A fine send off indeed, delivered as only those two can supply.

God knows what's happening with this e-mail carry on, apparently it's a "national" problem... that doesn't make it any more acceptable. I've been editing tripe all day so my time on here tonight will be brief.

Mr Hammer tells me that the HS show in Manhattan yesterday evening went great. Good news so let's leave things on an upbeat note.

Friday can't come quick enough, let me tell you...

My bloody ISP is gubbed again today so if you sent me an e-mail then who knows exactly where in the ether it is. Not me.

Saw the Pistols "There'll Always Be An England" last night. Having heard that it was worth watching, I put it on my Lovefilm list and it arrived before the final episode of The Wire. Not an ideal situation but I'll let that slide. Filmed over several nights at Brixton (Carling) Academy, the concert part is reasonable to bloody awful. Lydon appeared to be having a gurning contest with the audience but his "Wilfrid Brambell" sealed the deal. There were flashes of Lee Evans doing Charles Laughton too, and they say country music isn't pretty.

Even in the wildest reaches of "ever get the feeling you've been cheated" they could never have expected it all to turn out like this. But it's all about pantomime and while I'm happy to see the, er, "kids" having fun then I'll just sit this one out. Some of it is pretty embarrassing but I'll leave you to figure it out. The guide to London by the band was entertaining though and Jones is equal parts Peter Cook and Harry H Corbett.

Should you see it? Probably, if you're interested. Considering the "songbook", there was this band that played in Spain a couple or three weeks ago that for my money (the value of which is plummeting as I type) stands up way better. Johnny Lydon has just turned up on TV here doing a butter ad. Let's face it, he was never a singer anyway was he?

So anyway, I'm off into Edinburgh to rendezvous with Mr Thewlis for a wee while... depending on where you find yourself, you may like to consider the following.

For those in Glasgow who have an itch to scratch in terms of appearing in a pop video...

"Glasgow's Attic Lights are looking for extras to be in the audience for a video shoot for their new single "Late Night Sunshine". If you are over 18 and fancy coming along to listen to the same song for a few hours and to meet the band, head for Stereo, Renfield Lane, Glasgow at 6.30pm on Thur 23rd Oct. This would be a great opportunity to get your copy of their debut album "Friday Night Lights" signed by the band."

If you're in NY then there's only one one game in town tonight...

If you're in Barcelona there's a groovy music film festival starting tomorrow that includes a screening of "The Wrecking Crew". In-Edit Beefeater (I've no idea what that refers to) runs from October 23rd until November 2nd.

I'm sure there was something else I meant to run by you but that particular morsel eludes me for now.

RIP - Dee Dee Warwick

If you find yourself in Springfield, Mo...

Oh well. Be there and see 4 great musicians and one struggling wise ass do what they do best.

AND... don't forget the Maxwells CD release party at Harlow's (where else?)

Saturday, 10/25.

Wunderle

RIP - Rudy Ray Moore

I should really go out and get some stuff from the supermarket but can't be arsed. There'll be a torrent of cursing in the morning but the spirit, the flesh and all the other sprites are conspiring agin my better judgement.

Just added the new Matt and Kim video there for your viewing pleasure. They were nearly in the UK touring with CSS around now but circumstances didnae prevail. What can I tell you...? When the album comes out in January it may become clearer when they'll be back.

Still no concrete word on the Wooden Shjips but as far as the scoop from the pavie goes - the game is on at Sloans on November 2nd.

Not really in the frame of mind to spout off tonight and could well have fallen asleep infront of the TV by around the 8.30pm mark. Awaiting word that Lennart P's site has gone live and I also need to make sure that my column for OX is sorted prior to the deadline this time out. Tonight's most likely course of action is loaded on the side of being planked on the sofa though. I imagine that I'll be on this side of antsy until my final fix of Baltimore later in the week.

I will do the dishes before I crash. Promise.

A wee bit of NY culture for a (bloody wet here in Scotia) Sunday afternoon courtesy of the very Rev. Jon Hammer.

Suicide in The Jewish Chronicle (thanks Martin)

Just one more episode of the fifth and final season of The Wire to go. It's inspirational, compulsive and devastating in equal measures. I have some idea of how it all goes down but wonder if a TV show could ever match these heights again. Difficult to figure it. Lots of cool little surprises and shocks. I know that a lot of folks that drop by here are fans so I won't jabber any further. I need a little pick me up after all that so I'm gonna put on The Yum Yums and spill "live".

The new album "... Whatever Rhymes With Baby" is out on fab Spanish imprint Wild Punk. I believe that it'll also be released in their native Norway soon too. Anyway, there are 12 songs here of a calibre that could quite literally be issued as 6 double A side 45's. Plotting a path somewhere between Screeching Weasel and The Ohio Express, the sheer good-natured wall of ramonic pop will instantly pluck all the necessary heartstrings. The real not so secret weapon that pushes it all over the edge is the farfisa providing an overall crunch that's both mighty and familiar. It's true, you'll have heard stuff that sounds like this before, just perhaps not performed with so much gusto.

"I Wanna Be The One" sets out the stall and from there it just pummels through. "Sugar Rush" might have been a better title for the album because that's what it'll give you. Like eating a whole punnet of sherbet strawberries, you'll be bouncing off the walls. grinning like a fool. This here is a well-oiled machine with nary a hair out of place. "Let's Rock'n'Roll" is Slade duelling with The Barracudas while Sator pick up the pieces. Another one of those numbers for those of us that wish Sgt Poopydrawers never taught the band to play.

The Yum Yums may well be taking these hymns to the street by way of promoting this fine "record" so watch out for that. This is an album for kids of all ages and in terms of a mood lifter, they don't come much more potent than this. It sounds like they had a riot making it and that kind of thing is infectious.