Let’s see, there’s a bunch of great things happening everywhere but here. Death By Unga Bunga are playing in Moss, Norway tonight and over in Hamilton, Ontario -there’s a Memorial Show in honour of the late, great Imants Krumins.

Hereabouts, it’s pissing rain and the torture in the park over in Kinross is in full swing. The annual survivalist weekend with a bill that truly must be their most wretched yet but hey, it’s an institution. Maybe they could just build a big wall around it then. I’ll try to watch a wee bit on TV later but I fear it’ll bring on the Glastojeebies.

If they was a House of Rock stage with Morten and Caroline curating then maybe I’d have a rethink but being that it’s unlikely then I’m probably safe enough. It was touch and go this year though as Matt + Kim were alleged to play some tent or another. If The Dahlmanns end up headlining the main stage one night and Eric and Amy likewise then I’ll relax my embargo for that particular year but until then and hell, who knew that The Arctic Monkeys still existed?

Disregard all and any previous versions of this poster...

The Dahlmanns - a couple more short clips to whet your appetite...

Ah, Miss Chain and the Broken Heels, that twang reminds me of Moss Rock City... and stay tuned for the extras.

RIP - Michel Terstegen (De Capo Records, Utrecht)

I want to update this blogger template thing but to say that I'm reticent is an understatement. Do any of you folks know of a step by step guide to go about this? I've had a couple of cak-handed attempts that almost goosed the whole thing.

And life is too short to start with these forums... so please, any assistance would be appreciated. then I could get this show back on the road properly.

RIP - Jane Scott

Rita Redshoes – Lights and Darks (Anjo da Guarda)

These past months in the wilderness, I guess I hoped someone might take up the slack. Or even that Rita Redshoes music might percolate beyond her native Portugal. You may recall me raving about her last album and this one has been out a while. I just realised that I hadn’t written about it and that’s very remiss of me. Better late than never is not an excuse.

We all read acres of press about artists that really don’t come anywhere near this girl in terms of scope. Or for that matter sophistication of being able to juggle styles. The fact that she, and Annika Norlin aren’t on their way to becoming global household names says much more about the consumer than it does about either songbook.

Always literate and sidestepping any pigeonhole by some considerable distance, there’s something about this that reminds me of Cristina. You remember that Ze records artist that covered “Is That all there Is”? I think it’s the sonic glamour of the sound. This girl thinks big and across several palettes. “Which One Is The Witch” and “You Should Go” are just two examples of how far ahead of the curve Rita is. This spacious pop that doesn’t rely on some recognition with the past. As much as I appreciate being reminded of Dusty Springfield, I’m a little tired of the endless parade that seems to rely on that familiarity.

I guess that an appearance on “Later” might light a fire below her career here. A couple of well-placed shows outside of the conventional bunfight. All I know is that this is a cut above whatever hipster-sanctioned collection that’ll be in vogue anytime soon.

Equipment sale... so how come that worked then?

Wonder if this'll work... hope so.

http://www.wrecklesseric.com/equipment%20sale/equipment%20sale.htm

If this works then it's the links and some other bullshit that's preventing "publishing". If it provides any consolation, I HATE when this happens.

Soon as I hit "publish" then all will become clear. As mud.

Since the funeral on Monday, I’ve been mulling things over. One of these is the possibility that I have to rip up the kitchen floor. The whys and wherefores are irrelevant. It has to be addressed. As has the issue of what to do with the clutter. I mean, what if I were to shuffle off this mortal coil and all the – let’s call it stuff – was just left for someone else to deal with. I realise that I don’t want that. Let me ask myself again... No. I don’t. So I need to find a way to deal with this. And a bunch of that that’s wearing me down.

The urge to drop off the face of the earth is all-enveloping. Watch this space but don't hold your breath.

I'm too pissed off to engage with you folks tonight so I'll leave you in the capable hands of Brother Don. He saw The Fleshtones in SF last night...

Just got back from the Fleshtones at Bottom of the Hill. I ask you, who else but the Fleshtones can make you twist, jerk, swim, monkey and then get down on all fours to do a set of push ups?! Yes, at one point, while the beat kept on going, the front line got off the stage and started doing push ups in the middle of the floor! And then it was our turn, as ordered by Sergeants Streng and Zaremba. I didn't know I was in a competition until I got up and referee Streng raised my arm high above my head in victory.

This kind of showmanship hasn't been seen since the days of Paul Revere and the Raiders. The fact that these guys are still going strong.... it's just astounding... running all around the place, hopping up on chairs--- even up and down off the bar. And never missing a beat of course. The 50 or so people who showed up (Tuesday night's about the worse you can play in this town) never stopped moving throughout the hour plus set and on into the half hour encore. Streng used a wireless sparkly Gretsch thru silver face Fender Deluxe Reverb.

Peter's weaponry included a Vox Continental organ, harmonica, and whistle. Drummer and bass player (old Fender Jazz) were just phenomenal. How do they do it? After all they're not only old enough to "remember the Ramones", but also Chris Montez and the Beatles (with an instrumental "Day Tripper).

I remember the first time I saw them. They won a battle of the bands at NYU. It was the Zantees, Nervous Rex and the 'tones. 1976 or 77. I think Lenny Kaye and maybe Clem Burke were among the panel of judges. The crowd went berserk with the Fleshtones. Absolute mayhem. 35 yrs later and they're truly just as maniacal as ever. Unbelievable. God bless em and I hope some band sings "I remember the Fleshtones" many years from now.

Have ill-fitting orthopedic undergarments got you down?

Doctors agree -- Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

is at Otto's Shrunken Head this week, and on the last Thursday of *every* month!

THURSDAY, JUNE 30th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in ol' Manhattan /
Two comfortable shows, from 8pm sharp until 10pm / No cover!

Plus, coming up -- a JULY FOURTH HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA...

Dances of Vice, The Salon, Wit's End and Champagne Riot present "The Liberty Belle Spectacular", a second annual vintage Fourth of July party on top of West 63rd Street's Empire Hotel! With live music, burlesque, dancing, patriotic cocktails, a fireworks view --

and adequate support from SIT & Die!

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

The Norton Records 25th Anniversary Jamboree -
all the details here!

On the blurb for "Sound It Out”, a documentary about the last Teesside record store standing, it claims “High fidelity with a northern accent”. I don’t agree. Certainly, anyone who has spent time on either or both sides of a counter in such a place will chime with a lot of this. It’s equal parts comfortable and sad, sometimes both at once. The shop customers that appear run the gamut from a guy and his wife that might give Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer a run for their money to the most real and sincere being a Quo fan called Shane. To my mind, it's lazy to compare anything to do with record stores to "HF".

Director Jeanie Finlay and shop proprietor Tom Butchart attended the screening. It was explained that there were drawbacks such as having music playing in the store because it would ultimately have to be cleared if it appeared in the film. "SIO" feels more like "Anvil" to my mind, without the happy ending. It’s anybody’s guess as to how long the shop will remain there. Shots of Stockton’s high street indicate the decline that’s going on across the country. What can’t be denied is the community spirit and camaraderie that surrounds the place. Or the therapy that it provides many of the outsiders that frequent it.

Spotted copies of Up for A Bit with The Pastels, A Date with Elvis and The Residents Duck Stab on the store walls. I wonder if they ever sold the copy of “Love Missile F1-11” ?

See it and make up your own mind.

TRAILER: SOUND IT OUT - A documentary by Jeanie Finlay from Jeanie Finlay on Vimeo.

Thanks to Shona for getting me in after I failed to book a ticket in time.

RIP - Peter Falk

RIP - Gene Colan

An important message from Tony Bailey
about The Big Stramash

Dear friends,

It is with great disappointment that we have to announce that due to circumstances beyond our control THE BIG STRAMASH has had to be postponed until later this year.

We apologise unreservedly to those who have bought tickets and will be very happy to refund all ticket holders. Alternatively all tickets will still be valid when the event is rescheduled.

We are very positive at this moment that the bill will remain unaltered at it's new date but please check the website for regular updates. Again, our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.

A gig will be happening Thursday night at Henry's Cellar Bar with 'Lord Rochester' + guests (tbc) and Friday night at Studio 24 will feature a gig with 'The Higher State' + guests (tbc). Saturday night at Studio 24 will bring you the 'Lucky 7 Ska Club'.

It’s just gone midsummer. The adage, “the nights are fair drawin’ in”, is resonating through the halls and technically that statement is true. The first half of 2011 sucked pretty hard but with the advent of the HOR and the Moss-pitality out there, I think that jump-started me. In recent days, there’s been a bereavement in the family and that was a bit of a shocker.

My uncle, Jim Hutton passed away on Monday after a period in hospital. I’m concerned about the effect this has had on his family and indeed my father and his other siblings. One thing I will say is, he had a number of great expressions and one of them was “he’s aboot as guid as twa men aff their work”. I can translate that if necessary for anyone out there.

So yeah, this type of thing has a way of creating a perspective. It’s time to try and move things forward. And some of the other recent theatre exits have spawned some fine music writing in recent days and this one is up there with Scott’s thing on Clarence. I never knew who Steve Popovich was but it sounds like he was one of us. Gabba gabba.

Gracias to JD King for flagging this one up...

Scott Kempner on Clarence Clemons.

For some reason, I can't embed the Nomads video I'm trying to post so just head over here and dig ALL the clips.

You would have ended up there anyway...

We could use a little levity, right?

Still can't find the photos but then I got to thinking, everything's on YouTube - right?

RIP - Clarence Clemons

Like I maybe said before, my experience of meeting musical heroes has seen a pretty decent success rate. None more so than running into Clarence during that all important first jaunt to NY in the autumn of 1983. The LOTC had just gotten canned and HT was working at Columbia. CC was putting together his first solo outing with the Red Bank Rockers and we got invited to the video shoot for "A Woman's Got The Power". Anyway, in this - he was depicted as the President of the USA and he carried that pretty damn good. I've been looking for the pictures and the only one I can find right now is this one. He was a lovely guy that loved the bagpipes and the last contact I had with him was when we sent some bagpipe reeds that my dad gave me over to him in New Jersey. So long Big Man.

I can’t believe that I hadn’t been to Norway before either. Having had a long association with the country since the mag was in nappies, it was only after a monumental connection with The Yum Yums in Madrid that this wrong would have to be righted. So when Morten and Caroline built the inaugural House of Rock (Festival) then it was a cinch that people would show up from all over. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. I’m not sure how this report will bob and weave or even show up. There’s a lot of information to process and it’s making me a little sad/mad that I ain’t still there. A mix of great folks, top notch combos and sociological experiments eating gas station forecourt pizza was just the tip of the iceberg.

Message to Ryanair – Torp is nowhere near Oslo. Why don’t you change the Edinburgh flight to arrive and depart from Rygge? I’d really appreciate any consideration that could be given. Thanks. Anyway, I digress. It was straight to Oslo after dropping my bags at Casa Dahlmann. It was there that I met up with Peter Tjolsen, the man that could be blamed for igniting my association with this particular area of Scandanavia too many moons to remember ago.

First full day Thursday (9th) ended with an appearance by The Yum Yums at Cafe Mono in Oslo. No relation to its Glasgow cousin but a nice joint nonetheless. I have to admit that I didn’t know who Jo Nesbø was. I don’t (can’t?) read as much as I’d like to so there you go. Seems like he’s the most famous person in Norway though and is having a meteoric rise across the rest of the world too with his first book now on the NY best-seller list. What matters in this neighbourhood is that he had the good taste to pick this band to play at the launch for his latest (tenth?) novel “Gjenferd” (Phantom). I need to discuss his character “Harry Hole” with Andre. He’ll find it, er, funny.

I was sitting at the soundcheck considering what an enormous privilege it was to be watching these kids prepare. Sure, winning the lottery would be OK if I ever bought a ticket, but this was pretty satisfying. I was kind of in a daze through the whole evening and it wasn’t the booze. It was like the revelation of El Sol all over again. Hit after hit after hit. Nesbø did a version of a big hit he had in a previous life, “Jenter som kommer” (“Girls Who Come”) with them. I imagine this one was a little more turbo-charged. He should record it with them and help them crossover into the major leagues where they deserve to be. I just found out he’s coming to Edinburgh for the Book Festival so I’m looking for a posse to doorstep him. JN’s twin brother was on backing vocals with Ms Vib there might even be a photo of that here if any of ‘em came out. I’m SHITE at taking pictures.

And so it was time for day one of the House of Rock extrav. I guess we were ready but not quite ready for the scale of the big fun. The location had changed from the HOR compound to Café Brandstrup. At the behest of the local constabulary. Great venue that had been part of a local brewery, lovely old place with some cracking wood features (huh, huh – he said wood). The Quattro crew were already there and as we gathered, it was sure a sight for sore eyes to see them Fleshtones enter the bar following a raid on Bergen the previous night.

Soon it was time for the music to start and Caroline and the Treats were a fine place to start. Jonathan had told me how great they were and to drop everything and get to Spain earlier this year when I was moping. That advice should have been taken. Rather than bang on, I’m gonna try to provide clips of the bands so you can hear and see the joy. Commentary will be provided where necessary.



I didn’t see Crimson Highlights but I think this was their second show ever. Word is that they were great and that’s coming from someone that knows her onions. Or should that be kebabs?

Shouldn't need to tell anybody here that Suzy & Los Quattro are one of the finest bands on earth. If you disagree then there’s really no hope for you. They have a great new drummer – not that Yuri wasn’t – some banging new tunes and they’re coming to get you in September.

Death By Unga Bunga are an amazing, young Moss collective that make an almighty racket which acts that have been around for yonks can’t muster. Sebastian is a ubiquitous feature on the scene and I think these kids will be breaking out across the planet in due course. They have charisma though so I hope that doesn’t set them back. It won’t where it matters.

The Yum Yums twice in two days could be considered a musical OD but I survived the palpitations. This performance was even better than the previous night and the clip I posted during the week nails it. There was a huge festival happening in Norway close by this same weekend and I’ll be fucked by the ragman’s coronet if any of them even came close to this.

And then it was time for some more old scores to be settled. The Nomads with Robert Erikson on the drum stool. I may have been trying to convince someone that the upcoming show in Solna would have both Joakim and Robert ala The Glitterband. It wasn’t me – it was the liquor talking. Possibly. Introduced by Colonel Zaremba, the band tore us all down right up to the final whistle.

And the night wasn’t over. Gry literally got on her bike and led a squad of us down to TivoliKjeller'n where I was ”disc-en-spinnering” (c) P Zaremba - that some folks went several degrees of nuts to. I really appreciate that indulgence, it makes an old git feel all warm and I don’t mean that I’d pe’ed myself.

My homie, Sus Kiwi and I then hit up the kebab shop and took the piss out of some locals. It was a perfect end to a perfect day and something that is likely to stick with me until that final taxi.

By the time we all surfaced the next day, things were a little more subdued but like the troopers we are, the challenge was risen to. My first beer of the day was in the early evening, fate wasn’t being tempted. Musicwise, it was The Twisteroos job to get this particular section of the party started. These people start off with this level of octane. What’s wrong with them you say? Nothing at all – they just have very high standards.

Next up was The Dahlmanns. If you consider the privilege that was sitting watching The YYs soundcheck then it an equal mind fugue to have these kids in my extended family. And not content with being great, great people – they have the potential to make the airwaves safe again. Having heard what will be their debut album for the most part then you better be prepared to be blown clean off your feet. They could be Abba-mungous. Really. I’m beginning to take a Beavis-type fit just thinking about it and can’t find any clips to ease that jones.

Miss Chain and The Broken Heels were next. I never quite got the records but in person they’re an infectious commodity. The way they shimmied their set into the consciousness was exactly what was needed at that point in the day. I need to go back to the records. Damn nice people too.



Had to grab some food at that point and hoped we could have gotten back for Kepi Ghoulie starting. As it was, we missed a few songs but what we did clock was really stunning, combustible fun. If only we could have held out until Use Me to settle the munchies but wodjagonnado?

Then it was time for the finale. A super-rock sensation that summoned all of the life force we had left. Like one of those churches in the deep south. Again, down the road there were a ton of bloated would, has and neverbeens that aren’t fit to polish these guys sneakers at “Norwegian Wood”, the perennial journeymen were giving “Whatever It Takes” to a perfectly formed crowd in the backyard of a cool Moss hostelry.

Another afterparty that went on to the wee hours, I was standing in a taxi queue and a guy walked in at the back and hooked (punched) a woman that was standing there. A small fracas ensued and I had to do a double take. Nope, I wasn’t in Glasgow. Eventually I got back to Jeløya and had a closing beer with Andre in the beautiful greenery outside their place. It never quite gets dark there at this time of year.

Was surprisingly sprightly both days and it was an early start on Sunday to head for Oslo again. The Cocktail Slippers are hosting a BBQ event every Sunday afternoon throughout the summer at Dattera Til Hagen. This one included Steve Van Zandt,Beat Tornados and them fabulous Dahlmanns. The Tita Nah Nah Nahs brought the hula too on a wonderfully sunny afternoon. The D’s were on first and once again wowed the audience with their perfect pop stylings. First time I’d heard them do The GoGos “Has The Whole World Lost Its Head”. They were immense – get used to it.

Little Steven mumbled his way like he does in the UG broadcasts. Apparently Silvio turned States witness and had been relocated to a mob annex in Norway. I need to investigate this TV show thing.

The Beat Tornados were OK but they played too long. Less is way more in such situations. Nice to see Rocket Queen with The Slippers but was a little taken aback to hear them start with a cover of “Material Girl”. They just got a new singer (Hope) and seem to have relinquished the more rock'n'roll aspect. My tuppence worth is that Stine deserves to be a huge star and that this direction might hamper that but maybe Wicked Cool has plans? I hope so because the band works hard and the don't strike me as being cut out to be a "tribute" or "oldies" band but maybe it's just for this setting because at this point there are a lot of sabath afternoons to go. And besides - like Sgt Schultz in Hogans Heroes, "I know nothing". Just attempting to be objective.

And that’s about it, topped off with a get together at the apartment of a young lady that was having a fish cake party. Gonna happen every Sunday night apparently so I think I oughtta be setting out about now.

I cannot thank my hosts enough and really hope to get another hang together soon. I’m still hopped up on that finite Moss energy. You know “Have Love, Will Travel”? Well it’s more than apt in this case.

Check out Flameboy’s photographic evidence here and if you’re on facebook I’m not sure if you can access non-friends photos or not, probably the latter. HOR – The Sequel is scheduled for July 6th and 7th 2012. I hope that more of you will kommen down and get with it. And here are some more from the local paper.

One week later, I just keeping looking at this stuff. For confirmation that it happened if nothing else. May the House of Rock reign forever. The bar has been set so high I’m getting vertigo. Thanks for helping me off the cobwebs brothers and sisters. It was a gas.

When I was trying to post this, blogger wasn't playing nice so I'm not sure how it'll turn out layout-wise. If anything needs fixing or whatev then consider it a work in progress.

RIP - Wild Man Fischer

Although I had contact with Imants (Krumins) I can’t claim to have known him. He’s one of those that I always figured I might run into though and I consider him to be the Brian Hogg of Canada. I bought my first copy of Teenage News at Compendium in London and never considered for a minute that I’d sell my fanzine in there too. Finding out about his passing on Friday was a shock. After Bruce told me, I’d been thinking about something to send him in the hospice and never really figured on anything because to me, he had everything already. In some ways – my being in Norway, attending the House of Rock extravaganza. That’s something he might have done. So when I saw Ken (Fox) at the venue I told him, knowing that he and the man had some form from the days in the trenches out there. Chris’s obits on both Imants and Shane Williams are heartfelt. I know that leery blighter doesn’t want us to think he has a heart but it’s cool he let that guard down. Bruce has also written a great tribute here and I should dedicate my advanced years crowd surfing exploits to Imants.

I’d lost touch with Shane in his recent years on the outside too. I remember sending him some Boonaraaas postcards after the Punk Rock Kongress but not hearing anything back. Sometimes I wondered if he was still on the outside so this news was pretty bamboozling.

A week ago from tonight was the start of my House of Rock extravaganza and I'm still buzzing. Maybe over the weekend I'll get to documenting or more likely be in a strop wishing I was still there. I'm off to see "Cedar Rapids" tonight. Just one chance to dance with this one.

Mr A has a brand new cyberpad...

David Arnoff Photography

It seldom, if indeed ever, gets better than this...

RIP - Carl Gardner (The Coasters)

I am nowhere near having my shit together... just so you know.

The expression "festival" will never be the same again... I need to gather my thoughts. So here's something from the Flame Boy library to act as a taster...

RIP - Imants Krumins

RIP - Shane Williams

(thanks to Prof H for the info)

Catch you on the flipside or maybe even during...

As a precursor to HOR, this is a happening that will take place tomorrow night in Oslo.

In Cafe Mono... is it aware of it's cousin in Glasgow? We'll find out.

Odin will bill a tad displeased if you're anywhere near this and you don't go... just saying...

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. supplies a double dose of protein -- with Rodeo Bar peanuts on Wednesday and a Superfine brunch on Sunday!

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8th / RODEO BAR / 375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in ol' Manhattan / New show times! Two early bird sets, from 8:30 sharp 'til 11pm / No cover!

Plus, for the brunch bunch...

SUNDAY, JUNE 12th / BRUNCH at SUPERFINE / 126 Front Street (at the corner of Pearl Street) in DUMBO, Brooklyn / Three savory shows, from noon sharp 'til 3pm / Delicious food -- free music! /
Reservations recommended: 718-243-9005 /

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

RIP - Martin Rushent

RIP - Andrew Gold

RIP - James Arness

Caroline Munro at GFT this Sunday...

The best powerpop and garagerock festival in Europe this summer! Check out the line-up! :)

Now, you know how some people are prone to make claims that simply don't stand up?

However this one is justified and I'll even let that "smiley" go because it's there to punctuate the truth. This time next week (Friday) one hell of a party will be kicking off in Moss, Norway. There's still time to make your arrangements. Those of you that already have will no doubt be aware that the venue has changed. All the up to date info is but a click away. Look forward to seeing you there.

In the run-up... The Fleshtones are in Stockholm tonight and heading toward Moss in a logistically complex trajectory (Portugal tomorrow) to superrock next Saturday night.

The Nomads are in Lyon tomorrow for a Moss pre-match warm up.

There's plenty more fun like this just a click here away...

Big thanks to Rich Lustre for making it all available

OK kids, another shot at making MC5: A True Testimonial roll in the thunder.

As much as I dislike the computer as a crutch, when something like the J*zz f*nk” auction comes along then there’s a brief spike of them seeming useful. But then, like a metaphor for all life really, the custodians wade in and rain on the parade. I’m hoping that we’ll be able to find out what happens and that the story has a happy or at least positive ending. This was no mere “listing”, it touched a nerve. Even if it was only to rejoice in the mockery of what is perhaps the sickest, ugliest (and neither in a good way) excuse for a genre that ever was. The feeling of community was further enhanced by the guy taking time to reply to all of the “questions” or rather messages that people sent him.

It was a genuinely uplifting few days, torn down by the burghers of tosspot town. No harm was being done but what seems like an honest ribbing at the expense of someone who behaved questionably in all areas including taste in music – has had the plug pulled.

I’m hoping that some enterprising media company will endeavour to report on this for all angles. They might even be able to turn up the individual that amassed this heinous haul? Now that’s something that I would definitely tune in to.

Just got back from seeing "Thor". It's not bad, with enough of a nod to the original comic books and in-references to detract from the "special effects". No, it wasn't in 3D. My eyes barely do 2D anymore.

Anyways, there's not much of Sunday left so I need to grab it. You can stream the new Dave Alvin record here while the sands of time run out. Apparently you can do it at i-Tunes too if you're set up for that gubbins.

It was kind of fun to watch people get aerated about the “it’s just music” quip that Missus Gawgaws manager sent to Bob Lefsetz. Admittedly I can get apoplectic about ultra-triviality too but the comparison in the same sentence of Justin’s B and T to The Be*tles (and other old guard stalwarts) knocked my ability to get irritated clear out of the park.

I vaguely recall a time when I used to write about music on here. Preoccupation with matters outwith that sphere have been dogging my ability to do this. It’s not that I don’t want to, more that I don’t seem to be able to. Add to that the fact that I’ve had it up to here (raises hand above head height) with computers and you have the perfect situation for a creek and lack of a paddle. Spending all day, every day in front of one of these damned things has removed any novelty value the blighters ever had. They’ve made everything – except people – superfluous. The way that some individuals seem to be attached to phone devices is something that really rankles. It’s taken rudeness to a whole higher level. Yes, these things can be useful but for christ’s sake turn them off for a spell will you?

Here we are in the last days of May again. Hopefully that pesky ash cloud won’t be stinking up the airways a little over a week from now. Of course, it seems forever away at this point but I’m REALLY looking forward to the International Rock’n’Roll AGM in Moss. There’s still time to make the scene.

OK, chores to be done, if you haven’t seen this, it’s guaranteed to raise a titter.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/290570522953

RIP - Jeff Conaway

RIP - Gil Scott-Heron

From Brother Bruce Bennett via fb - how can this have come around so quick!

To paraphrase Sleepy Labeef's onstage stumping, "If anyone's going to be in the Europe area next week..."

Behold: A-Bones European Sun Tour '011 --

Sat June 4th - France Bourges Cosmic Trip Festival

Tues June 7th - Italy Brescia Lio Bar

Wed June 8th - Italy Piacenza Spazio 4

Thurs June 9th - Italy Roma Traffic

Fri June 10th - Italy Ancona Osimo FunHouse shop

Sat June 11th - Italy Torino Spazio 211

Sir Tom Phobic wishes it to be known that...

Hi kids,

We got a great gig to tell you about in a coupla weeks time so stick the date in your diary now...in fact just go to the tattoo parlour and ink your skin so you don't fergit it. FRIDAY 3rd JUNE at The Castle, Finchley Road NW11 8DG Doors £5 from 8pm - 1am with WILD MUTATION, THE PHOBICS and SPECIAL BRANCH.

WILD MUTATION are: SPIZZ (Vocals - SPIZZENERGI),
SHANNE BRADLEY (Bass - NIPPLE ERECTORS/THE MEN THEY COULDN'T HANG),
TONY MORRISON/Sharron Slutt (Guitar - LONG TALL SHORTY/Angelic Upstarts/Kiria),
MARC PEARSON (The man with the Star Guitar THE GLITTER BAND and Y.T.D.S),
ALEX KARL GOLD (Drums - WUTARS)
JENNY DRAG (BV's & Guest Vocal - The Priscillas)

Running times SPECIAL BRANCH on stage at 8:15, THE PHOBICS on at 9:15 and WILD MUTATION ABOUT 10:30

IT'S PART OF A WEEKEND OF CELEBRATIONS FOR MICK RONSON'S CANCER CHARITY SO BRING SOME MONEY.

What a stellar line up - eh kids? The other bands will be kicking out a bunch of selected covers and favourites for your pleasure, while we will provide a run through of our soon to come out on vinyl album DEPTFORD CALLING and anything else we can get away with. Sounds blinking good to me.

I was looking for something to post on here and came across this curio that Deborah Frost flagged up on fb. One of the comments mentioned David Roter so that clinched it...

Severe winds and horizontal rain plus an ash cloud reprise. No tangible sign of the apocalypse although it would be hard to tell with the initial 5 months of 2011 providing a fair old dollup of what could be construed as hell. Maybe the Mayans can be trusted to get it right? However, I’d rather that none of us would have to suffer any more per se than we do already so a swift exit would be preferred.

I’ve been interested in the pictures that have been beaming from Puerto Del Sol in Madrid. That’s my sauntering area where I amble through to and from the Wurlitzer, El Sol or wherever. I hope the actions of the protesters can elicit some improvements in their situation but these are peculiar times where the greedy bastards in all sectors of society are hanging on like grim death to their spoils. They don’t seem to realise that the weight limit for the baggage to the destination we’re all headed is zero.

Mr Duff went out last night...

Ted Chippington and The Nightingales. Two names that anyone who began listening to John Peel at the same time as I did will remember with some affection –even if, like me, you can’t be sure that they were actually as good as you remember them being. Last night, I had the opportunity to test my memory and my teenage judgement and am pleased to report that I’ve nothing to be ashamed of.

I turned up at Sneaky Petes with high hopes. Comments from colleagues who’d attended the previous night in Glasgow concluded “if only Frankie Boyle and that Sonic Youth were a tenth as good”. That assessment pretty much nails it – in respect of The Nightingales for sure.

They began as they continued with a serious twin guitar row backed by a rock hard glam rock bass drum stomp. In fact, if I can think of anything to compare them with it’s those jaw-dropping ‘junk shop glam’ records that Robin Wills regularly posts on his PUREPOP blog. And when - by song three, Robert roared “I didn’t know I loved you til I saw you rock’n’roll”, I knew I was on the right track with such thoughts. It’s not all ramalama rabble rousing though, there’s a fair bit of Beefheart and something that I can’t name but that is pretty damned rowdy, mixed in. The last time I saw a band kick up and maintain this kind of mania was The Oh Sees. Now, Robert Lloyd’s vocal delivery is a good deal more droll and a bit less unhinged than John Dwyer but sonically speaking, the action is comparable. On last night’s evidence at least, The Nightingales are that rare beast in these days of everybody knowing everything, a band that has been truly overlooked. We should consider ourselves lucky that Robert Lloyd still feels the need to come out and make his noise.

Ted Chippington, sadly sans his showbiz drape suit, opened and gave us a rough 20 minutes of what we’ll have to call material, although it’s still unlike any other comedy material you ever heard. The closest he got to a recognisable joke was “I was walking down this road and this bloke came up to me and he said ‘hey I’m addicted’. I said, ‘You probably are mate.” The highlight (his version of Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep - recast as Chirpy Chirpy Cockney - aside) was a tape he played of an unidentified British punkrocker embarrassing himself with his inarticulacy on US radio. If anybody who knows who that was, I’d be delighted to know.

Oh and if you’re in Edinburgh or Glasgow scratching your head and wondering how you never heard about this then the reason is because - as far as I can see no one knew – I saw NO publicity around Edinburgh or on the net at all. The Nightingales told me that they got a call from the promoter at noon yesterday (the day of the show) to say they were pulling it so the band took the reins themselves. There was about 20 people in the room but those 20 people saw a great show. The Nightingales achieved victory in the face of incompetence and indifference, I think that may well be a decent summing up of their whole story. Go see them tonight if you're in Hull, they deserve better than they got in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Thanks to Paul Johnston...

I don't think I ever saw this before... thanks to Al Milman via FB.

Like the darling buds of May, Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. returns this week to its last-Thursday-of-every-month residency at the always colorful Otto's Shrunken Head. Ah, so sweet the smell...

THURSDAY, MAY 26th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in Manhattan / Two freshly cut shows, starting at 8pm sharp and ending at 10pm / With DJ "Son of Scratchy", salty snacks, and no cover!

Horticulturally yours,
Michael

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

Pffffff... guess that I thought maybe it'd be all over so I'm not prepared.

I saw "Source Code" yesterday afternoon and kind of liked it. It was like a TV show pilot and much better than expected. Today I saw "How I Ended This Summer" and it was arduous. Beautifully composed but not entertaining plus, anybody who knows me will be familiar with my non-capacity for fish or indeed seafood in general. There are several aspects of the film that horrified me more than anything that might be construed as graphic in any realm.

I'm listening to the first episode of The Mike and Judy Show, it's great. Like having the old SCREW paper on the cyber-wireless and nowhere near as offensive as the trout action in this afternoon's movie.

Handsome Dick Manitoba is on the episode that will "air" later today.

Dealing with cable service providers makes my heid nip. The latest saga is that my phone service was gubbed AGAIN. Plus the continued red rag that is dealing with call centres on another continent – that’s what really has me considering changing who has my business. This however throws up multifarious things that can go pear shaped and most often just ends up in my doing nothing. The concept being sticking with (the) status quo.

Service in general, through all corridors of existence, would appear to be on a downward trajectory. Expectation that is already scraping the ground has pretty much come to a grinding halt. There is the odd glimmer here and there though and the case in point is my gas and electricity supplier. Their centre is based around 40 minutes from the bunker and this morning, I had an exchange with a lady there who sorted out my account matters in literally minutes. Even if it ended up that I had to pay a little more then I would to get this level of service.

Going to try and sort out some pre-rupture music stuff. Probably after I come back from seeing “Source Code” at the Hippodrome if there’s time. And if there’s not, WTF?

I’m thinking that maybe I should write a couple of paragraphs about Lady GeeGaw too. After all. she needs all the publicity she can get. Actually, I have no problem at all with her “music”, or her really but everywhere I fucking turn this past few days there she blood was. One aspect is that her machine can fairly put in the column inches. It all sort of niggles me but being that this skin seems to be thinner than ever, it doesn’t take much. See you on the flipside of the pictures – I wasn’t that enamoured with Zowie’s “Moon” but this one looks like a big budget episode of “Chuck”.

RIP - Kathy Kirby

“Peace brother (or sister), take a hand”... or not as the case may be. Not sure what time zone the malarkey is supposed to kick off in but wish you all good things with your judgement nonetheless. Here's hoping it hasn’t happened in Australia and out that airt already...

Thanks to Eugene for this symphonic take on The Stooges and especially dig the way "Dirt" morphs into "Smoke On The Water".

Ms Laura Cantrell on WNYC (yesterday)... thanks to F for the heads up.

More Ramones, thanks Martin.

Joey would have been 60 tomorrow!

Contemplating the possibility of this “rapture” business that’s being purported to take place this weekend – I’m thinking that my time would be better spent nowhere near a computer. That might seem a tad outlandish but there you go. Being that I’m a shoe-in for spending the remainder of eternity in the burny fire, perhaps it’s time to prioritise? Not that such a miracle is likely. Or any miracle really. In the likelihood though that we come out the other end then business as usual will ensue. I was going to use it as an excuse for not booking any tickets for the Edinburgh International Film Festival but receipt of the programme has me a little underwhelmed. I need to get a little forensic with it but I do believe that this be some slim pickin’s and no mistake. Take a look for yourself.

I’d pay 9 quid to see The Terminator at The Hippodrome maybe but not in Edinburgh at an event that seems to be a victim of some stringent cuts. No doubt I’ll drag myself to a couple of things but like I said before – nothing is screaming to be seen. There are several double space typos in the programme also. I am perfectly aware that it’s pretty sad that I noticed them too, before you feel like pointing that out.

With my form/luck, the aforementioned happenstance is likely to be more akin to “rupture”.

Anyway, I’m due a hard kick up the jacksy after having a blast down “the Lahndon” this past weekend. Muchas gracias to all concerned.

I've been away... and time is running out (maybe)...

WTF? I posted this on blogger last night and today it had disappeared. Then I remembered it had appeared on the facedog so I actually did publish it. Anyway, if these things ain’t ging to work then please can we go back to the good old days when there was no sodding internet.
Interested to see what the EIFF has in store when the programme is launched this coming Tuesday (May 17th). The first since the organisation came together with the centre for the moving image at Filmhouse. My attendance is likely to focus on the weekends during the run. Can’t see me burning vacation days unless something really special turns up.

Of course, we’re approaching an important calendar date, Joey would have been 60 next week and Ms Line Dahlmann informs us that an unreleased song, presumably from the upcoming project augmented by various NYC luminaries, will air on the Underground Garage this weekend. The annual Birthday Bash also takes place at The Fillmore in Manhattan one week from tonight (Thursday 19th May).

I don’t know where you stand on (the) Pink Floyd and it’s none of my business really. However, looking at the “news” today that the individuals in question played together just after sorting out their contractual spat of several decades, it threw up the question of people who reportedly can’t stand one another coming together for the music. And well, maybe the money but I have no problem with that so long as they don’t milk it.

And even if they do then so what? The info machine on that particular brand is in motion. Expanded re-issues and even “lost” tracks will add to their revenue stream. I ought to get to the point… well, I like idea of people who have differences playing for the sake of the music. If they can just set aside the problem for an hour or whatever or maybe some rehearsal time then I guess that the point I’m making is that life is too short and sometimes too shite not to make an effort for something that is worth doing. This can be extended to friends too but sometimes that’s a bit more difficult/complicated so let’s stick with the bands here. You shouldn’t try to please all of the people all the time and after all why should you but think on this?

Maybe someone will twig that the band should have been setting the heather alight all along or maybe it’ll be a simple case of making the fans you do have very happy for a wee while at least. That benevolence right there is surely worthy of consideration. So yeah, that Floyd thing made me think. As does the consideration that time may well be running out. Do it for the kids of all ages because we’re a long time died (not a misprint, rhymes with heid).

Interested to see what the EIFF has in store when the programme is launched this coming Tuesday (May 17th). The first since the organisation came together with the centre for the moving image at Filmhouse. My attendance is likely to focus on the weekends during the run. Can’t see me burning vacation days unless something really special turns up.

Of course, we’re approaching an important calendar date, Joey would have been 60 next week and Ms Line Dahlmann informs us that an unreleased song, presumably from the upcoming project augmented by various NYC luminaries, will air on the Underground Garage this weekend. The annual Birthday Bash also takes place at The Fillmore in Manhattan one week from tonight.

How can there still be tickets left for the Moon Duo show in Glasgow this coming Saturday? It’s true that almost nothing sells out any more but this is ridiculous. And what’s even worse is that I am unable to attend so it’s certain to be great just to spite me.

And on Sunday, on the other side of the country –

4 great bands playing probably in this order (it may change on the night) on Sunday May 15th at Henrys Cellar Bar in Morrison Street – doors open at 7:30 first band onstage at 8

First up – VENDETTA MACHINE – 3 boys on Bass/Guitar/Drums and a girl that sings – one of the best new bands in Edinburgh, come along and see them so you can boast about it in a couple of years

Then - SHOCK AND AWE – what can be said about these good looking young pop stars ? their first proper gig for a few months see’s them playing some brand new songs for the first time in public

And then - The MURDERBURGERS – west coast punk pop so dripping in sunny melodys that you’d think it was California they were really from rather than glasweegieland

And finally - BLACK VOLVO – all the way from the Netherlands to the never neverland that is Edinburgh on a Sunday night, come and see if dutch pop punk travels well

4 quality bands for 4 quid on a Sunday night, all over at the back of 11 so you can get your bus hame – don’t sit in the house waiting for Monday morning - come and save your soul with some rock and roll !

sez Murray Ramone...

RIP - Dolores Fuller

(Thanks to Ben for the info via fb)

My (not exactly teenage) heid is in this one...

Calcium deficient? Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. has got you covered -- with a healthy dose of farm fresh "Ballads, Boogies & Blues" at the ol' Rodeo Bar. Now with earlier start times for all shows! And that includes this one, starting at **8:30 sharp** and ending at 11pm. MOOO...

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11th / RODEO BAR /
375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in ol' Manhattan / Two calcium-enriched sets, from 8:30pm sharp until 11:00am / No cover! /

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

RIP - John Walker

Never saw this before... courtesy of Murray Ramone & Sandy McLean's facebook activities.

OK, less than 24 hours of the ATT Kickstarter action to go. Thanks to all of you kids that pitched in. Do I believe in miracles?
Not really but I'd love to be proven that such a beastie does exist.

Click on the image for how to attend what is quite possibly the greatest "Festival" line up ever curated.

Laura's show in Edinburgh last night went great. And the Pleasance Theatre - what a great room. The sound was crisp and clear and I was thinking that someone needs to book Dave Alvin in there. Anyway, it was LC, Mark Spencer, Jimmy Ryan and (for one night only) Francis Macdonald doing it for the most attentive audience I've been amongst in a long time.

There was no furtive phone fumbling or yattering at all that I could tell. An abject lesson in concert ettiqutte. There was even a sing along to "The Whiskey Makes You Sweeter" for chris'sakes. The run through "14th Street" was just perfect and today, I need to look out the Emily Spray version. It's too long since I heard it.

If you can get to Gateshead (tonight) or London (tomorrow) then do so.

Photo by Julie Hayward. L-R: Mark Spencer, Laura Cantrell, Francis Macdonald, Jimmy Ryan

Lenny's obit is timely. if you're on the west coast tonight, don't miss the Thanes/Poets extrav at The 13th Note in King Street. This is a taster for the upcoming appearance at The Big Stramash in Edinburgh this July.

On the east coast, I'll soon be making my way to that very city to see Ms Laura Cantrell in a venue not too far away from the spot she made her UK debut in some time ago. The old Bongo club has since been flattened.

Would appreciate a report on the Glasgow rammy if anyone is up for it?

RIP - Hume Paton (The Poets)

On Saturday April 30th in Grenada, Hume Paton, original lead guitarist of The Poets, died from a heart attack. Born October 6th 1945, Paton, alongside vocalist George Gallacher and rhythm guitarist Tony Myles, formed part of the Glasgow group’s songwriting team. As their sound began to coalesce through the early dawning of the beat boom, their originality soon became apparent. Shimmering acoustic twelve-string and short inventive runs became the guitarist’s speciality, heavily informing a brace of exceptional discs made between 1964-66. The best of these, including the breathtaking "That’s The Way It’s Got To Be", from February ’65, involved producer / manager Andrew ‘Loog’ Oldham. Signing them first to Decca in 1964, Oldham then asked them to be part of his Immediate label the following year.

That distinctive twelve-string approach lent The Poets records a disquieting edge, sufficiently different from many other groups operating on the beat scene. Some of Paton’s most effective fingerwork was displayed on "I’ll Cry With The Moon", "I Love Her Still" and "Some Things I Can’t Forget", imaginative B sides that themselves should’ve been realised as potential hits. Yet apart from a late ‘64 Top Thirty placing with the baroque-beat, atmospheric debut Now We’re Thru’, chart success eluded them. However, with the passing of time they have become revered.
Hume Paton, the last original Poet to leave, during 1967, swapped gigs for the retail business his father owned, then launched the successful Bespoke Kitchen design and supply company.

“Whilst I was sad when John died (Dawson – bass player) and more so when I lost Alan (Weir – original drummer who died last year) who was a close personal friend, it’s a deeper loss I feel due to Hume dying,” reveals Tony Myles.

“Hume was a true one off indeed”, adds George Gallacher, “a highly intelligent and creative individual, always full of energy and always with a smile on his face. He will be greatly missed.”

Lenny Helsing

I saw a great note somewhere yesterday (maybe facebook?) that reckoned with Osama being buried at sea and the radiation from the Japanese nuclear plant that the next big reality show could be a doozy. Of course the credibility of the aftermath is called into question with every passing day and it’s likely that there’ll be sightings ala Elvis and MJ any day now. With the advent of computer software beyond photoshop, I guess that Wikileaks will likely provide photographic “evidence” but being that the world is entirely bogus – who believes anything they see? Particularly with their own eyes. Real life and reality are no longer compatible. In a world where a Roky Erickson doll looks more like a BeeGee then indeed anything is passed off as being possible. Did someone swop the Roky throbblehead mould for a Barry Gibb one? See what you reckon. (Thanks Chris)

Even although the rain came on, I ventured out to vote. If that poster of wee Alex lit like Bela Lugosi wasn’t enough. The Scottish District Cooncil will be in full swing soon enough and our collective bannocks well and truly burned. That translates loosely to “goose” and “cooked” or anatomically to “arse”. I tried to find one to link to online but can’t for whatever reason. The one in Fallin has been irritating me every morning on the way through since I first clocked it. Like a cross between Brezhnev with a rumour of Ronnie Corbett imitating Tor Johnson, it's not attractive. It makes me long for Stockholm, as does this.




Säkert! - Fredrik (live at Debaser) by val3rie-live

I’ve really taken to the ruling of not switching on the computer before I leave in the morning. Don’t fret though - it’s not that the time is being used wisely or anything. There are more positive glitches on the horizon interspersed with the more common, extended bouts of gloom. Motivation is still a problem in the main.

The "alternative vote" seems likely to go the route of the similarly-monikered comedy type. Like independent and "indie", the bigger problem is getting people to vote at all and encoraging inclusion rather than disillusion. “The daftest wee country in the world” goes to the polls tomorrow as a stop off before hitting canine central altogether.

Still, perhaps you’re out enjoying the last vestiges of sun for now. They’re predicting rain for tomorrow so make that hay... if you’re in Edinburgh then both Peter Case (& The Sunshine Delay) and Greg Trooper are in town tonight. I’m conserving my energies and meagre finances for Friday though and contemplating a very quiet weekend here at the bunker. Let’s see how that pans out.