Announcing! BABY FAT ACT 1- via Recess Records, out May 26th. Summer Tour Dates: Tickets on-sale one week from today on Friday May 8th at 10am local time.July 24th- Washington DC- Howard Theatre*July 25th- New York, NY- Webster Hall**July 26th- Boston, MA- Royale**Aug 7th- San Francisco, CA- The Regency Ballroom**Aug 8th- Santa Ana, CA- The Observatory**Aug 9th- San Diego, CA- The Observatory North Park****w/ The Queers and The Mr T Experience.*w/ The Queers... hang tight, working on MTX.Also, already on-sale- June tour dates.June 12th- Portland, OR- Crystal Ballroom^June 13th- Vancouver, BC- Commodore Ballroom^^ w/ MxPx--------Preorder the record: https://recessrecords.bandcamp.com/album/baby-fat-act-1It's gonna be a great summer!
Posted by Screeching Weasel on Friday, 1 May 2015
Sunday, May 03, 2015
Not long now....
Saturday, May 02, 2015
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Monday, April 20, 2015
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Thursday, April 09, 2015
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Paul Collins is coming to the UK and "the Europe"...
April 2 IRL Galway, Róisín Dubh
April 3 IRL Derry–
Sandino’s
April 5 IRL Dublin–
Bello Bar
April 6 IRL Limerick
TBC
April 7 UK Glasgow–
Nice’n’Sleazy
April 8 UK
Manchester– Kraak
April 9 UK Liverpool
TBC
April 10 UK
Nottingham TBC
April 11 UK London–
Rhythm Factory
April 14th NL
Amsterdam– Paradiso
April 15th NL
Groningen– Vera
April 16th Fr Paris–
Petits Bains
April 17th Fr
Clermont Ferrand– Bombshell
April 18th Fr
Bordeaux– Bootleg
April 19th Fr
Montpellier– Secret Place
April 20th Fr St
Etienne– L'Assommoir
April 22nd Fr Brest–
Espace Leo Ferret
April 23th Fr Rouen–
3 Pièces Musik Club
April 25th Fr
Montbéliard– L'Atelier des Môles
April 26th Fr Nice–
Le Volume
April 27th It
Imperia– Arci Camalli
April 28th It La
Spezia– Skaletta
April 29th It Milano–
Ligera
April 30th It
Piacenza– Soundbonico
May 1st It Festa del
Primo Maggio in Castiglione delle Stiviere
May 2nd It Ravenna– Bocca
Barranca
May 3rd It Turin
–Blah Blah
May 4th FR Perpignan–
BBC
May 5 SP Renteria–
Centro Cultural Niessen
May 6 SP Bilbao–Kafe
Antxoki
May 7 SP Zaragoza –
Casa del Loco
May 8 SP Valencia–
Loco Club -
May 9 SP Madrid– El Sol -
May 10 SP Caceres – Sala Barroco
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Friday, March 20, 2015
RIP - A.J. Pero
Actually I'm not sure that AJ Pero played on this... possibly not. But it's (arguably) their finest moment. I'll try to look out the 45 tomorrow.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Saturday, March 07, 2015
Werther Report
That’s another adventure in the bag. The never-ending quest
to find exceptional musical kicks took me to the place known as Malmö in
Sweden. The way logistics go, this involves a quick stop in Copenhagen. The
concept of being in two countries in such a short space of time hornswaggles
me, any semblance of discombobulation at my age can be problematic.
I do LOVE to be places but the travel – the getting from A
to ultimately B – not so much. As a necessary evil goes it’s just about worth
the palaver but this one almost never made it to the end of Act 1. See if you
can guess which daftie managed to lock their keys in the car, prior to removing
the bags and tickets? Admittedly a wee flurry of panic ensued until I tried to
figure out what could be done. As it is, someone from the parking area was able
to call a “recovery” service. It’s very easy to get into a vehicle if you have
the tools. And it’s a pricey exercise too. At time of writing that could be
construed under a different type of recovery but the alternative would have
been worse.
Last time I was out that way, I had to take a bus and a
ferry but the new train is great. That
was 23 years ago, to see Dave Alvin, Scott Kempner and The Skeletons, a
lifetime ago when my esteemed friend, Lennart Persson was still with us. We ate
at one of his favourite restaurants, a Chinese joint called Kin Long on Radmansgatan.
I’m not really big on this cuisine but I do believe this was the best
example of the type I’ve ever had anywhere.
Reasonable weather and a clear schedule meant
that a leisurely walk into town and a visit to Music + Konst. The
main purpose of my trip was to see Hello Saferide. A packed Palladium treated
Annika Norlin and the band with the respect that she should be enjoying across the entire
planet.
At one point, Annika passed a container of “Werther’s
Originals” into the crowd and it made its way through the auditorium and
eventually up to me in the balcony. Per Hagred and I had been pointing and
laughing at Weather Report compilations in Folk Å Rock earlier (FAR is the ‘mo
equivalent of Mono in Glasgow). Now what was the last show that you attended
where everyone got a sweet? The set was drawn mainly from The Fox, The Hunter
and Hello Saferide and sprinkled with “hits” from the rich back catalogue. Due
to logistics, I never got to say hello but getting a shout out from
the stage elicited an aged fanboy frisson. Lennart was also a big Annika fan
and it felt like his considerable spirit accompanied me on this final night of
February 2015.
As well as the fantastic Andrea Kellerman, this version of
HS was Cecilia Linné (bass, cello), Calle Olsson (keys, etc.)
and Christian Gabel (drums). There was also an impromptu choir for “This Body”.
Some folks made overtures lately that Reigning Sound is the best
band in the world. While I do understand that consideration, my own notion is
that the mantle belongs to HS.
The local predilection for Melodiefestivalen was a wee bit
alarming but some semblance of an excuse is that Hasse Andersson, a local
“cult” figure is involved. Apparently he had brought Doug Sahm and Augie Meyers
to Sweden many moons ago but I doubt that fact would rub off on most of the people
that are involved with this bun fight. It allowed me to discuss the merits of
Finland’s representatives for this year. That alone will be worth keeping that
evening clear to witness.
Hell, I might even vote. Like I did (one time only) for
Lordi...
Photo from Kulturbolaget fb page.
Monday, March 02, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Saturday, February 07, 2015
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
Madrid - Three Weeks Time Ago!
The general nature of travel these days tends to gall me. Circumstances dictate that because of an abhorrent minority providing reason for the alleged authorities – every damn time I need to go through Edinburgh Airport, it seems that the means of getting there gets less close to the terminal every time. This time I took a tram in order to scratch an itch, it was very pleasant but unless the service is extended to run 24 hours then I’m unlikely to be a regular user. Plus I’ve you’re toting much in the way of luggage then that can be problematic also. As much as the logistics nark me, I’m up for anything that means I don’t have to drive.
So there I was, sitting in the Costa watching buses wait for the barriers to be lifted and lowered. A little ahead of the checkpoint, some tables and chairs are arranged to serve the outlet close to International Arrivals. They’re there to service those who are gasping for a cigarette I guess. Once they get to grabbing a coffee on the road to being able to “breathe” again. There must just have been a flight in because the cafe culture furniture is filling up with puffers. One of them, sporting a bright red toorie, excitedly attempting to light his coffin nail.
As airports go, Edinburgh is OK. The extending never stops though and the ways to fleece the traveller is increasing exponentially. The two hours free wi-fi evaporates and doesn’t assist when the flight is delayed. The tail wind fairies were off duty so I arrived around an hour later than scheduled.
Yep. I was definitely in Madrid. The evidence is there even although the recall is foggy. I was there for a little under 48 hours and hit the ground running. Getting to Sala Caracol just as The Wicked Whispers were midway though their set. All a bit to “britpop” for these ears but people seemed to like them. I’d never even heard of them to be honest and they sound exactly like something that would name themselves thus. I recall sharing a joke with someone about Supertramp but I can’t remember who, something to do with the hairdon’t action onstage. It's sort of like that Temples group, I don't get that either.
There was time for saying hello to a steady stream of compadres from all over. Then The Cynics came on and made like they do. The band is popular in Spain. That’s why they’re topping the bill at Go Sinner Go Episode 9. From there, a wee squad of us headed for Weirdo. My companions had tried to find it the night before but couldn’t. I remember the first time I tried to locate it by myself. T’was no easy. So I think the kids reckoned it was worthy of the reputation this fine establishment has. The drinks and the music were hitting any number of spots. From there to the mighty Wurlitzer and a 6am finish. I’ll spare you the finer detail of all that but as ever, more converts to the cause of both hostelries were made.
Most of Saturday was spent in a half-shut knife type state, not exactly hungover, more just outright knackered. It was a gas to go and view La Fiambrera, Ruth and Maite’s flagship store on Calle Pez. They’d just taken custody of the premises when I was there last and the transformation is nothing short of visionary. From there it was off to Bodega Rosell with Sara and Ramôn, the Vermut/croquetta combo jump started the engine a wee bit before a necessary siesta to get the blighter back on the rails. By the time I needed to rendezvous with the kids I felt almost human again. Almost being the watchword here. Ran into a whole bunch of familiar faces prior and après Dead Moon and it would have been nice to spend some more time with them.
Dead Moon were incredible. The final piece in the puzzle for
me after seeing the documentary. Sure, I liked the records but I’d never seen the
intense, undulating beast itself. Some sound gremlins ran amuck here and there
but in all, rock and roll is seldom as glorious as this anymore. Fred has made
incredible progress since his surgery last year. The fact that they’re playing
at all is something but with this passion, it reinforces that sometimes this
stuff comes from someplace else. His voice was the perfect howl from the
intersection of Alex Harvey and Bon Scott. There was no “Parchman Farm” but
maybe next time?
However, I had to be at Weirdo to experience La Hembra Alfa DJ,
so the kids dropped me off on the way home. I swear the place was more packed
than I’ve ever seen it but I laid off the “gintonics” and after an hour, the
batteries were running low again. This was a dangerous segment of the night.
Had I run into anyone at all, then I would have been doomed but after wandering
into Wurli and not seeing anyone, I had the presence of mind to call it a night.
Call me a lightweight – it was 3.30am – but I had people to see later in the
day and I didn’t want to be ill. A rare case of common sense overcame me, that
almost never happens.
So the bulk of Sunday was spent seeing friends including GHR
impresario, Marco Padin back at La Fiambrera. From there, it was back for my
bags and to head for the airport. Clocking in a little under 48 hours, this
just wasn’t enough time. Here’s hoping that the next visit serves up more of
that precious commodity.
Monday, February 02, 2015
Sunday, February 01, 2015
Saturday, January 31, 2015
For some reason, I can't seem to post videos right now. Pain in the arse but most things to do with bloody computers are. It's time the sidebar links were sorted too but so far I've managed to procrastinate bigstyle on that score. Anyway, tomorrow is another month. I'm sitting here wondering how it can be three years since my dad left the theatre. The sands o' time be accelerating alright. Maybe this won't "publish" either?
Friday, January 23, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Friday, January 16, 2015
Sunday, January 04, 2015
Is it really 2015?
So the purported increase in posts over the festering season never happened. The more positive news is that a little order has been restored to the bunker in that two recycling buckets of "debris" have been filled and disposed of. There are still some flyers up for grabs on facebag. Maybe we have to be "friends" for you to see it, I have no idea with that particular method of time-wasting any more. I can't face dealing with ebag or discogs or anywhere there are greedy bastards lurking.
Another notion is to start shedding records and CDs although progress with such a venture is likely to be slow.
Today is the last day of freedom and I'm mourning that a little bit but that feeling shall pass. A steady flow of information will resume. Just not today.
Friday, January 02, 2015
Thursday, January 01, 2015
Bozeman, Montana - Home of the Hits!
Taking baby steps with this blog malarkey but starting as I mean to go on...
If the individuals who tend to run
things were half as reliable as The Nomads then things would be a lot better.
You recall how The Sweet let their “heavy” side fly on the flipsides of their
earlier hits? Imagine if BOC had gone a wee bit "Ballroom Blitz"? Well
now you can catch a glimpse of what such a notion might have wraught as ”No
Cops, Haul Ass” sees a release of a cut that was captured when Solna’s primo
crew ventured to the Pacific Northwest in 1999. This 3 track 7” EP on Career is
billed as The Nomads Vs Donovan’s Brain but it sure sound like they’re in
cahoots to me. Ron Sanchez and co have been knocking out their patented
brand of psychedelic nuggetry as long as I can remember. And we're not talking about short term memory
here.
Career Records is an outpost of solid rock’n’roll and look
out (honey) because they’re using Tek-nology. A Deniz Tek 45 with the self-penned “Crossroads” and a MotorCityfied version of Peter Green’s “Oh Well” on the
flip is also just out and in dangerously short supply.
This take on the Mac
also conjures up Eric Bloom and co. Career Records are good for you, never bad let alone evil.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
There goes 2014....
I’m not really one for year-end round
ups. Generally I’m glad to see the back of any old year but there have been
some fine times had over the course of this one. Those responsible know who
they are (I hope) and I banish all evil considerations agin those who I
expected to act with a little more decorum. They presumably know who they are
too. Whether they give a hoot or not is not this guy's concern at this point. Disappointment is second nature around these parts particularly during the festering season.
So let’s turn to the subject of music and the outright,
never failing to shimmer debut by the first lady of Norton, MIRIAM (Linna).
"Nobody’s Baby". Less than a year after hearing the single in the confines of
their HQ, a whole album and even shows came to pass. An utter revelation from
start to finish. The song selection, the performance and Sam Elwitt’s genius
piecing together of the whole puzzle made for a truly uplifting release. Even
although the subject matter largely dwells on the negative, I put it to you
that if you don’t get very excited when listening to this then you clearly need
assistance. I hope that these kids catch a break soon and that the performance
aspect will be brought to this side of the “big watter” over the course of this
coming year.
Someone that I will be seeing soon came back with "The Fox,
The Hunter and Hello Saferide" in September. Annika Norlin never fails to
deliver the very tops in pop. She takes all of this at her own pace and whether
the world catches up with this exquisite music doesn’t seem to mither her. I
hope that she might venture beyond Sweden again at some point but until then
the mountain is all to happy to go to Mohammed (are you still allowed to say
that?) I shall see her in Malmo at the end of February and very much look
forward to that.
Best "new to me" combo was the Brazilian sensation known as
Autoramas, they turned out to be far from the standard garage rock racket I
might have expected. You can listen to "Música Crocante"
here and even watch their Funtastic antics also. After seeing them I was almost
feart to listen to a recording but they’ve caught that off centre buzz buzz
buzz on this latest recording just fine.
Keeping up the Portuguese twist, circumstances prevail
that I never got around to putting anything up here about the latest Rita Redshoes album "Life Is A Second Of Love". Rightly lauded in her homeland, Rita's fare is just about as far
away from what passes as the mainstream as it could be. That’s not to say that
it’s not commercial. If you exposed the audiences of however many
nights Kate Bush did in Hammersmith to this gal's oeuvre then I’m sure many would be smitten. But in some ways, that may be like expecting Eagles fans to
like The Skeletons or NRBQ. There can be no accounting for taste.
To tell the
truth, once you got past the outfits, I never warmed to Kate’s music. And Rita
could never be tarred as being remotely prog. Her ability to create atmosphere
lends itself better to film scoring in the proper sense. Anyway, that’s by the
by. Like Annika, this girl has a singular vision and she deserves your
indulgence.
As does her other half – The Legendary Tigerman – who also
released a new full length entitled “True”. It was supposed to get a UK release
but I’m not sure that happened yet. I ought to check.
Pantones "¿Quién quiere Primavera?" and The Singles “Look
How Fast A Heart Can Break” are the outright pop smash hits of the past 12
months. Cheetah Chrome’s EP on Plowboy took care of the Americana aspect of things. “East
Side Story” is an example of a New York song that harks back to when that town
still had a soul instead of the odd outpost here and there.
At this point, I semi-promise to be a bit more active starting tomorrow when I’ll maybe haver about a few records that may have gone
un-noticed this past wee while. You’ll no doubt have bigger fish to fry but
there’s no hurry. I'm not about to leave the bunker until the coast is clear, January 3rd at the earliest.
I don't blame you if you think that it'll all go by the wayside but at this point I have a little faith that it could happen.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Happenings Over Seven Days Time Ago...
I should have reported all this by now but I had a wee problem with blogger. It logged me out and it took a couple spins of the block to get back in here. I’ve no idea what happened. It was like getting locked out of the house. Something else that presented itself when I managed to throw my keys into the recycling bin this past Friday, possibly as a result of having made it to the aforementioned finish line. So let’s go back in time a bit to Thursday 11th December and Wreckless Eric’s pitstop in Glasgow.
However, I managed to haul ass to the train and the “weather bomb” that had threatened to upset travel earlier in the week never came to pass. The journey down was damn smooth. A bit like the couple of pints partaken of in The Queens Head prior to heading for Dalston. I made it to the Shacklewell Arms in time for soundcheck.
A rammed Shack’ got well and truly super-rocked and reinforced that the wrong of the band never having been to Scotland for 31 years + needs to be righted. A plan is in motion to rectify this over the course of 2015 and I’ll keep you posted on this front. Visiting US dignitary, Brother Scott Cornish took the Fleshtones pictures that accompany this missive.
Santa Goulden made the scene for the encore to perform the recently-recorded festive paen, "Christmas on the M62". A cautionary tale if ever there was one.
100 club pictures by Me with my ropey phone.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Monday, December 08, 2014
Saturday, December 06, 2014
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Monday, December 01, 2014
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
STRICTLY SACRED!
A little over a quarter century ago, I had the privilege of putting out the debut album by Girl Trouble entitled “Hit It or Quit It” here in Europe. This kicked off a lifelong camaraderie that found all of us together in Benidorm, Spain of all places. In a giant UFO, that doubles as a venue for the biggest annual outright rock’n’roll party in Christendom.
And I finally got to see Isaac Olsen’s “STRICTLY SACRED”, a
documentary film that explains exactly why the whole world should care about
this crew from Tacoma, WA. Watching it, even on a TV screen and one of those
pull-down screen contraptions in a resort pub, was an emotional experience.
Here were people that I’ve only ever met a few times but they feel like family.
Always did, always will.
Hopefully the flick will get to play in a few places over the
coming months ahead of its eventual release with a ton of additional material
on DVD in the not so distant future. Ideally it would be shown alongside a
performance but ain’t there always logistical hiccups actually doing that. Not
least with what it might cost irrespective of the outcome being the most
valuable commodity on earth. So anyway, I’m on a mission. I want to be able to
hang out with my Pacific Northwest crew again so maybe you know people or have
connections to a film festival, or a pop-up cinema or any damn thing that can
get this great work of art out to the people who need it.
Which is pretty much everybody, as the world trundles toward
hell in the proverbial handbasket.
If you do, then please contact me and together we can maybe
bring a little joy to folks ahead of the conflagration. There’s a line in the
film that states, “every once in a while, we do land a good gig” or words to
that effect. As we ponder the UFO gig after they raised the rafters, that is
THEE proverbial understatement. Viva T-Town and then some.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Thursday, November 13, 2014
IX Funtastic Dracula Hallowe'en Party - Benidorm 2014
On the spot report and photos by TRH Lenny Helsing.
Lord Rochester pic by @missrockinrolla
I was thrilled to be attending this
year's Funtastic as The Wildebeests were added to the bill as a replacement for
young USA fuzz 'n squeal combo The Neumans! Arrived lunch time Friday 31st
October in tow with fellow 'Beest Russ Wilkins, as he and his good Lady Muck,
as Lord Rochester were slated to perform just a few hours after our arrival. So
we missed the opening Thursday night but heard from folks around that it was a
top night with Spain's Medway style showcase Loss Cesareas and Autoramas (from Brazil) singled out for praise! And so after driver Sam brought us in from
Alicante airport to the Pierre et Vacances hotel / timeshare apartment style
facility booked for us we had a wee relax and then headed downtown to see what
was happening.
The "being knocked on the head with a
hammer over 'n' over again" style of one man band King Cayman was already
ringing out when we arrived at RockStar, a bar on one of the numerous "hello is
this little England I thought it was Spain" type streets that litter this
sun-trap bolthole city... After a beer we await the arrival of Lord Rochester's
drummer for the day, the very dapper Jorge from Dr Explosion and head janitor
at Estudios Circo Perrotti. Plagued by a few pre-gig sound problems but we were
soon on the way with Lord Roch's larger than life Bo Diddley-itis show which
was of course proved a surefire winner with the swelling crowd, "Deadly
Daddy", "Seven Steps To Heaven" and the utterly infectious
strains of "Lucy Lou" gave way to their tasteful cover of Los
Mockers' "My Baby" with Jorge out front on harmonica and yours truly
behind the traps. They ended with an alternately stomping/hushed Bo Diddley,
with your humble scribe adding vocals to "Cadillac" and finally a
frantic romp through "Boys". They've plenty of forty-five fayre out
on Spanish label Saturno so there's no excuse for including them in your next
lil' soirée.
The main party venue for all the evening
shenanigans is Ku, which kinda looks like a giant spaceship. You go inside to
the main hall with the stage and a few drinks bars and then you step outside
but you're still sort of inside; everything bathed in ultra-violet light with
more bars, plastic booths etc. This was where all the record and clothes stalls
were dotted throughout. Hey, being Hallowe'en there were some pretty weird 'n
wonderful costumes to spy too such as the telephone box man, the half-a-tomb
with fairy lights inside and a cross on top guy, not to mention a mega plethora
of Monster Club style patrons, oh yeah and some giant sex organs who were
wandering nonchalantly about. That night's live group action included such as
the howling, thumping tones of Cyclops from USA, a one man/one woman apparition
of swampy and trashy sounds played out in basic fashion on guitar and drums and
a barrage of caterwauling vocals.
Then came The Limboos, a new-ish Spanish
group that includes lead guitarist Roi and lead vocalist Marky from The Phantom
Keys - one of the saving graces in the Spanish-grown r'n'b garage stakes these
last few years. The Keys also used to have former Thanes Mal Kergan in their
ranks - just thought I'd mention that ... So anyway yeah, the Limboos - well I
dug the more basic stuff they played in the beginning of the set but as soon as
they started to get a bit tricksy and almost kinda too clever etc and then bringing
in the brass section and ... well it's all a bit too soul revue and polite for
my more primal rock'n'roll tastes but a lot of the kids seemed to dig it so who
am I to criticise? Except that I do prefer the less is more approach.
For me the absolutely best group of the
evening, without a shadow of doubt, were The No-Talents. Of French origin, they
are a punk-style group who's wild thriving pizzazz, goose-bumping levels of
whirling energy and pure rock'n'roll drive was always gonna put most other groups
to shame; guitarist Lili Zeller is one of the best adverts for ever wanting to
pick up a guitar and play, while the frantic, whirling dervish moves and
vehement sounding, spat-out and hollered vocals of Cecilia are perfect for such
a group as this - hers is a name synonymous with many action-packed garage beat
and punk projects over the years: Wild Wild Records, the Loud Mufflers, and
various other groups to which her first name has been affixed, and more
recently, of course, there was the similarly absorbing Operation X.
Anyway, The No-Talents take the fierce
spirit of punk rock when it was still great, with just a pinch of the early
Slits and Kleenex (cliche I know but it's still what comes through in Cecilia
and Lili's shrill staccato vocal outpourings) and the beat and melodic tuneage
of some 60s garage beat essence, and they stomp and writhe and jump and shout
like the world's about to explode any minute. As I've said all this bluster and
frenzy is matched up to wildly absorbing garage sounds, their teetering on the
brink assaults jaggedly appealing and seriously good fun, yet still with an
edgy pop sass and nous which is what carries them beyond mere regurgitation or
blank xerox mo-chines: bassist Ivan le Terrible and drummer and schooled rock'n'roll
scribe Laurent Bigot (Ugly Things...) are also thoroughly integral pieces that
so enable the group's furiously rhythmic, strident approach By the end of the
set everyone was spent, the players as well as the recipients of the onslaught.
Outrageous and punk-rockingly great! Was great hanging out with them and Jacko
again too. Also great to bump into old pals like Tony "the Tyger"
Sanchez who I've not seen for many years!
Following that was always gonna be a
tough spot, irrespective of might, brawn, rock credo etc ... Jorge introduced
me to a couple of folks I'd never met before like Ana (At First Sight) and Jake
from Austin's The Black Angels and so we had a good yakkety yak about all the
great 60s TX punk bands, Ana spinning some cool discs in the process and she
told me about this book she's just put out all about Tonto & The Renegades,
of "Little Boy Blue" infamy. It's the first in a series called
"Still Spinning Around at 45 rpm". Wow, not only that she then gave
me a copy so I can review it ... so I'm looking forward to sharing that soon
probably in Shindig or Ugly Things or...
I missed The Dragtones so I had another
wander around the different stalls just taking it all in and then I had a
nightcap. It didn't take too much more for my brain to say ya know what I've
almost had it for live groups tonight, although I first tried a little of famed
US combo New Bomb Turks. Truth is though I never really liked much of what I
heard on record from them, too heavy? Hmmm so maybe it was a given that I wasn't
gonna be swayed by their live show. There's just something that's way too - I
dunno - is it like hardcore sounding or something? For me it's altogether too
grungy and rawk for my delicate or discerning tastes. My main gripe is that I
find it really difficult to locate any real tunes or hooks that if they are
there then must be buried under the mounds of cranked distortion bludgeoning
bass and drums and phlegm-coated vocal growl that seems to inform much of their
oeuvre! Anyway don't wanna slag them off too much seeing as I didn't watch the
show and hundreds did and seemed to be really enjoying them. I really needed to
get some beauty sleep and preserve the energies as our lot, we Wildebeests
were gonna be playing a set in less than 24 hours.
Saturday's afternoon session didn't
start the way it might have as someone forgot to bring the Girl Trouble movie/documentary DVD so some of us sat around awhile and
wondered when this would happen. I left to go to soundcheck around 2 O'clock
and it still hadn't appeared but I am reliably informed that it did eventually
get shown and was apparently really good. I'll need to get a look see at that
someday. Set up done'n'dusted, we went in search of food then came back to RS
for a few cool beers before dispersing to prepare for that night's live
entertainment etc.
The UFO was again full to the gunnels by
the time I got there. First group I saw anything of was Magnetix who we've
shared stages with a few times, I like what they do most of the time but tonight
I only caught little snatches as we were busy preparing our set list, having a
drink and blether with the Dirty Water Gang - Paul Manchester ever so keen to
show off his precious (empty) merch box he'd been trailing around with him all
day. I do recall Magnetix having quite a full on thing going with some
abrasive, clipped drum bashing, blustery incoherent (to me) vocals and some
fairly nasty sounding guitar.
Portuguese lot TT Syndicate were up next and put
on an energetic show with a few cool, uncluttered showings but, like the
Limboos the previous night, went for the big soul/r'n'b revue style approach
after awhile and flung in some cheesy "popcorn" which was all fluffy
and a bit too sugary and kinda hurt my teeth a little ... not salty enough I guess?
But, again, they seemed to go down well with the by now well-lubricated
party-goers.
I can't say too much about the next band
because I play drums and provide some of the vocals but I will say it was great
party atmosphere for The Wildebeests to play at and I think we rose to the
occasion in our commando pirate get-ups ... Paul Revere RIP and off we went
blazing through "Just Like Me", some of our tunes - it was great to
see/hear people singing along to "One Minute's Time" and "Lucinda"
- and a load of punk r'n'b shenanigans the likes of "Mongoloid",
"Diddy Wah Diddy", "Clarabella" and "Action Time
Vision". It got pretty hot in the costumes and Russ had to use a Vox
Phantom-style guitar once or twice as he kept on bustin' strings; two or three
drumsticks went the same way too. We encored with "Suzy Is A
Headbanger" and we were done! The best compliment amongst many was that
"we brought it back again".
US combo Danny and the Darleans took to
the stage next and were really pretty cool although it took a little while for
some people to realise they might be missing something so they better amble
back in smartish ... Danny himself (former Gories string breaker) does a pretty
good beat / garage turn and the bass and drums held together well. The drummer
is one of these top breed loons in the finest Moon/Prince fashion. "You
Drive Me Insane" was a highlight although some of the other songs they
played were pretty exciting in that sloppy/not-sloppy garage beat vein.
I wasn't sure I was still even gonna be
around for last group of the night / morning as Russ, Saskia and I were gonna
have to be up and out before half-eight Sunday morning to make our 11am flight
back to Edinburgh ... but seeing as it was Tacoma Washington's mighty Girl
Trouble I thought I would at least make a valiant effort to catch the start.
I'm glad I stayed and at least caught their first few numbers, as after the
warm up and intro piece they burst into a kickin' version of the Shadows Of
Knight's great n groovy "Gospel Zone". And by the time I managed to
snake my way through the heaving throng, taking in a couple of minutes to say
some buenos noche's to stray pals etc I could still hear Girl Trouble's
"crappy garage" noise echoing all around... but it was now time to
make my way out and along the short walk back to hotel and Zzzzzz!
Sunday, November 09, 2014
So by now you know how sceptical I am. Stories of the Funtastic Dracula Carnival over the years have entered into the annals of legend. Some of them may or may not have been picked up and been given urban myth status. The blurry reality of the situation is that, as an event, what might be considered hype is actually 150% for real. You really have to be there because it’s about the big picture, the people perhaps even more than the bands. So it came to pass that I actually got to attend. Some of the crew were unable to get there this year but I did my very best to represent those that were missing in action for whatever reason.
The FDC is exquisite and the fact that there just happen to
be some great bands and stellar DJ action to be had is just the icing on a
particularly yummilicious big sticky cake. I’d never been to Benidorm before
and it must be utter hell in the summer but the balance of elderly retirees and
the rock’n’roll folks makes for a pretty damn good chemistry. Like some kind of
Mediterranean Blackpool.
And let’s be clear about this, it is rock’n’roll. Of all
persuasions. You might not like all of the bands , all of the time but when
that happens you just step out on to the patio where there’s always music in
the air. When the bus that’s going to town is carrying kids wearing Ramones and
Hellacopters t-shirts then you realise you’ve made it to the right spot.
The venue was something else I’d heard about but took some
time to get to grips with just how unique it is. Between this and the curation,
there’s no way this could not be something else entirely. I think it sort of
blew my mind and I just wandered around wide-eyed for an hour or three. The
scepticism transfusion was complete by the wee small hours and I didn’t feel
like an interloper anymore. By the time The Autoramas came on I was fully
integrated into the vibe and they were fantastic. I don’t know what I expected
of them but it sure wasn’t what I got. Of all the combos I saw over the days,
these kids from Brazil could go furthest. They have the chemistry and the shapes
to send of the Food Fechters scurrying back under the stone where they belong. If
only there was a commodity along the lines of justice. Maybe a drawback is that
there aren’t too many songs in English but like in all good music, lyrics can
become an instrument irrespective of language. Their swinging pummel is utterly contagious.
To tell the truth, I was a little afraid to hear them on record
after this account but can happily report that they have captured whatever the
heck it is their peddling sonically. To see Flavia and to check out Bacalhau’s
wee dance though, you’ll have to go to a show and I can report that they’re
playing Hipsville this coming May here in the UK.
Day two started at Rockstar a downtown bar with several
aperatifs and the very wonderful Lord Rochester who dignified and diddley-fied
us with their presence. The assembled throng loved them and they set the bar
very high way before teatime.
Frannie and Ruth, being the foremost host and hostess took
me along for some tutti frutti ice cream on the beach front in Villajoyosa. It
was fitting that there was some TF in this episode as it took me back to the
Blue Whale speeding toward Madrid city limits with the Quattros in 2008.
Now that I was acclimatised it was time to get down to the
business of socialising. And due to the efforts of Steven Tagg-Randall, I can
keep the gig gab to the minimum and you can sample the musical goods at leisure.
All of the sets presented in glorious FUNTASTOVISION black and white and colour
for all you’re wishing you were there pleasure.
I’ll tackle the GT movie as a separate entity in due course.
It piqued the excitement of getting to see them for the first time in, I think,
18 years. Kurt maintains that the gig we saw in San Francisco was awful but my
memory serves me different. My defence is that Girl Trouble could never be less
than monumental but you know how these artistic types are. By the time they
were ready to go on stage I was wound up like a kid at Christmas. By the time
they were done, I was covered in and coughing up glitter in addition to being somewhat out off puff. As I
remarked to Bon earlier in the evening, I would have been happy just to keel
over in such hallowed company.
Exhaustive coverage of the event can be found at MagicPopcat. This in conjunction with Steven’s excellent videos would provide a fine Christmas getaway should you feel the
urge to escape to another world for a bit. Just hop on board the UFO that Ms
Paloma and Snr Varo curated.
“Spanish jetlag” is a known condition that is not caused by
actual time difference in relation to the regular body clock. SJ comes as a
result of special powers that manifest themselves as soon as you hit whatever
city in Spain you happen to be visiting. My previous bouts have been of the
Wurlitzer strain, a particularly agreeable way to run oneself into the ground.
FDC is likewise a place that would not be unlike my idea of heaven. Not one
obnoxious blowhard or drunk in sight, just kids of all ages raging against the
all-enveloping tide of shite that they have to deal with in everyday life rather than the light.
Doctors should fucking prescribe this as a treatment but be
warned, it’s not for lightweight. I have the added bonus of looking like one of
the retirees I mentioned earlier that cut about like The Banana Splits but by
night, the mutant stamina kicks in and it’s away we go. I like to think that Ralph
Kramden would be proud.
So now I’ve been bitten then I pledge allegiance to the
frat. Resistance is utterly futile.
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