Sunday, April 30, 2006

Just for the heck of it, more Youtube links: Cramps, Dictators, Bo Diddley, Fleshtones, Howlin' Wolf, Loli & the Chones, Nomads, Nomads (2), Oblivians, Rip Offs, Ronettes, Seeds, Sam The Sham, Yardbirds

and let's not forget (the) New Math!
A potential warning to us all. (Thanks to Bobby Lloyd Hicks for the link)
The new Mary Lee’s Corvette album entitled “Love, Loss and Lunacy” is out in the UK tomorrow. I think there are US shows just prior to that but check the website for those. If there’s such a thing as justice in terms of airplay it’ll be lighting up the airwaves over the course of the next few months and beyond. There’s nothing manufactured or processed here and no need to skip tracks because there are no duffers. “All that Glitters” sets the stall out with an effervescent energy that permeates the whole album and the Herd-like horns that punctuate "Wasting The Sun" are an infectious tonic to these ears. A soundtrack for life circa 2006 that plays out as a timeless slice of pop(tastic) Americana. Add a dash of rock swagger and two fingers of twang and yer all set. “Falling Again” could provide Cyndi Lauper with a passport back to the mainstream should she think about covering it. LL&L is consistent and heartfelt but don’t take my word for it, you can catch Ms Kortes here in the UK in May with Smash Palace at the following establishments proving just that:

Friday 12th Nantwich, The Audlem
Saturday 13th Buckingham The Granary
Sunday 14th Macclesfield, Bar Cuba
Friday 19th Berwick-upon-Tweed, The Barrells
Saturday 20th Comrie, WRI Hall
Sunday 21st Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree
Tuesday 23rd High Wycombe, Wycombe Swan
Wed 24th London, The Borderline
Thursday 25th Swindon, Swindon Arts Centre
Friday 26th Glasgow, ABC2
Saturday 27th Edinburgh, The Village
Sunday 28th Nottingham, The Maze
Monday 29th Sheffield, Broadwalk
Tuesday 30th Winchester, The Railway

Take your pick and get with the action. Full band shows are likely to pack quite a wallop so treat yourself and when you're satisfied that I'm not snowing you then buy the album at the show. Sound like a plan? Good.

Saturday, April 29, 2006



Click here to listen to the jukebox...




Anybody seen this? I didn't know anything about it until my buddy Duane told me it had been released. Info on songs, etc. here.
The Ramones brand just gets bigger and bigger (thanks to Martin for this, you can look forward to his review of the "Too Tough To Die" movie coming soon to a blog near you) and another tribute by a guy called Tracy Thornton to da brudders in a Carribean stylee. Not sure it's up there with the mighty Nutley Brass but it further ram(one)s home the broad appeal of the tuneage. Thanks to Murray for the heads up on this one. Following the links, there are also "rockabilly" and "guitar" tributes to the guys too.


Finally the portal is ready, and the court of the great JD King is in session...

Friday, April 28, 2006

Now that I’ve watched “You’re Gonna Miss Me” twice, I feel slightly better versed to blog about it. I purposely didn’t write anything earlier because my first encounter totally depressed me. That and the fact that I didn’t want to spoil anything for readers who I knew would go along tonight. Anyway, it’s not what I expected and although there is performance footage in it, the main crux is a kind of Erickson Vs Erickson for custody of Roky. It's also too long. The stuff with his dad and Sumner’s therapist border on Larry David territory, but not in a good way. Patti Smith, Byron Coley, Gregg Turner and Thurston Moore get a short anecdote each and there are a few major players in Roky’s career missing that might have been able to balance the viewing experience away from being almost exploitative. In his apartment, where he tended to lock himself away, he turned on all kind of instruments and appliances to create a din that may somehow have kept his demons at a fathomable level. Like a sonic force field. I wanted a film that concentrated on the music, that celebrated what he means in the rock firmament. Roky is responsible for some of the most heart-rending music ever made. Any hint of that is buried deep in dysfunctional ugliness that ends up tainting any positive trajectory this may have set out with. By the end, Roky seems to be making progress and as we know he’s been doing shows since so that’s something. My overall feeling with the film is of disappointment. I know you most probably need to see it for yourself and by all means do but beware of the doldrums it may banish you too is all.
From Brother Don in SF...

cynical girls, wreckless eric @ 12 galaxies, san francisco...

just back from seeing the wreckless wonder and that pair of cynical gals at yet another dive (amy sure picks 'em) in the mission district here in old friss-co. as we approached the joint two mariachi guys were walking down mission singing in spanish playing guitars. lori said, "hey, i want to hear them!" but the nasal scream of wreckless eric, a voice i haven't heard live since the 1978 stiff tour, was coming from out of the bar, and we rushed across the street just in time to hear "reconnez cherie". wow! i must say i never would have recognized him. he had some old man hat on (which he joked about among other things). he's even more insane now than he was in the old days. he said something like..."i haven't left home in 26 years...i don't know what you're on about here in the states...i can't understand... er...what's that?", he asked, pointing to someone sitting at a table in front. "a quesadilla? what's that? i want one of those". he played a black single cutaway acoustic thru a fender bassman with a few effects... boss trem, mxr dyna comp, some kind of distortion box. he switched occasionally to some crazy green hollowbody electric with a fender type neck. this guitar was literally falling apart as he played it. but it sounded great. the barflies were carrying on so we moved upstairs so we could hear better. he finally got everyone's attention with his classic "whole wide world". great great great. i wish he would've done "veronica" as well. but he was fun, if not totally mad. as a friend said, after he was over... "he is what he is". amy joined him for one or two songs. he got a big kiss from her as she left the stage.
i ran down the street for some chips (crisps to you limeys) cause the necastle was going to my head and when i got back amy rigby and marti jones had just started. right off you could see what a great combo they make. perfect harmonies. marti looks damn good for fifty! they traded songs and did some duets on amy's songs. "don't break the heart" was nicely done as was "the trouble with jeannie". marti played an acoustic (martin i think) most of the night but added some nice electric 12 string stuff to amy's songs. (a red and white danelectro). it was all good but marti made some remarks about the "interesting" activity in the back by the bar. i.e.: people making more noise than the performers. amy took it in stride as she's used to this horrid behavior when she plays here.(note to amy: avoid the mission district dumps). finally the regulars cleared out and things got better. they were joined by some chick from LA named kelly who played and sang beautifully, adding a nice third part harmony. just before she came out, amy and marti sat down at a table on the stage for some girl talk. marti asked amy what kind of guys she likes. amy said, "well, i like guys that wear hats. how bout you". marti said, "i like bald guys". well ladies, i got you both covered!
excuse me...back to the show... they finished up with amy's recent crowd pleaser, "dancing with joey ramone", and in the encore they brought eric up and amy asked, "have you got any advice for the poeple out there, eric?" to which he replied, "don't play seattle!". but then came his classic, "take the cash". they all seemed to have fun playing that. and amy and marti finished up with marshall crenshaw's "cynical girls". soon as they left the stage there was some announcement that everyone had to leave because there was another show coming on. huh?? two sets in this dump? since when?? we caught up with amy before leaving and i got to meet eric finally after all these years. amy said there was some stiff records tribute going on down the street. i told eric he should go...he'd blow their minds. but he said his voice was shot. sounded like this was the end of their tour.
it was almost midnight so we had to split before the coach became a pumpkin and we all said goodbye to amy... sorry i didn't get to meet ms. jones. anyway get this: there were about 30 people in the place the whole night, right? okay, we get outside and there's a line all the way down the street waiting to get in??? this must be for the next act. i asked someone, "who are you waiting for?"
"ryan adams. AND phil lesh and it's only five bucks", said some excited young lady.
huh?? in a little bar at 22nd and mission?? on a thursday nite?? bizzaro world. and so we hopped on the 49 bus completely dumbfounded. anyway i'd rather pay more that twice as much to see amy, eric and marti jones than ryan adams and phil lesh any day. - don

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Returning once again to the New York Dolls: A new album is set for release in July, just hit the link for a couple o' MP3s. Not too sure about the first two songs, but Dance Like A Monkey reminded me of the Lazy Cowgirls in their final incarnation. Which is not bad, not bad at all...
RIP - Dave Mahoney
"Proud Galleries in London are very excited to be hosting a really extensive exhibition of photographs of The Ramones from 27th April through to 4th June 2006 at their gallery in central London. The exhibition includes photographs by Adrian Boot, Roberta Bayley, Philippe Carly, Chip Dayton, George du Bose, Danny Fields, Godlis and Robert Matheu. All the images from the major albums are included and many unseen, `behind the scenes' shots, including the Ramones in Hyde Park, London! The exhibition sets the scene of the 1970's punk revolution from the perspective of the original punk band. There's also opportunity to purchase signed limited edition prints of the photos. Opening hours: Monday-Thorsday: 10am-7pm and Friday-Sunday 11am-6pm. Address: Proud Central, 5 Buckingham Street, The Strand, London WC2N 6BP. Entry is free".

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

RIP - Bonnie Owens
Yon one, yon only - Stewart Cruickshank's BBC crew laid on a hell of a leaving do for him last night at Oran Mor in Glasgow. I hope that the "high heid yins" take stock of his call for them to give the younger members of the Music Department the means to thrive. I "hae my doobts" but am perfectly prepared to be proven wrong. Anyway the music was provided by Teenage Fanclub, Karine Polwart and Phil Cunningham, The Beat Poets and Mickey Rooney (a rousing "Have Love Will Travel" and "Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White" with Captain C rockin' the mic with some guest vocals. Some guy was playing Bohemian Rhapsody on a ukelele when I was leaving but there was still action expected from The Alex Harvey-less Band (copyright DS) and BMX Bandits. I've no idea if the good captain got to perform Weezer's "Beverly Hills" or not at this point. It was too much fun for a school night, that's for damn sure. Queen Margaret Drive will, quite possibly, never be the same again but the man himself will be haunting the Byres Road for some time to come. Concision? aye, right.

More at the TFC message board.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

TOO TOUGH TO DIE: A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY RAMONE

During one incredible evening in 2004, an unforgettable group of fans, musicians and celebrities alike gathered at The Avalon in Hollywood to pay tribute to the Ramones 30th Anniversary. They had come together not only to celebrate the band but also to raise money for cancer research in honor of their friend, Johnny Ramone, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1999. The Red Hot Chili Peppers ("I Just Wanna Have Something To Do", "I Wanna Be Sedated"), Steve Jones ("Judy Is A Punk"), Eddie Vedder ("Sheena Is A Punk Rocker"), Pete Yorn ("I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend"), Tommy Ramone, Marky Ramone, C-Jay Ramone and others all took the stage to perform their favorite Ramones tracks in homage to a special friend, band mate, and peer. The Ramones are widely regarded as the wellspring from which American punk rock emerged. Starting in 1974, the band redefined rock with their unique style and creativity. Their incomparable showmanship and artistic integrity has resonated throughout the music industry ever since. Two days after the tribute concert, which everyone agreed he had held on for, Johnny Ramone died, conscious of the impact he had made. Johnny Ramones's distinctive guitar licks still echo today, making him an ever-present force that will be cherished for generations to come. TOO TOUGH TO DIE: A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY RAMONE will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on Wednesday, April 26th at 11 p.m. at The Loews Village 7 and also screen throughout the festival.

Tribeca Film Festival Screenings for TOO TOUGH TO DIE: A TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY RAMONE

Tuesday, April 25, 4 p.m., Tribeca Grand- PRESS SCREENING
Wednesday, April 26, 11 p.m., Loews Village 7-PREMIERE SCREENING
Thursday, April 27, 1 p.m., Loews Village 7
Saturday, April 29, 11:30 p.m., Loews 34th Street
Wednesday, May 3, Midnight, Loews 68th Street
Saturday, May 6, 5 p.m., Loews 34th Street
New from Norton (due early June);

KING KHAN & BBQ SHOW/FLAKES - SPLIT 7"
"Yes, the label with the able stable has finally landed the in-demand duo for our Rolling Stones trib series, in which we try to alert the inert public about the essential excellence of this relatively unknown English combo by having the hottest names in entertainment today interpret their bucolic chart bubblers. The King Khan & BBQ Show's version of 'Flight 505' is flip sided by the fabulous FLAKES rendition of the introspective 'Stupid Girl' on this AFTERMATH twin spin ripper!"

U-TURNS - U-TURNS
"Celebrate the death of garage rock with the only band that matters! This four song unissued (you'll hear why!) tape of 1966 teenage hi jinx includes a truly demented 1:10 version of 7 And 7 Is, Dedicated Follower Of Fashion, Get Off My Cloud and a stunning take of the Beatles' I'm Down. Makes Green Fuz sound like Green Day!"

MIDNITERS, THEE - IN THEE MIDNITE HOUR!!!
"Get ye ready for the first ever comp made up exclusively of these East LA kings' top 1964-67 stompers! NO BALLADS!! Just one souped-up killer after another! Whittier Blvd./Everybody Needs Somebody To Love/Jump, Jive And Harmonize/Gloria/Love Special Delivery/Thee Midnite Feeling/I Found A Peanut/Never Knew I Had It So Bad/Down Whittier Blvd./Empty Heart/Looking Out A Window/Do You Love Me/Dragon-Fly/Hey Little Girl/Money/Welcome Home Darling/Devil With A Blue Dress/Good Golly Miss Molly/Land Of A Thousand Dances (extended live version)/Down Whittier Blvd. (Godfrey vocal) - pounds like no manana! Release announcement in next newsletter. We are deeply saddened at the recent departure of Midniters arranger and horn man ROMEO PRADO, who passed away this month in Los Angeles. This album will be to his memory. GOD BLESS ROMEO."

Monday, April 24, 2006

Dutch p-rock legends the Helmettes are workin' on their debut (!) LP, and have some demos up for download on their website. Hardly a match on their classic 45 (but what is?), these new songs still display plenty of the eccentricity that has always surounded these guys...
Local rockstars the Stilettos have a new (split) 10" out soon on Tear It Up. The release party will take place right here in Utrecht on Saturday May 13th at the EKKO club.
It’s odd the way things turn out. In a previous life I had correspondence with one Steven Patrick Morrissey. I also set up The Cramps fan club with him, although we never met we talked on the phone and he contributed to the print NBT. The last time I think I ever had any contact with him was when I was invited go and see The Smiths at Night Moves in Glasgow. I didn’t care much for “This Charming Man” so I declined.

Our correspondence started because of a mutual fixation with The New York Dolls. Strange then that I should end up 25+ years down the road, seeing the Arthur documentary the day before seeing the phenomenon now known simply as Morrissey at The Albert Halls in Stirling. An attempt to arrange a meet never transpired. The reason for trying to do this was to pass him a copy of Amy Allison’s version of “Everyday Is Like Sunday” because I’d like to think he’d like it. Can’t say I’m a fan of his recorded work or that I’m even familiar with it but I still feel something of a kinship because of that Dolls connection. I’ve had the promo poster of the first album cover on my wall since I got it in 1972 and it’s still going strong. Hearing him and Nina talk about the charge of seeing them on the Whistle Test forever ago, took me right back to the night in question. Clearer than much of what has happened to me in the past few months.

Anyway, the show started of with the bang of “First Of The Gang” and sped somewhat downhill. There was a Led Zep thing going on with the drummer that I wasn’t down with and as tight as the band sounds, they have no tangible soul. Tis a great show if you worship at the altar I’m sure but for the casual onlooker the gilt wore off the gingerbread pretty fast. I was glad to get back to the car and the soothing tones of my Angel Corpus Christi Louie Louie cd. Away from the scene before it spilled out on to the pavey.

Openers Sons and Daughters are much more sinewy live than on record. That rhythm section can really motor. The girl singer is pretty good too. If they were to get some songs together and ditch the guitar player then I think they could be on to something.

And that's yer lot for morning report...

Sunday, April 23, 2006

The 8-Track Torrents Are Here!

"Hello everyone and it is time again to torrent.

13th Floor Elevators - Attack Of The 8-Tracks I & II

These two volumes were derived from pristine 8-track tapes of the 4
Elevators' releases. Ripped directly to digital and presented on two
Cd's. I contains Psychedelic Sounds & Live / II contains Easter
Everywhere & Bull Of The Woods. The sound quality and mix of the 8-
tracks is completely different from the original vinyl mixes. So,
why go through the trouble you might ask; because we care.

A lot of work and effort goes into these projects from people across
the globe. If you would like to be part of the minion... join us
here: http://groups.google.com/group/Texas-P

To download these two cd's, and the artwork to boot, go to these
url's and torrent torrent torrent.


AOT8TI http://thepiratebay.org/details.php?id=3473276
AOT8TII http://thepiratebay.org/details.php?id=3473277
AOT8TI http://www.demonoid.com/torrents/details/324488/
AOT8TII http://www.demonoid.com/torrents/details/324490/

We look forward to hearing from you!"