Great interview with Joe King from The Queers at Recoil...

Fighting an overwhelming despondancy here about going back to work tomorrow. That's what comes of being off and just kicking about indoors. Anyway, I completed my OX column so that's something. I've been pondering just how much gab is necessary in a post. Doesn't it piss you off when all the stuff you read about is the best bit? That all the clips you see in the trailer are all that's worth seeing? Is my whetting your appetite to go check something out for yourself so outta whack?? I spend so much time in front of a screen during my day to day existence that sometimes the last thing I want to do is continue this at home. At the same time though, I feel a certain responsibility to keep this going. It would be very easy to knock it all on the head. Something happened recently that really made me feel like calling time. One thing I have given up on completely is publishing a proper issue. I wouldn't know where to start. There's so much information out there. How do you tell what is bollocks and what is the bollocks? You have to be able to trust the source. And that's not always easy either.

One bit of good news today was that "Ain't No King of Rock'n'Roll" by The Nomads was "coolest song of the week" on Little Steven's Underground Garage this past Sunday night.

On that high note, I bid you farewell as I scope out the vista downhill. Wonder if i'll make it before dark?

My kind of people!

Brethern, Sistern... we’re operating with a new set of numbers. The brick wall that is the return to work looms large on the horizon. Nothing else to do except smash right on in. I don’t do the lottery (other than that of life) so we’ll see where the twists and turns end up. If you start out with low to no expectations then everything else is a bonus, right? You expect jollity this far into a new year? I discovered a bloody wasp in my kichen this morning. It should be too bloody parky outside for that kinda thing surely but no, good ol' global warming is in full swing. I want the clear blue skies and below zero temperatures back. That bracing, fresh, healthy cold that was always around at this time of year. Not this damp, windy, grey (it seems to never get light anymore) bollocks that we seem to be saddled with. I do my bit for the old svelt carbon footprint in a probably misguided hope that this can be reversed somewhere down the line. But anyway, a wasp. Sod that for the proverbial game of soldiers...

I am quite possibly the only person around these parts who couldn’t give a rats hindquarters what the new “Stooges” album sounds like. What’s wrong with me? That’s for me to know and I’m pretty sure you don’t care one way or another. When I mention this condition, people look at me strangely and think I’m kidding but I am SO not. Such a thing can only dilute the legend further surely. Get with supporting a new artist or group. Not a touring circus that’s patently only in it for the coin, that sticks meticulously to a slim body of work. Of course, that might be broadened with this new tripe. I have two words to say to you - "Skull Ring" (whoa nelly is right!) Why can’t they dust off “Raw Power” and play some of that live? Because there’s no heart and no soul in what they’re doing. “Gimme Danger”? “Gimme Horlicks” more like. I’m beginning to think that I was duped all those years ago.

However, with imagination plus some heart and soul, reunions can work. The Scientists and The Dolls pulled it off. One can only wonder what would have happened if The Ramones were alive and available.

But anyway, if you want the feeling that those recordings used to charge your batteries with then get on board Wooden Shjips. If you want gloriously twisted pop action then Hello Saferide will provide all of that and more. And if you’re starved of all-girl garage rockin’ then The Boonaraaas new album is destined to be with us in March on Sounds Of Subterranea. The Bambi Molesters will hopefully shake some of their glorious instrumental stylings upon us during this one too. The Star Spangles “Dirty Bomb” is about to be detonated also. There’s a lot of fine music out there folks. You just have to tune in and turn on. Forget about what happened 30 years ago. We need that burst of pure energy now. Not just some cloned approximation. There are jams to be kicked out. Whaddayerwaitin’for! I'm off to prepare a haggis bagel and to ponder exactly how I got myself into this crawlspace.

As we say here in the Netherlands: Veel heil en zegen in 2007! to you all...

Apparently there’s a storm brewing that’ll wash any prospective revelry off the pavements tonight. No not Travis Bickle although it's a sage idea. Particularly in the Scottish Borders and Northern England according to the weather forecast. Going by recent standards then we’re all in for a pasting the length and breadth of "the daftest wee country in the world". Are you under pressure to have the time of your life as you usher in another set of numbers? Well not here you ain’t matey, I’ve put together a few things here that you might like to stay in and click on. I’m going to put a big thick book down my breeks because I’m sure that this one will start with a good hard kick up the arse. The uncertainty of this most recent one has taught me so. Mouse at the ready?, get clicking...

Mr Hagred flagged up this great clip of THEM. Anybody got any idea of where it was recorded?

My find of 2006, Hello Saferide performing “The Quiz” at The Water Rats in London back in November.

If you missed Wooden Shjips, then here’s your chance to catch up.

Likewise Josh Taylor’s Friends Forever

My powers to stay outta "myspace" have proved to be less than effective and I now have an extended family across the planet and the furthest reaches of cyberspace. Generally music keelhauls this here system but maybe you’ve got a fantoosh machine that can deal with it and doesn't fold at the slightest problem? Drop in on my “friends” and listen to what they’ve got to offer why dontcha? It's all wheat, I don't approve chaff.

I’m off to read another instalment of Everett True’s Nirvana doorstop… might be back before the advent of 2007 but then again who knows… I have my OX column to consider also. Anyway, thanks for sticking with us. I'm going to TRY and update this at least once a day. Hasn't always been possible in recent times but an attempt will be made. Whatever you get up to over the next few hours, in some places it already is new year so the quicker it's done and dusted the better. The sheep can take their faux bonhomie and shove it. Catch you folks on yonder flipside!

Were you "under the thunder" at the Roundhouse on November 4th 1977?

Click2vu James Brown Tribute...

Dee Dee brandishing a copy of NBT 6 at the Queen Margaret Union in Glasgow, circa 1978. I just had "profile view" #1234 over at the ol' myspace pad. Spooky rumblings or just coincidence. You decide...

The Dead Boys (plus others) at the Glasgow Apollo when they opened for The Damned in 1977... The guy whose hand is coming in from the LH side like a "firearm" is none other than Lenny Love who released The Rezillos "Can't Stand My Baby" on his Sensible imprint.

The New York Loose should be familiar to long-standing NBT visitors so it goes without saying that this February release will be greeted with great excitement. It's coming your way on Sleazegrinder in the US and via Cargo here in Ms West's adopted home of Blighty. If you're not familiar with them then when you do become acquainted then you'll wonder, like I often do, how the heck this woman never became a punk rockin' icon in an international sense. She's still got it so get with the program...

Note, this was (May 1974) before I discovered The Dictators. Before starting to drink coca cola for breakfast and definitley prior to the man in question being branded "a creep" in a song by the group that would ultimately point my direction in, er, "life". (Thanks Andy!)

July 4th 1976 at The Crestfield Hotel in King's Cross, London. Baseball bats at the ready... L-R: Gordon (Weed) Reid, David (Tich) Seath and Roy (Eric Bloom) Litts parade their Ramones booty!
We went to Selfridges to get t-shirts made. Can't recall what the Thor connection was supposed to be but Dave and I figured that Monroe was close to an an anagram of Ramones. If you ignore the "a", right? Anyway, I still have mine(signed by Joey though somewhat faded), wonder if the Ramones Museum in Berlin would be interested in this piece of folk history?

From 14th December 1980 at The Lyceum in London. Taken by Vivian Rhodes, this photo was the basis for the LOTC "Stay Sick" shirt. I wonder if any of those survived?

Maybe i'll run an old photos spot on myspace, of course it'd have allow me to be logged in for more than 10 minutes at a time but maybe it's time I set myself a challenge.

Found this when I was looking for something else, it was taken (by me on a daft wee instamatic) backstage at the Glasgow Apollo on Thursday, May 31st 1979. The reflection in the mirror is one Fay Fife. This was the first ever Cramps show in the UK when they were opening for The Polis (as we'd call them up here). Setlist (in Bryan's handwriting) was: Garbageman, Rocket in my Pocket, The Way I Walk, Rockin’ Bones, I Was A Teenage Werewolf, Sunglasses After Dark, Human Fly, Twist and Shout, Weekend On Mars, Mystery Plane. Reproduced here from a page in NBT 9/10 that came out in 1979.

DECEMBER AND BEYOND AT NORTONVILLE...
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS...
Holiday wishes to Nortonians worldwide… joy was certainly tempered by an early morning telephone call to Norton HQ from a shocked and mournful Mighty Hannibal, who broke the sad news that his friend, Mr. James Brown, had unexpectedly shed his earthly mantle in the wee dark hours of this Christmas morning. The Godfather of Soul leaves behind an immeasurable legacy, the least of which may be his still properly unlauded FUTURE SHOCK television show. Our condolences to the Mighty Hannibal and to all friends, fans and family of J.B. In his honor, let’s " THINK…about the right things, THINK about the outta sight things, baby…"

NEW YEAR’S EVE ROCK N’ ROLL DANCE!!!
A-BONES/SWINGIN’ NECKBREAKERS/GREAT GAYLORD MAGNETIC FIELD, 97 ATLANTIC AVENUE, BROOKLYN http://www.magneticbrooklyn.com
The A-Bones will be joined onstage for our entire set by special guest Ira "Keys" Kaplan of Yo La Tengo on piano. Ira the K has backed many of the top names in SHOW business, now let’s see how he does with MONKEY business! Will he survive a dive into the shallow end of the rackety A-Bones pool of high geared mayhem? Learn the answer to this question first-hand, plus witness the sonic assault of Garden State gargantuans, the Swingin’ Neckbreakers, as they piledrive their wiley ways into Kings County to close out yet another annus mirabilis… baby the world ain’t round, it’s a square…circle… and HELLO GIRLS! The Great Gaylord ("El Grand Guillardo", now a legend in Spain) will be firing up his special Squat magic encased tightly and rightly in full-on sharkskin magnificence! The Thing With Two Heads (Bazooka Joe and Xtine) will spin wildass records all night long which means reelin’ and rockin’ and rollin’ ‘til the break of dawn bringing in a …REVVIN’ 2007! Like, varoom! PS, people: This will be Lee at Magnetic Field’s last chance to employ his Norton’s 20th Anniversary marketing scheme. Fear not, Mr. Lee! Our 21st signifies the legal drinking age, the 21st amendment (ended Prohibition!), the big new century, plus for the true Nords in the A-Bones (Lars and Miriam), atomic Element 21 is the elusive and fabulous Scandium… ergo, mayhaps, a 21 gun salute! Lee, let the proliferation ploys begin anew!

GREAT JONES A-MIGHTY! (They plugged us, let’s plug them-- Jones-town USA!)
Hi Everybody,
We are throwing a dance party at Great Jones Cafe on New Year's Eve. At midnight there will be a free champagne toast and at 12:01, once the tables have been pushed aside and salt has been poured all over the floor, the dance party gets under way.
Ridiculous hats and noisemakers provided at no charge.
No cover to get in. Booze proudly exchanged for money all night long. So come early and fortify your liver, or come late after you see the A-Bones at Magnetic Field, or whatever it is that you people do. The address is 54 Great Jones St., right off the Bowery in the up and coming borough of Manhattan. Pass this on to friends & family if you want... -Matt
P.S. If you want to eat, remember that the kitchen closes at 11 on New Year's Eve. Okay then.

Friday Dec. 29 BLACK LIPS (Maxwells, Hoboken) Last area show at Don Pedro’s, the Black Lips blew the roof off the joint. Get there early – this will sell out! With a Norton 45 right around the corner as well as new album on Vice (recorded live in Tijuana!), these guys cannot remain contained! Don’t miss it! Totally top rank- see you there!

Sunday Dec. 31 THE ALARM CLOCKS (Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland) The time has indeed come. RING IN the New Year with the world’s only garage band! Midwest mod-hoppers and ATA puddle jumpers, clock in at the Beachland and file reports herewith, please!

Friday Jan. 12 MIGHTY HANNIBAL/BLACK LIPS/REIGNING SOUND (The Earl,
Atlanta) King Hannibal returns home with his fiery brand of raw soul backed by the incredible Black Lips a/k/a the Official Mighty Hannibal Fan Club, Atlanta Chapter. The truth shall set you free!! Reigning Sound throws an already wild lineup into the stratosphere! This will sell out so purchase show tickets before you start driving!

New Norton 45s in the works… prepare for the onslaught!
• THE DICTATORS – 16 FOREVER/STAY WITH ME (45-124) Long lost unissued 1978 single b/w original BLOODBROTHERS demo! Twin-spin anthems!
• MARY WEISS – DON’T COME BACK/A CERTAIN GUY (45-132) Pre-album rocker b/w non-CD Ernie-K-Doe cover (burn, K-Doe, burn!) featuring the mighty Lonnie Youngblood! Solid Reigning sound backing! Welcome back, Mary!!
• BLACK LIPS - WHAT TO DO/DEMON’S CLAWS – FACTORY GIRL (9656) Latest Rolling Stones cover song twin spin! Down home romps from today’s action teens!
Stupendous sides, both!
• THE VIKINGS – I NEED YOUR LOVIN’/SUCH A LOVE (45-136) Ultra super mega rare ’65 garage monster! Only two known copies of this brutal monster and it’s never been reissued, much less heard before! Gold wax!
New Norton Jukebox Series by super-popular demand-- THE MIDNITERS!
• THEE MIDNITERS – EVERYBODY NEEDS SOMEBODY TO LOVE/NEVER KNEW I HAD IT SO BAD (45-873) • THEE MIDNITERS – JUMP, JIVE AND HARMONIZE/THEE MIDNITE FEELING (45-874) • THEE MIDNITERS – I FOUND A PEANUT/LOVE SPECIAL DELIVERY (45-875)
Norton’s Thee Midniters collection IN THEE MIDNITE HOUR!!! (ED/CED 315) is clocking in on many 2006 "Best Of" lists…dig this frantic slab on LP and CD, NOW!!! And lube those Seeburgs n’ Wurlies for the upcoming super blast sevens!
Stay tuned for solid date on rumored Los Angeles appearance!
GREEN CARD BLUES… BLOODSHOT BILL BANNED IN USA … Our great pal, Bloodshot Bill, the one man band from Montreal (if you dig Charlie Feathers…) has been prohibited from re-entering the USA for FIVE YEARS thanks to tyrant-o-saurus border guards…. But Bloodshot Bill Mania will not be stopped-- Norton will issue ONE MAN BANNED!!!! An extended-play vinyl slab to help keep Bloodshot in the Stateside limelight. Happy Birthday, BB, eh?
…big thanks to the many of you who bought our Arthur Lee 45 of 1965 demos.
Proceeds went to Arthur before he passed away in August and sales of each and every copy continue to go to his estate-- this record was fully sanctioned by Arthur himself… never to be forgotten. http://www.thelovesociety.com/
New albums due March 6
MARY WEISS – DANGEROUS GAME (Norton 323 LP/CD) First ever solo album from the original lead singer of the Shangri-Las! Thirteen original songs plus a cover of the Shangs’ Heaven Only Knows! Backed by the Reigning Sound – more details to come next time!
THE SONICS – BUSY BODY: LIVE IN TACOMA 1964 (Norton 913 LP/CD) Ferocious Northwest live radio broadcasts from the Tacoma Sports Arena and the Red Carpet Teen Club – The Witch/Tough Walk/Hitch Hike, mo’!
WINTER/SPRING ROMPS AND STOMPS! STAY TUNED!
• Saturday, March 3 MARY WEISS/REIGNING SOUND – BEACHLAND BALLROOM, CLEVELAND – Record release show! The countdown is on for Mary’s solo debut- stay tuned! http://www.beachlandballroom.com • March 14-17 NORTON RECORDS SHOWCASE AT SXSW - Mary Weiss, Reigning Sound, Alarm Clocks, A-Bones, Dex Romweber- stay tuned!
• May 2 (New Orleans, Louisiana!) PONDEROSA STOMP returns to the Big Easy- stay tuned! http://www.ponderosastomp.com • May 16-20 (Green Bay, Wisconsin) ROCKIN’ 50s FEST! Get tix now and… stay tuned! http://www.actionpackedevents.com/Oneida%20Fest%202007.htm
NORTON CHIEF HONCHO BILLY MILLER INTERVIEWED Cool photos, too! Norton crowd w/Esquerita, Miriam and Dion compare hats, mo’!
http://turnit-down.blogspot.com/2006/11/norton-records-owner-billy-miller.html
NORTON 20TH ANNIVERSARY RADIO PARTY
Dave The Spazz’s Music To Spazz By on WFMU. Three hour party features live studio guest Mary Weiss plus phone-ins from Robert Plant (yes, Benny Joy puts a bustle in his hedgerow!), Roky Erickson, Sam The Sham, Ronnie Spector (requesting T. Valentine’s Hello Lucille Are You A Lesbian!), Dale Hawkins, Kim Fowley, Question Mark (he may still be talking!), the Alarm Clocks, Deke Dickerson and a live in the studio set from the Real Kids!
http://wfmu.org/playlists/shows/21014
Check out Norton Records at myspace.com/nortonrecords and always click the news link at
http://www.nortonrecords.com