Hey, the world might be coming down around our shoulders. Banks going the way of the Bailey Building and Loan, freak weather and astronomically priced petrol all chipping in to noise we the fuck up. Even being able to get to the damn post office these days is fraught with problems. Saturday morning seems to be the best bet so that's what I do, despite preferring to have the supplies in before most of the rest of the world decides to stir.
Managing to stomach two songs by The Verve last night, I switched off about a minute into the third. It was truly awful and anyone from another planet tuning into this pish could well be put off music for life. Why is it that the majority of the bills on UK festivals are so shit? Spain, Sweden and Denmark provide examples that it doesn't have to be this way. Indeed there are smaller enclaves here that strike a decent balance but this Balado thing - I don't know what would be worse - the chemical lavvies or the excrecable acts. Opposite sides of the same coin in this here book chums. Of course, there is good music out there and I'm listening to a wheen of it right now.
Info, subjective insight and links coming your way in the fullness of time. Just don't hold your breath(s). Monk is on today too. Result.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Festival season is fully in swing, and Sunday 13th July sees w'OWFI fESt take place at Glasgow's Captain's Rest. The varied (to say the least) lineup for the all-day benefit includes Hari Kiri of Kylie Minoise, Edinburgh's Mills and Boon, Fall-inspired Johnny and the Entries, troll-fabled folk from Norwegian fiddler Solveig Askvik & banjo/guitarist Mike Hastings, anything-goes-improv from Jer Reid (of Dawson) and Shane Connolly, Japanese Taiko Drumming, lo-fi songwriting duo James William Hindle and Calvin Halliday to Glasgow's own Gummy Stumps. Plus, DJ sets from Katrina of The Pastels, Simon Shaw (V-Twin, Lucky Luke) Wolfie Wolfoid, Humaira Saeed, Paul (Missing Records) and Chuckles D'Amage, and what's apparently the debut on the wheels of steel from Dep Downie of the Monorail record shop. All proceeds from your £6 go to the Organisation of Women's Freedom In Iraq which provides safe shelters for women in the country. (info from Jockrock)
Brother Duano has been making his list.
He's probably checking it again as I type.
Have a look see what you fancy.
Brother Patrick brings us up to speed with...
TAV FALCO’S PANTHER BURNS – 2008 and more
Tav Falco told me that the very first article on Panther Burns’ appeared in the Next Big Thing. So this same mag, er blog, is proud to be the first to celebrate the Panthers Burns 30th years (formed in Feb 1979) and to announce a new album called "CONJURATIONS: Séance for Deranged Lovers". The demos are awesome, they just need a record label now!
Panther Burns were in Paris for two shows recently and I attended the second of those at La Féline, a cool bar in the north of the city. The audience was composed of real fans, maybe 50 maximum! A(nother) shameful turnout for a legend like Tav! Or course as usual, there were no writers from official magazines.
PB V.2008 are an amazing ensemble with a beautiful girl (Giovanna Pizzaro) on drums, wearing a bikini. Other members are Grégoire Cat on guitar and Laurent Lo on bass. Tav played on his small Hoffner violin-shaped guitar..
Considering the shows that I’ve already heard, the set list was far from regular: some blues song (the show began by “Mississipi River Blues”); during “Drop Your Mask”, Tav put his guitar in a corner, combed his hair and then began to dance tango with friend Via Kali (another beautiful girl); some songs by request too and a lot of rockabilly like “Funnel Of Love”, “Fire Of Love”, “She’s The One That’s Got It” (she got what ? .... well, you know ...) and “Train Kept A Rolling”, dedicated to Chris Wilson.
I asked Chris if he was gonna sing a song wih Tav. He answered “maybe”. It didn’t happen, but anyway Mr Wilson, seeing my microphone, shouted in it like he was Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
And at the close, Chris took Grégoire’s guitar to play a few blues notes.
My only regret is that they didn’t play “Tina The Go Go Queen”, but Tav told me that they’ll play it for me next time! Can’t wait. Also, I hope I’d have the chance to hear the original unissued version (acetate) by Sir Mack Rice, one day ...
Tav accepted the request to answer to my questions, more focussed on the present/future than on the past.
Tav: It is preferable to focus on the present and the ever-looming future.
Patrick: What record label will have the honour to release a new Panther Burns album? To celebrate 30 years? Frenzi; Last Call ... I mean we need a new album (here’s hoping).
Tav: For the past 9-years, the Panther Burns and I have been busting like crazy to get our "CONJURATIONS: Séance for Deranged Lovers" album demo produced and released by a proper label. I am convinced that this proposed album of all original songs, composed by Tav Falco, will be the chef d'oeuvre or masterpiece of the PANTHER BURNS because every label that we’ve approached in the US, Canada, Australia and here in Europe has turned it down flat and passed. This is a positive indication that PANTHER BURNS have created a unique album of music that today’s companies do not understand the essence of and don’t know how to handle. Labels proclaim that they want something different but when they are confronted with something different, they don't know what to do with it. Record company people of today are the most conservative, dull-minded people that I know. They're completely unwilling to take a risk of any kind, yet 90% of the groups they choose to release will never be remembered.
Gerard Cosloy at Matador thought he had his Panther Burns with the Blues Explosion; Geffen Records thought they had their Panther Burns with Southern Culture on the Skids; Rough Trade thought they had something of Panther Burns with Morrissey; god knows who thought they had something of Panther Burns with the White Stripes... but it's never going to happen. There is no band like the PANTHER BURNS. I don't care how successful they are or how much money they make. Panther Burns are not in it this for money or for massive record sales. We intend to make music for the people who should be hearing our music. These people know who they are and they know exactly who they’re listening to when they play Panther Burns music. Most record companies are a joke and provide endless amusement for me.
FRENZI Records is the titular band label of the PANTHER BURNS that works with those proper and rare record labels who have at times committed themselves to producing and releasing our music. However, I never use the resources and money of Panther Burns to produce and release our music because I feel that is an act of vanity. If the marketplace/world is not interested in the present decade to demand a production of our music then there will simply be no new music released by us. On these matters and the issue of artistic control, I am uncompromising. Otherwise, I can’t look in the mirror and call myself an artist.
Patrick: May I suggest to you a list of songs that I think would fit perfectly for Panther Burns? You can answer “no”, “why not”, “no way”, “good idea “ (ahahah) but also you can tell us more about the artists or songs mentioned. I’d really like to have your point of view on those songs that I really love. Here’s the list :
Rufus Thomas “Memphis Train” - Too classic.
Jerry Dallman “The Bug” - This one I've already done in performance quite a bit during the early 80s.
Esquerita “Undivided Love” – This one got for sure has an “undivided” Tango beat! Fantastique melody and ethos. The background vocals are very church-like, and the violins extremely tasteful. This is the kind of minimal, yet lavish production that record labels today might not be interested in producing.
Nathaniel Mayer “My Last Dance With You” – This song has exquisite drums and rhythm guitar.
The Poets “Dead” / The Versatones “Bila” : Have to listen to them.
The Musical Linn Twins “Rockin’ Out The Blues” -.Sounds too rockin’ (P :for sure it rocks, Tav; I’ve always wondered what those guys had in mind when they went to the studio to record this. Anyway : I don’t know how they did it, why they did it, but I’m glad they did it !).
Lavern Baker “Jim Dandy” - Brilliant. I like it a lot as a kid and used to whistle it to myself, but no one could ever do it better than Ms. Baker.
Gene La Marr & his Blue Flames “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” - I have not heard anything as loose as this Gene Lamarr song in a long, long time! Really wild and thrown away.
Ben E King “In The Middle Of The Night” - This Ben E. King piece reminds me of my idol - the incomparable and unapproachable vocalist, PJ Proby. There is no better singer.
Mel Dorsey “Little Lil” / The Chimes “Zindy Lou” / The Isley Brothers, a lot possible, well, let’s say “Twistin’ With Linda” - Don't like to do songs named after girls anymore.
Ike & Tina Turner “I Idolize You” - Think I know that one. Brilliant. I saw Ike & Tina with the Ike-ettes in 1964 in Arkansas when they were really hot. Incredible.
The Del-Mars “Snacky Poo”- Sounds sick enough.
Richie Deran “Love and A Hot Rod” - Don't like to do songs about cars anymore.
Eddie Floyd “Big Bird” (Lx Chilton covered that one) - Know that song well. Roland Robinson, a bass player with Eddie Floyd, also played with me on a few gigs & on the "Life Sentence" album. I modelled my original, "Gentleman in Black" after "Big Bird".
Arthur Alexander “Get A Shot Of Rhythm & Blues” - Too jivey.
The Jaynettes “Sally Go ‘Round The Roses” - This song I adore, and used to sing it quite a bit with PB in the late 80s.
The Champs “Train To Nowhere” - Could be perfect.
The Dazzlers “Gee Whiz” - Embarrassing.
The Collins Kids “Whistle Bait”- Too puerile.
Obviously I have done my share of covers. Four or five of them are pretty good. Like Jerry Lee Lewis, I consider myself an 'interpreter' of songs. On the other hand, I have done a number of my own originals. Presently, the Italian pop/rock singer, LILITH, has released a moody version of one of my new album demo tunes entitled, "Secret Rendezvous". Actually I premiered this song with PANTHER BURNS for the first time on stage on the Fête de la Musique, April 20th at Le Fanfaron in Paris.
P: Have you recorded songs that still remain unissued ?
Tav: "Tina, the Go Go Queen", among others.
P: What other songs would you like to cover ? And do you have new material ready ?
Tav: As I have explained, I have a new album demo of original material ready to record. Actually it’s the first demo we’ve ever made in our entire career. I will give you or anyone 10 % minimum off the top for a record deal with a proper label to produce and release the next PANTHER BURNS album. As for covers, I am not so interested in doing new covers other than one I have been drawn to lately which is the uptempo version by my friend, the late Charlie Feathers of Jim Reeves, "He'll Have to Go". I also sang this at La Féline in Paris on the 21st of April.
P: Your music has a lot of influences, from Memphis where you’re from, to Vienna, where you live now. Don’t you miss Memphis and where’s the best place you’ve ever lived ?
Tav: After living 17-years in Memphis, and in Arkansas before that, I think I can tolerate a change. Memphis will always be a part of me. For that reason I do not miss it. The best quality of life and the most creative environment has without doubt been Vienna. It’s not a R’n’R town. I don't hang out on the rock scene anywhere. Rather, I associate with writers, poets, dancers and artists. The morbid, old world appeals to me now far more than the new world. This part of the Europe is perfect to get lost in. Like Memphis, Vienna is another river town on the border between east and west. I can relate to the split personality of such places.
P: Panther Burns current line up is very classy and sexy. Can you introduce the members?
Tav : Avec plaisir. This is an astonishing formation of the PANTHER BURNS that I have been playing with exclusively for the past 7 years when I relocated to Paris after a stint in Buenos Aires and New York. On drums is Giovanna Pizzorno from Rome, Italy. I have played with her off and on since the ‘80s, during the time when the band was playing in New York. She wanted to learn to play the drums, so we took her back to Memphis and she learned from the best there. On electric guitar, we have the Parisian - Grégoire CAT. There is no better guitar player anywhere. He started his career in Vince Taylor’s band and over the past 7 years he has mastered the complete PANTHER BURNS repertoire. On electric bass we have Laurent LO, the youngest member of the band representing the new generation of Panther Men and Panther Women.
P: You once said that your fave show ever was in Belgrade in 2002. Did something special happen during this show ?
Tav : It was enthralling to play in a communist theatre built in 1953 before an audience of 700 over-excited Serbians who were listeners and followers of the famous underground R’n’R resistance B92 radio. Now my favorite show in terms of artistic merit is the show we did at Fondation Cartier in Paris. The band played with such brilliance, as never before.
P: Your last album ”Panther Phobia” (2000) featured another of my heroes: Jack Oblivian. Do you plan to work with him again?
Tav: In May of this year, I was back in Memphis for a few days doing some book research, and by chance Jack Oblivian walked up to me in a parking lot. Not sure that Jack and I will have the opportunity to play together again. Jack has not yet discovered himself as an artist and all that he can do. The future holds great promise for him.
P: Among other artists you know or work with are (some others of my faves) Lx Chilton, the Cramps and Chris Wilson. Can you tell us anecdotes about them ?
Tav: Often times when I got in trouble on stage, LX would hide behind his amp. The Cramps showed no mercy in the recording studio and treated recording concepts with total disregard as if the studio were a live stage. Chris Wilson, I have come to know recently as a friend and can recount an exclamation of his, "I'm so hungry I could eat a baby's butt through a park bench".
P: You like music, photo and film. If you had to choose just one, which would it be?
Tav : There is no separation between these.
P: From all the films/clips you contributed or shoot, what’s your favorite?
Tav: "Born Too Late" filmed at Club Fézsék in Budapest in 35mm motion picture.
P: “Love’s Last Warning” clip featured Jean-Michel Basquiat (RIP) who was a friend of Andy Warhol. Can you tell us about your relationship with Basquiat ? Did you meet Andy W.?
Tav: Actually, the cameo role in "Love's Last Warning" is played by underground film pioneer, Kenneth Anger (Scorpio Rising, etc.). In the movie, Downtown 81, which was finally released a few years ago in New York and in Cannes, I appear in a cameo role with Jean-Michel Basquiat. Around me he acted as if he had sucked the cock of arrogance. I visited Andy Warhol at his Factory on Union Square and he was far more charming.
P: Tav Falco is a living legend and also a well-kept secret ! What’s your opinion of success ?
Tav: I have no quarrel with success.
P: Is there a question you've never been asked that you'd like to answer ?
Tav: Not really, I’ve already talked to much.
P: It was a real pleasure to talk to you, thanks. My regards to the Panther Burns.
Tav: P.B.F.L. / Panther Burns Forever Lasting
Panther Burns myspace
Thanks to Jacques for the photo from la Féline
TAV FALCO’S PANTHER BURNS – 2008 and more
Tav Falco told me that the very first article on Panther Burns’ appeared in the Next Big Thing. So this same mag, er blog, is proud to be the first to celebrate the Panthers Burns 30th years (formed in Feb 1979) and to announce a new album called "CONJURATIONS: Séance for Deranged Lovers". The demos are awesome, they just need a record label now!
Panther Burns were in Paris for two shows recently and I attended the second of those at La Féline, a cool bar in the north of the city. The audience was composed of real fans, maybe 50 maximum! A(nother) shameful turnout for a legend like Tav! Or course as usual, there were no writers from official magazines.PB V.2008 are an amazing ensemble with a beautiful girl (Giovanna Pizzaro) on drums, wearing a bikini. Other members are Grégoire Cat on guitar and Laurent Lo on bass. Tav played on his small Hoffner violin-shaped guitar..
Considering the shows that I’ve already heard, the set list was far from regular: some blues song (the show began by “Mississipi River Blues”); during “Drop Your Mask”, Tav put his guitar in a corner, combed his hair and then began to dance tango with friend Via Kali (another beautiful girl); some songs by request too and a lot of rockabilly like “Funnel Of Love”, “Fire Of Love”, “She’s The One That’s Got It” (she got what ? .... well, you know ...) and “Train Kept A Rolling”, dedicated to Chris Wilson.
I asked Chris if he was gonna sing a song wih Tav. He answered “maybe”. It didn’t happen, but anyway Mr Wilson, seeing my microphone, shouted in it like he was Screamin’ Jay Hawkins.
And at the close, Chris took Grégoire’s guitar to play a few blues notes.
My only regret is that they didn’t play “Tina The Go Go Queen”, but Tav told me that they’ll play it for me next time! Can’t wait. Also, I hope I’d have the chance to hear the original unissued version (acetate) by Sir Mack Rice, one day ...
Tav accepted the request to answer to my questions, more focussed on the present/future than on the past.
Tav: It is preferable to focus on the present and the ever-looming future.
Patrick: What record label will have the honour to release a new Panther Burns album? To celebrate 30 years? Frenzi; Last Call ... I mean we need a new album (here’s hoping).
Tav: For the past 9-years, the Panther Burns and I have been busting like crazy to get our "CONJURATIONS: Séance for Deranged Lovers" album demo produced and released by a proper label. I am convinced that this proposed album of all original songs, composed by Tav Falco, will be the chef d'oeuvre or masterpiece of the PANTHER BURNS because every label that we’ve approached in the US, Canada, Australia and here in Europe has turned it down flat and passed. This is a positive indication that PANTHER BURNS have created a unique album of music that today’s companies do not understand the essence of and don’t know how to handle. Labels proclaim that they want something different but when they are confronted with something different, they don't know what to do with it. Record company people of today are the most conservative, dull-minded people that I know. They're completely unwilling to take a risk of any kind, yet 90% of the groups they choose to release will never be remembered.
Gerard Cosloy at Matador thought he had his Panther Burns with the Blues Explosion; Geffen Records thought they had their Panther Burns with Southern Culture on the Skids; Rough Trade thought they had something of Panther Burns with Morrissey; god knows who thought they had something of Panther Burns with the White Stripes... but it's never going to happen. There is no band like the PANTHER BURNS. I don't care how successful they are or how much money they make. Panther Burns are not in it this for money or for massive record sales. We intend to make music for the people who should be hearing our music. These people know who they are and they know exactly who they’re listening to when they play Panther Burns music. Most record companies are a joke and provide endless amusement for me.
FRENZI Records is the titular band label of the PANTHER BURNS that works with those proper and rare record labels who have at times committed themselves to producing and releasing our music. However, I never use the resources and money of Panther Burns to produce and release our music because I feel that is an act of vanity. If the marketplace/world is not interested in the present decade to demand a production of our music then there will simply be no new music released by us. On these matters and the issue of artistic control, I am uncompromising. Otherwise, I can’t look in the mirror and call myself an artist.
Patrick: May I suggest to you a list of songs that I think would fit perfectly for Panther Burns? You can answer “no”, “why not”, “no way”, “good idea “ (ahahah) but also you can tell us more about the artists or songs mentioned. I’d really like to have your point of view on those songs that I really love. Here’s the list :Rufus Thomas “Memphis Train” - Too classic.
Jerry Dallman “The Bug” - This one I've already done in performance quite a bit during the early 80s.
Esquerita “Undivided Love” – This one got for sure has an “undivided” Tango beat! Fantastique melody and ethos. The background vocals are very church-like, and the violins extremely tasteful. This is the kind of minimal, yet lavish production that record labels today might not be interested in producing.
Nathaniel Mayer “My Last Dance With You” – This song has exquisite drums and rhythm guitar.
The Poets “Dead” / The Versatones “Bila” : Have to listen to them.
The Musical Linn Twins “Rockin’ Out The Blues” -.Sounds too rockin’ (P :for sure it rocks, Tav; I’ve always wondered what those guys had in mind when they went to the studio to record this. Anyway : I don’t know how they did it, why they did it, but I’m glad they did it !).
Lavern Baker “Jim Dandy” - Brilliant. I like it a lot as a kid and used to whistle it to myself, but no one could ever do it better than Ms. Baker.
Gene La Marr & his Blue Flames “You Don’t Love Me Anymore” - I have not heard anything as loose as this Gene Lamarr song in a long, long time! Really wild and thrown away.
Ben E King “In The Middle Of The Night” - This Ben E. King piece reminds me of my idol - the incomparable and unapproachable vocalist, PJ Proby. There is no better singer.
Mel Dorsey “Little Lil” / The Chimes “Zindy Lou” / The Isley Brothers, a lot possible, well, let’s say “Twistin’ With Linda” - Don't like to do songs named after girls anymore.
Ike & Tina Turner “I Idolize You” - Think I know that one. Brilliant. I saw Ike & Tina with the Ike-ettes in 1964 in Arkansas when they were really hot. Incredible.
The Del-Mars “Snacky Poo”- Sounds sick enough.
Richie Deran “Love and A Hot Rod” - Don't like to do songs about cars anymore.
Eddie Floyd “Big Bird” (Lx Chilton covered that one) - Know that song well. Roland Robinson, a bass player with Eddie Floyd, also played with me on a few gigs & on the "Life Sentence" album. I modelled my original, "Gentleman in Black" after "Big Bird".
Arthur Alexander “Get A Shot Of Rhythm & Blues” - Too jivey.
The Jaynettes “Sally Go ‘Round The Roses” - This song I adore, and used to sing it quite a bit with PB in the late 80s.
The Champs “Train To Nowhere” - Could be perfect.
The Dazzlers “Gee Whiz” - Embarrassing.
The Collins Kids “Whistle Bait”- Too puerile.
Obviously I have done my share of covers. Four or five of them are pretty good. Like Jerry Lee Lewis, I consider myself an 'interpreter' of songs. On the other hand, I have done a number of my own originals. Presently, the Italian pop/rock singer, LILITH, has released a moody version of one of my new album demo tunes entitled, "Secret Rendezvous". Actually I premiered this song with PANTHER BURNS for the first time on stage on the Fête de la Musique, April 20th at Le Fanfaron in Paris.
P: Have you recorded songs that still remain unissued ?
Tav: "Tina, the Go Go Queen", among others.
P: What other songs would you like to cover ? And do you have new material ready ?
Tav: As I have explained, I have a new album demo of original material ready to record. Actually it’s the first demo we’ve ever made in our entire career. I will give you or anyone 10 % minimum off the top for a record deal with a proper label to produce and release the next PANTHER BURNS album. As for covers, I am not so interested in doing new covers other than one I have been drawn to lately which is the uptempo version by my friend, the late Charlie Feathers of Jim Reeves, "He'll Have to Go". I also sang this at La Féline in Paris on the 21st of April.
P: Your music has a lot of influences, from Memphis where you’re from, to Vienna, where you live now. Don’t you miss Memphis and where’s the best place you’ve ever lived ?
Tav: After living 17-years in Memphis, and in Arkansas before that, I think I can tolerate a change. Memphis will always be a part of me. For that reason I do not miss it. The best quality of life and the most creative environment has without doubt been Vienna. It’s not a R’n’R town. I don't hang out on the rock scene anywhere. Rather, I associate with writers, poets, dancers and artists. The morbid, old world appeals to me now far more than the new world. This part of the Europe is perfect to get lost in. Like Memphis, Vienna is another river town on the border between east and west. I can relate to the split personality of such places.
P: Panther Burns current line up is very classy and sexy. Can you introduce the members?
Tav : Avec plaisir. This is an astonishing formation of the PANTHER BURNS that I have been playing with exclusively for the past 7 years when I relocated to Paris after a stint in Buenos Aires and New York. On drums is Giovanna Pizzorno from Rome, Italy. I have played with her off and on since the ‘80s, during the time when the band was playing in New York. She wanted to learn to play the drums, so we took her back to Memphis and she learned from the best there. On electric guitar, we have the Parisian - Grégoire CAT. There is no better guitar player anywhere. He started his career in Vince Taylor’s band and over the past 7 years he has mastered the complete PANTHER BURNS repertoire. On electric bass we have Laurent LO, the youngest member of the band representing the new generation of Panther Men and Panther Women.
P: You once said that your fave show ever was in Belgrade in 2002. Did something special happen during this show ?
Tav : It was enthralling to play in a communist theatre built in 1953 before an audience of 700 over-excited Serbians who were listeners and followers of the famous underground R’n’R resistance B92 radio. Now my favorite show in terms of artistic merit is the show we did at Fondation Cartier in Paris. The band played with such brilliance, as never before.
P: Your last album ”Panther Phobia” (2000) featured another of my heroes: Jack Oblivian. Do you plan to work with him again?
Tav: In May of this year, I was back in Memphis for a few days doing some book research, and by chance Jack Oblivian walked up to me in a parking lot. Not sure that Jack and I will have the opportunity to play together again. Jack has not yet discovered himself as an artist and all that he can do. The future holds great promise for him.
P: Among other artists you know or work with are (some others of my faves) Lx Chilton, the Cramps and Chris Wilson. Can you tell us anecdotes about them ?
Tav: Often times when I got in trouble on stage, LX would hide behind his amp. The Cramps showed no mercy in the recording studio and treated recording concepts with total disregard as if the studio were a live stage. Chris Wilson, I have come to know recently as a friend and can recount an exclamation of his, "I'm so hungry I could eat a baby's butt through a park bench".
P: You like music, photo and film. If you had to choose just one, which would it be?
Tav : There is no separation between these.
P: From all the films/clips you contributed or shoot, what’s your favorite?
Tav: "Born Too Late" filmed at Club Fézsék in Budapest in 35mm motion picture.
P: “Love’s Last Warning” clip featured Jean-Michel Basquiat (RIP) who was a friend of Andy Warhol. Can you tell us about your relationship with Basquiat ? Did you meet Andy W.?
Tav: Actually, the cameo role in "Love's Last Warning" is played by underground film pioneer, Kenneth Anger (Scorpio Rising, etc.). In the movie, Downtown 81, which was finally released a few years ago in New York and in Cannes, I appear in a cameo role with Jean-Michel Basquiat. Around me he acted as if he had sucked the cock of arrogance. I visited Andy Warhol at his Factory on Union Square and he was far more charming.
P: Tav Falco is a living legend and also a well-kept secret ! What’s your opinion of success ?
Tav: I have no quarrel with success.
P: Is there a question you've never been asked that you'd like to answer ?
Tav: Not really, I’ve already talked to much.
P: It was a real pleasure to talk to you, thanks. My regards to the Panther Burns.
Tav: P.B.F.L. / Panther Burns Forever Lasting
Panther Burns myspace
Thanks to Jacques for the photo from la Féline
Friday, July 11, 2008
After yesterday's torrential rain, most roads lead to Scotland's largest music festival this weekend. I can confidently say that there's nothing on the 180 act bill that would entice me into the middle of nowhere for a weekend of soaking arse. I just travelled over the main drag via Kincardine and it's not exactly the usual jammed up jelly tight to use a Panther Burns phrase. This is opportune because Brother Patrick has conducted an interview with Tav Falco which I'll post over the weekend sometime.
Back to the festival though, we seldom have the climate for this kind of thing. And most of the tickets go on sale before the attendees have a scoob who’s playing. The dockets for 2009 go on sale this coming Tuesday, two days after the last note is struck. Of course, I'll watch it on TV if I can stay awake. Used to tape it and fast forward but I can't even be shucched doing that now. Life's too short and 95% of the entertainers are, in my opinion, something that begins with sh.
Not exactly sure what is on the agenda for me this weekend, another quiet, somewhat uneventful one hopefully. As far away from the mud and buck-ied up subspecies as is feasible methinks.
Back to the festival though, we seldom have the climate for this kind of thing. And most of the tickets go on sale before the attendees have a scoob who’s playing. The dockets for 2009 go on sale this coming Tuesday, two days after the last note is struck. Of course, I'll watch it on TV if I can stay awake. Used to tape it and fast forward but I can't even be shucched doing that now. Life's too short and 95% of the entertainers are, in my opinion, something that begins with sh.
Not exactly sure what is on the agenda for me this weekend, another quiet, somewhat uneventful one hopefully. As far away from the mud and buck-ied up subspecies as is feasible methinks.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Another winner from the Show Me state... another Lloyd link (plus he's in the clip)
So now we just need Donnie and Joe to complete the set. And Kelly maybe.
So now we just need Donnie and Joe to complete the set. And Kelly maybe.
A missive from Mr Phobic...
Hi Kids,
THE PHOBICS are playing a FREE GIG this Saturday 12th July at the Joiners Arms, 35 Denmark Hill Camberwell, which is just around the corner from Camberwell Green.
We expect to be on around 11 could be before, but come along and bother a sausage or whatever else is on the BBQ from about 6pm onwards. I dunno if there's a veggie option, my advice to veggies is go for the alcohol, that is completely meat free unless you lick it off your friends or have any strange water sport habits.
There are many buses to take you there, 35, 45, 68, 171, 36, 436 & 185 to name a few - nearest train station is probably Denmark Hill and a 5 minute walk down the hill. also a good selection of night buses can get you back to almost anywhere in London.
We will be aided and abetted by Terminal Decline, The New Dogmatix and Apologies I Have None, between us we'll cover several schools of punk rock mayhem but it's all rock n fuggin roll to me.
So there you have it - all we need now is your kind indulgence......and it is FREE to get in.
ps We will probably be dedicating Pills to the memory of Mr Arthur Harold "Killer" Kane, at the last gig we tipped the hat to Mr Bo himself. Thats the thing with time, kids, Lots of our friends and musical mentors are dead... So, in the words of the immortal Heartbreakers', catch us while we're still alive!
lamf tpx
Hi Kids,
THE PHOBICS are playing a FREE GIG this Saturday 12th July at the Joiners Arms, 35 Denmark Hill Camberwell, which is just around the corner from Camberwell Green.
We expect to be on around 11 could be before, but come along and bother a sausage or whatever else is on the BBQ from about 6pm onwards. I dunno if there's a veggie option, my advice to veggies is go for the alcohol, that is completely meat free unless you lick it off your friends or have any strange water sport habits.
There are many buses to take you there, 35, 45, 68, 171, 36, 436 & 185 to name a few - nearest train station is probably Denmark Hill and a 5 minute walk down the hill. also a good selection of night buses can get you back to almost anywhere in London.
We will be aided and abetted by Terminal Decline, The New Dogmatix and Apologies I Have None, between us we'll cover several schools of punk rock mayhem but it's all rock n fuggin roll to me.
So there you have it - all we need now is your kind indulgence......and it is FREE to get in.
ps We will probably be dedicating Pills to the memory of Mr Arthur Harold "Killer" Kane, at the last gig we tipped the hat to Mr Bo himself. Thats the thing with time, kids, Lots of our friends and musical mentors are dead... So, in the words of the immortal Heartbreakers', catch us while we're still alive!
lamf tpx
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
It's true. This was up for a very brief period on Saturday morning and then pulled. However now, in something approaching a world-exclusive - you can feast your eyes on the cover art for the upcoming Wreckless Eric and Amy Rigby album. Coming your way on the regenerated Stiff Records before this alleged summer ends. Soon as I know when then you'll know.The intrepid couple will be setting out on a worldwide crusade to bring their oeuvre to your locale so when they do, please make an effort to see this - quite frankly unique unit in action. Two certified legends with more great songs between them than just about anybody.
You should buy a copy when they breeze through your 'hood but if you can't wait then pre-order it here. It's out September 15th.
Wow, thankyou government. Now I have the information that will allow me to circumnavigate the food crisis said to be engulfing the world. If I lay off the two jars of pasta sauce for the price of one deals, order will be restored. Seems very simple. And these twonks wonder why nobody believes in them, cares or votes, or hasn't abandoned all hope of any semblance of order being restored. A little like the Python's "How to play the flute" - Well blow in this end and run your fingers up and down here. But never mind, eh. They haven't got an easy job like you and me. Or presumably a conscience.
I've taken to looking at the site visit stats and its fun to see the spread of visitors. It would be good to get the numbers up of course but I get a genuine sense of achievement when somebody visits us because they googled "hello saferide" or "fleshtones" for instance.
The links that folks make on their own blogs and websites are also appreciated. It makes the effort worthwhile. Conventional reviews and bullshit in the established press are still rooted in the thinking that these provide a service. What? By cutting and pasting the information the “product” supplied to you?? Unless these connect you directly with the artist or a conduit to hearing and seeing something for yourself then they're ultimately pointless. The band or act should benefit from this means of potential contact. Be it to gather intelligence or just to sell their wares to prospective buyers, without the middleman. Ditto with buying from the independent record store, you need to support the person furthest from the conglomerate.
I'm at that stage where I'm about to bounce a whole load of stuff into the paper recycle bin. Attempts to unload copies of Mojo and whatever to good homes have come to nowt, not a whiff of interest. I imagine that's because a lot of folks are down with the need to rid themselves of clutter too and I understand that.
A couple of bits and bobs might make it on to ebay. I'm not sure that anybody gives much of a shit about that either anymore as the desire to shed some tonnage reaches fever pitch. Anyway, as a certified hoarder of some 30 years at least, I really need to do something about this. The easiest thing would be to get hit by a bus and let someone else deal with it.
There’ll be some actual information coming soon, I think I just needed to vent. Do you care that Knuckleback signed a deal with this Live Nation abomination? Thought not, me neither.
I've taken to looking at the site visit stats and its fun to see the spread of visitors. It would be good to get the numbers up of course but I get a genuine sense of achievement when somebody visits us because they googled "hello saferide" or "fleshtones" for instance.
The links that folks make on their own blogs and websites are also appreciated. It makes the effort worthwhile. Conventional reviews and bullshit in the established press are still rooted in the thinking that these provide a service. What? By cutting and pasting the information the “product” supplied to you?? Unless these connect you directly with the artist or a conduit to hearing and seeing something for yourself then they're ultimately pointless. The band or act should benefit from this means of potential contact. Be it to gather intelligence or just to sell their wares to prospective buyers, without the middleman. Ditto with buying from the independent record store, you need to support the person furthest from the conglomerate.
I'm at that stage where I'm about to bounce a whole load of stuff into the paper recycle bin. Attempts to unload copies of Mojo and whatever to good homes have come to nowt, not a whiff of interest. I imagine that's because a lot of folks are down with the need to rid themselves of clutter too and I understand that.
A couple of bits and bobs might make it on to ebay. I'm not sure that anybody gives much of a shit about that either anymore as the desire to shed some tonnage reaches fever pitch. Anyway, as a certified hoarder of some 30 years at least, I really need to do something about this. The easiest thing would be to get hit by a bus and let someone else deal with it.
There’ll be some actual information coming soon, I think I just needed to vent. Do you care that Knuckleback signed a deal with this Live Nation abomination? Thought not, me neither.
Monday, July 07, 2008
I should really go and donate blood but think I'll wait until Wednesday. I HATE the sports complex place that they're holed up in today anyway, and that's not the kinda location you want to be parting with a pint of the crimson now is it? Or maybe I'll just attend one of the transfusion centres in Glasgow or Edinburgh. So much choice.
Murray just hepped me to the fact that the DKT/MC5 show is being rescheduled for Glasgow and indeed all of Europe seems to be likewise. So if you were going, better sit tight for info on the new dates. I'll post them when they become available. The "guests" are guys from Alice In Chains and also The Sisters of Mercy. (!?)
I added READY STEADY RADIO to the sidebar yonder, it's a US based station devoted to UK music past, present and future so stop by and check it out. You might even hear "I'm Your Girl" by Technically Men. A stonker in any currency.
Murray just hepped me to the fact that the DKT/MC5 show is being rescheduled for Glasgow and indeed all of Europe seems to be likewise. So if you were going, better sit tight for info on the new dates. I'll post them when they become available. The "guests" are guys from Alice In Chains and also The Sisters of Mercy. (!?)
I added READY STEADY RADIO to the sidebar yonder, it's a US based station devoted to UK music past, present and future so stop by and check it out. You might even hear "I'm Your Girl" by Technically Men. A stonker in any currency.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Dutch folk take note: Two years after their amazin' return to Amsterdam the New York Dolls will be playin' at Tivoli De Helling right here in Utrecht on August 1st. Holiday season or no, this demands your attendance!
A truckload of Roky/Nomads YouTube vids can be found here.
I'm constantly pickin' up my jaw everytime I'm watchin' this... Did I mention the droolin'?
I'd say a Euro tour should be next on the agenda... Then again, I'd fly just about anywhere to catch this team in action....
I'm constantly pickin' up my jaw everytime I'm watchin' this... Did I mention the droolin'?
I'd say a Euro tour should be next on the agenda... Then again, I'd fly just about anywhere to catch this team in action....
Saturday, July 05, 2008
The fact that the Hoodoo Gurus were in Glasgow sometime in 1989 came as news to me. My powers of recall charted just a singular appearance, opening for Boner and Co. in 1987. But anyway, it's a bloody long time since they were here.Given the wealth of material that they can choose from, a Gurus set is never going to be long enough. Tonight there was a curfew that you get in these venues where the gig is a precursor to the disco. Although I’m pretty sure there couldn’t have been anything on a Tuesday night? You can see from that what was played and it was great to be in the company of so many people who knew the songs. I was curious to hear Dave introducd “Death Defying” as “the closest he’d come to writing a country song”. Just the other day, I was thinking that Amy Allison could do a corking version of that very number.
When all is said and done they have a whole caboodle that should have swept the world. Tonight they let us have it with some of ‘em at full tilt volume. They closed the night with a Persian Rugs song (I think it was “Be A Woman”?) and the perennial “Like Wow Wipeout”.
Edinburgh was a strange choice. Maybe next time they’ll shimmy back to the West Coast and I’m sure most of those who were present would make their way there too.
It was great to meet those guys too after all these years. I think I was the first person to review “Stoneage Romeos” here in the UK, a couple of lifetimes ago. The fact that three-fifth’s of the band from the “Mars Needs Guitars” is still available to throw a party of this magnitude (cum loudness) is testament to the world’s rock audiences being largely deaf and/or stupid.
With some Bow Bar pies for pre-show sustenance, The Gurus brought some considerable hoodoo down on this otherwise sleepy Tuesday night in Auld Reekie. They’ve still got it and you need some. I hope the flood gates will open and more Australian combos will make it this far north.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GIRL TROUBLE PLAYS MARYMOOR PARK ANYWAY
As you may know, the first Girl Trouble album, “Hit It or Quit It”, was released on K/SubPop in 1988. In fact, this was the first full-length record SubPop ever released. The record matrix number was K/SP-20. This month SubPop is hosting a huge, two-day concert of SubPop bands in Marymoor Park on July 12/13 to celebrate their 20 year anniversary.
It’s billed as the SP-20 event, one letter off from the old Hit It or Quit It matrix number. Coincidence? You be the judge. Of course, Girl Trouble awaited the invitation to join their old friends and label-mates on stage for this most festive occasion. Unfortunately, the band now suspects that a mistake has been made. They have yet to be contacted by their old label! With only weeks to spare it was obvious there was some sort of unintentional oversight by SubPop.
Girl Trouble has never been a band to let a small detail like not being invited deter them from joining in on any celebration. That’s why they have decided to bring some instruments and play the show anyway, somewhere in Marymoor Park, as close to the venue as they can legally get.
This will be the first all-acoustic Girl Trouble show, playing selections from their SubPop album, Hit It or Quit It, in order. Feel free to look for Girl Trouble somewhere in the park (possibly by some picnic tables or a tree) starting at noon, where they promise to entertain anybody who happens by. Unlike the $30 ticket price for the bands inside the Marymoor Park venue - there will be no charge for this one-day-only performance.
Please join us on Saturday, July 12 for this special event. Don’t forget your picnic lunch, blanket and sun screen. Complementary bag of chips to the first 40 K/SP-20 attendees. Hope to see you there!
Possibly the reason is that, with the possible exception of Mudhoney, no other SP band is up to snuff when it comes to sharing a stage with the mighty Trubb. That's my opinion, of course.
Friday, July 04, 2008
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