RIP - Studs Terkel

Hallowe'en with The Hound...

Wishing all you girls and guisers

a guid hallowe'en and a few drunk boo's!

Also a wee bit social commentary for early this Friday morn. The BBC is not a better place this morning for Lesley Douglas the controller resigning over the actions of these two twonks. She was an arbiter of quality (in the main) and one of the people who reinvented Radio 2. It's an honourable thing that she's done but spiritually it's a hell of a price for the corporation to pay in the current climate. A bit "serious" for this time of the day, I know, but it's an undeniable fact.

OK, time I was gone.

I've sort of had it with lists, charts and the like. Polls too. None of it really means shit other than what those who stand to gain want it to mean. I appreciate seeing people I like make it on to these things. Sure I do. It may make the saddoes that follow such things check something out that they wouldn't ordinarily. May...

Where these things really come into their own is when they're rigged for whatever reason. Anyway, this is a long way around to getting to something that has interested me for a while now. Only having 100 albums. Fuck having truckloads of stuff gathered on files from the internet or even a huge tactile music collection in the form of records, tapes and cds. If you wanted something new then something would have to go. I float this as a concept to justify letting go of stuff that is frankly choking me. I've mentioned this before but I don't think I've ever been closer to pulling the plug. Of course, it's unlikely that I'll have the bottle to go beyond that but one should never say never.

Afore I close, Paul Bridges has rightfully reminded me that it's 40 years since "Kick out The Jams" was recorded. Happy Zenta everybody!

I was going to post the Roky Halloween stuff and lo and behold J already did it. That's service. A reminder then that Seattle will be the place to be as two generations of Tacoma cool come together to bring an almighty racket to the environs of the Paramount Theatre. I imagine that it's totally sold out by now but this is a top bill by any standards.

With regard to the Wooden Shjips this coming Sunday in Glasgow, I believe that doors will be 9pm and that the band is due onstage at Nice and Sleazy around 10.30/11pm. I've seldom known a show to run to schedule there but I imagine that's as close to a timetable as we're likely to get. I'll investigate ticket price, etc today and let you know if I find out anything. my guess would be a tenner.

No frost this morning, as far as I can tell...

We've been talking up the coming-together of our very own The Black Angels and psych-legend Roky Erickson (of The Thirteenth Floor Elevators) for weeks now, but tonight their four-date West Coast tour finally kicks off. For those of you not in the know, The Black Angels will open for Roky Erickson each night before taking a brief break and then RETURNING to the stage to act as the rhythm section for one of their greatest influences. This is truly a rare, and sure to be amazing collaboration between two of the great psych-rock bands of the last thirty years. Not to be missed!

Tour Dates:

Wednesday, October 29th - Portland, OR, The Wonder Ballroom

Friday, October 31st - Los Angeles, CA, El Rey

Saturday, November 1st - San Francisco, CA, The Great American Music Hall

Sunday, November 2nd - San Francisco, CA, The Great American Music Hall

Hurrah, went for almost three days without a problem with receiving e-mail. Could be something of a record. Or should that be cd? or maybe even a download?? Anyway, there's a problem again so who knows what the chuff is going on. I've given up even bothering now. All our thoughts have to be with those two dolts from the BBC that have been suspended. Actually, I don't mind Wossy. He's disappeared up his own back end in recent times but he's a harmless numpty. The other one is completely and utterly useless. A charmless symptom of our times. I heard him being justified as a liability this morning. If only he had that much talent. There are earthquakes, financial meltdowns and Presidential infomercials on the go but these two have got top billing here in the U of K. Anybody having problems viewing images here? They appear fine on some computers and not at all on others. Yet another irritation in the ongoing wearing down process. Looking for something to do this Hallowe'en?

In Glasgow... (I thought the third band on the bill was Thee Phantom Heid)


In Madrid...


And don't forget, Eric and Amy kick off their UK tour tomorrow night so check out your local listings and make an effort to catch them.

This morning saw the first frost of the descent into winter. It got to be a bright, blue cold day and in many ways my perfect weather. Too bad there was no time to be spent actually out in it until way too late. Wasn't aware of the US term "buy-out" as being the same as redundancy until I saw Season Five of The Wire. Never did the two plus two to equal four. Generally that would mean takeover here I think. So near, yet so far. And no "fanny" quips from you folks in the cheap seats either... Whatever goes down in the Yoo-ess of A next Tuesday, there are dimly-lit days ahead for sure.

I always remember being in Stockholm one November and it was brighter and bluer than I recall anywhere being and it snowed all the way to the airport. Anyway, that city is hosting two very different but related exhibits over the next wee while. I imagine that if you stay there you might well know about them. However, there's always a chance that you don't so here goes.

Robert (100% pot success) Johnson has curated a Record Store Bag exhibition that's taking place at the city's finest music emporium Pet Sounds right now.

In a gallery of a different sort, Johan Ödmann has his amazing pictures on show at the address on the flyer below. I'm trying to get an English blurb, but locals will dig the gist...



And while we're talking about that fine Swedish city, check out the Pitchfork report (with photos) from the Hello Saferide showcase in NY last week.

That's your lot for this evening. Chores are beckoning. I'm not saying I'll attend to any of them but who knows...

Crisis? Well, if you ask me, the only way to keep things afloat is to spend, spend, spend.

So, while you're off loading up goods for the common 'cause, I'd like to suggest the following items for your shopping list:

The Olivetti Chronicals rounds up a truckload of material as written by John Peel over the years for various magazines. Suffice to say it's a mandatory purchase, as Peel's way with words wasn't confined to radio only. In print he was equally informed and funny. And my only complaint about this book is that it doesn't include all of his writings...

Coincidence or no, but while reading this book I was listening to a new Undertones 2CD compilation. And before you shrug your shoulders in a "What's new?" gesture, lemme explain that while disc 1 features the familiar, but still stellar stuff we all know and love; disc 2 is all previously unreleased demo and live goodies that 'll make you wet your pants... The crude, crude demo of "I Don't Wanna See You Again" alone, will keep me happy for weeks to come! Fantabulous liner notes by Michael Bradley add up to another must have...

Finally, there's the deluxe editions of the first three Buzzcocks albums... I know Lindsay doesn't rate 'em, but what the heck. I sure like this stuff. Offered with a massive amount of previously unreleased wares, these are the final word on this subject. Liners by Jon Savage, what more could you want?

Black Diamond Heavies, Wilson Tan and The Brutes @ Mono this coming Thursday...

I had an odd dream last night (and I seldom dream). Can't remember too much about it but it involved going to see The Cramps and they'd gone all old school Bollywood. Lux and Ivy plus a sitar player and less than conventional percussion set up. Very cool as my vague recollection serves. Anyway, that was soon flushed away by the daily deluge of "you're fucked" messages.

Turn on the radio the subtext is doom. Look at the news and gloom abounds. By the time I get out the door, I wonder if it's worth the effort being very much entrenched in the half empty camp in the first instance as you know. Actually, the overriding message is that we're all fucked, that's the royal we - you, me and everybody so we might as well get used to it. What? You are? Good. Latest is that its maybe a good idea to go and take a big loan out to spend your way out of the downward trajectory. I like the sound of that but reckonn that the bank won't wear it.

They can't take our spiritual wealth away from us though can they? Maybe not but they'll have a damn good shot at it. As the Obama hype plays out in the US, all the positivism, all the good vibes, all the hope might just get humped when the cheats start to work the room. Not outwith the bounds of possibility now, is it?

All very sobering for the day after the clocks went back. By the time they go forward again, the world will be an altogether different place. Maybes.

Now that winter is here, visitor numbers seem to be up again. Always a good thing to see that people are dropping by and hopefully being directed toward stuff that'll hit the spot. And more often than not, you don't even have to leave the house. Gig thumbs up for we shut-ins.

The more time I spend in front of a computer for work, the less likely I'll come home and rattle up another couple of hours. This is becoming something of an issue with keeping this thing as fresh as I'd like it to be but we'll see how that particular cookie crumbles. It's not as if I have an actual life to be getting in about although there is the odd moment.

People have asked why I don't have mp3's available for download or why isn't there a "player" on the blog. Essentially because I don't have the time and furthermore, I prefer to direct folks to either the artists website or to places that do that kind of thing way better than I would or could.

Who knows, maybe down the road apiece but don't even consider holding yr breath.

There's a poster for the projected Wooden Shjips Scottish debut now so I guess by the scale of the drip feed, we might find out what time the gig (a week from today) starts by Friday.

Or am I just being uncharacteristically optimistic?

No smartass comments about coming up the Clyde in a banana boat please....

Brijitte West in London this coming Wednesday 29th October...

Ooh la la, ici some punque psychedelique… it’s all on the debut 45 “Young Virgin EP” by Bordeaux, France rockers Polar Strong.
Polar Strong is part of a healthy and strong new French rock scene, which has already brought us such upstarts as Volt, Magnetix, Cheveu, Fatals, Feeling of Love, Crusaders of Love, Dave, Complications and so on. The 4-song EP contains three self-penned crunchers plus “Platform Blues” the first Bassholes cover ever ! (that is, according to Don Howland himself). Recorded, mixed and whatever by Lo' Spider at his infamous Boogaloo Studios. Hey,and guess what, it’s on white vinyl ! Hand silkscreened cover in three colours on brown cardboard hand numbered with inlay-sheet. Check out one of their songs on afistfulofrecords.nl . Also check out our site’s pictures page to see Don’s reaction before and after hearing this thing!!!






While we're on the subject of France, the latest issue of Dig It! is available now. #44 continues the continually stellar standard that they set themselves over the years. It's a testament to Gilda's and Co's contribution to pushing the finest rock'n'roll available.

Long may it continue. It's all in French and even although you don't speak da lingo, you'll feel the love.

Talk about a sense of achievement... it's not even noon and I've made a start on cleaning up this dump for the arrival of some esteemed houseguests in the not too distant future. Small potatoes really but you wouldn't believe just how long I've been putting this one particular aspect off.

All the clocks are set, five minutes fast as always. So in this industrious mode, theres a pile of cds eyeing me from the floor. Maybe I'll check a couple out while I get the ironing together?

Did you see that Spector thing last night? Jings, it was equal parts compulsive and excruciating. And I'm not even talking about the over emphasis on The Beatles/Lennon on the music front. What a weird little guy and what's with his Dylan obsession? For my money, the Zim hasn't come anywhere near creating something like this...



So time to press on, although I'm pretty sure it's all downhill from here.

Hey gurls & ghouls!

Rubber Biscuit returns to Bristol's best free house and venue, The Thunderbolt, on Friday October 31st for its FREE Halloween Special, entitled Trick and Treat!

Expect a ghoulish selection of top vinyl 45s, inna Halloween stylee, including such selections as Screamin' Lord Sutch's "All Black and Hairy", The Frantics' "Werewolf" and, who could forget, plenty of Bobby 'Boris' Pickett's "Monster Mash"-ish classics! Yeah!

Children will be most welcome in The Thunderbolt's landscaped garden until 10pm, where Love Food will be hosting a Halloween BBQ and laying on some kool-i-o fun frolics for young 'uns and oldsters alike, including face painting, apple bobbing, jack-o-lanterns and even a fire juggler!

So for a way-hep rock'n'roll Halloween, head to Rubber Biscuit's Trick and Treat at The Thunderbolt! Dancing 'til the clock strikes 12... hairy hands optional...

Rubber Biscuit Halloween Special – Trick and Treat, The Thunderbolt, Bath Road, Bristol

Friday October 31st 8pm-midnite FREE

Rubber Biscuit bio: 2 guys, 22 years of DJing, 80 years of great music, 1,000s of 45s, 100,000 satisfied customers - What you got? RUBBER BISCUIT

They buy their hats from the same guy as Elvis, caused the MC5 to reform, earned Ray Davies' money (twice), knocked Ron Asheton down the stairs (by accident!), picked covers for The Detroit Cobras, got stood up by Alex Chilton, were fed cigarillos by Dr John, told the NME and Kerrang! to f-off, and got married at Sun Studios (one just watched)...

Steptoe and BigKegShandy play music by people from many lands and decades, all of whom know the magic formula which causes backbones to slip, hips to gyrate, elbows to flap and ears to dance on the sides of heads.

Since 1985, they have played the wonderful musics that have been called rock'n'roll, soul, funk, R&B, punk, ska, garage, calypso, boogaloo, voodoo, country, gospel, blues, rockabilly, disco, roots, psychedelia, pub rock, folk-rock, frat rock, glam rock, Dutch beat, high energy, really f-ing stoopid or just plain FUN.

US visitors are reminded that "The World's Greatest Sinner" is on TCM tonight.
Check listings for time details.

REZILL-NEWS!

Rezillos single, video, tour, management and website... all NEW!

Read about it all in Jo Callis' latest newsletter.

The October 2008 edition of Tally Ho! is available now!

Don't miss the tour dates and early-warning on how you
can help our heroes back into the charts this November...