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THE TRIPWIRES HOUSE TO HOUSE
ALBUM LAUNCH!

"This Friday October 30th at The Sunset in the Ballard Region of the fine city of Seattle... help celebrate the release of The Tripwires "House To House" on Spark and Shine records.

There'll be CD's for sale and plenty of fine rock music on display, as we'll be joined by local titans The Small Change and (the much anticipated return of) Llama!"

This wearing me old glasses lark is a strain. There could be even more typos than ever as a result but beggars cannae be choosers. I do have a pair of prescription shades that I’d try but sunglasses after dark is one thing but not in front of a screen. Can they be any more confounding than this? Well and truly crashed and burned today. Woke up with a swollen gland on the right side of my neck and will just have to tholl the discomfort. Struck out on the doctors appointment because it’s a system a little like trying to get through to fucking tickettwonk. Verging on impossible. So we’ll see, it’ll either pass or I’ll peg out. By the time I got through, all the places were taken. I could camp out at the surgery at 8am in the morning. That might work. There was no mention of the word “would”. Part two of the Madrid story coming right up...

Friday October 23rd continues into the smallish hours of Saturday 24th…

My closing song at the Wurlitzer had been "(I’m) Out of It" by The Nomads. This was apt in a number of ways. Up again to bid adios to the kids who were headed for Bilbao to raise some havoc there. There was some traffic chaos going on that postponed the blast off time and we ended up walking to another part of town so they could get the van. After that, I zig-zagged back through previously unexplored territory to my room to grab a little more rest.

Decided to do the Tears of Eros exhibit that I found out later was in two parts. It did seem like the initial circuit was a bit sparse, even taking into account the enormity of some of the individuals whose work was being displayed. Loved the Lugosi image by Warhol and am generally suspicious of video installations within the context of a gallery exhibit. That was just a tiny part though. I’d figure out the route to the place that the other section was being displayed later because the life force was once again beginning to flag. A wee siesta was in order, prior to heading along to Chez Munster for some top nourishment.

The original plan was to go catch the one and only Gene Taylor who was in town for a week long residency with Red House at Café Central. It was swamped but it sounded great from the sidewalk outside. Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to catch another set but it was very cool to meet the great man in the street albeit for a matter of minutes.

Inigo and I met up with Simon and headed for La Pequeňa Bety where Los Platillos Volantes and Els Trons were playing. Nice spot and the bands were OK but at this point in my existence, I never have to hear another version of “7 and 7 is” during what fate might have in mind for my lifetime. Heartening to see a Thanes poster on the wall in there though. I think we all felt like something a little more sedate by that time and headed for a place that seemed to be kind of exclusive where you have to ring a bell or something to gain entrance. Anyway, it was a very classy, upscale – old school joint. Lot of cool old wood panels and a distinct sense of history.

According to the knapkins the place was called “Bar Cock”. Cue hails of mirth from the UK contingent along the lines of seeing “ausfahrt” in Germany. Not really but you can just imagine it though – right? The only thing wrong was the music. Like a techno dripping water torture, albeit at low level. It reminded me of the place I saw Amy and Eric in Newcastle and wished they were there playing instead of this insidious din.

From there to "Circulo de Bellas Artes" (Thanks Simon) and a final libation for the evening. Like a giant version of the Café Royal in Edinburgh maybe. As we left there, I heard Joey Ramone whisper through the ether, “Whaa? You leavin’ already?” as only he could. Not far to fall from there to the Hostal Christina as I’d christened it and that was a very good thing because the next 24 hours would be jam packed with the highest jinks imaginable.

Part three coming up when I can confirm that it actually happened - to some degree.

Still with Madrid, the amount of shows there this past few weeks is incredible. And I just found out that Annika Norlin and Andrea Kellerman will be at the Fikasound’s Voces Femininas festival tour in Fotomatón Bar on November 18th. And of course, The Fleshtones at Sala El Sol on November 20th.

Mr Zaremba enters the blogosphere. Welcome him now...

Wednesday 21st into Thursday 22nd…

Getting into Madrid from the airport is a skoosh now with the advent of the new train. Once you actually get to Metro from the terminal. Apparently it’s only a couple of months old but what a pleasure to be in a place that actually has a workable transit method. When I emerged from the station, there was some drizzle in the air. It was too late for any kind of hook up so getting my bearings in relation to the Hostal, I plumped for a quiet start to the visit. All sorted for a bright and early start.

But let’s just back up here a little and provide some background. Francisco Munster was campaigning for the troops to get together for the return to the ring of those Young Fresh Fellows. As much as I would have loved to have made the entire trip, the long green wouldn’t stretch that far and then there was the thought of doing Madrid only. This gained momentum when I discovered that The Quattros would be playing there with The Yum Yums two days before. All of a sudden it was done and dusted and I was there.

Great to meet all those fabulous Munsters, who didn’t seem to mind me putting them off their work as I waited to surprise Lisa. Another main feature of this was to see Ms Fancher prior to her heading off for more YFF action. It was great to see Inigo again too, it had been too long. Afterwards that gave me a couple or three hours to stake out the locale prior to my rendez with BB on the "Plaza del Cho Cho" sometime after 6pm.

Madrid is a helluva city as I’ve reported before and having the chance to explore was a treat. Big diff compared to being there a little over a year ago for a mere matter of hours. So I duly met Captain Quattro and we headed in the direction of a very agreeable little café where I would encounter The Yum Yums. Always dug their music but now I love ‘em even more knowing that they’re as solid a bunch of twisted citizens as I’ve ever been fortunate to meet. With them was Paul Collins who would join ‘em on stage later for a couple of uberpop classics he penned way back that have since become staples. So after a small libation, it was back to my temporary HQ (just along from the Museum of Ham) to prepare for what would be a long, groovy night.

It was an honour to meet Marcela, the first lady of El Sol. Quite possibly the greatest gig venue on earth with audiences that can clearly rival Glasgow. I hadn’t realise it had been there for 30 years. Time sure flies when big fun is being had in the bayou. To have this place in such close proximity to the one and only Wurlitzer Ballroom is nothing short of amazing. Plus you can scope out the hookers on the way to and from. What’s not to be addicted to?

There are no crash barriers. The audience is free to interact with the band but there’s no menace or security vibe. These kids can police themselves and yes, the odd beer might go flying but that’s all part of the sense of occasion. It’s a privilege to be in a place where health and safety hasn’t sucked the life out of the room in the name of wrapping people in cotton wool. A positive example of just how things can go with the right attitude.

Showtime and it was an auspicious occasion for Suzy and Co because it was the first show with Marky, the guy who is replacing Joey. It was also the last time that Joey would join them onstage so it was a kind of passing of the baton. Here’s a combo that can segue. Don’t you hate going to see bands that lurch from one song into an extended footer about? Not these kids. Not even with breaking in a new guy. Just great.

The Yum Yums are effervescence supreme. It’s not entirely clear why they aren’t a brand name or even a corporation such is the gargantuan nature of their tuneage. Hit after smash hit sound being battered out of the park. They too were breaking in a new member, their drummer Ulf. This was his second show, his first in front of such a rabidly up for it audience maybe.

“Buenos Nachos” was Morten’s intro before he and André hit eighth gear with Egil’s bass propulsion providing the ballast. And woah - Vibeke - a secret weapon and a half if ever I saw and heard one. With more positive energy than I think I ever saw exude from anybody ever.
By the end of the set there were dozens of people on stage and no apoplectic bouncers trying to deal with it. I guess that’s the difference between Spain and this dump in essence. Right there.



If you add Caroline Andersen to the mix, ably assisted by Line and Stine then you have a pneumatic cheerleading squad to die for. These gals have all the moves and a few besides. Just incase. I'm sure Tura Satana is very proud.

From there to the Wurlitzer Ballroom whereupon I was manning the decks for a wee return bout in honour of the two world-beating ensembles that had just played around the corner. A grand time was had by all and Alvaro made us very welcome. I recall Line saying something to me about Vibeke’s “rhythm machine” and handing me her mobile phone. Played some more when BB split and the natives were beginning to get restless due to a lack of Led Zep or Joy Division on my playlist. I deserve a good hard kick up the rectum for the lack of Redd Kross and Slade though. That was unforgiveable.

Looking at my watch I figured that maybe that fact that it was 5.20am was causing some static. When I left there a little after 5.30am the joint was absolutely jumping. No doubt happy that Alvaro was back on the music. So I sauntered down and through Puerto El Sol to my temporary bunker and crashed out having had a thoroughly rocktastic night.

So let’s log this as end of part 1. Somewhere just prior to 6am on Friday 23rd October. Or. Er. Thereabouts. I'm going to have another crack at watching the Krautrock doc that I fell asleep during last night now

Photo by Gene Taylor.

So here's the story. I had too much fun for the past few days and need time to assimilate whether it actually happened or not. In addition, my gregs got gubbed so this spare pair isn't exactly doing it for the ability to stare at a screen for too long. Not sure if it'll be two or three parts plus I'm waiting on pix and need to collect a lot of links so this could take some time. So while this is all coming together, let me share the majesty of Baby Dynamite with you.

I heard them on Morten YumYum's i-POD on Gran Via while they were waiting for the van. Top gear, I think you'll agree.

On top of a seriously grand spell out of the country, this month will be our biggest in terms of "viewers" ever. By a long chalk. I've no idea how or why but that's not important just so long as we be undermining the relentless grind of reality for a moment or three.

At Otto's Shunken Head, no one can hear your screams...because Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. will be screaming louder! Candy corn? Eh. Two hours of near-patented "ballads, boogies & boos"? Guaranteed!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD TIKI BAR & LOUNGE / Our long-standing last-Thursday-of-the-month residency continues! /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Ave. B) in zombie-ridden Manhattan / Two terrifying shows, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 / No cover! Plus, if you've a craving for warm, moist, finely aged flesh...

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8th / "BROOKLYN BEEFSTEAK" at THE BELL HOUSE / A nineteenth century tradition -- the pairing of beef and beer, all you can consume! With "beefsteak" history by our own "Hot Dog Buddy", Paul Lukas, and two sets of SIT & Die Co. choice cuts!

Yours from beyond the medium rare grave,

Michael - Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

"Ballads, Boogies & Boos"

OK, I'm back to the driech, damp environs of home. And as I try to catch up on messages and gather my scrambled thought of 5 top days in Madrid I found this sad news...

RIP - Soupy Sales

UGLY THINGS - ISSUE #29
ISSUE #29 looks like being one of the best ever issues. The top cover stories include a huge feature on Australias mighty Masters Apprentices as well as a tribute to the late, great Sky Saxon of the Seeds. We also have here in-depth stories on 60s beat group the Fenmen (featuring pre-Pretty Things members), UK pop-psych faves the West Coast Consortium, outrageous LA proto-punks the Imperial Dogs, and seminal California garage folk-rockers Wildflower. Also, Doug Sheppard unravels the twisted tale of 70s hard rockers Stepson, Ron Ryan reveals the juicy details of his role as the ghost writer of some of the Dave Clark Fives biggest early hits, and Phil Milstein relates his experiences with doomed junkie chanteuse Nico. All this plus Midwest garage combo the Nomadds, Ollie Halsall and Timebox, French Riviera punks Dentist, the Remains, the Shadows of Knight, and an exclusive chat with Tony Cahill of the Easybeats. Not forgetting our famously extensive review section covering all the latest reissues, and R&R-related books and DVDs.

The Fleshtones will be super-rockin' it to Spain in November...

Not a lot of time on my hands but today would have been Lux's 63rd birthday.

Raise a glass of red or whatever - wherever you may be.

Catch you folks on the flipside.

Mr Tom Phobic has a message for you...

Hi Kids,

First up a big thanks to all of you who said such nice things about our set on Saturday at The Gate for Mick and Bage's half century extravaganza with The Fallen Leaves. It was an honour to play in such esteemed company. We were also grateful for the wonderful spread and 1959 cocktails too. By the time we got home everything was in black and white for some reason.

Secondly, heads up for a special night at the Birds Nest in Deptford this Saturday 24th October. we are joined on the bill by The Lone Sharks who will be speeding down the motorway from Bristol/Bath to blast you with their brand of hot rocking punk action.

In their number resides Marc who used to front The wonderful Milk Monitors who in the mid 80's were sparring partners with my own (and Charlie's) garage goodies Bad Karma Beckons. Kids, the stories we could tell but we wont, purely to protect the innocent and keep the guilty from the long arm of the law... you understand?

Well apparently, we've all grown up since those wild and wanton days (yeah right) and some of us have even bred children..... They say youth is wasted on the young but it wasnt as wasted as we were then, hahaha! stick that in you pipe Asbo kid!

It kicks off at 9 and did i say it was FREE to get in?

We expect to see you there or questions will be asked!

Amy Farris Memorial Show set for Oct. 21 at the Continental Club in Austin

With the sudden and tragic death of Austin native and revered musician Amy Farris last month, friends and fellow musicians of the beloved fiddle player plan to come together for a night of music and remembrance set for Oct. 21 at Austin’s Continental Club. The lineup is as follows:

Dave Alvin & The Guilty Women
Kelly Willis
Exene Cervenka
John Dee Graham
Jesse Dayton
Damon Bramblett

The show will begin at 9 p.m. with a very special violin performance
by some of Amy’s former students.

Amy Farris, 40, was an accomplished musician, a beloved human of light and a giant heart with sparkling eyes, packed into a pint-sized frame. An Austin native, Amy moved to Los Angeles to expand her music career and talent for playing violin, viola, cello, mandolin and some of the sweetest vocal harmonies ever recorded. Artists Amy worked with include Ray Price, Kelly Willis, Brian Wilson, Bruce Robinson, Charlie Robinson, Alejandra Escovedo, Stan Ridgway, Peter Case, Greg Dulli, and many others. Amy was seen and loved by millions; she performed on Late Night with David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, The Grand Old Opry and Austin City Limits. Most recently, Amy recorded and was touring the United States as one of Dave Alvin’s Guilty Women.

Cover for the show is a suggested donation of $10, with all proceeds going to Amy’s charity of choice, Hungry For Music, a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire underprivileged children by bringing positive musical and creative experiences into their lives through instrument donations, concerts and workshops.

For more information, please contact Courtney Mabeus at Yep Roc Records at courtney@yeproc.com or visit Dave Alvin's Web site.

In addition to this event, plans are being made for another memorial in Los Angeles Nov. 8th at McCabes. Details will follow soon.

Get with the BOB400!

RIP - Vic Mizzy (Thanks to Ben for the info)

One thing and another is hampering my ability to compile and review regular posts the way that I’d like to. In all honesty, I’ve never fully recovered from being “off the air” earlier in the annum. This is something that’ll have to work itself out along with my trying hard to limit use. It’s unlikely that an ideal balance can be struck but I live in hope.

I'm a couple of hours away from completing my "dj" discs, then I can get to compiling the stuff that's hanging around my various inboxes. Probably not tonight though. The Barman drew my attention to this however...

RIP - Steve Ferguson