Monday night and it's a quick turnaround. Heading into the weej to catch a rare appearance by Shonen Knife. Unlikely that there'll be anything further from me tonight. In other news... I heard about this too late to do anything about it earlier.

RIP - Lena Horne

Being the astute individuals you are, you’ll have noticed that I haven’t been blabbing my heid aff this weekend. This is for a number of reasons, not least of which has been getting caught up on correspondence, listening, watching and all the other things that have been let slide. I even made a start on what passes for a garden. Nothing too crazy mind you, like I said – a start.

Saw “Kick Ass” and “Whip It!” along the road too. Both pretty good and the best performance from Nic Cage I’ve caught in a long time. For reasons that would be immediately apparent to anyone who clocks it. Entertaining films that allow you to leave your mind in the cloakroom for a bit, something I’ve been needing to do.

This weekend has been a stark contrast to last week. No big social scene to be making but the time is fast approaching Monday and we all know what that brings... Shonen Knife in Glasgow of course!

Been hearing some very fine music this weekend too, all of which will become clear in the fullness of something or other.

For those who are going to Tuts tomorrow night and also for those who can't.

Indeed, come flip *your* lid with Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. -- at the home of the free peanut, the Rodeo Bar!

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12th / RODEO BAR / 375 Third Avenue (at the corner of 27th Street) in ol' Manhattan /Two ten-gallon shows, from 10pm sharp until 12:30am / No cover!

Always yours,
Michael
Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.
"Ballads, BoogiesBlues"

I'm playing catch-up on e-mail and listening. That kind of stuff. Not really that interested in when the UK closing down sale will be starting. If I get enough done then hopefully I can drag myself out to see a couple of movies over the course of the weekend.

I just read a Lefsetz thing entitled "Going To The Gig" that sort of depressed me because on one hand I sort of agree with some of it. It's another extended kvetch in which he once again indicates unashamedly that he has no taste and, in addition, operates in a privileged universe away from the pulsebeat of real fans. Then he tries to qualify it by throwing in his lot with Nick Hornby. The plot is over there Bob. No wait, it's behind you.

Never mind though, there are many cool things up and coming. I'm jealous of anyone who will see Hello Saferide this weekend at ATP and am not ashamed to admit it.

Further solace from idiots can also be gotten in the latest Wreckless Eric Radio Show.

Seek it.

The Standells in London anyone?

(click the image to order tickets)

Not a lot of action around the Polling Station when I was down there a wee while ago. Wonder how it's all going to pan out and expecting the worst.

The summer of discontent will likely spill over into autumn and winter. You guys (outside of the US) don’t call it “the Fall” do you? No point in dragging mark E. Smith into all this. As the EU economy teeters on the brink of collapse we need our rock’n’roll jollies even more than ever. Apocalyptic conditions notwithstanding with regard to volcanoes and earthquakes or whatever else mother nature intends to set on our ass, this is not the time to be settling for it all going completely black just yet.

There is always a way to circumnavigate the congregation of clowns, I say this with no disrespect to that actual variety of individual. I’m merely using the term in place of “politician”.

As always, "Guilty until proven innocent" is the only tagline. And talking of which I'm not real talkative tonight so go take a look at this "Machete" trailer. For some reason I can't embed it and it's been removed from YouChump. It's pretty damn entertaining and quite possibly NSFW.

Nothing much worthwhile ever is...

Before I start – some important news (literally) just in via Russell’s fb... Moon Duo at Stereo in Glasgow on Monday 26th July.

Today was a struggle and this will be a short attempt at flinging something up here because the flesh and the spirit are in cahoots. Making me pay for a few days of high jinks down in merry old Engerland. It’s only right that I should be punished. On top of that, my OX column is overdue and that will be my priority prior to falling over. And it’s the “General Election” tomorrow, this could be misconstrued as a Japanese translation – no offence to out far eastern friends intended. This attempt to make light of the situation is actually a thin veil over an overwhelming cloud of depression. In anticipation of the clobbering we’re about to receive when the dust settles on the result. When all the already hollow promises are exposed as utter bollocks in what must rank as the very, most rancid campaign that it’s been my misfortune to live through.

What was it Iggy said, being that he’s more ubiquitous than any politician? “We don’t believe in anything, we don’t stand for nuthin” or something like that. With a slogan like that, high office is almost guaranteed. Looking at his mug on the giant billboard as the train pulled out of Peterborough station yesterday, the notion of how we came to be at this point crossed my mind. I harrumphed a bit and decided to try and go back to sleep in the hope that my next bout of waked-ness (Yes, so that’s not even a word) would find me in a more agreeable scenario but as it was, the train was heading back to reality and what’s more it was on time.

I would ideally go and see “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” tonight but to be honest, I’m running on fumes as it is. The decompression after two Suicide sets and first day back is still taking its toll. As an exercise on the corner of visceral and primal, Sunday night could well have established a new record for loose expression. There’s only one act on earth that can get away with that. Hearing and seeing clips is further disorienting because capturing the feeling is like harnessing lightning in some cockamamie jar. Documentary evidence is one thing but there are greater powers at work here. There has to be. It’s pretty funny to read the stuff from the haters. And it’s especially funny when these same individuals don’t get tickets because they don’t want to deal with seeing them. While The Stooges weren’t entirely dreadful they were anything but monolithic (on my telly). A wee bit leaden but it’s a free(ish) country and old people should be permitted to enjoy themselves and/or hang on to past glories in most occasions.

Conditions might apply though.

Saturday’s journey down “the lahndon” was altogether leisurely. I kind of expected the train to be heaving but am pleased to report that it wisnae. A wee hold up outside Peterborough but seamless otherwise. I think I even managed to nod off for a bit as befits a person of my advancing years. The customary wander from ‘ammersmiff to Chiswick took an unexpected twist though. High tide and torrential rain earlier meant that the Thames was flooding my route. I was forced to have a wee paddle in order to reach my destination. A somewhat drookit me turned up on the doorstep of my hosts. There would be no gallivanting across town that night but a most convivial evening in The Cross Keys was had with some of the crew that weren’t going to the shows. Actually Rob was but the nature of Monday meant that I didn’t see him.

Sunday was a packed schedule, heading in to town for a rendezvous at The Pillars of Hercules with Mr U and Gert-Olle. From there it was out to the’smiff to try and hook up with as many folks as it was possible to see. During this Brother Joss intimated something very cool that is happening during the impending Edinburgh Film Festival. I won’t jinx it but as soon as it’s 100% official then you’ll know.

A grand hang was had by all (they know who they are) and Sunday there was the first time I’d been in that place since I saw Kiss there in 1976. The same day as I picked up an album by RAMONES at Harlequin in Dean St. Anybody know what happened to them? It would really have been a gas if someone had the presence of mind to include Andy Dunkley in this big stramash. He as much as anyone kept The Stooges spirit alive when almost nobody cared. The only real difference was that downstairs is standing – like terracing - although I believe they do have seats sometimes too. It’s a good venue with excellent sightlines, unless of course a muckle giant decides to stand directly in front of you.

Suicide were due on at 8.10pm and around that time, Paul Smith walked on and threw the switch on his Seeburg Rhythm Prince. This robotic throb would pulsate until NY’s finest took to the stage. As the noise which greeted the intro to an approximation of "Ghost Rider" kicked in, Alan dedicated to his recently gone amigo- Alex Chilton. A nice touch being that he was a fellow traveller that never “mailed it in”. It became clear that this wouldn’t just be a run through their debut. Some of them would be barely recognisable other’s would be eerily beautiful but every second was wonderfully awry. Rev pummelled and Vega prowled and screamed. Both of them grimace as almost nobody can and continue to create shapes that are routinely sculpted from some wild energy that can’t be of this earth. They can still polarise an audience and they did that on Sunday alright. No missiles were thrown but have you noticed how difficult it is to sneak an axe into a gig these days?

Several conversations were overhead that went along the lines of “What was that?”. Ha ha.
As you know, I have no real interest on the continued celebration of Iggy and the Stooges. I watched a little of the set and thought that “Your Pretty Face...” was good. The sound was pretty awful and it reminded me a little of Status Quo. The completely and utterly spontaneous stage invasion seemed to be conducted way too early in the set but it did include Spizz and his self publicising LED-wear. I left the hall and met Mia out in the bar. She’d seen John Otway the night before. By the end of the night I’d consumed way more drinks than I’m accustomed to. When Monday rolled in, me 'ad a fuzzy heid that lingered for the entire day.

I wasn’t even going to attend the second night but Per sent me the tickets he couldn’t use and it took me a long time to get someone to take the spare. It turns out that despite the marquee saying “sold out” there were plenty of tickets available. Nice to finally meet Mr Nick West. Suicide were entirely different on Night 2. Still uncompromising but bordering on symphonic in comparison. Shards of “Dream Baby Dream” seemed to percolate through “Che” and the version of “Cheree” was ethereal. I was fortunate enough to be able to go back and see Liz, Alan and Marty during The Stooges set so that’s what I did. Always an honour and a distinct privilege. I stayed there until yer Nick Cave’s and whoever started coming in. T’was time to take my leave and wander back along the shoreline toward what passes for reality. One of two people I passed was walking a huge dog.

Several shades of fun was had over the past two nights and rather than pass out on the couch in front of the TV I felt I oughtta get my report filed.

There are photos of Suicide by Martin and Brian here.

Sadly there were no USB presentation sets of Alan and Marty’s set available after the show. If you want The Stooges one then go here but really, why would you?

I know most, if not all of you, disagree with my disgust of the catalogue milking. Next up for shaving is “Kill City”. I’m happy for Iggy to make money just as I don’t have to watch him. Or hear him for that matter. You can tell me how great it was, and I can read five star arse licking reviews in The Guardian but I don’t understand what the fuss is about.

Give me Matt & Kim any old time and please don’t try to change my mind. That is all.

The GO-GO!

A Mayday special with Glasgow's hottest new combo; The Shiverin Sheiks.

Expect Gene Vincent, Chuck Berry, Elvis covers as they plough through a hi-temp Rockabilly/Rock and Roll type set. Doors 11pm. Band on at midnight but free entry up til 11.30pm£6/4 after.

DJs Tall Paul & Big Gus pre-band and til 3am. Playing 60s garage, mod, psych, soul, girl-groups, and BOSS rock and roll!

Studio 24, Calton Road, Edinburgh.

Saturday 1st May. 11pm til 3am.

____________________________

Next dates Sat 5th June, Sat 3rd July, Sat 7th August.

I started to watch that TV gabfest last night. Then the next thing I can remember was waking up to hear it being discussed on the news. The narcoleptic episodes appear to be gathering pace and it’s not just limited to encounters with political debate. Got a lot to do before heading “souf” for the clan gathering so I better get to it. Mayday in this instance is not a distress call.

Would have liked to attend the launch of the new Eagleowl release in Edinburgh tonight at the Roxy Art House but it’s not possible. Don’t let that stop you though, this is kind of short notice I know but it’ll be worth it.

Trying not to disappear up my own hint end here, I shall take my leave. Hope to run into a bunch of you kids over the course of the next few days. My mobile phone skills, as some of you know, are not entirely proficient so bear with me. At the very least, I’ll attempt to remember to switch it on. Then there’s the problem of hearing it but don’t get me started on that.

Time is sure rattling on and my ability to keep any kind of beat on any of this is slipping. It’s an age thing and the recognition that it’s a precious commodity makes the fact that it’s disappearing like the proverbial off a shovel seems to accelerate the process.

For those “around the doors”... perhaps you could take in this... info just in from Mr Spence.

What about that Gogs Broon? Displaying those famous people skills of his to deliver yet another blow to his party campaign. Not that it makes any real difference because as of midnight a week from today, we’re up the proverbial creek with no sign of paddles being delivered anytime soon. It would be high comedy if it wasn’t so serious in the run up to austerity plus.

Tonight’s final televised debate will be a sad state of affairs (always good to get an Amy Allison song title in) but I guess I’ll tune in for a while just to see how low they can go. It conflicts with "The Daily Show" and possibly the three episodes of "Treme" I have to watch. So much procrastination, so little time.

Saturday is the last day of trading for the institution that is Stand Out and Minus Zero Records on Blenheim Crescent in London. The end of another era. Mr Allerton and Mr Forsyth, the proprietors or this retail equivalent of a split single are presumably no longer able to sustain a business in this climate. Since trading went on to the interweb, things just haven’t been rosy for anyone who runs a proper record store. I imagine that they’ll trade individually in that sense themselves from here on in but I’ve been unable to establish exactly what the plans are.

Both Bills were huge supporters of this NBT malarkey back when it was in print form. I’d like to thank them for that indulgence and to wish them well in whatever they turn their hands to after the keys turn in the door this coming weekend. It’s a strange feeling to consider that the place was a huge player in the garage rock arena which included The Stooges when mostly nobody gave a shit. It’s a funny old world richt enough and not a fair one by any stretch.

In this airt, The Primevals will perform their short but snappy “Cramps” set at the SPOOKS show listed below.

The majesty of proper rock is something that has been diluted and putzed with to severe detriment in recent times. I cite Kings of Leon as being a particularly heinous version of this. It’s pretty incredible then a couple of bands, from Spain and Sweden respectively have turned up recently with something that doesn’t rely on authenticity like repro antique furniture does. They don’t sound like tribute acts but rather bring the excitement and air punching abandon back in addition to laying down some mighty riffola. It’s the sound that brings the ladies round as a sage exponent of the craft once commented.

The Midnight Travellers are from Barcelona and their lyrics are in English so this stuff could literally travel. Somehow they’ve managed to rassle some new-fangled way of recycling Stooges riffs with a little vintage Kiss seasoning and a smidge of Foghat that really works. “Time Has Come” really has it all and let’s face it, Spain is the last true outright rock territory. It’s in the blood and the genes. The very fabric of that country rocks. It’s enough to make the most hardy cynic (me) believe in the power of loud guitars, bass and drums pummelled at some inordinate volume. And it never sounds lumpy, even when it reminds me of bloody Pearl Jam.

Joe Traveller and his fellows are set to haul this monolithic caravan far and wide. If they could get a foothold in the European festival circuit then they could literally clean up. This is an honest reading of a riot act that was originally struck in the 70’s. It’s not authentic per se, it’s more dangerous than that because it comes from these kids hearts and souls. They believe and have the power to make you do likewise. “Ant Made” is out now on CD and vinyl courtesy of Wild Punk. As yet they don’t have a sister imprint known as Wild Rock but they might want to think about that.

So to Sweden now and the second volume of Dundertåget’s uncompromising celebration of the form, “Dour Feta Åreu Är Förbi” on that rad imprint known as Razzia. All the songs are in their native lingo. (Did I dream that they were going to issue this in English too?) and that’s the only thing that’s standing between these guys and world domination. Having picked up the baton that The Hellacopters failed (through no fault of their own) to beat any sort of sense into the public with, they’re going all out. Their own substantial abilities, when abetted by Martin "Konie" Ehrencrona at the sonic catedral that is Studio Cobra makes for a heady concoction.

In addition to delivering some mighty guitar slinging, there are other avenues explored. “Vingars Brus” is a duet with Nina Ramsby of Grand Tone Music and features viola, cello and something called a tonegenerator. They’ve been honing an already sharp ear for a dynamic and this one collects every shard of hard rock grandeur and pulverises it into a diamond of a sound that seems to resonate more these days than much of the chicken in a basket punk nostalgia that’s doing the rounds.

It’s not all hell bent riffing, there are a couple of more reserved songs there to bolster a sense of depth, light and shade. This might have its roots in the past but this stuff sounds as fresh as the proverbial daisy. Again, the strength lies in the songs not being just modules or approximations that plunder a theoretically stellar record collection.

Let a little Thunder Express into your life. Dundertåget is good for what ails yer.

Update at 7/5 - Yes, the "English" thing must have been a dream... Thanks Robert.

Now that I’ve been able to watch that MIA video through now something sprang to mind. While the brutality of the piece speaks for itself, I think that there’s a distinct attempt to introduce an element of satire in the rounding up of the “gingers”. The desert sequence is very “Punishment Park” too. Living here in Kiltland, I’ve come into contact will all kinds of prejudice against people with red hair. I don’t understand it myself but some entirely rational people have been known to have an irrational down on such a condition.

Obviously, in our society – everybody is fair game. Guilty until proven innocent but I’m sort of shocked to see “Born Free” being described as being so shocking. It wouldn't have appeared on my radarscope at all if it hadn’t been for the Suicide sample that propels it. The overall message of the piece may be as obvious as the nose on your face but I think framed in the current world situation, recognition of aspects of authority and government are becoming blurred and this looks like it could be all too real because actual reality is another concept that’s gone for a burton.

It’s a fairly powerful statement in a homogenised mainstream landscape. More shocking perhaps is that there's no mention at of Virginia McKenna, Bill Travers or Matt Monro – what’s up with that?

Mr Percival needs your assistance. He has an interview that he did with The Ramones in Birmingham during the Mondo Bizarro tour in Dec 1992. It's due to appear in the legendary US zine "The Big Takeover" soon and he needs some photos from that period to accompany the article.

"What I need ideally are good quality shots - live or off stage - that will repro well in either colour or black and white. Can you help or do you know anyone who might be able to? Ideally I need them in the next week to 10 days. Thanks. Martin"

If you can, let me know and I'll put you in touch. There's no money in it but there's a certain glow that comes with this kinda activity.

Great to see Jaws on the big Hippodrome screen yesterday. It wears pretty well and I can’t remember when the last time I saw it was. Maybe 20 years ago. Anyway, there were a couple of things I noticed that were Twin Peaks related by coincidence. First one was the name of the harbour master being Frank Silva and it also being the name of the guy that played “Bob”. Also the dialogue of the old guy that comes up to Scheider and says that “we know all about you” was very reminiscent of The Giant in his old concierge guise as Cooper lay shot. Probably just me adding 2 + 2 and coming up with 5 but cool though. Certainly better than being out in the thunder and rain.

Discovered that the link to Marc Campbell’s MIA post had been pulled and found another that has been ixnayed also. It’s a leak (allegedly) and all that I can add is well put it in the soup you idiot. A “Ghost Rider” sample is used pretty snazzily and I’m not entirely sure what XL are playing at. I though viral was where it’s at? Gird your loins for an encounter with the real thing “dahn ‘ammersmiff” way next Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday.

Update at 6.44pm - found the full length versh... not good time music and not safe for work.

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

The spirit is inevitably unwilling on a Monday morning but on this one it had hit a new low. In addition to the lack of general motivation, it seemed like there was some kind of sedative helping it along. Whatever it is, it’s fogged up an already indistinct day. My iPlayer isn’t working and I missed the engineer by about 10 minutes and have had to reschedule. The damn thing hasn’t worked since they sent me a new card for the operating box. In all honesty, I wish that I could just bring myself to exist without any TV at all but I think that the electronic hearth aspect of it helps me fall asleep.I’ve heard that there’s an address you can send away to in order to have them send you a life. Not sure what size of SAE to put in there though.

My buddy Dusan out in Ljubljana is looking for acts to cover CZD material for his tribute project, “Mirror of Dehumanization”. Anyone out there up to the challenge? Let me know and I’ll put you in touch

Did anybody go to The Sonics or for that matter Wau and los Arrrghs during Le Beat Bespoke? I have heard not a smidge about either.

RIP - Alan Sillitoe