RIP - Phyllis Diller

In fabulous, downtown Moss Rock City this coming Saturday night!

The Master Plan are hitting up Scandinavia this coming week...

Friday August 24th - Gutter Island, Vordingborg, Denmark

Saturday August 25th - Tivoli'kjellern, Moss (Rock City), Norway

Sunday August 26th - Siste Reis, Halden, Norway

Tuesday August 28th - The Liffey, Stockholm, Sweden

Go say howdy if you can!

Blimey... missed another blinder...

Of course the PR girls should be freed. There's no argument about that. Do I want to hear their "music"? Personally no. The conspiracy theory that Vlad took further hump when McCartney stuck his neb in are as yet unconfirmed. The Pooty Riot saga seems destined to run for a bit yet but it got me wondering, despite all the "publicity" - could they sell tickets? Or records, even downloads? Likely not.

They should be freed with the understanding that most people would run a mile from their "sound". That doesn't mean that it's aheard of it's time or groundbreaking. It's not. At best it's an extension of that DIY, lofi racket that never did anything for me irrespective of who it was by or how spirited others found it.

It's all high profile for Amnesty. The girls and what they did has really set the heather alight. maybe it'll result in a new movement where kids form bands or become interested in kicking agin the bullshit that we're all mired in. That's the best result that could come from all this. Inspiration. But I am sceptical. It has been cool hearing the word "pussy" on the BBC. I felt that for sure they'd get to censor that but so far not.

In America, some outlets have however decided that it might bend the minds of their citizens. All of this is further proof of why we all need to move to Madrid and just leave the rest of the world to get on with it.

So come on Vlad, be reasonable. Let the girls out. Don't be a twat.

Update - Actually, I'm not averse to this new song and it reminded me of being at Punk Kongress in Kassel where I met several Eastern Europeans who had suffered for their art. One of them even had a copy of "I Want Tae be a Punk Rocker" by Andy Cameron, possession of which could have got him gawd knows how many years in the (Colonel) Klink.

Of course, out here in the fields we bitch and whine about little or nothing. This is the nature of the beast. However, we should be prepared for this type of action closer to home. Don't take the fact that we perceive we can do what we want in the West. There are individuals working to curtail all that under the auspices that you ought to be thankful for your lot. I'm not sure that we have the collective bottle to start doing something about that but we should. I'm not and have never been of the mindset that takes stuff for granted, however much I complain or whine. So I guess what I'm saying is that Vlad is just a puppet of some higher order that's out to rain on our collective parade bigstyle. Just keep that in mind as you go about your daily business.

RIP - Scott McKenzie

You hear all the time about Spain and its fiscal troubles, like the “big boy did it and ran away” ethos that is sweeping the world. We’re all fucked due to greedy, corrupt, way over the borderline scumbags so we might as well make the best of it before we’re all catapulted back into the stone age. Madrid is like heaven and hell combined, at least for me. And I mean both in the best sense of the word. Forget about basking in the sun in Florida – it was 42 degrees there on Thursday. I have never experienced heat like it. Like wandering around the coolest giant oven on earth but let’s try and figure out what happened there...

Stepping out of the plane into the heat was discombobulating. Got to the city after midnight on Thursday, dropped the bags and the crew met us at the bottom of Echegaray from which we sauntered up to El Fabuloso in Malasaña. Very nice quasi-50’s joint for the first of several mahou’s. From there we daundered up to Groovie bar. Another amazing hostelry in the grand tradition of just how this place is the last great rock’n’roll town on earth. Iain plotzed when he heard The Nomads segue into Radio Birdman in a bar sometime after 2AM. He was beginning to feel the force. I need to get back there to get a "Malasaña RocknRoll Resistance" T-shirt. From there we went to a place called Weirdo that was sadly shut but next time – it looks like my kind of establishment.

Then it was time to head back to barracks. Stopped in at Wurlitzer but it was 4AM and shaping up to be a long day at the outset. Don’t worry though, that was as about as sensible as it got.

Up early and time for a saunter which was about as fast as one could muster. It was even boiling in the shade. Much of Thursday was spent wandering up until it was time to meet Marcela and The Arnesens – a Dahlmanns offshoot trio (but only 2 were in town). A reunion that recalled that fateful night in October 2009 where our paths converged and I can certainly say that was a pivotal date in my existence. Marcela runs the other best venue in the world, El Sol - a perfect space in any definition of time. So there was time to eat, yatter and even go for ice cream in the run up to the show. Oh, and more drinks.

It was a deep relief to set foot in the Wurlitzer again. Even more so because the air conditioning was so bloody marvellously cool. Any worries about heat exhaustion were quickly put at a peep. Grand to see the gang again so we left then to rev it up at soundcheck and get ready for the rumpus.

Brother Clive had come from BCN with the cast members and was good and ready for that first beer I think. We weren’t feeling a lot of pain when we rolled back up to the door of the W. Always a blast to see Helena, Benito and Alvaro and t’was a pure pleasure that La Hembra Alfa could make the scene too. A lot of familiar and some new faces. It’s hard to keep track when you’re a doddery old git but Wurli is a strange fountain of youth that certainly does me the power of good.

Hadn’t seen the Quattros since “Hank” came out. They were always magic but they’ve really gotten good in addition to just being a great combo in general. I could still be objective if need be but resistance is futile. The bang - bang - bang of the pace – no fannying about – should be used as a yardstick for all sets. Lean and mighty pop. Especially impressive was the disco-fication and Suzy has really gained ground in the owning the stage antics of performance. I was impressed and proud of my Barca crew.



As far as locations to see bands go, The pairing of Wurlitzer and The Yum Yums is an explosive combination. Other than The Dictators at El Sol, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a start to finish rush as I did on Friday night. All the hits sung back by the packed crowd translated to a truly deserved love in. And this was no regular show because BB Quattro not only went through the paces with his own combo, he also provided the bajo for the Yums in addition to driving the 7+ hour journey. These wacky kids – who says today’s youngsters aren’t capable of hard graft? Actually, this is the guy who has kept The Yum Yums flame alive and if it weren’t for him then I wouldn’t be in this extended family situation.



So - in terms of “IOU”, I reckon I’m the one that should be tipping the hat. And I did have to wear one in the daytime during this trip. I’m thinking of getting a proper one. Whaddaya think? Of course I’ll never be as cool as Jimmy Sangster but I can try.

So much hanging out was done and the world was put to right several times before we called it a halt. Some of the entourage made it to the fabled 7am ceiling even although they were to be back on the road around noon. Others fashioned an outfit out of the hotel curtains and went to buy records before they jumped in the van. Wish we could have made the journey to Felipop too but that might have been too much fun. You gotta be careful at my age.

Next day was kind of fuglike and spent in lower gear. A return visit to Casa Murky + Eva was a hoot just like last time and from there to a wee gathering at Estela’s. We swigged Mahou high above the La Latina metro station and it was a perfect closer to a cracking couple of days away from what passes for reality (I hear ya Ms G). I was especially stoked to meet Mr Lagarto, the other half of mi amigette, Ms Ulla Munster. Hopefully they shall join us in future adventures.

A final farewell to the Wurli and our groovy hosts there and it was pretty much done. Met up with Iňigo for breakfast next day and it was time to scoot. Did I tell you this before? “I HEART Madrid” - so much so that a return bout is already on the horizon.

Muchas Muchas gracias to all of you folks that made us so welcome – you know who you are.

RIP - Charles Ball

(via Roy Trakin's fb post, go to item 3 when you click the link)

Order the new Pop Detective C-dingle (do they still call them that?) HERE!

Hear it here!

Never, ever saw this before!

Help Marco out here, order some stuff so he can bunk off on Thursday night...

Hello... Help us to get more free space in our warehouse for the next vinyl releases...

GHOST HIGHWAY SUMMER SALE PACKS


This offer is available from 1st August to 1st September 2012.

To order send an NEW e-mail to: ghosthighwayrecordings@gmail.com

BLOODLIGHTS

• 7" + CD "Simple Pleasures" = 12 Eur
• CD-only "Simple Pleasures" = 9 Eur


4 x 3 PACK SINGLES - Buy 4 x 7inch and get One for Free!!!
Choose the 7"s from this list:
• Skip Jensen
• The Dt's
• Bummer
• Margaret Doll Rod / Plutonium Baby
• Digital Leather
• Jeff Pope
• Borracho
• Twistaroos
• Mary's Kids EP(II)
• The Sewergrooves
• Stevie Klasson's Black Weeds
• Jake Starr & The Delicious Fullness
• Bloodlights

BUNDLE: Tribute To The OBLIVIANS Vol. 3, Vol. 4, Vol. 5
3 x 7" - 20 Eur shipping included (Spain)
3 x 7" - 22 Eur shipping included (Europe)
3 x 7" - 25 Eur shipping included (Rest of world)

10" SUMMER PACK
RED STRIKE
WALTER DANIELS & The GIBLETS
The SCREAMIN' TARGETS
JETBONE


10 Eur/each + shipping, Buy all 4 and get 2 x 7inch for free (from 4 x 3 list)

LP's
MUNLET + free 7" Tribute To The Oblivians Vol. 5, 10 Eur + shipping
FABULOSO COMBO ESPECTRO + free 7" Tribute To The Oblivians Vol. 3 , 10 Eur + shipping


OUT NOW. NEW 7"
GHR-39 - Bloodshot Bill (co-released with Squodge Records)

COMING AFTER SUMMER:
GHR-40 - T.B.A.
GHR-41 - The Diesel Dogs (12") - Out in September
GHR-42 - Scott "Deluxe" Drake & The World's Strongest Men / The Gee Strings (7") - Out in September
GHR-43 - Electric Frankenstein 7" (Tribute to The Ramones and The Dead Boys) - Out in October
GHR-44 - T.B.A. (7" - 100 copies / sticky limited editions series) - Out in October
GHR-45 - Die Zorros (7" - 100 copies / sticky limited editions series) - Out in October
GHR-46 - Cardboard Villains - (7" - 100 copies / sticky limited editions series) - Out in October
GHR-47 - Deadheads - (7" - 100 copies / sticky limited editions series) - Out in October
GHR-48 - T.B.A.
GHR-49 - T.B.A.
GHR-50 - T.B.A. special edition to celebrate our 5 Anniversary and the release number 50!!!
(January 2013)

If I had the time, and could be bothered with ebay, then I’d be shedding a load of excess weight in the form of stuff. I do have the inclination but not the patience to put up with the guff that comes with that particular territory. There has to be a good holiday’s worth lying around here gathering dust. A bit like myself. And I keep adding to it, seemingly not having learned the requisite lessons.

The Nomads annual Blidosund bash is underway. Always an event that I intend to attend, one of these nights... may the bar takings break unprecedented records tonight. “Solna” is still very fresh and as we wait on the rest of the planet to catch up, we all gotta meet up at a Nomads show someplace soon. Which brings me back to the ditching stuff because then I could afford to take in a couple of upcoming gigs. Now memories, I believe you can pack them right up until the lights go out.

I’m banking on beyond but I’ll take ‘til if that’s how it pans out.

According to the “stats”, we crept over the 600,000 mark sometime on Sunday morning. That’s from October 2006 until now. My inactivity here doesn’t seem to have hampered the drop-in’s too much.

There is an urge to quit altogether but I there’s still work to be done here. Not like facebook. I’m planning a cull over there at the very least. It’s still useful as a basic communication tool but that’s it. Plan is to reduce the number to people I’ve actually met or know but let’s see how that goes. I’m not working from the luxury of asking people to “de-friend” me so I can wheedle more people in, I just need to lose some "weigh", actually I started this yesterday when a couple of “posts” got up my humph.

I’m not sure what it was, maybe an attempt to rekindle my youth, but this past weekend I took in both Avengers Assemble! and The Amazing Spider Man. It seemed like a good idea at the time but in practice not so much. Both rely heavily on effects so that seems to trumph any necessity for actual imagination. It’s like sitting in the middle of a particularly noisy video game and I can’t be arsed with that.

In addition and in my opinion, they’re too chuffing long.

I almost never pick up the phone these days as a deterrent to the constant barrage of calls trying to help me out with payment protection insurance or accident blame or double glazing/kitchens. Sometimes I win holidays too but I never claim them. I prefer to let others partake, how big hearted is that? It’s just invasion after intrusion upon personal space. Who really, in this day and age, is going to respond positively to cold calling? I guess that calls cost nothing now so they can practice their mosquito-like fare because they expect to be swatted. I appreciate that they want to help me. Like all those messages about supplying Viagra and other gear, if I want something then I’ll seek it out. The latest offer seems to be qualifications not worth the inkjet paper they’re no doubt printed on.

Virtually everything is worthless. There’s always a wheeze, always a cheat, for everything. While on the arse end, it gets harder and harder to make ends that were never destined to meet in the first instance. I need a change of scene, a bolthole where I can just piddle about and not be disturbed unless I choose to be. Is that too much to ask? Probably it is.

RIP - Chris Langeland (Thee Vicars)

I just got this message from DWR and can't claim to have been a fan but I saw them play a couple of times. Doing the arithmetic, Chris was 23 (!). I don't know what happened and have no link but when there is one, I'll provide it. Gotta wonder how his friends and familiy are dealing with it. 23. Pfffffff....

From PJ's facebook post -

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2182648504687&set=t.1083486148&type=3&theater

If you wish to donate some money in Chris's memory, send whatever amount, small or large, to:

L Fulchers 80 Whiting Street Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 1NX.

It will go to a charity called Youth Music that helps young people with a variety of different problems through music and supporting young artists who might not be able to afford instruments, rehearsal rooms, etc. More information here: http://www.youthmusic.org.uk/

Wednesday awready... thanks to those that stepped up to the plate in order to further the exploits of Eric and Amy. They won’t let you down. Never have and never will. Very much looking forward to visiting “A Working Museum”.

Let’s see, what else is happening? Everything and nothing. It stopped raining for long enough tonight that I managed to mow the disaster area that passes for a lawn here. I’ve been snorting grass cuttings up the wazoo and will likely stop hyperventilating soon.

As this country and others are about to disappear up around the U-bend, the biggest waste of money ever perpetrated ever is about to kick in. Like burning bales of fresh fifty quid notes. In readiness for this, I shall be continuing to boycott anything with a logo that signifies any connection with the putrid brand. This includes listening to the BBC with the probable exception of SOTS of a Saturday morning. My heart goes out to friends that have to live down “the London” and in the surrounding burghs that are going to have to deal with it.

There are other events around the country where I understand that such is the level of indifference, they can’t even paper them. Perhaps it’s karma, or justice even but we’re the ones that’ll be hung out to dry. I can’t even begin to convey how much I detest the scumbags that have landed us with this outmoded, outdated, fiddling while the world burns bullshit. Don't try and tell me it has anything to do with "sport". Just. Don't.

If I was anywhere near NY tonight then I'd be headed HERE!

Have you heard? Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. returns to Otto's this week! Hear, here:

*THURSDAY, JULY 26th / OTTO'S SHRUNKEN HEAD /
538 East 14th Street (just west of Avenue B) in ol' Manhattan

A pair of audiophonically attuned sets, from 8:00 sharp until 10:00 /
No cover!

Sonically yours, Michael

Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co.

"Ballads, Boogies & Blues"