Betty Boo - Hey DJ

Off to see Betty Boo this weekend. Only been waiting 30 years for the chance. Great excuse to dust off this little banger from 1989. What's that? You want another one? Oh go on then.

The Glastonbury blues...

Bugger. It's that time of the year again. Regular readers will know we did 10 Glastonburys (well, 9 proper Glastonburys and then one where we worked our asses off for two days but were then forced to leave by a con artist who provided security but didn't pay anyone he employed...twat) but we've not been for a decade or so now. There's no doubt that the festival's changed since our first one back in 1895...no, make that 1995...it's more commercial (although nowhere near as bad as most), bigger and 'trendier'...and the musical scene's generally a lot duller (in my humble opinion) but, hell, it's still the best and most iconic festival on planet earth and every June I bemoan the fact I'm not there. Next year Glastonbury and I will turn 50 and, although I stand more chance of winning the lottery than getting a ticket, I'm seriously thinking about having a bash for old time's sake. If you're there enjoy it. Have a pint or six at the cider bus for me.

PS: I think you can see me somewhere on the footage above, pre 'tache days. Still one of the best live acts I've ever seen.

Maynard Ferguson - Theme From Shaft

Trawling the charity shops of Exeter on Saturday I saw an album by some bloke called Maynard Ferguson which featured a cover version of The Theme From Shaft. I didn't buy it as the cover looked a bit naff but I found it on You Tube and blow me down with a jazzy trumpet it's a bit of a belter. Enjoy!

Cassius - 1999

Another sad passing this week with the death of Cassius's Philippe Zdar following what appears to be a tragic accident just two days before the release of the band's new album. Here's another classic to remember him by, RIP dude.

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard - Late Night City

There's a bit of a penchant for bands naming themselves after an animal...over and over again. You've got Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs etc etc and...er...Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard. Okay, just two. Anyway, this Beatles meets Stones in Jobriath's bathroom banger snuck out in April and I've only just come across it. Ace innit?

PS: Here's another Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard banger, this time with more of a glam-tastic Suzi Quatro vibe.

Cocteau Twins - Iceblink Luck

In a world that makes less sense to me as each day passes it's nice to sink into the equally mysterious world of Cocteau Twins' Iceblink Luck from time to time. It's over 20 years since the band split and after a much trumpeted reunion back in the early noughties came to...well...nought I'm guessing it won't ever happen.

On a related tip let's stick up This Mortal Coil's Song To The Siren too, quite possibly one of the most beautifully melancholic tracks of all time.

System Of A Down - B.Y.O.B

You know one of those days when your internet connection's so slow that it would be easier to actually go to see the person you're trying to email...even if they live in another country. Yes, I've been having one of those days. Turns out that hubs use channels and if a load of hubs near to yours are using the same one then it can cause everything to slooooooowwww dooooowwwnnnn toooooooooo annnnnn almosssssssssssssst compeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetteeeeee stoooooppppppppppppp. I'm old enough to remember the old dial up connections. If you wonder why people over the age of 40 have grey hair, that's the reason...dial up modems.

Anyway, the only music that's helping to calm me down right now is System Of A Down. Enjoy.

You're Dead (What We Do In The Shadows Theme Tune) - Norma Tanega

Loving vampire comedy series What We Do In The Shadows right now and it's goth twang theme tune which I was surprised to discover dates all the way back to 1966! Penned and first recorded by cult folk popster Norma Tanega (who's happily still well and truly alive and kicking at 80 years young) the TV series version's by Harriers Of Discord but, as you'll hear, it's a pretty faithful reproduction of the original.

Dr John RIP

No, this one hurts. I've been a fan of Dr John for a good quarter of a century or so and had the very great pleasure of sharing a cheeky glass of bourbon and some M&S crudites with him backstage after a gig at The Alex Theatre. He was every bit as cool as he seemed and patiently put up with me gabbling at him for half an hour or so. I'd hoped to pop over to New Orleans and look him up one day but sadly that'll never happen now. RIP dude.

PS: God, he even made a TV theme tune sound cool. Remember this?

Detroit Emeralds (Moulton Mix) - Feel The Need

In a bit of a disco mood today so here's a damn fine remix of Detroit Emeralds' Feel The Need from Tom Moulton. You'll be happy to know that there are enough Moulton mixes out there to keep you dancin' until your feet drop off.

PS: Oh go on then, here's another belter from First Choice...

Roky Erickson RIP

One of the godfathers of psych rock Roky Erickson sadly passed away last Friday after a suitably 'eventful' life, which is as good an excuse as any to pop up the awesome You're Gonna Miss Me by his band 13th Floor Elevators. Play it LOUD.