It's another Merry Christ-mix!

Well, it's that time again, And this year I've plumped for Groove Geezus' Have a Funky Christmas mix. I'll be off on my annual digital detox now, catch you in 2020 unless I succumb to a fatal gin and turkey overdose. Ho, ho, ho! Have a great one.

Christmas Wrapping - Jess Clarke

I'm in awe of anyone who can play a musical instrument but people who can play more than one...good grief. I had the pleasure of meeting Jess Clark in SPS Records (Teignmouth) a few weeks ago but had no idea she was planning on covering one of my personal favourite Christmas tracks, the mighty Christmas Wrapping, recording, playing and singing the whole darn thing and knocking out a video too. It's pretty faithful to the original but with a slightly grungier bit of bass and some festively twinkly bells. Love it!

PS: Check out some of Jess's other stuff too, she can play the sitar...not an easy instrument to master apparently...mind you I couldn't master the recorder...

Calling For Change - The Irrepressibles

It's been a while but good things come to those who wait and this new release from The Irrespressibles is ruddy good. Fusing the classical chamber pop of previous releases with an electro feel that wouldn't be out of place on a classic early Soft Cell track lyrically it looks back at Jamie's (lead Irrepressible) childhood in lets just say less enlightened times. Pure dancefloor therapy for the soul.

Geowolf - He's 31

Blow me, this is a beauty of a track. It gives me the same kind of blissed out but ever so slightly shivery feeling that I got from Chungking's making music back in the day. Any excuse eh...?

Puddles Pity Party - Crazy Train

You know what you need to listen to right now? A 6ft 8inch clown covering Ozzy's Crazy Train. You're welcome.

Marc Almond featuring Ian Anderson - Lord Of Misrule

Blimey, where did this come from? The hardest working man in showbiz is back with a new single and this time he's teamed up with Mr Jethro Tull himself, Ian Anderson. As Christmas singles go it's a little dark but then again if you believe one tenth of what we hear in the media at the moment these are pretty dark times. Almond's got form when it comes to railing against the world we live in (see also Tears Run Rings) but this track's unusually rocky for him...you know what...it works though. I'll certainly be spinning it whilst munching my way through my own body weight in sprouts and downing several pints of gin. If the world's going to hell in a handcart you might as well be well fed and 'watered'...

Frank Zappa - Dancing Fool

Strange coincidence time. I was thinking about Frank Zappa earlier today and lo and behold December 4th 2019 is actually the 26th anniversary of his death (at just 52 as well...blimey that gives me less than three years to record a bunch of albums, freak out most of America, spawn several children and give them weird names...I'd better get cracking). 

McAlmont and Butler - Yes

How good did this album (picked up for 50p on CD) sound on a vintage mid 90s JVC boombox (double tape deck, CD player, radio...picked up for a tenner in a truly filthy state but cleaned up a treat)? A-bloody-mazing. I fear that soooooo many people nowadays only hear their downloaded music (compressed and therefore usually a pretty poor reflection of the original recording) through tinny little speakers or headphones when they could be luxuriating in sonic loveliness for a mere tenner. Hey ho.

Buy Nothing Day...

Tomorrow might be 'Black Friday', a desperate attempt to persuade us to buy crap we don't need that's no cheaper tomorrow than it is on any other day of the year, but it's also International Buy Nothing Day too. I know which I prefer. Anyway, above are two rather fine songs to soundtrack all of your non buying...unless you end up purchasing the albums they come from...but that's allowed.

Elton John - Are You Ready For Love (2003 remix)

Picked up a mint CD single copy of this track over the weekend for roughly 33 and a third pence. Nothing remarkable in that these days but the original price sticker was still on the cover...£3.99...blimey you could buy a house for £3.99 back in 2003. Incredible to think that we've gone from a time when people would part with four quid for a single track to a time when we pretty much expect music to be free. Kids today, mutter mutter, grumble grumble etc etc...

PS: Just in case you think I'm getting mellow in my old age I picked up System Of A Down's Chop Suey too. Hell yes.

Marc Almond - Toreador In The Rain

Given the kind of rainfall that would keep Noah awake at nights that we're having in the UK right now lets enjoy a lovely stripped back version of Almond's Toreador In The Rain, taken from the (in my humble opinion) somewhat overproduced Enchanted album. I much prefer this take on the track...

Uffie - Pop The Glock

Blast from the past time courtesy of 6 Music this morning. I seem to recall discovering Uffie through Pig Radio and/or MySpace waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2006/7 when the world was still relatively sane. Ahhhhh happy days. After a bit of a hiatus (maybe her glock was popped?) Uffie stated releasing new stuff back in 2016 and came out with this (Ed) banger back in 2018.

Matthew Sweet - Come To California

My seemingly insatiable appetite for buying CDs shows no signs of waning. A few weeks ago I saw four albums by Matthew Sweet in a charity shop, a name I kind of recognised but couldn't recall ever listening to. I suspect he's better known in the US of A than he is over here which is a shame as he sprang from the same fertile ground that spawned REM (in fact Sweet and Stipe were briefly a duo called Community Trolls...who knew eh?). Anyway, at the time I didn't buy them but at the weekend I popped back in and there they were...so I took that to be a sign. I've yet to listen to the albums (now there's a surprise eh?) but I came across this track on You Tube and if it's anything like the rest of the stuff at £4 for the lot that's a pretty sweet deal eh?

PS: Here's another goody...a little light grunge meets REM and Teenage Fanclub.

La Roux - International Woman Of Leisure

Now that's the job for me...International Woman Of Leisure...I've sure got the boobs and ass for it these days. Anyway...good to have La Roux back channelling her inner Glenn Gregory on this video (no?...just me then). Trawling through The Hearing Aid archives I was staggered to discover that I first saw her live at The Rainbow (Digbeth) waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in February 2009. Good grief.

Better Being Lucky - The Wonderstuff

There are a handful of bands from the 80s, 90s and 00s that I genuinely think produced some truly classic music that's sadly criminally ignored these days and The Stuffies are one of 'em. Perhaps splitting at arguably the height of their power and fame wasn't the smartest career move but as I'm sure Miles Hunt (The Wonderstuff's lead singer and driving force) would say, since when has music been about a career eh? Anyway, they're back with their fifth album, Better Being Lucky, since reforming back in 2000 and you can cop a listen of the whole glorious shebang on t'You Tube.

Vivian Stanshall's Big Grunt - 11 Moustachioed Daughters

I heard a version of this on 6Music earlier in the week but this visuals take it to a whooooooole new level of wonderful weirdness. Apparently this was filmed and broadcast in the year (maybe even the month) I was born...which explains a lot. There must have been something in the water back then.

George Michael - This Is How (We Want You To Get High)

First and I'm guessing last new material from George Michael and it's a blend of his more ballad style stuff with a bit of a Fast Love dancefloor chorus. A touch autobiographical too maybe?

Not sure how complete it was when he sadly went to that great gig in the sky but it's still great to hear something new from an artist whose true value and loss still ain't properly appreciated.

What's even sadder is that he sounded like a ruddy nice bloke too, giving away millions and popping down his local for a few cheeky drinks...no doubt searching for the normality, stability and love that seemingly eluded him down here on planet earth. 

Sports Team - Fishing

This is the second or third track by Sports Team that I've felt compelled to stick up here. Good work chaps and chapette. It's sodding raining here in Devon so much today I'll probably be able to go fishing from the comfort of my sofa before the day's out...

Egyptian Blue / The Happy Couple + another support act whose name I can't remember...sorry @ The Prince Albert, Brighton

Back in Brighton for a 30th anniversary uni reunion and managed to fit in a gig (yes...I know...that's a rarity these days eh?) at The Prince Albert. The hotly tipped (by St Yannis of Foals no less) Egyptian Blue have a little bit of an early Foals-ish vibe but with more of post punk edge (think Wire/Gang of Four). In better times this would have seen 'em nibble away at the charts amidst a torrent of critical acclaim but we live in strange days indeed so who knows. I was impressed with their mighty riffage, complex rhythms and meaty vocals though, the sound of young dudes who've already taken enough and can take no more which, again, says a lot about the times we're living on. Stick 'em on a bill with Slaves or Idles and get 'em out on the festival scene next year and hopefully they'll win the following they so obviously deserve on tonight's showing...and you can't say 'pharaoh' than that. Oh dear...there was no need for that was there eh? 

The Sweet - Hell Raiser

Heard this track a couple of times recently and it's glam-solutely fabulous. Sadly The Sweet don't seem to be much than a musical footnote these days but they produced some pretty awesome tracks during their brief heyday. Even more sadly lead singer Brian Connolly hit the bottle as badly as anyone can and suffered more heart attacks and other health problems than a body can stand, finally leaving for that great bar in the sky back in 1997 aged just 51.

For anyone new to The Sweet (or Sweet as they were also known) here are a couple of other classics:

Living Colour - Glamour Boys

Good grief, I don't think I'd heard this for 30 years or so before it came on 6 Music this morning. Living Colour deserved to be so much bigger than they were and this track, one of their poppier numbers, only reached number 83 in the UK. Shocking eh? Happily after a brief hiatus they're still playing. Hopefully they'll make it down to Devon one day...hmmm, not holding my breath on that one sadly. 

David Bowie - Golden Years (The Reflex Revision)

Wicked (as the kids used to say...innit) remix of Bowie's Golden Years that surely the thin white dude himself would have heartily approved of.

Happy Birthday Swordfish Records!

I forget exactly when I first went into Swordfish Records but it was during its time in Needless Alley and I'm guessing it was 1985/86...yes...I know. For almost the next three decades, barring my three years in Brighton, I popped in most weekends spending many happy hours (and pounds) trawling through the racks or chewing the musical fat with Gaz and Mike. Today Swordfish celebrates its 40th birthday and (being based in Devon these days) I'm gutted that I can't be there in person to toast its history, present and...fingers crossed...future. One of the last times I was there was for Record Store Day 2015 featuring Miles Hunt and Erica Nockalls which, handily enough, someone filmed (you can just about make me out as the camera pans across the crowd towards the end). Enjoy! And support your local record store.

PS: It's becoming increasingly difficult to recall what the world was like back before the bloody internet, quite possibly the worst thing to have happened to the human race since the bubonic plague (yep, I'm aware of the irony of writing these words on the bloody internet), but back then we actually went out to buy stuff from shops...shops that employed hundreds of thousands of people, created vibrant high streets and fostered a sense of community that's rapidly vanishing. To listen to your music of choice you had to buy it, in turn giving bands and performers the dosh they needed to do their thang. Now...now...I can listen to anything ever recorded for free from the comfort of my pit and do you know what...it doesn't mean shit. I don't mean the music by the way, I mean this bottomless pit of music. Give a thirsty man a glass of water and it will taste like nectar,  pour 50 gallons down his throat and he'll quite possibly never want to drink again. Yes, I appreciate that being able to listen to new stuff can broaden musical tastes but that's what places like Swordfish used to do and, as a result, discovering a new band or artist felt like something special. Clicking on a screen doesn't. End of story. Thankfully some people still want to own a physical thing and hopefully places like Swordfish, rare as they are these days, will survive though. For the sake of our musical culture I really hope so. 

Shed Seven - Dolphin

Going through a bit of a 90s phase at the moment and rediscovering some rather fine singles that had pretty much slipped from what's left of brain, like this little gem from Shed Seven. Love the funky bongos...

Rain special...

I'm not sure what the weather's like where you are but here in Devon it's rained pretty much all week and it looks set to rain until the end of time. So if life gives you rain stick on some rain themed songs that's what I say. Enjoy. 







PS: Yes I resisted the temptation to stick on It's Raining Men again.

Who Really Chose? - Matt Philip Hale

Former Miss Halliwell / The Day Ends frontdude Matt Philip Hale (aka MPH) is back, back BACK with a brand new solo single and, surprise surprise, it's ruddy ace. Perhaps more of a stripped back, lo-fi sound than before but with Matt's unique perspective, delivery and...well...MPH-ness. I've literally gone blue in the face banging on about this bloke but to hell with it, I'm going to keep going as long as he does.

Ginger Baker RIP

You can take your pick of awesome Ginger Baker drum solos out there but this one's got to be one of the best during his time trading as Ginger Baker's Airforce. I had the good fortune to catch Ginger at Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul back in 2014 and, aside from wandering off stage to have a piss half way through, he seemed in remarkably good form (and humour for that matter). 

Du Blonde - Acetone

Heard Du Blonde (aka Beth Jeans Houghton) do a live version of this last night on Riley's 6Music show and was reminded how great she is. Yet another one of those artists who simply isn't given anywhere near as much coverage or appreciation as they deserve...plus she was very complimentary about my dodgy moustache once at Moseley Folk Festival.

Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazelwood - Summer Wine

After picking up a copy of Sinatra's Boots on CD at a chazza on Monday Riley played this track last night on his ever reliable 6 Music show. I wonder if Marc Almond's ever had a crack at recording this one? Maybe with Lana Del Ray? Dear Santa...

Herbie Hancock - Nobu

How about a little early techno jazz (yes, that's a thing...probably) from Mr Herbie Hancock to round off the week? Rather incredibly this glitchy masterpiece is being beamed back to us all the way from 1974. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay ahead of his time. 

Of course less than a decade later he comes up with this absolute 80s banger too. Enjoy.

Pixx - Peanuts Grow Underground

There's a hint of Propaganda's icy pop genius about this rather spiffing track to my ancient old ears and that's a very good thing indeed. What do you think?



Just me then? Oh...okay. Still any excuse to stick up a bit of Propaganda.

HAIM - Summer Girl

It's taken a few weeks for me to get into the new one from HAIM but that baritone sax...oh boy...plus who doesn't like seeing the band enjoying the sun eh?

Black Country, New Road - Sunglasses

Some tracks take a few listens to lodge themselves into my brain, like this epic musical meltdown courtesy of Black Country, New Road. Jazz, spoken word, indie, post punk...it's a positive pick n mix of influences and well worth spending 8 minutes 55 seconds with. Blimey I know some bands who released entire albums shorter than that.

Daniel Johnston RIP

Sad to hear of the passing of Daniel Johnston yesterday but chuffed that, despite his demons, his unique music, art and voice found plenty of fans during his all too brief stay here on planet earth. Let's hope that wherever he goes next true love finds him in the end eh? RIP.

Daniel...shot by me...at Wilderness Festival 2011. 

Save Ferris - Come On Eileen

It's not often that I can remember the exact date of a gig but September 11th 2001 is, as you can imagine, not one I'll ever forget. Big respect to Save Ferris (who are from the USA of course) for still playing the gig (at the Irish Centre in Digbeth) on a night when, quite frankly, no one knew what was going to happen next. Almost 20 years later 9/11's still the most shocking thing I've ever seen and I suspect it always will be. RIP to all who died that day. 

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga - It Don't Mean A Thing

Somehow the Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga collaboration passed me by back in 2014 but I picked up a copy of their album for a mere 50p on Saturday and it's a cracker. No...really. Don't believe me? Try this one...



Apparently Gaga's doing a residency in Las Vegas at the moment, some shows are pop and some jazz...I'll have to swing by sometime. I wonder if GWR trains go that far?

Richard Dawson - Jogging

First heard this on the ever reliable Marc Riley show and it really is a remarkable track, from the 'how the hell is he fitting these words into a song' lyrics (helpfully written up on the vid as the song jogs along) to Dawson's angelically angst ridden vocals. If this doesn't float your boat then quite frankly you need a life jacket. Enjoy!

Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage - LPs

Lordy, I love this. I'm guessing I'm a little older than the wonderful Jeffrey Lewis (and I don't agree with his verdict that everything from the 80s sucked but vive le difference eh?) however both he and I grew up in that wonderful magical pre internet age when discovering music was genuinely a hunt and a thrill as opposed to being a mere click away. I remember when vinyl was dirt cheap too, coming back from car boot sales with a bag full of bargains on a weekly basis. Ahhhh, happy days. But, as Jeff quite rightly concludes those happy days are still here...only now its CDs that are the bargains! I've been banging on about this for months / years so it's nice to know I'm not the only one who has a growing soft spot for those little silver discs. And the prices...good grief...four CDs for £1 in some charity shops! Nuts! But don't tell everyone okay, it's just our little secret.

Magic Mick - In praise of Mick Talbot

He's been pounding the keys for 4 decades or so now as part of Dexy's (in several of its incarnations), The Style Council, Galliano, Young Disciples and an eclectic selection of other bands so it's odd that Mick Talbot seldom seems to get the kudos he obviously richly deserves. So here's my humble effort to start redressing the balance with a track that I've just discovered after finding a 12 inch in a charity shop (which sadly I didn't buy for some reason...I know...). Enjoy and if you do enjoy share it with the rest of planet earth.



PS: Obviously I'm not the only Mick fan, here's a cool mix/Micks of some of the man's magic moments.

Top of the Iggy Pops

Great to hear Iggy Pop's new one James Bond getting plenty of play on 6Music. It probably helps that Pop's one of their DJs but even so, it's a strangely wonderful track.

I picked up a copy of Pop's '82 album Zombie Birdhouse a while ago and noticed that it's recently been re-released. Here's one of the better tracks from it.



And finally here's a rare clip of Pop 'miming'...ahem...to Some Weird Sin back in 1978. Something tells me he wasn't taking the whole thing too seriously.

Black Midi - Ducter

Early Foals, a little PiL, a dash of Eartha Kitt...yep, Black Midi's Ducter's an odd one but it's one of the more interesting tracks that I've heard this year. The bit at the end ("We are the Knights who say ni" anyone?) sounds like the inside of my head too. Cool.

Beautiful 'Tres'

In the spirit of caring and sharing here are three (or Tres...which sounds a bit like Trays...which sounds a bit like Days...get it?) bands that were new to us that we discovered at Beautiful Days last weekend (blimey that seems like a ruddy long time ago now).

PS: I completely forgot (blame the cider) to mention The Breath in the 'review'. Beautiful stuff.

Beautiful Days Festival @ Escot Park August 16th - 18th 2019

After we had a fallow year in 2018 (not one single camping festival...shocking) it was nice to get back to one of the best, Beautiful Days, and despite the weather (Friday was a trifle 'moist') it lived up to its name once again. This was our third BD and there was the usual mix of new and old acts with a leaning towards the folkier side of things (okay I know Sleaford Mods, Skunk Anansie and NOFX ain't exactly folk but there were more fiddles per square mile at BD than many festivals). There were oodles (yes, that's officially how you measure bands) of highlights, Friday dished up the lovely Beans On Toast, up and coming indie rockers Cabbage, the awesome Queen Zee (glam pop-tastic) and a hits packed set from The Stranglers. It rained on and off for a mere 14 hours or so but it's summer time in Britain so what do you expect eh?

After scraping the mud out of various orifices and drying off our clothes on a fence on Saturday morning we hot footed it...well wet footed might be a better description...to catch Echo Town (any band with a didgeridoo will didgeri-do it for me) on the main stage at 11am, squelched over to see another highlight The Recks (gypsy jazz, rock, folk, general awesomeness...plus the lead singer has the best facial hair in music) in the big top tent.

Other Saturday highlights included Peter Hook and the Light cramming more Joy Division and New Order classics into an hour than you'd think possible (it was ruddy brill)...

....Tom Robinson reminding 6Music fans like me that he's just as great a musician as he is a DJ (War Baby, Glad to be Gay, 2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16 etc Motorway...and a bunch of other class tracks that I'll have to hunt down and buy) and the ultimate Marmite band Sleaford Mods (for the record I loved 'em...but then again I'm a jolly fucker).

Sunday morning and we managed to make it to The Membranes and Choir for 11am (the kids rise and shine show in the Theatre Tent at 8.30 helped raise us from our cider...oh so much cider...soaked state) and The Bar-steward Sons of Val Doonican (I've never seen the Big Top so rammed). The Blinders played a blinder of a set (thrashy indie rock with a bit of bluesy twist in places...think The Doors meets Arctic Monkeys) Ferocious Dog's celtic infused folk punk got us in the mood for a double helping of US punk punk in the form of Less Than Jake (more fun and energy than a Duracell bunny on speed) and NOFX (who rather brilliantly pissed off half the crowd in roughly 30 seconds...now that's proper punk). Of course we had to end the day and festival itself with The Levellers who put on a typically joyous and heartfelt show (a repeat of their 1994 Glasto set apparently), gawd bless 'em. I'm pretty sure that any money the band made by putting on Beautiful Days went on the set climaxing firework display but it was worth it. Flash, bang, wallop what a festival.

Black Uhuru - Great Train Robbery

Given the relentlessly piss poor 'summer' weather that we're enduring yet again here in the UK let's try to warm ourselves up with a little 80s reggae from Black Uhuru. Shut yer eyes, pop the heating on and imagine you're sat in a country where it stops bloody raining and the sun actually comes out once in a while.

PS: Picked up a promo copy of this very track from Teignmouth's Sound Preservation Society on Saturday too! Class.

Sacred Paws - Almost It

Well, it is Almost It...the weekend that is...and pity the poor souls (all 55,000 of 'em) who were looking forward to Boardmasters Festival. Anyway, hopefully this little beauty from Sacred Paws will cheer them up. Blending a little highlife with indiepop (shades of the much missed Rumble Strips in there too) it's pretty much irresistible. Enjoy!

Argent - God Gave Rock and Roll To You

I may have known this before...if I did I'd forgotten it though...but did you know that the Kiss classic God Gave Rock and Roll To You was a cover?! Yes...I know, that's a crazy, crazy fact eh? The dudes responsible for the original were Argent, who also gave us this little beauty too. God bless 'em.

Jelly Roll Morton - Jungle Blues

Ever practical I bought half a dozen 78s on Saturday including a 50s repress of this classic from Mr Jelly Roll Morton. Cool with a capital C.

Darryl Pandy - Animal Magnetism

Picked up a Chicago House Remix 12 inch of Darryl Pandy's Animal Magnetism last weekend and blow me down it's a classic. You'll probably know Pandy for his vocal on Farley Jackmaster Funk's seminal Love Can't Turn Around but this track's (in my humble opinion) every bit as good. 

Fancy a threesome...?

Here's a trio of tracks from Steve Lacy (shades of the Manics meets Steely Dan), Sampa the Great and Michael Kiwanuka/Tom Mich (Kool and the Gang-tastic) all of which are currently going down (steady now) well in Baron Towers.

The Communards - For A Friend

Picked up yet another bundle of bargain CDs from various charity shops at the weekend including a copy of The Communards' album Red. Forgot what a truly beautiful song For A Friend was and I'm betting you probably have too. Let's do something about that eh? Enjoy.

Queen Zee - Loner

Top notch indie punk from Queen Zee for a clammy Friday dance around in yer pants. Enjoy!

Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter # 23

It's nowhere near as warm down here in 'sunny' Devon as it seemingly is every-ruddy-where else in the UK today but here's arguably one of the ultimate sunny day tunes from those Brothers Johnson. Obviously younger brother Boris left the band to pursue a rather different career...

Ezra Furman - Calm Down AKA I Should Not Be Alone

Can't believe it's taken me weeks to post this track. Slack old Mr Hearing Aid. Anyway here it is. I love Ezra Furman, one of the few artists in the world constantly putting out good stuff that bobs about in a sea of fetid mediocrity. Gawd bless him.

The Regrettes - I Dare You

Shades of The Strokes back in their noughties prime (yes, I was there kids) courtesy of The Regrettes. Super cute vid too. Enjoy!

Snooky Fest 2019 @ Warren Farm, Dawlish - Saturday July 13th 2019

Another (the third) Snooky Fest and as with years one and two this was a ruddy lovely day and evening with loads of great bands, a friendly crowd and just the odd pint (or two...ahem) of cider. I enjoyed all the sets but pick of the pops for me included Datura Roots Collective (vid above, not taken from Snooky Fest though...I was probably too busy groovin'), Maddy and the Chaps, Josh Curnow and, of course, traditional festival closers Eventime. Same time next year? Hell yes.

Nakhane - Age Of Consent

Wow, what a cover version (REM meets David McAlmont at their most beautiful). And what a voice too. His back story's every bit as remarkable, read this article for a quick history lesson. 

Kermit the Frog - Once In A Lifetime

Ever wanted to hear and see Kermit the Frog covering Talking Heads' Once In A Lifetime? Yes, me too. Well today's your lucky day. 

And as if that wasn't surreal enough here's a Muppets' barber shop quartet cover of Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Snooky Fest THIS Saturday!!

Blimey, where does the time go eh? This weekend sees the return of Snooky Fest to Warren Farm in Dawlish featuring some brilliant local and not so local bands coming together to raise money for The Snooky Trust (a wonderful charity that supports 18-40 year olds with a physical illness of any description). Tickets are just £20 and you can get yours right here right now or hopefully on the gate on the day if there are any left (but why take the risk eh, grab one now!). Here are just three of the acts you can catch...

Landscape - Einstein A Go Go

Caught the video for this on Old Gits Music TV (or whatever the channel's called) the other day and was reminded once again of just what a crazy ol' decade the 80s was musically speaking. I mean everything about this...the band, video, lyrics, song title...ODD ODD ODD...but quite brilliant at the same time. And if you think this is odd check out their other 'hit' Norman Bates. I think it's high time for a bit of a Landscape revival eh?

Drunk - Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer

Spiffing new track from Mr. B that I'm seriously thinking about adopting as my own personal national anthem. Not that I am an alcoholic or a drunk of course...

Let's Rock Exeter 2019

Whilst 200,000 punters were enjoying an almost unheard of dry Glastonbury we were at the equally rain free Let's Rock Exeter for the traditional mix of 80s cheese and class.

The latter came in the shape of a short but stunning set from Thomas Dolby, the always awesome Human League, a splendidly dreadlocked Billy Ocean, a fur coat wearing Betty Boo (seriously...a fur frickin' coat) and a hit packing Belinda Carlisle.

There seemed to be a lot more filler and waiting around this year - why not have a second stage to give punters something else to watch and the crew time to set up without having to shift bands out of the way (as happened with poor Tight Fit)? The new location seemed a little cramped (more punters maybe?) and whoever decided to put all of the toilets at the back of the site deserves to be locked in one for a week. Still just a couple of urinal units for the blokes too? Seriously?! That being said for £30 (if you manage to bag an early bird ticket) you can't go far wrong and if the organisers book Jimmy Somerville, Tom Bailey, Adam Ant and Five Star (hint hint) for 2020 we'll be back.

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.

Leon Redbone - So Relax

In a chilled Friday mood for a change so let's pay homage to Leon Redbone who passed away yesterday with So Relax. Readers of a certain may recognise this track from an ad for British Rail back in the 80s. I'm guessing it must have been their idea of irony.

Phil Ochs - Changes

It's been a while since I posted up some Phil Ochs so let's dust off Changes. If you don't know Phil's work or life story it's all out there on the internet. Best to listen to the music before reading his life story though, trust me. One little story I came across when looking for this track dates back to a small festival appearance he did back in the 60s. Apparently it was piddling it down and his audience were getting soaked so Phil left the relative comfort of the stage and swapped places with them, playing the rest of the set in the rain whilst they kept dry under the stage's canvas...somehow I can't see many other artists doing that can you? 

Simon Maragh and Dr D. Wayne Love RIP

Sad news reaches the Aid this week with the passing of Alabama 3's Dr D. Wayne Love and Brum musical stalwart Simon Maragh. I had the great pleasure of seeing Simon many times in many different bands over the years (including Betty and the Id, see below) and, on top of putting on a bostin show, Dr D. Wayne Love very kindly gave me a can of lukewarm but much needed lager at Glastonbury way back in the 90s. RIP chaps.

Royal Republic - Fireman & Dancer

I was going to keep this behind for the Friday banger but sod it, I can't wait. Coming off as a cross between Franz Ferdinand, The Hives, Eagles of Death Metal, Queen and even a little Duran Duran (dig that sax man) this track's quite possibly the best thing to have come out of Sweden since...well...ever. And given that Sweden's got a bit of a rep for the odd decent band or two that's really saying something. Genius.

Grassman - Dodgy

I'm guessing for a lot of people Dodgy will forever be associated with the perky pop of Staying Out For The Summer but dig into the albums and you'll find gems like this. We gave Homegrown (25 years young this year) a spin last night for the first time in ages and the epicness (is that a word? it is now) of Grassman knocked my slippers off. Enjoy!

Bis - There Is No Point

Brand new banger for this Friday courtesy of Bis. How damned good is this eh? 2 minutes and 44 seconds of sparkling indiepop genius. Play it loud and bounce around until yer ears fly off.

Pom Poko - My Blood

That Marc Riley chap on 6 Music's been playing this a lot and I keep forgetting the name of the band so I'm sticking it up here as much for me as you...cos it's ace. Pom Poko are Norwegian apparently, yes, Norway...home of nil points...well it used to be until the UK became pretty much universally despised by our European chums now it's our turn. Mind you what decent music's ever come out of the UK eh...?

If My Blood's a bit twee for you cop a load of this track and vid, that'll sort you out.

Inside Straight - The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

As a fan of the Hot 8 Brass Band I was intrigued to come across a CD from an outfit called The Dirty Dozen Brass Band who seemed to offer a similarly funky take on all things brass a full 6 years before the Hot 8 blew their first tune. After a little digging I discovered that they'd actually been funking things up since 1977, surely making them Hot 8 Brass Bands spiritual grandpas. Here's just one track from The New Orleans album which can probably pick up from eBay for a couple of quid (yep, just checked...it can). Enjoy!

PS: Ever heard Hot 8 Brass Band's awesome cover of Love Will Tear Us Apart? Voila...

The Blockheads - Take Out The Lead

Picked up a copy of a rare 7 inch by The Blockheads (minus Ian Dury) from the splendid Sound Preservation Society Records in Teignmouth on Tuesday (my birthday by the way...thank you very much for asking...yes I did) featuring this little gem (shades of Talking Heads perhaps?) on the B side. I'd never heard it before but it's a beaut right?

The Stone Roses - Fools Gold (A Guy Called Gerald Remix)

Good grief, it's 30 ruddy years since The Stone Roses released their debut album...The Stone Roses. See what they did there? I was just about to turn 19 when it came out (yes...I really am that old) and was starting to listen to more dance oriented stuff like A Guy Called Gerald's classic Voodoo Ray, which is as good an excuse as any to dig out his Fools Gold remix. Actually let's have a little Voodoo Ray too eh, after all it is Friday. Enjoy!

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dark Necessities

Picked up yet another pile of cheap CDs over the weekend including an unopened copy of Red Hot Chili Peppers last album for a quid. For some reason the Chili's seem to have attracted nothing but scorn from a number of music fans and critics recently but personally I'd rate them as one of the better bands of the last 30 years or so. Still with 186 million (and counting) views of Dark Necessities (a number 72 chart smash here in the UK in 2016...WTF are you kids listening to/streaming these days..jeez) on You Tube alone I suspect Mr Kiedis and co couldn't give a damn.

PS: Seriously...how can you not rate a band that came up with this...?! Answers on a chili pepper of your choice.

The B-52's - Private Idaho

Sometimes the only thing that really hits the spot is a bit of classic B-52's...today's one of those days. Check out Fred's ever so slightly creepy moustache too, he really should bring that back.

Frank Sidebottom - Queen Medley

Watched the wonderful and highly recommended 'Being Frank - The Chris Sievey Story' last night, an everyday tale of a bloke who donned a paper mache head and peg on his nose, covered well known pop songs in an utterly unique way (see the evidence above) and created his own little universe that eventually landed him a TV show, record deal and slot at Reading 1992 (attended by over 10,000 fans).



Sievey, the ever so slightly tortured/unhinged genius behind Frank, started out trying to make it in the music biz in a more conventional way, fronting The Freshies, but when that didn't work out Frank was born and seemingly took over his entire life. Whilst Sievey clearly had a number of demons (drink, drugs, philandering...Little Frank) he still comes across as an incredibly likeable soul with an almost unbelievable commitment to his art. Sadly, as his 5 year comeback plan was reaching its climax in 2010, he succumbed to cancer at just 54 playing his last show as Frank a mere 10 days earlier.

It sounds like a cliche to say that we won't see his like again but in this case I'd be prepared to bet a week in Timperley on it.

Swamp Dogg - Total Destruction To Your Mind

Good grief, where's the time going? Easter passed in a haze of vintage fairs and cider (oh so much cider) and now we're nudging close to May...which is practically Christmas in my book. Anyway, here's a fine slice of funk soul (or soul funk if you prefer) that pretty much sums up the state of my brain right now.

Living Colour - The Solace of You

Picked up a pristine copy of Living Colour's second album Time's Up on CD last weekend for just £1 and was transported back to this calypso tinged slice of summer time good vibes from 1990. What a freakingly great tune eh?

Moriarty @ Sound Preservation Society Records, Teignmouth, Saturday April 13th

What better way to celebrate Record Store Day than popping along to the opening of a brand new one eh? Bung in a live session from a cracking band, Moriarty, too and I'm one happy bunny.

A duo (drums and guitar) from 'the dark corners of Devon' Moriarty trade in high octane down and dirty garage blues with a side order of punk swagger that rapidly raised the temperature of Sound Preservation Society Records to near vinyl melting point. Sensing danger one of the band took the action out onto the street, quite possibly scaring the bejesus out of passing pensioners and seagulls alike. Mightily impressive squished into the confines of record shop you can see Moriarty being equally at 'holmes' (oh come on...it had to be done) on a ruddy massive festival stage and, if there's any justice in this world, that's where they'll be heading. Catch 'em somewhere sweaty and intimate while you still can.

PS: Loved the new Sound Preservation Society Records shop too.

A great selection of vinyl, neatly organised for your perusing pleasure, with some proper bargains (a copy of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band Live album for £1 anyone...oh yes) too.

Play that funky music...

Record Store Day again tomorrow and predictably there'll be queues of (mainly) middle aged men (hey, I can say that as I am one) across the country desperate to pick up that grey vinyl copy of some obscure indie track. Sadly I suspect most of the records that will be purchased tomorrow won't ever see a needle but then we're living in strange times. In celebration of the joys of actually playing the damn things though here's a neat a little northern soul mix from Andy Smith. Enjoy!

PS: Somewhat remarkably there's a NEW record shop, The Sound Preservation Society, opening just down the road from us in sunny Teignmouth. Looks pretty coolio too. I'll be popping along for a flick through their racks.

Prince - Funk Jam Session

Oh my, cop a load of this. Prince and his band du jour jamming the funk up. As some of the comments under this clip note isn't it incredible that this has had a mere 209,278 views since it was first uploaded in 2015? Well after this post I suspect it'll rise to the dizzy heights of at least 209,280.

Single file...

Picked up a bunch of 70s 7inch singles from an antiques fair at the weekend (yes I know things from the 70s aren't strictly antiques but the antiques world is a broad church these days...) including a cool cut from Hamilton Bohannon, Cozy Powell's drum-believable Dance With The Devil and a surprisingly tuneful number from Sid James...yes...really. Eclectic? Me? 





Other gems including an Ian Hunter 7 inch, some Suzi Quatro singles and picture sleeve copy of David Essex's Rock On. Not bad for just over 50p a pop eh?

UB40 - Sing Our Own Song

I'd forgotten what a lost gem this UB40 track was but I was reminded of it when I saw the photo below of Brian Travers, UB40's irrepressible sax man, someone who's quite clearly well and truly 'singing his own song' right now.

Here he is, just 6 days after brain surgery to remove two tumours back out on the Guinness (at least I think it's Guinness). What a dude. If he should ever read this all the best Brian, although it looks like you're pretty much back up and running already. He's quoted on Facebook as saying "I’m fine..i aint surrendering just because I’ve got tumors in my head, fuck that..Die on my feet NOT live on my knees x". Amen to that. As the old Irish saying goes, 'We're here for a good time, not a long time'.

PS: Here's Brian in a video from a track on UB40's latest album For The Many too.

Donny Hathaway - The Ghetto (The Supermen Lovers Remix)

I'm not generally a fan of many remixes but this one tickled my fancy as it's doesn't funk around with the original too much whilst adding a little late 70s/early 80s synth vibe to the whole shebang. Sadly the deeply troubled Mr Hatthaway never lived to hear it after falling to his death from a hotel room over 40 years ago but I'd like to think he'd approve. 

Pi Ja Ma - I Oh I

Bonjour! Loving this track from Pi Ja Ma at the momento, sounds a bit like Stereolab if they'd gone a bit wonky pop and who wouldn't want to hear that eh?

Here's another rather spiffing track from 2016's debut EP. Enjoy!

Ranking Roger - RIP

Yet another sad passing to report, this one's a lot closer to home though. The Beat's Ranking Roger, who's passed away at just 56, lived in my old patch (Bearwood) and we'd see him round and about sometimes. He was clearly a genuinely lovely chap and the well deserved outpouring of grief from fellow Brummies and musicians speaks volumes. I last saw him performing down here at Let's Rock Exeter in 2016 and he seemed like a man in his prime. Just a few months ago his version of The Beat released a darn fine new album and an autobiography's due later this year which makes his death all the sadder. RIP Roger.

PS: It seems appropriate to use this post to wish all the very best to another Brum musical legend (and equally lovely bloke), Brian Travers, who's facing an op to remove two brain tumours tomorrow. Get well soon dude.

Scott Walker RIP

I have Marc Almond to thank for turning me on to Scott Walker. Back in the mid 80s when I was buying up anything Almond had recorded I picked up the first Marc and the Mambas album which included a Brel number (If You Go Away) which Walker himself memorably covered and Walker's own Big Louise (from Scott 3). Walker's trio of Scott albums (1,2 and...quelle surprise...3) are quite frankly amongst the finest recordings ever committed to vinyl and whilst he may be something of a cult figure these days (due in no small part to his unwillingness to play the fame game or record anything remotely commercial for the past 40 years or so) expect to see a thoroughly well deserved outpouring of praise / grief from many of today's more interesting artists. RIP Mr Walker.

 

Love - 7 And 7 Is

I was never any good at Maths at school but I'm pretty sure 7 and 7 is...er...hold on...14 right? I'm equally certain that this track's an absolute belter and in the unlikely event that you've never heard it before I have very great pleasure in sticking it up here. The fact that it out punks a lot of punk records despite being recorded in 1966 is pretty remarkable and I count myself ruddy lucky to have seen Love with Arthur Lee perform it live before he passed away back in 2006. I can heartily recommend that you spend a day catching up on the band's entire output via whatever 'channel' floats yer boat too.

Night Trains - Gunshot

How funky/acid jazzy is this eh? If Starsky and Hutch had been made in the late 80s/early 90s instead of the 70s this would have been a shoe in for the soundtrack album.

Squeeze - Slaughtered, Gutted and Heartbroken

Thankfully I'm not slaughtered, gutted or heartbroken but I do love the "stitch short of a tapestry" line on this pretty obscure Squeeze album track. I must've listened to this album a million times when I was a student (hey, you had to pay for your music in those days...and it wasn't even my copy) but, for some reason, this track's suddenly started popping into my head again.

The same album spawned the rather lovely 'If It's Love'...



...and Jools Holland at his boogie woogie best on Dr Jazz...



...despite all this it only reached number 58 in the charts. Pah.

Incognito - Don't You Worry Bout A Thing

S'Friday and for many reasons this track feels particularly appropriate today. Turn it up loud, dance around in your pants and hopefully whatever's worrying you will disappear into the ether...for 4 minutes and 7 seconds at least.

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Kiss Them For Me

If there's a reason why I don't post so many Siouxsie and the Banshees tracks on here it's because I struggle with spelling 'Siouxsie'...but seemingly I've nailed it today...Siouxsie...Siousie...Susie...oh bollocks.

Anyway, Kiss Them For Me, a great track from an equally great album, Peepshow, which I had on tape (yes, I know, how hip eh?) back in the very late 80s, in fact it was '89...30 years ago. Good grief.  Let's celebrate by sticking up Peek-A-Boo from the album too. Enjoy!

Cud - Lola

Picked up a bunch of cool (well cool to me anyway) 7 inch singles for just over a quid each on Saturday, including this little beauty from Cud. Shocking that this band's not better known. Cop a load of these other Cud classics...

Katherine Priddy - Wolf

Now officially approved by none other than Richard Thompson here's the latest release from Katherine Priddy, an utterly beguiling track that'll soothe even the most furrowed of brows. I'd like to say that no priceless antiques...oh alright then, knick-knacks...were harmed in the making of the video but quite clearly that's not true.

Was (Not Was) - I Feel Better Than James Brown

Picked up a £1 copy of Was Not Was' Are You Ok? album at the Exeter Record Fair on Saturday and listened to this track for the first time in...ooooh...probably 15 years. Bonkers but quite brilliant, kind of like a cross between an 80s James Brown track and a Hunter S. Thompson short story...

Keith Flint - RIP

Genuinely shocked to hear that Keith Flint, lead screamer and master of mayhem with The Prodigy, has passed away at just 49 years old. No idea what the cause was yet, not that it really matters, but sad news indeed. The Prodigy started off as a bit of a rave novelty act with Charly but over the years grew to become one of the more interesting and entertaining 'alt dance/big beat' bands around. I genuinely remember hearing Firestarter for the first time lying in bed one Saturday morning and thinking "What the hell is this...?" and being amazed that it was The Prodigy. I mean, where the hell did that come from eh? It still sounds epic a mere 23 years later. RIP Keith.

Honeyblood - The Third Degree

A rather fine 60s girl group tinged newbie from the now solo Honeyblood. I've liked pretty much everything they've/she's put out so far and it's a ruddy shame they/she aren't much better known. Come the revolution though eh?

PS: Here's another belter from when they were a two piece...

The Darling Buds - Hit The Ground

Back to the late 80s for a little slice of indie pop heaven courtesy of The Darling Buds. For some reason I've heard this track played on 6 Music a couple of times recently and I'd forgotten how good it was (that'll be the dementia setting in no doubt). After a few breaks and one off reunions the band reformed in 2013 and released a new EP back in 2017. Here's the title track off it, it's like they'd never been away.

Mark Hollis - RIP

Good grief, Peter Tork last week and the voice of Talk Talk this week. Mark Hollis may have pretty much vanished from the music scene altogether back in 1998 but the singles Talk Talk, It's My Life and Life's What You Make It remain three of the very best from the 80s, grown up and sophisticated pop that still sound great almost 40 years later. If you've not heard 'em (unlikely I know but it's remarkable how some people are oblivious to anything other than Ariana Grande) give 'em a spin. I'd never seen this footage of a run through another classic single, Dum Dum Girl, before. Nice to see the real geezer behind the dark shades for a change.

RIP Mark.

Sunwatchers - Illegal Moves

Heard this last week on 6 Music and it floated what's left of my boat. It's a little bit Zappa-ish and a little bit proggy, perfect for losing your mind to on a nippy February morning. Turn on, tune in and drop out as a wiser soul than me once said. Mind you he was off his box on LSD so I'd take what he said with a pinch on snuff. Anyway, enjoy!

Peter Tork - RIP

Shockingly little coverage of the death of Peter Tork last night but there you go, I guess Brexit's pretty much all everyone's interested in these days. The Monkees sold an incredible 75million records, had a rather groovy TV show (that I can remember watching when I was 3...a mere 46 years ago...ouch) and successfully transformed themselves from pop puppets to a 'proper' band, practically inventing country rock along the way courtesy of the Mike Nesmith penned and sung Listen To The Band.



RIP Mr Tork.

Mature Visions Impaired - The Day Ends

I'm just 1 minute 43 seconds into what could well be the last will and testament of The Day Ends and I have to get this posted right now. Already I can physically taste the blood, sweat, tears and bile that went into making it and whether, as a result of this post, it gets heard by 1 more person or 1 million (ha, fat chance eh?) I just have to do what I can carry on spreading the gospel according to St MPH.

Sure he's a polarising figure, he's pissed people off, some who may not have deserved it and some who undoubtedly deserved a lot worse, but true passion and belief is an uncontrollably explosive force my friends and in a world in which far too many people hide quivering behind their screens or a thin veil of virtue signalling bullshit voices like Miles' should be clutched to our hearts like a barbed wire pacemaker. The Day Ends? Maybe. But the realisation of the importance of the body of work that Miles and co (in all of their various guises) leave behind is something that hasn't even begun.