Have a Groovy Chris-mix!

I forget how many years I've been trawling the internet to find a suitably funky, groovy Christmas mix to post but I'm guessing it's more than a decade (yuup, 2010 was the first one apparently). Here's this year's offering from DJ Better Music which has, so far, received a massive 29 views on You Tube. Let's see if we can get this into treble figures for poor Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss/Non Binary DJ Better Music eh? 

I'll be logging off now until 2022. Have a suitably Messy Christmas and a Hippity Hoppity Happy New Year!

Toby Slater RIP

"Who?" I hear you cry...yes...both of you. That was my reaction when I read that Toby Slater had passed away but a quick click on his band's minor hit and, 'Bingo', I was sent hurtling back in 1997, almost half a lifetime ago in my case. Ouch. The whole 'Britpop' scene's still to be properly reassessed and appreciated but as someone who lived through it I can confidently state that it was pretty bloody brilliant. After Slater's first band, Catch, split he seemingly released some solo stuff including this rarely heard Britpopunk gem Consumption. 

By all accounts Toby was a proper character too and sadly there's far too few of them around these days. RIP chap. 

Fresh Garbage - Spirit

Picked up a cool 3 CD psych comp over the weekend and discovered this track by Spirit. I may have heard it before but at my age the old brain's not what it was. 

The Hale Bop - Mystery Jets

Underrated track from underrated band and album to polish off the last full week of the year (for most of us at least). I can remember hearing most of the tracks from the Radlands album at The Rainbow in Brum but was gobsmacked to learn that this was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2012. Seriously....that's almost a decade ago, when coronavirus was merely a twinkle in the eye of...well...whoever/whatever spawned it. Enjoy! The track that is...not coronavirus...that can do one along with masks, jabs, social distancing, lateral flow tests, self isolation etc etc etc. 

Hertz - Amyl and the Sniffers

Don't think I've posted this vid up yet but if I have what the hell eh, it's worth sticking up again. In a better world Amyl and the Sniffers would be Christmas number one but I suspect we'll be lumbered with a song about sausage rolls or pork pies again. 

RIP Steve Bronski and Mike Nesmith

 

Blimey, Steve Bronski and Mike Nesmith both checked out for that great gig in the sky last week. I do love a bit of Bronski Beat and The Monkees too. 

Apparently Nesmith was still out on tour with Mickey Dolenz last month, monkeying around right to the end. Anyone who's mad enough to doubt the genius of The Monkees just needs to, well...Listen To The Band. 

Boops Here To Go - Sly and Robbie

RIP Robbie Shakespeare, one half of the duo responsible for this oddly addictive 80s classic. Almost three and a half decades later and it still sounds fresh as a daisy. Genius. 

Enough Is Enough - Chumbawamba & Credit To The Nation

Recorded almost 30 years ago this track couldn't be more appropriate for where we now find ourselves. Are some countries (maybe even our own) really going to make vaccines mandatory, introduce vaccine passports and create two tier societies? Looks that way. For the record I've had my two jabs, I wear masks in shops and on trains and I don't believe that we're being injected with microchips (monkey brains, yes....but microchips, no) but I do defend the rights of people who choose, for whatever reason, not to do any of this stuff. If they're wrong then old ma nature will take care of 'em (one way or the other). Of course it's sad that some people have died from coronavirus but it's also sad that families have been kept apart, kids' futures have been cocked up, businesses have gone to the wall, performers have been prevented from performing, mental health problems and suicides have gone through the roof and the generations after us will still be paying for the last lockdown (never mind the next one...god forbid) when they drop down dead at 98...still at work...just 5 short years away from their retirement. 

These Are The Days Of Our Lives - Queen

I missed the 30th anniversary (seriously...30 years?!) of Freddie's death on Wednesday but today seems like a suitable point to revisit the original band's swansong, especially as there's an interesting looking documentary on their last days on BBC 2 tomorrow night as well, I'd better get the hankies in for Mrs Hearing Aid. 

Ellie Finnerty @ The Gresham House Inn, Dawlish – Sunday November 21st 2021

We were only popping in for an hour or so. Three hours (and several fine pints of The General) later we emerged from The Gresham House Inn (what a ruddy lovely pub) after spending an afternoon in the company of hugely talented local singer songwriter Ellie Finnerty. In a hits packed two hour set Ellie literally took us through the A to Z of pop, rock and disco from Abba to The Zutons, kicking off with a sublimely soulful take on Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine.

There was pretty much something for everyone, absolute heaven for a musical magpie like me. Highlights included a Nash-tastic cover of Kate’s Foundations, a spirited rendition of Fairytale of New York (not easy with just one person) and arguably ABBA’s finest moment Dancing Queen (luckily for the rest of the audience I resisted the urge to strut my stuff…it was such a great cover it was a close run thing for a moment or two though).

But the real treats were Ellie’s originals like Generation Z anthem in waiting Screen and a beautifully poignant reflection on the place Ellie and we call home (South Devon’s best kept secret, Dawlish), called Home appropriately enough. Writing and singing from the heart sounds simple but it ain’t and in many of her self penned numbers Ellie cleverly combines that cocktail of emotions that sum up what it’s like to be young and in…and out…and quite possibly back in again…love.

Simply one of the most enjoyable Sunday afternoons I’ve had in a looooooooooooooooong time. Ellie’s off to Cornwall for a while but hopefully she’ll be back in Dawlish soon and, if there’s any justice in the world, on her way to much bigger things. Catch her while you still can and look all smug when she does a Sheeran and ends up playing Wembley.

PS: Went for a walk afterwards and took a little snap of 'home' at night...

Blame - Gabriels

Just in case you don't listen to 6 Music (who've been spinning the heck out of this track recently) here's one of 2021's most remarkable singles. It's a bluesy, jazzy, classical masterpiece!

Suga Mama - The Getup

After a couple of glasses of vin rouge I 'accidentally' placed a bid on 178 CDs on eBay on Saturday night and won the lot for a sniff under £75 (that's roughly 40p per disc). They arrived on Tuesday - free postage too...good grief - and there's some great stuff in there including a gem of an album from The Getup. Get in! 

Linus and Lucy - David Benoit

Picked up a ridiculous number of CDs at the weekend including The Best Of David Benoit featuring a rather ace cover of Linus and Lucy. Good grief. 

Taking Me Back - Jack White

Good grief if only I had 1% of the energy and talent of Jack White. Twenty odd years into his career and he's still producing stuff like this. Apparently he played all of the instruments on this track too. Put him in charge of planet earth for a couple of weeks and he'd sort everything out, he'd probably knock up a killer soundtrack to the whole shebang as well... 

Astro RIP

If there's one thing sadder than the recent passing of both Brian Travers and Astro it's that the band, UB40 of course,  couldn't put their disputes behind them whilst they were all still here. I don't know what really lies behind it all but hopefully now the remaining members of the band will realise that life's too short for grudges... 

This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us - 'Weird Al' Yankovic

If this doesn't make you feel at least 75% happier then quite frankly there's no hope for you. I've never played the accordion but I'm guessing this track ain't that easy to do justice to. 

Ha Ha - Mates Of State

Had a week off work and inevitably ended up in one or two charity shops. Ahem. Over the course of three days I picked up no less than 45 CDs including Mates Of States' Team Boo album for a mere 20p. Good grief. Other bargains included some rare jazz CDs for £1 a pop and a U-Roy album for 30p. Whether my mountain of plastic will ever be worth anything is uncertain but at 20p-£1 per album that's not really of much concern. CDs sound a hell of a lot better than streaming music and, as a man of a certain age, I like to have a physical thing to hold, look at and drool over...and at my age drooling's something I'm probably going to be doing a lot of. 

Quiet On Set - Remi Wolf

 

Blame 6Music for this one. Catchy as covid (remember that?). 

Melt Yourself Down - Pray For Me I Don't Fit In

Rather ace new single from Melt Yourself Down. I bought tickets to see them on the night of my 50th birthday (waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in May 2020) but the way things are going now I'll be lucky to see them now before I'm 60...  

Empty Pages - Traffic

Picked up a copy of Island Record's legendary El Pea...er...LP...from SPS Records (Teignmouth) on Saturday for the bargain price of £1.66 (it was 3 records for a fiver!) and here's the rather groovy bluesy track one from side one courtesy of Traffic. Enjoy!

PS: When the record first came out waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1971 it cost £1.99...you could probably buy a house for that back then. 

Oh Babe, What Would You Say? - Hurricane Smith

I only knew this track from an episode of Frasier but last night the original popped up on TV and it turns out it was sung by a Brit, Norman 'Hurricane' Smith, an RAF glider pilot from WW2 who also worked on records by some band called The Beatles, no idea what happened to them. He then moved on to produce a trio of Pink Floyd albums and The Pretty Things' seminal S.F. Sorrow before releasing his own music and hitting the top 5 in both the UK and US at the tender age of 49. Now that's a life eh? 

For reference here's Frasier's version...ouch...

Wild Flowers - Warmduscher

Until today I'd only heard the heavily edited version of this track on 6 Music. That's pretty good but the original...oh my...awesome with a cherry on top. If Bill Hicks and The Love Unlimited Orchestra hooked up in CBGBs and then got jiggy in Studio 54... 

Bruises On My Illusions - Soft Cell

40 odd (very odd at times) years after they swept to global fame with Tainted Love Soft Cell are back (!) with a new single from forthcoming album *Happiness Not Included. Not bad going for a band that originally jacked it all in waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1984 with this twisted little beauty (and yes, I can remember watching this on TOTP...good grief, where does the time go?).

Disaster - Bobby Conn

A Facebook chat prompted me to check out what Bobby Conn was doing these days and I stumbled on this from last year, it seems pretty appropriate given what's going on in the world right now eh? 

If you've got a few weeks to spare I urge you to dig into Conn's con(n)siderable back catalogue. Enjoy. 

Greg Gilbert RIP

So sad to hear of the passing of Greg Gilbert, lead singer with the much underrated Delays, at the age of only 44. Just listen to this track...utterly beautiful. I only had the pleasure of seeing the band once but I've rarely seen such a devoted audience and, after experiencing them live myself, I could see why. Here's another track to remember him by...

The Overload - Yard Act

 

Another top track from Yard Act, one of those rare bands these days that you can identify even if you've never heard the song before. And the vid's set at a car boot sale too, what more could you want eh? Actually after snapping up another carrier bag stuffed full of CDs at a car boot sale last weekend I'd better stay away from them for a while. Ahem. 

The Mauritian Badminton Doubles Champion, 1973 - Hamish Hawk

Another strong contender for single of the year Hamish Hawk's latest is like a glorious mash up of Morrissey and The Divine Comedy...and that's a very great thing indeed. If you need a musical balm for the impending breakdown of what's left of our society you could do a lot worse than to listen to this on repeat for the next six months. PS: Anyone know what the title's all about? Answers on a shuttlecock. 

Let's Rock Exeter - September 11th 2021

 

Spent 11 or so very happy hours reliving my youth (now that was a looooooooooooooooooooong time ago) at Let's Rock Exeter, a positive orgy of 80's-tastic acts including the divine Kim Wilde, Spandau Ballet crooner Mr Tony Hadley and ABC's Martin Fry. Some of the early acts only played a track or two (step forward Fiction Factory, Wang Chung, The Lotus Eater's Peter Coyle and one of the stars of the day Angie Brown) but as the day progressed everyone else pretty much played all of their big hits. At under £40 (if you manage to grab an early bird ticket) it's an absolute bargain, leaving you just enough cash to buy a pint of £6.50 cider. Thankfully there were more loos for the men this year, even if they were located 20 miles away from the stage but the exercise is good for us middle aged folk isn't it eh?    

System Addict - Five Star

Off to Lets Rock Exeter this weekend to see, amongst others, Five Star (although I think there's only one of them now). I wonder if Denise still makes all the costumes? Part of me wants to really hate these 80s festivals, short sets, punters in cheesy costumes, overpriced 'cider' but the 13 year old me would have gone nuts to have seen ABC, Adam Ant, Kim Wilde, Toyah, Howard Jones and Tony Hadley on the same bill and...well...the 51 year old me is pretty excited too. 

Moseley Folk and Arts Festival, September 3rd - 5th

Soooooooooo good to be back at MoFo (or maybe that should be MoFAF now they've added the 'Arts' bit) after 6 years away. Regular readers (both of you) will know that we went to every single MoFo and MoJaFuSo when we were living in Bearwood but our move to Devon coupled with various financial and logistical issues...ahem...made it impossible for us to attend for the past few years. Of course no bugger could attend in 2020 but we'll gloss over that. 

I'm pleased to report that MoFAF's just as lovely as ever, a little bigger than when we were last there thanks to Folk On The Slope and Speakers Corner but all the better for it. We knew we'd enjoy old favourites (deep breath) The Wonderstuff, 

The Nightingales, 

Gruff Rhys, Frank Turner, Katherine Priddy, 

Pete Williams and Richard Hawley but there were plenty of new (to us at least) artists including Keeley Forsyth, Sinead O'Brien, Christie Reeves 

and Jade Bird 

that whet our musical whistles. 

Speakers Corner dished up Roy, Joe Lycett in conversation with Cold War Steve, Foka Wolf, 

Jess Phillips (the place was rammed for her appearance...time to step aside eh Kier?), Pete Paphides (with Brum cultural ambassador Lyle Bignon  and Boat To Row's Michael King) and Rich Hall and it could almost have been a festival on its own. Sadly Barbara Nice clashed with Pete Williams, one of a number of clashes that's just part of the deal with festivals. I'm sure the two of 'em would've made a great double act...hmmmm. 

Aside from the music and chat it was wonderful to catch up with so many dear old (and not so old) friends again and to make a few new ones too. Poignantly a couple were missing this time though, Brian Travers and Gaz Owen, but they both received the traditional MoFAF graffiti treatment (I spotted part of Paul Murphy's tribute image from waaaay back on the reverse of one of the walls of The Black Swan pop up pub too). 

Who knows what the next 12 months will bring (aren't we due a plague of frogs and the four horseman of the apocalypse next?) but I'm already counting down the days to MoFAF 2022. Suggestions? Oh go on then...try PJ Harvey, Nick Cave, Marc Almond, Black Midi, Dexys, Jeffrey Lewis, Elvis Costello, Robert Plant, The Lovely Eggs, Richard Dawson, Courtney Barnett, Sleaford Mods, Wildwood Kin, Du Blonde, Kae Tempest, Ezra Furman and Billy Nomates. That'll do for starters. 

PS: Huge thanks to all involved in organising, running and appearing at MoFAF, you made a middle aged man very happy.  

Each and Every One - Everything But The Girl

Spent last night with Everything But The Girl's classic debut album Eden, one of NME's (remember them?) top 20 albums of 1984 apparently. The band seemingly jacked it in waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2000 which was news to me. Where does the time go eh? What's that? Elvis is dead?! What?!! Aggggggggggggggghhhhh. 

A Riot On Eastbourne Pier - Captain Sensible

For reasons I won't disclose (mysterious eh?) this track's been spinning around my head today. A long lost classic from the good Captain in my humble opinion. 

Beautiful Days Festival - August 20th to August 22nd

"Welcome to a miracle" observed The Levellers' Mark Chadwick during their traditional opening acoustic set. Given that just a few weeks ago it seemed as though Beautiful Days wouldn't happen this year I'd say that was a pretty justifiable statement. Sure the loos were a bit crap (as it were) and there may not have been as many bands on as usual (or am I just imaging that?) but the organisers deserve nothing but oodles of praise for pressing ahead and giving every attendee yet another memorable weekend. 

Day One's highlights included Peat and Diesel's craic-ing set, Henge's out of this world psychedelia, the return of Alabama 3 (Woke Up This Morning's still a classic) and the sublime pairing of kora player Seckoh Keita and harpist Catrin Finch, all capped off with Frank Turner (the thinking Millennial's Billy Bragg) and his Sleeping Souls and the legendary Hawkwind (whose lead singer Dave Brock turned 80 today...who says (space) rock 'n' roll's no good for you eh?). 

Emerging from our tent in a cider induced haze on Day Two we caught garage punkters Fighting Rhythm (who'd travelled 8 hours to get here to replace another band, now that's commitment) and then bounced between the Main Stage and Big Top. Edward II 's blend of Jamaican and English folk was as inspired as ever, setting us up for some right skanking to The Selector. Is it me or is Pauline Black getting younger?  Despite the rain Gary Numan proved he's still electrifying (although happily he avoided getting electrocuted despite venturing onto a platform away from the shelter of the stage during the peak of the downpour) paving the way for another band who are enjoying something of a late career purple patch, James.

Day Three kicked off with some stunning blues covers from Dea Matrona and some equally awesome self penned folk from Katherine Priddy (whose debut album 'The Eternal Rocks Beneath' recently hit number one in the folk charts...hurrah!). 

The rest of the afternoon saw us lapping up From The Jam. Dreadzone and Skindred before catching the proggier than a very proggy thing at a prog boot camp Van Der Graaf Generator's equally mesmerising , confusing and ever so slightly scary set (although that might just be the cider talking). As is traditional we listened to The Levellers closing set from the Tiny Tea Tent before collapsing in a messy heap. Ouch, my aching everything. 

As ever we missed loads of great bands but spent many happy hours chatting with random strangers and taking in the unique sights, sounds and smells that make a festival such a bloody life affirming event. 

Fly Me To The Moon - Tony Bennett

Sad to read that Tony Bennett's retiring from live performances at just 95 years young. What a legend. How many other singers can say they've been treading the boards for 70 years eh? 70! Good grief. I had the great pleasure of seeing and meeting Mr Bennett at Glastonbury back in 1998 when he was a mere 72 and, despite the rising tide of mud (oh so much mud), he sat there and signed autographs and chatted with fans for a good hour or so.  

Life Without Buildings - PS Exclusive

Heard this track last night on the Ezra Furman fronted Marc Riley show. Reminded me a bit of a female fronted Campag Velocet. Cooooool.  

Superstate - Yoga Town

This sounds like the kind of cool indie track that got played on the much missed (in my world anyway) Pig Radio. It's not though...it's something new from Graham Coxon and chums. Apparently there's a graphic novel that goes with it too that no doubt explains what the track and its vid are all about. Possibly. 

Love Rollercoaster - Ohio Players

Hands up who thought the Red Hot Chili Peppers version was the original? Love the dancin' dudes 2minutes 20 seconds in too. 

Ethyrfield @ The Marine Tavern, Dawlish - Saturday July 31st 2021

A gig? An actual live gig? In real life?! Yes. This actually happened. 

18 months after seeing my last live gig (the biggest between gig gap since I was 18 or so) I finally saw a band in the flesh and what a great band they were/are too. Coming all the way from Newton Abbott (a good 10 miles or so away) Ethyrfield rock more than a slab of granite dropping on your head from outer space (narrowly missing Jeff Bezos and Dickie Branson of course). Showcasing tracks from new album In Delirium (you can grab a copy here) they treated to packed and ever so slightly moist Marine Tavern to a stadium worthy set and, if there's any justice in this world, that's just where they're heading. 

Here's a quick taster if you're new to the band...

Gareth 'Gaz' Owen RIP

Late Friday afternoon I spotted a couple of posts on Facebook about the passing of Gaz from Swordfish and thought it was some kind of mistake. Surely it's another Gaz from another Swordfish somewhere? Sadly not. 

I first met Gaz way back in the 80s when Swordfish was in Needless Alley and over the years spent many (many!) happy hours riffling through his racks and chewing the fat about music. He'd suggest some great stuff for me to listen to and kept me well supplied with vinyl, CDs Aphex Twin calendars and that quirky Badly Drawn Boy music box. After moving to Devon back in 2015 I obviously saw very little of him but popped back last time I was in Brum and it was like I'd never been away. 

The genuine outpouring of grief that's followed Gaz's passing says all you need to know about the man. He was a lovely bloke, down to earth, friendly, encouraging of new talent, welcoming to new record buyers and a huge influence on the Midlands music scene for over four decades. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, his business partner Mike and everyone else who who's as shocked as I am that he'll no longer be behind that legendary counter...this one's for you Gaz x.

Last Night - The Strokes

Good grief, how the hell can 'Is This It' be 20 years old?! I remember buying tickets to see the band at the old Academy 2 (where the Hummingbird used to be) with support from The Mouldy Peaches but one of them broke an arm or something and by the time it was rescheduled they'd got big so the gig was bumped up to the main room. And no Mouldy Peaches neither. Boo! Hiss! Awww well, let's make up for it with this little clip...

Sharp Dressed Man - ZZ Top

RIP Dusty Hill (or Joseph to his ma and pa) owner of one of the most iconic beards in rock n roll and purveyor of top notch bass riffage. 

Nantucket Sleighride (To Owen Coffin) - Mountain

Older readers (make that ancient readers) may recall a show called Weekend World that was shown in the UK on Sunday lunchtimes waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in the 70s and 80s. It was about politics so, as I was only a nipper, it wasn't of much interest to me. I do remember liking the brief theme music though and I've only just discovered it was by an American rock band called Mountain. Here's the track in full, I'll have to add Mountain to my...ahem...mountain of CDs I'm looking out for. 

Summer In The City (Special Disco Version) - Evolution

 'ot innit? Time to dig out Evolution's disco version of Summer In The City!  

Never Too Much - Luther Vandross

How many copies of Luther Vandross's Never Too Much do you need in your life? Lots, that's how many. So when I found a compilation album featuring the track plus the Never Too Much album itself for 20p each I snapped 'em up...along with 17 other CDs. Quite frankly there's no hope for me now. 

Sunmachine - Dario G and David Bowie

Remember this? No, me neither...at least not until some big yellow ball appeared in the sky this morning where the bloody grey clouds normally are. Apparently it's the 'sun' and it's supposed to be around quite a lot in what's laughably called the summer in this country. Amazing eh? Even more amazing is the prediction that it could be around for three whole days this time...and over a weekend too. Good grief. So whilst I may not be having "a party" to celebrate there's a fair chance I'll be having a 'pinty' or two. I suggest you do likewise, who knows when this 'sun' thing will show it's big hot shiny face again. 

Guided By Angels - Amyl and The Sniffers

Yes. Yes. This is what we want more of. Are you listening 6 Music? Play this 10 times an hour please. Even the rude word. The spirit of Poly Styrene's alive and well in Melbourne. 

PS: Lovin' Amy's recipe for Crapple Pie too.

F.E.A.R - Ian Brown

Mr Brown's views on vaccines and masks are well known by now which could be why this track's been going round my head this morning after the confirmation that most coronavirus restrictions are finally being lifted on July 19th. Some people view this as freedom day, others would be quite happy to see some restrictions stay in place for a lot longer. After being 'double jabbed' I'm more inclined to side with the former, especially on the issue of masks. How often do you see someone with their mask hanging round their chin or under their nose? How effective are most of these cheapo masks at stopping a virus? If you can smell someone's vape smoke through a mask I'm pretty sure a virus can get through one. When you put your mask on how do you know you're not trapping millions of virus particles that are floating about in the air between it and your mouth and nose? A virus loves a nice moist atmosphere to breed in and you can't get much moister than a mask, especially in the summer or on a crowded train or bus. And, if masks do work, what impact will stopping people from getting ill have on our immune systems? It's a fact that we rely on catching and fighting off infections to build up our collective resilience so are we sleepwalking into a major flu or other form of epidemic in the near future because of the coronavirus lockdown? How's that going to protect the vulnerable in the long-term? I don't have the answers but seemingly neither does anyone else. If people genuinely feel safer wearing a mask that's great, wear a mask, but lets have a little tolerance on both sides over the coming weeks and months.  

 

Cry Boy Cry - Blue Zoo

Can't watch the football. Far too stressful. I have no idea how real fans cope with it week after week. So I spent last night watching Joe Lycett's stand up show and a little Now 80s which threw up this little gem from Blue Zoo. Did we win? 

Blessing Force - Akron/Family

Picked up another great haul of CDs that nobody else wants on Saturday including Meek Warrior from Akron/Family. Here's the opening track from the album...almost ten minutes of experimental prog folk genius. Enjoy!

Chaise Longue - Wet Leg

This track's currently spinning around what's left of my brain, partially because of the chorus which reminds me of this classic from the all but forgotten Clockwork Orange referencing 90s outfit Campag Velocet. It's like the last 20 odd years haven't happened eh? If only. Enjoy. 

Three Shirts On The Line - Frank Sidebottom

Apparently there's a football match on today, so what better time to celebrate the genius that was Frank Sidebottom with his late era classic Three Shirts On The Line. Sadly Frank (aka Chris Sievey) passed away just ten days after this performance...the world could so with him right now...he'd make a great Health Secretary. 

Worry With You - Sleater-Kinney

Almost 30 years into their career and Sleater-Kinney release one of their best tracks. Impressive. Here's a quick blast from the past too...a mere 21 years ago...good grief. 

'Euros' Having A Laugh...

At the risk of stating the bleeding obvious why the hell are 60,000 people going to be allowed to attend the Euros finals and semi finals but apparently it's still not safe for music festivals (many of which will have much smaller audiences) to go ahead? Oh, but people are going to be seated at the games some will say. Okay...but isn't this virus AIRBORNE? And won't people be shouting and singing for 90 minutes? And won't people be crushed together entering and leaving the ground? Kendall Calling fell yesterday, Truck Festival today and it's obvious that the rest will have to follow as no one can risk putting on a festival when the Government refuses to issue any guidelines whatsoever for how these events will have to be run. Either it's relatively safe to hold an outdoor event or it isn't. My heart bleeds for all those behind the scenes who work so hard to put festivals on, as well as the performers and, of course, us...the audience...many of whom have already been 'double jabbed'.  

Now That's What I Call Quite Lucky...

Regular readers will know of my seemingly unquenchable appetite for charity shop CDs. I normally pay anything from 25p to £1 each for 'em but on Saturday I splashed out a whole £3 for Now That's What I Call Music 4. Why? Well, the copy in question appeared to be one of the almost mythical first releases from 1984. I knew it was rare but had no idea quite how rare. Apparently there were only 500 or so of the first pressings made (the cover's different to the later editions and the case has the words 'Patent pending' embossed on the back bottom right hand corner...exciting eh?). So, what's it worth? Well here's the last copy that sold...VARIOUS ARTISTS "NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 4" MEGA RARE ORIGINAL 1984 UK CD | eBay And people say CDs are worthless. If the vinyl revival taught us anything it's that nostalgia's a powerful thing and CDs day will come again, probably pretty soon too. If you don't believe me then listen to the might Jeffrey Lewis, "Whatever people don't want, that's the time to get it". Amen. 

This Year - The Mountain Goats

Picked up four CDs by The Mountain Goats for a couple of quid last week. I'd vaguely heard of the band before but took a bit of a punt on the job lot...okay...so £2 isn't much of a punt is it? I've yet to listen to them but here's a pretty appropriate (and rather ace) track for 2021. 

There Are More Questions Than Answers - Johnny Nash

And so it continues....some 18 months since Lockdown 1.0 we still seem to be some way from 'normality' (remember that eh?). My thoughts are with all those involved in the entertainment and leisure sectors today who, once again, seem to have been royally screwed. As have those of us who've obediently been double jabbed and just want to watch some bloody bands play in a bloody field for a few bloody hours this summer.  

Crushed By The Wheels Of Industry - Heaven 17

 After the week I've had this track seems pretty appropriate. You too eh? Whoo! Whoo!

Missionary Man (Acoustic version) - Eurythmics

Picked up yet more CDs at the weekend including a Eurythmics Angel single including this rather ace acoustic version of Missionary Man. The CD still had the original price sticker on it from back in 1989...£1.99...which was a fair price then. Fast forward 32 years and it had slumped to just 25p, as had an original CD release of the first Rocky soundtrack which has joined my growing soundtrack mountain...

Steel City Disco - Steel City Connection

Apparently one of the rarest disco records ever released Steel City Connection only managed to record one single before splitting up and going their separate ways. Still, if you're only going to release one single you may as well make it a belter...

Inspiration Information - Shuggie Otis

Picked up another bucket load of CDs from the charity shops over the weekend including Here Comes Shuggie and Freedom Flight on one album for a mere pound coin. Why the heck isn't this track better known eh?

I'm guessing you'll know this one though...

The Polyphonic Spree - Reach For The Sun

 Here's to a looooooooooooooooooooooooong weekend in the sun. Enjoy!

Me and You Vs The World - Space

 

Good grief can this really be 25 years old?! Yep. In my humble opinion Space are (they're still a going concern) a great and unique band that deserve a lot more recognition, cop a load of this unique blend of vaudeville, Britpop, torch song and exotica (a number 14 smash back in 1996) for instance. Class la.

Eurydice - Katherine Priddy

Chuffed to hear Katherine Priddy getting some more plays on 6Music recently and hoping she'll get the chance to play loads of live shows to help promote her debut album over the summer...yes...SUMMER...I haven't given up on it yet despite the relentless rain. 

Loan Your Loneliness - Gruff Rhys

Gruff Rhys' new single's been a bit of a grower in what's left of my brain recently. Is it just me or does it owe a bit of a nod to Robert Wyatt's I'm A Believer...and yes...that's just an excuse to post that track too. Enjoy! 

Big Hollow Man - Danielle Dax

Heard this last night on the ever reliable Marc Riley show, yet another great track that escaped my notice back in the 80s. I'm pretty sure I have a copy of Cat House somewhere though... 

Apparently Dax is now an interior designer, although I can't find any proof of this apart from an entry on Wikipedia. Oh well, music's loss is probably soft furnishing's gain.  

Sister Sadie - Horace Silver Quartet

Some funky jazz...or jazzy funk...take your pick...all the way from 1959. Listen to this and I guarantee you'll feel at least 75% cooler. 

An Englishman In New York - Godley and Creme

With more than a touch of Sparks at their creepy pop best I've been thoroughly enjoying this track from The Best Of Godley and Creme which I snapped up for a mere 50p last weekend. Incidentally it bears no relation to the other song of the same name and was recorded a full 8 years before Sting's homage to the delightful Mr Crisp. 

Rainbows End - Eleven

Had a lucky find trawling the charity shops on Saturday when I picked up a copy of an album called Awake In A Dream by Eleven. I'll admit I'd never heard of Eleven but for 99p it looked worth a try, especially when a quick look at an online review suggested it was like a fusion of Prince, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles...it bloody well is too. Apparently Eleven were firm favourites of Soundgarden's Chris Cornell and collaborated with him on a few tracks as well as touring with him. Sadly one of the band passed away back in 2008 and they seem to have been pretty much forgotten about (not that they enjoyed the success they deserved when they were active). 

PS: If you like things a little heavier than Rainbows End try this one...

Slow - Black Midi

Prog jazz epic from the really rather splendid Black Midi. Happy long weekend (if you're UK based)...take it nice and slooooooow...ideally in a pub garden...if you can avoid the rain. 

I Wanna Be Vaccinated - Jeffrey Lewis

Jeff's corona-ramone-a anthem's had a plugged in makeover and now comes with it's own cool comic strip vid too! I've had my first dose (the monkey spunk one) and am due my second the day before my first festival of the year. It's still too early to tell whether the low infection rate here in the UK's due to the vaccines or the lockdown but let's hope it's the former eh? 

What's Shouted In The Dark (The Dark Shouts Back) - Alex Rex

Really rather splendid Nick Lowe referencing rant from ex Trembling Bells vocalist Alex (Neilson) Rex.  

Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder

So, how's your week been? Don't answer that, I can guess. Relax with a little Lee Morgan and a lot of rum/gin/cider/wine/meths and it'll all feel better. 

Motorhead - Corduroy

A little early 90s acid jazz courtesy of Corduroy inspired by last night's CD selection, The Best Of, picked up for a bargain price of 75p last weekend. If only 90s me knew what was coming...remember when HMV flogged CD singles for £4.99? I've gone all Uncle Albert again haven't I...? 

Indigo - Katherine Priddy

 

Beautiful vid of my home town (Brum) for the equally beautiful single from Katherine Priddy's debut album, The Eternal Rocks Beneath, out on Navigator Records on June 25th. Hoping to catch Katherine live again at some point this year...it might be a controversial opinion but I reckon the dangers of outdoor festivals in the summer are surely outweighed by the positive impact it has on our general health and wellbeing, but what do I know eh? PS: Had my first vaccine (AZ, with added chimp...nice) on Friday, didn't particularly want it and don't think it will give me much protection against the new variants but if we end up with 'vaccine passports' I don't want to be excluded from going out anywhere. What a strange new world we live in right now. 

Fuck Friday - Dan Sartain

Still shocked by the recent passing of Dan Sartain but thankful that at least I got to see and meet the dude in person and tell him how much I loved his music. Speaking of love cop a load of this blistering sweat fuelled run through Fuck Friday. 

White Mice - Mo-Dettes

We've had the odd mouse sniffing around our kitchen recently, brown with a white belly they are. Not sure if they like 80s all girl punk or not, I'll have to play this track next time I catch one of the little darlings (NB: we use a humane trap and set 'em free in the deepest Devon countryside...which is surely where they belong, not trying to scoff our grub...I wouldn't mind so much if they contributed to the bills).  

Are You Being Served? - Matt Berry

And so, after what seems like 4 years but is actually 'only' four months, shops, hairdressers, cafes and pubs (some of them at least) can finally reopen. Let's hope they stay open this time eh? I've not experienced anything like the last 13 months or so before and I'm guessing very few people have either. It's been relentlessly grim for many, others seem to have enjoyed bits of it, but personally I can't wait until I can get back to normal (or whatever's going to pass for normal now). Good luck to all those who work in retail and hospitality, fingers crossed most people behave themselves. Now, if only someone could sort out the bloody weather...   

Titanic - Sultana

Heard this Afrodisco-ish track from Titanic the other night. Shades of Santana and Dr John at his Nightripper best with a bit of Hocus Pocus prog thrown in for good measure. 

Sham 69 - Hurry Up Harry

In the grand scheme of things going down the pub isn't a big deal...but it kind of is though isn't it? It's something a lot of us took for granted until you know what happened and I've missed that simple pleasure more than I thought I would. Sure you can drink at home, in a park or under a railway bridge (yes, I'm that classy) but it's just not the same is it? So here's to April 12th and simple pleasures. Mine's a pint of scrumpy by the way...

Dan Sartain RIP

Listening to Marc Riley's show on 6Music last night I was gutted to hear that Dan Sartain had passed away at the age of just 39. The cause of death hasn't yet been announced and maybe it never will but, once again given his age (how often have I written that recently?), I hope it wasn't what I fear it was.  

I had the very great pleasure of seeing Dan play live a couple of times, once at the legendary Coldrice 5th Birthday Party in 2006 (see photo above...I still haven't recovered from that night) and once back in 2010 at the Hare and Hounds when we chewed the fat for a while and he posed for the photo below (taken by the lovely ShakeyPix). 

Having released a stunning debut album (Dan Sartain vs The Serpientes) and opened for The White Stripes and The Hives back in the mid noughties he really should have been a star...and if there's any justice maybe he still will be. 

My thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends. RIP Dan, you'll be missed. How bloody poignant is this, seemingly his last video and song, now eh? 

Lesley Gore - Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows

On the first properly warm(ish) and sunny day of the year (for most of the UK at least) let's have a little Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows from Lesley Gore. Is it too much to now hope that life might return to some sort of normality this year? Answers on a lollipop...

Matt Philip Hale - Contents and Index

 

Cramming more lyrics into one song than some bands manage in an entire career here's the latest instalment from the many minds of Matt Philip Hale, suitably represented by several Matt's in the vid...and who doesn't want more Matt's in the world eh? Musically it's a million miles an hour boogie woogie blast from the past, present and future, like Jerry Lee on speed and best bitter. File under 'essential listening'.  

Black Midi - John L

New track from Black Midi with a suitably bonkers but brilliant video. Strong contender for video of the year? Yep. 

Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol - Caravan

 

Watched Whiplash yesterday, well worth catching if you get the chance (it's available on i-Player at the mo). I think it's safe to say that the drumming on this track from the movie's about as good as drumming gets. Although I suspect that Buddy Rich might have had one or two things to say about that...hmmmm, it's a close call. 

Har Mar Superstar - Where We Began

Har Mar Superstar gets his yacht rock on with this fine slice of glossy 80s style pop perfection taken from forthcoming album Roseville. If this doesn't get to number one across planet earth I'll eat Duran Duran. 

George Harrison - This Song

At almost 51 years old I'm still hearing loads of 'new' old music for the first time and I guess I always will (as long as my ears carry on working). This simple but catchy little number popped up on Now 70s the other day and is, quite possibly, one of the best post Beatles numbers any of the band recorded in my humble opinion. I apologise in advance if it ends up going round and round and round in your head for the rest of the day/week/month. 

PS: The track was written after George was taken to court for copyright infringement by the owner of The Chiffons' back catalogue who alleged that his song My Sweet Lord borrowed from their hit He's So Fine. George lost and it cost him a bob or two...

Tear Gas - That's What's Real

One for fans of The Sensational Alex Harvey Band out there, Tear Gas were essentially SAHB without (and before) Alex. This is as fine a slice of early 70s rock as you're likely to hear this side of lockdown.  

 

Dodgy - Staying Out For The Summer

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1995 I went to my first proper festival, Glastonbury (and saw this very set by Dodgy), and ever since then I think I've done at least one a year...until the unrelenting misery that was 2020 of course. In the grand scheme of things not being able to go to a festival in the summer isn't the be all and end all of life and...oh screw it...yes it is...if you can't have a weekend or two in the mud necking a pint of red wine at 9am and talking bollocks to random strangers whilst having a piss in an overflowing trough what's the point in waking up eh? Perhaps somewhat optimistically we've already got three festivals booked for this summer and if I can possibly heave my knackered old corpse to another three then I damn well will do. Mine's a pint of scrumpy by the way...make that several pints of scrumpy...make that a barrel of scrumpy. 

Beach Boys - I Just Wasn't Made For These Times

 Anyone else feel like this right now? Just me? Oh, okay. 

X-Ray Spex - Oh Bondage Up Yours

Watched the Poly Styrene doc (I Am A Cliche) yesterday, well worth catching if you can. As a fan for the past 35 years or so I knew most of Poly's back story but didn't realise quite how fragile her mental health was for a while. Sadly she passed away back in 2011 aged just 53 but she did manage to reconcile with her daughter and record a new record before ascending to that great gig in the sky. If you only ever listen to one punk album Germ Free Adolescent's pretty much as good as it gets. 

Sweet - Alexander Graham Bell

There's something a little Sparks-ish about this early track by Sweet. I'd not heard it before digging out a 2CD hits collection (50p from a local charity shop) but it's surprising how many other tracks were familiar...mind you I was around when they were originally released. Yes, I'm that old. Here's another Sweet classic, you've gotta love Steve Priest's glamtastic look...

I'm Glad That We Broke Up - Du Blonde (featuring Ezra Furman)

Been meaning to post this up for a couple of weeks now, Du Blonde (aka Beth Jeans Houghton) and Ezra Furman's scuzzed up 2 minute anthem for break ups and make ups. 'Du' have a listen...

Left Out In The Cold - Sparks

 

After a sunny weekend it's bloody cold again today so here's the perfect little ditty from those first class Maels, Ron and Russell, who are now entering their 54th year in the music biz with no sign of giving up or losing that essential 'spark' (see what I did there?) that's made 'em one of the most fascinating bands in the history of the universe. Yes, the whole universe. Have you seen the footage from Mars? No sign of a single gig venue or record shop, what's that all about eh? 

This year sees the release of The Sparks Brothers movie too...cinema or living room? Hmmmm, I guess that depends on how many more variants of bloody corona bloody virus bloody well bloody spring up. 

Everyone's Hot (And I'm Not) - Lynks

Heard this new 'queercore' anthem on Tom Robinson's 6 Music show last night and it really tickled my fancy...as it were. I wonder if the lovely Lynks really is 'a librarian from Wigan'...?

If I Only Knew - Tom Jones

Heard this track last night for the first time in years, only Sir Tom could get away with rapping in his 50s eh? I can well imagine what his 'forest of the holy places' might be...ahem. 

Madness - (Waiting For) The Ghost Train

After last night's 'lockdown' announcement I've had the words 'madness' and 'waiting' going round and round in my head, so what better track than this late period classic from Madness' first incarnation. Quite what will be left of the hospitality sector which is, let's face it, pretty much the only 'industry' we have left in this country now, come the end of June (at the earliest) is anyone's guess. 

The Kinks - When Work Is Over

Sounding a little like The Lemon Twigs on a bender (to my ears anyway) here's the perfect shot of 70s era Kinks. Of course few of us work in offices anymore and there's bugger all chance of hitting a bar this side of Easter but other than that the song's lyrics are pretty Friday friendly. Cheers! 

Tilly and the Wall - Rainbows in the Dark

In a bit of a Tilly and the Wall mood today. What a great - and unique - live band they were. How many other groups use tap dancing as percussion eh? Exactly. Bloody nice bunch of people too. 

Robert Lloyd - The Part Of The Anchor

 

Watched King Rocker, the Robert Lloyd and The Nightingales doc, yesterday and loved every second of it. Lloyd's a national treasure who's lived the kind of life it would be difficult to make up, from sleeping under cars at Bristol Street Motors to supporting The Clash, from becoming Peel faves through to directing pop videos and almost landing a sitcom deal and on to a few years in the wilderness as a postie, boozing away the afternoons and discovering a talent for making a bob (or Rob in this case) or two on the horses. I had no idea he'd come dangerously close to becoming a genuine pop star too but Lloyd was always destined for cultdom, hopefully this doc will add a few more loyal followers though. 

Chick Corea RIP

I'm ashamed to say that my knowledge of Chick's output's minimal but I've been doing a some catching up this morning and I've picked this little funky gem out. If it wasn't used on an episode of Starsky and Hutch or some other cool 70s cop show it darn well should've been. 

And here's another funky number with more of an 80s Miami Vice vibe. Niiiiiiice.

Klaus Nomi - The Cold Song

 Any excuse to post a bit of Klaus Nomi but bugger me it's COLD. -22.9 in Scotland last night apparently. 2021's going well so far innit eh? 

Cockeyed Shame - Fifth Avenue Band

Here's a little funky 70s rock from Fifth Avenue Band to warm yer cockles...or any other part of you that might be deep frozen by the arctic conditions blighting Blighty right now. 

The Bluetones - Marblehead Johnson

Dug out The Bluetones singles compilation album the other night and I was reminded (as if I needed reminding...mind you I'm cracking on a bit) of how good they were. Coincidentally after months of 'lockdowns' I'm starting to resemble the band in this video too. 

Steven Jesse Bernstein - No No Man (Part I and II)

Lordy this is coooooooooooooooooooooool. Dark (oh so dark) spoken word + classic jazz soundtrack = all kinds of awesome. Sadly Jesse never got to hear the finished version, having stabbed himself in the throat during a dinner with friends back in 1991. Apparently he opened for Nirvana and several other Sub Pop bands back in the day and once performed with a live rodent in his mouth. You don't get that on Britain's Got Talent do you eh? 

Steven SantaCruz RIP

Sad news to start the week with the passing of Pink Grease's guitarist Steven SantaCruz. I had the very great pleasure of seeing the band play a memorably sweaty gig at The Bar Academy back in the noughties and told anyone who'd listen that they were going to be massive. Sadly it wasn't to be but I reckon their tracks are absolutely ripe for rediscovery (or maybe just plain discovery for most people).

The Destroyers - Where Has The Money Gone

Five years ago yesterday Paul Murphy, the whirling dervish at the heart of The Destroyers (one of the best live acts in history), passed away. I had the huge pleasure of seeing Paul play live on many, many occasions and even spoke with the great man a few times and, given the sickening sums of money being thrown about right now (much of which is going to some very odd places/people indeed), this track's been going round and round in my head for a while. If you thought the 'credit crunch' was bad you wait until the Covid crunch hits...and yes, where has the money gone eh?  

Fontaines DC - A Hero's Death (Soulwax Remix)

I posted the original version of this track when it came out and this remix (courtesy of Soulwax) is just as postworthy. "Life ain't always empty"...wise words. 

If that's got you in a Soulwax mood here's their take on Beethoven...

Beans On Toast - Save The Music

Heard this on Tom Robinson's Now Playing show on 6Music last night and it certainly struck a chord. I might not get to as many gigs as I used to these days but not a year's passed by over the last 33 years or so that I haven't seen at least a few live shows...but this year...well...it's almost too depressing to contemplate another 12 gig/festival free months. And then? What will be left? 

The Associates - Waiting For The Loveboat

 In memory of Billy Mackenzie, who set sail from planet earth 24 years ago today. 

Johnny Jenkins - I Walk On Gilded Splinters

Sampled by Beck and Oasis here's Johnny Jenkins' fabulously bluesy take on Dr John's I Walk On Gilded Splinters. It's tough to top the original but this comes pretty damn close. 

Matt Philip Hale - Sentenced to My Sentences

New year new music from Matt Philip Hale, hurrah! This time it's a rather awesome glam pop stomper with some rather fine guitar riffage courtesy of a certain Ad Lee (good work fella...or lady...or both). Give it a spin or six, you know it makes sen(ten)ce.

Sailor - A Glass Of Champagne

It's Friday! And what better way to celebrate than a quick glass of champagne courtesy of Sailor eh? Touches of Roxy Music and Sparks here and there. Make mine a large one. Cheers! 

Add N to X - Plug Me In

Bought a new laptop over the weekend...my first new bit of tech kit for 11 years (yep, I do like to get my money's worth) and this track was going round my brain when I was getting it all set up. Hmmm, the lead singer sounds a little like Cortana too...spooky. 

David Bowie - Heroes (Live at Glastonbury 2000)

Five years ago yesterday the star man floated away forever. What on earth would he make of the state of the world these days eh? Still, at least we have our memories and one of my best is watching Bowie play arguably the greatest ever Glastonbury set waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 2000... 

New Musik - This World Of Water

 

A little synth pop classic from 1980 to brighten up a cold, grey Wednesday (unless you're reading this in Australia in which case I bet it's bloomin' scorching). Pointless fact, when I was a student in Brighton back in the late 80s / early 90s I worked at a branch of 7-Eleven that was managed by a bloke who claimed he used to be in New Muzik...but not when they were famous (or as famous as they got...which sadly wasn't very famous). I really should write my memoirs, did I ever tell you about the time Joe Strummer ran past and nearly knocked me over at Glastonbury...? Gripping stuff eh? 

Happy New Year?!

Whatever you were up to over the festive break I do hope you had a good 'un. The traditional January blues (we've just de-Christmas-ed our house...that was fun) come with an extra side order of misery this year of course as we relentlessly plod towards another 'lockdown' turning the entire country into a Morrissey lyric. Given what happened in 2020 it would be utterly nuts to try to predict what this year holds in store but surely it can't be any worse...surely.