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.