Sunday 30 September 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 30/09/2012 - Tickle Torture, Public Service Broadcasting, P45, Hudson Taylor,


Four tracks that rocked our socks this week! Let us know what yours were!



Shell Hunter:-
Public Service Broadcasting - 'Spitfire' (2012)


I was just discussing new music with one of my collegaues as I often do, and he said he hasn't been able to stop listening to the EP from Public Service Broadcasting. I admitted I hadn't heard of them so we sat together and checked them out on Spotify and Youtube (youv'e got to love the instant accessiblity of modern technology). I checked out their website and read they sample old public information films and archive footage attempting to "teach the lessons of the past through the music of the future". I was instantly transfixed by the 80s electro sounds and immense guitar hook along with the grainy layers of radio recordings. The London duo have been hailed by both BBC Radio 6 and BBC Radio 2 and I can't wait to listen to the rest of the 'The War Room'. It's refreshing to hear the toffy Brit's commentary put to some real catchy riffs and it reminds me of Primal Scream in places. They are touring the UK at the moment and I fully intend to catch them at XOYO on 27th November. Hit their website for full listings on www.publicservicebroadcasting.net

Sfw:-
Hudson Taylor - 'Drop of Smoke' (2012)



These two young chaps are Dublin brothers Harry and Alfie Hudson-Taylor, aka Hudson Taylor.
This track was a iTunes free single of the week and they've recently released their debut ep Battles.
Melodic Folk/pop at its best!

Old Pa's Corner :-
P45 - Cold Shivers (2012)

Here is an interesting one, another Ska influenced band P45 (we've all had one of them) is a bit reminiscent of UB40 in the choice of name but we can forgive all that as this little piece is red red hot. Not sure what it is all about mind you, but there is a green eyed cat in there and that is fine with me. They are definitely one to watch and will have an album out next year. Bring it on! Miaow!

Flycasual:-
Tickle Torture - 'Forgotten' (2012)



Instead of shuffling into work on an early shift like an extra from the Walking Dead, I found myself getting my sleaze on by slinking in with a 'Pimp Limp'. This, as a result of listening to Tickle Torture's EP, 'Spiritual Machete' on my way in to work, 6 tracks of tastefully seedy electro pop with elements of Prince sprinkled in there for good measure. 'Forgotten' is my particular highlight with it's distorted synths and buzzsaw bassline, the vocals at the beginning even reminding me of MJ's 'Don't Stop Til' You Get Enough' and that's coo' with me!

Tickle Torture is Elliot Kozel, a beat maker hailing out of Minneapolis with a bright future fo sho'. Get your info on the man and download the album here....

Saturday 29 September 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Aztec Camera - 'Somewhere in My Heart'




My first job was as a sales assistant in a budget shoe shop called Olivers in the Treaty Centre in Hounslow Highstreet. For months I delivered my CV which consisted of my predicted GCSE grades (mostly As and Bs) to all the cool shops I saw myself working in especially HMV, Our Price and MVC. I couldn't understand why I was never successful and eventually lowered my job expectations and got the very last job I applied for. I couldn't wait to be settled in enough to have control of the in-shop CD player! There were 3 CDs in the shop already which didn't belong to anyone but must have been part of the heritage of Olivers. There was Beck 'Mellow Gold', Weezer's self titled album and a CD called 'This Is The 80s' with a picture of Spitting Image on the cover. I spent most of my summer during the 'back to school' rush listening to these 3 albums on repeat. One song which will always remind me of this hectic time is this classic from Aztec Camera. I'd not heard it before then and it was definitely my favourite song from the CD.

Roddy is a size 8.5 wide fit
 
Without the comfort of music and the Aztec Camera song, the 2 months of the 'back to school' sale would have been sheer hell. On a daily basis, the shop would look like Primark on a bad day, shoes strewn everywhere, mums with prams and screaming children at every corner. One particularly amusing moment was when I was struggling to measure a squirming little boy's foot and his mum who looked like she was at the end of her tether with her hair everywhere, screamed at him "Listen, you've had a Happy Meal and you're still not f**cking happy!!" It made me smile to myself and I would never have experienced 'real Hounslow life' if I didn't work there. I ended up staying there for two years and from those two years, I got into so much music from my coworkers, including my first experience of metal. Thanks Olivers.
 

The Heritage of Olivers


Check out my Spotify SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX playlist below or click here to read more posts from me!


GUEST SPOT # 50 - Jack White - 'Love Interruption'

It's Saturday and that means it's another Guest Spot! This time we welcome back Jon, who seems to be progressing well with his daughter's Musical indoctrination....well done Jon!

If you would like to submit a guest spot yourself then please do....click on the 'submit a guest spot link' above or email us, using our email links in the 'about' section.


Jack White - 'Love Interrupted' (2012)


Back in June:  "Dad, we need to get Jack Black's new album "Blunderbuss".  My friend at school said it's great and that I would really like it.  I asked him if it had Meg on it and he said no, it's a solo album not a White Stripes album.  I told him I wasn't sure I'd like it if it wasn't Jack and Meg but he said he thinks I'll really like it and should give it a try. It's a more folky sound than the White Stripes  His favourite tracks are Love Interruption, Poor Boy and Blunderbuss."

My eldest was not quite 7 then. This wasn't meant to happen yet - getting new music tips from my own child. I'd already enlisted my two brothers as cultural attaches when I first became a dad to make sure I was kept up to date with new musical happenings. My brothers, NME TV (during the very early morning start years before CBeebies came on at 6) and more recently Tune Doctor have been keeping me updated very well both with what's new - and great stuff I might have missed.  I've made no secret of my musical indoctrination programme for the kids, based on my own lack of exposure to a lot of classic pop/rock music as a child. I'd not heard any Hendrix until I was pretty much 17.  The Beatles, Stones, Bowie - no exposure other than the most obvious tracks. Led Zep? Not even a sniff.  So it should come as no surprise that both kids have been developing their quite different musical tastes based on what they've heard at home.

Meg? Nice name, I like it. 

Blunderbuss became a 7th birthday present for my daughter.  And watching her with the CD liner notes (complete with lyrics!  So disappointing when it's just a couple of arty shots of the band) listening to it over and over, completely absorbed and learning the words to all the songs reminds me so much of the start of my musical discovery phase in my early teens.  I'm sure we'll go through plenty of teen pop along the way but the groundwork has been laid.

Get some more musical tips from our other guests spots here......or continue with Jon's musical indoctrination here with his posts.....

Thursday 27 September 2012

CLASSIC MOVIE SCENE #7 - The Empire Strikes Back, The Asteroid Field - John Williams


Just a classic track that makes a classic scene...This time we join the Empire's war on terror!!



The Asteroid Field - John Williams - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

This week I attended a weight and Balance course to be able to dispatch 777 freighters. Basically what that entails is planning and distributing approx 100 tons of cargo on the aircraft without breaking it. In job terms, as an aircraft dispatcher, it's where you really want be, the Champions League if you will. Ok so maybe not Barcelona and Messi but probably more like FC Bate Borisov and Olekhnovich but Champions League nonetheless. So I thought of doing a post about the galaxy's favourite freighter, The Millenium Falcon. 


Han, lookout, two Star Destroyers!..Shush you lot, it's a penalty to Bate Borisov.....

Apologies for the clip and having to endure the whining Jedi, Luke Skywalker at the start but it was the only one I could find, the scene in question starts at 01:09. The Empire Strikes Back's Asteroid Field scene is probably my favourite from all of the Star Wars films. It's dark, it's desperate, the rebels are on the run after getting a bit of a red bottom from the Evil Empire, still smarting no doubt after getting their rather expensive Death Star, ludicrously blown up in A New Hope. But it's John Williams' exhilarating and evocative score that truly makes the scene, capturing the mood and the pace perfectly. John Williams' soundtracks were always apparent in my life when I was growing up, always there with rousing compositions to my favourite films and I'm also man enough to admit that I still cry whenever I hear the theme to ET

Don't worry about your Hydro-spanner? Come see some more classic movie scenes!

Wednesday 26 September 2012

DYLAN COVERS #68 Andy Williams (R.I.P.) with Peter Paul & Mary - Don't Think Twice its alright

R.I.P. Andy Williams

 
ANDY WILLIAMS with PETER PAUL & MARY - Don't think Twice it's Alright

I cant say I have ever been a fan of Andy Williams but it seems he has always been around. He is probably most famous for the brilliant Moon River. I suppose I also sort of liked Music to watch Girls By and Can't take my Eyes of You but that is about it. Nevertheless I was sad to hear that he has just passed away at the age of 84.

I was quite surprised when I found he had actually covered Dylan along with Peter Paul & Mary. It is a version of Don't Think Twice it's Alright. So here you are in memory of the late Andy Williams.

It's not that bad!!!

R.I.P. Andy Williams

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Cream - We're Going Wrong(live)

MIDWEEK CRISIS your're going wrong, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got an under age drinker, a beer commercial and one of the best groups ever!

I found out to-day

 
CREAM - We're Going Wrong(Live)

This is a fabulous live version of Cream in all their majestic glory (If you can forgive the dub over at the beginning) Jack Bruce has never sounded better, on this, one of my favourite Cream songs from their Disraeli Gears album. My Wife, who is not known for liking anything I rave about,  was for some reason a Cream fan and especially this song. When Cd's first came out I asked her what do you want for the momentous occasion of your first CD. Disraeli Gears was her choice, mine was the more safe choice of Van Morrison's Greatest Hits

I used to work in a Chemist after school (free Johnny's) and met a rival Chemist boy in a Pub one day (underage drinkers!) he was raving about this new Supergroup called Cream. I told him in so many words that they will never make and what  does he know. The very next day I heard I feel free by Cream. I was hooked, every time I saw this guy I avoided him. How could I have been so arrogant and got it so wrong!! They turned out to be one of my favourite groups of all time and still are.

As a little bonus for all you Cream fans here is the advert they did in the States for Falstaff beer. If you have not heard it, this is a treat.

 
CREAM - Falstaff Beer Comercial

Slaandjivaa!!

Sunday 23 September 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 23/09/12 - Bryan John Appleby, Van Morrison, Twin Shadow, Roller Trio

Four tracks that were our wingmen this week...what were yours? Let us know in the comments!!




Sfw:-
Bryan John Appleby - John Wayne Gacy (2012)

Man + Guitar + Beard = sensitive singer songwriter

I only just discovered Bryan John Appleby after hearing this Surfjan Stevens cover.  He released his debut album "Fire on the vine" last year.   Hope you like!


Old Pa's Corner :-
Van Morrison - Open the Door (to your heart) (2012)

 
You might say this is just routine Van Morrision by numbers and you may well be right. 'Born to sing : No Plan B' the title of his new album released on the 2nd October seens to qualify that.  But as far as I am concerned that is not necessary a bad thing.  This is just quality stuff and that voice although it has lost a lot of it's magic, it still gets me where it counts. Van you still got Soul!.

Flycasual:-
Twin Shadow - 'Five Seconds' (2012)


Apparently the late Tony Scott was going to direct the sequel to Top Gun next year, gutted....that would have been good. 'Five Seconds' would have been that perfect piece of angst ridden 80's pop to fill a 'I think I've just blown it with the bird' cut scene, with the middle aged Tom Cruise (as the instructor this time) terrorizing Encinitas on his motorbike. Over the last couple of months I've been listening to Twin Shadow's album, 'Confess' and several brilliant tracks have finally come through, with 'Five Seconds' a particular favourite for the images of (a young) Kelly Mcgillis on Miramar airbase. Based in Brooklyn (what is it with that place), this is Twin Shadow's second album and it's perfect for any masochist who are missing Kenny Loggins or who want to relive the 80's or who want to go in a 4g inverted dive with a Mig 28!



Shell Hunter:-
Roller Trio - 'R.O.R' (2012)

Get your croissant, a fresh coffee and a newspaper quick! I've found the ultimate Sunday Morning Track! This is the softer side of 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize 'An Album of the Year' nominees (see the other 11 potential winners here) Roller Trio, a rock-jazz threesome from Leeds. Also being nominated for a MOBO Best Jazz Act award, surely you can't be more acclaimed than that in such a short space of time?! I've got into jazz only early this year as I was going through a stressful time and found solace in it's fluid, sometime erratic nature. I love the fact it often has no rhyme or reason, it JUST IS. Their debut self titled album was only out last month so you have to agree that things are moving extremely fast for the band. I have Geoff Llyods' Unknown Pleasures show on Absolute Radio to thank for me hearing a track from the album which made me want to hear more. So whether its a lazy Sunday morning breakfast in your pjs or a slick candlelit dinner with your other half, Roller Trio will easily slip into your life. More news and tour info from the band here: www.rollertrio.com


Why not subscribe to our Tracks of the Week? It's not bad!

Saturday 22 September 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Jack Peñate - 'Tonight's Today'




This is the perfect song to play if you are having what could be the last barbecue of the summer. Its about not wanting the night to end and carrying on until morning and I know how that goes! I imagine people sambaing on the beach and squinting my eyes because the setting sun rays are so bright. 

don't forget your pooper scoop

It makes me think of when I was last on a beach, squinting my eyes with pleasure as I supped on a nice, refreshing, cold cider with my toes in the sand. I visited Cornwall for the first time in July and stayed at a picturesque cove in Perranporth. Our hotel was attached to a surf school and we over looked the beach and more importantly, a beach bar! It was the first trip with our little dog too, luckily it was a dog friendly place. After spending the afternoon at the beach bar and the evening in the hotel's bar watching some traditional Cornish musicians jam, we went to bed. I woke up a few hours later, in a daze and realised the dog had woken me up needing to go out. I hadn't anticipated what we'd need to do if the need for a midnight wee occurred. I tried to rouse the other half who was still snoring in his red wine induced slumber as I thought it only right for 'the man' to go out in the middle of the night. Well it didn't work and the look in my dog's little eyes was becoming desperate. I had no choice but to get her all harnessed up and go for a walk at 02:30. It was actually really pleasant! It was so peaceful except the hum of the waves and dark except for the street lamps and a distant bonfire on the beach from a bunch of surfers trying to make 'tonight today'. On our way back to the hotel the silence was broken by a big black dog running up the from the beach barking at me all of a sudden. I practically jumped out of my high tops, I was given the fright of my young life. Tranquillity and quiet contemplation well and truly ruined!

the sea swept hair look

GUEST SPOT #49 - Muse - 'Feeling Good'

This week, we welcome back Neal who has shuffled around his bag of secrets to deliver a excellent Guest Spot and confirming he is a master of covers! Do you have a favourite cover song or any song for that matter? Hit the 'submit a Guest Spot' tab above and send it to us! We'll do the rest! 



Muse - 'Feeling Good' (2001)
I remember buying Muses's debut album (Showbiz) not long after starting work at Heathrow Airport and raving about it to one of "the cool kids". A certain Flycasual, I was keen to earn his acknowledgement and offered to lend him the CD with my recommendation that it was "very Radiohead". 
"Listen mate, we're not THE Muse alright"

Fast forward 10 years, and I was starting a new job which entailed 2 weeks training in Dallas (oh the hardships we must endure). I decided to see if there were any gigs on whilst I was there and saw that Muse were playing at the Dallas Cowboys stadium. I realised that despite it being a midweek gig, I had to go, but didn't fancy going alone. Once I started the job, I plucked up the courage to ask my new colleagues if any of them fancied going to the concert. I was met with "never heard of 'em" and "what kind of music do The Muse play" and the absolute worst "I prefer Westlife". Despite this last comment I still remain friends with this obvious tone deaf heathen !!! 
Alas, I didn't go to see them, which in hindsight is probably a good thing as the morning after we had a test which needed a 100% pass rate. 1 colleague from Brazil failed to get this and as a result was sent home !!! Seriously, that could have been me. I would have had to consider giving up listening to decent music as it could ruin my life and maybe bought a Westlife CD.
This is one of my favourite covers of all time (my number one is Baker Street)
It was on their second album Origins Of  Symmetry, which although I liked it, it didn't hit me as much as Showbiz did. Maybe I was expecting too much. A recent Virgin Atlantic advert use the song to great effect, reminding me how much I liked it.

Friday 21 September 2012

DYLAN COVERS #67 - The Association/Jerry Jeff Walker - One Too Many Mornings

With silver hair, a ragged shirt, and baggy pants


 
THE ASSOCIATION - One Too Many Mornings(1965)

This is a great Dylan song full of atmosphere, I love the lines  'As the night comes in a-fallin' the dogs'll  loose their bark'.  I have taken two different takes in two completely different styles. The first one is by the 60's group The Association (remember Windy?) it is quite an unusual take and not what you would expect from that type of group. It was first released as a single in 1965.

The second version is from Country singer Jerry Jeff Walker who is probably best know for writing the classic Mr Bojangles. The story goes that Jerry met a guy in prison and he wrote the song based on that guy's story. Interestingly Dylan covered Mr Bojangles on the covers album Dylan, which is not as bad as it's reputation.  Check out Lily of the West if you have any doubts. This cover is from Jerry's 1977 album A Man Must Carry On  and is really good and a far superior effort to the Association.  
 
JERRY JEFF WALKER - One Too Many Mornings(1968)

For more Dylan Covers

Thursday 20 September 2012

Jamiroquai - 'Little L'


Recollection Collection......musical memories recalled with affection!

 Cuban heat!



Jamiroquai - Little L (2001)

Categorically I'm a wallflower, I do not dance, it's safer for everyone that it remains that way. But one song in particular always seems to get me moving, however badly, and that's the bubbling bassline, strings and claps of 'Little L', it just oozes funk. I'm not even a big fan of Jamiroquai even though they have made some great tunes. It's like I've unknowingly partaken in a government experiment, I have had an implant and I am only activated into service when a certain signal is relayed, in this case this song. 

Taxi for Flycasual!
It's reminds of a holiday to Cuba in 2001, where I picked up the album for my wife, 'Little L' was on it and I just couldn't get enough of it. We had been going out for a year, so we were still checking each other out (yeah) and so there were plenty of opportunities for deal breakers, dancing like a chicken scratching for grits would probably be one of them. One evening we were having a few drinks at the hotel bar, after one Cuba Libre too many, the revolution in my pants was in full swing and I turned to my girlfriend and said 'Let's take this to the Disco', I had it in my head that I wanted to hear 'Little L' and maybe glide and move like Jay Kay. The DJ had never heard of it and continued to play some tragic Euro pop. So despite my girlfriend's protests, I decided to go back to the room to fetch it. By the time I came back, (thankfully) some off duty hotel staff were providing the guests to an impromptu display of dancing to some Cuban Son music, it was saucy, sultry, hip to hip action and I wasn't about to ruin the mood by moving about with all the sexiness of a damp cloth. Dignity intact and probably what uncle Che would have wanted!

Jay Kay, certainly not scratching for grits..
Jamiroquai's official site here...




Wednesday 19 September 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Donovan - Turquoise

MIDWEEK CRISIS why is everything so black and white, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Donovan, Dylan, Joan and you will see the world is really coloured Turquoise,  
Sunshine Superman

Believe it or not I was aware of Donovan before I heard  of Dylan. I first saw him on a classic music programme called  Ready Steady Go  it was revolutionary at the time and all the early greats appeared there, The Beatles, The Stones etc.  Donovan as I recall had a guest spot for a few weeks singing topical stuff he did especially for the show. It was there I first heard his self penned song Catch the Wind which I thought was really different and innovative...that was until I heard Blowin in the Wind and The Times they are a Changin' by Dylan.

Donovan released Turquoise  in 1965 as a single and it had only moderate success which I could not understand at the time, as it  just blew me away and it still stands up to day as a classic.

Just close your eyes and you are by the sea and at the end you will be in a very good place indeed.

The story goes he wrote the song for none other than Joan Baez whom he claimed he was in love with. Joan later recorded the song.

Donovan has done many many good songs but this just has to be my favourite.

 
DONOVAN - Turquois(1965)

For more WEDNESDAY CLUB Gyp

Tuesday 18 September 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You

Band of Horses - No One's Gonna Love You

Early in my relationship, my wife arranged for us to go Horse riding with a group of her work colleagues on one of the most beautiful beaches of West Wales. It was a sunny day, there was not a cloud in the sky and the sea looked a clear, turquoise blue. I had pictured us galloping up and down the beach like Russell Crowe & Cate Blanchet in Robin Hood. The only problem was, I'd never ridden before, whereas she is quite an accomplished rider. We were given a horse that represented our skill levels, and whereas my wife had a stallion, I was given a nag. After some brief instructions we made our way through the farm and up the path which led to the beach. The problem was mine kept on stopping to eat any grass or weed and the more I encouraged it to move, the more it would stop, then eat. None of the commands worked and my frustration was starting to show.
Not quite
My wife shouted (she was at the front of the group, where I was at the back) that I should try to show it "who was the boss and to give it a kick". In "horsey' terms, this usually means to gentley tighten your legs and the pressure encourages the horse to move a little faster. I on the other hand thought that this meant using the equivalent pressure of a kicking a football like a Stuart Pearce penalty. The result was instantanious and the horse soon started moving up the group and I started overtaking the others. This pace soon started to feel uncomfortable as I just couldn't get the rhythmn right. I tried to pull on the leads but bloody thing wouldn't slow down. At this time my 'sacks' felt like they were re-enacting Daniel Craig's torture scene in Casino Royale. By the time I got to the beach I was in agony. With all my bravado I tried to pretend to my wife that it was fine and we tried to gallop up and down the beach. I soon stopped as I couldn't take the pain anymore and I head back to the farm and let the horse stop to eat wherever it wanted to.

Sunday 16 September 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 16/09/12 - Easy Star All-Stars, Calexico, Kodaline, Atoms For Peace

Four tracks that were just so doggone good this week...what were yours? Let us know!




Old Pa's Corner :-
Calexico - Fortune Teller(2012)
I just became aware that one of my favourite groups 'Calexico' have a new album 'Algiers' out this week. I immediately sampled the new tracks and this one 'Fortune Teller' made an instant impression. I found this live take of the song which they did at a benefit concert at the Fox Tucson Theatre, January 15, 2012. I chose this version as it features a video of Calexico in all their glory with Joey Burns giving a supreme vocal performance.

As an added bonus here is a live accoustic session take for your edification.



Flycasual:-
Easy Star All-Stars - 'Thrillah' Feat Mickey General and Spragga Benz (2012)


Easy Star's Thrillah, a Reggae tribute album covering Michael Jackson's iconic album Thriller anyone? Eee-hee...shamon! Yes please! I'd normally be a bit dubious about cross genre covers as a bit of a novelty but the Easy Star All-Stars have a great track record (Pink Floyd, 'Dub Side of the Moon and Radiohead with 'Radiodread'). It's definitely an unenviable task to take on such a classic album and one I grew up with (who didn't) but they have done it justice, certainly on the majority of the tracks. 

I'm especially pleased with Easy Star's Thrillah as it's perfect for incompetent dancers like myself. How many times have you seen drunken men at a wedding, upon hearing an MJ tune, all of sudden and inappropriately grab their crotch, kick out a leg and fall in a heap after trying to twirl like him? Instead I can request the DJ to play an Easy Star version, and despite the inevitable piss taking from my wife, skank and shuffle along to it, which I can do very well.  


It was difficult to pick my favourite off the album and I couldn't possibly post two songs...that's against the rules. So to avoid confrontation, as I'm a lover not a fighter, check out 'The Girl is Mine' featuring Roots heavyweights, Steel Pulse here.....





Shell Hunter:-
Kodaline - 'All I Want' (2012)


This video had me gripped from the very start. It wasn't until the crescendo at the end that I realised sniffing, hey it was this song that has really made it a great video. The vocals have got a familiar Thom Yorke fragility to them. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, it normally isn't mine but it's managed to turn my head. And good timing too, the Dublin 4 piece has just released their debut EP simply titled 'The Kodaline' last week. The 4 tracks on it are all unique in my opinion, and I would struggle to categorise them into one genre. Perhaps rock-folk? Regardless, I can imagine them being welcomed into the Bon Iver, Dry The River loving community. Welcome I say! www.kodaline.com Click to see their other videos which are worth a watch too and sign up to their mailing list!


Sfw:-
Atoms For Peace - 'Default' (2012)


I am a sucker for Radiohead / Thom Yorke and all of Oxford's finest so whilst we await another album, Atoms For Peace will have to do! Atoms for peace are Thom Yorke, Flea (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), multi-instrumentalist Mario Refosco, Joey Waronker (Beck) & Radiohead producer Nigel Goodrich.   This track can certainly be seen as a follow up to Thom Yorkes 2006 album The Eraser, and even if it's just a "bit of fun", it's got me intrigued and I can't wait to hear more. The B-side, 'Tamer Animals', a remix of a track by Other Lives – who have supported Radiohead on tour. I think it is brilliant, however my wife doesn't like the knocking in the background!



Saturday 15 September 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - LCD Soundsystem - 'Someone Great'




I was a late subscriber to LCD, but it was my fault. Flycasual bought me an album, which was their first in 2005 and I actually remember saying (and I quote Back To The Future) "I'm sorry but it's just too damn loud." I safely decided, I was not ready for LCD....

The sad thing I had to say is, I wasn't ever a fan of LCD, until it was too late. You don't know what you've got, until it's gone! I had the chance to see his last ever gig at the Ally Pally (don't do it) but the story of why I didn't is just too much to go through again (if you you are particularly sadistic check my Hot Chip post about the gig here). On the build up to the gig, I listened to what was a 'best of' of sorts from Flycasual and a few favourites that I had. I actually started thinking, "Shit, this stuff is so damn good, I can't wait!"

And that's what I thought today, I treated myself to listening to an album of his at the gym which was 'Sound Of Silver' and it truly is a fantastic specimen of dance-punk. As a whole album, it works and with every clunk of the cowbell and every tish of the snare, I picture exposed brickwork, wrought iron stairs and cool trendy New Yorkers out on their Friday Night!



When 'Someone Great' came on, already a firm favourite of mine, I thought about people in my life who I thought were great. It probably doesn't relate to the lyrics much. The person that immediately came to my mind when the song started, was a little monster, who has awed me the minute I saw him. Every time I see him, he shocks and amazes me in ways that I never expect. Telling me what to do when he's only 3yrs old is only the start, I'll gladly do what he says for some time, providing its watching cartoons and playing with Lego!

The video for this track is okay, but you need to hear the track from the album (or my spotify playlist here) to get the whole effect where it creeps up on you. If you like this track, please listen to the whole album now unlike me who didn't at the beginning.




More SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX here!

GUEST SPOT #48 Dave Matthews Band & Warren Haynes - Cortez the Killer

This weeks Guest post is by Wolf Sommer

Dave Matthews Band - Cortez the Killer
A cover of the Neil Young classic - 
"A great Concert in NewYork with special Guest Waren Haynes   -  Wow!!!!!!!!"

Short & Sweet! 


Thursday 13 September 2012

DYLAN COVERS #66 Tina Turner - Tonight I'll be staying here with You/He belongs to Me

Tina, Bob and friends, Tina is 2nd from the top left?

Here are two tracks from Tina's first solo album away from the shackles of Ike. It is called 'Tina turns the Country On' (1974) and is long before she shot to super stardom with 'Private Dancer' and 'Whats Love got to do with it' etc. I think both covers are pretty good, I particularly like 'He belongs to Me'. A different way of looking at it I suppose. If you have not seen the film 'Whats's Love got to do with it'. It is simply the best, well not really, but it is worth a watch. 

 
TINA TURNER - Tonight I'll be staying here with You
 
TINA TURNER - He belongs to Me


'The Healer' - John Lee Hooker and Santana

Recollection Collection......musical memories recalled with affection!

 teen angst...



John Lee Hooker and Carlos Santana - 'The Healer' (1989)

This song Reminds me of a tropical getaway I went with my family in the early 90s, I can't exactly remember where but a place not too dissimilar to somewhere from the film Romancing the Stone. I was on the balcony of the room gazing out at the lush vegetation, it was stormy and the rain was lashing down. Like a proper teen brat I was sulking as I was missing my girlfriend of two weeks. It was love....she dumped me on my return!

She left you in the morning? Let the Blues heal....

Taken from John Lee Hooker's, 'The Healer' album, The song does exactly what it sets out to do, heal, Santana's guitar licks and John Lee Hooker's voice soothes like a balm. Excuse the pan pipe moods but a big song for me when I was sixteen....still is.

Need some more healing? Click here for more of my favourite tunes....
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Wednesday 12 September 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - New Order/Joy Division - Ceremony

MIDWEEK CRISIS there is no Order in your life, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB and join the Ceremony and we will bring you Joy

Watching forever

NEW ORDER - Ceremony

Ian Curtis was taken from us, there was a large void which could never be filled. Rumours were flying around that Joy Division would carry on with the a new name New Order (oh no! not more Nazi references) and a new single was set for release. 

Finally the day arrived myself and a friend were at the record shop 9 o'clock sharp to get hold of that single. Two un-released Joy Division songs. We could not contain our excitement and rushed home to play the contents of that beautifull gold package.  It must be a similar feeling to be holding an Olympic Gold Medal. (well almost)
Heaven knows!
Both tracks were utterly fabulous, but it was not Ian, but it was no disappointment either. The B -side was pure Curtis.  'In a Lonely Place'  it seemed to be tailor made for all us mourning fans. The sound of  thunder, the grave yard,  it was just what we needed to let go and embrace 'New Order'. 

My friend and I carved in the brickwork on my front wall of my living room B&R JD all a bit pathetic now, but at the time it was important to us. When I sold the house 20 odd years later it was still there and I bet it is still there now.(My wife never noticed as it was discreetly done, if she found it, I would have been in serious!!!)  We were bit like love struck lovers carving their names on the old oak tree.

Later that year New Order re-recorded it with new member Gillian Gilbert and released it in 12 inch format. Of course I bought that also.

When the Mp3 boom arrived we were soon to discover other early versions with Ian himself on vocals. 
There is also my favourite version on 'Still' (The release of that double album was another momentous occasion) when you can here Ian's vocals very low in the background then suddenly the full vocals in all their glory come through, it is stunning and always delivers a chicken skin moment. 

JOY DIVISION - Ceremony

Tuesday 11 September 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! The Staves - Icarus feat Keaton Henson

The Staves - Icarus (feat. Keaton Henson)

I must admit that this got me interested as soon as I saw that Keaton Henson was involved. The Staves are a trio of sisters from Watford who have supported The Civil Wars & Bon Iver. Their debut album (called "Dead & Born & Grown") has been produced by Ryan Adams producers, Glyn and Ethan Johns. Interestingly they even appeared on Tom 'the' Jones' Praise and Blame album (which Ethan produced) and they've even appeared on Irish troubadour Fionn Regans third album 100 acres of Sycamore.

Checkout More Tuesday Blues Posts here



Sunday 9 September 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 09/09/12 - The Orb, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Beat Connection, The Vaccines, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs

Four tracks that took our fancy this week ...What were yours?



Flycasual:-
The Orb & Lee 'Scratch' Perry - 'Golden Clouds' (2012)



I can't help but think each time I hear a new Lee 'Scratch' Perry tune, it's like listening to the tired ramblings of an old man. A bit like the mumbling tramp at Slough bus station, I so often tried to frantically avoid after school. But hold on maybe that's the whole point, we want to hear his bizarre incantations!!! Wash your mouth out flycasual!!!....this is Roots Reggae legend Lee Perry you are talking about. This time around it's an album collaboration with the lazy, electro dub duo and equally eccentric, The Orb, it's what dub fans have probably always wanted, I know I was particularly excited. There are no doubt some great, if a little peculiar, tracks on the album but I've chosen 'Golden Clouds', a reworking of the Orb classic 'Little Fluffy Clouds'. Lovely!

I recently got back in to Lee 'Scratch' Perry through a blog we follow called Unthought, of though, somehow, so check out it's dedicated Saturday Scratch for some Perry Perry sauce!!??

Pick up a free track too, 'Hold Me Upsetter' from The Orb's website too...

Shell Hunter:-
Beat Connection - 'Further Out' (2012)



I'm loving this track by Seattle group Beat Connection. I was wondering when another electro group were going to grab me with their use of steel drums. From what I gather they started out recording stuff on GarageBand (music and podcast recording software made by Apple for us non music makers) and then worked as DJs. I've also heard that they use handclaps in a track or two and quite frankly there aren't enough songs out there now with those in my opinion! I've read quite a few positive reviews of their latest release, 'The Palace Garden' and most mentioning the "sunny" and "uplifting" nature of their album, not to mention how clever and complex their compositions are. I shall be popping this on in the car on the way to work, anything to ease the pain of going in on a scorching hot Sunday afternoon! Check out more info from their website here www.beatconnection.tumblr.com


SFW:- 
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - Household Goods

I know I am getting old, and although I'm not quite at the mid-life crisis stage yet, I'm getting there.  I'm not a fan of this DJ's name but this track combines the styles of 3 artists that make me tap my Cons. Call it a musical Curry, Chips & Rice, albeit, Hot Chip meets Calvin Harris meets Deadmau5.  Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs (TEED) has already remixed tracks by Lady Gaga, Katy Perry & Professor Green and features on Nick Grimshaw & Annie Mac's shows. It's one for a Saturday Night, but listen carefully - it's pretty dark stuff!!

Old Pa's Corner : -
The Vaccines - I always new(2012)
 
I quite liked a few of the tracks on the Vaccines first album 'What did you expect from the Vaccines' (2011) especially 'Post Break-up Sex'. This track 'I always new' is from their new Album 'Come of Age' and is a bit of a throw back to the sixties, whether that is intentional or not. It has a good melody and a chorus that will have you singing along to.  Well, as the Good Tune Doctor says 'lets go to bed' take the vaccines and you will feel much better for it!

Saturday 8 September 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Ottawan - D.I.S.C.O


 
 
 
Is this song the epitome of Disco or what?! I can't get over the girl dancing in the video, it's priceless. I'm not quite sure why she is dressed like a parrot though.
 
I've always liked the cheesiness of this song and love a bit of disco every now and then. Hearing this track makes me reminisce of a time I was walking along the bustling humid side streets in Patong, Thailand with only one thing in mind....an ice cold Chang beer! How does anyone decide which bar to go into in Thailand? There are thousands of them, all similar in look and the only things that tell them apart are the names and the music. I heard this unashamedly blasting through speakers in one bar and knew that was the one for us! You couldn't get more random than Ottawan in one bar, techno next door, and some Thai bloke playing Dire Straits on the electric guitar next to that. We happily cooled off in the bar for a few drinks listening to Boney M and other disco classics. There is one thing I will say about bars in Thailand, they know how to look after their customers! You never have an empty glass and that was detrimental to my zombie like state later on. One night I had been drinking quick fire and just totally lost it, the motor was running but no one was behind the wheel! The bar owner immediately proceeded to revive me with a freezing cold damp towel on my arms, neck and face! It really did work like a miracle cure and I fully recommend it if you are ever having a whitey! 
 
 
 
 


Thursday 6 September 2012

DYLAN COVERS #65 Robin Williamson(Incredible String Band) - Like a Rolling Stone/Absolutely Sweet Marie x 2

Incredible

ROBIN WILLIAMSON - Like a Rolling Stone

I did a recent post that included the 'Incredible String Band' and it crossed my mind, I wonder what Ronin Williamson was doing these days? I was looking for another Dylan cover of  'Absolutely Sweet Marie'  by The Everley Brothers when I came across these couple of Gems. It also answered my question.  The first cover is of  'Like a Rolling Stone' with Robin accompanying himself on the Harp and is taken from a concert in Knocklofty House, Tipperary,  Ireland (2010)

 
ROBIN WILLIAMSON - Absolutely Sweet Marie

The second one is a take of  'Absolutely Sweet Marie' and was taken from a concert at the Acorn Theatre, Penzance, Cornwall. Part of Golowan Festival week 2009. Robin also does a cover of the song and you can find this on the Album  'Just Like the River and other Guitar Songs'(2008).  It is great to see Robin is still out there doing his thing in the way only Robin can.

Two great videos and thanks to the good guys for putting them up for us to share and as a bonus here below is  'Sweet Marie'  from the Album.

 ROBIN WILLIAMSON - Absolutely Sweet Marie(2008)

For more Dylan Covers

Tuesday 4 September 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Shangri-Las/Twinkle - Leader of the Pack/Terry

MIDWEEK CRISIS you ain't going knowhere, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we will take you to Shangri-la and put a Twinkle in your eye
Vroom! Vroom!


 
SHANGRI-LAS - Leader of the Pack(1964)

What is it about motor cycles and death, here we have 2 songs about young love cut tragically short. It was simple back then in the early sixties, the songs were simple ditties, mostly always about love. They were great songs, usually with a very memorable and hummable melody. Even the Beatles were singing 'She Loves You' and 'I wanna Hold your Gland'.  Then a certain Mr Dylan came along and everything changed. 'Like a Rolling Stone' took popular music to a new higher level. Suddenly the Beatles upped their game starting with 'Rubber Soul'. The sixties were transformed into a whole explosion of new exciting experimental music. I still believe the best musical decade is the sixties, but I suppose it does help when you have lived through it. 
Motor Cycle Black Madonna two wheeled Gypsy Queen


Even Dylan himself had a famous encounter with a Motor Cycle. I remember when I heard the news in 1966 and was devastated at the time.

There is of course many films where the motor cycle features strongly, 'The Wild One' with Marlon Brando, 'Girl on a Motor Cycle'  with the delicious Marianne Faithful and of course how can we forget 'Easy Rider' with one of the best soundtracks ever for a movie.

Most people will be familiar with the Shangri-las 'Leader of the Pack' it is simply a great pop record. 'Terry' by  Twinkle is another fabulous bit of pop about death and motor cycles. She was a bit of a one hit wonder but it is such a memorable song.

Both the videos are timeless   

 
TWINKLE - Terry(1965)

Still on the subject of motor cycles, if you ever get the chance to watch 'The Worlds Fastest Indian' starring Anthony Hopkins, it is a must see. The Indian being a Motor Cycle.

I never had a motor cycle or a scooter for that matter and never really wanted one. Did you have one?

TUESDAY BLUES!! Windsor for the Derby - After Love

Windsor for the Derby - After Love (2010)
Windsor for the Derby are a band now based in Austin, Texas and since 1996 have released over 8 albums.  This track featured on their '2010' album Against Love and became one of my favourite tracks of that year.  It frightingly was just a random download that I managed to find by accident. With a hint of Beck,  its gentle, lo-fi sound has an air of melancholy about it (which I love) but it was the repetive guitar melody that had me hooked from the start.
Windsor for the Derby Tune Doctor, Singer Songwriter Playlist

Feeling sad and blue? If so, you need to try more Tuesday Blues here.  We'll have you on the anti-depressants in no time!