Thursday 31 January 2013

DYLAN COVERS #85 Townes Van Zant - Man Gave Names to all the Animals/Little Willie the Gambler

God gave us Townes Van Zant

TOWNES VAN ZANT - Little Willie the Gambler (1993)

Here are two fabulous covers by the late great Townes Van Zant and both are taken from his 1993 album 'Road Songs' The title 'Little Willie the Gambler' is slightly changed from the original Dylan title of 'Ramblin' Gambling Willie'

The track was originally set to be on the 'Freewheelin' album and some early copies were actually released along with several other tracks. It appears only a handful were released with these different songs and the album was quickly withdrawn.  Have a check and if you have a copy.  I will give you £100 for it, cash.

No! I would not do that to fellow Dylan Lover, would I?.  Copies of that album would make you very rich indeed. The song by Dylan  can now be found on the Bootleg Series Vol 1-3.

The next one is a cover of  'Man Gave Names to all the Animals' from 'Slow Train Running'. 

TOWNES VAN ZANT - Man Gave Names to all the Animals (1993)

For more Dylan Covers

Wednesday 30 January 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Bernard Lavilliers - Stand the Ghetto

 WEDNESDAY CLUB today we have Steak Tartare, Tin Tin and some really cool French Reggae

Dans les rhumbars en bois

 
BERNARD LAVILLIERS - Stand the Ghetto(1980)

Because my wife stayed in Nice (France) for a large part of her life it was only normal we visited as much as we could. Her her mother still lived there too. I had cheap flight as I worked for British Airways in these days, so we were able to go almost when we liked.
.
While we were at a restaurants in Nice centre,  Flycasual used to wander off and usually end up in a book shop quite close. We always new where to find him. He would be looking at Tin Tin, Buck Dani or other books that took his interest. One day we wandered in to find him and I was brought to a standstill by the record that was playing. It was reggae but with a French accent. I had to ask who it was and ended up buying an album by Bernard Lavilliers called 'O Gringo' (1980) and the song that got me was 'Stand the Ghetto'  The album was not great but was interesting. BL was travelling the word and making music from what he heard during his travels. A bit like what Paul Simon has done in the past.

I later found an updated (not as good version on Napster ( the old Napster)). The original is the one here.
The reggae of course is not for you purests, but I love it and it brings back some good memories. You can't ask for more than that,

The Restaurant we were at that day did a beautiful Steak Tartare with salad and frites, all washed down with lashings of  Estando Rose, from the Provence. With Bernard Lavilliers, 'Stand the Ghetto'  the memory is complete.

For more Wednesday Club,  Doctor! Doctor!  

Tuesday 29 January 2013

TUESDAY BLUES! Bear's Den - Pompeii

Do you like Singer/Songwriters, or do you have a unhealthy affection to the sadness, if so you may have a case of the Tuesday Blues!


Bear's Den - Pompeii
Bear's Den are a three piece from London that comprises of Andrew Davie, Kev Jones and Joey Haynes which I first discovered through Communion Records.  Bear's Den fits nicely between Damian Jurado & Mumford & Sons, a banjo & a beat, it's a win-win!



They will be soon undertaking the first headline tour and can be seen at the playing in Ireland, England & Scotland (sadly not Wales!).  Click here to see if they are playing nearby!

Do you like Singer Songwriters? like a bit of Misery? or just like Men with Beards?  
Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!


Sunday 27 January 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 27/01/13 - Night Engine, Alice in Chains, Wake Owl, Joe Gideon and the Shark, Mexican Institute of Sound

Five tracks that laughed in the face of snow this week!




Shell Hunter:-
Night Engine - 'I'll Make It Worth Your While' 


A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across a Guardian tip off for 'Ones to watch out for in 2013' and I saw a friend from my college days in the photo! I knew he was seriously into music so I had to look into them and wow, Night Engine totally float my boat! Being a big fan of 80's music but no particular genre, meant that as soon as I heard tracks like Seventeen, Treat Me Like A Baby and this one, made me want to kick my legs out and break into a running man like frenzy. You can hand pick your favourite influences such as Bowie and Talking Heads but I'll Make It Worth Your While gives me a bit of Weird Science by Oingo Boingo! Believe me that's not a bad thing, and there aren't enough bands doing it now in my opinion! Catch them at the Borderline in London on 20th Feb if you are lucky enough to get a ticket or get their first single Seventeen / Treat Me Like A Baby which will be released on February 18th.

You can catch them on Sound Cloud, Facebook plus Twitter! 

London Scouser:-
Alice In Chains - 'Hollow' (2013)



Once again they are back, and once again it sounds like they have never been away. I was absolutely gutted when they disbanded when Layne Staley died as they have been a huge influence on the heavier side of my musical taste. They returned in 2009 with the brilliant Black Gives Way To Blue album, and in March they are releasing an as yet untitled album. I for one cannot wait. They will be playing at 'Download' this year which has a great line up (click here) including Korn, Rammstein, QOTSA & Iron Maiden, but alas I'm working and won't be able to go. Hopefully they will throw in some other gigs in the South that I can go to. 



SFW:-
Wake Owl - Gold (2013)
As the "new folk" genre gains in popularity and more and more artists come to the fore, this week we have Wake Owl vying for our attention. Wake Owl is the project of singer/songwriter Colyn Cameron and "Gold" is the first single off the Wild Country E.P. His style is very similar to Ben Howard, (not a bad thing) and with sweeping strings and gentle touches, it is the perfect track to accompany a long winters day walk!

Old Pa's Corner:-
Joe Gideon and the Shark - The Insignificant Bullet(2013)

Joe Gideon and the Shark are a brother/sister duo from London. The Shark (aka former Olympic ribbon gymnast Viva Gideon) are now on their second album release 'Freakish (2013)' released this January, is a concoction of blues, beats and spoken word. This track the 'Insignificant Bullet' (great title) really is a mish mash, I can hear The Velvet Underground, The Talking Heads, Pulp and even The Strokes, all in this one song.  This is definitely an interesting one.

I'll tell you what!, I like shark music.  


Flycasual:-
Mexican Institute of Sound - 'Mexico' (2012)


I've only just heard this despite it being released last summer, all thanks to last months Songlines CD sampler, I just love the horns! The excellent 'Mexico' is taken from Mexican Institute of Sound's (the name given to DJ Camilo Lara's creation) third album 'Politico'. Politically charged tracks on the state of the country (drug violence, contested election) all delivered with wit and humour (if a little sobering judging by the video), a spattering of Hip Hop/Electro and sprinkled with Mariachi trumpets, what's not to like!

Checkout previous Tracks of the week here

Listen & Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist

Saturday 26 January 2013

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Temple Of The Dog - 'All Night Thing'



Temple Of The Dog - 'All Night Thing' (1991)

This is a lot slower and more subdued then I normally feature on SNJ but it has to be one of my all time favourite songs sang by my, without a doubt, all time favourite rock voice, Chris Cornell. There is something about his voice that burrows deep within my soul. I mentioned a long while back that the album Temple Of The Dog (check my previous post here) would make ladies go weak at the knees at parts. Well, I think I had this song in mind when I said that. The version featured in the video is an acoustic version that Chris did in recent years, but this is the sort of song you need to hear naked and sparse (musically!).

Sorry love, can't talk, I've got to get up for my early at LHR

I told a friend of mine she looked knackered at work the other day on my early shift. She told me she didn't have a wink of sleep but she had a smile on her face. After questioning her, she told me she had stayed up all night 'talking' with a guy she had fancied for ages but only just started seeing. Despite being sleep depraved, she was walking on air! She had made a serious emotional connection and it was an All Night Thing! It made me think back to times when I had stayed up all night talking, not about anything in particular either, it was just free flow. Or even when I wake up in the middle of the night and can hear LS stirring (or snoring), an impromptu conversation sometimes can enjoyably last a few hours (providing no one is on an early shift!). It is pretty powerful knowing you are the only 2 people alive that know what was exchanged at the time. This song perfectly communicates the beauty of being just the two of you, alone in the dark and 'no one else can make it end'. Perfect.





Friday 25 January 2013

DYLAN COVERS #84 Johnny Winters - Highway 61/From a Buick 6

Here's Johnny!

 
JOHNNY WINTER and DEREK TRUCKS BAND - Highway 61 Revisited (live)

Johnny Winter's cover of  'Highway 61 Revisited'  from the album  'Second Winter (1969)'  usually always appears in lists of the 'Best Dylan Covers' and rightly so too, it is excellent.  However, I have gone for the above live rendition where he plays with the Derek Trucks Band at  the Crossroads Festival 2010. You won't be disappointed with this version also.
 
 
JOHNNY WINTER - From a Buick 6 (1973)

The second Johnny cover is  'From a Buick 6' a not too often covered song and rarely played live by Bob himself.  It comes from the album ' Still Alive and Well (1973)' This is great stuff!


Thursday 24 January 2013

Chaka Demus and Pliers - 'Murder She Wrote'/'BamBam'

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

 Follow meh!


Chaka Demus & Pliers - 'Murder She Wrote' (1994)

Mine's the blond!....

I have always wanted to meet a Maxine because of this song and last week, at work, my dream was finally realised. On a rare and precious break, I decided to 'run the gauntlet' by going from the office to the coffee shop in the departure lounge. This should be a round trip lasting no longer than 7 minutes leaving you a total of 23 minutes to enjoy your downtime. However, with 'running the gauntlet', you risk having your time severely dented as passengers see the uniform/hi-viz vest and converge on you like brain starved zombies wanting to ask you all sorts of questions. And since I'm the type of guy who likes to provide a service with a smile, I oblige. This time a young woman wanted to ask me a question about her flight and checking her boarding pass I noticed her name was Maxine. I must've let out a little squeal, as I tried hard to suppress myself from blurting out something disastrous like "hey, just like 'Murder She Wrote'" and sing "If I ever tell you about Maxine". Luckily my brief liaison with Maxine was uneventful and she was happily on her way to the correct boarding gate whilst I was able to go back to my office to enjoy a 21 minute break.

Chaka Demus and Pliers, 'Maxine, her face is like a bunch of rose', apparently..

And thanks to that encounter it reminded me of these two brilliant tracks which I haven't heard in years. I absolutely love the backing and so did they by the looks of it as it's used on both songs. Despite Chaka Demus and Pliers being successful Dancehall artists in their own right, 'Murder She Wrote' (produced by Sly and Robbie) was their most popular hits as a duo, taken from their 1993 debut 'All She Wrote'.

 

Chaka Demus and Pliers - 'Bam Bam' (1994)

The equally irie 'Bam Bam', a reworking of a Toots and the Maytals classic also features on the album. Hear dis!

Have a listen to some of my favourite tracks on my Spotify playlist below or click here to read some more posts.....Easy Kno!


Wednesday 23 January 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Luke Walter Jnr/Tony Joe White - Path of a decent Groove

-WEDNESDAY CLUB to-day we have Trappist Beer, Frites and salad cream, Luke and Tony and a more than a decent Groove-



LUKE WALTER JR. - Path of a decent Groove (1996)

I popped in for a beer to a new local Belgium pub (I just love Trappist Beer dont'you, Oh! and frites and salad cream too, mmmh!)  there was no one in but me and the Bar man. Suddenly this fantastic blusey  track came on and I could not place the singer. (It was not Chris Rea). The guy was obviously playing an album by this unknown singer?. That was it! I had to know who it was. He told me it was by his favourite singer the late  Luke Walter Jr. a Belgium Blues singer. 

I could not find this album 'Back to Normal' (1996) anywhere. So the very next day I went back to the pub and asked the guy could I have a copy. I came heavely armed with a Cd of some pretty good material and offered him a swap. He was a bit reluctant to part with his prized CD even although I promised I would be back within the hour. I had copied it.(he did not have that facility) and I got back to the pub with a minute to spare. But I had it, I just had to have it.

Luk Renneboog, is better known as Luke Walter Jr., (22 November 1947 - New York, 18 June 1996) he was a Belgium blues singer and musician. In 1986 he founded the group Blue Blot  and with their second album ‘Bridge to your heart’, the group made their breakthrough.

In 1993 Luke discovered that he had leukaemia. He managed to complete his solo album  'Back To Normal' before his untimely death in 1996, where this track is taken from.

I later found out that the original is by Tony Joe White and he is actually playing on the track with Luke. Apparently they were great friends, For good measure I have included the TJW version, it is superb!. 

'Path of a Decent Groove' I reckon is a pretty good title for an album/song, up there with the best. Nice one! Tone!  
TONY JOE WHITE - Path of a decent Grove (1993)


Tuesday 22 January 2013

TUESDAY BLUES! Kelly Joe Phelps - Hard Time They Never Go Away

Do you like Singer/Songwriters, or do you have a unhealthy affection to the sadness, if so you may have a case of the Tuesday Blues!

Kelly Joe Phelps UK Tour



Kelly Joe Phelps - Hard Time They Never Go Away
The Oregon based guitarist & songwriter, Kelly Joe Phelps is a bit of a "guitar hero" of mine.   His finger-picking & slide technique is revered amongst guitarists and his singing ain't that bad either!  I was fortunate to see him live a few years ago, but surprisingly it wasn't in London, but at a small venue in Treorchy, Wales.

He's touring the UK in Jan / Feb and I highly recommend seeing him live.  Fortunately for me he is playing fairly local and I'll be catching him live, though this time I hope I won't hear someone in the bar saying, "he's alright, but I prefer 'Dai from the Club' who plays "all the hits"!!!!





Monday 21 January 2013

COVER NERD! - GOMEZ - 'GETTING BETTER'



I like covers a lot, and here in my bi-weekly spot I hope to share with you some of my favourites here.

Tell me what you think and please feel free to submit your favourite covers by clicking here



Gomez - 'Getting Better' (1998)

QUIZ NIGHT - PART 1

I was recently sorting out a drawer at home and found an old training notebook from when I started work at Heathrow in 2000. Most of the pages weren’t used but towards the back there was a list of 20 songs from a Pub Quiz that I compered back in March 2002.
Old Pa used to work in Isleworth, and a short stroll from his work was The Red Lion Thursday was quiz night, and always had a music round. Bizarrely the winners of the music round used to win a random prize and on one occasion Old Pa’s team won an ironing board. I’d like to think that because it was such a prized possession that no one wanted to be without, the team members instead decided to sign the ironing board cover and left it on the stage and thus started a tradition that continued for many a quiz to follow. I haven’t been back for a number of years but would love to think that they still have the board there.
As I had recently started seeing Shellhunter, I was invited to join Old Pa’s team as I do like a good quiz, and have a great memory for obscure facts which often come in helpful. The format of the quiz was 4 rounds of general knowledge with the music round sandwiched in the middle. The compere who changed every week would provide the music round and the pub would supply the rest.
We're not Bieber's girlfriend. Okay
After taking part almost every week for a good few months, I got friendly with the manager and asked if I could do the music round one day. He obliged and I decided to do a round of 20 cover versions. I recorded about 20-30 seconds of each song on my MiniDisc player (I think I was one of the very few) and had my masterpiece. To give me some moral support, Flycasual and Shellhunter both came along and took part, unfortunately Old Pa was working. It was a success, and the manager said was he looked forward to me coming back again if I wanted to......to be continued

As for this song, I have always been a fan of Gomez ever since I first heard Whipping Picadilly, and although they seem to come and go, they always sound great. Looking through the 20 songs from the quiz, this is one I like the most and had forgotten about it until I found the list. It featured on their album Abandoned Shopping Trolley Hotline from 2000 which had some B-sides and Radio 1 sessions on it.

NERD ALERT! - This song was used in an advert for a Philips 'Boombox' (see here)

If you want to a taster of some of the tracks from the quiz, click here for the spotify playlist.



Sunday 20 January 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 20/01/13 - Beach Fossils, TNGHT, Futureages, Matthew E. White, Tom Waits & Keith Richards

A five pack of the finest 100% choice tunes this week.....no horsemeat rubbish! What were your Porterhouse steak burgers?


SFW:-
Beach Fossils - 'Careless' (2012)


I admit it, I can't grow out of Indie Pop! Brooklyn's Beach Fossils are a band that I've sadly neglected. I loved their 2012 track Shallow and this is in the same vein - energetic, melodic, shoe-gazing brilliance!  Download Careless for free from their record label Captured Tracks


London Scouser:-
FutureAges - 'Under Order' (2012)


I’ll admit I don’t know much about FutureAges, apart from lead singer Natasha Fox’s amazing vocals in collaboration with Scroobius Pip on the song Feel It (see my previous post). To my delight I see that FutureAges released an EP at the back end of last year, which I missed at the time, but am really enjoying now. Her voice complements the rocky feel of this track. Which in my opinion needs to be heard loud to fully appreciate it. I don't usually go for female vocalists in rock as I think they are a bit naff with a few exceptions. And this band are definitely an exception. I'm gonna keep an eye out for them.

Old Pa's Corner:-
Tom Waits and Keith Richards - 'Shenandoah' (2013)

 

Boy oh boy! Can it get any better? A song with Tom Waits and Keith Richards together, a fantastic whiskey soaked rendition of the old classic Shenandoah. Don't be put off by Tom's voice, this is actually very, very good.  (Van Morrison also does a superb version of this song as well, accompanied by the Chieftians)

This is taken from an interesting compilation called Son of Rogues Gallery : Pirate Ballads, Sea Songs and Chanteys (2013) which is the follow up to Rogues Gallery : Pirate Ballads (2006) which sadly I have to say I never heard of. I will of course put this right as there are many great artists featured on both albums. Just check out the listings, there is quite an outstanding wealth of talent there. 

The idea for the project was the brainchild of Johnny Depp, apparently he thought of it while he was involved with Pirates of the Caribbean. Nice job Johnny!


Flycasual:-
TNGHT - Higher Ground (2012)




This is a prime cut, grade A piece of instrumental Hip Hop which has played havoc with the speakers of the family's Peugeot. With the annual tradition of trawling through the year's best of lists, this track kept cropping up and was the one I kept being drawn back to. I guess Hip Hop is just in the blood for me. TNGHT consists of the DJ/production skills of Montreal's Lunice (who's remixed for Azelia Banks amongst others) and Glasgow's Hudson Mohawke.  Despite (almost) being named after a terrible Bruce Willis film, Hudson Mohawke's production skills are far from disastrous and it's little wonder Hip Hop supremo, Kanye West has snapped him up to his record label. Big ting await, turn it up! TNGHT are on Warp records, check the site here...

Shell Hunter:-
Matthew E. White - 'Big Love' (2013) 



God Bless the radio, for without it, I may have missed out in discovering Matthew E. White, who I am very excited about. When I first heard Big Love, it had me wide eyed and open mouthed, it was like I got stung by the enjoyment of hearing the track unfold with the strings, the gospel choir, the sax and the guitar solo. What a fantastic arrangement! It makes me want to walk down the street with a pimp limp and stick a big feather in my hat! Big Inner is M.E.W's debut album released this year on Domino Records and after immediately listening to a few tracks, I'm convinced we're all gonna have 'Big Love' for it. From soul to folk but all instrumentally brilliant, it has a tinge of retro production about it, what's not to like?

Check his blog out at www.matthewewhite.com

Checkout previous Tracks of the week here

Listen or Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist

Saturday 19 January 2013

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Warren G & Nate Dogg - 'Regulate'



Warren G & Nate Dogg - 'Regulate' (1994)

Any person growing up through the nineties will probably love this song as much as I do. It's one of those that everyone knew the lyrics and used to listen to on their walkmans, sharing the earphones in the playing fields during lunch. I remember doing a whole routine to a few of my girlfriends wearing my tie around my head in true Tupac Shakur style.

Thank God it's Saturday
Being very much into the "crime drama" film genre growing up too, I loved any films featuring homeboys and rappers such as Boyz N the Hood, New Jack City, Juice and Friday. Flycasual knew this and took advantage of me one day saying he had a great new film that was amazing and I'd love it, called Above The Rim which featured the afore mentioned Tupac. I remember watching it, loving it and Regulate was on its soundtrack, bonus!

a 'swish' film
The next day, a smirking Flycasual came back to me asking 'so how was the film? I bet it was crap!' I explained it was excellent and up there with the best of them, but hang on hadn't he seen it?  The cheeky bugger wanted me to screen it first to see if it was worth him watching it!

RIP, but it did look better with a St. Mark's tie



Thursday 17 January 2013

DYLAN COVERS #83 David Bowie - Trying to get to Heaven

Ssssh! I'm trying to get to Heaven

 
DAVID BOWIE - Trying to get to Heaven

Well I just had to do this one, didn't ? I.  Bowie is the man of the moment with a new single out, 'Where are we Now', the first for 10 years. It is not that bad either after a few listens and there is a new album too released on March 11th.

This track is taken from the unofficial album The Secret Songs and is a dramatic take on Trying to get to Heaven. If you have not already heard it, it is worth a listen.

For more Dylan Covers

Konkoma/Auntie Flo - 'Handkerchief'

World Music Corner


KonKoma - 'Handkerchief' (2012)

Ooof it's cold! But no worries as here's a band that's guaranteed to pack some heat back into your thermals! KonKoma, named after a northern Ghanaian tribe renowned for their colour and rhythms, are a London-based band who, although formed last year, sound like they were in Ghana circa 1970. They consist of musicians from different backgrounds however at their core are two old friends who have played the circuit, acting as session musicians for a number of famous artists as well as being one time members of the Afro Funk outfit, Osibisa. As well as an unmistakeable retro Ghanaian Highlife vibe, their sound is dripping in Funk with a blend of Jazz and Soul which had me hooked from the off, bouncing in the seat of my car on the way to work.

op op op, Ghana-style!

One of the band member's aunties and resident chef, Auntie Flo, sometimes steps in as a DJ and if she can cook as well as she can mix then they are very lucky boys indeed. Here she's managed to rustle up a pretty mean Afro Electro remix of the stand out track, 'Handkerchief'.

Ok, that was really poor! Auntie Flo, real name Brian D'Souza, is in fact a Glasgow-based Goan DJ who specialises in Afrocentric dance music. As well as providing this track for a forthcoming KonKoma remix EP, he also released an album last year entitled 'Future Rhythm Machine'. It's really good food for the soul though.




I discovered KonKoma, Auntie Flo and similar artists on Soundway Records' best of 2012 playlist which you can subscribe to on Spotify here....it's nice.

Why not have a browse of the Soundway Records website for more info on Konkoma and others, or visit Auntie Flo's kitchen and see what he's cooking.

While you're at it...why not have a listen/subscribe to TuneDr's World Music Corner Spotify playlist below or have a look at some other WMC posts here..

Wednesday 16 January 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - The Pogues - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

- A WEDNESDAY CLUB AND SPECIAL BREW PRODUCTION -

If your gums bleed!

 
THE POGUES - The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (1985)

When I lived in Jeddah in the eighties, I was a fit guy, I played tennis, squash, ran and twice a week I played football. Monday nights were always the highlight in the football scene because at the finish we all tripped round to the house of a previously appointed player for beers, food, banter and craic. It was always a great evening and would last a couple of hours and sometimes more for the hard core.

My turn finally arrived, I had been busy for weeks trying to build up my stocks of homemade beer to satisfy the thirsty anticipation of my fellow footbal chums.

A 5 gallon gerry can, 5 kilos of sugar, a case of non alcoholic beer topped up with H20 and a pinch of bakers yeast. Then watch these baby bubbles rise, each one a little more alcohol. You little beauties!.
Bottling was always always a great occasion, usually after about 7 days due to the heat. Shellhunter was always there to lend a hand with the syphoning procedure and became quite an accomplished little helper.  I am  a great believer in training your daughter in the finer things, for later life, and felt this was all part of Shellhunter's 'finishing' school.   

I had prepared the 'stovies' a great dish for Scottish or any other 'piss artists'. It always goes down well after a skin full. I had carefully prepared the background tape and had several tracks from the then Pogues new album 'Rum, Sodomy and the Lash' (1985) . I had just managed to get it from the U.K.  I knew there were lots of Irish guys and this was sure to impress.
Can you imagine my horror when there was a collective shout by my 'Fenian' friends to get that rubbish off.  Have you not got the Dubliners or Paddy Mcgintys Goat, They said!. This is not 'proper' Irish music. They are a fad and will never last. God!. I thought for a horrible moment they were going to ask for the Nolans'.
How do you feel now guys as you join in singing your favourite Irish Christmas Song?. 

Tuesday 15 January 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! - Bahamas - Lost In The Light

Do you like Singer/Songwriters, or do you have a unhealthy affection to the sadness, if so you may have a case of the Tuesday Blues! (but not today!)

Bahamas Lost In The Light, Tune Doctor, Tuesday Blues, Singer Songwriter

Bahamas - Lost In The Light

Oh 2013! Why are you being so cruel! I'm sitting in my house, the heating is broke and we're just about to receive blast of cold air from the North Pole and it feels like it will be just like the day after tomorrow! 

I discovered Bahamas over xmas and I'm still smitten. It is the solo project and stage name of Afie Jurvanen, who has worked with Feist as well as other musicians throughout Toronto, Canda. His album Barchords, which was released last year on Brushfire Records, evokes the chilled out, slinky, summery feel which is not unlike Brushfires main man Jack Johnson. Listen to it once and you'll be hooked, Listen to it twice and you'll be addicted and everyting will be irie!

Do you like Singer Songwriters? like a bit of Misery? or just like Men with Beards?  
Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!

Monday 14 January 2013

GUEST SPOT #54 - Show Of Hands - 'Arrogance Ignorance And Greed'

It's Monday, it's guest spot day and so we welcome back Grumpys Shed, and yes he's still in the shed although he has ventured out recently


If you would like to contribute a guest spot then email us or click here...Tell us your favourite song, memory or gig, we'd love to hear from you

Show of Hands - Arrogance Ignorance And Greed 

“We saw Show of Hands in Cardiff last week and, apart from being overwhelmed by their brilliant musicality, we were also really impressed by the ‘poetry’ of the lyrics. This was modern folk with a commentary on all aspects of modern life from the closures of the Cornish tin mines to a moving song about the damage caused by Katrina to New Orleans a few years ago. As a ‘Grumpy old Man’ myself they speak my language in a number of songs, not least ‘Communication’ which basically decries the fact that we now seem to talk only by pressing the ‘return’ button and not speaking to each other. Show of Hands are a form of modern protest group but without the intensity of others – where for me the enjoyment is lost. I was drawn to the attached video at the time of the Government’s ‘Autumn Statement’ in which it would appear that the way back from the financial crisis of a few years ago seems to be as long as ever. For those with the inclination it’s worth looking on You Tube for the video of this song being played live on the Andrew Marr Show with William Hague as the guest – real irony I think !”

Show Of Hands

Sunday 13 January 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 13/01/13 - Imagine Dragons, Congo Ashanti Roy andPura Vida, Torche, Stereophonics, Vinyl Williams

Five tracks to help fight off the January Blues!

London Scouser:-
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive (2013)

For my first foray into the realms of TOTW I believe I've found a corker. Las Vegas's Imagine Dragons have had success in their homeland and I think that with this track they are going to repeat the feat over here. I heard this for the first time at about 5am going into work and immediately had to track it down. Now the more I hear it the better it sounds. It has an epic feel about it despite it only being 4 minutes long. But what a great 4 it is. They are playing at The Forum on April 11th, I may check them out.
I won't say much about the video except for two things. 1 - it's really cool, especially seeing Lou Diamond Phillips & 2 - Shellhunter, you should not watch this. You have been warned

Old Pa's Corner:-
Congo Ashanti Roy & Pura Vida - 'Only Jah' (2012)

Roydel Anthony Johnson (born 12 April 1943), better known as Congo Ashanti Roy is a Jamaican singer best known as a member of The Congos but who also recorded solo and as a member of Ras Michael's Sons of Negus.
This track is taken from the album 'Hard Road'  and has been on my play list all this week. Oh boy! I need my reggae fix every now and again and this does it for me big time. It is the way I like my reggae and is a really consistent album all the way through. Pura Vida are a Reggae band from Belgiun by the way. 

Flycasual:-
Torche - 'Harmonslaught' (2012)



I first heard this song just before Christmas, it was the perfect, unexpected headphones moment. At work, on a break, an opportunity to catch up on some tunes when this beast of a track comes on and blows me away and a few cobwebs in the process. I almost spat out a mouth full of donut all over the table it startled me so, it was exactly what I wanted to hear. Out of all the inane types of music categories, Torche have apparently been given the fortunate/unfortunate tag of 'Sludge Metal' which in the case of this song, with it's thumping drums and monstrous riff, I believe is especially apt. It makes me think of a fat troll trudging through a swamp with a belly full of Hobbits. A scene not too dissimilar to myself slogging through my local park on a traditional post Christmas lunch walk. I've been going through this ongoing Rock/Metal phase ever since Sfw introduced me to the Miami rockers through a song from their excellent 'Harmonicraft' album, which was featured on a TOTW last year. 'Harmonslaught' is their new single and is available on the Torche website here....

Shell Hunter:-
Stereophonics - 'In A Moment' (2012)


The boys are back in town and this latest single released at the back end of last year is intense! I heard it a few times on the radio and thought wow, these guys sound just like Nine Inch Nails with the constant industrial drone in the background and the rough guitar. I thought I'd better find out who it was and was surprised to see it was the Stereophonics' new single with the lush smokey voiced Kelly Jones back in full swing. A fresh new album called Graffiti On The Train due for release in March could hold a new edgy sound which will put the hairs on my chest! Download the track for free from the 'Phonics website here www.Stereophonics.com


SFW:-
Vinyl Williams - 'Inner Space'

This track by LA Based Artist & Musician, Lionel 'Vinyl' Williams has been tripping round my head all week. Call me bonkers, but can I say it takes you on a psychedelic sonic adventure in a way not to dissimilar to Hendrix's 1983 /Moon Turn the Tides from Electric Ladyland. On a lighter note, I think his name sounds Welsh and Lionel 'Vinyl' Williams would be a great name for a record store.

Checkout previous Tracks of the week here

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Saturday 12 January 2013

COVER NERD! - SEXY COVERS (SCROOBIUS PIP / OP8)

I'm fairly new to this whole blogging game, but I felt already it was time to share a couple of songs which I have to put in the bracket 'SEXY'. I know I'm not the authority on being sexy so please let me know which songs float your boat!



Can You Feel It

When I think of Scroobius Pip, the word sexy doesn’t immediately spring to mind. No offence to the bearded genius, but he’s just not my personal cup of tea (to look at). However, this track off of his album Distraction Pieces absolutely is. I remember seeing Mr Pip in London in late 2011 at the Hoxton Bar & Grill and towards the end of his set, a girl joined him on stage and they did this. Being so different from the rest of the set and album that he was exclusively playing, it stuck in my mind.
I like the way Scroobius speaks the lyrics and then Natasha Fox bursts in sometimes just after sometimes at the same time. The combination gets me going and now whenever I hear the song, it gives me goose pimples, and makes me wanna dim the lights, pour some wine and make my own sweet music, and no not a solo record.
I listened to the original Kate Bush song, which has been described as the sexiest song ever. It’s good, but I have to say I prefer Natasha Fox’s vocals. Maybe it’s because I heard the cover first, which usually means that stays as my favourite.




When A Sexy Cover Isn't A Sexy Cover
A few years ago, I was looking on the internet for any Calexico related songs, and came across the band OP8 which has Joey & John from Calexico as well as their oft collaborator Howe Gelb of Giant Sand (amongst many). This track featuring Lisa Germano on vocals, is a cover of the Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood 1960’s recording.
For me the breathy way in which both the male & female voices almost whisper the lyrics, make the hairs on my neck stand up and sends shivers down my spine. The xylophone (on the original version) and the snare brush drumming complement the singing really well.

NERD ALERT! - Dan Le Sac & Scroobius Pip once auditioned for the X-Factor (see here for proof)


Thursday 10 January 2013

DYLAN COVERS #82 Graham Parker - I Threw it all Away/Licence to Kill

Squeezing out the Sparks!

GRAHAM PARKER - I threw it all away(2001)

Graham Parker is quite hot at the moment he has reformed with his excellent backing band the Rumour and is currently doing the rounds to rave reviews. I thought it was only fitting that I did GP covering Dylan. The first one is a take of  "I threw it all away"   'about as perfect a song as you can get'  says Mr Parker. 'Bang on Mr Parker', I say! 

 Unfortunately it is not the best version and the slight reggae tinge does not feel quite right.


It was taken from the Dylan Tribute concert at the Town Hall New York 19th May 2001.
If anyone knows where I can get a copy I will be very happy

 
GRAHAM PARKER - Licence to Kill(2010)

The next one is Dylan's "License to Kill" taken from a concert at Pat Dinizio's 5th Annual Halloween Party
October 30, 2010 at Italian American Hall, Scotch Plains, NJ. What about that then.! There is another version at another location currently on You Tube, but the quality is a bit doggy!

Further Graham Parker Post



HIP HOP CLASSICS - House of Pain - 'On Point'

Hip Hop Classics...straight outta Surrey Heath! 



House of Pain - 'On Point' (1994)

The promise of a Christmas works night out and chance to let your hair down a bit (depending if the boss is there) always sounds good at the time but it's the getting back from London that takes away some of the gloss for me. So it was after long sobering last train ride home that I found myself standing in the drizzle, in a soul sapping, long meandering queue for taxis. Gutted! However, not nearly as gutted as the guy in front of me with the shoe missing, his shoe-less foot dirty, wet and blood stained. "That is one guy with a story to tell" I thought and as it turns out he did as we eventually shared a taxi home.

I had to ask him about his foot...."Dude, what happened to you shoe?"
"Oh mate, I lost it at the O2....I went to see the Pogues, I was at the front!" he said
"Wow! Good Night?" I asked
"Brilliant, definitely worth losing a shoe!" he replied

I shared in his pain as Incredibly, I recounted a similar ordeal I had experienced with some 'box fresh' trainers and a House of Pain and Cypress Hill concert in the mid nineties. It was a great gig but I made the mistake of standing in and around the 'Mosh Pit' and with every hit played I was consumed by the crowd surging forward towards the stage. One such surge saw me lose my footing and my shoe in the process, said shoe then hurtling through the air as some bastard threw it towards the back of the venue. Needless to say I was 'sulking like Macauley Culkin Home Alone', as I never got to find my other sneaker and was left to negotiate the way home on one shoe, the underside of my sock was very interesting indeed. It was a memorable evening nonetheless, perhaps losing a shoe is a prerequisite for a great time! What have you lost at a gig? Let us know?

Yo dawg, found yo shoe!
"On Point' is taken from everybody's favourite 'Oirish' rappers, House of Pain's second album, 'Same As It Ever Was' and proved there was much more to them than 'Jump Around'. Front man Everlast is supposedly touring with his blend of Hip Hop, Country and Blues....check his official website here.....word!


Have a listen to our Hip Hop Classics playlist on Spotify...or 'stand up for the cause' by clicking on some more Hip Hop Classic posts here... 


Wednesday 9 January 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Flaming Lips - I am the Walrus

The Flaming Lips, not fans of eggs anymore.


FLAMING LIPS - I am the Walrus

We went out just before Xmas for some Xmas decorations as we were staying in Spain this season, we usually return to the U.K. to be with Shellhunter and Flycasual. We bought some meat at our Butcher and Old Ma found a large tray of fresh double yolk eggs. (How do they know they are double yolks folk?).  I told Old Ma we will have to be careful with them as there was no top protection.

On the way back home we 'popped' into a local Bar for 'one'  drink and to check out if there was any space for Xmas dinner. We got involved with a disc Jockey guy who looked exactly like Keith Flint from The Prodigy. He had some bright red and green hair, with lots of metal bits on his ears and nose. According to him he travelled with The Prodigy when they toured and that Keith copied the look from him.

A brand new friend
It is strange over here in Spain, all guitarists that you meet have all jammed with Jimi Hendrix and all guys who have been in the Forces are ex SAS. People seem to re-invent themselves for some reason. I once met an Ex-army, guitarist, cyclist, tennis player. I will stop right there as you know where I am going with this. Anyway we had a great old time with KF look alike, he was great fun (top bloke)....and after a few whiskey shots we booked up for Xmas Lunch there.

'Too Late to stop now' was said  Good Old Van.  I have quoted that one more times than I have had whiskey shots.

On finals on the way home we popped into 'Pats Bar' just for 'one for the road'.  Old Ma got involved with a woman who said she was a medium. I asked the medium if she could get in touch with an old guitar buddy of mine, a J. Hendrix. It did not go down too well. We left pretty late and taking the shopping in I said to Old Ma be careful. She got in the gate and slid on her arse....eggs up in the air!

 £250 pound in anybodys' money.

Only 3 eggs survived from 24 (double yolkers too)  .Laika, our Husky cross gobbled them greedily all up like a Hog. Old Ma was ok by the way! Just a sore Bum.

The next morning when I went out the whole place was a mess, covered in thick yellowish eggy and gooey poos! and slimy lumpy vomit! and let's not mention the smell !! Thank God these eggs were not hard boiled or poor Laika would have been bouncing into Lapland.

Guess who was on clean up duty!  It was of course, all my fault!
A dog after a visit to 'Pats Bar'
As a foot note : we do not normally have such exciting sorties? or do we? Take last Saturday......!

Christmas lunch by the way was excellant, there was more than enough for a doggy bag for Laika and Dixie our Yorkie. We shared a table with a very interesting and entertaing older couple whom we have arranged to meet for a future lunch date.  We missed out Pat's Bar on the way home.??


Sunday 6 January 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 06/01/13 - Ultraista, Bob Dylan, Ed Harcourt, Foals

Four tracks that helped us recover from the festive fiscal cliff!


Flycasual:-
Ultraista - Small Talk (2012)



I only recently found out about Ultraista after reading about them last month, stating they came together through a mutual love of Afrobeat and electronic music. Wow, for me that's a perfect combination, a bit like being indefinitely fed houmous by harem of scantily clad exotic women. Yes, anyway, the London based group have Nigel Godrich (Radiohead producer) at the helm, along with singer Laura Bettinson and one time Beck drummer Joey Waronker and Small Talk is the latest single to be taken from their self titled debut album, out last October.

I wish small talk was always this enjoyable...check their website here.

Shell Hunter:-
Foals - 'Inhaler' (2012)



When I first heard this on the radio a couple weeks ago, I thought it was The Charlatans. The high pitched voice also reminded me of the part in Eddie Murphy's stand up video Raw when he pretended to be Michael Jackson having a fight in a club! Anyway, this track shows great potential for what we can expect from Foals' third album Holy Fire due out in February. Its got a funky but subtle backing but then it hits you with a wall of noise, how delightful! www.foals.co.uk

Sfw:-
Ed Harcourt - The Man That Time Forgot


One of Britain's best singer/songwriters is back with new material from his upcoming album 'Back Into The Woods'.  The album was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in under six hours and it has been quoted that it's an album riddled with remorse but there’s also a playfulness to these redemption songs.  Don't worry Ed, we haven't forgotten!  Ed also dropped by the BBC to play a couple of tracks from the Beck Song Reader sheet music album on the BBC World Service’s show The Strand, if you are a fan of Ed Harcourt or Beck it's worth a listen!


Old Pa's Corner :-
Bob Dylan - Black Cross


This is from a European only 4CD set of outtakes from 1962 & 1963, The 50th Anniversary Collection, also known as, The Copyright Extension Collection Vol. I. Only available through literally, a hand full of stores in Germany, England, France & Sweden. Most of the tracks are from The Freewheelin' sessions, and a few are from various live performances Dylan did in the early 60s.Sony releases this in Europe at the last minute to prevent the copyright on some early Dylan recordings to go expired. I have already seen a copy on E-Bay for over £1000 and with still a few days to go.  That poor chap will have egg on his face if it gets a more general release.

The track I have chosen has always been one of my favourite Dylan Bootleg tracks. It is called Black Cross and is not a Bob original. It was recorded Live in the famous Gaslight Cafe New York in 1962 (hey! thats before you were born kiddo!) The delivery and the subject matter is just 'a must hear'. This is not the full version. That is even better.  I think this should therefore qualify for a new release. Don't you think so?.

Looks to me as if there will be a few more of these releases over the next year or so.