Thursday 28 February 2013

DYLAN COVERS #89 - Staple Singers - Masters of War/John Brown

Cleotha Staples R.I.P
This post is in memory of Cleotha Staples, one of the founding members of The Staple Singers, who died last week.  Cleotha had been suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease for the past 12 years. She was 78. R.I.P.


 
STAPLE SINGERS - Masters of War (1964)

The Staple Singers first recorded the fabulous rendition of Masters of War in 1964. The track was later used as the backing track in a promotional video for the video game Resistance 3. The song can still be found on various best of collections.

The second offering here is from a live show in San Francisco on the 19th April 1968. It is a take of the rarely covered John Brown a brilliant anti war song.

I am sure you will agree both are top of the range Dylan Covers.


STAPLES SINGERS - John Brown

For more Dylan Covers

CLASSIC MOVIE SCENE #8 - Swingers - Go Daddy-O - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy




'Go Daddy-O' - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Swingers (1996)

Next week I'm off to London to watch 'Midnight Tango' with Strictly Come Dancing favourites Flavia and Vincent, I know, I know but it's a Christmas present for my wife who loves dance and the Argentinian tango in particular. I did toy with the idea of buying one ticket and meeting her in the pub later but as it happens I like it because she likes it.

When we were first stepping out, my wife did tell me once that dancing is a vertical expression of a horizontal desire. I found this a sobering statement at the time, realising that when she asked me to dance at friend's weddings she clearly didn't mean drunken skanking to Bob Marley. Which is why I love this scene from one of my favourite ever movies, Swingers. The ability to handle yourself appropriately on the dancefloor with a few moves will go a long way in 'clinching the deal' with your girl. But despite all this I am certain I won my wife's heart with my energetic 'Running Man' (it's our weapon of choice for the dancefloor here at TuneDr), the birds love it.

I'm also very good at the 'Harlem Shake'

Our protagonist, Mikey had been unceremoniously dumped by his girlfriend and spends the duration of the movie feeling sorry for himself despite the best efforts of his friends to snap him out of it. Here he finally decides that he is actually 'money' and plucks up the courage to talk to a girl who eventually asks him to dance. You think "oh god he's gonna mess this up" but they end up doing a great Jive and he finally starts living again.

Go Daddy-O is performed by the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy an American Swing revival band, check out their website here....

Have a look at some more 'money' scenes.....

Wednesday 27 February 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - The Twang - Barney Rubble


Today we have something short and sweet with a chorus to die for, a tropical burrowing worm, and a late contender.
WilMa!
 
THE TWANG - Barney Rubble (2009)

I don't know where I heard this track but it was near the end of 2009, it became a late contender for one of my tracks of the year. I just loved this and as for the chorus, well it is just to die for. It is a classic breakup song too. I had never heard of the Twang before and I have never heard any other song from them since. The song came up on a playlist the other day when I heard it again and the same feeling about the song washed over me. I had to play it over and over.

You will probably listen and say what is all the fuss about, it is short sweet and poppy. It reminds me a bit of The Teenage Fan Club. It just goes to show there is no telling when a song is going to hit you, like an arrow through your heart.

It is one of those tunes that for the next few days you wake up and are singing the chorus and humming it all day. It's like some burrowing tropical worm that has got in to your brain.

I am currently checking out more from the Twang.

For more Wednesday Club rubble

Tuesday 26 February 2013

TUESDAY BLUES! Patrick Watson - Step Out For A While

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!



Patrick Watson - Step Out For A While

Patrick Watson is a Canadian musician from Montreal, Quebec.  This track features on his 2012 album, Adventures in Your Own Backyard.

Currently performing in Europe, Watson has also announced that the band will be playing in Manchester as part of this summer's Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival which is scheduled for 13-16 June.

Checkout this Live Version

Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!

Monday 25 February 2013

GUEST SPOT #56 - Roy Haynes And The Fountain Of Youth Band

It's Monday, and it's guest spot day again. We welcome back Emma who gives us this excellent review of a gig at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on 18th November 2011


It's that easy, so 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.


Now I know where Bill Crosby got his dance moves from…the legendary Mr. Roy Haynes. Regarded as one of the jazz drumming greats, Roy Haynes came on stage tap dancing at 86 years old, every bit the 5’2” kid with a streak of mischief in his eye!!
The crowd had been wooed with the likes of Peter King and his Quartet (Steve Melling, Marc Fletcher and Jeff Gascoyne) playing fluid tracks such as Lush Life, B’s Groove and Joshua, but they still weren’t ready for Roy!

His introduction on the stage was even marked with a note from Charlie Watts (of The Rolling Stones) apologising for his absence. Apparently he sent Roy a bouquet of red roses, so we knew we were in the presence of sheer talent! I must admit I felt I was in the presence of a timeless man, timeless for the fact he didn’t look 86 nor did he play like an 86 year old. Timeless as time didn’t have any constraints on his music. Roy could take on time and lose it in melody and rapture, weaving rhythms with effortless ease. Switching between sticks I was hypnotised forgetting to focus on his drumming technique but getting carried away in the sheer buzz and rhythm from Roy and his American band (Martin Bejerano on piano, David Wong on double bass and Jaleel Shaw on saxophone).



Noted as a band leader as well as a “hard swinging” drummer Roy would randomly get up and work the band, beating his sticks and playing with the crowd. He knew he had us and we didn’t know what to expect! Rolling in track after track eventually the gig came to a stand still and we were all left wanting more! The audience immediately jumped up as Roy left the stage, we had sampled his magic music and we wanted more! In true Boston style Roy came back and toasted to our good health, everyone had forgotten the legend was a little older than he looked. When I left the hall I felt truly blessed to have seen such pure talent perfected with age yet still youthful in spirit, truly Roys’ Fountain of Youth with waves of sound.


For more of Emma's posts, please click here

Sunday 24 February 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 24/02/13 - Fidlar,The Pigeon Detectives, The Courteeners, Little Green Cars, Jagwar Ma

Five tracks that bailed us out this week...did you have any that freed you?



London Scouser:-
The Pigeon Detectives - 'Animal' (2013)



As previously mentioned, I think I'm turning into an old fart. I find myself listening to talkSPORT rather than xFM on my daily commute to work at Heathrow. Last Saturday I was listening to Saggers & Quinny talking about the FA Cup games being played when they mentioned that after the break they would be chatting with the lead singer of The Pigeon Detectives. It turns out that the FA have decided to have an X-Factor type sing off between a number of acts, one of whom is The Pigeon Detectives, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the FA. Each artist will perform their track live before a game with the winner being chosen after the semi-finals. The winning track will be played as the teams walk out for the final on May 11th.
I haven't heard the other songs competing, but I really like this one. It's instantly catchy & reminiscent of the songs that started me liking them way back in good old 2006. The video is good fun, but why does it never happen to me ??. I think that I'm guilty of initially dismissing them because of their name thinking that they would be rubbish. 'I'm Not Sorry' to say I was wrong and hope that they win the competition and with it a load of new fans.
You can download the single for free at www.thepigeondetectives.com which can't be bad.

Old Pa's Corner:-
Fidlar - 'Cheap Beer' (2013)

 
I'm a beer drinker, I won't try and hide it, why should I, I love the stuff, I have always loved the stuff!  The golden amber, the frothy bubbles on the top. The anticipation of that first glutenous mouthful and the satisfaction as its friendly alcohol takes the desired effect. Beautiful!.

This one is for all my fellow beer drinking brothers out there and is by the L.A band Fidlar and is from their self titled album. It is 2:25 of highly charged, beer fuelled guitar frenzy. You might not be able to get most of the lyrics but the chorus comes out loud and clear :

'I drink cheap Beer, so what! f**k you!'    Bloody brilliant.!

The backing reminds me a little bit of The Boomtown Rat's  'Looking after Number 1'

Apparently the name Fidlar means  'F**k it, Dog, Life's a Risk'  and is a Skateboarding reference (well Flycasual/SFW, over to you). Their music is sometimes referred to 'Brain Dead Beach Punk'. I could not have said it up better!

Sfw:-
Little Green Cars - 'Harper Lee' (2013)


Little Green Cars are a Dublin based five piece that were featured on the BBC Sound of 2013 longlist.  Labelled between "Mumford & Sons and Maccabees" their sound reminds me of Granddaddy meets Band of Horses.  Good stuff.

Flycasual:-
Jagwar Ma - 'The Throw' (2013)



A few weeks ago London Scouser mentioned how the Palma Violets revived memories of the early 90's, comparing them to the Inspiral Carpets, this time it's my turn. This 'sorted' track by Aussie duo, Jagwar Ma, takes me back to that era of flowery shirts, baggy jeans and 'curtain' hairstyles of which I was guilty of on all counts. It reminds me of a cross between the early psychedelia of the Happy Mondays/Charlatans mixed with the pulsing beats of the Orb. Even the video has a definite Stone Roses feel to it 'a la' Fool's Gold and that's most definitely ok with me. A welcome sound and a trip in time I thoroughly enjoyed this week.

Shell Hunter:-
The Courteeners - 'Lose Control' (2013)


The good ol' Courteeners are back with a new album called Anna and their latest single Lose Control. I heard it a couple of times on the radio driving to work and seriously could not stop singing it all day. People must have thought I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown saying "lose control" over and over again! You have to admit it is deliciously catchy though! The Courteeners have a great few tracks under their belt, my favourites being 'That Kiss', 'Not Nineteen Forever' and this one which is set to do them justice. Their latest tour is already underway but there may still be a chance to catch them at their gig at London's Brixton Academy on 16th March. Sign up to their mailing list on their website here to keep abreast of the latest news!

Checkout previous Tracks of the week here
Listen & Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist

Saturday 23 February 2013

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - BRAD - '20th Century'





Brad - '20th Century' (1993)
 
They say that big events in your life help you remember the music that was around at the time. 1993 had a massive event for me, one that was life changing. It was the year that Old Pa got a new job in the UK and we left Saudi Arabia. It was the only life I knew and I've missed it ever since. But if I was ever on Mastermind, I would ace being quizzed on songs released in 1993!
 
This epic song from Brad, although it was a minor hit in the UK was big for me. It surrounded the last few days being in Saudi packing all my childhood things, as it was on a mix tape Flycasual had at the time. One of the last days we spent in Jeddah, Flycasual took me along with his friends to an evening exploring in the city. I had never seen the real Jeddah, I was always in the safety and familiarity of the compound we lived on. I remember it was dimly lit, bustling with people everywhere shouting random stuff in Arabic in the market place. I was mesmerised by the razzmatazz and felt so small compared to everyone else. We hopped on a packed, dingy public bus and Flycasual turned to me whilst I was squashed up against all the other passengers, "You're not going to forget this moment". I was 11 years old then and not only remember that moment but that whole evening every time I hear 20th Century.


 
Brad actually released an album in April last year that I totally missed called United We Stand. Catch up with their movements on their site here...
 

Go back in time to relive some more SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX posts here! Or better yet, subscribe to my Spotify playlist now!


Thursday 21 February 2013

DYLAN COVERS #88 Greg Lake - I Love You too Much x 2

I wrote this song with Bob Dylan?


 
GREG LAKE - Love You Too Much (Live) 

Well here you are, direct from the horses mouth  Greg  wrote the song with Mr D. However, I have quoted the following how he appeared to have come by the track :

"I wanted to do a Bob Dylan song on an album because I respect him a lot as a writer and as a performer, and I had a friend who used to be his tour manager," Greg explained. "I didn't want to do one of the regular songs of Bob's that  people cover. I wanted to see if I could get something unusual to sing, maybe something that he had not released."

"He gave me a half-finished song, and he said, 'If you can finish it, then that might be the best solution,' so that's what happened." 

Greg Lake first released the song with amended lyrics on his album "Greg" (1981), and also on a 7" single, below. Wow! it has all the hallmarks of  'ELP'.


 
GREG LAKE - Love You Too Much (1981)

For more Dylan Covers

Cypress Hill - 'Cock the Hammer'

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



Cypress Hill - 'Cock The Hammer' (1993)

I managed to catch the tail end of Jurassic Park the other day, a film I loved and one which I haven't seen in ages. I fondly remember getting caught up in dino fever at the time, Laura Dern's shorts making we want to study paleontology. All those dinosaurs running amok reminds me, bizarrely, of Cypress Hill's 'Cock the Hammer'. Not only was the album 'Black Sunday' out at the same time but the track is dark, brooding and menacing. The screeching sample making me think I was being hunted by a pack of Velociraptors as opposed to some Cholos in South Central LA.

Doyouthinkhesaurus.....man, we been smoking too much!
My wife woke me from my reverie to tell me that, after the Blackpool premiere in ’93, she was interviewed by the local Evening Gazette and asked what she thought of the film. Instead of praising the ground-breaking special effects, bringing the dinosaurs to life or how cool the scene is where the guy on the toilet gets munched by T-Rex, she replies,

"it was great but I wasn't sure the PG rating was right as it was very scary."

She was 20 at the time - what a schmuck! (her word not mine but yeah, what a schmuck!).

However I also have a confession to make. Many moons ago, Old Pa dragged me along to see Bob Dylan at Wembley Arena. Despite 'growing up' with Bob, I still knew very little. So when Q magazine approached me (Q! My big moment), post- concert, to ask me what I thought, I froze! Knowing I may feature as part of their regular fan concert review, I desperately tried thinking of something smart to say but all I could muster was,

"it was good but he could have played some of his older stuff. His hat was cool though."

The interviewer just said his thank yous and left. When Old Pa returned from the toilet he was beaming and exclaimed,

"that was an amazing gig he played a lot of his older and more obscure stuff which he doesn't usually play!"

What a schmuck!

gutted!

Have you ever been a schmuck and said something you knew was crap after being interviewed? It's ok, go ahead we're all on the truth tree, you can tell us.

See what they're up to, check Cypress Hill's official website...

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


Wednesday 20 February 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Captain Beefheart - Gimme Dat Harp Boy

Some 'C' inspiration, a great guy, a sad bunch and meet the Captain

The Captain

 
CAPTAIN BEEFHEART - Gimme Dat Harp Boy (1968)

I had just moved down to London I managed to 'swing' a transfer from East Kilbride Tax Office to one in Isleworth, opposite the Fire Station, if you know Isleworth. I think it is a college or something nowadays. The Inland Revenue paid all my moving expenses etc. Nice people!

Compared to East Kilbride, the place was like something out of Dickens, it smelt musty and of old books. The people there were all ancient and set in there ways, I was like a toad in heat without a pond.

There was one guy who was different, he was black, had a straggle beard, was always hunched and always smelt of stale tobacco. The tips of his fingers were stained brown. Sometimes, when he returned from the toilet, there was that unmistakable aroma in the air which you would associate more with Lee Scratch Perry than with a Tax Officer.

He was always alone and people avoided him. When I first talked to him, I was told I should not get too close as he was not the type to be involved with and he was being watched??. This just annoyed me and I started to make a point of going with him for lunch and tea breaks.

He invited me round to his pad one night and I found him to have a wicked sense of humour and he was heavily into music and poetry. He loved Zappa and Captain Beefheart, I had just got into The Captain and had just bought Strictly Personal where this song comes from. He was a great guy when you broke the surface and we became friends..

I only stayed about 4 months as I got a job with British Airways. I never did pay back the expenses I got from the Inland Revenue. I pleaded poverty.

I do know one thing, I disliked working there and the only thing that made it bearable was  'the guy that nobody talked too'. I can't even remember his name, but I have a clear vision of him and the laughs we had together. It was a shame I lost contact with him. I seem to loose contact with most of the people I have had 'close encounters' with. Still, I have the visions, I have the memories. They can't take that away. Can they?!

With thanks to 'C' for the inspiration from one of her Posts   

Tuesday 19 February 2013

TUESDAY BLUES! Daughter - Landfill

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!


Daughter - Landfill
Daughter are a three piece from London whose musical origins revolve around the solo work of singer Elena Tonra.  Tonra's haunting, heartfelt and mesmerising vocals have everything - "I want you so much/but I hate your guts!", doesn't leave much to the imagination! I love it!

She doesn't really hate your guts...

They've signed to 4AD, but have previously released EP's through Communion Records and their debut album, If You Leave is released on the 18th March.


Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!

Monday 18 February 2013

COVER NERD! - Ben Folds 'Bitches Ain't Shit' & Barenaked Ladies 'Fight The Power'


I like my covers, some are good and some are bad, but to me I don't mind. I'm happy to find the obscure as well as the conventional. Here in my bi-weekly spot I hope to share with you some of my favourites.

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


This time it's when geek's do rap (with apologies to Flycasual and his Yes Yes Y'All franchise) 



Ben Folds - Bitches Ain't Shit (2006)

I've always been a big fan of Ben Folds, with or without the Five, and enjoyed an excellent concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in January 2007 (it will always be the Odeon to me, as it was the site of my first ever gig for my brother's 10th birthday in 1979. The band in question was Showaddywaddy.... His choice, honest) where he played all of his hits and all of a sudden he started playing this. At the time, I knew that it wasn't a song I was familiar with from his extensive back catalogue, but I found myself singing along as I knew some of the words. It was only later when I got home and googled some of the lyrics that I remembered, I found out it was a Dr. Dre song. I'm sure he cringes at the thought of it. I don't though and think that Ben Folds has almost made the song his own.






Barenaked Ladies - 'Fight The Power' (1993)

I was a small-ish fan of the Barenaked Ladies when they hit the scene in England with their song 'One Week' in 1998 and as I had money to burn I bought a few CD's from their back catalogue. I still try and fail at singing along to the lyrics, but love the line about 'watching X-Files with the light's on'.
On a separate but connected note, I bought the soundtrack to 'Coneheads' which despite the film being utterly atrocious, the soundtrack is really excellent. It features some great covers, amongst them kd Lang & Andy Bell doing 'No More Tears (Enough Is Enough) which I vaguely remember them performing on a Brit Awards evening. Also Morten Harket's fabulous rendition of 'I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You' which I liked so much I demanded it be on my wedding album (consisting of 7 songs.... details available upon request for the romantics out there). And this bizarre but brilliant take on the seminal classic by Public Enemy, it's jazz-tastic !! The live video isn't as good as the studio recording they made, which is worth a listen via our spotify link below. Enjoy y'all.

NERD ALERT! - The Barenaked Ladies perform the feem toon to my favourite American sit-com 'The Big Bang Theory', us Nerd's have to stick together after all.


And if you wanna subscribe to the Cover Nerd Spotify playlist, please click here


Sunday 17 February 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 17/02/13 - Roisin Murphy, Robert Delong, Willy Mason, The Cribs, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

Five meteors that knocked us over this week...




Old Pa's Corner:-
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - 'Jubilee Street' (2013)

 

This track is from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds new album just released, Push the Sky Away (2013). It is a fantastic album and is exactly the way I like my Nick Cave served, all dark, moody, sexual and haunting. This track is a perfect example. It is almost a perfect album and is on my dog walking play list non-stop. I much prefer this than his Grinderman output. But that is not to say I don't like Grinderman because I do.  A must hear album


SFW:-
Willy Mason - 'Pickup Truck' (2013)
 
I've been a fan of the gravelly singer since the start and his 2012 album, Carry On, is an absolute joy. With a UK tour in March, supporting Ben Howard in April and a number of festivals, 2013 could be the year that the Willy gets big.


Flycasual:-
Roisin Murphy - 'Simulation' (2012


I'm a big fan of Roisin Murphy's unique style, from her days in Moloko to Disco diva and she can rap too (check out a previous post here). Some fan then, as despite being released in late 2012, I only got to hear this song last week whilst visiting fellow blogger, Sfw. The video, however, has only just been released earlier this month. It's great house track, I love the thumping beat and hi-hat with Roisin's sultry vocals, I think it has the same sort of vibe as Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love', so if you want a bit of sauce....this one's for you.

Roisin Murphy on Perm Vac records

Shell Hunter:-
Robert Delong - 'Global Concepts' (2013)


This song had me at hello. I love it when I'm instantly infatuated with a track and it's all about the giant metal bin sounding drums in this one! Robert Delong is bridging the gap between singer songwriter, producer, and indie electro guru. With it, he is bringing....interesting hair. I read that he is big into his gadgets and even plays joysticks and games console controllers on stage whilst playing loads of other instruments, so there's no denying he's got talent! His debut album, Just Movement, will be out in June following the release of this first single in April. I'm intrigued that the rest of it will make me f**king dance just like this does!


London Scouser:-
The Cribs - 'Leather Jacket Love Song' (2013)


When I heard this a week or so back on Xfm I thought to myself I haven't heard this song for a while. Little did I realise that it was in fact a new song that they recorded for their upcoming singles collection, 'Payola' which spans their first 10 years together from 2002-2012. Definitely 1 for me.
They have been a band that I have always loved, but seem to forget how much I like them, until the next time I hear them. I'm determined to see them live and will make it my mission as soon as possible.


Checkout previous Tracks of the week here
Listen & Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist

Saturday 16 February 2013

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Hard-Fi - 'Living for The Weekend'




Never has a truer phrase existed than "Living for the weekend". Most of my life has been like that, through the monotony of school then getting my first full time Monday to Friday 9-5 in a courier office after finishing college. If only you could bottle that 'Friday feeling'! Hard-Fi had a belter of a first album and for me, this track stands out. I feel the need to sing it at the top of my lungs especially the excellent swearing bit. Sometimes it just needs to be said!

The Staines Massive
Even when I changed to a new cargo job at Heathrow which was 12 hour shifts doing days and nights, although it wasn't Friday I was always looking forward to, it was my days off. Driving home after that last night shift was great, I had a smile on my face. I knew that after I woke up from a few hours kip, the world was at my feet, well okay, Slough. But never the less, the time was mine and I was free from the shackles of deadlines, answering phones and to superiors! Now I'm a bit older and changed to a Flight Operations job, I still get that same smile on my face but it's normally when I'm walking into work on the last shift. I adopt the attitude, "It's my last day, throw what you can at me, bring it on!" The thing is, as luck would have it, it's usually the last shift that every thing goes wrong! 

After walking in and taking a pretty gruesome handover from my colleague the other day, I got a call from Paris asking if we could accept a diversion as Bristol airport was shut due to fog. Only being new to the role, I literally had to wing it. Panic stations! Whilst that was happening, Amsterdam were getting pelted with a snow blizzard so we had a few cancellations. "Hooray!" shout the dispatchers who were allocated those flights, "Oh shit" I cry as I know they will just upgrade the aircraft size and it will come in at last knockings, where I will be fully expected to choose someone to stay (making me the bad guy) and am stuck myself being the supervisor! Despite all these horrible irregularities, in the back of my mind I hear, "The day will come to an end, and no matter what happens, you will be enjoying a nice glass of wine at home before you go to bed, waking up to three glorious days off". It may not be the weekend but the sentiment is the same: Work hard? Play Harder!!



Subscribe to my SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX Spotify playlist now!

Friday 15 February 2013

DYLAN COVERS #87 Walter Trout - I shall be Released/Girl from the North Country

On the back of the fish truck that loads


 
WALTER TROUT - I shall Be Released (2000)

Here are two crackers, both are worth the effort and after, you will be searching out 'shoals' of  Trout music. Sorry about that. No more fishy jokes please!!!. This track is taken from 'Live Trout (2000)'. Nothing wrong with this for all you Dylan Cover fans!. 
 
 
WALTER TROUT - Girl from the North Country (1990)

This is not at all bad either, in fact it is rather good and is from the album 'Prisoner of a Dream' (1990)'. I only discovered Mr Trout last year and these covers were a pleasant surprise. I love Dylan Covers, don't you?

For more Dylan Covers

Thursday 14 February 2013

TUNE DOCTOR'S PLAYLISTS - 'Our Bloody Valentine'


Ah Valentines...sometimes it's not just about a fluffy bunny, a padded greeting card or treating your partner to an 'Early Bird menu' at the Harvester. You could very well be single, indulging in a dinner for one or you could very well be heartbroken and be eating said fluffy bunny. Lucky for you we have all bases covered with TuneDr's very own Valentine's playlist, in love, the breakup and being alone.


Flycasual:-
In Love: Big Muff - 'My Funny Valentine' (1998)

Yep, they're called Big Muff. A track I first heard whilst I was falling in love with my now wife in New York.

The Breakup: Isaac Hayes - 'Walk On By' (1969)

Sometimes you need a girl to shit in your heart to truly start appreciating songs. Isaac Hayes' classic rendition of the Burt Bacharach composition is a firm favourite of mine and one such song. You hear so much more clearer after having your heart broken, at least that's one positive.

Alone: Soft Cell - 'Sex Dwarf' (1981)

Just because she liked 50 Shades of Grey didn't mean she'd go for this! Single now and are you surprised? Lets face it, if you're listening to this you are, or should be alone. "They all love your miniature ways". Horrifically good! I'm just glad the official video was of poor quality but if for any reason you need to ruin the mood on Valentine's day, see the video here.....





Old Pa's Corner:
In Love: Art Garfunkel - 'I've Only Got Eyes for You' (1975)

We have all been there, in a crowded place, but not being aware of anybody else but her or maybe making a horrible journey, that normally you want to end as soon as possible, but because she is with you, you want it to go on for ever. Why? because you Love her. You are in Love of course.    

The Breakup: Righteous Brothers -'You've Lost that Loving Feeling' (1964) 

Possibly one of the best records ever made, certainly in my top twenty. You always know when 'that loving feeling' is going. You feel the pain, the twisting Knife in your heart, you want to die, what is left in life, she was your world, your future, you love her!




Alone: The Four Tops - 'Ask the Lonely' (1965)

'Ask The Lonely' is one of the most underated 'breakup'songs of all time and one of my favourite/greatest voices of all time, the great  Levi Stubbs. Along with The Temptations, they knocked out some of the best pop music which my ears have had the pleasure to have heard. This is pure brilliance in the space of 3 minutes. You're stunned into submission, with the shear excellence of what can be achieved in such a  short space of time. When it finishes you just want to hear it again and again....isn't it great, when you can look back on 'all that pain' and now enjoy 'all that pain'.

Bob Marley once said ...'when music hits you feel no pain'. Seriously Bob! 'Go ask the lonely!!'

'Ask Me!'!
I'll be there


Shell Hunter:-
Love: The Lightning Seeds - 'Sense' (1992)

Its the simplicity of this track that I love. Who can explain the reason you feel the way you do when you're in love. "The only reason is just because". Fabulous!

Breakup: Limp Bizkit - 'Re-Arranged' (1999)

When you're hurting and hate the world, metal and angriness can be the best medicine. Fred Durst gets it so right in this seriously bitter song which I remember constantly playing after getting my heart broken many moons ago.

Alone: Beck - 'Nobodys Fault But My Own' (1998)

Beck beautifully encapsulates how you feel when you are on your own. You go over what you should/could have done differently and ultimately struggle not to blame yourself for what went wrong in your relationship.

London Scouser:-
In Love:  Dr Hook - 'A Little Bit More' (1976)

As a kid, I was subjected to Cliff Richard & Dr. Hook by my Mum. Nowadays that's tantamount to reaching for the phone and calling Childline. Now I'm getting older, I realise that the latter of Mum's choices have written some seriously great tracks. (Sylvia's Mother, Sexy Eyes to name a couple) and this one in particular gives me goose bumps when I hear it. Thanks Mum


The Breakup: Puddle Of Mudd - 'Blurry' (2001)

A great song which deals with a couple splitting up with a child in the middle. Thankfully I've never experienced this. But out of bad things, good things happen. This song.

Alone: Calexico - 'Alone (Again Or)' (2004)

One of my favourite covers by one of my favourite bands of probably my favourite Love song. Nuff said.

Sfw:-
In Love: - The Black Keys - 'You're The One' (2007)

This always makes me think of my wife and that is a good thing.


The Breakup: Ryan Adams - 'Call Me On Your Way Back Home' (2000)

When I first heard Heartbreaker it made me realise however bad I felt, Ryan felt worse.

Alone: Nirvana - 'In Bloom' (1992)
Anger, fear, hate,  Yoda used all of these to describe the dark side whereas I would also add Nirvana. I used to listen to this on my own. It may explain how I turned out!


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Wednesday 13 February 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - The Stranglers - Something Better Change

-WEDNESDAY CLUB to-day, we have ESB an upside down yellow Beetle, a missed victory, The Stranglers and Virginia Wade-

A similar yellow Beetle


 

THE STRANGLERS - Something Better Change (1977)

I know it was June 1977 as it was the Wimbledon Ladies semi-final, Virgina Wade was playing Chris Everett, it was also the Centennial of Wimbledon. I was excited, maybe Virginia could do it this time, it was her sixteenth attempt, time was running out for her. I was on an early shift and a friend and I were going to watch the game together at his house in Staines. We left work at 13:00 and went to a pub in Cranford the Rose and Crown, to get 'a few in' before the game (as tradition demanded) which should start just after 14:00.    
Beware

After a quick 4 pints of Fullers ESB (Extra Special Bitter) 5.5% , we headed of to Staines by the By-pass. My friend had a bright yellow Beetle and he went off ahead like, well a Beetle out of Hell. There was no way I was going to stay with him, he was crazy. He was almost a full roundabout ahead of me. When I got to the next roundabout, Holy shit! there was a bright Yellow beetle upsides down in the middle of the duel carriage way. It was slowly rocking.

The Stranglers were on the radio.

It took a second for me to realise that it was my friend. By the time I managed to parked and hurried back to the scene, the Police were already there and several strong guys managed to get my friend out and turned the car over.

My friend was dazed an incoherent, I heard the Police say have you been drinking. What should I do? say nothing. There is no point in us both going down??.

I could not do it.

I told the Police we had just finished work at 13:00 and went for a quick pint (nobody could drink 4 pints in 20 minutes, could they?) before going to watch the match. One of the Policemen was a big Tennis fan and his mood immediately changed. My friend had pain in his wrist, arm and shoulder. He said he was able to drive and needed to go to Hospital. They let us go and asked me to keep an eye and follow him to the Hospital.

Three bleeding hours I waited at AandE . I missed the match.

Conclusion:
My friend was not seriously injured
Virgina Wade won the match and went on to win the final. I watched the final in Nice.

Every time I hear the Stranglers I think of this story.
ESB is dangerous, if you drink 4 pints in 20 minutes ( a nice drop 'tho).

For more Wednesday Club grand slams

Tuesday 12 February 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Ethan Johns - Whip Poor Will

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!

Ethan Johns Whip Poor Will,

Ethan Johns - Whip Poor Will
Is there anything that this man cannot do? Over the last 15 years he has produced, mixed and played on a plethora of albums that include Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne, Kings Of Leon, Counting Crows, Laura Marling (the list goes on) and is part of a musical dynasty that have worked on some of the most revered albums of the last 50 years.  Glyn Johns (father) has produced albums for artists such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Who (etc) and Andy Johns (uncle) has produced for Led Zeppelins, Rolling Stones and Free. (the list goes on and on)

He's a musical hero of mine and I'm gutted that I missed his recent tour.  But then again is it a good idea to meet your heroes?  A previous time I met one of my favourite Singer/Songwriters, all I could say when asked what I thought of their performance was, "Tidy".  Who the hell says "Tidy?"

Whip Poor Will features on his new solo album If Not Now Then When.  


Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!

Monday 11 February 2013

GUEST SPOT #55 - Olive - 'You're Not Alone'

It's Monday, it's guest spot day and we blow our vuvuzela loud to welcome back Gavin (AKA DJ Biltong Man) which he submitted via the 'Submit A Guest Post'


That's right ladies & gentlemen. It's that easy so 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

Olive - You're Not Alone (1996)

 "Attending one of my early year 'hardcore' rave nightclubs where boys and girls toilets were shared and touching and feeling everyone seemed to be normal under the ultraviolet lights and lasers. It was around 03:30am and this track was playing when bright lights were switched on and suddenly you were able to see the person next to you as well as a whole lot of policemen in the club. No we were not about to witness a 1996 version of the YMCA....it was a raid. As we were all ushered out of the club to be searched outside against the wall I could not help notice how many 'disco biscuits' (yes brightly coloured pills) were being dropped on the floor as people were leaving. So for me this track will always be, 'bright light and pills on the floor' :-)"

Where did I drop my 'disco biscuits' ?

For more of DJ Biltong's contributions, click here

Sunday 10 February 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 10/02/13 - Junip, Tame Impala, Palma Violets, Filthy Boy, Professor

Five tracks that kept our Dreamliner flying this week...what were yours?





SFW:-
Junip - Line of Fire


Ever since I heard Crosses, I've been a fan of Jose Gonzalez and I could listen to his gentle vocals and exquisite guitar playing all day! His band Junip add further ingredients to the mix and Line of Fire features on their upcoming self-titled album.
 



Flycasual:-
Tame Impala - 'Mind Mischief' (2013)


I really enjoyed Tame Impala's album, 'Lonerism' last year, all courtesy of Old Pa's TOTW recommendation, the Glam Rock infused 'Elephant'. 'Mind Mischief', the latest single, is no different, a superb slice of 70's influenced psychedelic rock. The video is equally brilliant too, no, not because of that....well a bit (phwoar) but because of how the music compliments it so perfectly. I just love how the filming is split, from the classroom, to car and then descending to the post smoke hallucinogenic trip......or maybe that's what love looks like? Anyway I'm probably just jealous, I can't really remember lusting over any of my teachers. The only female teacher I remotely had any sort of fleeting interest in was my A-level geography teacher and she had a beard but you should have heard the way she explained plate tectonics.


Shell Hunter:-
Filthy Boy - 'Jimmie Jammies' (2013)


I love this song from the tip of my night cap all the way to the bottom of my bumble bee slippers! there's nothing better than getting all comfy and snug in your PJs and if it leads to some serious cuddling, all the better! Some of you may find this a bit wishy washy and a 'novelty' track but I disagree, it shows promise as being fantastically different with it's moody, saucy atmosphere even though it doesn't fail to get a smile from me. Lead singer Paraic Morrissey has a great voice, reminding me of Nick Cave or even Jim Morrison and I'm certain we will be hearing more from the London foursome. Filthy Boy's debut album called Smile That Won't Go Down is out on April 1st. Who needs a feather boa when the belt of your dressing gown will suffice!

Hit the link to check out their website (here) and grab a free download of 'Jimmie Jammies', woohoo!

London Scouser:-
Palma Violets - 'Step Up For The Cool Cats' (2013)



London's Palma Violets have just started a fairly large tour and if their set is half as good as this track then they are destined for great things. I hear a little of The Vaccines here with the underlying hammond organ sound that takes me back to the early 90's and one of my fave bands of that time, The Inspiral Carpets.
Previous release Best Of Friends is worth a listen too as the vocals sound like a cross between Mick Strummer  & Joe Jagger to me.

www.palmaviolets.co.uk/

Old Pa's Corner:-
Professor - Throw Down Your Arms (2012)

 
This is a fantastic rendition of the classic Burning Spear song (one of my favourite reggae tracks, and one of the best anti wars songs you can get) it comes from the 'Professor' album  'Throw Down your Arms' (2012) it was release at the end of December last year. The tracks were recorded live at the 'Reggae Sun Ska Festival in Europe in 2011'

I have just been listening to most of the album and it is a must hear if you a are reggae fan. The musicianship is fabulous and the energy is of incendiary proportions. The Spear would be proud.




Checkout previous Tracks of the week here
Listen & Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist

Saturday 9 February 2013

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Pulp - 'Sunrise'



Pulp - 'Sunrise' (2001)

We are about to get battered by another wave of horrible winter misery and all I keep saying to myself is, you just have to make it to March and you've cracked it. The days are getting longer and the sunrise earlier, the sun makes things feel more bearable again!

This epic track (live on old Joolsy Boy's show in 2001) gets me every time. I always thought it perfectly personified the sunrise, slow and lazy to start with then it blasts you with phenomenal unexpected power! Goosebumps for me!

I was in Spain with London Scouser visiting Old Ma when on one of our legendary pub crawls, we got talking to a guy who thought of himself as a bit of a wide boy know it all. He was an Irish bloke and doing a touring circuit of the pubs organising jamming sessions as he played guitar (he probably jammed with Jimmy too no doubt). He really tried his utmost to wow us with anything he could: general music trivia, aircraft knowledge and anything else he may have overheard us talking about but we saw him coming a mile off. He was one of those probably used to being centre of attention but our threesome gave him a good run for his money whilst having a laugh. It was great seeing his face in shock when my little ma reeled off all the weird and wonderful aircraft types she had experience with, with totally convincing knowledge and he soon shut his gob. He took a shine to us as we weren't the usual punters you get in Spain and invited us to watch him jam in a pub by the sea front we'd never been to called Dirty Nellies. Fuelled with many a drink, we agreed to go, stupidly not expecting to feel the wrath of hangover the next morning.

Later on we sort of recovered and ma said we'll just have a little scout around to look for this pub in the car. I vividly remember being in the back seat of my mum's convertible mini, with the top down, cruising the coastal road and this song came up on our holiday playlist. It was truly memorable, the sun on my face, the wind messing my hair up and me looking out to the great blue yonder. We never did find the pub but the drive was unforgettable because of this track. Never saw that bloke again either!



Jarvis, The Nerdfather and Co
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Thursday 7 February 2013

DYLAN COVERS #86 Jimmy Page / Masterminds - She Belongs to Me

The song belongs to Me!

 
JIMMY PAGE/MASTERMINDS - She Belongs to Me (1965)

The Masterminds were a Liverpool group around 1964. They were quite popular in  a Liverpool club called the Blue Angel. One night  The Rolling Stones, with manager-producer Andrew Loog Oldham came to the club after playing a gig at the Empire Theatre and saw the Masterminds doing Bob Dylan songs.

Olham must have been impressed, as he signed them up to his new Immediate Records label and they cut “She Belongs to Me,” their one and only single, in the spring of 1965. None other than a young Jimmy Page happened to be the session guitarist player during the cutting of the song. 

The Masterminds
I feel a bit guilty putting Jimmy's name first as really he is only the session guitarist and it demises the lads from the Masterminds in away. Don't you think?

However, you can still find the track on Jimmy's album Hip Young Gunslinger (and his friends).
and to be fair I suppose, at least they will get some royalties from that. It would be a bit difficult for them to release a greatest hits, seeing they only released the one record.  

For more Dylan Covers

Depedro - 'Don't Leave Me Now'

World Music Corner



Depedro - 'Don't Leave Me Now' feat Calexico (2009)


I would love to say that this perfect slice of Tex-Mex goodness evokes memories of a magical road trip across the Mojave desert or trying in vain to convince a sultry Mexican mamacita to share one last Margherita with me. Alas, the first time I heard this was on a family expedition to the glutton fest which is Toby Carvery but memorable nonetheless as it hit me like a giant slice of roast beef.

It has Calexico's unmistakable Alt-Country/Mariachi style that I have a real soft spot for. I love the brushed drumming and the way the horns sound like a departing steam train at the beginning and end of the song, as our desperado goes off to try and win his lady's heart back.


Would you like beef, gammon or turkey? I'll have the lot!

Depedro is the Moniker of former long time Madrid session guitarist Jairo Zavala, an artist who mixes elements of Afrobeat, reggae and blues but with his roots firmly in Latin music. It's this mix of genres that first attracted Calexico's Joey Burns to him who, as a result, invited Jairo to play with them whilst on their Spanish tour several years ago. Joey Burns subsequently offered to help Depedro produce his self titled debut album, from which 'Don't Leave Me Now' is taken from, at their studio in Tucson, Arizona. Depedro is releasing his 3rd album in April this year and it looks like Joey Burns' crew are at the helm again, See below.


You'll also be pleased to know that I opted for roast beef with all the trimmings and despite not going for seconds we all had a good feed.




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 6 February 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Pink Floyd - Poles Apart

-WEDNESDAY CLUB goes to Bushey Park for a 'summer do' and the Pink Floyd blow me a way!-

A 'Summer Do' in Bushy Park

'
PINK FLOYD - Poles Apart  (1994)

I have always liked Pink Floyd (most people do) since the early days with Sid Barrett. 'See Emily Play', 'Interstellar Overdrive' etc. When Sid sadly left in 1968 they still continued with a series of great albums 'Atom Heart Mother' and of course the 'Dark Side of the Moon'. I actually bought the album to be the first album to be played on my first 'proper' stereo system. Wow! it sounded fantastic, this was 1973. and I lived on Richmond Hill.

I continued buying Floyd albums up to the  'Final Cut' (1983)  which  for all intents and purpose was a Rodger Waters solo album. I persevered with his solo career which I would describe as patchy. PF's out put after 'Waters;' left I did not even bother to listen to. Their time had come and gone as far as I was concerned. Floyd without Rodger Waters, was no Floyd at all.

I was reluctantly at my Wife's 'summer do' in  Bushy Park. It actually turned out a pretty good affair and I had to admit I enjoyed myself.  After, Old Ma and I went round for drinks (more) to one of her friends house (I don't have friends) and they put on  'The Division Bell' (1994) by the Floyd (minus Waters).  I was really surprised (even shocked)  how good it was, almost folky in parts. The song  'Poles Apart' just blew me away. I bought the album immediately of course.

It just goes to show, doesn't it!

When they reformed for the 'Live 8' gig, it really was a big chicken skin moment.

For more Wednesday Club 'did you know'