Thursday 30 May 2013

DYLAN COVERS # 101 Freewheelin Covered Side 2

Here is the second side of  'The Freewheelin'  covered, to celebrate #100 'Dylan Covers'
I'm still bleeding freezing!


JOHNNY CASH - Don't think twice its Alright

Yet another classic, I have gone for this version by Johnny Cash recorded at the 1964 Newport Folk Festival a year before the historical electric entrance by Dylan. Johnny gets the nod due to his close assosiation with Bob during the sixties.

Martin Carthy 2nd from left

MARTIN CARTHY - Bob Dylan's Dream

There are several good versions of this fabulous song of nostagia. But I just had to go for Martin Carthy who had I suppose, had as much a contibution as anybody on the many brilliant songs which had been the result of Dylan's vist to the U.K. in 1962. Martin had taught Bob many of the old traditional British ballads.

Dylan adapted these traditional tunes in his own way to be the classics they are recognised now to be. Some might say he copied the tunes. I say he he used what was available and what had been his influences to come up with somthing magic and wonderful. What do you think?.

This is another track from that superb 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan - A Folk Tribute concert, highlighted in side 1 . I have also taken, Talkin World 3 Blues and I Shall be Free from that same concert. These are about the best I can find of these rarely covered songs

  RICHIE HAVENS - Oxford Town


Here is another song which is not covered too often. I like this take by the great late Mr Richie Havens. It can be found on his album My Own Way.


BILLY BRAGG - Talking World War 3 Blues

This is a nice cover by the Bard and again from the fabulous Freewheelin' Concert. I wish I was there. It sounded like a great evening.

 'I wana be in your dream Billy!!'

MUDDY WATERS - Corrina Corrina

This is an old traditional song which Dylan adapted and I have gone for a Muddy Waters live rendition. Take it Muddy


HENRY THOMAS - Honey, just (won't you) allow me one more Chance (1928)

I choose this as really it does not take too much to work out where Bob got the idea from. OK he changed the title around a bit and added some more lyrics but basically the song is much the same. Old Henry gets the nod!

RAB NOAKES - I shall be free

This is an excellent version by one of my old folk day heroes Rab Noakes, he is accompanied by another folk ledgend Fraser Spiers who plays harmonica.  For a great Rab rendition of Mississippi  just click.

Sunday 26 May 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 26/05/2013 - Pure X, Ms Mr, Frank's Daughter, The National, The Uncluded


Five tracks that poofed up our pillows this week...

 
SFW:- 
Frank's Daughter - 'Playground 71'/'Best Glow' AA Side single (2013)


I've previously featured Frank's Daughter as a TOTW and Playground 71’/’Best Glow’ has grabbed my attention again.  It is a double AA side single from the Deptford duo and is released 10th June on Immure Recordings. Fans of Thom Yorke/Radiohead & Portishead should take note, as Playground 71 certainly has elements of Thom Yorke's Eraser material.
 
Flycasual:-
Pure X - 'Thousand Year Old Child' (2013)


Eugh, I'm back in the rain and single figure temperatures after an immaculate week on an Aegean peninsula, gutted. This track gives me happy memories of gazing out on a shimmering sea while Mount Olympus towered in the far distance. There was little to do then but appease the Gods by eating, drinking and listen to music, unearthing a few sparkling gems. This one courtesy of a free weekly playlist from ADM (which you can subscribe to here, subscribe to our playlist here first though). 'Thousand Year Old Child' is taken from the Texan trio's second album, Crawling Up The Stairs, released earlier this month.
 
By Zeus, check out Pure X's website here....

London Scouser:-
The Uncluded - 'Delicate Cycle' (2013)

 
To quote The Fast Show's Jesse "This week I 'ave been mostly listening to.... the new album by Black Books" and not a lot else. I did however listen to the podcast of Scroobius Pip's 'The Beatdown' and instantly loved a track he played. The Uncluded are a coming together of rapper Aesop Rock and folk singer Kimya Dawson..... And that is the extent of my knowledge of them !!! As for the song, it starts off almost aggressive with talk of severing limbs before it completely changes and the folky part of the song comes in. Reading this it probably shouldn't work, but I think it does. It reminds me of Edie Brickell and her style a little which ticks the box for me. The video is interesting too, and I dare you not to say 'aaaahhhh' at the kitten and poodle featured.

Check the website here...

Old Pa's Corner:-
The National - Demons(2013)

 

This is a good one, taken from the latest National's new album called  'Trouble will find Me'  I like that title. Lead singer Matt Berninger has got one of these very recognisable voices, very much like the Editors, Interpol or Tinderstcks front men.

This is definitely up to the high standards of their previous albums. I am looking forward to listening to the rest of this. They are fast becoming a new national treasure.

Shell Hunter:-
Ms Mr - 'Hurricane' (2013)



I was looking up the xFM playlist the other day and my eye was drawn to the name 'Ms Mr' (official site here). It reminded me a bit of Mister Mister from way back when, so I checked them out. It seems there is some serious hype around this girl/boy duo from New York. The single 'Hurricane' has been getting a lot of airplay recently and it sounds like Florence Welch singing with Massive Attack backing. Their debut album Secondhand Rapture was released 13th May and with a style that has been described as "chillwave", it has sparked my interest. When the band were first stepping out in the world, they created an air of mystery by not revealing their names and only releasing limited photos. In fact they were referred to as Ms (vocals) and Mr (music). I don't normally like a gimmick as I believe it is a guise if the band don't have any talent! Well, there are no worries there, these guys obviously do and I feel this song becoming a firm favourite of mine.

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



Thursday 23 May 2013

DYLAN COVERS #100 ***SPECIAL*** The Freewheelin' Covered, Side 1

NUMBER 100 DYLAN COVERS, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

I only started it as a bit of fun, but it soon became an obession, very like collecting Dylan Bootlegs. If you are reading this, then you have probably been there.

I now have thousands of Dylan covers. Everything on MP3 and backed up twice...if I lost them. Well I don't know what?

Family photos or my Dylan Covers. ....sorry!!!.........

I started collecting Dylan Covers CDs, but it got silly, so I just now copy them and sell the CD. As I always say. 'All I need as a possesion is my Hard Drive' and my loin cloth!

Anyway, I am rambling and to celebrate the #100,  I have decided to cover Dylan's iconic second album The Freewheelin' (#50, I covered 'Blonde on Blonde')

I can't wait for #1000, maybe I will cover  'Tempest ' now that would be a Titanic project.!.

I hope you have enjoyed some of the covers I have found, as much as I have had the pleasue of finding them.

 Old Ma thinks I am sad! and can not stand Mr D.

Apart from that and the fact she is French!!!................'talking to some French Girls' 

I'm bleeding freezing!

PETER PAUL and MARY - Blowin' in the Wind

I just had to start with Peter, Paul and Mary, this is where it all started for Bob way back in 1963. They had a number two hit with the song and this provided fame and exposure for a Young Bob Dylan and of course shed loads of dollars. This is a live version of probably Dylan's most famous song 


ROD STEWART - Girl from the North Country (alt Take)

There are many many fabulous covers of this brilliant love song, too many to even mention, but I am going for Rod Stewart and his alternative take from the one released on his 1974 album Smiler. This one is lot sparser and much superior in my opinion. You can find it on 'The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971-1998 (Rarities/Sessions Box).' You will find some great stuff there, including some good Bob Covers.


I think Rod deserves to be included, he has done many Dylan Covers and has enough to make up a complete Dylan Covers album. Come on Rod why don't you release such an album. You may even get back your street cred.   His latest album contains a take of Corina Corina.

EDDIE VEDDER - Masters of War

There are many great versions of this brilliant anti-war song. I have featured some excellent versions in previous posts. Notably Pearl Jam, Eddie Vedder, The Roots and The Staple Singers.

I just had to feature another version by Eddie Vedder who has practically made the song his own. This can be found on the DVD  'The People Speak.' . For other Eddie versions.

WHILE and MATTHEWS - Down the Highway

'Down the Highway' and 'Bob Dylan's Blues' are to be quite honest fillers and are nowhere near the high standard of the other tracks on side 1. This is probably why I cannot find too many covers to chose from. Both these tracks are from  'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan - A Folk Tribute,'  which was on an BBC Radio 2 FM  Broadcast: May 18th 2011. They are actually pretty good and the concert is a must hear. 

EWEN MCLENNAN - Bob Dylan's Blues

JOAN BAEZ - A Hard Rains a Gonna Fall

It just had to be Joan's version taken from her 1965 album 'Farewell Angelina' still one of my favourite albums of all time, It has several other Dylan covers and I just love the stripped down versions, compared with the band sound of her double album of Dylan Covers 'Any Day Now' (1968).

I'm the Madonna?


Tuesday 21 May 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Dambusters March

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Home of the Brave
Pic taken by Flycasual's Dad in Law, well done Sir!
 
DAM BUSTERS MARCH

Where did it all start, when did I begin to love music. Well the first piece of music that really hit me was the Dam Busters March. I would listen patiently every Saturday morning to Children's favourites. It was a programme that kids sent in their requests.

There were many favourite at that time. Nelly the Elephant, Sparky's Magic Piano, The Little White Bull, There once was an Ugly Duckling.  I loved them all, but my absolute favourite was the Dam Busters March, I could not get enough.

I loved the film also and it is still one of my favourites. I was delighted to hear there is a planned re-make with Peter Jackson chosen as the director. It is on hold at the moment, but 10 scale model Lancasters have already been built. So it looks as if the project could happen. I hope so.

It was interesting that a black Labrador in the original film that belonged to Wing Commander Guy Gibson was called Nigger which was acceptable in these days. Later copies of the film had the name dubbed over to Trigger so as to not offend anybody watching the movie. 

The dog....in the centre
It is fitting I did this, as last week was the 70 anniversary of that daring raid that cost so many lives of these brave airmen. I dedicate this post to these brave souls.

What was the first record that got you on to your musical path to glory..

Sunday 19 May 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 19/05/2013 - Muse, Chk Chk Chk, The Handsome Family, Zion I, Koza Mostra and Agathon Iakovidis


Five tracks that got more than just "Nil Pois" from us...


Shell Hunter:-
Koza Mostra & Agathon Iakovidis - 'Alcohol Is Free' (2013)


Some may think I am sad but I love watching Eurovision, with the terrible choreography and poor presenters who are trying their best to speak correct English. Its great telly! This year I was totally routing for these guys who are from Greece but sadly came 6th. The band coupled with old folk singer Iakovidis, were like a breath of fresh air! It was like Zorba's dance meets The Specials but dressed in kilts, fantastic! Their incredibly catchy lyrics..."Alcohol is Free!" is bound to be a big hit on the islands for those all inclusive holiday makers. Hey wait a minute! Maybe Flycasual is singing it right now! 

SFW:- 
Zion I - 'Human Being' (2013)


Sometimes, music takes hold of you and gives a "happy slap" - Human Being has done that to me! Every time I've heard it gets my feet tapping, the beat takes over, the synth bass line takes over and it evokes the same feelings of when I heard Q-Tips "Vivrant thing" or Pharrells "frontin'". However, whether or not this a good thing for everyone else remains to be seen. Tune!!

Flycasual:-
!!! - 'One Girl/One Boy' (2013)



By the time you read this (if anyone does) I shall hopefully be soaking up the sun on a beach in Greece, turquoise water lapping at my feet, feasting on olives and covering myself in Feta cheese. So desperate for sun, my mind is warped and I daydream about the video for Wham's 'Club Tropicana', while my wife is probably dreaming of a Shirley Valentine style romance! Either way we'll be making the most of it as the reliable source that is the Daily Express recently dropped the bombshell that we are heading for another washout summer, Thanks! 'One Girl / One Boy' is the perfect track for sipping cocktails in your speedos and is taken from their new album Thr!!!ler out earlier this month. I've always been a bit of a fan of the NY Disco Punk's style and this track, with it's sunny disposition, reaffirms it, slotting in very nicely on my holiday playlist. 



more musical houmous? check !!! website here...

London Scouser:-
Muse - Panic Station (2013)


Having been a fan of Muse since day dot, I was initially sceptical when they released the Olympic theme toon 'Survival' thinking they had gone mad. After a few listens however I started to get it and now I think it's brilliant.
They are about to release their 5th single from 'The 2nd Law' and it's not been without controversy. The video was filmed in Japan, and at the start they had the Rising Sun flag which caused outrage in Asia, they have subsequently apologised and re-released the video with the current Japanese flag.
The song is more mainstream for me than a lot of their recent tracks but nonetheless I'm loving it and the lyrics had me pulling my hair out as I tried to figure out what it reminded me of...... I since figured it out, can you readers ??? Answers on a postcard to the usual address.... Failing that, please feel free to comment below

Old Pa's Corner:-
Handsome Family - Frogs (2013)


Oh! I always look forward to a Handsome Family Album and this one has been  a bit of a wait. Four years in fact.  I listened through 'Wilderness'  once and two tracks hit me immediately, this one Frogs and the other Glowworm. Frogs just got the hop.

The album is a concept all about animals(indirectly)  and each track is named after a different animal. The idea comes from the dark and often  humorous mind of Rennie Sparks one half of the husband and wife duo that makes up one of my favourite bands over the past 13 years. If you ever get the chance to see them, it is a must. Their in between song banter is like eavesdropping in their front room. Hilarious.

I reckon this is their best album since my album of the year in 2000  'In the Air'


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



Saturday 18 May 2013

FRONT ROW CENTRE - Chase And Status - 'No Problem'

You've listened to the songs...you loved the album...now you absolutely have to see them live...
FRONT ROW CENTRE


Chase and Status - 'No Problem' (2011)

 iTunes Festival, Roundhouse, Camden on July 28, 2011

For music lovers out there, the ultimate thing to do is to see your favourite artist or group live on stage. Now, I go to a lot of concerts and for me the whole evening is an experience. Living just outside of London means it's a dreaded disgracefully long trek but it is such an amazing place, not only for music but for a night out so its worth it. Sprinkled with individual bars and restaurants hidden in every corner, it makes for a far more memorable experience! To save you hassling around, see my Gig Watch tips below! This is not a normal gig review, this is my experience.

I was over the moon when London Scouser told me he'd won some itunes Festival tickets a couple of years ago, but when he told me who we would be seeing I was a little disappointed. I loved one track I'd heard from Chase and Status, in fact 'Blind Faith' was one of my top 5 songs of 2011, but to be honest, I wasn't into the Dubstep hype at the time. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth I thought, so I put on their latest album in the car on repeat a couple of times and sure enough, I got into them and was looking forward to seeing them at my favourite venue in London, the Roundhouse!


I remember it was a scorcher of a day and there is nothing better than milling around Camden in the sunshine! A few preconcert bevvies sitting by Camden Lock at the Lloyds bar then a fab pizza at La Porchetta which is right opposite the venue. We sat at an outside table in the sun smugly watching all the people queueing outside the Roundhouse, in the hope of getting a ticket. Gutted!


Once in the venue, we watched the beginning of Nero, but they weren't really our cup of tea, plus the Roundhouse has a bar with an open terrace, bonus! By the time it was time for Chase and Status to come on, the buzz was electrifying, as you can see from the live video below, the build up was immense (start it at 1:30)! I'll never forget this concert, the way the voodoo face of 'No Problem' (one of the highlights of album No More Idols) appeared on the screen in its neon colouring. As soon as the beat dropped, the whole place erupted. I've never been to a rave or any of those mega clubs in Ibiza, but the feeling was intense. It felt like my heart beat was being controlled by the bass and I don't think my feet physically touched the floor for the majority of the concert! The whole performance was full of contagious energy and at moments I was so overwhelmed, I was laughing out loud. Another absolute highlight was when Liam Bailey came out an did Blind Faith, superb.


Gig watch (everything you need to know!)
Support Act: Nero
Recommended Restuarant: La Porchetta
Recommended Pub: The Ice Wharf Lloyds Bar, Camden Lock

All photos taken by and Copyright of K.Bazeley

Thursday 16 May 2013

DYLAN COVERS #99 Hugues Aufray with Eddie Mitchell/Johnny Halliday - Forever Young/Girl from the North Country


Dylan and Hugues 1964
 
HUGUES AUFRAY with JOHNNY HALLIDAY - Forever Young

Hugues Aufray first did a covers album of Dylan songs way back in 1965 'Hugues Aufray chante Bob Dylan' and would you believe he had a further Covers album in 2009 called  'New Yorker'  and it included many well know French artists from the past 50 years. I have chosen 2 of the great French Rockers from the sixties who are still going strong today. Johnny Halliday and Eddie Michell.

My wife who is French and hates Dylan will have no excuse to-day. She will have to listen to these two.

Viens, ma cherie, ecouter ces fameux rockers francais chanter Monsieur D !
 
HUGUES AUFRAY with EDDIE MITCHELL - Girl from the North Country

DJ Shadow - 'Midnight in a Perfect World'

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



DJ Shadow - 'Midnight in a Perfect World' (1995)

I don't know exactly when it was but sometime in the early 90's I broke up with Hip-Hop. I wasn't entirely sure where it was headed or what it was trying to say anymore. Subsequently it went on to be arguably the most popular form of music, a classic case of 'it's not you, it's me'. However something was salvaged from this acrimonious split, I discovered the Mo' Wax record label which was founded in the early 90's by James Lavelle, who would later go on to form UNKLE. I felt the label retained the essence of Hip-Hop, going with the 'two turntables and microphone' mantra. Except instead of the mic, the tracks were sample heavy and predominately psychedelic in nature, hence the sometimes unwanted tag, 'Trip-Hop'.

Ain't no such thing as bad weather...word!

DJ Shadow was on Mo' Wax's books and dropped the classic 'Entroducing' album, a completely innovative record made up of beats and spliced up with old funk and movie samples. This track stood out for me as it sounded gentle in nature imagining a silent urban night scape but with the heavy 'boom bap' Hip-Hop beat to satisfy the head bobbing B-boy in me. Hip-Hop had evolved......a true gem.

You'll be pleased to know that Hip-Hop and I are back together now. I guess we just needed a break.

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


Wednesday 15 May 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - The Pogues - Streams of Whiskey, Thin Lizzy - Whiskey in The Jar

WEDNESDAY CLUB - WHISKEY TIME
a wee dram a fore you go

 
THE POGUES - Steams of Whiskey

When I was between the age of 7 and 12 years old, during the summer holidays I was always sent to my aunt Nan and uncle Alex for 2 weeks. It was a place called Dalmore. It was situated on the other side of the BlackIisle, the other side from the Inverness side. For a young kid it was perfect, it was by the sea and there were many inlets,  that when the tide was out you could jump over, catch crabs and there was always something exciting to find which had been washed up by the sea.

It was in the countryside and was perfect for someone like me who loved all animals and birds. I found voles, moles, snakes, lizards, mice, rats, hedgehogs, weasels and stoats. I was in my element. They also had a dog named Whiskey which I was able to take for walks.

The highlight of my day was to walk to the distillery, only about 10mins from the house. I met there my uncle Willie. He was not really an uncle, but was the brother of my Aunt Nan. Willie was my favourite uncle we fought, we played tricks on each other and gambled for pennies, For some reason I always seemed to win.

At eleven sharp all the distillery workers met in a room for their elevenses, which was a large glass of raw whiskey. They had several of these breaks during the day so in effect they were kept 'topped up' all day.

Can you imagine that happening nowadays. It would be unthinkable.

I would then follow Willie to his work place and watch until I got fed up and then I would return home for my lunch by the seaside route.

I saw all the processes that go to making whiskey and the sounds, sights and smells have stayed with me until this day. What I am trying to say is I still enjoy a 'wee dram.'

If you ever get the chance to taste a malt from Dalmore  then you will be in for a treat. The bottle will have a picture of a stag. The emblem for Mackenzie (my name) and the owners of the distillery.

Happy memories, especially being woken up each day to the sounds of the rooks and the crows.
 
THIN LIZZY - Whiskey in the Jar

Tuesday 14 May 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Damien Jurado - I've Been Riding with the Ghost (Jason Molina)


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!





Damien Jurado - I've Been Riding with the Ghost (Jason Molina)

When respected Singer Songwriter Jason Molina died in March the tributes from musicians & fans were clear to see, however the best tribute has come in the form of Weary Engine Blues — It is a new covers collection with all 19 tracks of which can now be bought digitally or on LP with all proceeds from either purchase going to Molina’s family.  Will Oldham, Mark Kozelek, Hefner singer Darren Hayman, Mt Eerie's Phil Elverum, Alasdair Roberts, Shearwater's Jonathan Meiburg, Scout Niblett and the band Herman Düne all feature performing a cover of Molinas songs.

Here you can hear a beautiful, heartbreaking standout from the set by Molina’s former tourmate: Damien Jurado performing “I’ve Been Riding with the Ghost” off Songs: Ohia’s Steve Albini-produced Magnolia Electric Co. LP.

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

Sunday 12 May 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 11/05/2013 - Editors, Balmorhea, Rachid Taha,Jay-Z and Kanye West, Kate Nash

Five tracks that Sir Alex wanted on his retirement playlist...



Old Pa's Corner:-
Jay-Z and Kanye West - No Church in the Wild (2012)

 

This is not normally my thang, But I checked out the Soundtrack of  the re-make of The Great Gatsby and was quite surprised at some of the tracks. This one hit me immediately. I have never heard it before, in my Spanish Isolation'  but it appears it is not a new track and was pretty popular last year. Well it is on a sountrack for 2013 and that is good enough for me and Bobby Davro.  

Shell Hunter:-
Editors - 'A Ton Of Love' (2013)


Could this new upbeat single divide die hard Editors fans? Well I don't care, I love it! It reminds me of two mega bands: U2 (in a good old school way) and Echo and the Bunnymen with elements of 'Bring On The Dancing Horses'. The band haven't had an album out since 2009, I can't believe its been so long. I've always loved their dark Joy Division-esque style and Tom Smith's smooth and dark as Colombian coffee vocals, but I can also welcome change. The long awaited album title was revealed last week as The Weight Of Your Love (suitable dark!) and will be released on July 1st. With rumours of being "more electronic but with a nod to their past", I think the new direction they seem to be pointing is going to be a great destination!

More info on their official site here...

SFW:- Balmorhea - Pyrakantha (2013)

 
Balmorhea - Pyrakantha [official] from Colin Kennedy on Vimeo.
I've been listening to quite a bit of so called instrumental music recently and Balmorhea certainly hit the spot!  I call it instrumental, but it's really just musical medicine, they've perfected the way to create sonic landscapes that the listener applies. Pyrakantha features on their 2012 album Strangers.  The video was filmed by director Colin Kennedy, who spent many early evening shooting skateboarder Danny Garcia as he takes a journey through some of Kennedy's favorite parts of Los Angeles as the final moments of daylight ("the Magic Hour") gave way to night. It perfectly matches the mood of the music and gets me wanting to apply a serious dose of WD40 to my old skate bones!  What was our old saying? "Old Skate Dogs Never Die!"

Flycasual:-
Rachid Taha - 'Ana' (2013)

This is a fantastic Alt-Country-esque track which sounds as if it's from Nashville via Algiers. Amongst some great songs on this month's Songlines magazine CD sampler, Rachid Taha's 'Ana' stood out. Even before the Arab Spring had sprung, Rachid Taha has always been a controversial figure across North Africa for being politically outspoken and for his take on Punk Rock with an Algerian twist (he's even meant to have influenced the Clash's 'Rock The Casbah', going on the record the brilliant 'Rock El Casbah' Click to view)). Despite this, his music remains popular across the Arab world as well as the West and 'Ana' is taken from his latest album, Zoom, released last month.

Rachid Taha's official website...


London Scouser:-
Kate Nash - OMYGOD! (2013)

For me the jury has been out on Kate Nash, I've really liked a few of her tracks like 'Foundations' & 'Pumpkin Soup' but I considered her a bit too poppy for me. Her credibility went up when I saw she was going out with Ryan Jarman, lead singer of The Cribs. If she's good enough for him I thought, then I should give her another try. And then last week I found that Ms Nash was responsible for getting Scroobius Pip noticed by suggesting he sent in a demo CD to xFM's John Kennedy.

For him, the rest is history. For her, kudos is due.
I first heard this song at the beginning of the week and loved its summery happiness. At the time of writing, its 'rissing down with pain' but I'm still enjoying it. The start seems to remind me of The Cribs until the chorus comes in, or am I just trying to hear it ?? What do you think ??


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



Saturday 11 May 2013

FRONT ROW CENTRE - Steve Mason - 'All Come Down'

You've listened to the songs...you loved the album...now you absolutely have to see them live...
FRONT ROW CENTRE


Steve Mason - 'All Come Down' (2011)

Village Underground, Shoreditch on April 11th, 2013

For music lovers out there, the ultimate thing to do is to see your favourite artist or group live on stage. Now, I go to a lot of concerts and for me the whole evening is an experience. Living just outside of London means it's a dreaded disgracefully long trek but it is such an amazing place, not only for music but for a night out so its worth it. Sprinkled with individual bars and restaurants hidden in every corner, it makes for a far more memorable experience! To save you hassling around, see my Gig Watch tips below! This is not a normal gig review, this is my experience.

I'd never been to Shoreditch before, let alone the Village Underground but I was really impressed with the place. Shoreditch was totally not what I expected! It was really arty with lots of cool shops, including a pop up mall and excellent graffiti around. As a venue, it was one I'd definitely return to. Its not too large a hall and is much like an old brick train tunnel with a low stage at one end and a bar to the side. LS and I got there around 8pm and as we walked through the entrance, a guy in a green jacket brushed passed me and started speaking to the ticket blokes. Hang on a minute! That was Steve Mason! He had his specs on but it was definitely him. I get quite star struck so I just watched as no one batted an eyelid whilst he walked passed me again and then backstage. This was going to be a great night!



We decided to stand right at the front to get a perfect view and Steve was touching distance (if you wanted to that is). The sound was on point as were the band all dressed in exactly the same worn blue jeans and grey blue shirt, but each member had "distressed" the outfit in a different way. Steve had paint on his and the rest had rips in their jeans. Interesting touch. The banter from Steve was very politcally charged right from the start when he initially walked out and said "Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is Dead!" He didn't talk a lot but he was razor sharp and made us laugh. 



A few songs in, some idiot thought it would be funny to throw a bottle of beer at the stage which luckily narrowly missed the drummer. Steve was looking down at the time when the sound man said "Someone threw a drink at you!" The crowd waited to see if he would kick off but he answered "A what? A twix?!" He's a true pro and got the jovial mood back on track! He played a great selection from his new album Monkey Minds In The Devil's Time such as Oh My Lord, Lie Awake and Fire but it truly made my day hearing him perform songs from previous album Boy's Outside. Lost and Found, Am I Just A Man and Boys Outside were superb but what really got the goosebumps going was the phenomenal All Come Down (official video above). You could hear a pin drop in the room and the crowd were still. I was looking right into his eyes and you could feel he meant every word. He may have been bolshy in between songs when challenged with Maggie Thatcher quips but he seemed to surrender himself to the song. It was unforgettable. When they came back for the encore we were treated with Fight Them Back and a King Biscuit Time song C I AM 15 with Steve doing an impressive show on the bongos. A perfect end to one of my favourite gigs. I desperately want to see him again live, he is a master of his trade.



Gig Watch (everything you need to know!)
Support Act: Andrew Weatherall DJ Set
Recommended restaurant: Boho Mexica
Recommended pub: Crown & Shuttle Pub

Photos were taken by and are copyright of K. Bazeley

Friday 10 May 2013

DYLAN COVERS - # 98 Roger McGuinn/Arlo Guthrie - Mr Tambourine Man


I knew your Pa
I was looking at Youtube the other day and came across these two different live takes of Mr Tambourine Man. I think they are both worth a watch especially the Rodger McGuinn one, as he gives a little insight about how the Byrds changed the tune  to make it more commercial. Saying that the interviewer is a little annoying, but it is still a little treat

The other take is quite interesting too by Arlo Guthrie. Oh! my Arlo! you are beginning to look as old as me. I remember that fresh faced youth of Alice's Restaurant. Still it is nice to hear Arlo  covering Mr D.
 
RODGER McGUINN- Mr Tambourine Man
 
ARLO GUTHRIE - Mr Tambourine Man

Wednesday 8 May 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Neville Brothers/Sam Cooke - A Changes is Gonna Come

-WEDNESDAY CLUB - do you believe in coincidence?-
a change is gonna come!

 
NEVILLE BROTHERS - A Change is Gonna Come (1989)

The Neville Brothers album Yellow Moon from 1989 was one of my favourites of that year. Arron Neville has a voice made in heaven and his version of the Sam Cooke classic is almost as good as the original.

Sam Cooke was so impressed with the lyrics of Dylan's Blowin' in the Wind and how that such a poignant song about which includes racism overtones could be written by someone who was not black. He decided to try and write something with a bit more substance and this was the fabulous result and it became a Civil rights anthem.

I was on vacation from Jeddah and was visiting my parents in Inverness. The highlight of any trip back to the U.K. was that first visit to the record shop. On my excited way there,  I bumped in to a guy who lived only a few doors up from my parents house.

He said  'hi Brian I have not seen you around for a while'

I replied  'Eh! maybe Craig that is because I left Inverness 20years ago!'


Anyway I said  'lets go for a pint and catch up'.

He replied 'well first of all I must go and get an album I am after'.

I said  'well I am on my way as it happens to get the new Neville Brothers album'.

He replied 'Well I will be dammed that is exactly what I am going for!'.

Now that is what I call a coincidence!.

It is a fabulous album by the way. Even has some classic Dylan covers too.  
 
SAM COOKE -A Change is Gonna Come (1964)

Tuesday 7 May 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! A.A. Bondy - Surfer King


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!




AA Bondy - Surfer King (2011)

AA Bondy is a Folk/Alternative singer songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama. I've been a fan since
his 2009 album, When the Devils Loose and I eagerly await his new material. This track features on his excellent 2011 album, Believers.

Surfer King? I'd like to think I was but the reality is quite a bit different! Thing is I've always loved surfing or should I say the idea of surfing. When I was around 17/18, I headed to the Gower on Boxing Day with a group of friends. We had no wetsuits, the weather was atrocious and when we got into the water, I almost drowned. This dampened my enthusiasm for a couple of months but as soon I could afford a wetsuit I started going a little more regular... but however much I tried, I still sucked.

A few years later I would go every weekend with a friend. We'd load up his truck with our surfboards, a load of supplies (booze) and head off to Cornwall, West Wales or any 'surfing hotspot'. After a 3 to 4 hour drive we'd arrive, go for a surf (whatever the waves were like) then head off to the pub and get completely bladdered. The next day when we tried to surf, we'd be extremely rough, last about an hour, give up and then head back home. When he moved away (out of the UK), I stopped going regularly.

I haven't been now for a few years, I'd like to blame work and other commitments especially as I now live by the sea. Maybe this year?  

I guess I shouldn't have watched Point Break as much as I did!

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Monday 6 May 2013

COVER NERD! - The Beautiful South - Girlfriend / Love Wars


Covers, covers. So good I posted twice..... By now you know the drill, if not then welcome aboard the good ship Cover Nerd! If you have a favourite cover, please contact us and tell us why by clicking here


The Beautiful South - Girlfriend (1989)


The Beautiful South - Love Wars (1991)


Normally I put this at the end, but I'm feeling rebellious today.....
NERD ALERT! - Woolworths felt that they were saving the nation's impressionable kids, and decided to ban the original cover of their debut album because it  depicted a suicidal image. So the band re-issued the album with a child friendly cover specifically for Woolies. Which one do you prefer ???


Remember Woolworths ?? I do, it used to be THE PLACE to go to for absolutely everything in my youth. Music ?? Check. Pick'n'mix ?? Check. Spectrum games followed by Sega Mega drive and then PlayStation. Check, check and once more check
What else in life was there ??? Where did it all go wrong I ask you ?? Some may say it was the internet, others may point at the recession. I however think it was their ill-fated (only because it failed) attempt to revive the phenomenon that was Spangles  how dare they only have orange and blackcurrant flavours. The whole thing about Spangles was their Revels like ability to keep you guessing until you had popped the delicate sweet onto your tongue. Mmmm the memories..... Oh and don't get me started on Pacers !!!

I was a huge fan of TBS having really liked The Housemartins before them. And I bought everything they did, albums and multi-version CD singles. The great thing about their singles were the extra tracks, mostly new stuff but occasionally I would find a great cover. I remember they did a version of The Bee-Gees' You Should Be Dancing as well as Love Wars, which was originally a hit for Womack & Womack. I even remember the original of Girlfriend by Pebbles. Their version appeared on the aforementioned debut album and listening to it now, the trumpets make me think of a lesser produced Mark Ronson number. 
They later had a couple of big hits with covers namely Everybody's Talking & Dream A Little Dream.... And yes I bought all versions on CD single.

This video was recorded on a tour bus during a tour of the US if I remember rightly. I first saw it on their video compilation called Pumpkin, the sound quality is not the best, but you get to see the band relaxing and having fun

 And / Or
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Sunday 5 May 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 05/05/13- Terry Allen, Daft Punk, Major Lazer,Bibio, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Five tracks that made us go all Wookie!





Flycasual:-
Major Lazer - 'Jessica' feat Ezra Koenig



"Some girls call all the shots, my nessica, my essica"

I've been listening to a lot of Reggae recently and it's nothing to do with the sunny weather of late. I find it a good way to reboot, a ctrl-alt-delete for the soul if you like, especially it being Spring and all that. Anyway this is great stuff, perhaps not Reggae per se but Major Lazer's (aka DJ to the stars, Diplo) brand of electro-dancehall is pretty infectious. I just love Ezra Koenig's (who incidentally is a big fan of Reggae and Dub) voice anyway and he provides it here for 'Jessica' which, apart from 'Get Free', are probably the best songs on the Free the Universe album. Vampire Weekend also release an album this month and being big fans we'll no doubt feature a track on our TOTW soon. I once knew a Jessica.

Check out Major Lazer's interesting blog here...
or if Vampires are your thing see the website here...

Old Pa's Corner:-
Terry Allen - Emergency Human Blood Courier (2013)


Here is a strange one for all you Leonard Cohen, Nick Cave Lovers, it is by 69 year old,  70 next week Terry Allen and is from his first album in 14 years called  'Botton of the World' (2013) (talk about writers block). I like this, it is a dark tale of murder and death. The album version is above and I have also found this live take which is pretty good. Well, that is if you can reject the stupid laughter from some of the audience who seem to think it is a funny song and they are meant to laugh.  'Hey guys! this is serious stuff, blood transfusions, murder and all that'. Just right for a Sunday morning. Pass that toast Maud!   

 

London Scouser
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (Feat Wanz) - Thrift Shop (2013)



Ok, so he's white, a little bit strawberry blonde, and a mass-eeev lookie-likie for Boris Becker. Oh and he can pull off a catchy and pretty damned good rap/hip-hop song.

I forgot to mention that the guy loves a bargain, he can do no wrong in my eyes.

I heard this song courtesy of Scroobius Pip via his first show on XFM. I urge y'all to check the show out btw like I did on the Mixcloud app on my phone. 

Game, Set & Match

Shell Hunter:-
Daft Punk - 'Get Lucky' (2013)

When I heard Daft Punk's single had hit number one in the charts, I was surprised I hadn't heard it yet and was a little worried. I don't pay much attention to "charty" music anymore and I usually turn my nose up to whats popular. Despite all that, I finally listened to it the other day and its the best dance track I've heard in a very long while! You can really hear the 70s disco influence of Nile Rodgers from Chic! That coupled with the combination of Pharrell's saucy conquest lyrics and Daft Punk's electro computer talk makes the perfect song to sip margeritas after mowing the lawn! Its a bold statement but I'm pretty sure its going to be in my top 10 for 2013 and can see it being on my summer holiday playlist. All we need now is a heatwave...oh hello sun!

Daft Punk's fourth album called Random Access Memories is due out May 17th and if this is anything to go by, I will be drinking a lot of margeritas!

SFW:- 
Bibio - À tout à l'heure (2013)


Stephen Wilkinson, aka Bibio, is a English music producer from Wolvehampton and this track features on his latest and 7th album, Silver Wilkinson. Wilkinson adopted the alias Bibio from the name of a small black and red fly his father used on childhood fishing trips in Wales.

I may sound like a musical Wine Taster, but there are elements of Avalanches, a hint of Lemon Jelly and Jose Gonzalez.

He is a recent music discovery for me but À tout à l'heure makes me want to put on some shorts, pull out the BBQ and drink Pimms! Thanks to this, summer is on the way!

Download À tout à l'heure from Warp Records here

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



Saturday 4 May 2013

1 Giant Leap - 'The Way You Dream'

Saturday Night Jukebox......
Everyone Has A Guilty Pleasure
Can I buy a bear skin hat here?




1 Giant Leap - ''The Way You Dream' (2002)

I'm looking forward to swanning off to my parent's lovely retirentment villa in Spain very soon. One of the things I used to love doing was catching one of the ferry boats to "Isle Tabarca" which was supposedly a marine nature reserve about 40 minutes from the coast of Torreveija. Once on the island, Flycasual, London Scouser and I were determined to investigate the small village there. We managed to buy masks and snorkels from a shop that also sold masses of shells and shark mouths (marine reserve indeed!) and we decided to hire a pedalo. After struggling to push the vessel over the pebbly beach we were soon laughing upon the waves and came quite near a huge rock where Fly and I decided would be a good area to snorkle, and right we were! Masses of big fish which we weren't expecting! They were very unassuming and went about their daily jobs which I think just consisted of crunching up some coral every now and then. After I'd got myself aboard our pedalo, Flycasual said, "Go down the slide!" and I thought, what a delightful idea, it'll be like being a kid again! Until I actually went down it and it dried before I got to the bottom! It was a very painful screech to a halt halfway down and my thighs haven't forgotten it since!!


This song springs to mind as I had just made my first mini disc for the trip and it was the first track I put on. 1 Giant Leap were big on my playlist for a few years after that but his track is my ultimate fave, how can you beat Michael Stipe and Asha Bhosle (A Brimfull of Asha) after all! Duo Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman were the initial artists involved and it was a project that crossed all catagories. There was also a great follow up. From what I gather, they pretty much went around the world with a lap top collecting amazing memories (Tune Doctor Style!) be it music, word and visuals.

More SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX gems here! Or subscribe to my Spotify playlist below!



Thursday 2 May 2013

DYLAN COVERS #97 Norah Jones/Maria Muldaur - Heart of Mine


'Don't put yourself over the line'


NORAH JONES - Heart of Mine (2003)

Here are two different versions of Heart of Mine one of my many favourite Dylan songs. It is difficult to choose the best because they are both equally good. The first one is by Norah Jones  and is taken from an album she colaberated with the Peter Malick Group and is called  'New York City' (2003).

The second take is by Maria Muldaur and is from her excellent Dylan covers album  'Heart of Mine (Love songs of Bob Dylan)' (2006) 
MARIA MULDAUR - Heart of Mine (2006)

Whats your favourite?.

Remember,  if you can't do the time, don't do the crime!

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Jeru Da Damaja - 'Come Clean'

Hip Hop Classics..straight outta Surrey Heath!

Jeru Da Damaja - 'Come Clean' (1994)

Last October (2010) I went to the annual B-Boy Championships in Brixton. It's always great to get an injection of B-boy culture in you once in awhile (no not like that) and although the breakin' and lockin' were outstanding it was the after show party which stole my show. It was at Plan B, which is a club pretty much next door to the Carling Academy and the place was full of amateur B-boys and B-girls as well as the pros. Circles were formed and impromptu B-boy battles commenced, as I stood well back from the center making sure they wouldn't confuse me as a participant. I was in my element as the DJ was spinning 1 or 2 minute snippets of old skool classics. There were of course some gems but one track that I loved and hadn't heard in awhile was Jeru Da Damaja's 'Come Clean', with DJ Premier's genius craft on the ones and twos, a real raw track! With the speakers turned up to 11, the bass rumbling and in proper head bobbing mode, I was hypnotised by the moment until one of my friends pushed me into the middle of the circle.


'Come Clean' is taken from the Jeru's debut album The Sun Rises in the East but he's still about, check out his website here....

Hip Hop Classics, 'cause Hip Hop and Rap, that's where my hearts at!

Listen/Subscribe to TuneDr's Hip Hop playlist