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Saturday, 31 December 2011

NEW YEAR'S EVE JUKEBOX! - The Sugar Hill Gang - 'Rapper's Delight'


Happy New Year y'all!


The Sugar Hill Gang - 'Rapper's Delight' (1979)

I thought long and hard about what song I would want to hear at midnight if I was at a party tonight. What song has stood the test of time, is cool, funky and you can dance your heart out for a full 14 minutes? It's got to be this classic! Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn....say what!

Good clean fun

New Year's Eve not only means a whole year's worth of reflection or a long list of things you want to put right, but also reminds you of New Years' gone by. I'm probably not the only one but I remember The Millennium as one of my favourite New Year's Eves. One of my friends was wearing a wall clock around his neck Flava Flav style which I thought was hilarious. The last songs I heard of 1999 were Millennium by Killing Joke and of course the countdown was to Prince's 1999. We all shouted the last ten seconds and my parent's house erupted into an impromptu conga line out the door and into the street. No planes fell out of the sky, the DVD player and computer didn't self combust and the drinks continued to flow until well after sunrise. Bizarrely the last thing I remember before I passed out at 9am was watching my mum's Ricky Martin music video which she had got for Christmas. Weird...I knew I shouldn't have drank all those glasses of Sloe Gin!

Happy New Year boyeeeee!


Don't be shy, tell me what song would you like to hear this New Year's Eve at midnight? And what is your favourite New Year's Eve memory (if you have any!)? 

Two thousand zero zero party over, oops out of time...click here to party like it's 1999!

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Friday, 30 December 2011

GUEST SPOT # 29 - Utah Saints - 'Something Good'

New Year's Eve kicks off nicely with a Guest Spot from you! Email us with yours now!


Utah Saints - 'Something Good' (1993)

When he is not quoting which year of release or which 'Now' CD any song playing is from, Gavin(AKA Biltong Man) is my fellow music maestro. Whens the worst time to make a DJing mistake? It's got to be when the floor is full of expectant faces willing you to keep the mood high and the dancing ongoing! Hopefully he won't be having any trouble tonight when he is DJing at his very own New Year's Eve house party! 


Now That's What I call a hair do


So there you are, DJing at a ‘real’ school disco in Durban, SA in 1993 when you are convinced that the next track you are about to play is Snap!'s – Rhythm is a Dancer! Now up until then (as I was getting my CDs imported from the UK and this was one of my new editions from the NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL MUSIC compilation series), I thought I was ‘the dogs danglies’, ‘The main man’, ‘The ace of base’, ‘The king of swing’, you get the picture? J So, everyone was having a good time, the dance floor was full, so how could Snap's - Rhythm is a Dancer possibly make things get any worse for me? Try playing the wrong track on the CD that’s how!

From feeling like a Hero to Zero, from ‘Superstar DJ’ to a ‘knob jockey’ in seconds is what it felt like.

My choice of track today is not Snap!'s Rhythm is a Dancer (which coincidentally is disc 1 track 6 of NOW 22 J) but TRACK 7 which ended up being, Utah Saints – Something Good (sampling Kate Bush). It is in fact how I stumbled on one of my all-time favourite dance tracks, by being over eager on pressing the track changing cue button on the CD player. . . I just left the song playing, as seconds felt like minutes for the track to get started. However, to my surprise, the crowd took to it, my heart rate settled and I was back on form, obviously leading my audience to believe, ‘it was all part of the playlist session’ J

I have chosen the 2008 remix version as the music video is pretty amusing and you may watch it more than once so you can see the facial expressions of the welsh patrons in the bar, and secretly wishing you could dance like this now and get away with it J

Thank you Utah Saints for sampling Kate Bush  J




More Guest Spots....?
Or more from Gavin...?
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DYLAN COVERS # 29 George Harrison(part 3) Abandoned Love/Mama you been on my Mind x 2

Here is part 3 of George doing covers of 2 more Dylan songs
Who needs Lennon


GEORGE HARRISON - Abandoned Love(Outtake)



 GEORGE HARRISON - Mama you been on my mind(From 'Material World' Xtra disc)



GEORGE HARRISON - Mama you been on my Mind(demo from 'Let it be' Sessions)

Happy New Year to all, see ya next year

For more Dylan Covers
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Wednesday, 28 December 2011

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE! - Money Mark - 'Hand In Your Head'


Thursday I'm in Love...a chance to share some of my 'Money' tracks with you.



Money Mark - 'Hand in your Head' (1998)

Perhaps it was one too many sprouts, or a 'bad pint' but I certainly had my hand in my head Boxing Day morning. Which is probably what inspired me to pick this top tune from the one time Beastie Boys keyboardist, he was also responsible for the keyboard on Beck's 'Where its at' (click here to see), money indeed! But it was through James Lavell's (UNKLE) innovative Mo' Wax label that I got into Money Mark's organ skills. I was a big fan of the label, it was predominantly Hip Hop in nature but was always guaranteed to push boundaries and to come out with something fresh and diverse.

Money Mark....loves Sugar Mice!

'Hand in your Head' was Originally on 1996's, 'Mark's Keyboard Repair', which was a bizarre set of short demos, this version is from his wonderfully eclectic follow up, 1998's, 'Push the Button' a more complete album with a heady mix of, soul, funk, rock and hip hop. A soundtrack to a summer!

Here's another treat from the same album for you..


Money Mark - 'Hand in Your Head'
Money Mark - 'Maybe I'm Dead'

Bury them sprouts baby, click here for more Thursday I'm in Love...
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Tuesday, 27 December 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Rod Stewart - Maggie May/You Wear it Well(Early Versions)

MIDWEEK CRISIS think back to the good old days, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB, we've got Rod.  Ooh, La, La. Hey! You wear it well! you don't look a day over 40.



ROD STEWART - Maggie May (early Version) 1971

How do you do a post about an iconic song?

You kicked me in the head
Well if you are still here, you know what Rod means to you, there is a lot of 'youngers' who like Rod but kind of dismiss him, I have to say the American series did not help the cause, except his bank balance. But give him the right song and with that unique voice he will still deliver.

In these days he was only the lead singer of the Faces, we all loved them as 'yer typical rock band' they knocked them out, they rocked and they were a bit naughty too!

Rod then released, 'Reason to Believe(see earlier post)', the 'B' side was 'Maggie May' from his album 'Every Picture Tells a Story' and the rest is history.

I, like many others of my age group, grew up with this, it was when myself and now wife were 'courting' (kick me in the head) but it had the lot, folk meets rock, clever words, a voice to die for, it was as perfect as it could get. The album, 'Every Picture Tells a Story' is Rod at his very very best. I could not wait for his next album and the main track, 'You Wear it Well' delivered. Beat it for a break up song. I will repeat....give the guy a song and he will deliver...but unfortunately, Rod 'in my opinon' has been a victim of quality of song. Look what he did for Tom Waits' songs (Downtown Train, Tom Troubourdour Blues), he did them well!.....Hey! Any suggestions to get Rod back on track!

I hope you like this version, it is a complete delight. If you don't like it, then don't bother with this other great  version of 'You Wear it Well'.

'Since you've been gone, its hard to carry on'.

'Madam Onassis got nuthin' on you'

Play this for your Mum or Dad to get some brownie points, just in case you are grounded! ...You don't still live at home do you ? At your age!



ROD STEWART - You Wear it Well (early version)

For more WEDNESDAY CLUB crackers
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Saturday, 24 December 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011 FROM TUNE DOCTOR

Cold sweat, palpitations, vomit inducing excitement, yup it's Christmas Eve. Christmas songs, love them or hate them, there's really no getting away, so we at TuneDr have compiled our favourites to get you in the mood or tip you over the edge.




Ol Pa's Corner:-
ELVIS - Blue Christmas


I pulled the plug at the last minute and went for something a little more Christmisssiee, I prefer the Jim Reeves version (you old fart! - 'listen you can't beat a bit of Jim at 5 in the morning after a sesh!') but if I did write a Xmas song this would be it. Its all about colours!

JIM REEVES - Blue Christmas



Flycasual:-
The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl - 'Fairytale of New York' (1988)


I could have claimed any number of Christmas songs as my favourites, as they of course hold nostalgic value. I was delighted when Run DMC did 'Christmas in Hollis', as Hip Hop was finally represented at the Christmas table, I loved the Boss with the E-street band's impeccable rendition of 'Merry Christmas Baby' whipping me up into a frenzy. Even more recently Low's 'It was Just like Christmas' perfectly mixing the right amount happiness and melancholy that makes a great Festive tune. But if there's one song that's guaranteed to bring a tear to my eye it's that good, it's the Pogues and Kirsty MacColl's iconic 'Fairytale of New York'. A little awkward when you are in the lingerie department in Primark looking for that 'something special' for the wife (though you don't need the Pogues to reduce you to tears there). It's a beautiful love story, flawless, musically and lyrically with some truly unforgettable lines, contrasted beautifully by Shane's and Kirsty's vocals, as it transports you away to New York....it's as good as being there! It's like you've stumbled upon a couple, mid row, the bitterness of a decayed relationship, the dreams and aspirations all but shattered and hanging on to hope. Not to mention a fantastic outro! It's perhaps an obvious choice but it doesn't mean you shouldn't pick it, for me it's the ultimate Christmas song and why I look forward to hearing it every year. As far as I'm concerned, Christmas hasn't got started until you hear 'Fairytale of New York'...

SFW:-
Band Aid - Do they know it's Christmas?


The greatest Charity & Christmas song of all time? Well I think so. When you look at the video, you think about the subject and read the back story and how the day unfolded, you realise how one song and two men (Bob Geldof & Midge Ure) changed potentially millions of lives - but also wrote a tune!

Being only 10 at the time, I just thought it was cool that all the 'pop' stars at the time were singing on one song - I was completely oblivious to the subject matter.  From Paul Young's opening line, to Bono's iconic line, it has everything you want in a epic pop song, and it's all for a good cause!

So do they know it's Christmas? Well I certainly know it's on the way when this starts playing!

Shell Hunter:-
The Waitresses - Christmas Wrapping (1981)


I've been trying to put my finger on why I like this song so much. Everyone I'm around shouts at me when I run to turn it up, screaming how annoying it is! But it's got a great bass line, its a bit rocky and describes the raw feelings of looking back over a year's worth of romantic disappointment! In the years before Youtube and the Internet, I wanted to learn the lyrics so I did the whole play, pause, write a line, play again until I had it all down. I hoped this would impress my pals when it played in the pub on Christmas eve. As soon as it came on I jumped up and bellowed the words mixed in with a bit of air guitar. Instead of being met with looks of amazement, I got an ear full of abuse and cigarette packets thrown at me! Nevermind, I knew that when I got home that night, my family would be there to continue the festive cheer and indulge my carolling! Feel free to sing along proper karaoke style! Merry Christmas everyone!


Happy Christmas!!
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Thursday, 22 December 2011

DYLAN COVERS # 28 - Wanda Jackson, Barb Jungr, June Tabor. Thea Gilmore - 4 from 2011

Snow over Interstate 80

Here are 4 Dylan Covers from the Girls all released in 2011. This was a great year for Dylan Covers with many compilation releases and live shows all celebrating the great man's 70th birthday. Don't forget we have to look forward to the Amnesty International Dylan cover extravaganza which will be released in January 2012. Oh! I can't wait for that after hearing the samples, I will definitely be buying that one.


WANDA JACKSON - Thunder on the Mountain(2011)

This is taken from Wanda's album 'The Party ain't over (2011)' and is a great version of 'Thunder on the Mountain'. Jack White from the 'White Stripes' was heavily involved with the album, you can't keep an 'old gal down'.


BARB JUNGR - Like a Rolling Stone

Next we have a stunning version of  'Like a Rolling Stone', this is a live version and is breathtaking. It is taken from her Dylan Covers album 'The man in the long Black Coat(2011)' another great album which  accompanies her first volume 'Every Grain of Sand(2004)' 


JUNE TABOR - 7 Curses(2011)

This one from the girls is by June Tabor and is taken from her album with the Oyster Band 'Ragged Glory(2011)' Another great album, look out for their superb cover of Joy Division's Love will tear us apart' 

THEA GILMORE - As I went out one morning

Thea Gilmore has been very busy this year releasing her covers album of the complete 'John Wesley Harding' as well as an album of songs with the words written by Sandy Denny . This is a live version of  'As I went out one morning' from JWH.

Happy Xmas and a great New Year to all the good people who Love Dylan and of course Dylan Covers, in fact make that to everyone in the whole wide world.  

For more Dylan Covers
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Wednesday, 21 December 2011

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE - U2 -'Angel of Harlem'


Thursday I'm in Love, a chance to share some of my favourite tunes!


U2 - 'Angel of Harlem' (1988)

If there's one non Christmas, Christmas song that reminds me of this time of year, then this is it. Probably helped by the fact that it actually was a cold and wet December day sitting wrapped up in a freezing kitchen in Hounslow with only the radio for warmth. Ol Pa and I were on one of our forays to the real world (UK) from Saudi Arabia, to stock up on supplies, not too dissimilar to the 'rice run' from the book, The Beach. Our house we rented out whilst we were abroad was empty, gas and electricity cut off as I think the tenants had scarpered, hence we sat there like frozen sausages. The sacrifice was worth it though as I'd be taping all the tunes off the radio, safe in the knowledge that I'd return home to a heroes welcome, with all the latest flavours.

The Angel of Harlem

For the few days we were there, U2's homage to Billie Holiday made an impression on me. It was, I suppose, U2's Blues/Soul phase with Rattle and Hum and I loved the sentiment, the Big Band sound, great riff and organ. It was just a complete song for me which still happens to evoke vivid memories of that time. 

Still haven't found what you're looking for? Try some more of my favourites here......

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Tuesday, 20 December 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Handsome Family - So Much wine

MIDWEEK CRISIS? It's Christmas you're sober, pour a glass of wine and come to WEDNESDAY CLUB, we've got the Handsome Family, lets spill some claret!


HANDSOME FAMILY - So Much Wine(2000)

It's not really a Christmas song in the true sense but it has all the ingredients of Christmas day, you should be happy but one too many glasses of wine and everything goes out the window.  Maybe that one wrong word you said that he or she picks up on, an old grievance surfaces and bingo the great atmosphere is gone. All that anticipation down the drain, it's all gone now. Who's fault was it anyway? I blame the wine, too much wine! it was! Wasn't it?

'and it will never be enough to save you from the bottom of your glass'

I first heard the Handsome Family on a sampler and I was instantly hooked. I immediately bought their album 'In the Air', it was magnificent I could not get enough. I loved the darkness, I loved the weirdness, Rene Sparks rules. She writes the songs and her husband Brett does the music and vocals, they are the odd balls of Alt-Country. I have seen them a couple of times and they are something else live, the banter is a joy. I once saw them when they were on the same bill as The Willard Grant Conspiracy and got my photo taken in between Rene and Robert Fisher of Willard Grant, what a great night, less said I think, too much of the vine I remember.

Anyway happy Xmas, I hope you like it. Oh! by the way there's a special down the 'offie' 5 bottles of wine for a tenner!
Its your round Brett
More Wednesday Club shots
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Monday, 19 December 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Keaton Henson - You Don't Know How Lucky You Are

Keaton Henson - You don't know how lucky you are (2011)
 
My lovely wife introduced this to me just the other day....when asking what it is like, she said:-
"...it's sad - you'll love it... " and she is right! I played it about 5 times in a row....

The 23-year-old songwriter from London first came to light as an illustrator and visual artist (he has had exhibitions worldwide and will publish a book this autumn) had never intended for his music to be heard as he hates performing live as he suffers from "crippling panic attacks". Fortunately (or is it unfortunately) for him, he has been put forward by Radio One as one of their ones to watch in 2012.

I just can't believe I hadn't heard of him before! As a fan of Jeff Buckley, Elliott Smith, Bon Iver, he's certainly got some elements of all three, with a fragility, that comes across that seems genuine. He's gutted!
"....I've decided not to perform..."
Upon further reading I discovered he's released a video in March 2011 for a song called Charon - which shows a puppet committing suicide - and has had over 30000 views.  This boy is certainly sad - we'll have to watch him!



Check out more Tuesday Blues..... because Saturday is so far away!

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Sunday, 18 December 2011

CLASSIC MOVIE SCENE # 6 - 'Beetlejuice' - Danny Elfman




Anyone who is a big fan of 80's films will know and love Tim Burton's Beetlejuice and its fantastic eerie opening credits. Is it real? Is it a model? Who cares! That is one massive spider! Elfman's dark and dramatic scores are perfectly suited to Burton's weird and wonderful visions. I can easily lose myself in my other favourites...Batman, Edward Scissorhands and Planet Of The Apes!




For those who don't know(where have you been??), Beetlejuice is a quirky dark comedy that surrounds a pleasant 'normal' couple who are finding it hard to accept they are dead. Their dream home in a quaint little town has been sold off to loud and obnoxious new owners from New York City who want to rip it apart to remodel. Not satisfied they can scare them out themselves, they hire Beetlejuice (brilliantly played by Michael Keaton), a bio-exorcist, to do the job. With some great cheesy stop motion characters and loads of memorable quotes, it has to be one of my favourite films! 


Hey Adam? I don't think we survived that crash...
Nice f**king model!


Here's a bit of trivia for you, Danny Elfman wasn't always a genius composer. He was in a rock band from the 70's/80's called Oingo Boingo! They were responsible for the theme song from another 80's classic 'Weird Science' amongst others!



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GUEST SPOT'S Best Of 2011 part 3

We did not want this site to be all about us, we wanted people to contribute their musical experiences, favourite tunes, musical memories, legendary gigs etc and as a result we have compiled a number of excellent posts which have enhanced our site and our music collection. It's with great thanks to you guys for putting in the time and effort to write and share these experiences with us. Thanks again for contributing for the best of 2011 post too. Remember, feel free to submit any contributions at any time, they are always welcome and we enjoy them greatly.




Jon:-
Husband, father and part time Jedi trainer to his two daughters, Jon has contributed and eclectic mix of guest spots which you can check out here.... (Dub War, Steve Earle and Kings of Convenience)
Bon Iver - 'Holocene'
I originally dismissed Justin Vernon prematurely before I'd really given him much of a listen. However, Peter Gabriel's "Scratch My Back Album" - covers of a pretty eclectic mix of songs with an amazing orchestral arrangement and exposed vocals introduced me to his track "Flume". I immediately sought out the original from the "For Emma, Forever Ago" album and loved it. "Holocene" off the current album the self titled "Bon Iver" has been a regular on my playlist. It's just a beautiful track and you can completely immerse yourself in the vocals.


Peter Gabriel - 'Wallflower'
Continuing the Peter Gabriel vibe (as I very often do), Kate,my brother Aidan and I saw him touring the "Scratch My Back" album at the O2 in 2010. In the second part of the show he played some of his own tracks - not all of them obvious choices for an orchestral re-imagining but pretty much all of them worked really well. I was particularly pleased to hear a number of tracks off his 1982 release "Peter Gabriel 4" / "Security" which is probably my all time favourite album of his. These tracks have been released in 2011 as a live DVD/Bluray and album, titled "New Blood". "Wallflower",  about the mistreatment of political prisoners is one of the stand out tracks on the new album, possibly even more powerful with the orchestral backing than the original.


OK Go - 'All Is Not Lost' 
Not an obvious choice I admit, but OK Go really do it for me. Their ever-inventive videos (from the now legendary and much imitated treadmill video for "Here It Goes Again" to the "Incredible Machine" style video for "This Too Shall Pass") combined with catchy indie-pop/rock songs are a joy to watch. Even my 2 daughters (aged 6 and 4) now get excited when I tell them there's a new OK Go video, although that could be down to the cultural brainwashing programme. They both have their favourites - Eva's is "White Knuckles" (with the dogs) and Meg's is the ghillie-suited marching band version of the video for "This Too Shall Pass". Seek them out on YouTube - you will not be disappointed. This track, "All Is Not Lost" is best viewed in the Google Chrome browser as it takes advantage of some nifty Chrome features during the song to great effect, click here to see!!


Sophie:-
Er' indoors has supported and put up with me and this blog so a big thank you goes to her. She always has an ear for a tune and the ability to surprise a few gems of her own over the years...Check out her guest spots here...(Roddy Frame and Degrees in Motion)
SBTRKT - 'Pharaohs' Feat Roses Gabor
Given that 2011 was the worst Summer in ages, this song transported me to sunnier climes and to younger, funkier times.


Adele - 'Someone Like You'
Adele’s performance of this song at The Brits is all you need to know – incredible!


Maroon 5 - 'Moves Like Jagger'
I have detested every Maroon 5 song before this but I just couldn’t help myself this time! Maybe it’s the fact that Christina has a hand in it or just that it makes you want to dance – either way, a great pop song.



Russ:-
He has kept the peace in the Falklands (Verve guest spot) and comes out with the 'Best Northern Slang' but he also has 3 belters for you to enjoy!
Foo Fighters - 'Rope'
At last back to the food I love!!


Arctic Monkeys- 'Don't Sit Down'
Always heed the warnings, it's dangerous!!


Miles Kane - Come Closer
Opened my eyes to a newer artist style and I like it!



Gavin:-
Biltong Man is quite partial to a bit of Swiss cheese as his guest spot revealed (Yello) but put these choices on yo' crackers!!
Hurts – 'Sunday'
Brilliant and can’t believe they are not bigger than they are. Apart from Man Utd these guys are the best thing out of Manchester in recent years.


Christina Perri – 'Arms'
New sound, new voice and full of tattoos, a voice that can make you feel all sorts of emotions in one album. It's in my car CD at the mo.


Linkin Park – 'Iridesent'
Picked up a ticket off eBay for this concert for £18.90 a couple of days before the show. Sat in the front of the O2 and heard this song for the first time then … blew me away hearing it live.

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Saturday, 17 December 2011

GUEST SPOT'S Best Of 2011 part 2

We did not want this site to be all about us, we wanted people to contribute their musical experiences, favourite tunes, musical memories, legendary gigs etc and as a result we have compiled a number of excellent posts which have enhanced our site and our music collection. It's with great thanks to you guys for putting in the time and effort to write and share these experiences with us. Thanks again for contributing for the best of 2011 post too. Remember, feel free to submit any contributions at any time, they are always welcome and we enjoy them greatly.



Neal:-
He's our in house 'covers' aficionado, pub quiz specialist and lovable geek who had a crush on Debbie Gibson, oh dear. Read some of his posts here....


Tape n' Tapes - 'Freak Out'
My first standout track of the year. It hit me straightaway and 11 months on I'm still Freaked Out by it.


Clock Opera - 'Belongings'
A cool piano intro and a Guy Garvey-esque voice. It builds and builds to a great ending.


Scroobius Pip - 'The Struggle'
I saw Mr Pip live earlier this year expecting some of his classics. Instead he only played tracks from his new album Distraction Pieces. With the line "My name is Johnny Depp and I kill people" this stood out and still does.



Brendan:-
My old school teacher from Saudi Arabia was late in handing in his 'Best of 2011' assignment but he gets A* for effort. Read his great Dylan post here for homework.

White Denim - 'Drug'
Every slight twist in this thrilling rollercoaster ride, however brief, is adorned with a devastating solo or flourish, and the meticulously organised chaos is topped off with some of the most delicious harmonised vocals this side of heaven. It’s like hearing all your favourite bands finally getting it together to form a supergroup that actually works.
 






Gillian Welch - 'Silver Dagger'
Gillian Welch connects with the accumulated wisdom and knowledge of the singers and musicians of the near and distant past and towers above almost everything else on the modern musical landscape. This could be spirituality’s last credible stand.
 



 
Richmond Fontaine - 'The Mechanic’s Life' 
Richmond Fontaine are one of the few bands to accurately convey the gradual dissipation of meaning from life and the mounting sense of foreboding about the future. They prove that aimlessness, hopelessness and pessimism are perfectly sane and reasonable life choices for the modern man, and like Leonard Cohen of old, their despair uplifts.

Richmond Fontaine - The Mechanic's Life by The Line Of Best Fit

Whattalkabout (Michelle):-
Relive those angst ridden school days with Michelle's Tom Petty Guest Spot here..but before that check out these quality choices.


Calvin Harris - 'Feels So Close' 
I love how this song builds up. Just reminds me that life is an adventure, you can never really be sure where it's going, but it's so exciting.


Chase and Status -'Time'
I've never been a huge fan of theirs, but appreciate what they do. I heard this song stripped down and acoustic. Sometimes, you can listen to a song so many times without ever really listening to the lyrics. This completely changed my perception of them.


Foster The People - 'Pumped Up Kicks'
I wanted to be a bit different and not go for something as "obvious" as this. This, for me, has been the tune of this summer. It is genius.


















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Thursday, 15 December 2011


          

        













GUEST SPOT'S Best Of 2011 part 1
























We did not want this site to be all about us, we wanted people to contribute their musical experiences, favourite tunes, musical memories, legendary gigs etc and as a result we have compiled a number of excellent posts which have enhanced our site and our music collection. It's with great thanks to you guys for putting in the time and effort to write and share these experiences with us. Thanks again for contributing for the best of 2011 post too. Remember, feel free to submit any contributions at any time, they are always welcome and we enjoy them greatly.


Singing Bear:-
Singing Bear is a self confessed old school music lover who runs a blog which all of us here at TuneDr follow. Grownupbackwards is a real treasure trove of forgotten gems, classics and rarities, so go and check it out. Here are 3 of SB's best.

Low - 'Try to Sleep'
'Try To Sleep' is the opening track on Low's excellent album, C'Mon. These Minnesotan 'slow-core' merchants have been around for a while now but it's taken me until this year to really take note of their rather wonderful stripped-down sound. I love their harmonies and insistent guitar work, which, over the course of an album, can take you on a journey to places where you feel, at once, at home, if somewhat uneasy. Sometimes, life just has to get slow.



Laura Marling - 'Don't Ask Me Why'
'Don't Ask Me Why' by Laura Marling is from her beautiful album, A Creature I Don't Know. I has guilty of avoiding Ms, Marling for far too long, having been put off royally by her connections with Mumford and Sons and Noah and The Whale. Should we judge people by the company they keep? Perhaps there are times when we should look beyond that because in the case of Laura Marling, I think she out-grew that gang some time ago. So, I eventually opened my ears and heard all this fine music from one so very young. All three of her albums are very good indeed but one gets the sense of real maturity on A Creature I Don't Know, which, at times, leaves you breathless with its melodic and lyrical invention. She's going to get even better, I'm          sure.




Tom Waits - 'Hell Broke Luce'
One of my all-time favourite artists came back to us this year as Tom Waits released his new album, Bad As Me. In certain respects it must be said that what you get on Bad As Me is what one would expect from old Tom - some demented howling at the moon with a little nod to his jazz-bo, beatnik past thrown in for good measure, but that's no reason for complaint: the quality of the songs is top-notch. There aren't many artists of Tom's vintage still regularly creating such vital music. It's good to have him back. There's a host of great things on Bad As Me but I've chosen 'Hell Broke Luce', which is Tom's         take on the US war machine and some of its more recent activities. Wild and hard-hitting.



Stuart:-
Stuart is a man of little words and wanted the music to do the talking instead. Have a look at his Mother Love Bone post, where he takes you back to a simpler time where you caressed your records.

Bombay Bicycle Club -'What You Want'  

The Vaccines - 'All In White' 


Chapel Club - 'Blind' 


Emma Bazeley:-
Emma Bazeley, introduced me to White Denim this year and her excellent review of a She Keeps Bees gig compelled me to investigate further.

She Keeps Bees - 'Vulture'
The drumming and compilation just get me.


Twin Shadow - 'Slow'
I discovered them this year and love the 80s feel and George's voice.



Peaches - 'Kick It' Featuring Iggy Pop
I love this just as much for the zombie video and the fact Peaches and Iggy refuse to grow old gracefully!



Fancy a Guest Spot? Then don't hesitate to contact us...













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DYLAN COVERS  #27 - George Harrison (part 2 of 3) - Every Grain of Sand/If Not For You (Acoustic versions)











Here is part 2 of 3 of George doing two more Dylan acoustic Covers. First, 'Every Grain of Sand' , I believe it was taken from a radio broadcast where George was answering questions and singing acoustic versions of mostly his songs. 'If not for You' is an acoustic outtake from 'All things must Pass' both are definitely worth a listen and can be found on 'Acoustic Masterpieces' which you can find on the Net 'with a little perseverance'. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have. 



GEORGE HARRISON - Every Grain of Sand


GEORGE HARRISON - If Not For You (Acoustic version)

All things must pass
GEORGE HARRISON - Every Grain of Sand (Acoustic)
GEORGE HARRISON - If Not For You (Acoustic)

For more Dylan Covers













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Wednesday, 14 December 2011


          

        













FLYCASUAL'S Best of 2011
















It's always an unenviable task, trying to streamline your favourite songs into a playlist, but 5, outrageous! Oh the sleepless nights, who gets left behind?? I felt like I was the chopper pilot in the scene in Platoon where Willem Defoe's, Elias gets left behind.
Oh well, there goes Ghostpoet
Yeah, OK anyway, 2011 has been a great year for music but more so since the creation of this blog. One of the points of this blog was to find out what my friends/family were listening to and if they had any anecdotes about the songs as to why they liked them. I don't get to see them as often as I'd like to and like SFW said in his intro, "recreate the listening sessions of the past". So what better way than to conceive a blog where you can do just that!! As a result of the Guest Spots and my fellow contributors, who in turn have different tastes to mine, it has been a bumper crop! So a huge thanks to all of you!


Little Dragon - 'Ritual Union'
My favourite song, album and band/artist of the year for me, their Lo-Fi Electronica ticking all the right boxes, prompting me to get hold of their back catalogue. Ritual Union's a fabulous track (featured here), it's flavour encapsulated the summer for me, great voice and complete with synth sax break (there's not enough sax at the moment). Little Dragon's collaborations this year were exceptional too, including 'Wildfire' with SBTRKT (featured here too) and this beautiful piece, 'Scale it Back' with DJ Shadow.





Beastie Boys - 'Make Some Noise'
"oh my god just look at me grandpa been rapping' since 83". Great back to form old skool flashback from the Beasties with their silly witty rhymes and fresh beats. Trademark outstanding video too, with Hollywood cameos aplenty and if you have a spare 29:55 minutes, check the full video here....



Wild Beasts - 'Reach A Bit Further'
Fabulous vocals and melody, with happy memories of a perfect day spent on the beach with my wife and my little boy.



The Horrors - 'Still Life'
Epic retro 80's stomp fest, I can just picture a Miami Vice cut scene with a jilted Don Johnson tearing shit up around Miami. Would definitely feature on the soundtrack to the remake of The Breakfast Club.




Tinarwiren - 'Tenere Taqqim Tossam'
Unfortunately they didn't take up my offer of a cup of tea at my house (what??) when they were touring last month so I went to see them instead and I was not disappointed. Top, top tune from the desert rebel rockers, The Clash, Santana and Hendrix rolled into one (erm, if they were all Bedouins).

















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OLD PA'S CORNER Best of 2011
















 OLD PA'S CORNER - 5 Best of 2011

It is always tricky to pick your 5 best as you are usually influenced by what you are currently into. I picked the first 5 that stuck out from my 'list' and I am sticking with it, 'je ne regrette rien' as the 'little robin' says.

If anybody who comes to our site gets half the pleasure I get from doing it, then I would love to join you with a smile and share a glass with you!......But why don't you join us! Let us know about that important song that 'you' like and tell us what it means to YOU! Share it with us,  share it with the WORLD!

I love reading your musical stories (there must be a book in there somewhere?).



BILL CALLAHAN - The Drover

Alt Country feel for all you would be Cowboys n' gals and Bill's distintive voice of course. I would say my track of the year.


THE MARINER'S CHILDREN - Coal

Folk revival highlight from the Brighton ensemble, excellent stuff. (Ignore the Kitchen)   

 RY COODER - Humpty Dumpty World

All the Cooder ingredients are here, a jokey title and chorus but with a serious message, brilliant playing.


JOSHUA MOSES - Africa (Is our land)

Old School Reggae revival from the Bristol archives, I love it


RICHARD HAWLEY - Theres a storm a comin'

Silky voice, silky tune. Light a candle, give her a rose, job done, I'm just an old romantic, are you?

Can't wait for 2012













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Tuesday, 13 December 2011


          

        













SFW's Best of 2011
















When Flycasual & I first started this blog back in March it was to recreate the 'listening' sessions of our past - we'd have a few beers and play a sort of Musical roulette, one of us would play 3 tracks, then another 3, then another 3, whilst catching up, we'd often find ourselves stopping the conversation and asking "What is this great track?", as you can imagine those boozing sessions would often go on far too long and the musical discoveries would often get lost within the hangovers. 
"...a typical Tune Doctor listening session..."
Tune Doctor gave us an outlet to continue this  tradition - but allowed us to share & remember it!

However, when Old Pa & Shell Hunter joined, it didn't just continue the memory, it enhanced it - it gave us a wider range of musical discoveries, some would appeal, some wouldn't, but importantly, it wasn't the score, it was the taking part. 

Our Guest spot has become the icing on the cake. When someone says "...you have to listen to this track, because....", I'll listen to it over and over and see if I can get a glimmer of why that song has tattooed itself onto that individual or it could be just how a particular song reminds us of someone, a situation, or a place...we all have them, let us know!

Finally this a thank you to Flycasual, Old Pa, Shell Hunter, our Guest Spot writers & finally the many people who have read or commented on the blog.....as the internet can be a lonely place!

Bon Iver - Holocene
"...Pure Sonic Medicine, Prozac for your ears...beautiful!"

Ryan Adams - Invisible Riverside
"..Ryan's back and better than ever with the album "Ashes & Fire" - up there with Heartbreaker!"

Lana Del Ray - Video Games
"...Internet sensation? Pouting Songstress takes over the world!..."

Chad VanGaalan - Peace on the Rise
"2011 has been full of Musical discoveries - Musician/Artist Chad VanGaalan was up there!"

Other Lives - For 12
"This struck me like an Arrow to the head, with it's sweeping strings, Americana has never sounded so good!"














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Sunday, 11 December 2011


          

        













SHELL HUNTER'S Best of 2011















It wasn't easy whittling down my extensive list of favourites to five but here they are. 2011 has been a real musical extravaganza! I'm not saying that this year has better music than any other year but for me, it saw me going to a record breaking 12 live concerts and of course becoming a contributor to Tune Doctor. I hear things differently, I don't write them off as quickly as I used to and I love to discover new genres and styles. Basically if it floats my boat, I'm happy! Bring on 2012!



'Blind Faith ft. Liam Bailey' - Chase and Status
My very first favourite song of the year and it still does it for me. My dubstep education began here and Blind Faith showed me it doesn't have to be angry and fast all the time. It can be cool, slow and dreamy. Seeing them at this year's iTunes festival was an experience to say the least. I don't think my heart beat has been the same since.


'Lesson No.7' - Clock Opera
This builds layer upon layer of sound until it reaches a chaotic and claustrophobic climax. Clock Opera are definitely a group to keep a very close eye on. Their eclectic style means they can't be categorised but in a good way and each song I've heard has the makings of an epic.


'Beautiful People' - Chris Brown ft. Benny Benassi
Symbolic of good times with good friends this year. Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it without fail and it makes me want to dust off my dancing shoes.


'Sail' - Awolnation
Proof that re-releasing is worth it. I missed this first time around and am so glad I got that second chance. The base came out of nowhere and smacked me in the face. Great backing that sounds like an eerie sea-shanty and I love the cool hectic drumming with a sprinkling of the ivories to top it all off.
 

'Before The Bridge' - Future Islands
My band of the year. If a song can inspire me enough to get the band's whole back catalogue, they must be that good. Think 80's synth, Joy Division/New Order style guitar, fantastically unique voice and steel drums. Done and dusted.


A special thanks goes to SFW, Flycasual, Old Pa and our Guest Spot contributors for getting me into music that I may never have otherwise heard. Cheers!













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TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 11/12/2011















Four tracks to make the mulled wine mighty fine.....

SFW:-
Real Estate - Green Aisles (2011)
Real Estate are a Indie Rock band from New Jersey who have been riding the hype machine over the last few years.  "Green Aisles" features on their 2011 album "Days", which for me is a 'Kentucky-fried-chicken-esq' tub of "Smiths-My Bloody Valentine-arpeggio" driven American indie rock. The album has been critically acclaimed with it appearing on numerous album of the year lists.
"...Jersey Boys..."
Listen/download it free from Soundcloud

Old Pa's Corner :-
Jimmy Cliff - Guns of Brixton - Ft Tim Armstrong from Rancid (2011)


This is a great version of the Clash song 'Guns of Brixton' and is from a new EP from Jimmy Cliff called 'Sacred Fire (2011)' this is a real return to form and even contains a full version of Dylan's 'A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall' as well as a Dub version of 'Guns of Brixton'. I had to get this immediately when I found out today of its existence, this of course is straight in as my track of the week, The Harder they Fall and all that!.

So many Rivers to cross
Brixton Version

Flycasual:-
Unknown Mortal Orchestra - How Can U Love Me? (2011)


This is one of the most unique songs I've heard in awhile, although released earlier this year, I've only recently come across it. It's from a US/Kiwi band hailing out of Portland, Oregon and I just love it, with it's cool bass, vocals and a fantastic B-boy breakbeat, I thought it was an old 80's funk track in the same mould as ESG. Which is why I had a flashback to my youth growing up in Saudia Arabia in the early 80's, where as a fledgling B-boy, we used to bust moves at the local supermarket, The Star Market.  I was a pretty crap breaker but I could hump the floor like no other, when doing my move, the Worm. It also sounds like it was actually recorded in the Star Market toilets. UMO, keeping up the mantra of 'Keep Portland Weird',  download it free, here...

Shell Hunter:-
I Break Horses - 'Wired' (2011)


I was skimming the XFM new and upfront playlist for anything of interest and the name of this Swedish girl/boy indie duo really appealed to me. Lucky for me, I struck gold this time. It's almost like playing Battleships, you have to keep going til you find a hit! Having only heard of the genre "shoegaze" once before (thanks SFW for Chad VanGaalen- Tracks of the Week 25/09) and loving it, I wasn't surprised to see it again next to these guys. 'Wired' is on their 9 track debut album which was released in August and I've heard nothing but good press. I love the Mazzy Star-esque vocals and can get lost in it's drumming. All it needs is a nice sunny warm day to make it complete. Could be a late contender for my best of 2011 compilation!

Get the title track from their album 'Hearts' by I Break Horses free here!

Sick of Mince Pies already??? Try out some more tracks of the week by clicking here....













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