Home / Archived For August 2011

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

Roni Size - 'Brown Paper Bag'

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




Roni Size - 'Brown Paper Bag' (1997)

You'll always remember when you lost your dignity!

Roni Size, another artist to add to the already impressive Bristol dance scene alumni. As a distant cousin of Hip Hop, I was fairly into drum and bass at the time the Mercury Prize winning 'New Forms' came out. For me the track, 'Brown Paper Bag' was incredible with it's double bass intro which created a fabulous tension before the beat kicked in.

I remember hearing this track at this D n' B club in China Town with a few friends after work. We were still in uniform and probably looked liked dweebs but after a few drinks it didn't matter. As soon as I heard the few bars of that bass line I bolted as coherently as possible to the nearest speaker. Half proficiency level one front crawl and half reggae moon stomp, I proceeded to mash up the dancefloor much to the horror of my collegues. Covered in goosebumps and with a big smile, I didn't care....it was so good to hear it excruciatingly loud!

Mr Size yesterday, into Gucci leather bags now.
Roni Size - 'Brown Paper Bag'

Thursday I'm in Love...a chance to share some of my favourite songs.

Not your bag? Try another..Click here for more Thursday tunes!
Pada 5 Komentar

Tuesday, 30 August 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Hazeldine - 'Tarmac'

Midweek Crisis? Come to WEDNESDAY CLUB where you can become a Super Hero!



Hazeldine - 'Tarmac' (1997)



A quiet period at the 'Chicken Ranch'
Heard this the other day, I had forgotten about Hazeldine and was heavily into them at the end of the nineties. If you are an Alt-Country kinda guy you will love them and if you have not heard of them, then this is a treat. This is from their first album 'How Bees Fly' tremendous vocals, a really great country drawl to her voice and great guitar work. There is also a nice little mention of 'Batman' for all you Super Hero 'Lovers', 'Turn that TV off Jennifer'.

I'm getting my Hazeldine albums out right now and must check what they have been up to, I sort of lost track of them.

Are you a Super Hero? It's got to be Batman..Click here for Wednesday Club
Pada 3 Komentar

TUESDAY BLUES! Elliott Smith - Between The Bars

Elliott Smith - Between The Bars (1997)
It's Tuesday, most of us are going back to work after the long bank holiday weekend and are feeling miserable...so it's apt that I've chosen Elliott Smith for my Tuesday Blues.

For those who don't know about Elliott Smith, you've missed a absolute gem of a folk/punk singer songwriter who was, and still is a massive influence on others.  He rose from obscurity after his song, "Miss Misery" was nominated for a Academy Award after being featured in "Good Will Hunting".  His ghostly, vulnerable singing style doesn't appeal to everyone, but if you fancy an aperitif of melancholy you should try and have Mr Smith in your life! 

Unfortunately, like many of the musical greats, he had his demons, and he sadly ended his life by killing himself

So on that cheery note, here are a couple of tracks to hopefully pick you up...

Elliott Smith - Twilight
Elliott Smith - Thirteen

...I got the Tuesday Blues because Saturday is so far away! Get more here!
Pada 8 Komentar

Monday, 29 August 2011

GIVE ME A GUITAR!! Foo Fighters - Everlong

Foo Fighters - Everlong (1997)
Sometimes, by just listening to the first 5 seconds of a song can improve your day - 'Everlong' does this every time for me - it puts a smile on my grumpy chops! It works on all levels, the acoustic version gives it a different edge, but the Studio version is like a Rollercoaster for your ears - the slow start, driving guitars & drums and the perfect sing-a-long chorus takes you on a musical trip with its highs & lows....can songs get any better? Possibly, but for me this is top 3 of all time!

"Guaranteed to put a smile on your face!"
More Give Me A Guitar!
Pada 7 Komentar

Sunday, 28 August 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 28/08/11

This weeks three tasty Tapas tunes, Ole! Any Patatas Bravas for us?? Let us Know!


Old Pa's Corner:-
Lenny Kravitz - 'Black and White America' (2011)




Whatever happened to Lenny Kravitz, well he's back with a new album after a 3 year gap and here is the title track from that album. I was never a great Kravitz lover but I do like this 'funk fest', it starts off brilliantly with great funk licks and the mere mention of MLK sends a shiver of anticipation. However the song peaks in the first minutes and the rest just funks its way along, I have to say, a little disappointingly to the end. Saying that, the first minute is worth the entrance fee alone. 'Let Funk rule'



Flycasual:-
Cults - 'Go Outside' (2011)



Still chasing rabbits? This will give you your hippie fix.

I heard this song last week whilst staying at Sfw's, just going about my business before having to do a double take stopping to check who was playing. It's a strange mix of sunny soul and psychedelica with a catchy melody which had me humming it for the rest of the day. It has has a soul clap throughout and I'm a sucka fo soul clap y'all. The video is a bit bizarre, about a notorious real life cult that would kill you or worse if you tried to leave, no summer of love there then. Don't let that and the bloody weather spoil the last weekend of the summer, as it's well worth your time!



The version I heard is a remix and is available to stream/download for your listening pleasure.
Cults - Go Outside (Menahan Street Band Remix)


Sfw:-
Ryan Adams - Lucky You (2011)
Lucky Now by ryanadams
Great taster from the new album "Ashes & Fire", Sounds like the Ryan Adams of old and is getting this fan drooling, Tapas comparison? Spicy Chorizo! hmmm nice!

Stuffed?.no, there's always room for some pudding tunes. Click here!
Pada 6 Komentar

Saturday, 27 August 2011

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX - Usher - "OMG ft. will.i.am"


Usher - "OMG ft. will.i.am" (2010)

I've always had a quiet appreciation for Usher. Let's face it, the guy has serious skill on the dance floor. That will always do it for me! Having not fallen in with the big craze of R&B as a teenager, I never understood the hype. This song came through for some reason and I can see what the fuss was about. I love the simplicity of it. The clap from a Casio tone keyboard running all the way through and the irregular beat.

Usher means Bidness


It will always remind me of World Cup South Africa 2010. There were so many novelty football songs out and when this played over the radio, with the chanting, I assumed it was just another one of those! For a while it was just a song I'd hum along to until one day, my company was celebrating the first year of it's merger with another ground handler at Heathrow with a barbecue. We were all given 3 tokens to exchange for free drinks at the bar. The drinkers in my party managed to convince the non drinkers to hand over their tokens in exchange for us buying them soft drinks. Come on, they're cheaper! It was a win-win situation! After one too many wines, I remember going into the main room where the dance floor was and hearing this song satisfyingly loud. The floor had a clearing in the centre and everyone was taking their turn to put their skills on show! Being a sucker for a move or two, I pushed in to watch and saw one of guys in full traditional Ghanaian dress (obviously in high spirits after them getting through to the quarter finals) doing a bit of Usher. It was quite surreal, but great all the same!

OMG!

Want to score more Saturday Night Jukebox goals?
Pada 3 Komentar

GUEST SPOT # 11 - Show of Hands - "Roots"

This weeks guest spot is by Andrew Brown (AKA Grumpys Shed)

Show of Hands - Roots (2005)


I heard this in the background while I was doing something around the house a couple of weeks ago.    I was in a 'standards today are not what they used to be' mood and I heard the reference to Australian Soap's and  pubs now with TV's and no more live music etc...  I thought that this is a song after my own heart. I wound up the volume and found myself unusually stirred enough to sing along and my mood lifted.  I've found that you
become more nostalgic as you put on the years and, whilst life goes on (cue for Noah and the Whale song), let's not forget our roots.  After hearing the title and the band at the end of the song I checked them out and have since downloaded the best of 'Show of Hands' album with further stimulating and meaningful songs. Perhaps more to come!
'...letting one rip'

Check out more Guest Spots here!
Pada 4 Komentar

Friday, 26 August 2011

GIVE ME A GUITAR!! ACDC - 'Back in Black'



ACDC - 'Back in Black' (1980)

Everyone needs a bit of 'Cock Rock' at some point in their lives, if only to get a 'riffage' fix. There's probably none better than this testosterone fuelled classic from ACDC, it's pure, no nonsense, sweaty Rock n Roll! I first came across the riff through an old skool Beastie Boys track called 'Rock Hard', it was years later that I discovered the Aussie rockers original.

Who's a naughty boy then?

This song reminds me fondly of an uncomfortable incident that my wife found herself in whilst on holiday in Vietnam. We were in search of some refreshment and we came across a place called the DMZ Bar, I thought it a bit inappropriate to treat the war like a theme park but F*@$ it, the music was good and the beer was cold. 'Back in Black' welcomed us in as we settled down with our drinks. We befriended a cute little puppy that was doing the rounds with all the revellers, managing to bag a pat at each table. However it seemed to be very attached to my wife's flip flops trying to bite chunks out of them but the more my wife resisted, the more determined it became. Eventually moving its interest to her leg, which it started manically humping with all of its youthful vigour, much to my delight and my wife's (frantically trying to remove it) dismay. Needless to say I was on the Highway to Hell that night!

Interestingly, ACDC have recently released a range of wines for us to fill our goblets of Rock!!

Beastie Boys - 'Rock Hard'



Pada 7 Komentar

Thursday, 25 August 2011

DYLAN COVER # 11 - David Bowie - Maggies Farm/Like a Rolling stone


David Bowie - 'Like a Rolling Stone' (1994)

You don't associate Bowie covering Dylan, even although he wrote a song about the great man. 'Song for Bob Dylan' on his 'Hunky Dory' album. Here are two covers definitely worth a listen, LARS is from Mick Ronson's farewell concert, where Bowie guested. A live album of the event 'Heaven and Hull' was released in 1994.  This is a rip roaring, hi-energy rendition.

'Ziggy played guitar, jammin' good with Weird and Zimmy'

r
                                                              Bobby and his Dame

The second song is live rendition of Maggies Farm from 1989, and was recorded during his time with 'Tin Machine'.

'I ain't gonna work with 'Reeves Gabrels' no more'

David Bowie - Maggie's Farm
Pada 2 Komentar

Tuesday, 23 August 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Tom Waits - Shore Leave

MIDWEEK CRISIS again, come to 'WEDNESDAY CLUB' you might not lose weight, but you can comfort binge with a feast of musical Treats.


TOM WAITS - Shore Leave

You can smell it, you can feel it. The Far East, the humidity, the smell of sewage, the smell of garlic and  coriander, the music blaring, the buzz, the girls....this song brings you right there in the heart of the action. Tom Waits is a bit like Marmite, with a voice 'soaked in bourbon', bring on a doorstop 'Vegemite' sandwich, I say!  When he is good he is very good but, when he is bad, you leave the country. You are probably familiar with some of his songs that have been covered, 'Downtown Train' by Rod Stewart (goes to show, give Rod a good song and he will deliver) 'Jersey Girl' by Bruce Springsteen, Brilliant.  Although these covers are good, the originals are a joy to hear and superior.

There is a line referring to a 'Blood Bank' and it reminds me of time in Jeddah, when every few months you could go and give blood for 500 riyals (about £50) and I got an extra 100 as I was -O. A quick cup of tea and a biscuit then straight from Erfan Hospital direct to 747 records and have a feast of Cd's and a great pre-weekend session.

'I'm paying for the 'Pizza Sheikh' tonight folks'.

Some might say that this is a bit like selling a concert ticket for a prophet, if you can't go. Is there a 'moral' issue here, what do you think?

Cd's and Pizza don't come for free.





Below is a live version of the song from a Movie called 'Big Time'

PROTECTION WARNING for the weak - don't watch if you are not ready, and can't handle it.

Pada 5 Komentar

TUESDAY BLUES! James Yuill - This Sweet Love

James Yuill - This Sweet Love (2008)

Folktronica - The musical genre that does what it says on the tin! This was my song of the year back in 2008, and is 3:42 seconds of musical perfection....ok, that's a bit over the top but it is damn good.  James Yuill's is a bit like a student - basically a laptop and acoustic guitar - he's released a couple of albums and EP's the last being "Movement in a storm" (2010). So sit back, relax, open a bottle of Rioja and enjoy the 'ping-pong' beats and gentle strumming....

Perfecting the Scandinavian Teacher look... 

More Tuesday Blues?
Pada 2 Komentar

Sunday, 21 August 2011

CLASSIC MOVIE SCENE - #5 - Donnie Darko - 'Head over Heels'


Tears for Fears - 'Head over Heels' (1985) Donnie Darko

I was heavily into 'Songs from the Big Chair' with 'Head Over Heels' probably one of my favourites tunes of all time. I can probably remember coming in to school with this very song playing on my brick sized Walkman, before getting it confiscated by a teacher and/or a bully. Despite being a film about time travel and parallel universes, this is where the parallels end for me, as much to my wife's dismay, I'm more Brian 'get-out-and-sit-in-the-hall' than Jake Gyllenhaal. Never mind, I felt the song captured the era perfectly and the slow-mo camera work is a nice touch in what was a very memorable scene in a fantastic, if a little bizarre, film.


and I thought I had problems with Patrick Swayze!
More classic movie scenes? Jump into this wormhole!
Pada 8 Komentar

Saturday, 20 August 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 21/08/11

Two tracks that buzzed our towers this week! Do you have any 'Top Guns'? Let us know

Flycasual:-
Wild Beasts - 'Reach a bit Further' (2011)


Wild Beasts - Reach A Bit Further by DominoRecordCo

Angry apes favourite, Wild Beasts have been on heavy rotation in the flycasual household for a couple of months now. 'Smother' is such a consistently good album that it's been very hard to pinpoint an individual track as my favourite. Then after driving home one sunny afternoon from a near perfect day at the beach, this song came through. Whether it's the beat, melody, the sand in my ears or Hayden Thorpe's fabulous voice delivering an infectious chorus, it's all good. It's a short tune which leaves you wanting more.

Sfw:-
Sfw was unavailable for comment. CIA drones tracking him earlier, reported seeing him stagger out of the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff after the Welsh rugby team gave the Argentinian boys a good seeing to. They couldn't get a clear shot for an air strike and lost him. He's probably off singing somewhere.

Old Pa's Corner:-
Errol Linton - 'Mama Said' (2011)





Errol Linton - Mama Said (2011)

I was browsing the other day (like you do) and came across this guy Errol Linton, as I never heard of him before I sampled a few of the tracks on his album 'Mama said' and the title track just blew me away. It was just like an old blues track from way back, mouth harp and all. There was just so much energy, I did not hesitate and had to buy it right away.

The 'Busking Brixton Bluesman' is apparently a bit of a legend in 'underground circles', he quite literally plays in the London Underground with his one man band. Can't wait to hear the rest of his album. Stardom awaits Errol.



Before you eject...click here for other tracks of the week!


Pada 4 Komentar

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX - King Biscuit Time - "I Walk The Earth"




King Biscuit Time - "I Walk The Earth" (2000)


"I Walk The Earth" first kissed my ears after I bought my brother a compilation CD for either Xmas or his birthday called The Sonic Mook Experiment which was a club night I attended for a friend's birthday in London. I clearly didn't realise the trendy circles I was in back then as I don't even remember where it was. I do remember it was my first experience of extremely loud indie/electronic pop mixes(another occasion in which I go deaf as I am camped out next to the giant speakers) and a fantastic introduction to break beat! It wasn't until my brother had played the album a couple of times that I heard it but this was one of those songs that make you sit and shut up just for a minute, while you take it in!

Steve Mason, the thinking woman's totty


In May this year, my husband and I went to Brighton as we had bought tickets to see Steve Mason. Who? I hear you say(I got the same reaction many times when telling people what concert I was going to)! He is best known for being one of the founding members of The Beta Band but also released a few solo albums under the names Black Affair and King Biscuit Time. Loving so many singles from his different projects, we knew we owed it to ourselves to see him live. We were not disappointed. The moment that stood out for me though was when Mason and his band mates came back on stage for their encore. Hubby and I took bets(as we often do) to guess what song it would be. I went for The Beta Band's number, Dry The Rain, thinking it would be a sure thing. Then the beat of "I Walk The Earth" kicked in, I was wrong but I didn't care! The crowd lapped it up! It was only a small venue, Komedia, and not completely packed. I was so close, it was fantastic. Singing along with the crowd, I'll never forget the moment midway when the beat cuts out(around the 2.40 minute mark), during the harp bit the whole band stopped playing and bowed simultaneously until the beat kicked in again with the siren. It was weird but worked really well. A new way to make an impact on me!

Got any big impact moments from live gigs? Tell me about them!!

Cuppa tea with your Biscuit?

King Biscuit Time - I Walk The Earth



Click here, it's Saturday Night jukebox, let the beat kick in and sit back!!
Pada 8 Komentar

Friday, 19 August 2011

GUEST SPOT - # 10 - Yello - "Oh Yeah"


This week's Guest Spot is from our very own bit of South African biltong, Gavin!


Yello - "Oh Yeah" (1985)

Once in your life a song, if it hasn’t done so already, WILL come along that will blow your mind away with sheer brilliance. Now we are all entitled to an opinion of sorts when it comes to music. Some will agree and some won't. However for me, it was growing up in a country that never had an official top 40 and basically just played songs that were ‘donated’ to us from America, Great Britain and the cheesy European pop lot, that I found ‘that song’.
Like most songs, this one takes me to when I was 10 years old, sitting on my bedroom floor playing with my….Space Lego! I heard this outrageous sound coming from my 16 year old brother's bedroom….(no no no, not what you would expect from a 16 year old boys room with posters of Debbie Harry and a lady with a tennis racket showing her buttocks), but the sounds of ’Oh yeah, Chick, Chick, Chicka Chickaaaaa!’
The track was so obscure and weird then, and in some ways still is obscure and weird today. It has stood the test of time and the song is still used in TV commercials, movies and even featured in the Simpsons for the Duff Beer man…..mmmm beeeer. Also it's used in any scenes where there are good looking bodies and girls in bikinis!


Not bad for a couple of ‘old Swiss farts’!


       
‘The moon….beautiful…..

The sun…..even more beautiful….

Oh yeah….

Chick, Chick, Chicka Chickaaaaa’


Coincidentally it also features in my favourite movie of all time, ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off’!


Check out loads more great Guest Spots.......Oh Yeah!
Pada 10 Komentar

Thursday, 18 August 2011

DYLAN COVER # 10 - Fairport Convention/Nico - I'll keep it with Mine





FAIRPORT CONVENTION - I'll Keep it with Mine(1968)

A school friend lent me the Album 'What we did on our Holiday' in 1968 by Fairport Convention and when I first heard 'I'll keep it with Mine' I just new it was Dylan immediately, although he had not released that song. It was released officially on 'Biograph' in 1985 and then later, a different outtake version on the Bootleg Series Vol 1-3 in 1991. However, I did hear the Dylan version on a 'Boot variation of the Great White Wonder' much earlier. I love the song, great melody and simple but significant words.

You will search Babe at any cost, but how long Babe
Can you search for what is not lost

I can't help it, if you might think I'm odd, if I say
I'm not loving you for what you are but for what you'r not
 
I love these lines and have 'used' them on many occasions. (I promise, honest, I confessed that they were not my lines)


Fairport Convention have covered Dylan quite a few times, Million Dollar Bash, Tomorrow is a long time, Down in the Flood, Si Tu Dois Partis, Open the Door Richard, Country Pie, Percy's Song, George Jackson, there may be more. Let me know if you are aware of any more.

'Great Job' Sandy beautiful Vocals.

It is rumoured that Dylan wrote the song for Nico (of Velvet Underground fame) after a 'liason' and it appears on her solo Album 'Chelsea Girl'. Marianne Faithfull also does and excellent version on her Album 'Strange Weather'.

I have included an absolute GEM, Nico and the  'Pocketknives's odd beauty remix' of 'I'll keep it with mine'.

Nico - she could have kept mine with hers, at no cost
    

Nico - I'll Keep it with Mine - Pocketknives odd beauty remix
Pada 2 Komentar

Wednesday, 17 August 2011

Lemon Jelly - 'Soft'

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


Lemon Jelly - 'Soft' (2003)

We all know when it comes to finding love, cupid's a crack shot with his arrow but when things turn sour and cupid goes rogue, his aim doesn't waver and it feels like you've been harpooned. Despite the power ballad cheese fest and damage to your street cred, you'd be hard pushed not to feel the anguish in Chicago's 'If You Leave Me Now'. It's a Heart FM favourite (Jamie Theakston, you're a knob) but it's a great song and Lemon Jelly's blend of chilled electronica puts the melody to good use on their fabulous track 'Soft'. It's a clever use of a sample as it just builds and builds, you hear the oohs, the strings, it teases you until it gives in and the chorus finally plays. Listening to Chicago never felt more cool.

Hide! It's Jamie Theakston and he looks very angry!

If it wasn't for Peter Cetera, however, my wife and I may not be together now. She's a fan of the power ballad and 'The Karate Kid' (I know, I know but in relationships we all have to make sacrifices) so I used lyrics from his song, 'The Glory of Love', for our first Valentines in a card and single red rose combo. Boom! Deal closed and we're still together after 11 years, never underestimate the power of soft rock!

Listen to the full track below the video is an abridged version and doesn't do it justice.
Lemon Jelly - 'Soft'

Thursday I'm in Love....a chance for me to share some of my favourite tracks.
More power minus the ballads? Click here for more Recollection Collection.

Pada 4 Komentar

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Exuma - Dambala

Midweek crisis? Come to 'WEDNESDAY CLUB', we've got the 'Obea Man' and he's waiting for YOU!


EXUMA - 'Dambala' (1972)

I first heard this in the South of France in 1972, from a friend of my Wife who could not speak English and I could not speak French, but music was our common bond. He played this track from the self titled album 'Exuma' and another album called the 'Dark side of the Moon' by a group, their name escapes me. He gave me the Exuma Album, as I was so impressed....I later passed it on to my Sister, for the same reason.

I never heard the album again for many years and it became one of my 'Holy Grails' until those 'Napster' days, when everything seemed possible. All those songs you thought were gone forever and when you heard them again, there was that hint of disappointment...'it wasn't that good really, well not as good as you remembered. This was not the case with 'Dambala', I still love it, all the voodoo, all the Darkness, all the theatre. I later managed to get the CD from some German label. I have also included another great song from the album which is probably even better..

Macfarlane Gregory Anthony Mackey was Exuma and he had his musical apprenticeship in the 60's in Greenwich Village, he has performed with Dylan and Hendrix, so he can't be all bad.   


                                                     The Obea Man is going to get you


                                                     You Don't know whats going on

EXUMA - You don't know whats going on
Wednesday Club is going to get you!
Pada 2 Komentar

Monday, 15 August 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Autolux - Turnstyle Blues

Autolux - Turnstyle Blues (2004)

I first heard of Autolux from a good friend who lives in LA. who kept going on about them - I bought their debut "Future Perfect" and must admit, I thought "..it's alright" and then put the CD back into my collection and didn't listen to it again until it randomly appeared on my iPod a few months later....that second time, I was blown away! Whatever reason I didn't get it the first time just shows how some things may need a different frame of mind for it to hit home.  Their blend of noise pop is like Sonic Youth meets UNKLE.  Unsurprisingly they've have featured on two of UNKLE's albums "War Stories" & "Where did the night fall".
I'm now a super-fan....and not the only one, their set on Nigel Goodrich's "From the basement" is awesome. They've opened for N.I.N., Queens of the Stone Age and PJ Harvey. Super chilled, super cool and the girl plays the drums!
Autolux - Turnstyle Blues

More Tuesday Blues
Pada 6 Komentar

GIVE ME A GUITAR!! Rage against the Machine - Sleep now in the fire

Rage against the machine - Sleep now in the fire (2000)
Grrrrr....rawk! Ever drop a hammer on your toe? ever wanted to tell your boss where to stick their job? Or have you ever got yourself into a uncontrollable rage that even Dr David Banner would say "Relax, pal" - nah, me neither.  But, if you ever do, use this riff-tastic, "rock"-et fuel to power your Supercar of anger..

It features on the "The Battle of Los Angeles" album is just classic R.A.T.M., the riffs, driving bass, the politcal lyrics about greed (the video is directed by Michael Moore), all make it one to listen to when driving, or skinning critters but not one for when the in-laws are round or during "special time" with the misses.  If you haven't heard it before, you've missed a 'rock' treat!
Pada 8 Komentar

Sunday, 14 August 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 14/07/11

A tandoori mixed grill of tunes which whetted our appetites this week.

Sfw:-
The Kills - DNA
I usually would dismiss this (over-hype), but this guitar hook alone made me get The Kills - Blood Pressures album - and I'm really loving it.  Without knowing much about the band, it made me think of The White Stripes - I quickly realised that this was probably due to the singer, Alison Mosshart working with Jack White in The Dead Weather - either way, her & Jamie Hince (Mr Kate Moss) are doing a grand job here.... great tune!
DNA
Old Pa's Corner:-
GIVERS - Saw you First


I heard a track by them, 'Up Up Up', which I thought was interesting and then when I heard this one it was a case of I must hear some more. Nice drumming an Afro-beat appeal which seems to be the vogue at the moment.

They definitely sound a bit like Vampire Weekend-ish or Cloud Control-ish, it is all very pleasant and all very acceptable for a nice summers day and maybe thoughts of the BBQ and a few cans of Skol Super Strength Lager, chilled to perfection.

Flycasual:-
Bombay Bicycle Club - Shuffle (2011)
It's now written in musical folklore that Bombay Bicycle Club were named after a local curry house in their area of London and as a result, the owner has given them free curry for life. Genius! Free food for life? I would recommend any budding bands out there to do the same! It's what I would have done...I can see it now..'Ladies and Gentlemen...I give you the Falafel Kings!'

I heard this track a few times and it's the wonky piano riff that did the damage along with it's great simple melody, complete with a nice soul clap finish. They also seem to be having a bit too much fun in the video, which is a little annoying but I'm just a miserable bastard. I have enjoyed their last two albums of contrasting styles (Flaws was more folky) and I will be looking forward to their new one out later this month fo sho!

I don't really know if the owner of Bombay Bicycle Club restuarant has given the lads free curry for life but he should at least guarantee a poppadom supply.

Hungry for more tracks of the week??
Pada 3 Komentar

Saturday, 13 August 2011

GUEST SPOT - # 9 - Dub War - 'Strike It'


He cooks a mean fennel and sausage casserole, our guest spot this week comes from Jon...BO!

Dub War - Strike It (1995)

It's August bank holiday weekend, 1993. I'm at the Greenbelt festival in Northamptonshire all psyched up, bass in hand, ready to take to the (admittedly very small) Fringe Bandstand stage with my bandmates. Except it's well behind schedule and we have a wait of around 45 minutes. Great. Waiting patiently is not something I've ever done very well, and I'm liable to start pacing if I don't have something to distract me. But what's this? What are these sounds of purest awesomeness wafting over to me from the Big Top stage? I wander on over and step inside the marquee to be faced with arguably the best (as yet unsigned) band to come out of South Wales. Ever. With the possible exception of The Alarm. Instantly all urge to pace departs and my senses are assaulted by the genre-defining sound that hits me like a blast wave. In time it will be come to be known as thragga. For the moment though I don't care what it's called - I just know I love it.  Benji's vocals shift effortlessly from shouty ragga to tuneful soul via an almost forgiveable jazz interlude. The band are tight and having a great time and the crowd are really responding. Then the bass player breaks a string mid-song - not just any string, but his E string. Those suckers are fat and he really must have been pounding it - I'm impressed! One quick string change later and they're back in full flow again. Half an hour later I emerge squinting into the bright sunshine with a very big grin on my face and head back over to the Fringe, ready to take to the stage.  No bass strings were harmed during our performance.




Sadly Dub War disbanded in 1999 after only two studio albums and a remix album. Benji and most of the band went on to form the original lineup of Skindred, continuing in a similar vein but in my opinion never quite living up to Dub War.

Quick strike whilst the iron is hot..more guest spots!
Pada 7 Komentar

Thursday, 11 August 2011

DYLAN COVER # 9 - Johnny Cash & Waylon Jennings - One too many mornings


JOHNNY CASH & WAYLON JENNINGS - One too Many Mornings
            
One too Many Mornings from the 'Times they are a Changin' album is not one of the most covered Dylan songs, but it is just great to hear two of 'the Outlaws' singing this duet. What fantastic voices they both have, I bet they sure must have lived a million miles between them.

I never really worked out what the song was about, until I read a quote:

"It's the sound of someone too smitten by love to harbor regrets, grown too independent to consider a reunion"

I suppose that sounds about right and we will leave it at that. Shame really, I thought it could be about going to Pat's Bar for a last 'one' on the way home and getting seriously  pissed and suffering the next day. It goes to show, what do I know? and that you don't have to be an 'intellectual' to appreciate Dylan .

                                                     Bob after a night cap at Pat's Bar

Here is another one and a chaser for the road :
Johnny Cash - Girl from the North Country

Waylon Jenning - Don't think Twice its alright
Pada 5 Komentar

Wednesday, 10 August 2011

Bjork - 'Human Behaviour'

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





Bjork - 'Human Behaviour' (1993)

'There's definitely, definitely, definitely no logic to human behaviour'

Everything that needed to be said has been said about the riots but I thought it appropriate to post this song today after the events over the last few days. Absurd to think our streets were turned into an orgy of violence and opportunistic criminality over trainers and packets of crisps.

Anyway this is a fantastic track taken from Bjork's debut album... 'Debut', the great big timpani drums sounded so unique. I liked the Sugarcubes but this was a departure from her punk days, Nellee Hooper (responsible for Massive Attack, Soul II Soul) was at the helm and it showed. A fantastic and innovative album with some really memorable songs but this track reminds me of my sister, who was 11 at the time. She loved her animals and was captivated by the quirkiness of the video, the angry hungry bear stomping around to the beat, hedgehogs and moths and the way Bjork sang the word 'happy'. Great memories of trying to catch the 'crack pot' video on MTV.

Bjork is releasing a new album later this year which I'm looking forward to and judging by the last single 'Crystalline' (excellent Drum and Bass ending), she is still bonkers. All the better for it!



Bjork - 'Human Behaviour' 
Bjork - 'Crystalline' 

Thursday I'm in Love....a chance to share some of my favourite tracks.

Pada 5 Komentar
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Powered by Blogger.