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Friday, 30 September 2011

GUEST SPOT #17 - Mrs Grohl was my teacher/Nirvana - 'Heart-Shaped Box'


Nirvana - 'Heart-Shaped Box' (1993) Saturday Night Live rehearsal

We always remember the teachers that made an impression on us, as this weeks Guest Spot will tell. It comes from Tania, an old friend of mine during our school days in Saudi Arabia, we had some good times but we all eventually had to leave to further our studies. I went back to the UK where I was taught geography by Mr Thompson, a grubby man who constantly had dirt under his fingers and smelt of BO, we loved him. Whereas Tania went back to the US to be taught by Mrs Grohl she was cool, funny and her son was in a rock band.....uh, what? Mrs Grohl? Son in a rock band? Hang on a minute!


I was a Senior at Fairfax Highschool during the 1991-1992 school year. On the first day of school, my English teacher, asked each of the students to state our names and share something unique about ourselves to the class.  Once we all had all mumbled through our introductions, one of the students asked that our teacher do the same. She smiled, introduced herself as Virginia Grohl, and in her dry witted, clever manner, shared with us a few of her personal hobbies and interests. She then casually mentioned that her daughter was a marine biologist, and that her son was a drummer in a little known rock band in Seattle.

Student: "Oh yeah? Which one?"
Mrs. Grohl: "The band's name is Nirvana"
(silence)
Student: "Never heard of them"
Mrs. Grohl: "You will"


Weeks passed during the school year with more and more stories about Nirvana's activity through Mrs. Grohl. Her pride was subtle but unmistakable when asked about her son. When their first CD came out, a student brought it to class pointing to the cover, asking which band member was her son. "The handsome one", she said. We discussed the unique sound of their music, the pain in Cobain's voice, the raw talent of their drummer, and the brilliance of the lyrics.


Funny man, yes you at the back there, see me after class...oh, is that you Dave?
During a visit to Virginia from Seattle, Dave spent an afternoon in her classroom with us. Warm, sharp and funny as his mother, he sat in the back teasing Mrs. Grohl, while handing out kittens to any interested takers. We learned that he's a self taught musician, didn't care for lessons, so played by ear. A sarcastically funny, clever and outspoken person, it was clear to all of us that a genuine talent was among us. Shortly after his visit, Nirvana performed on Saturday Night Live; a rite of passage for emerging bands. Needless to say, that was the year Nirvana skyrocketed to fame. We all felt so lucky to have the unique experience of watching Nirvana emerge into global stardom through the eyes of Mrs. Grohl.

'territorial pissings' not a concern


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Thursday, 29 September 2011

DYLAN COVER #16 - R.E.M.(Bingo Hand Job) - You ain't goin' Nowhere

                                                 Strap yourself to a Tree with Roots

This ones for the ones I Love


R.E.M. (Bingo Hand Job - You ain't goin Nowhere

I just had to find a R.E.M cover to help me come to terms with the end of this superb band, as someone 'great' once said "you don't know what you have lost until its gone". Everybody loves R.E.M. and everybody has an R.E.M. story and 'Everybody Hurts'.

I heard of this gig but was unaware that R.E.M. sang this cover there. It was supposedly a secret gig at the Borderline Club in London, 15.03.91,  The Band was  billed as 'Bingo Hand Job' which turned out to be one of the most publicised events at the time.

The quality is not the greatest but I just had to do it for historical purposes. I am unaware of any other R.E.M. Dylan covers, other than their teaming up with the Byrds, featured in 'Expecting Rain' on Fri 23rd Sep 2011.

R.E.M. (Bingo Hand Job) - You Ain't goin' Nowhere

More Dylan covers? Click here...
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Wednesday, 28 September 2011

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE! - R.E.M. - 'Find The River'/'Oddfellow's Local 151'

Thursday I'm in Love..a chance for me to share some of my favourite tunes.

R.E.M. - 'Find The River' (1991)

What? Two R.E.M. posts in a week? After Grumpy's Shed's guest post on Monday, I'd like to give my Boba Fett nod of appreciation, let's just hope Take That don't split up!

There's no doubt R.E.M. were one of the most influential rock bands of the last 30 years, especially between the mid 80's to the late 90's. They certainly had a say on my musical landscape when I discovered them on the 'Chart Show' with the track we all love to hate, 'Its the End the World' (I think there was a skateboard in the video which helped) up to 2008's Accelerate, where there were glimpses of their best.

I have happy memories of many of their songs and many of them are classics. 'Find the River' is not my personal favourite but it's an absolute spine tingly beautiful song of hope and despair and it reminds me of my dad and sister. My sis was 8 at the time and was a massive fan of 'Out of Time', however she was disappointed with the more sombre 'Automatic for the People', maybe it was scaring her Sylvanian Families. My dad loved it of course for that very reason and I remember 'Find the River' a personal favourite of theirs especially when they listened to it in the car on the shopping run. Ah sweet!

Good night last....did you tell Michael?
R.E.M also hold the the unwanted title of one of rocks most disappointing moments. Living in Jeddah, we used to buy bootleg tapes, quality and editing were something left to be desired and the album Document was no different. Side B ended with 'Oddfellow's Local 151', a great atmospheric tune, made better by the fact that at the end of the song the distinctive guitar intro starts up again for about 30 seconds before fading out. It was brilliant and defined that album, song, universe! I thought R.E.M. were geniuses for doing something so original!! When the CD re-issue of Document came out I was so looking forward to hearing the song in the quality it deserved. Imagine my disappointment when 'Oddfellow's Local 151' ended and that was that. No intro ending!!?? What? Surely a mistake, I remember taking the CD out wiping it and blowing on it but no! It dawned on me that I had been fooled all along, distraught doesn't even come near it. The Indonesian lad (where most of these tapes hailed from) had obviously seen that there was still some room on the end of his C60 and decided to fill it by replaying the song until the tape ended, genius! Gutted!


See u at Wembley for the inevitable comeback tour!

Enough meandering. More of my favourite tunes....Thursday I'm in Love!
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Tuesday, 27 September 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey (in the studio)

MIDWEEK CRISIS?  Gym subscription expired? Come to WEDNESDAY CLUB, Mr Winston Rodney will soon have you feeling the fittest of the fittest of the fittest.


FROM THE FRONTLINE

BURNING SPEAR - Marcus Garvey (in the studio)


'If you don't like reggae' (I love Her) give this a chance and if, after you hear the 'Great' Burning Spear, aka Winston Rodney and still don't like reggae, then 'you are in the wrong place my friend, you better leave '

He is my favourite reggae artist, after of course Bob Marley. This video is as good as it gets.

I saw him once with my wife and it was one of the most amazing gigs I have been to, at one point she turned to me and said she was crying, this is true, the tears at that point were streaming down my face,  'Lay down your arms' was the song. One of many greats available to you my friends by the Burning Spear.  

Check out the album 'Marcus Garvey' plus dub version or 'Chant Down Babylon - The Anthology'

Respect
                                                                 
Here is the original Version
Burning Spear - 'Marcus Garvey'

More Reggae tune? Come follow meh! Click here

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Monday, 26 September 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Arcade Fire - Ready to Start

Arcade Fire - Ready to Start (2010)

I'd put this on a "drive to work playlist" and I can clearly remember setting off on the daily grind, whilst the sun was rising and it came on....  I probably repeated it 20 times that morning as I was hooked (I used to drive 1hr and 45mins each way) and whether it was the uplifting tempo, the sun shining or being half asleep... it made me buy all their back catalogue and I was finally 'ready to start' to give the Arcade Fire the attention that the critics had given them, but I, until that time, had not.

"...we're a happy bunch...."

I've got the Tuesday Blues, because Saturday is so far away.....




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Sunday, 25 September 2011

GUEST SPOT #16 - R.E.M. - Country Feedback

R.E.M. - Country Feedback (1991)

This guest post came from Grumpy's Shed (Andrew Brown)....

....I don’t think that the week can pass without reference to the ‘passing’ of REM. Probably one of the most reluctant supergroups over the last 3 decades it’s amazing how each member of the group has remained so private between albums and tours. The extent of their music, which I find difficult to categorise, has been vast and has covered so many issues. I have always been fascinated by Michael Stipe, never knowing how the face paint was next going to be applied. I always thought that he looked rather ill but I think that it was just the intensity of the man. I have chosen the attached clip because it demonstrates the emotion both of the song and the person. To fully take in the strength of the emotive force in the song you should listen with eyes shut – but you also need to see the ‘out of body’ force that comes from Michael Stipe with the perfection of the band behind. I will certainly be playing some of the classic tracks from REM over the next few days.

...for more guest posts click here....

...Would you like to write a guest post? email us!
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TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 25/09/11

Das Fantastiche Vier.....We welcome Shell Hunter to the track of the week Sundays.

Shell Hunter:-
ChuCha Santamaria y Usted - Fiebre Tropical (2011)



I'm not usually at the forefront of new music but I stumbled across this spicy Latin electro gem whilst surfing the net. Instantly, I fell in love with it's hypnotic Espanol chanting and bamboo type clicks. I've since read the song is about the so called "discovery" of Puerto Rico by the Europeans in 1492. Ooh a bit of controversy! It all adds to the heat of the Tropical Fever for me! The couple (from both Puerto Rico and New York) released their self titled debut mini LP this June. I have a feeling this pair are going to be mucho mucho caliente!!

Sfw:-
Chad VanGaalen - Peace on the Rise (2011)




Who? What? ...well, that's what I thought when first heard this and I can't stop listening to it's repetitive indie-grunge-shoegazing feel...it needs to be shared! This Canadian musician and artist has previously released a few albums/EP's but this particular track features on his latest album 'Diaper Island'.  It is available for free from his label Sup-Pop here.  Hope you like!
"...skating without shoes....tut, tut..."

Old Pa's Corner:-
Tony Bennett and Amy Winehouse - Body and Soul (2011)



This is awesome for want of a better word. I believe this is Amy's last recorded song and what a performance she gives, helped along by the legend that is Tony (I left my heart in Chalvey) Bennett. What a marvellous video it is too, with the singer looking great, healthy and so full of life, Amy looks great too. Talk about 'chicken skin' moments', when she starts to sing it is a joy to behold, if you ever wondered what the fuss was all about, then this will silence any doubters. What a tragic waste of a superb talent.

This is taken from the Tony Bennett Album Duets 11. Looks interesting and I for one will be checking it out.
Tony who is well into his eighties has still got that laid back cool and in my opinion sees off with ease any of the young pretenders like Micky Bubbles. 


Flycasual:-
White Denim - 'Is and Is and Is' (2011)
          White Denim..fitness fanatics!
White Denim - 'Is and Is and Is'
Hello. I have to thank London Scouser's cousin and Guest Spot contributor, Emma Erh Bazeley for giving me the confidence to slip into White Denim. I'm happy that at least one member of the Bazeley family has good taste in music since London Scouser's chart revelations in the Nirvana post. It's been on the wireless of late and I just love the retro 70's, garage rock feel of the song. I'm a Stone Wash man myself but if this is anything to go by I will be trying on the Texan rockers new album 'D'.


More tracks of the week? Into to this magic fitting room then please sir...
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Saturday, 24 September 2011

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Reverend and The Makers - Heavyweight Champion Of The World


Reverend and The Makers - Heavyweight Champion of The World (2007)

After having a lot of time to contemplate life and chill whilst on a nice little break away in the sun in Zante, I got the inspiration for this week's Jukebox track. Tsivili in Zante isn't your typical little Greek village. It is much like I imagine a local high street in a Northern English town to be on a weekend! Saturday night consisted of myself and my husband strategically timing our visit to the most authentic Greek restaurant we could find, with every bar's broadcast of the X-Factor with additional Live commentary! Don't even ask me what that consisted of! This aside, I enjoyed myself immensely and a highlight was craning an ear to bask in the colourful variety of British regional accents and colloquialisms which surrounded us!

Reverend's got t' face-on

That brings me nicely to the very reason I thought of this song! 'The Reverend' Jon McClure, has a lush Sheffield accent! It's a super indie disco track(complete with bongos!) and in The Reverend's witty observational way, it talks about us "under-achievers" who are "caught up in a rat race". Sound familiar?! The subject occurred to me whilst whiling away the hours in self reflection, with Mythos lager in hand, on my sun lounger. I'm coming up to the ripe old age of 30 in a few months. Time to get my ass in gear and start doing something so I don't continue wishing my life away to the next holiday(1 month 3 weeks to go)!

"We'll gu t' foot o' our stairs!"
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Friday, 23 September 2011

GUEST SPOT # 15 - The Verve - 'The Drugs Don't Work'


He likes to keep his shoes polished and he comes out with the best "Northern Slang" I've ever heard, this week's Guest Spot is from Russ!


The Verve - "The Drugs Don't Work" (1997)

I first heard this song believe it or not whilst serving in the Falkland Islands in 1997. Thousands of miles away from my family, but with loads of friends around. There's quiet irony in that because although I was surrounded by friends it didn't quite cut it for me. Maybe because the only time I got to hear it, was in a testosterone filled NAAFI with hundreds of blokes all singing it at the top of their voices. Oh! Did I mention they were drunk mostly too?

The times I needed to hear it were the quiet times I had in my room, reflecting and wondering what my family were doing at the time and thinking "I'll see them all again soon." Yeah the song can be depressing if you want to look at it from a depressing angle. I don't. It's a beautiful song and I'll treasure the memories it invokes in me, even of the hundreds of drunk squaddies (and RAF) all trying to out sing each other!



Undoubtedly, it's a great song which has probably featured in many a funeral or sad occasion. Look beyond the words (apart from Drugs Don't Work...cos lets face it they don't!) and appreciate a truly fantastic Urban Hymn.

OK, so the drugs don't work, but music is your medicine! Click for more Guest Spots!
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Thursday, 22 September 2011

DYLAN COVER # 15 - Bruce Springsteen - Knocking on Heavens Door/Highway 61

There can only be one 'Boss'
                                                        


Bruce Springsteen - 'Knocking on Heavens Door' (1995)

These two Gems are taken from a Live Concert on the 09-Jul-1995 at the Berlin Cafe Eckstein in Germany with Wolfgang Niedecken And His Leopardefellband.


Bruce Springsteen - 'Highway 61 Revisited' (1995)

Bruce has done some really great Bob covers, in fact he has been responsible for one of my favourite Dylan covers ever and I will feature it in a later Post, when I will  'Open up the gate for you'.  I bet all you 'Dylan freaks' out there can guess what it is ? If not you will have to wait patiently. In the meantime enjoy these two great performances, Bruce is on fire.
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DYLAN COVER # 15 - Bruce Springsteen - Knocking on Heavens Door/Highway 61

There can only be one 'Boss'
                                                        


Bruce Springsteen - 'Knocking on Heavens Door' (1995)

These two Gems are taken from a Live Concert on the 09-Jul-1995 at the Berlin Cafe Eckstein in Germany with Wolfgang Niedecken And His Leopardefellband.


Bruce Springsteen - 'Highway 61 Revisited' (1995)

Bruce has done some really great Bob covers, in fact he has been responsible for one of my favourite Dylan covers ever and I will feature it in a later Post, when I will  'Open up the gate for you'.  I bet all you 'Dylan freaks' out there can guess what it is ? If not you will have to wait patiently. In the meantime enjoy these two great performances, Bruce is on fire.
Pada 4 Komentar

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE! - Nirvana - 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night?'

Thursday I'm in Love..a chance for me to share some of my favourite tunes.


Nirvana - 'Where Did You Sleep Last Night?' (1993)

It's only appropriate to do a Nirvana post for the 20th anniversary release of the groundbreaking Nevermind (where did that time go). There are plenty of memorable moments to choose from, turning the volume up to 11 for 'Teen Spirit' at house parties and their legendary rendition of that song on Top of the Pops but I've gone for my personal favourite so bear with me.

This is a haunting song taken from Nirvana's live and unplugged album, unaware that it was originally an old blues song by Leadbelly. Even though the blues legend sounds really gutted, Kurt Cobain's rendition feels more heartfelt. It starts off calmly, though you can start to hear him spitting into the mic before the song ends in an explosion of raw emotion. Brutal.

Dave.....was that you?
I was fortunate enough to experience this very scenario a long while back as my girlfriend at the time unexpectedly failed to turn up at a family BBQ. Pretty sure it wasn't anything to do with the promise of my mexican three bean salad, I suspected foul play. Instead of contemplating the impending demise of my relationship, I thought it a brilliant opportunity to use this song in context and play it too her. That'll make her feel guilty when she eventually comes back to explain, I thought. It didn't work as I never got the chance, essential part of ones musical education I say.

Oh go on then....here's 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' live on Top of the Pops back in 1991, check out the charts!!! I also bet the TOTP producers were in a bit of a mild panic when Kurt and gang got going.


Gutted? Nevermind more Thursday tunes right here...
Or see more blinding performances here....
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Tuesday, 20 September 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Okkervil River - Lost Coastlines

MIDWEEK CRISIS are you lost? Then come to WEDNESDAY CLUB, we've got Okkervil River and they don't need maps.

Okkervil River - Lost Coastlines (2008)

This was my record of the year in 2008. It just blew me away when I first heard it, I just had to play it over and over again, especially the first half. I just had to tell everybody about it and it got so bad that nobody would listen to it and when it came on, there was always a communal aah! naw!....what had I done? I now take a more subtle approach and now ask 'can you listen to this for me, as I would appreciate your valuable input'.

I just love the lyrics, lost coastlines and no maps and things, I love all that and that second singer (you will know what I mean) just does it to me.

I still think its a great song, so there!

They have a new album out at the moment and I am hoping to find my way there very soon. I hope there will be lights on the horizon and a safe place in the harbour.

The River Boys bonding
                                                        
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Monday, 19 September 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Deftones - The Chauffeur

Deftones - The Chauffeur (2005)

When a favourite band covers another favourite bands song, the result can often be disappointing. It's a bit like when two great football teams play each other in a Final, but they cancel each other out and the game is awful.  So when I first heard that the Deftones covered Duran Duran's "The Chauffeur" on their 'B-Sides & Rarities' I was hoping for a good game, but got an El-Classico!

Maybe it's the distorted guitar, maybe it's Chino Moreno's singing, but what you get is a guitar based track that (possibly) betters the original - It just needs to be heard!

Duran Duran fans should enjoy it and smile that "..the song with the saucy video..." has been covered by an 'alternative metal' band and Deftones fans can be smug in knowing that it's another great cover to the Deftones arsenal (They've also covered Sade's 'No Ordinary Love', John Lennons 'Jealous Guy')...Enjoy!

(Note: don't watch the Duran Duran video in work as your screen will explode or your companies internet police might! You've been warned!)
"...it wasn't even acceptable in the 80's..."

"..I like Pop.."

Tuesday Blues....because Saturday is so far away!
 
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GIVE ME A GUITAR!! - Korn - 'Freak On A Leash'


Korn - 'Freak On A Leash' (1999)

There a few songs in my life that caused a significant turning point in my taste, and this is one of them. For years I would take the mickey out of goths and metal heads saying "Its not music! It's just growling!" Boy, was I wrong! The growling was just one end of the spectrum. Hearing this for the first time finally opened the door to the Metal spectrum for me, and I discovered Nu Metal and Rap Metal inside!
Cool artwork by Todd McFarlane

What is it about this song? The scratchy guitars? The slap base? The bizarre gibberish from Jonathan Davis? Great riffage? All of it! I honestly couldn't get enough! That was it, my hair was dyed black, baggy jeans and dog collar on, I wanted to be a part of it! OK, I was only 17 and it was a fashion disaster but I still love the music I was into then. It also reminds me of one of the greatest clubs in London that my friends and I frequented called The Wag on Wardour Street in Soho. On a Wednesday night after a few snifters in the pub, we'd pile into the "rock" room upstairs and sit next to the speakers laughing at the headbangers and pointing at those who had dressed the part, until a favourite track like this one came on. Then it was our turn to hit the dance floor and be laughed at by the weirdos!

Who's got a cob on then?

Feeling hungry for more Give Me A Guitar?
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Sunday, 18 September 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 18/09/11

A three pronged folk attack for the tracks of the week. Do you have any tracks to assault us with?

Old Pa's Corner:-
Richmond Fontaine - 'Lost in Trees' (2011)



I have followed RF since their 'Post to Wire' album a few years back and was pleased to find they have a new album release 'The High Country'. RF are an 'Americana' band and tell of dark stories of love, regret and pain. Just up our street, stuff we can identify with.

This track is about a trip to the woods which goes horribly wrong, one too many I suppose, we have all been there of course, to that dark place in the woods. Haven't we??

This is a fast paced 'rocker' with fast paced drumming, an adrenalin rush, I hope you like it? I do!

The boys preparing for a night in the forest
Flycasual:-

Laura Marling - 'Sophia' (2011)


I've just spent the last week catching the last of the summer's rays in the south west of France (yes it was very nice thank you), with my wife, Sophie. Whilst we were there it was our anniversary (again thank you) and as the more romantic of the two, I thought it would be nice to dedicate a song to her. Despite my wife pointing out that it was the wrong name and a song about relationship issues, we had a nice evening out and it was eventually thankfully received. Anyway what's a rogue 'a' between husband and wife.

I've never really been into Laura Marling, probably as it generally isn't the sort of thing I go for but I heard this song a few weeks back and I thought it a sweet song. After a few listens it's all but sweet, I was also captivated by her voice, the melody and loved how it builds up to a crescendo. A fabulous song now cemented by the nauseating romance story in the south of France.



Sfw:-
Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up (2011)
I've been listening to this all week and it's just impossible to shake off.  I hate saying the "...he sounds like.." phrase as it can pigeon hole someone - i.e. if I say he sounds like "jose gonzalez" you may be happy, if I say "Mumford and Sons" you may be not....either way there's elements of both.  Ben Howard is part of the Communion Records 'gang' (Mumford & Sons, Johnny Flynn, Benjamin Francis Leftwich...) and this is his new single and is on his new Album - it's good stuff!

Tracks of the week....more? Click here.                                   
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Saturday, 17 September 2011

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! Pharrell - Frontin

Pharrell - Frontin (2004)
For a time, Pharrell was the king of cool, Women loved him, men wanted to be him and everything he touched turned gold...it's probably still the case, but this song, for me, is his best to date.  When Justin Timberlake released "Justified" it was Pharrell that gave the "Boba Fett-appreciation-nod" to the world that it was cool to like a singer that used be in N-Sync! He gave the world the N*E*R*D - "In Search of" album which is a must have for music fans, 'tried' to sex up Britney with "I'm a Slave 4 U", and has dabbled in everything from a clothing line, cream liquers & recently can be seen in a make up ad with Jessica Biel.  

So enjoy this by pouring yourself a fresh mojito and watch him being a cool, smug individual....
"...fancy a drink?"

...Saturday Night Jukebox, because you know you want to shake it (Get some more here!)
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GUEST SPOT # 14 - She Keeps Bees - 'Gimmie'



This week's Guest Spot is with a difference! A gig review of She Keeps Bees from End Of The Road Festival 2011 in Dorset from Emma who was in the thick of it, wellies and all!


She Keeps Bees - 'Gimmie' (2009)

One of the big highlights at the End of the Road Festival this year was the return of ‘She Keeps Bees’. The Brooklyn based duo Jessica and Andy were accompanied by occasional band member Owen on guitar. Self labelled as blues and New York rock, Jessica’s warm yet hard angst voice didn’t fail to disappoint, complimented by Andy’s rhythmic, heavy drumming. (I once met Jessica after their gig in Camden last year and learnt that her father was a drummer and that she had taught Andy the drums. Is there no end to this woman’s talent?)

For their Friday night set in the intimate Tipi tent She Keeps Bees wooed the crowd. As word spread the tent filled to full capacity. Playing firm favourites from Nests such as 'Release', 'Gimmie' and 'Wear Red', the crowd requested She Keeps Bees played ‘Ribbons’, a trademark track dominated by Jessica’s sassy stage presence and original voice, this lady can command a mob with a single note and yet still kindly offers out Maryland cookies to those lucky few on the front row.

From the new album, Dig On, I was elated to hear the amazing ‘Vulture’ and heart wrenching raw ‘See me’, two of the strongest tracks off the new album, showing a definite and distinctive change in Andy’s drumming, pulling out from under Jessica’s voice. The sound was controlled yet soulful, hard rock seeping through when desired and a deep underlying power ready to release velvet grit and generate those woeful, moody blues that add comfort to the ears. Another dimension was the energy and harmony added by Owen to the band. His strong, softer voice against Jessica’s gruff worked well and his quick music tasting guitar injected a buzz to the sound which diffused into the room.
A truly awesome gig and well worth seeing live!

Check out the buzz on more Guest Spots here!




Have you got a track you want to tell us about or a gig that rocked your world? Contact us on how to post on our weekly Guest Spot!
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Thursday, 15 September 2011

DYLAN COVER # 14 - Cliff Richards/ Engelbert Humperdink


Cliff Richard - 'Blowin' in the Wind'

What is this all about? A calypso version of our 'Troubodours' greatest, you can't do that Mr Webb. What will all the 'Young ones' think, so please kids 'don't talk to him'. It's no wonder 'we don't talk anymore' so 'the only way out' is to go on an extended 'summer holiday' preferably deep  'in the country' so you better 'move it' and 'the minute you're gone' there will be 'congratulations' all round, honestly 'some people'. There will certainly not be any 'miss you nights', not even 'from a distance'.

Sorry folks about that, I just could not resist it.

Engelbert Humperdink - 'I'll be your Baby Tonight'

I never forgave Engelpus Humperfart for getting to number one in the charts with 'Release me' and keeping the Beatles double 'A' side 'Penny Lane/Strawberry Fields forever' from getting there, to its rightful place, simply just not on. That smug smarmy, suave look, you just wanted to throw a huge bucket of ol 'Country pie' over his head, sort him out and lock him up never to be 'released'.

Seriously folks, just a bit of fun, they both have a great fan base and make a lot of people happy. I just wanted to make the point of showing the great variation and types of artist that can and do cover Dylan.

Well done lads! for spreading the Gospel.

Rained out? Stop Sir Cliff from singing by clicking here!!
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ESG - 'My Love For You'

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





ESG- 'My Love For You' (1981)

When the apes/machines (delete as appropriate) finally take over, musical Indiana Joneses searching through the human detrius will claim this as the musical missing link. Hmm, anyway, it is widely regarded that in NYC, in the early 80's, ESG were that link. Coming through the tail end of disco, through punk and the emergence of hip hop these guys blended all those genres effortlessly. You can see where New York bands like the Rapture or LCD Soundsystem may have have got their influences from. Not to mention the breaks used by B-boys and B-girls and the various samples used by many a Hip Hop artist, ESG transcended all genres. I heard this a couple of years ago and was instantly hooked, great slinky bass and the drumming is immaculate.
ESG...they were 'ill' y'all

ESG - 'My Love For You

More Thursday monkey magic? Yes please!

Thursday I'm in Love...a chance to share some of my favourite tracks!
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Tuesday, 13 September 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - JJ CALE - Mama Don't

MIDWEEK CRISIS, the pace of life is too fast, Come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got JJ today, he's stress free


JJ CALE - Mama Don't

If you are not familiar with JJ Cale, I bet you at least know a few of his songs, Cocaine and After Midnight were both covered by Eric Clapton.

When you think of 'laid back' music and if thats what you want JJ Cale is your man. You can just picture him sitting on his porch, a bud at hand and him strumming a way with friends and Clyde the dog by his side.

This track is from his 'Shades Album' and is rather upbeat for JJ it starts of slowly with one instrument, then another, then another, until by the end you have the full band and reefers belting it out in full flow...'there is no way back from that Mama.'

If you want to share the many joys of JJ Cale, I strongly recommend you get hold of  'Any way the wind blows' which is an anthology, you will not regret it, I give a guarantee for life with that.     

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Monday, 12 September 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Radiohead - Pyramid Song


Radiohead - Pyramid Song (2001)
I like the thought of having music simultaneously played to everyone from the heavens, and for that 4mins and 51 seconds everyone would be forced to listen...the sound wouldn't travel through their ears, but be inside their head...there'd be no escape - this would be my song choice.

...It features on their 2001 album Amnesic and starts with just Piano & Vocals....before the jazz drumming and orchestra dreamily takes you away on a musical Jules Verne-esq, deep-sea journey.  I've loved it from the first time I heard it, and never, ever, have got sick of it.
So if you have 5mins, download it and listen to it through some headphones....let it get inside your head...and take you away!

....I've got the Tuesday Blues, because Saturday is so far away!

Get more Tuesday Blues here!
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Sunday, 11 September 2011

FROM THE FRONTLINE - Culture - 'Two Sevens Clash'


Culture - Two Sevens Clash' (1977)

This is another song about the fabled 'natural mystic', where according to a prediction by Marcus Garvey, in 1977 bad tings were meant to gwan. Impending apocalypse aside, Culture created an absolute Reggae classic in 'Two Sevens Clash'.

It wasn't just the two sevens that clashed!

I love roots reggae and this a big tune but I was blissfully unaware of the tracks true significance until recently, as for me this was just a perfect roots tune which my dad introduced me to. Anyway Marcus Garvey may have been half right as at 3 years old, 1977 didn't start all that well, I had major surgery on my neck which was none too pleasent but later my parents took me to see Star Wars at the cinema for the first time. Irie!

Culture - 'Two Sevens Clash'

More Reggae tune and ting? Click here!
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TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 11/09/11

Three saucy tracks for you to dip your chips in this week! Do you have any we should know about? Let us know...


Flycasual:-
Blood Orange - 'Sutphin Boulevard' (2011)



Sunday morning, nothing better than a bit of Blood Orange to get your tastebuds going. This is a real grower, the vocals, beat and bassline all compliment each other well and the more I listen to it the more I like it. Shades of Massive Attack maybe? Sutphin Boulevard is in Queens, NYC, not sure what it is about but from the video, I think I have a fair idea that it's maybe a saucy type rendezvous, as Mr Orange plays in front of drag queens. Sounds right up my alley! This is the latest project of Dev Hynes, ex Lightspeed Champion and now Blood Orange and it is the 1st single of the Coastal Grooves album. Which, according to him, is cross between Chris Isaacs and Billy Idol doing stripped down 80's influenced electronica. Interesting indeed, enough to don a frock and go down Sutphin Blvrd, whos' coming?

Phwoar!
Sfw:-
Bon Iver & James Blake - Fall Creek Boys Choir (2011)
I'm a huge fan of Bon Iver - but I still don't get James Blake (probably lots of people out there the other way round), but they've now combined their 'superpowers' and like ying & yang, it might balance out. Do you love it? I don't know..... it could be like surfing, you may stand up straight away and love it, it might take you a few times and you're in, or maybe just get fed up of being pummelled by the white water and wish you never bothered! hmmm...
"Surfs up...dude"


Old Pa's Corner:-
Ry Cooder - Humpty Dumpty World (2011)

A new Album by Ry Cooder is always a welcomed thing 'Pull up some dust and sit down' is Cooder back to his very very best. This album sees a return to the funky area of "Bop til you drop" with an excellent gospel base, a nice Mexican tinge and a nod to the folk protest of Woody himself. I have chosen the track 'Humpty Dumpty World' with its nice reggae feel, it is the first one to instantly 'hit' but there are plenty other gems waiting for your edification. If you are not familiar with Ry also check out 'Bob till you Drop' it is probably his most accessible.
Ry before the fall



                                               
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Friday, 9 September 2011

GUEST SPOT # 13 - Joy Division - 'She's Lost Control'


This week's Guest Spot is from Grace, writing like this at 16! Could she be the next big music journalist??

Joy Division - 'She's Lost Control' (1979/80)

It's clear that human beings have a fascination and perhaps even a need for fear. Whether it's the original Japanese version of 'The Ring' or 'SAW: The Ride' at Thorpe Park, we all have something that frightens us, but we still love it and return to it repeatedly. I discovered my "horror vice" when I watched 'Control', the biopic about the life and death of Joy Division's tragic front man Ian Curtis. I never understood their popularity until I saw that very film and heard 'She's Lost Control'. The droning bass line, paired with Curtis' signature robotic, mono tonal vocals, creates a beautifully frightening piece of music which has inspired many modern bands - including Editors, Interpol and Franz Ferdinand. However, the lyrics are even creepier than the music: the song tells the story of a woman that Ian Curtis knew who had died during an epileptic seizure (often referred to as "losing control"), a condition that he also had, hence the frightened, somewhat paranoid sound in his voice throughout. Not only was it an audio marvel, it was visually spectacular too - Curtis was famous for his "epilepsy dance" during intense performances, where fans couldn't tell whether he was dancing or having a seizure. Sadly, Ian Curtis committed suicide on 18th May 1980, shortly after a nearly fatal epileptic seizure; this creates an even spookier, ironic meaningfulness to the song.



Joy Division are undoubtedly a depressing band, but they certainly do it well! This song sends shivers running down my spine every time I hear it, but I always want to hear it again after it fades out. 'She's Lost Control' is 3 minutes and 40 seconds of bewitching, yet beautiful, horror and I don't think there is any song that will ever move me to the extent that this does.



Joy Division - She's Lost Control

Feel like losing it? Click for more Guest Spots!
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Thursday, 8 September 2011

DYLAN COVER # 13 - Rab Noakes - Mississippi



Rab Noakes - Mississippi (2011)
 
Not that widely know but in my Folk Club days in late sixties early seventies, Rab Noakes was our 'Our Golden Boy' and was always our favourite when he appeared at the Club we frequented in East Kilbride in Scotland.  When he released his first album 'Do You Seen The Lights' we rushed out to buy it on the day of release. We always imagined he would become a Scottish superstar.  Although over the years he has released several excellent albums he did not reach the 'popular' heights we expected. Check out his work, you will be pleasantly surprised.

This is a tremendous version from one of Dylan's '3rd coming' Albums 'Love and Theft' (2001) and is taken from a live radio broadcast by people more or less in the Folk scene, the broadcast was called 'Forever Young' and was to celebrate Dylan's 70th Birthday. It really was a great tribute Concert. 

 
This is Rab, he was cute in those days

As a foot note, if you don't already know, 'Love and Theft' was released on the 11th September 2001.So I dedicate this Post to all the Souls lost on that tragic tragic day.

Rab Noakes - Mississippi
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