Home / Archived For November 2011

Tuesday, 29 November 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Chris Rea - Gone Fishing

MIDWEEK CRISIS again, your life is crap, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Chris Rea and he will help turbot your life around!


CHRIS REA - Gone Fishing(1991)

I never knew what fishing was about until I heard this song. Sometimes you just need to get away, forget about everything, just be by yourself, think about things, think about about your life, slow it down, don't be be too rash and get things into perspective. Maybe land a fish in the rain, a little bit of excitement in your dull unexciting life.

Tomorrow you may wake up and things will be different but if not, you can always go back fishing again (There must be a catch somewhere! - Why have I always got to spoil it!)

"....Chris Rea during his Miami Vice stage...."

I was a great fan of Chris Rea, avant 'The Road to Hell' and apres, but 'hell' is not so bad. It is just that it got too popular now he has joined these artists like 'Coldplay' or 'Dire Straits' etc. That because of a sudden increase in popularity some people tend to write them off and consider them 'old hat'. They love to hate them for some unknown reason, I don't really understand it. Suddenly they are considered as 'Dad Rock' or MOR, please don't be like that!

Try listening to the albums 'Shamrock Diaries' or 'On the Beach' or the best dad/kid song ever 'Wired to the Moon' from the album of the same name. Maybe then we can revalue how good Chris Rea actually is.

CHRIS REA - Wired to the Moon(1984)

Oh! by the way my Grandfather was a trawler man out of Aberdeen (Mother's side). I don't know if that is significant or not?

For more Wednesday Club sharktopus infested waters
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Monday, 28 November 2011

TUESDAY BLUES!!! Lissy Trullie - Madeline

Lissy Trullie - Madeline

Is honesty the best option? If so, I have to say that I honestly thought I'd hate this, never heard of her before and with that hipster look she's got, I thought it would be rubbish. I have no excuses, it's just my prejudice of people who look cooler (& younger) than me, so this is a public apology to Ms Trullie and 'a note to self' to remember to never judge a book by it's glossy cover!

"...probably shops at H&M..."

This track has tinges of Lo-Fi/Mazzy Star/Velvet Underground and will appear on her self-titled debut album that is due for release in March 2012 however it's available from RCRD Label to download for free! For those who like this, she's also done a cover of Hot Chips "Ready for the Floor" (available on the Jennifers Body Soundtrack) and I was unsurprised in reading she's done modelling and DJ work.  I guess that's what happens when your young & cool, of which, I'm neither!

Try more Tuesday Blues here!!!
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Sunday, 27 November 2011

GIVE ME A GUITAR!! - Rammstein - 'Du Hast'


Rammstein - 'Du Hast' (1997)

Here's a band you wouldn't feel entirely comfortable taking your mum to watch live: mega pyrotechnics, extremely loud riffage, lots of leather and the odd naughty phallic costume addition! Since first hearing of Rammstein from the soundtrack of David Lynch's Lost Highway, I've constantly revisited them for a bit of German rock relief and was lucky enough to see them live at Brixton Academy.

I know I always say it but some songs are best played extremely loud, Du Hast especially. I can't stress that enough! I was able to hear it in all its industrial glory at my 18th birthday party, at the Wag club in London and last Tuesday when visiting my parents in Spain. Nestled in between two fave Brit bars(not mine by the way) is...Rock'N'Bar! Okay the name is a slight let down but the quality of their sound system is not! Even if they only put the volume on halfway, they can still easily drown out the jolly folks next door singing their hearts out to cheesy crowd pleasers and doing the conga. We visited it twice and were treated to a plethora of rock classics: Audioslave, RATM, Temple of the Dog, AC/DC just to name a few. I forgot to mention one thing though. We weren't surrounded by the usual sweaty headbangers, we were the only buggers there! It's a heart breaking crime! But on the plus side, we were able to give our requests and hear them straight away, thanks to the Carlos Santana lookalike, Bulgarian bar owner. So, I dedicate this song to the Rock'N'Bar and I urge anyone who is visiting the Torrevieja area(Altos del Limonar) to pop in and show the love!

Rammstein would rather fly Lufthansa

For those of you who have missed out on tickets to see Rammstein live in February next year at The O2, check out this film of Du Hast live from the Volkerball and you will see what I mean! Ich liebe dich Rammstein!



No need to set the sofa on fire, click here for more rock relief...Give Me A Guitar!!
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TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 27/11/11


Four Thanksgiving turkey dinners to stuff yourself with. As always, we'd love to hear if you have any Chipolatas for us...


Flycasual:-
ME&LP - 'La Belle Tocade' (2011)



I've just spent the last few days visiting my parents, it's always so good to see them but leaving is such a downer. The two and half hour flight home though is the perfect opportunity to catch up on some music and this track stood out, hooked by its melody and completely mirroring my mood with its laid back melancholic feel. Singer, Lisa Papineau, soothing me with her airy vocals. There seems to be a trend of girl/boy combo bands around at the moment and some can be as nauseating as a pair of his and hers jumpers. Thankfully ME&LP are more Sonny and Cher than Kylie and Jason, as this song proves. I am looking forward to hearing more from them and you can get hold of their 6 track EP, 'Chez Raymond' here.


Me and Lp, getting ready for a feed at Chez Raymond


Sfw:-
I'm from Barcelona - 'Always Spring' (2011)

"I'm from Barcelona" are a 29 piece pop band, ironically not from Barcelona but from Sweden. Named after Manuel from Fawlty Towers - that's what Wiki Says - they write lush, upbeat, pop music that have elements of Phoenix/Arcade Fire and despite it now being late November, it makes me think of summertime pop!  This could have been my song of the Summer!

Shell Hunter:-
New Build - 'Finding Reasons' (2011)



You've got to love being "friends" with your favourite artists on Facebook. You get all tomorrow's gossip yesterday. It's here I saw that Al Doyle and Felix Martin, from Hot Chip fame, together with pal Tom Hopkins have been working on a side project called New Build. It looks like Finding Reasons(download it free here) was the first song available for public release back in September. It's an excellently slow, slightly haunting number with a mad deformed guitar solo, smack bang in the middle. Not forgetting a cheeky little signature steel drum ending! A whole new album should be ready sometime in 2012, however for those that can't wait, their first 12" single called Misery Loves Company is due for release this Monday! They are also playing live at London's Islington Electrowerkz on Tuesday 29th! Sorry about the late notice!

Old Pa's Corner :-
The Twilight Sad - 'Sick' (2011)


You cannae beat a good Scottish group especially if they sound like this. All the boxes are ticked here (well for me), this just blew me away when I heard it. It is dark, it is brooding and that Scottish brogue tipped the balance and knocked me over the edge. I for one will be checking out the back catalogue. I had another track all lined up but this just screamed at me and I'm afraid you will have to wait until next week for the other treat.
Och! man

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Saturday, 26 November 2011

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - US3 - 'Cantaloop'






US3 - 'Cantaloop' (1993)

I can describe what this song makes me think of in one word...chicken! I don't even mean from when it featured on a KFC advert on the telly. I mean proper broast chicken! Think crisp and dry, not greasy at all, then you have it...the legend of Al Baik Rests.

A royal feast


I was about 'knee high to a grasshopper' and growing up in Saudi. Pa, Flycasual and I had driven to The Mini Market situated just outside our compound. It was a bustling hive of activity and you could pretty much find a shop or stall to sell anything. My childhood memories are evoked mainly from music and food. The mini market was responsible for Baskin Robbins, a mean Chicken Shwarma with hummus and of course the best broast chicken in all the land. While Old Pa and I went to collect our dinner from Al Baik, Fly went over to one of the many illegal tape shops for a browse. Al Baik Rests was a two story fast food joint serving boxes of chicken and chips but it was like a scene out of Wall Street. Hundreds of people of every nationality packed into the ordering area of the restaurant all shouting, yelling and squeezing to be served. It was quite an experience for a little girl! I don't know how the guys behind the counter knew whose order was what! After completing the challenge, we left with our prize. The smell was amazing!

Once in the car, Fly popped in his latest purchase, US3 and the first track kicked in. I loved it straight away! Not only did we listen to it in the car on the way home, but also several times at home. It made me laugh as there are two recurring samples of a guy saying "Yeah?" and "What's that?" and it sounded exactly like my brother was answering a call from my parents from the other room. I love artists that mix unlikely genres, especially as this proves that Jazz and Hip Hip can go hand in hand. I totally forgot about US3 until recently, but they've been going strong with their unique sound of brass, piano and UK rhymers. Get their latest offering Lie, Cheat & Steal here free!

Mind the funky gap


Dip trip flip fantasia....click for more Saturday Night Jukebox!
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GUEST SPOT # 26 - Belle and Sebastian - Lazy Line Painter Jane

Every Saturday is Guest Spot day! Anyone can do one, just email us and we'll tell you how!

Belle and Sebastian - Lazy Line Painter Jane on MUZU.

Belle and Sebastian - 'Lazy Line Painter Jane' (1997)


He's back! It's our regular and valued guest spot contributor Neo (AKA London Scouser). He may have had hair like Maggie Thatcher once, but after seeing Breaking Dawn he is trying to go for a more "if Edward was a nerd" look! Hairstyles asides, find out what song he "imprinted" on....





There are a lot of bands that I like, but there are only a few that I LOVE. Belle & Sebastian are one of those precious few. I remember Chris Evans once played a song on the radio and said that it was in his Top Ten songs of all time. He then added that there are about 100 songs in his Top Ten. I’m the same I think, but one exception to that rule is Lazy Line Painter Jane. It is without doubt my “All Time Favourite Record Of All Time”. The organ is breathtaking to listen to and the guest vocals from Monica Queen are amazing. I dare anyone to find fault with this song! 

I was a little late getting into them if I’m honest. Their first few albums passed me by. I knew of them, but had never heard anything until Legal Man came on the radio....it blew me away right from the start. It has such a Sixties feel about it with the harmonising and bongo drum beat. As a result I bought the CD single and waited for their album – Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant. When I listened to the album for the first time my initial reaction was not that impressed. For a start Legal Man wasn’t on it and the songs were a completely different style. It took a few more plays for me to get into it. Check out the awful lip syncing on their Top of The Pops debut! Surely that's il-Legal Man!

A couple of years passed and my then girlfriend (now wife) came home and said she heard a catchy song on the radio called I’m A Cuckoo by B & S. As soon as I heard it my love affair with the band was rekindled. As a result I went on a mad spree of getting everything they had recorded and haven’t stopped listening to them (and driving people mad about them) since.






Don't be lazy...check out more Guest spots here!
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Thursday, 24 November 2011

DYLAN COVER # 24 - Stone the Crows - Don't Think Twice its Alright/Hollis Brown



STONE THE CROWS - Dont Think Twice it's Alright

I forgot all about the great Maggie Bell, Scotland's answer to Janis Joplin. She was the lead singer of the Blues Band, Stone the Crows who were doing the rounds quite successfully during the early 70's. This is a tremendous soulful, blusey version, where you can here Maggie's Joplinesque vocals in all its glory.

Stone the Crows broke up in 1973 but Maggie is still going strong and is still touring to-day. 

Everybody must get stoned
Here is another Track by Stone the Crows, it is a 21 minute blistering version of The Ballad of Hollis Brown, stick with it, it is well worth the effort.

STONE THE CROWS - The Ballad of Hollis Brown

STONE THE CROWS - Don't Think Twice it's Alright

For more Dylan Covers
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THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE - Luna - '23 Minutes in Brussels'

Thursday I'm in love...a chance for me to 'waffle' on about some of my favourite songs.

 
Luna - '23 Minutes in Brussels' (1995)

In the mid 90's I used to work on Eurostar as a pumped up steward often stopping for several hours in Paris or if you were unlucky, Brussels. I don't know why I had so much animosity towards a city that was impossibly greyer and wetter than London, perhaps it was the fact that for the duration of the turnaround we were stuck in a dingy room near the Midi station, an area which was also a constant building site. Or maybe it was the yellow blazer and blue and yellow tiger stripped bow tie combo I had to wear for a uniform. It could even be the time I went to see Scotland play Belgium in a World Cup qualifier and almost winning the match by losing 2-0, my misery compounded by the Tartan Army regulars deciding to sing the horrific version of 'Hey Baby' for the rest of the evening.

Yeah! We're playing in Brussels!

At the time there was this mesmerising song called '23 Minutes in Brussels' by New York band Luna, the track becoming one of my all time favourites. It's got this fantastic psychedelic groove to it that just takes you away, great percussion throughout and an excellent instrumental section in the middle, not to mention some pretty poignant lyrics, like trying to catch an aeroplane home, completely capturing my mood. More importantly 23 minutes was probably about the optimum time you'd want to spend there.

I have since made my peace with Brussels/Belgium, realising I was just being a petulant little brat. I mean how can I possibly be mad about a country that has given us Hoegaarden, Tintin, Deus, chips and of course Jean Claude Van Damme!

Flycasual, my name is Jean Claude Van Damme and I'm very very angry!


Download the MP3 from this Luna fansite...located in the Luna file third mp3 down on the left
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Tuesday, 22 November 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Tindersticks - Travelling Light

MIDWEEK CRISIS, is your baggage weighing you down, don't worry come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got the Tindersticks, they can lighten the load.


TINDERSTICKS - Travelling Light (1995)


These kids eh! They've got you sussed and they know your weaknesses (the right time to ask for money for example). I remember I had a part time job delivering and picking up cars to the airport. I had only done it for a couple of weeks, when Shellhunter asked me for some reddies as she was going out that night. 'Is 10 OK?', 'Higher', 'Is 15 OK?' 'Higher'....20 was the done deal!....I just realised I worked 5 cars and all of a Saturday morning. After tax, I did not have enough for a pint after handing over that 20. I did not go back.

With my job at the time, on overtime, I could earn that in just over an hour and read the newspaper in the loo for 20 mins. Talk about false economy.

What I am trying to say is that FC bought me an album for Xmas and he knew I would like it, even though I had not heard of the group. He was right, I loved the Tindersticks, it was just up my street and I have always got hold of all their albums, including the solos by Stuart Staples ever since that first release.

Bloody kids, you can't fool them, they've always got you sussed.  

This is a great track by the Tindersticks which shows off Stuart Staples deep Leonard Cohenesque vocals, in a typical dark tale and some good ideas how to travel light on your next holiday.

But as I keep saying, I don't need a suitcase anymore. All I need is a portable Hard Drive. All I need is there (and my bank account number). 
Les Miserables
More Wednesday Club treats, click here
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Monday, 21 November 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! J.Tillman - Earthly Bodies


J.Tillman - Earthly Bodies

The argument over free mp3's online is a debate that I don't really want to get into, but I have to admit, without them there are 100's of artists that I would never have had my eyes, or should that be ears, opened to.

One of such artist's is J.Tillman.  I downloaded this in 2009 and it fairly quickly became one of my tracks of the year (it features on the album 'Year in the Kingdom'). This multi-instrumental-singer-songwriter whispers intimately through his ballads in a way that Nick Drake fans should be keen to try.  I quickly discovered that he'd previously released over 6 albums (plus 'Singing As' in 2010)  but what I didn't realise was, J (Joshua) Tillman has been the Fleet Foxes drummer since 2008! Maybe the beard was a give-away, but where had I been?

"...beard for hire..."

Download it for free from the fantastic Western Vinyl record label here (right-click - Save As)

Try more Tuesday Blues here....because Saturday is so far away!
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TUESDAY BLUES - Michael Kiwanuka - I Need You By My Side

TUESDAY BLUES - Michael Kiwanuka - I Need You By My Side

Michael Kiwanuka - I Need You By My Side

Could this singer/songwriter be the saviour of Soul?

I've been mightily impressed with Michael Kiwanuka ever since I heard him sing "Tell Me A Tale" on a Communion Records CD and if I said he sounds like Bill Withers / Otis Redding with elements of Van Morrison would you be interested?
"...you don't need to be Old to have Soul!"

This 23yr old from London has the music critics claiming him to be the Next Big Thing, but do we need a(nother) Soul revival? Well if Kiwanuka is the torch bearer, I'd say a big yes! When his album comes out in March I'm willing to bet some money on him winning next years Brit Awards and we may find Soul firmly back in vogue - but please, no more Commitments movies!!!

So check out these tracks on his Soundcloud page - you won't regret it!

   

If you got Soul but are not a Solider click here

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Saturday, 19 November 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 20/11/2011

Four tracks that scratched our backs this week.




Old Pa's Corner:-
Tom Waits - Back in the Crowd (2011)




On Monday I got and unexpected e-mail from my sister in Canada, she said she loved the track I'd sent her. What track? I immediately went to the 'sent' items and found this track, I had sent it to the world! It then all came flooding back. We had a great meal by the harbour, then went to a bar on the way home (like you always do) until thankfully we ran out of Euros. We returned home and Shellhunter and I had some musical afters. I remember she fell asleep and I decided to check out Tom's new album 'Bad as Me'. This obviously hit me big time and I wanted to share it with the world (piss artist!). I still loved it on Monday and I still love it today.  It is the gentler side of Mr Waits.


SFW:-
Cass McCombs - The Same Thing (2011)

In my search for new music I've started to check Record Labels and search through their websites to discover (or re-discover) artists that I've neglected.  This week, I've been digging through the Domino Records (Arctic Monkeys, The Kills, Wild Beasts) vaults and I think I've got a cracker. Even though I love this track, I just cannot figure out what song reminds me of - and I know I'll be kicking myself (all suggestions welcome!). It is by the American songwriter Cass McCombs (great name) and features on the album 'Humour Risk' that was released this week.  I haven't given him any attention previously - even though he's released over 6 albums since 2003 and 'Humour Risk' is second of 2011 (after 'Wit's End') - but this track alone must justify a serious bit of rummaging through his back catalogue.

Shell Hunter:- 
Dry The River - 'Weights and Measures" (2011)



I was working at a boarding gate a few weeks ago for a flight bound for the USA and spotted five guys with beanie hats, skinny jeans and plimsoles on. They've got to be a band! Being the nosey parker I am, I went over to see if I could get a clue who they were. The security agent asked them what reason they were traveling to the States for: "Business", damn, no help there. One of their entourage said, "They're in a band but I'm just going to watch." Aha! I was right! I asked if I would have heard of them and one of the members mentioned they had just toured with Bombay Bicycle Club! Obviously impressed I asked who they were; Dry the River and their album was soon to be out. I promised I'd keep an eye out and here's the proof, guys! 'Weights and Measures' is the title song from their 4 track EP released on the 14th November and I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it. The vocals remind me a little of Bon Iver or Jeff Buckley and is right up your street if you're into the growing number of talented Americana, Folk-rock bands that are out there. Let the heart felt emotion wash over you!

Flycasual:-

My Morning Jacket - 'Holding on to Black Metal' (2011)


Great track from My Morning Jacket, taken from their latest offering, Circuital, released earlier this year. I just love the 'big sound' of this song, big choir, big brass and big riff, it's also heavier than what I'd normally associate MMJ with. Then again I have only heard a couple of the 6 or so albums they've released, so perhaps there is a darker, heavier side to them and they are indeed hanging on to black metal. I saw them play on Jools Holland a couple of weeks ago and that performance clinched it for me to include the hirsute rockers here. Quite an interesting video though, I don't get out much these days and I certainly can't handle my liquor as well as I used to but I'll definitely have what he's having.

My Morning Jacket, what a bloody racket!

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SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Blackstreet - 'No Diggity Ft. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen'






Blackstreet - 'No Diggity Ft. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen' (1996)

One of the things hearing this song reminds me of makes me chuckle to myself. When I was 14, life was all about the struggle to be popular and cool. I hadn't quite taken any notice of that yet and was still wearing Doc Martins and hand me down skate t-shirts from Flycasual. I do remember watching others from afar though, and in particular one girl, was as I would describe, "trying too hard". She would wear Reebok Classic trainers to our strictly uniformed catholic school (saying she had a note from her mum for her "bad ankle") so everyone would see how trendy she was. She also used to listen to her Walkman during breaktime so damn loud! When the other kids used to asked her what she was listening to, it made me cringe! That's what she wants you to do! As it happened, I liked 'No Diggity' so I didn't mind it blaring through her headphones.

If you need any decorating done, Blackstreet are your boys

The other thing it reminds me of is a great memory. It was V-Fest 2002, and absolutely scorching! There was a break in bands we wanted to see, so I suggested we go for a "refresher" at the Strongbow Bubble. It was a treat to get an ice cold cider on such a hot day at a festival. We sat down on the grass nearby, totally chilled out and people watched. The DJ was playing laid back 90's dance tunes and 'No Diggity' followed. It was spot on as I'd forgotten how good it was, one of those never forget moments! I just love that piano loop. Every now and again the guys with the Strongbow back packs came by and gave us a free top up! I could have stayed there all day, amongst the stoners that had fallen asleep and the weirdo hippies randomly dancing by themselves.

It's Bow time!


There's no doubt you should click for more Saturday Night Jukebox!
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GUEST SPOT # 25 - Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - Lets Hang On

Every Saturday we feature a Guest Spot, don't be shy! Tell us about a musical memory you have!



Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons - 'Let's Hang On' (1965)

This weeks Guest Spot is brought to us from Steve "Pogo" Patterson. Even when it's -15 degrees and billowing snow out on the ramp, he's in shorts! What song keeps him warm on those nasty days at the airport...?
Lookin' sharp there fellas

We are always influenced by our parent's taste in music one way or another, and I am no exception.
Whenever I hear this song, I can only think of being driven to Staines Prep' School when I was about 8, in my dads' metallic green Ford Granada 3.0 Ghia. To be honest, any Frankie Valli song does it, but I always loved the intro to this song and I would always make my dad play it whenever I was in his car. There are some live clips on youtube but the sound quality is not brilliant. 

Best 'hang on', Frankie is gonna put his foot down

Check out more of our Guest Spots here


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Thursday, 17 November 2011

DYLAN COVER? # 23 Jackie Leven - As We Sailed Into Skibbereen



JACKIE LEVEN - As we sailed into Skibbereen

JACKIE LEVEN (1950-2011) R.I.P.



It is with sadness I heard today that Jackie Leven died at the age of 61. He succumbed to cancer.  He will be greatly missed.

I don't know if there is any truth in the rumours which surround this really good song by Jackie Leven, released on CD single (Cooking Vinyl FRY CD 036). The song is credited to Jackie Leven/Bob Dylan.

According to the 'The Telegraph', Jackie met Dylan in a Bar in Berlin on 5th Oct 1988 and they later travelled together by train from Berlin to St Petersburg. Jackie showed Dylan some lyrics he had written and Bob suggested he put the lyrics to the tune of 'One Too Many Mornings'. Jackie did this and the song 'As We Sailed into Skibbereen' was released as above. However, according to Clinton Heylin's 'A Life In Stolen Moments: Bob Dylan Day By Day 1941-1995', Dylan was in Beverley Hills on the said day. 

The story goes that Columbia got the record withdrawn in the U.K. but it was not withdrawn in Germany (there's a collectors item if ever there was one!).

The song was also released on the album the Argyll Cycle Vol 1. I have this album but it is in a box in a garage in the U.K. I wonder who it says the song is credited to?

I think it is a great story and under the circumstances we will let Jackie off and allow this 'as a Dylan cover' well for today he gets the benefit of the doubt. Why not?


Come on now Bob, I know you listen every week to my posts, what really did happen ? You can tell me! 


JACKIE LEVEN - As we sailed into Skibbereen

Click here for more Dylan Covers
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R.I.P. - Jackie Leven - Single Father

JACKIE LEVEN - Single Father

It is with great sadness I learned today that the great Scottish singer-song writer Jackie Leven,  passed away at the age of 61. He succumed to the dreaded cancer.

This was the first song I heard by Jackie and it blew me away. I was a big fan ever since. Check out the Argyll Cycle Vol 1 and Forbidden Songs of the Dying West, two truly great albums. There are lots more where that came from. He should have been massive.

Jackie you will be missed big time. R.I.P.
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Wednesday, 16 November 2011

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE - Refused - 'New Noise'

 Thursday I'm in Love, a chance for me to share some of my favourite tracks....Grrrrrr!



Refused - 'New Noise' (1998)

Grrrr, it's a Saturday and I'm in my car sitting in slow moving traffic on the way to work. I shouldn't be here, I should be spending a rare weekend with my family but due to a monumental f... up with my leave I have had to work. Angry, I'm thinking up ways to channel this pent up frustration, which I'd normally settle for a daydream of me, Natalie Portman and a tub of houmous. Then I see it, a garden full of gnomes, I hate garden gnomes, big ones, small ones, fat ones and tall ones, there's even a cheeky one with it's arse out and that sets me off. So I drop my pitta and don my sumo fat suit, balaclava and baseball bat from the boot of my car, jump over the fence and plough into the little bastards, picking off any stragglers with my bat.

It's best to nuke the site from orbit...it's the only way to be sure!

This song I haven't heard in a long while and fitting the mood perfectly eventually comes on my iPod, waking me from my momentary slumber just before the police armed response unit are scrambled. The track is from acclaimed Swedish Punk band, Refused who I got into through a friend, he bought the album 'The Shape of Punk to Come' for me as he loved it so much. There are some fantastic tracks of which this was by far my favourite, after an edgy opening the tension is released with a 'can I scream?' and all hell breaks loose. Great riffage complete with an occasional 'wooh', it's certainly a great diffuser and I felt much better after getting a dose. Anyway it's probably best to listen to this rather than explain to the police and more importantly your family why you laid waste to strangers garden in a sumo suit.


Refused - 'New Noise'

....and breath.....phew that's better. Check out more Of my favourite tracks here....
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WEDNESDAY CLUB - Robert Cray - Porch Light

MIDWEEK CRISIS, your man is on night shift, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB, we've got Robert Cray, but remember to leave your Porch light on!

Waiting for the signal

ROBERT CRAY - Porch Light


There was a time when Robert Cray and his Band were right up there, he had a series of fantastic albums during the eighties, 'Don't be afraid of the Dark', 'Strong Persuader'. He was there with a string of artists that when they released an album I would buy it blindly, you just knew it was going to be good or at the worst there would be some winners on it.

This one comes from the Album 'False Accusations' and is a dark tale of infidelity. It has a pulsating base hook with haunting lyrics and a tremendous guitar solo in the middle, this guy can play, this guy can sing the blues. A lot of Cray's stuff at this time were dark stories of love and betrayal, I love all that. You can't beat a nice bit of scandal.

I did see The Robert Cray band once but it was one of these 'Red Stripe' in can affairs, I was in the Bar far too long and missed most of the set, Bloody good drink though!  Bloody sore head the next day though! That I do remember to this day.

So the moral of the story is, when you are on night shift, remove that light bulb and keep well away from Red Stripe when Robert Cray is in Town.

More Wednesday Club......
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Monday, 14 November 2011

TUESDAY BLUES! Josh Rouse - My love has gone

Josh Rouse - My love has gone (2005)

It's Tuesday, you're late for work, you've just stood in a puddle and it feels like it's going to be a long week, it's time for some music to match your mood.....

Josh Rouse - My Love has gone

It's strange how some artists manage to keep on releasing quality music but remain relatively unknown to the masses.  Josh Rouse must fall within this category.  He's released over 9 albums, all of which have been critically acclaimed, and numerous demo's and live recordings, but if you ask anyone to name a hit, you'll probably hear "Josh who?"
"...Josh who?.."

This track was on a free CD and it got me hooked within the first 10 seconds with the 'sad' harmonica. But rather than 5 minutes of doom and gloom, it is melancholy with a 'happy ending'.  I was feeling a bit sorry for myself at the time and this picked me up - I'd compare the song to a friend who'll take you out for a few beers and tell you to "stop moping around and sort yourself out!!!" - it was exactly what I needed.  It actually features on the album "Nashville" which was a farewell to his marriage and the city of Nashville where he soon left to move to Spain.

Follow up albums "Subtitulo", "Country Mouse, City House", "El Turisto" and his most recent "Josh Rouse & The Long Vacations" all capture this great singer-songwriter and if you haven't heard any of his material you should try the Noisetrade sampler - it's free!

And if you're still feeling down and want more to feed the pain, try more Tuesday Blues or checkout other Josh Rouse posts here!
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Sunday, 13 November 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 13/11/11

Four dirty little birdies that Berlusconi would be proud of, do you have any saucy numbers for us? Go on be a devil....let us know. Please..


SFW:-
The Civil Wars - Billie Jean (2011)


I've been obsessed with these two since seeing this performance on Jools Hollands show a few weeks ago and in the week of Dr Conrad Murray being convicted of the manslaughter of Michael Jackson, I thought it's tedious link could be counted as my TOTW. The Civil Wars are Joy Williams & John Paul White (I know what you're thinking, could easily be Johnny Depp's musical stunt double) who have released an album in 2011 called 'Barton Hollow'.  It's a fantastic piece of folk-country-Americana with exquisite melodies that given the chance will probably win a Grammy (I just read that they've been nominated for a Country Music Award) - it's definitely worth a purchase!  

Old Pa's Corner:-
David Lynch - Pinky's Dream feat Karen O (2011)


'David Lynch, is that not the guy who does these weird movies and things?!' Yes, you are right and he has done a 'solo' album. Is it weird? I suppose you would say its kind of what you would expect but I like this opening track, great drumming, great vocal, lots of energy, makes me want to hear more!

But before you dismiss it, David Lynch was responsible for the soundtrack to 'Blue Velvet' (what a film that is). He was behind the the re-recording of some of the Big O's all time greats. Need I say anymore.

I am a human being
Flycasual:-
Kate Bush - Wild Man (2011)


I love Kate Bush. Growing up in the 80's with my hormones raging, I used to find her hushed and sultry vocals incredibly sexy. I believed that her songs about love and hurt would prepare me to understand what to expect later in life. I felt she had given me the map to that exotic land called woman (must have lost it on the way/men can't read maps etc, I'll probably hear my wife say). Regardless she's back after a 6 year gap with this fabulous song. Ahh, her whispered, breathy tones are here with tales of love, it's time to be seduced again. Oh wait....what? It's about the Yeti!?? Oh, never mind she's still bonkers and all the better for it!

quite handy with a guitar

Shell Hunter:-
Band of Skulls - 'The Devil Takes Care of His Own' (2011)


Everyone needs a bit of rock in their life and this is a more than suitable fix! The slow riffage reminds me a little bit of Faith No More or something sampled for an early Beastie Boys album! I enjoyed all the singles from Band of Skull's first album and after hearing this first offering from their new album "Sweet Sour" due for release next February, I can't wait! With only 3 members, their minimalistic sound has more of an impact, much like that of The White Stripes or She Keeps Bees. I love the video too, it kicks ass...err, sorry. Thats one gig I wish I'd been to!


Enjoy these? Check out our other Tracks of the Week....
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Saturday, 12 November 2011

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX - Röyksopp - 'Poor Leno'







Röyksopp - 'Poor Leno' (2001)

The first song I liked from Röyksopp was their first single, 'So Easy', which was on the T-Mobile TV advert, but after I saw the music video of 'Poor Leno', I was hooked. Being a big softy when it comes to animals, I struggled to watch it. The poor little blighter is missing his home! It's definitely a firm fave of mine as it's great electro dance song with dreamy lyrics and a satisfying clatter of steel drums thrown in.

I want one


I remember being given Melody A.M for my 21st birthday at the same time my parents had gone on holiday and I "offered" to house sit. If I remember rightly, it was a bit of a heavy week. A messy pub crawl in central London with Flycasual and London Scouser, drinks with work colleagues and naturally I had planned a bit of a do too. I spent a long while sorting out the music for the evening, including making a CD mix with Poor Leno on it. The party kicked off nicely civilised with a few close friends having some beers. I was a little paranoid of my parent's house getting trashed by some punk freeloaders but that sort of thing must only happen in 80's teen films. As the night progressed, the drinks got harder(from lager to tequila and JD) and the music got louder! While my friends were getting pleasantly pissed, I sneaked over to the hifi and pressed repeat when Poor Leno came on. I was so into it at the time and couldn't get enough! I committed the DJ crime of the century and got away with it for about 6 plays! I blamed it on a "slip of the hand".

Where's the party at?


If I had DJ mixing equipment, I would splice this straight into 'Pump Up The Volume' by MAARS. You'll have to tell me if I'm alone on this but I think the beats are almost identical.

Röyksopp - Poor Leno

Click here for more of my Saturday Night Jukebox faves! 

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Friday, 11 November 2011

GUEST SPOT # 24 - KT Tunstall - 'Black Horse and the CherryTree'

If anyone would like to contribute to a guest spot, then do not hesitate to contact us...


KT Tunstall - 'Black Horse & the Cherry Tree' (live on Jools Holland 2008)

This week's guest spot from the delightful Mrs S: I've heard that her 12-egg carbonara has to be tasted to be believed! So I will be placing my order in advance please!!

So ... picture this attractive scene: Jon & I  collapsed on the sofa some considerable time after we should have gone to bed sort-of watching Jools Holland. I had just decided it was time to stop arsing about & actually go to bed when someone new appeared on stage and distracted me (not a tough thing to do.) The someone was a girl with a guitar and to be honest I didn't pay much attention because that was not extraordinary in itself. Still, I stuck around to watch, mostly because I still couldn't be bothered to go to bed.

benches at about 100lbs

I listened as one girl with a guitar, a tambourine and an effects pedal created layer upon layer within this amazing song and I was hooked. Actually having just watched it again I'm STILL hooked. That appearance on Jools Holland was her first on TV and obviously since then I've heard this song on the radio a million times and I've seen her do it live with a band but it's never been quite the same. Once the band was added and it got to sounding a bit more "slick" somehow it lost something.

KT Tunstall started out busking and is in my opinion still at her best left to her own devices with as little accompaniment as possible. Proof of this if proof could possibly still be needed:-



Have a look at our other guest spots... or
More from our lovely Kate....
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