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Wednesday, 29 February 2012

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE - Prince - 'Sign 'O' The Times'

Thursday I'm in Love...a chance for me to share some of my Diamonds and Pearls!!


Prince - 'Sign 'O' the Times' (1987)

My wife and I recently treated ourselves to a night away, a rare foray into the adult world (that sounds seedier than it actually is). What I meant is a night to spend some quality time together, a few drinks, a nice meal, a stroll and the prospect of a long lie, oh my god a long lie! Away from the daily demands of work and our toddler's routine 0530 wake up call.

Not Florence, Paris or Barcelona but lovely Windsor, Windsor is dear to our hearts as it's where we used to hang out as a couple and where we eventually got married (The Guildhall if you're asking, a couple of queens got married there so if it's good enough for David and Elton, it was good enough for us!). It's just a 20 minute drive from where we live now and a lot cheaper, especially when I treat my wife to a romantic night in the Travelodge. It was all good though, as instead of the usual view overlooking the bins we had a panoramic view of the area, parts of Windsor Castle, Eton College but more importantly Slough trading estate. Important for sentimental reasons as we lived in Slough for about 6 years, well I say Slough, I probably like to think of it more North Eton myself, as we could walk to Windsor in about 15 mins.

It was lovely, the sun was shining, the queen was in, we were retracing our old haunts and we stopped to have a boozy lunch by the river, perfect. Walking it off later, we came across a modern bronze statue of a soldier which was an Irish Guards memorial. Particularly sobering, especially after lunch, as I have never come across one like it, more used to ones from WW1 or WW2. I instantly thought of Prince's (apt considering our location) 'Sign 'O' the Times'. Whether you agree or not with the government's foreign policy in Iraq or Afghanistan, it's the brave men and women of the armed forces that do the dirty work for them. It's a solemn realisation that after 13 years we are still a nation at war, a fact which is often overlooked. A sign of the times I guess.

Hmmmm...U got the look??
I love Prince, particularly his earlier stuff and could prob dedicate an entire blog to his music but push come to shove my favourite is prob 'Sign 'O' the Times'. A wonderfully simple song with it's distinctive bassline and an incredibly powerful video, it is as relevant now as it was then. Replace the 80's fear of Aids and nuclear war, the Challenger disaster and hurricanes with Swine Flu, global terrorism, Columbia disaster and Katrina and you get the parallels.

Anyway you'll be pleased to know we had a fantastic time!

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WEDNESDAY CLUB - Stan Getz & João Gilberto - 'The Girl From Ipanema'

MIDWEEK CRISIS she says 'you have no romance in you', come to WEDNESDAY CLUB, chill that Cava, have the oysters and caviar ready. Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto will do the rest. A promise awaits


STAN GETZ & JOAO GILBERTO  - The Girl From Ipanema (1964)

The album where this song comes from 'Getz/Gilberto' is a must for any record collection, if anything it is maybe just too smooth, too cool. If a guy played it for me and we were having a candle lit dinner (if I was a girl, I will quickly point out) I would immediately think 'Hey! I know what your game is' but I'm an old cynic!
A 'young and lovely'  sfw on sax

I was sent to Rio to attend a conference and had a couple of days to kill before the event, I was staying in a Hotel at the far end of Ipanema bay. On the way to see some of the sights 'Sugar Loaf' and 'The Statue of Christ' the taxi driver pointed out the bar where the great song was written, that gave me a certain thrill as I just loved the song.

We were warned to be careful, however, a friend and I were walking on Copacabana beach road. After having a few beers and 'watching the girls go by' we heard live samba music. We immediately headed off the beach road in the direction of the music when suddenly my friend shouted 'I've been hit'. I turned and saw someone running away. We both had one credit card and around 20$ each, it was in our trouser pocket where we always kept our hand to protect it. My friend  had removed his hand for a second and 'boom' that was it. So quick and efficiently done. We were obviously being watched all the time.

We never got to the samba sounding music, we quickly got a taxi back to the Hotel so he could cancel the card. It left a bad taste as we were having such a great day. Unfortunately, every time that I hear the song now this is what I remember. Very very sad!

Saying that, we had a story to tell and after many many, many Cachacas at the hotel bar, we were back on track and the world was again OK. We were ready to hit Copacabana, it was Saturday night! But that is another story, and a different song! Maybe, when I know you better?



ASTRUD GILBERTO & STAN GETZ - The Girl from Ipanema - Live (1964)

For more Wednesday Club  'Cocktales'

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Monday, 27 February 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! The Eels - Can't Help Falling in Love With You



The Eels - Can't help falling in love with you
Here's a great version of the Elvis classic that randomly appeared on the iPod playlist yesterday. I hadn't heard it before as it was on one of the albums that I'd borrowed and burned but hadn't listened to. This admission becomes even more shameful as I've always liked the Eels, which is the project name of songwriter Mark Oliver Everett (or 'E'). From their early blend of melancholy and beats on beautiful freak, to his songs of broken love on end times (their's a theme here) they've always been consistent and although it's sometimes a bit dark he's had good reason to be. (His father, quantum physicist Hugh Everett III, died, his sister committed suicide and his mother died of lung cancer).

Well on that happy note, how do I follow that? All I can say is the genius of this version made me listen deeper to those 'oh-so-familiar' lyrics and think of loved ones, which in my case is the wife and the dog.



Still got room for another slice of melancholy? If so, try more Tuesday Blues here!
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Sunday, 26 February 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 26/02/2012 - Keaton Henson, Major Look, JayFarrar, Will Johnson, Anders Parker, Yim Yames, Jake Bugg



FOUR TRACKS THAT SMASHED IT FOR US THIS WEEK!


Old Pa's Corner:-
Jay Farrar,Will Johnson,Anders Parker & Yim Yames - 'Old  L.A.' (2012)




Jay Farrar,Will Johnson, Anders Parker & Yim Yames are, I suppose what you would call another 'Alt Country Super Group' (not another one you say, remember 'Monsters of Folk') 

They have this album 'New Multitudes'  out on the 5th March 2012 of songs written by Woody Guthrie and they have done the music etc. These are all new songs which have not previously seen the light of day and are taken from the Woody Guthrie archives, with full cooperation from Woody's daughter Nora. It is in honour of what would be Woody's 100th birthday. Woody's back catalogue seems to go on for ever, as this is the 4th volume that I can recall.  'Old L.A.' is a pretty good taster and I will look forward to the full album release.



Shell Hunter:-
Jake Bugg - 'Troubled Town' (2012)



Impressed. That's what I was after hearing how old Jake Bugg was when listening to Music: Response with Mary Anne Hobbs on XFM the other day. He's 17! It reminds me of when I heard Nick Waterhouse(see Tracks Of The Week 16/10/2011), a master of recreating a genre from yesteryear. The lad from Nottingham, quite simply puts it, "I play guitar and sing". He sure does! I love the retro sound of this track and will definitely be keeping an ear to the ground to listen out for the next rumble of his strumming!

Become a "friend" and download it free from Jake's Facebook page for a limited time only here!

Flycasual:-
Major Look - 'Hush ya Gums' (2012)



I don't know at what age it becomes against the law to use words such as, wicked, cool, nang, dope etc. But there's only one word to describe this track...SICK!! With everyone out of the office I finally got to hold the 'radio conch' for awhile, I scanned through and I flipped onto BBC 1Xtra to catch the tail end of the Drum and Bass show. I'm pretty partial to a bit of D'nB but I only skirt around the periphery these days but in the space of half an hour I heard some excellent stuff, 'Hush Ya Gums' was by far the stand out track. I just love the contrast of the slow, almost laboured MCing over the rapid and frantic beat.




SFW:-
Keaton Henson - Charon (2012)

I shared another Keaton Henson track a few months ago when I first discovered his music (my wife put me onto him!) and was delighted when I found out that 'Charon' has been released as I'm amazed by this guys talent.  The singer/songwriter market is always very saturated and because of this, they need to stand out. For me this can be done in two ways, 1., the 'said' singer songwriter will need to impress (or depress) me by baring their broken soul or 2., write something so poetic/melodic it gets you chanting it like a religious sermon. In young Keaton Hensons case, he's got both and he does it very well! His album 'Dear' is out on the 2nd April, and a bonus version is out through Rough Trade Record Shops - I truly cannot wait!


More tracks of the week?? Click here bruv!!
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Saturday, 25 February 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - The Beloved - 'Sweet Harmony'




The Beloved - 'Sweet Harmony' (1993)

1993 was such a significant year for me as it was the year we moved to the UK from Saudi Arabia and I seem to remember so much music from the time. There were a good few bands that were always on in the background and The Beloved was one of them.

Djokovic before he picked up a racket


It wasn't until a senior colleague offered to give me a lift to the minion's car park from work that I heard this again in 2010. He has an eclecic taste and happened to be listening to the album Conscience at the time. I only knew this song subliminally but it was one of those that came out of nowhere! It became my instant favourite song of the year and I probably bored everyone to death playing over and over! It never fails to get a rise out of me and is the perfect song to get ready to for a night out like tonight for me. Time to dust off those dancing shoes!

Easy to copy album cover as a child, I would know


Any songs that get you in the mood? Lay them on me!

Check out more sweet Saturday Night Jukebox jams here....
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Friday, 24 February 2012

GUEST SPOT # 36 - Van Morrison - 'Domino'

It's Saturday and it's Guest Spot day....If you'd like to do a guest spot for us then please let us know. Who knows, you could start a domino effect! (hopefully)



This week we have the mighty Singing Bear, music aficionado from the Grownupbackwards blog and a story about a 'close encounter of the Van kind'. 


'Crossing The Road With Van Morrison'

The man at his peak singing 'Domino'

Back in the early to mid 90's I was living in Bath and was aware that Van Morrison had a home there, too. It must be said, Van's house was somewhat more opulent than ours! You would, from time to time, hear of the odd Van sighting but, just like his reputation, he was pretty elusive. A colleague of mine did once attend a party where Van happened to show up (I've no idea why, how or where) and she told me that on being asked to sing a song Van picked up a guitar, turned his back on everyone and mumbled something vague into the corner of the room before exiting. Anyway, I expect you're wondering about my own 'Van Moment'. At this time, I was a massive fan of Van The Man (I still love his early stuff now but my interest has waned a little, I'll admit) and I often wondered what I'd say to him if we had a chance encounter. As you probably know, he's a notoriously miserable git, so not easily approachable. One day, I was a little early for work, which was a just a few streets from Mr. Morrison's residence, and I decided to nip down to the local record shop to while away a few minutes before the daily grind. Just as I approached the pedestrian crossing at the junction of The Paragon and Broad Street (anyone know Bath?) I saw a dumpy little baldy guy in denim and brown cowboy-ish boots waiting for the green man to allow us to cross. It was just me and him with no one else in sight. I sidled up close, thinking 'What shall I say? What shall I say?' In ultra quick time I considered: 'Hello Mr. Morrison, I'm a huge fan and just want to say thanks for the music', which was swiftly rejected for 'Hi Van, how're you doing? Nice day!', again rejected for just a knowing nod and a thumbs up in the hope that I'd get a smile and a 'hi' in return. The seconds ticked by as we stood side by side on the kerb, then the lights changed, it was time to cross, my mind got stuck in reverse and we both silently crossed the road together before Van disappeared into a newsagents and I just knew it would be too creepy to follow him in. All was lost., which was probably a good thing because I'm pretty sure he would have just told me to piss off.

Who are you calling dumpy, pal!?
I did see him around town a couple more times before we left Bath for the Welsh valleys; once I even sat in the same cafe as him, peeping over my copy of MOJO to see what kind of beverage a musical legend likes to partake of but I gave up on any attempt at communication. They say you should never meet your heroes but it might have been funny to be told to eff-off by the great VM.


If anybody else has had a 'close encounter' with a musician or group then let us know, we can feature it as a guest spot. Read some more here...... Close Encounters


Check out more from Singing Bear here....
or even more Guest Spots.......
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Thursday, 23 February 2012

DYLAN COVERS #38 - Sinead O'Connor - 'The Times they are a Changin'/ I Believe in You/ Precious Angel'


SINEAD O'CONNOR - The Times they are a Changin' (Tonight Show 2010)

Sinead certainly caused a storm at the Dylan Tribute concert in 1992, there is no doubting she is a great fan and even says on the film, Dylan kept her alive in her younger days. I am sure most Dylan fans will have their own point of view regarding the incident.  In my opinion her beliefs in 'Child abuse' are admirable, but maybe the way she made that protest on the 'Tonight' programme prior to the concert was ill advised and did not help her cause. However I have to admire her courage.  


SINEAD O'CONNOR - I Believe in you(Live at Royal Albert Hall 1999)

This is the song she was going to sing at the Dylan Tribute concert in 1992.



SINEAD O'CONNOR - Precious Angel

This is an interesting one, you will either love or hate it, on guitar is Justin McCarthy. I think it is..... OK!

Sinead has also contributed to the Amnesty Internation Album 'Chimes of Freedom' and sings 'Property of Jesus'
Pass me that guitar

For more Dylan Covers
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DYLAN COVERS #38 - Sinead O'Connor - 'The Times they are a Changin'/ I Believe in You/ Precious Angel'


SINEAD O'CONNOR - The Times they are a Changin' (Tonight Show 2010)

Sinead certainly caused a storm at the Dylan Tribute concert in 1992, there is no doubting she is a great fan and even says on the film, Dylan kept her alive in her younger days. I am sure most Dylan fans will have their own point of view regarding the incident.  In my opinion her beliefs in 'Child abuse' are admirable, but maybe the way she made that protest on the 'Tonight' programme prior to the concert was ill advised and did not help her cause. However I have to admire her courage.  


SINEAD O'CONNOR - I Believe in you(Live at Royal Albert Hall 1999)

This is the song she was going to sing at the Dylan Tribute concert in 1992.



SINEAD O'CONNOR - Precious Angel

This is an interesting one, you will either love or hate it, on guitar is Justin McCarthy. I think it is..... OK!

Sinead has also contributed to the Amnesty Internation Album 'Chimes of Freedom' and sings 'Property of Jesus'
Pass me that guitar

For more Dylan Covers
Pada 2 Komentar

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Gang Starr - 'Who's Gonna Take the Weight?'

Who's gonna take the weight? Forget the diet, treat yourself to a great slice of wholesome old skool hip hop.


Hip Hop Classics
Gang Starr - 'Who's Gonna Take the Weight?' (1991)

This is the first Gang Starr track I heard and probably my favourite, taken from 1991's Step Into the Arena. An MC, for me has to have style and delivery which Guru had in abundance and in DJ Premier you have one of the best DJs around. The track was groundbreaking for the reason that it showcased their phenomenal talents, with Guru's smart and conscious lyrics conveyed in that unique monotone of his and the intricate turntable skills of DJ Premier. The Martin Luther King speech intro declares it's political intent, backed up by Guru's conscious flow and held together with a gem of a Jazz loop (Maceo and the Macks' 'Parrty') throughout and you have yourself an absolute beast of a track.

'Guru is on the mic and Premier is the anchor'

I remember listening to this at the time thinking, "this has just taken the game to another level", especially (and my favourite part) when DJ Premier executes his scratch solo towards the end of the song. Sublime!


Gang Starr - 'Who's Gonna Take the Weight'

More Hip Hop Classics.....Click here. Word!

or more Gang Starr?
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Tuesday, 21 February 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Tim Buckley - Dolphins

MIDWEEK CRISIS you think you are in too deep, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Tim Buckley, he's got his dolphins to help you

TIM BUCKLEY - Dolphins(1973)

There I was, I had been in Saudi Arabia for less than a week and I was being taken to the Red Sea Reef. I was looking forward to it. You had to basically swim and walk to the reef where the water was a few feet deep and when you came to the edge it was almost a vertical drop. When you put goggles on and went under, it was a whole new bright blue exciting world. It was amazing I had never seen anything like it, a world full of colour and strange and exotic fish, there were literally thousands, all shapes and sizes. It was straight out of the under water programme by Hans and Lotte Haas (Hands on Lotte's Ass, as I called it as a kid) .

This is why I came to Arabia I thought. I surfaced for air one more time not expecting  the horror that awaited my eyes. I was about 5 metres or so from the reef and I could see a large dark fin on the surface and it was heading straight for me.

It was in extreme panic I swam for the reef, I thought this was it and I fully expected a bite at any time, I even felt the pain of my severed limb. I made it to the reef and ran, fell scraped my knees on the reef,  blood everywhere. But I was safe. I was alive! and intact!.



Flipper the dolphin!
I looked round and saw three large black dolphins playfully swimming near the reef.

I thought of Tim Buckley!

For more WEDNESDAY CLUB whoppers!
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Monday, 20 February 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! Bon Iver - Blood Bank



Bon Iver - Blood Bank (2009)
I've been listening to this a lot on my long drive to work and this video seems to capture that journey perfectly.  So it is apt that last week, I caught the 'entertainment' news on the radio and was pleasantly surprised to find out that Bon Iver had won two Grammys.

I always have a wry smile when 'alternative' crosses over to the mainstream as I take a little pleasure in knowing I discovered them before they made it big. It must have been great for Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver), when he won Best Alternative Album, but surely he would have been a little bit embarrassed when he won Best New Artist? (The criteria for best new artist must mean you can get nominated, as long as you've never been nominated before!)
"I didn't realise this was a black tie event...anyway this is my best suit!"
Any new 'fans' must check out his amazing debut (2008's) For Emma, Forever Ago and 2009's Blood Bank EP.  This track features on that EP and was originally due to feature on his debut but was dropped due to it "not feeling right"....though it sounds perfectly all right to me!

Was that a bit to happy for you? try some more Tuesday Blues here
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Sunday, 19 February 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 19/02/2012 - Ben Howard, James Levey and The Blood Red Rose, Justice, Lianne La Havas,

Four tracks that were like a welcome Kebab after a night out....do you have any chilli sauces for us??!


Shell Hunter:-
Ben Howard - 'The Wolves' (2012)



I've been humming this for a few days so thought I'd do my best to find out who it was. When I discovered it was Ben Howard I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the track Sfw introduced from Tracks of the week 18/09/2011 but because he is part of the "singer songwriter" club, I didn't do much more digging. Heavily influenced by his parents' love of music and folky artists such as Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan (one for Old Pa), Ben Howard puts his own modern spin on things. Having started a more senior position at work, I feel like I've changed football teams and some of my old team mates have turned their backs on me! Delegation is not what it cracked up to be! That's why I find the line from the song "Because we've been fighting lately, we've been fighting with the wolves" quite fitting for my new role!


Flycasual:-
Justice - On'n'On (2012)



Sometimes you just need some Cock Rock in your life and the French electro maestros, Justice have that in abundance. 'On'n'On' is the latest single from the excellent album, Audio, Video, Disco which I have been listening to lately, previous single 'Civilization', was one of my favourite tracks of last year. As self confessed fans of testosterone fuelled 70's rock bands (Led Zep, Sabbath etc), they incorporate that retro feel with full on fuzzy riffs and big beats creating an epic sound which has become so synonymous with Justice. You can see from the over elaborate visuals and stereotypical Rock iconology in the video what I mean about all that, Spinal Tap would be proud!!

If you like rock and electro then the album comes highly recommended.


J'aime le Coq Rock..C'est chouette!
Old Pa's Corner :-
James Levey & The Blood Red Rose - 'Sneak Into my Room' (2012)


This is addictive, I heard one track and loved it, so I checked out the album 'Play to be Free' and it is a little gem. There are many winners on it. This is boy meets girl stuff and reminds me of the of the 60's. The songs are all well constructed and have really good melodies, there are strings, harmonies and I don't think they take themselves too seriously. But one thing I do know, they have a winner on their hands here and like I say, it is vey addictive. You will be waking up tomorrow humming these songs.

My current favourite is 'Hung to Dry' but could not find it on You Tube but 'Sneak into my Room' will do nicely.



SFW:-
Lianne La Havas - Forget (2012) 

 


I was really impressed when I first heard this acoustically on her fantastic EP, live in L.A. (see free download link below - you can't miss it!), but when I saw the video, it knocked me back and I couldn't 'forget' it - sorry! It has such a great contrast between the live version, the guitar riff, great beat and that fantastic voice makes Miss La Havas such great talent to watch out for.  The 'forget' EP was released this week.


 



 
more gherkins? click here...
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Saturday, 18 February 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Reflekt ft Delline Bass - 'Need To Feel Loved'




Reflekt ft. Delline Bass - 'Need To Feel Love' (2004)

I'm a real sucker for the strings and you don't often find them in a dance club hit. This song gripped me for a solid week. As soon as I heard it on a mixed compilation made for me by Fly (once again thanks), it sent a shiver down my spine and goosebumps everywhere! I had it on repeat in the car constantly that week when driving to and from work. I can't explain what it was, whether it was the sample from theme song "Ghosts" used in the film 'The Road To Perdition' or the way the vocals from Delline Bass build through the track. At first she sounds soft and sultry until midway when the song reaches it's peak, she sounds strong and fierce!
You will love me or else
I'd never heard this song before, despite it reaching number 1 in the British Dance Chart after it's release. I remember when I was driving I could actually pin point the part of the song that really got me. It was about 4:16 into it where the beat kicks back in with the strings. I told so many people about 'my new favourite song' which they were guaranteed to love. It went down like a damp squib with my work colleagues who listened to Kiss FM all day long, and it was totally wasted on London Scouser and Old Pa during a gorgeous summer evening during a BBQ as they chatted all the way through it! For me it can only be the 12" version so this Saturday Night Jukebox is about complete indulgence. It may have a dance beat to it but feel free to play it well into the wee small hours of Sunday morning!

Seb Fontaine from Reflekt and David Grey separated at birth?

Need to feel more Saturday Night Jukebox?
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Friday, 17 February 2012

GUEST SPOT # 35 - The Prodigy - 'Charly Says'

It's Saturday and it's Guest Spot day....If you would like to do a guest spot for us then please let us know. Charly says you really should!!

Steve and his shorts are back but this time he's taking us back to where it all began for him. Raving it up in his bedroom with the Prodigy in his day glo t-shirt and white gloves....not a far cry from wearing a high vis jacket and gloves on the ramp, and probably just as noisy!

Charly says always tell your mommy before you go off somewhere......

Charly says...meeowooww



The Prodigy - 'Charly Says' (1991)

Where it all began for me, 14-15 years old watching The chart show late one night in my bedroom and they played this video. Quite simply I was hooked and wanted to start dancing around but thought better of it as it was nearly midnight. The video was nothing like any other I had seen and from then on my life revolved around rugby and The Prodigy. Knowing there was a new single coming out I would be waiting for the doors to open Saturday morning at Woolworths, pick up the new 7" and a handful of pick'n mix in my pocket and then straight home and not only loving the A-side but being blown away by the B-side.

Who you calling a charly mate!?

The Prodigy - 'Charly Says'


Charly says you should check out more Guest Spots or more from Steve....
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Thursday, 16 February 2012

DYLAN COVERS # 37 - Guns N' Roses - Knocking on Heavens Door (Live) x 4

GUNS N' ROSES - Knocking on Heavens Door(Live Wembley 1992)
I feel I'm Knocking

If I was pinned down, Guns N' Roses version of  'Knocking on Heavens Door' most certainly could be in my top 10 of Dylan Covers. The trouble is my top 10 keeps changing from day to day the more I delve into it. Talk about ' a beautiful obssesion'. I am trying not to take it too seriously, but if I can make you fellow Dylan fans be aware of anything you have not heard before and you like it, then that is all I want. If I find a gem, all I want to do is share it with you.nothing more nothing less. That sounds like Jeffery Archer. Help!

I was sent to Brussels in the late 80's and went to the famous square. I was sampling several of the hundreds of beers Belgium is famous for,  If you get the chance try some 'Kwak' ( make sure you have a free day (tomorrow) I went to a kind of  'Cellar bar' and they were playing  music, everything sounded good at the stage I was at. (Kwak! Kwak!).  Knocking on Heavens Door by GNR came on and it is the nearest I have ever been to 'head banging'. If there was a 'mosh pit' I would have been first to dive.

How did I survive the meeting the next day. I don''t know?. I could hardly speak, let alone act intelligent. Lunch time saved me a couple of 'Trappist Beers' did the business. They saw a new guy for the afternoon session.  Bring it on! 

GUNS N' ROSES - Knocking on Heaven 's Door (live Paris 1992)

OooH! I love those 'poofty'shorts

GUNS N' ROSES - Knocking on Heavens Door (Live Tokyo 1992)

Is that the same 'poofty shorts'.....stinky!



GUNS N' ROSES - Knocking on Heaven's Door(Live at the Ritz New York 1988)

I think this is possibly the best version.of the 4. What do you think?  All you big GNR fans please let me know of some better versions out there.

For more Dylan Cover shots
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Wednesday, 15 February 2012

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE - U2 Feat Johnny Cash - 'The Wanderer'

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE....A CHANCE TO WALK THE LINE WITH SOME OF MY FAVOURITE TRACKS!



U2 feat Johnny Cash - 'The Wanderer' (1993)

This is probably one of my all time favourite songs from it's simple bassline, Johnny Cash's brilliant voice and narration, it just builds and builds to Bono's 'aah-woo's' at the end, it get's me everytime in what is also a fitting finale to the excellent Zooropa. Each time I hear it I just stop what I'm doing, the hairs stand up at the back of my neck and I just listen, captivated by the story of a lost soul trying to find his way/God with only the thought of a loved one to help him through. It's a bit of an emotional song for me as I was a little lost myself, it mirrored the sadness I felt at the time when I returned to live in the UK after 10 years in Saudi Arabia.

I'm just going for a walk love, be back for tea...
For Johnny Cash, The Wanderer can almost be perceived as autobiographical in nature, reflecting a man coming to terms with his history of drugs and alcohol, which makes it all the more poignant. Magnificent.


U2 feat Johnny Cash - 'The Wanderer'

Take a wander over to more of my favourite tracks....
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Tuesday, 14 February 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Tom Rush - 'No Regrets'

MIDWEEK CRISIS you have some regrets come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Tom Rush and you think you've got problems?


TOM RUSH - No Regrets(1968)

Enough of all this Valentines schmuck! how do you follow a Valentines extravaganza?, well with the best BREAK UP song ever composed in my opinion. 'No regrets' by Tom Rush. It is very simply written but hits you like a hammer, You can feel the despair, the grief, the isolation, every single word is exactly how it is. This is what break up is all about, It is going to be a long road to recovery for poor old Tom. Some of the lines are so painful it hurts no matter how many times you hear them,  'I've got nothing new to show to you'  total resignation to the realisation that it is finally over. I have often brought this one out in times of need.

Oh I do love these break up songs.
Regrets I have a few
But why has she left you in the first place, before you wallow further in your self pity? Were you too long on the PC?  Football, pub & mates came first? Did you take her too much for granted? You wouldn't fart in front of a new girlfriend would you? Think about it and learn from it.

I found this in a bargain bucket outside an Indian convenience store I always had a browse every time I passed. I remember it so well, I also got 'Still the Same' by Bob Segar on the same day, another great one. Twenty pence each and no scratches. What a bargain!. 

I was desperate to find it on CD and found a Tom Rush 'Best of' but it was a big band version and had not the same impact. (file job). I finally found it on the the Soundtrack to the 'The Wonder Boys' check that out, It is one of the best Soundtrack Albums I have heard.

Also check out the Walker Brothers version it is also pretty good.

For more Wednesday Club wonders
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Monday, 13 February 2012

VALENTINES CHEZ TUNEDR

It's valentines day, oops.. have you got the flowers? Booked that table? Ironed your special pants? You best get cracking then, here's a few songs to get you in the mood.


Everybody loves a good breakup song, the pain, the wallowing, all of us at Tunedr with perhaps the exception of Shell Hunter, always write about them, you just need to look at Sfw's Tuesday Blues posts for proof. But what about the love songs, there are some crackers out there right?.......what are yours?? Let us know with a comment!!


Sfw:-
John Lennon - 'Love'





'Love' is a song written and performed by John Lennon, originally released in 1970 on the John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band album and is one of my favourite songs of all time and also reminds me of my big day as it is the song that my wife walked down the aisle to. From the piano, to the guitar, to John Lennon singing everything was perfect - I even got her to 'time' the pace of her walking to the speed of the song -  which allowed her to get to the alter at the exact time where it fades out. brilliant song, brilliant day...ah bless, time to crack open the vino!


Flycasual:-
LL Cool J - 'I Need Love' (1988)



Crackers indeed, I mean Peter Cetera helped me get together with my wife (read about it here, oh it's not that bad), so it's of course a difficult choice. But "Hip Hop and Rap, that's where my hearts at", musically Hip Hop is my first love so I have to go for LL Cool J's cheese festival, 'I Need Love'. You wouldn't normally associate love songs with Hip Hop but there have been a few of note, Common's 'The Light' an ode to one time flame Erykah Badu, Redman and Mary J Blige's 'All I need' and A Tribe Called Quest's Bonita Applebum. As a hormonal 14 year old I was horrified, not because of the disastrous video but because I was more used to his macho posturing and chatting about his radio, what was all this nonsense about love! It was the first of it's kind, a rapper showing his sensitive side, there was a reason why he called himself Ladies Love Cool James. It wasn't until a bit later when I got involved in the mating game that I understood.

To love and be loved is all that matters so if you have to watch the 'love porn' which is Twilight for the 15th bloody time, then grin and bear it, there's plenty time for the Aliens directors cut later.

You're always on that bloody radio, James!

Shell Hunter:-
Cyndi Lauper - 'Time After Time' (1984)



I'm a pretty romantic girl but I generally don't go for the overly soppy song. I find them all a bit forced, hand me a bucket! I got introduced to the raw, confusing emotion that is love when watching all the great teen flicks growing up in the 80's so here's one that holds happy memories! It reminds me of the weekly roller disco on a Wednesday night. It was "The" place to be and was bursting with kids and teens alike all fighting to get a good place in the social hierarchy. At the end of the evening the teen couples were invited to skate hand in hand to lovey-dovey songs such as this one or Dirty Dancing's 'Time Of My Life' and I was left watching from the sidelines. My "boyfriend"(I was only 7 or 8!) at the time was more of a skateboarder than a skater so he never showed up there until one day, he decided to walk me round the circuit by my hand whilst I skated! Awww!


Old Pa's Corner: - 
Four Seasons - I Got You Under My Skin (1966)



That was quite a tough one, I am much more comfortable with your 'break up' type songs. Maybe it's the cynic in me, But hey! it's Valentines day and LUV is all around, Sadly not for me, my 'baby' is in the U.K. and I am in Spain. But I will be thinking of her and wishing she was here with me and I will be raising a glass to her! This is a fabulous version of the Cole Porter classic and in my mind easily out scores the Sinatra version. It's the harmonies, the bells that do it for me and that 'never win' never win' ending, You're 'under my skin sweet heart'

Art Garfunkel's version of 'I've Only Got Eyes For You' was a close second.
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Sunday, 12 February 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 12/02/12 - Blawan, The Ting Tings, Tindersticks, William Fitzsimmons

Four tracks that were just the business this week!


Flycasual:-
Blawan - 'Get me Down' (2011)


Huge tune!!! I was catching up on some dance tracks and this one just hit me unexpectedly from way out, it's been on heavy rotation all week, it's great when music does that. Better late than never I say, as Blawan's (DJ/Drummer from Yorkshire), 'Get me Down', was released last May but I love it and just had to share, so there! I wasn't sure of it at first but it just draws you in the further you listen, with a Garage beat that sounds like someone banging on an industrial sized cow bell and a warped bassline like you were stepping on a very angry frog, f*&%ked up and absolutely brilliant. I also never thought I'd be getting down to Brandy but the clever use of a voice sample from her track 'I wanna be Down' just clinches it for me and makes this track so unique and compelling! There's still time to get my dance pants on!


Old Pa's :-
Tindersticks - This Fire of Autumn (2012)


This is a track from the Tindersticks new Album  'The Something Rain' I have listened to the album  once and this definitely got me right away. After a second and third hearing I am shouting 'it is a big return to form'. I always get excited by anything that Stuart Staples does, he has one of these great dark Leonard Cohen /Ian Curtis type voices which immediately has you thinking, melancholy, sad or a touch of menace.I think I am going to like this one...can't wait to hear that first track again 'Chocolate' that was good as well.!

The Something rain - Cover of the new album

SFW:- William Fitzsimmons - 'Beautiful Girl' (2011)








I've been a fan of William Fitzsimmons for a few years now and he's an artist that seems to consistently release good material. I always think he sounds like Iron & Wine, Surfjan Stevens, and his calming style of music is has a real honesty to it. He's released over 6 albums and if you want to get hold of 'beautiful girl', it features on his 'Gold in the shadow' album, which is available free through the Noisetrade sampler link below.






Shell Hunter:-
The Ting Tings - 'Hang It Up' (2012)


Here's a little bit of marmite for your sarnie! The Ting Tings' new single is getting mixed press. You'll either love it or hate it. I myself love it, although I'm beginning to find Katie White's style of "little girl saying nahnahnahnahnahnah in the playground" a little grating. Saying that, the use of cowbell and Jules De Martino's delivery is a breath of fresh air on the radio at the moment. They're single 'Hands' from 2010 was excellent and I'm sure I'll find a few more gems on their new album 'Sounds From Nowheresville', due out at the end of the month albeit in small doses!

More Tracks of the Week? There's a briefcase full of them here....
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R.I.P Whitney Houston - 'The Greatest Love of All'

In Memory of Whitney Houston who sadly passed away yesterday at the young age of 48. R.I.P.


WHITNEY HOUSTON - The Greatest Love of All

It is not really my type of music but who could not like or appreciate 'I will always Love You'. She was certainly a beautiful woman blessed with a superb voice and most certainly made a lot of people happy with her talent. I have chosen a song which I love 'The Greatest Love of all' the theme song from the Muhammad Ali film 'The Greatest'.sung originally by George Benson. Whitney almost makes it her own. 
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Saturday, 11 February 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Duck Sauce - 'Big Bad Wolf'




Duck Sauce - 'Big Bad Wolf' (2011)

Not a lot of things shock me, but this video genuinely did. I first heard of Duck Sauce when they released 'Barabara Strisand'. I didn't think too much of it, but appreciated the sample from Boney M's great track 'Gotta Go Home'. Tune! I thought Duck Sauce were one off European pop makers until I saw that Armand Van Helden was part of the duo along with A-Trak!

A couple of colleagues of mine posted this video on their Facebook wall and the comments were so bizarre, I couldn't resist checking it out! There I was, lazy from having a lovely lie in, in Spain on a November break, checking out Facebook before I got up. I was totally grossed out but thought it was a great video, one to get people talking. I was also convinced it would be a massive hit! The thing is, I didn't hear anything more about it until my work's Christmas drinks in Windsor. We had finally stumbled into a club(okay well, I did) after the pubs chucked us out and continued the festivities. The music was okay, there were a handful of tracks that led me away from the bar to dance but I designated myself the "personal effects guard" whilst everyone else got busy on the dancefloor. Until, I heard this song that is. I immediately remembered it and my instant reaction was WooHoo! Good old Biltong Man (check out his posts here) was also extremely jubilant and jumped with both feet straight onto the low coffee tables nearby shaking his stuff!

The tasteful t-shirt brigade have arrived


This leads me to wondering what videos have freaked, weirded, shocked and sickened you? Whether it put you off the song forever or encouraged you to warm to it, let me know below. I want to be shocked!!!


Want any more Hoi Sin sauce for your Saturday Night Jukebox Pancakes? Click Here!

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Friday, 10 February 2012

GUEST SPOT # 34 - T-Rex - Children of the Revolution

It's Saturday, it's guest spot day. If you would like to do a guest spot yourself just email us with a song you like and what it does to you....go on you could start a revolution!

This week we have Kirsty, an old school friend and fellow Scot from back in Saudi Arabia, who no doubt is having a better time with the weather down in Oz than we are. She was kind enough to remind me that I would often write nonsense in her school yearbook but that's water under the bridge now...right!? She's requested a classic and what a track it is, T-Rex and the irrepressible Mark Bolan

T-Rex - 'Children of the Revolution' (1972)


"Although I'm guilty of blasting the Femmes version too, this song reminds me of an angst ridden, misspent youth, staring at a motley crew in a smokey pool room and believing I was utterly invincible"

short and sweet, a perfect description of teenage life and that is just the song! Great video too, though I'm surprised there wasn't an emergency call to the Dance Police for offences 1:09 and 1:38 in the clip. Beautiful when the strings come in at the end!



here's the 1986 Violent Femmes cover



Ride a White Swan over to some more guest spots....click here
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Thursday, 9 February 2012

DYLAN COVERS #35 - Bob Marley & Wailers/Wailin' Souls - Like a rolling stone

BOB MARLEY/WAILERS - Like A Rolling Stone(1966)
Bob and his Bunny

How about a bit of Reggae to cover our Bob...there has been a couple of Cover albums which I have to say I have enjoyed 'cause I love reggae anyway...But this Bob Marley/Wailers cover of LARS is a GEM, a little bit different words here and there, hey! but come on artistic licence and all that...its Bob Marley! Well actually it is not Bob Marley, but the lead singer on this is none other than Bunny Wailer part of Marley's then backing band the Wailers, No matter, I think it is cute and I like it anyway.

Dylan does have some songs in his catalogue which incorporate reggae rhythms, including "Man Gave Names to All the Animals" (from the album "Slow Train Coming) and "Dead Man, Dead Man" (from the album "Shot of Love"). Interestingly, Dylan worked with the legendary reggae rhythm section of Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespeare (bass) on the album "Infidels", though, surprisingly, there is hardly a hint of reggae among the songs. One of the songs, "I and I", was later remixed and included on "Is it Rolling Bob: A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan". Bob however quite often added some reggae beats to his songs in many of his live shows. A good example would be 'Knocking on heaven's door from 'Live at the Budokan.'

This next one is a fine version of LARS  by the Wailing Souls and is from their covers album 'Psychedlic Souls' (1998).

The more I looked into it the more Reggae covers I found and I will feature some more in the future.  

WAILING SOULS - Like a Rolling Stone(1998)

For more Dylan Covers
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Wednesday, 8 February 2012

WORLD MUSIC CORNER - Ely Guerra - 'Dime Cuando Comenzo el Dolor' / Calexico - 'Minas de Cobre'

WORLD MUSIC CORNER
Have music will travel...anybody have any songs which upon hearing will evoke a memory of travelling somewhere?

There's nothing I like better than gazing out the window, headphones on, lost in your thoughts. Whether it's on a plane (see SH's post), train or automobile, I find it's the perfect time to listen to music.

Of course anywhere I go I inevitably have to make a playlist, preferably with songs with some sort of relevance to my destination. Knowing full well that on my return to reality, I can listen to these songs again and use them as musical transport, conjuring up memories which take me back to these places.

Ely Guerra - Dime Cuando Comenzo el Dolor (2000)


It was taken from the soundtrack to the 2000 film, 'Amores Perros', supposedly Mexico's answer to Pulp Fiction, which I was also listening to at the time.

I remember listening to this song on a bus (not like Coach Trip) from Ronda (not like the Welsh valley) to Seville, looking out on the amazing Spanish countryside, it was stinking hot. The heat was most welcome as the weather had conspired against us throughout our trip, being like Rhondda (like the Welsh valley), wet and miserable. Ely Guerra's sultry tones evokes happy memories of that fantastic trip, eating olives the size of apples, sipping ice cold Fino sherry and washed down with a Cruzcampo chaser, good times. Especially when we stumbled into a Spanish bar where the locals were putting on an incredible impromptu flamenco session, needless to say it was amazing. Mucho pasion!!!

Muy Guapa...ooh calor!
Ely Guerra - 'Dime Cuando Comenzo el Dolor'


Calexico - Minas de Cobre (for better metal) (1998)


Back in 2005, Mexico was the destination for my sister's wedding, very nice indeed. It was a small family affair and we were all tasked to pick 4 songs each with a Mexican theme, with the idea to create a playlist that'll keep everyone happy. Amongst the four, I had picked this Mayan gem and it was probably the most appropriate of songs. We were on the way back to the coast from a hot and exhausting day visiting the incredible Mayan temple of Chichen-Itza (where I made a sacrifice of sharing my crisps at lunch). Again, I found myself gazing out at the Mexican landscape. The sun was going down, a little drowsy from the refreshing beer we had before we left, passing all these little villages, many with the ubiquitous church square....perfect.


Calexico - Minas de Cobre


Next week on 'Great Bus Journey's of the World', we'll take the no.81 from Hounslow to Slough. Music aside that ride was a complete circus, guaranteed a story every trip! Anyway click here for more World Music Corner....
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