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Saturday, 31 March 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Lipps Inc - Funkytown




Lipps Inc - 'Funkytown' (1980)

A great bit of Disco sound from my era, the 80's! I love the changes throughout the song, it gives you a few different songs for the price of one! The dancing in the video is a bit like mum and dad dancing at parties in the 80's as well. Watch you don't hit your mates in the face with those beads girl!

Invisible walking sticks, the new craze


When my husband (London Scouser) and I decided to get married Mexico, the amazing hotel we chose had it's own massive nightclub. We went there a few times for a laugh but it was always full of teenagers, sneakily downing cocktails and getting down to the R'N'B tunes. The DJ would occasionally indulge us with a bit of MJ or Kacey and the Sunshine Band. During the course of the evening there was one particular teenage guy who was wasted and in everyone's face, dancing everywhere and generally getting on everyone's nerves. Lipps Inc came on and this guy stepped it up a gear, the people on the dance floor all moved to the sides as the spectacle unfolded. My new husband, fueled with many a Margarita, said to me enough was enough. Not knowing what he was going to do, I stood back and watched. I thought he was going to have a word, but instead he strutted onto the dance floor and preceded to have a dance battle with this guy to this song! All I remember was the teenager was on his back at one point, my husband was skipping the area of the dance floor clapping, getting the crowd going and they both ended up with their shirts off. Needless to say experience prevailed over youth that time! Totally hilarious and he got a good few back slaps after that.



Time for a battle y'all, click for more Saturday Night Jukebox!



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GUEST SPOT #40 - Madonna - 'American Pie'




Madonna - 'American Pie' (2000)

Have you ever had a song that you hated to love or loved to hate? Or how about a song that wore you down so much, you couldn't escape it? My good friend Dave explains in extremely poetic terms that it doesn't matter whether its your favourite song or one that you loathe but it can transport you to that time and that place that you will never forget. 


A long long time ago I was in South Beach Miami the week Madonna murdered American pie. 
I stepped off the plane into the air conditioned terminal, she started singing. 
I hit the beach and the bars, in less than 12 hours I'd heard Madonna's American Pie, the single, the extended version, the rave mix, the techno mix, you get the picture. 
I met a German who sang the blues, I asked for some happy news. Two lonely Europeans in a crowded bar. Maybe I'd be happy for awhile.  
We escaped Madonna & the party scene, hung out in Cuban cafes, drank mojitos (it was still just about cool in 2000). We talked about Hemingway and Thomas Mann. 
The three men Madonna admired the most; the father, son & the holy ghost were probably at the Miami coast when me and the German kissed near by where Versace was murdered. 
I believe in rock and roll and when we fucked on the beach the music saved our mortal souls, we could hear the parties along Ocean Drive. 
In the streets the party scene screamed. 
The lovers cried and the poets dreamed.
We laughed and started singing... Bye bye Miss American Pie....



More excellent Guest Spots....?
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Thursday, 29 March 2012

DYLAN COVERS #42 - Cher - I threw it all Away/Tonight I'l be staying here with You/Lay Baby Lay

Dylan in sonny disposition


CHER - I Threw it all away



CHER - Tonight I'll be staying here with you



CHER - Lay Baby Lay


Here are a three of tracks by Cher from an album called  '3614 Jackson Highway' (1969).  I loved all the Dylan covers by Sonny & Cher in their early albums together. They managed to capture that great jingly jangle sound and it is worthwhile getting hold of the album 'The Best of the Imperial Recordings 1965-1968' which contains all these early Dylan covers in their remastered form. Cher's version of 'All I really want to do' is even better than the Byrds version (in my opinion only). I remember it so well both of them being in the top 10 at the same time.  Great stuff! great times!


These 3 tracks featured are all from Dylan's Nashville Skyline album and are not as well know as her earlier stuff.  I think however they are worth hearing and pretty good interpretations.


For more Dylan covers
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GIVE ME A GUITAR!! - Limp Bizkit - Break Stuff/My Generation



Limp Bizkit - 'Break Stuff' (1999)

For a couple of years I unashamedly professed Limp Bizkit were my favourite band and got a lot of stick for it. I didn't take them too seriously of course, I just loved the satisfying riffage mixed with beats and Fred Durst's dropping of the 'F' bomb to emphasise his angriness. A prime example and probably one of their top songs is 'Break Stuff'. I remember Flycasual was going through a tough time at work and what better song to personify the emotions of being pissed off at dealing with idiots: 'Give me something to break...how 'bout your f**king face!' Its much like I feel at the moment!

New recruits at work, ready for breaking




Limp Bizkit - 'My Generation' (2000)

Apart from the stupid name (Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavoured Water - and yes I know what it's referring to) this was my favourite album and the beginning of their demise in my opinion. There's the musical snob in me again, as soon as Rollin' hit the charts, it was bye bye Limp Bizkit! My Generation was another great example of fun with profanities however on the opposite end of the spectrum, I actually preferred the censored radio edit because instead of just blanking out the f words, they edited in amusing noises that went perfectly! It was also this song that I had a text battle using the lyrics with an unknown assassin which I soon discovered was a sly London Scouser who had obtained my number from Flycasual! Cheeky but obviously very effective!

After 14 years, I am finally going to see them live at O2 Brixton Academy on 29th May. I can't f**king wait y'all!

Yo, Shell Hunter, is that you?

Give a F**k? More Give Me A Guitar here now!!
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Tuesday, 27 March 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Bedouin Soundclash/Maytones - Money Worries

MIDWEEK CRISIS, money worries, your not the only one, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we have got Bedouin Soundclash and they are in the same boat


BEDOUIN SOUNDCLASH - Money Worries(2005)

'When the Night Feels My Song' was very popular in 2005, I think it was even used in an advert. For some reason it did nothing for me but 'Money Worries' turned out to be one of my favourite tracks of that year. It was a cover of the Maytones original. I have to say after hearing that, I will give it the edge, but both are good and you can listen to both and decide for your self.

So, if you have your money problems, you are a little concerned about paying the next bill. Why does it always have to revolve around money? Stop for eight or nine minutes, take some time out and enjoy these two tracks. It won't make you money problems go away but it will sure as hell make your ears taste pretty dam sweet!

Is that Michael Stipe?

MAYTONES - Money Worries(1979)

More WEDNESDAY CLUB loose change
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Monday, 26 March 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! Feist - Cicadas and Gulls

Feist - Cicadas and Gulls (2011)

By the time you read this I should be in some metal wings flying to florida and this certainly sets the right  mood. It's been repeating in my head the last few weeks. I just wish I could have got to her gigs the last few days (London - Sunday, Manchester - Monday, Glasgow - tonight), but instead, this will have to suffice.   I was a late convert to her, but I adore this track and in particular her harmonies, which sound so effortless, almost lazy.  It's worth getting hold of her 2011 album "Metals", which features this song.
Click here for more Tuesday Blues
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Sunday, 25 March 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 25/03/2012 - Nigel Wright, The Shins, Eugene McGuinness, Wild Belle

SUN IS SHINING, THE WEATHER IS SWEET AND SO ARE THESE FOUR SONGS THAT DID IT FOR US THIS WEEK!!


Sfw:-
Nigel Wright - Anna (2012)

So far, 2012 has been a great year for music. I've had a few musical discoveries that I feel may stay with me for years and I can't wait to hear more and more of them.  One of the artists to fall in this category is Nigel Wright, a 18 year old Singer-Songwriter from Georgia.  His haunting songwriting skills far exceed his young age, elements of Leonard Cohen with a sprinkling of Beck makes him someone you need to listen to!   








Shell Hunter:-

Wild Belle - 'Keep You' (2012)


I absolutely love this! It will definitely be on my 'Best of 2012' final cut, it's knocked me for six. All this week I've been hearing reviews from SXSW (the biggest music festival in the U.S which sees about 2000 artists perform in over 90 venues) and am seriously considering visiting Austin, TX next year for it. Until now, I'd never heard of Wild Belle who are a brother-sister duo from Chicago but I think after their performance at SXSW, you will be hard pushed to find someone who hasn't heard of them. Their single released back in Feb is right up my street with the catchy reggae swagger and it's sexy tenor sax. I can see them being the next big thing!

Download the single 'Keep You' free here!




Flycasual:-
Eugene McGuiness - Shotgun (2012)


I've usurped Eugene once and I won't do it again. I was pretty hot on his brilliant single,  'Lions' earlier this year, but it never got on to my tracks of the week as another song would muscle its way in instead. However, Shotgun, the second single from the Londoner's 3rd album gets pride of place, using a Peter Gunn sample it's a great slice of surreal retro Rockabilly pop! Check out his write up on the Domino Records website.

Watch the 'Lions' video and claim your free download here too, bargain....boo-ya!

Old Pa's Corners:-

The Shins - The Rifle's Spiral (2012)
I can't believe it's been 5 years since the last Shins album 'Wincing the Night Away (2007) which I loved and it is great to see them back with a new album 'Port of Morrow.' 'The Rifle's Spiral' is the lead track from the album and is superb, catchy and melodic, in fact one of the best tracks I have heard this year. I will definitely be getting the album and I am expecting big things.
Brace! Brace!





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Saturday, 24 March 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! Muse - 'Super Massive Black Hole'



MUSE - 'Super Massive Black Hole' (2006)

What on earth is Muse doing on Saturday Night Jukebox! I hear you say? Normally I would put them under Give Me A Guitar! but this single was truly different to anything they'd done. It's got a bit more of an electronic edge and you can definitely dance to it. I've followed Muse on their musical journey and they are responsible for a good few of my favourite tracks, including one of my favourite covers, 'Feeling Good'. A colleague of mine was shocked that there was no Muse on our site so here you go!

"When I'm Cleaning Windows!"

When ever I hear this track now, it instantly reminds me of the aggressive and passionate Paso Doble, my favourite of all the Latin American dances. It does seem a distant connection to make but as with most ladies, Saturday evenings in the latter part of the year is devoted to Strictly Come Dancing. There is no shame in this! Having tried a Latin American dancing class, I can appreciate the skill, stamina and training required to make it look good (something I failed on!). I also think getting a routine to fit in with modern music is pretty tough. Here is the fine example I won't ever forget. One for you ladies! I'm sorry guys, but you should look away now!


Ole! Más Sábado Noche Jukebox? Click here!

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Friday, 23 March 2012

GUEST SPOT # 39 - Deacon Blue - 'Dignity'

It's Saturday, it's Guest Spot day! If you fancy doing a spot yourself and I know you do then why not make our telephone ring (just email us) and we'll feature your post!


This guest spot is written by my very own Chocolate Girl, Sophie (check out her other posts), who also tells me that she was Born in a Storm. Anyway whatever, it's her turn to sing the blues...enjoy! 


Deacon Blue - Dignity (1989)

I was introduced to my dear friend Vicky who invited me to their concert at Manchester GMex for her 17th Birthday circa 1989. In preparation, she played me their album Raintown (in a tent in her Mum’s back garden if I remember correctly) and I fell for the dulcet tones of Ricky Ross there and then. And so, off we went by coach to Manchester – my first big stadium gig and it was brilliant. Mr Ross was even better in the flesh - resplendent in black leather trousers and a white shirt with his gorgeous accent and outspoken anti-Thatcherite views. I was studying economics for A-Level and so was delighted to find reference to Maynard Keynes in the lyrics...seriously, this band had everything! What a potent cocktail for a precocious 16 year old, full of hormones, romantic ideals and anticipation of her imminent departure to University and the opportunities this would bring.


Deacon Blue with new member Clive Owen!

I really struggled to choose a song for this post – I listened to the Greatest Hits again recently and I still remember the words to all the songs. They all have merit – Chocolate Girl, Raintown and the gorgeous Loaded, among my favourites. But it had to be this one. It was a great song back then but listening to it now with 20 years hard graft under my belt, in the middle of a recession and now with the responsibility of providing for a family weighing heavily, it takes on a whole new meaning. I cry easily listening to this song – the lyrics are clever and beautiful telling the touching story of a man who “saved (his) money”. In our crazy culture when an ‘essential’ item is a smart phone we can’t live without, this song really makes me think about what life is, or rather should, be about and the importance of work to a person's self-esteem.
So, listen and weep - this one’s for you – V-E-B!!! Xxx




Ps. DB are apparently recording a new album...I await the result with interest. Peruse their website here for details.

Get Loaded on more of our Guest Spots..
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Thursday, 22 March 2012

DYLAN COVERS #41 - Cold Chisel - Knocking on Heavens Door/Jimmy Barnes - Seven Days

COLD CHISEL - Knocking on Heaven's Door(1980)

Cold Chisel doing Knocking on Heaven's Door is up there with the Guns N' Roses version. What a great Aussie Band they were. If you are not familiar with their stuff, a greatest hits package will give you lots and lots of pleasure, see earlier post. There is an even better version of KOHD on their live album 'Swingshift(1981)' brilliant!.  This take is from a Concert at the Manly Vale Hotel Sydney in 1980.



JIMMY BARNES - Seven Days(1988)

Here we have Jimmy Barnes (lead singer of Cold Chisel) doing his solo thing. This is a track from his album  'Freight Train Heart' (1988) and is a ripping great version of Bob's 7 days and highlights all that is good about JB. I still think JB has one of the best voices in Rock music. Rock on Jimmy. 'Aussie Rules'
Kevin Keegan and the boys
For more Dylan Covers
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Wednesday, 21 March 2012

THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE - Chemical Brothers feat Willy Mason - 'Battle Scars'

Thursday I'm in love, a chance for me to share some of my favourite German sausages!  



Chemical Brothers feat Willy Mason - Battle Scars (2007)

Willy Mason has been camped in my brain over the last few weeks now. Most likely because I was hooked on the beautiful bittersweet track he did with Lianne Le Havas, 'No Room for Doubt', Sfw's recent post and reading about his impending 3rd album release which you can download his new track 'Restless Fugitive' here for free.

As a result, it's reminded me of a fantastiche track, 'Battle Scars', which he did with the Chemical Brothers (see another post here), on their 2007 album We are the Night. This is an amazing song, with it's distinctive bassline, layers of Glockenspiel, synths and piano with Willy Mason's gruff voice perfectly complimenting the lot! Brilliant. I especially love the feel the song creates in my head, especially now Willy is lodged there.


Willy Mason, likes German sausage*
This song transports me to a town outside Frankfurt where I attended a Lufthansa training course a few years back. I was hoping to enjoy a couple steins with the locals after the day was over but the group I was with weren't the most social, maybe it was me. Actually it was me. So I decided to go it alone, it was a small town with not much going on but I came across a place with big sign on the window stating 'Internet bar', perfect, a few drinks, a surf and chat to the missus on MSN. The reception was less than ideal however, as it felt like the music stopped and all eyes were upon me, which they were. A scene not too dissimilar to the Slaughtered Lamb in Werewolf in London or the Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars whichever's your preference.

I always seem to find myself in these awkward situations and it looked like the hosts were waiting for me to make my move. I asked in my worst German (mostly in English) if they had the Internet, to which the reply came back as "sorry no speak", bizarre as most Germans I have come across speak better English than I do. Not fancying my chances in a Bavarian standoff, I slinked away back to the hotel with my dreams of beer and bratwurst all but shattered.

I was in good company though as I brought back a couple of tinnies (no I said tinnies, not tranny's) and decided to listen to music. I had a copy of the We are the Night album to which I must have listened to this song about 10 times whilst watching 'Celebrity Hide the Weiner' or something equally mind numbingly entertaining which the Continent do so well. It was a good night.


*probably

Check out the Chemical Brothers official site here

More of my favourite delicacies here....
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WEDNESDAY CLUB - Nick Cave - Brompton Oratory

MIDWEEK CRISIS the grass does'nt seem to grow, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we have got Nick Cave, but be careful of his bad seeds



NICK CAVE - Brompton Oratory(Live)

'No God up in the sky,
No devil beneath the sea,
Could do the job that you did, baby,
Of bringing me to my knees'  

That's a pretty good breakup line in anyone's book. She's done the business, big time! on that poor fellow!,  

woman! 

I can't really explain why I did not get into Nick Cave until quite later in his career, he has got all the dark ingredients which are right up my street. When I first heard this track, I was hooked, that was it, I had to catch up with all his back catalogue. I have remained with him ever since and will always get a new Cave album on its release.

I had a part time job that only lasted about a month. It was delivering Customers cars to and from  Heathrow Airport. The only good thing I can say about it was, that I had the experience of driving some superb  motors. I always remember driving a top of the range BMW which was my first encounter with an automatic car, it was a fabulous experience, the power, the smoothness. I switched on the radio and there it was, 'Bromton Oratory' by Nick Cave. I now always associate BMW's with Nick Cave. (music and associations again!)

It was a depressing  journey home in my 10 year old Nissan Sunny. 
Mines a Merc and I tip!
Check that keyboard out? its's like somthing out of Star Wars? (IV A New Hope!) 

For more WEDNESDAY CLUB  seedlings
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Monday, 19 March 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! Shearwater - The Snow Leopard

Shearwater - The Snow Leopard


I've only recently discovered the joys of Shearwater after Old Pa told me to give them a try.  Although a fan of the birds (see below) I decided to visit their website and quickly downloaded a number of free tracks.  I must admit I'll often find one or two tracks by an artist that I like, but I was awestruck by the strength of their material and in particular "The Snow Leopard".  This has echoes of Radiohead's Pyramid Song, with a singing style that has hints of Wild Beasts??? Hmmm, well maybe.  But I've caught the bug and picked up their latest album "The Animal Joy" which is a real treat!
Shearwater (The Band)
Shearwater (the Bird)

Shearwater was founded by Jonathan Meiburg & Will Shelf of Okkervil River and features a percussionist called Thor who coincidently is the man impersonating a helicopter in the video - enough said!

Checkout more Tuesday Blues posts here.  Let us know what you think? Comment here, on Facebook or let us know on Twitter @tunedoctor - good, bad, or ugly?
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TUNE DOCTOR'S SPRING COLLECTION

The daffodils are trumpeting the arrival of spring, the birds are clearly 'at it' (apart from the wife) and it is really ok to sneak a cheeky cream egg when paying for your petrol at the station.

So here are four songs from the Tunedr crew that fill us with hope and ting.


Old Pa's Corner:-
Thunderclap Newman - 'Something in the Air' (1969)


A Soul to Rest

It was Spring
I was on the bus to Nairn with my girlfriend
She did not go into school that Friday
She told the Hostel she was going home to Mallaig for the week-end
We hired a caravan for that week-end
It was daring, it was exciting
At last we could be together, wake up together
Just be together, alone

We had no sheets, or anything
The course army blankets, they felt like mulberry silk
On our naked skin
The moon light was shining bright
We strolled along the beach, hand in hand
She wore my shirt, I wore hers
Her golden hair shone
Her bright blue eyes sparkled like jewels in the moonlight
Our bare feet tingled in the cold North Sea water

We gazed deeply into each other
We both knew

There was something, there was 'Something in the Air'.
The Beach
Sfw:-
Simon & Garfunkel - The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)




My first choice for a song for spring would have been "Always Spring" by I'm from Barcelona, but I have already written about it, so it has to be this by Simon & Garfunkel. This uplifting song always reminds me of learning to play guitar.  At the time I could never quite figure it out,  I'd play, pause, rewind, repetitively until eventually I mustered something that resembled the record.  Ironically if I waited until YouTube I could have learned it in an instant! Bloody YouTube!



Flycasual:-
Biz Markie - Spring Again (1989)



Ah, finally it's the arse end of Winter, one of my favourite times of the year. All this was confirmed to me recently at work, where pallets upon pallets of cute, fluffy, new born baby chicks were jetting off from the UK to far more exotic climes such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and erhm....Tehran. Most of them die!!....but that's ok because Spring's here!! Hoorah!

Seasonal themed, classic Old skool Hip-Hop from the legendary portly MC, Biz Markie. The video is worth the entrance money alone, I wish all my Springs were that loaded.



There's a chick stuck in my throat!

Shell Hunter:-
The Rumble Strips - 'Girls and Boys in Love' (2007)






Just one more week before we are over the last hurdle and the clocks go forward. Finally! This moment signifies the beginning of spring! We are starting to get phrases like "hottest day of the year so far" and can actually see the sun for more than just a fleeting visit! It's simple really, these things make me smile and this song by The Rumble Strips fits nicely with it's plinky piano and and title line about plenty of girls and boys in love. Its positively contagious! Although the song is about a post break up time (one for you sfw, fly and pa), it also mentions moving to a new city and starting afresh! The song is taken from their album "Girls and Weather" (how fitting!) and is a pretty good live performance. I've read there is also a Hot Chip remix of it so get looking!

Check out more of Tunedr's Special Operations here...
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Sunday, 18 March 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 18/03/2012 - Skints, Agent Side Grinder, Beach Fossils, Clock Opera

Four tracks that, like all our mum's, were a beam of sunshine in our lives.


Shell Hunter:-
Clock Opera - 'Once and for All' (2012)




It's been an emotional week. All I'm saying is, you can't beat that raw emotion of happiness and relief! That brings me nicely to my track of the week. The song is euphoric and uplifting but watch out for the juxtaposition of another hard hitting video from the Clock Opera team! After seeing them live last year, I fell in love with there eclectic style. You can find out what I really mean by checking out their website www.clockopera.com and watching the 4 part "making of" their new album 'Ways To Forget' due for release on April 23rd and sign up for a free download. They're even creating a new track with random sounds that YOU upload to Soundcloud! The boys are touring heavily too so make sure you don't miss them. See you at the Guildford Boileroom guys!


Flycasual:-
Agent Side Grinder - 'Rip me' (2012)

This week I've been feeling low due to my suffering from a serious bout of 'Man Flu', it's a serious affliction and there's no time for heroes, women will never understand.

To help with my recovery I came across Swedish Electro-industrial band, Agent Side Grinder, through Spotify's recommended new album section. 3rd album, Hardware, I found a little hit and miss but when the songs were good they were doggone good, enough to check out their back catalogue. 'Rip Me', is probably the first track that hit and has a fantastic retro sound which draws inevitable comparisons to Joy Division but there's also a sprinkling of Kraftwerk and Depeche Mode in there too. Perfect to snap me out of my apocalyptic mood.

Check out their official site...
Here's a link to a live version of the song, it's not very good quality but worth having a browse.....


Old Pa's Corner : -
The Skints - Live East, Die Young(2012)
If yer Skint, beg steal or borrow!
The Skints - Live East, Die Young (2012) (click to stream)

There is a lack of this in the charts (who cares about the charts anymore, anyway) . Oh!  yes! reggae, lets have a revival, two tone, any tone, bring back old school reggae for me!....but this is from Old Pa!....this group are bright, refreshing, sharp, I love it! We need more of this. I would love to see these guys play live!  I am excited about this! I'm buying this!  Bloody great stuff! f***ing great stuff!

'You only get one life!'

If I was skint, I would beg steal or borrow!

Sfw:-



Beach Fossils - Shallow (2012)


If you fancy some new Jangly, Indie Pop in your life you should try out this infectious track from Brooklyn's 'Beach Fossils'.  It makes me want to be young again and start up a band - of course this will not happen!  Download the mp3 for free through Stereogum (right-click 'save as')

More tracks of the week here...
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Saturday, 17 March 2012

PADDY'S NIGHT JUKEBOX! - House Of Pain - 'Jump Around'

Pour yourself a glass of St. Patrick's Day Irish Malt Lyrics!



House Of Pain - 'Jump Around' (1992)

All in the spirit of Paddy's day, heres a fantastic track from the patriotic Irish American geezers, House Of Pain. Oh the memories...1992 and I was 10 years old. 'Jump Around' got the same effect at parties then as it does now and as it probably ever will. Yes, it could be deemed as overplayed but come on, when you've had a few on a night out do you not get that instant reaction of "YES!" when you hear the brass band intro after a moments silence?!

J'like dags?

My bro being 8 years older than me means that when I was 10, it was party time for him. Especially when he came over on a break from school in the UK to Saudi. I remember on his 18th birthday, I don't think there were any plans. My parents said he could have a few friends over of course! All of a sudden, 4 friends became 8 and 8 became 16 etc. Word in Saudia City spread like wildfire and soon our house was full of revelling teenagers of all ages, plus my parents and their friends! I remember winding through the people dancing in our lounge and avoiding the weirdos shouting marriage proposals to me, to ask my mum if my best friend from across the road could stay over. How very polite of me considering there was already 45 people probably already crashing out there! When House of Pain came on that night (probably the first time of many) the reaction was mental, and everyone literally did jump around with all arms straight out above them in Hip Hop mode!

have a pint, it's lucky


Here's a classic advert to get you in the mood! Being half Scottish, its always nice to have an excuse to celebrate with my fellow Celts, so have an excellent Paddy's day everyone!

Looking for a four leafed clover? Click here for more Saturday Night Jukebox!

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Friday, 16 March 2012

GUEST SPOT # 38 - Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop

This weeks Guest Spot features SFW's better half, Vidette and her adventure to Hyde Park

Red Hot Chilli Peppers - Can’t Stop


I love music. I love it because of its ability to evoke memories and its ability to stir/enhance pretty much all emotions. Whenever I hear this song, it takes me right back to Hyde Park in 2004 to the Red Hot Chili Peppers - Live in Hyde Park concert. I’d heard the concert being promoted on Radio 1 who were offering a short window to purchase tickets – I can’t remember why now but for some reason I wasn’t able to phone for tickets so my wonderful mum made the phone call for me – I have in mind that she spent several hours trying to get through (but this could be my poor memory not recalling properly and she may well have got through straight away) – the story however sounds better if we say she lost a day trying to get these tickets for me. Anyway, get my those tickets she did and even better than that she ended up upgrading to the Gold tickets which meant we were allocated to the section immediately in front of the stage (which given the size of the concert and the extent of people there was pretty amazing). Anyway, we arrived early and got in to Hyde Park as soon as it opened which was some hours before the concert was due to start – which on the positive ensured we could take up positions right at the front but meant there was then quite a wait before any music started (even longer given that the warm up act (can’t remember their name) did not go down well – and they subsequently stopped and walked off after only a few songs because the crowd kept on throwing bottles at them (not me I hasten to add). Anyway, James Brown (who followed) got the positive vibes going again, but it was RHCP that did it for me – from the minute they came on they were amazing. I remember jumping around like a fool with a massive grin on my face the whole time (I don’t get out to concerts much!) The other thing that I remember about this night was the long drive home after the concert to Wales – the concert was on a Sunday night and I hadn’t managed to get the Monday off work – it was the most surreal drive home – which might have been due to the late hour or from being on a high from the concert but I do wonder if it had anything to do with passive smoking from the couple who’d taken position next to us when we arrived and had chain smoked throughout the long wait before the concert started (and it didn’t smell like normal cigarettes!)
If you'd like to write a guest spot, please get in touch, it's great to find out what memories are associated to particular songs & artists.  Also, see our other Guest Posts here!
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Thursday, 15 March 2012

DYLAN COVER #40 - Nick Drake - 'Tomorrow is a Long Time' / Don't Think Twice it's Alright'

The great Nick Drake


NICK DRAKE - Don't think twice it's Alright


NICK DRAKE - Tomorrow is Long Time

These two track are taken from home recordings of Nick Drake and really are magnificent. I was a later starter with Nick Drake, it was only about 20 years after his death that I got into him and was able to appreciate the gifts he had to offer.  Both these songs are suited to the melancholy you tend to associate with Nick Drake. If you are not familiar with his work it is truly worth the effort to search it out and enjoy.

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Wednesday, 14 March 2012

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Mark B and Blade - 'The Unknown' / 'Building a Rep'

I love both these songs,  from 'The Unknown's' acoustic hook to the funk and crickets sample on 'Building a Rep', excellent beats, fabulous turntablism from Mark B and strong lyrical flow delivered flawlessly by Blade.


Hip Hop Classics
Mark B and Blade - 'The Unknown' (2000)

Too new to be deemed a classic? No way, simply put this is UK Hip Hop at it's absolute finest. In 2000 Mark B and Blade, the underrated yet talented London based duo, drop the monumental album, The Unknown, an almost autobiographical account of their struggle for recognition in the UK music industry.

Assured of their skills, of which they had in abundance, Blade lays down some serious lyrics, with a degree of self depreciation and humility not often associated with a genre full of bravado but flawlessly delivered with confidence and lyrical wit. All immaculately put together by Mark B's clever use of samples, beat production and turntable skills with some fantastic scratching. It's probably one of the best Uk Hip Hop albums of all time and I'm baffled as to why they weren't any bigger, maybe like the content of album, they were a self fulfilling prophecy.

Mark B and Blade, UK Hip Hop's Standard Bearers

Years back, I managed to indadvertedly see them live. When my wife and I were first stepping out, I used to woo her with these elaborate romantic gestures (still do come to think of it), like
taking her to see the B-Boy Breakdancing Championships (SH was also there as a chaperone) albeit only if I'd take her see a Ballet. Anyway during an interval, Mark B and Blade performed live, promoting their 'new' album 'The Unknown', eventually handing out demo tapes of it (tapes, I did say it was awhile back). Amazing, as was Swan Lake!


Mark B and Blade - 'Building a Rep' (2000)




More Hip Hop Classics? Click here....
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WEDNESDAY CLUB - Edwin Hawkins Singers - Oh! Happy Day

Today's Post is in Memory of my great friend George McKay who passed away last week age I believe 62.

EDWIN HAWKINS SINGERS - Oh! Happy Day(1969)
L to R George, Hughie and me
It was with incredible sadness that I heard that my boyhood friend George had succumbed to cancer after a brave fight, I believe he was 62.

George, Hughie and me were great friends while growing up in the 60's (many thanks Hughie for the photos, hope ok using them). Hughie left us to join the RAF and that left George and me, we were inseparable and had many many adventures together.

When Hughie left we were without a record player we had spent lots of time listening to the Beatles and Dylan in Hughie's bedroom and it left a void.

In desperation one evening George and I knew where the key was and let ourselves in as Hughie's dad was out. We were in the middle of playing some Beatles albums when we heard the door open, PANIC! we quickly switched of and went into Hughie's bedroom cupboard and waited until we heard the television so we could creep out, did we laugh in that cupboard? we could not control ourselves, trying hard to suppress the laughter. (sorry Hughie, you did not know that story!)

Another time we hitched down to Glasgow to see Rangers play Aberdeen (I was Aberdeen George was Rangers) we got a lift from a lorry driver who dropped us at 3 in the morning in the middle of Mary Hill, when Mary Hill was a pretty rough area. The kind driver took pity on us and brought us back to a Hostel where many other drivers were. They were fantastic and gave us food and blankets for the rest of the night.

Rangers had gone all the season without a defeat and this was the last game of the season. Rangers 0 Aberdeen 1. Come away the Dons. (back of the Net!)

Going back was a long walk, we managed to get to about Perth with several small lifts. We ended up sleeping in a Phone box standing up wet and freezing. It was a long Saturday night and Sunday morning.

I have not seen George or Hughie for that matter, for many many years. But you never forget these times. You miss these times!.
Hey! there Georgie Boy!
Oh, Happy Days!

For More Wednesday Club tales   
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Monday, 12 March 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! Michael Stipe featuring Coldplay - In the Sun



Michael Stipe & Chris Martin - In the Sun (2005)
I absolutely adore this version of the Joseph Arthur song.  It was originally recorded by Stipe for the Hurricane Katrina benefit EP, released in 2005 and features Coldplay's Chris Martin.  I hadn't heard it for a few years and it's melancholy feel fits perfectly on this gloomy Tuesday morning.   
Enough said! Check out more Tuesday Blues here and REM fans should checkout our other posts here!


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Sunday, 11 March 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 11/03/2012 - The Chieftains Ft Bon Iver, Lost Prophets, Blood Red Shoes, Grimes

FOUR TRACKS THAT PEE PEE'D OUR PO PO'S




Flycasual:-
Grimes - Genesis (2012)



This is a fabulous piece of dreamy electronic psychedelica. I heard this cute song on BBC6 radio a few times and it definitely got my attention, though Canadian Claire Boucher, aka Grimes may have something to say about her song being referred to as cute (you think cute you think of disgusting viral emails of cats in suits and sunglasses so she has every right to be upset). But it's the first word I thought of when I heard it cute, with an edge though, maybe it's the catchy piano melody or her amazing voice, very unusual and compelling. 

Genesis is taken from her forthcoming album, Visions which is out on March 12th. It's her fourth EP/LP release in two years and I have to say I'm really looking forward to hearing it. Big ting gwan for Grimes I think.


Check out her cute blog here and her official website here where you can catch her new video 'Oblivion', It's well worth your time.


SFW:-
Lostprophets - 'Bring 'em down' (2012)







Pontypridd's finest have just released a video for their first single off their upcoming album "Weapons".  The video reminds me of a typical saturday night out down Taff Street, minus the chips & curry sauce! Tidy mun!


Old Pa's Corner :-
The Chieftains Ft Bon Iver - 'Down in the Willow Garden'


I have always loved the Chieftains they have such a unique sound maybe it is the harp and the whistle (good name for an Irish Pub) that does it, but it is a fabulous traditional sound. This is taken from their new album 'Voice of Ages' released in April. They have several albums out where they have guests, I have them all and they are superb. Here they include a few alt country artist amongst their other guests. See the outstanding list below. They even throw in a cover of Dylan's 'The time they are a changin' with the Decemberists.' Down in the Willow Garden'  is tailor made for Bon Iver and the boys. I will tell you this for nothing, this album has been given top priority by Old Pa.



Shell Hunter:-
Blood Red Shoes - 'Cold' (2012)


I'd heard some of Blood Red Shoes' stuff before but nothing really excited me. The 'power drumming' intro on this track though is so refreshing! There's seems to be so many of of these girl/boy twosome and threesome stripped back groups at the moment (see Band Of Skulls here, She Keeps Bees here, The Civil Wars here) but it is a winning combination to me. I've included 'Cold' recorded from their BBC1 live session and check the drummer's bare chest in 80's power drumming style! Their new album 'In Time To Voices' is out on 26th March. Everytime I hear Blood Red Shoes though it makes me think of The Wizard of Oz for obvious reasons. However there is a twist, I think of Dorothy because of two pub quizes I visited recently. One question was "What Is Dorothy's surname?" Not only did we get it wrong the first time but in the second quiz, we still got it wrong as we'd forgotten the answer! Very annoying! Oh it's Gayle by the way...

Hello chooms, why not take a sneaky peaky at our other tracks of the week!!?
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Saturday, 10 March 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - N.E.R.D - 'She Wants To Move'




N*E*R*D - 'She Wants To Move' (2004)

I love those jungle drums, and that base, and that Spanish guitar, and the claps, and the...everything! It's a great track and Pharrell is a babe (here's another Pharrell post)! I never even realised the sexy senorita was Alesha Dixon, the girl can bust some moves. I was just going through some fave dance tracks and this immediately reminded me of my friendly neighbourhood 'Litten Tree' Pub in Slough after moving in with my boyfriend when I was 19.

I don't want 2 drinks, I want 7!

Every Friday, not only was this pub open late, but offered 2-4-1 drinks all night long! Could it be the perfect evening after a cheeky Nando's dinner which was across the road? It usually started that way, but as you can imagine it was an absolute chav fest and went down hill after about 10pm! Trying to get served at the bar was like trying to catch a bargain with the Hustler at the local market. Flash your dosh and you will eventually get served over a sea of hands!

Hearing this song, brings me back to a moment of clarity from cloud of dry white wine. Me and my boyfriend, not chavvy in the least but reaping the benefits of cheap booze on a Friday night were people watching to highest degree. The screaming arguments, lots of fights breaking out, the bouncers with their bomber jackets and earpieces using unnecessary muscle and the girls attempting to chat up the fat DJ/Bouncer/Barman. Believe it or not, very fond memories! No wonder the pub went out of business though.

Pharrell modelling the latest fashion from Primark


Check out N*E*R*D's website here!

If you want to move, click for more SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX!

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Friday, 9 March 2012

GUEST SPOT # 37 - Avenged Sevenfold - 'So Far Away'



Avenged Sevenfold - 'So Far Away' (2011)

A big thank you to Steven Duffield who submitted this week's Guest Spot! Steven is a self confessed Muse fanatic, even brandishing a Muse tattoo on his arm. That's dedication! When he's not stalking Matthew Bellamy(only kidding) he dabbles in other rock gems such as Rammstein(check out a post here) and Marylin Manson.

Get with the guy liner

I pick Avenged Sevenfold - So Far Away. Released as the third single for their fifth studio album, 'Nightmare', this is the band's third single released without former drummer "The Rev", who died on December 28, 2009. 
I love this video, because to me it's a celebration of The Rev's life. The song itself has beautiful lyrics, and an amazing guitar solo. It's one of my favourite songs from their 'Nightmare' album.
I was listening to the album in my car, the day it was released. From the first time I heard it, I couldn't stop listening to it.

Song wise if you like this, I would say also try ‘Seize The Day’, ‘Afterlife’ and ‘Fiction’ from the same album.


More Guest Spots? Or how about more RRROCK! with Give Me A Guitar posts!!




RIP 'The Rev'

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Thursday, 8 March 2012

DYLAN COVERS #39 Renee Zellweger - Precious Angel/Jeremy Irons - To Make You feel My Love. 'The Filmstars Pt 1'

A Precious Love

I thought I would go a little bizarre this week. Film Stars doing Dylan Covers. There are a few around so this is part 1, I will do some more in the future, maybe!

I will leave you to decide if you like them or not as I am sure many of you will be cringing at the mere thought of it.

I am trying to do Dylan Cover Posts which are a little bit different and ones that you may not yet have heard . I could easily do the classic Dyan Covers but it has all been done before, so what is the point?

First we have Renee Zellweger singing 'Precious Angel', it is from the Soundtrack of 'My Own Love Song' which is mainly Bob himself  (Tracks from 'Together Through Life (2010'). I have to say I quite like it, she has a pretty good voice, yes! I like this.
RENEE ZELLWEGER - Precious Angel(2010)

The second is by Jeremy Irons singing  'To Make You feel My Love' and is from the album 'Unexpected Dreams - Songs From The Stars'.

There is not a lot you can say about it really. If you know what I mean?.  Saying that, he was great in Brideshead Revisited.

Stick to the movies Jerry !

JEREMY IRONS - To Make You feel My Love(2006)

For more Dylan Covers
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Wednesday, 7 March 2012

Baloji - 'Le Jours D'après (Indépendance Cha-cha)' / 'Karibu Ya Bintou feat Konono N°1'

World Music Corner

Baloji - 'Karibu Ya Bintou feat Konono N°1'

This is a great track, it's rap with a difference, I just love the rawness of it as a result of the fabulous traditional backing by Congolese band Konono No 1.

I've been listening to this album, Kinshasa Succursale, quite a bit lately and it's everything I love about African music, exciting, full of energy, soul and amazing rhythms, especially with Baloji's take on it. The super cool and slick suited Congo-Belgian rapper brings an eclectic mix of African styles, Reggae, Soul, Funk and Jazz and his experience in the rap game, brings a real twist to genre incorporating the old with the new.


Baloji...sharp!


He certainly has had an 'interesting' life, Baloji means 'super sorcerer' and was named in honour of a witch doctor that saved his father's life. I was just named Brian after my dad and according to a coffee mug I have, my name means brave and strong, ever so slightly far fetched.


When he was younger his parents sent him from war torn Congo to grow up with relatives in Belgium. Over the years he fell into bad crowds but discovered Hip Hop as a way out and eventually formed one of the top crews in Belgium, Starflam but due to immigration issues it all fell through and he quit the music industry. It was quite a shock to him then, when his mother finally got in contact with him after 20 odd years to ask 'what up?', which prompted him to record this album as dedication to her and a chance to get back to his roots.

But forget all that, what you really need to know is that his brothers were backing dancers for Belgian Eurodance behemoths, Technotronic!!! Pumping indeed





Baloji - 'Le Jours D'après / Siku Ya Baadaye (Indépendance Cha-cha)'

Here's another groove which shows off his real mélange of styles, blending Hip Hop with traditional Congolese Soukouss. Infectious! Looks like a great club, I'd love to shuffle my stuff there.



Check out Baloji's official website.....here


More World Music Corner
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