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Monday, 30 April 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! Damien Jurado - Museum of Flight

Damien Jurado - Museum of Flight (2012)


Some singers apply their trade for years, building a loyal, cult following but rarely getting any mainstream coverage and one example of this is Seattle based singer/songwriter Damien Jurado.

This beautiful track features on his 10th and latest album "Maraqopa".  I love it's gentle strumming, heartfelt lyrics and melancholy sound - but then again that's no surprise!


Damien Jurado, MARAQOPA, Tune Doctor,
Damien Jurado - John C Reilly meets Jon Favreau


I first heard of him years ago when I read that he was (at the time) one of Thom Yorke's favourite singers - and if he was good enough for Thom, he was good enough for me.

He'll be playing some Festivals this year, including the Green Man Festival! - Must get tickets!!!


Do you have any Tuesday Blues recommendations? Comment or submit a guest post!




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GIVE ME A GUITAR! Sonic Youth - Superstar

GIVE ME A GUITAR! Sonic Youth - Superstar


Sonic Youth - Superstar (2004)

Originally by Leon Russell & Bonnie Bramlett, most famously by the Carpenters, this version features in the movie 'Juno'. With it's low-fi fuzz and distorted vocals, this alternative version is a firm favourite of mine (the Juno soundtrack is truly amazing) and is a bit of a must have for Sonic Youth fans.


Sadly, Sonic Youth have recently "ended", as in 2011, Thurston Moore (Vocals/Guitar) separated from Kim Gordon (Vocals/Bass) after 27 years of marriage. Recently Sonic Youth, guitarist Lee Ranaldo's, released an album 'Between the times and tides' which was featured here  


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Sunday, 29 April 2012

TOTW - 29/04/2012 - Thea Gilmore, Sandy Deny, Torche, Cashier No 9, Santigold

Still waiting for Pay day? Here's four tracks that will save you some money! 
Listen to them on Spotify Here!

Tracks of the Week, Tune Doctor, Music Blog

Old Pa's Corner :- 
Thea Gilmore/Sandy Denny - London (2011)




The builder is in and I have not listened to new music for over 2 weeks now, he works best with BBC radio 2 on, so BBC radio 2 is on, all day, the kettle is on, all day. Eventually something comes through, the voice is vaguely familiar, I keep hearing this song?. Who is it by?  I can never catch who it is? It begins to annoy me, so I go on the the BBC radio 2 website,  all I have to go on is the line 'I want to be in London' There is a song on the A play list by Thea Gilmore and Sandy Denny, it shines out like a beacon. What was that song called? you got it 'London'. 

'London' is from the album 'Don't stop Singing' from last year, I listened to that album and God forbid missed this one. (I keep missing them, just trying to listen to too much I guess). What a voice! Great job Thea and of course the writer of the song the late great Dame Sandy Denny.  

As a footnote my midweek post regarding  perfect pop tunes, well, would you believe in the space of a couple of hours the recommended classics by the Swede and Singing Bear were all featured on Radio 2.

As they say, How cool it that!   

SFW:- 
Torche - Kicking (2012)

This great track by Florida rockers Torche features on their album "Harmonicraft" (which was released this week). It features melodic vocals, driving bass and so much guitar riffage, it would give Thor the hammer! RAWK! It's available free to download for free here or through http://www.torchemusic.com/

Flycasual:- 
Cashier No 9 - 'Oh Pity' (2011)


I recently heard 'Oh Pity' on a Camden Crawl 2012  mixtape I downloaded free from 7Digital. (Camden Crawl, is the London Spring music festival to kick off the festival season, apparently), it was by far the stand out track and instantly had me hooked with it's melody and 'big sound'. In fact, maybe it's just me but I think it has this early 90's feel to it, a cross between Electronic and the psychedelica of Primal Scream, or something. That trademark 'big sound' is courtesy of fellow Northern Irish DJ/producer, David Holmes, who I'm big fan of, so big that I didn't realise he had produced last years Cashier No9's album, 'To the Death of Fun', from which 'Oh Pity' comes from. So not a new song but far too good to ignore. Yes, a pity as this would definitely have been one of my favourites of last year if it hadn't been so slippery and slipped through the net. Album downloaded, work journey sorted. 

Shell Hunter:-
Santigold - Disparate Youth (2012)


This song literally caught me with my trousers down. I was trying on some jeans in H&M in the changing room and it came on. I had heard bits of it before but hearing it this time, I knew I liked it and needed to know what it was. Shazam to the rescue once again! Luckily no one barged into to the cubicle I was half dressed in, priorities are priorities! Santigold's album was just released a few days ago so I will definitely be having a listen. She has often been compared to M.I.A and mentions her influences are that of 80's pop and even Fela Kuti. She's got a good few collaboration's under her belt too including one with Amadou & Miriam that Flycasual featured on our Tracks Of The Week 08/04/2012!

Check out her website and sign up for a freebie download of her track 'Big Mouth' now here!

Have you discovered any great tracks this week? Let us know!

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Saturday, 28 April 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - The Ones - 'Flawless'



The Ones - 'Flawless' (2001)

Its funny how a song can remind you not just of a moment but a whole evening. This is a brilliant track which makes me feel like dancing. I even like the version George Michael released "Flawless (Go To The City)" which was on a compilation made for the very trip this reminds me of.

I'm not going to the bloody Funky Buddha!

I invited two of my closest friends to visit my mum in Spain with me a few years ago. One evening after having had a few drinks and pizza, we were on our way back to the car park to go home. We heard some loud dance music which made us stop and saw it was coming from a club called the Funky Buddha (no where near as hip as that joint in Mayfair). As it wasn't really my scene and with my mum (the designated driver) already a bit tipsy, I tried to protest, shouting "I'm not going to the bloody Funky Buddha!"  This was only met with laughs so my mum dragged us in. It was dark and almost deserted but the music wasn't too bad. It was also excellent for chav watching. We requested numerous songs from the DJ, this being one of them. It was great hearing it so loud, I lost myself in the bass. After a drink was in my hand, I started to relax and forgot all about leaving!

We left after having a good laugh but once back at the house, my friends were in an almighty panic! "We lost our bag! And that had all my cards and money in!" Oh god, what a nightmare! My friends were already resigned to the fact it was gone forever but my mum being the way she is, insisted on driving me back there to have a look. On the way, we were in good spirits (probably the effect of 15 glasses of wine each) but all of a sudden I could see the Guardia Civil (the Spanish coppers) up ahead. I told my mum to "drive casual" but it must have put her off because she wasn't sure whether we were at the right roundabout to turn off for the club. Already going around it, it was a case of: "is it the right one? no we've passed it, actually it is the right one, shit we've missed the turning!" So we went around the roundabout a second time, bearing in mind, there were few cars on the road at 2 am, my mum drives a convertible mini and the police were parked at the roundabout! Talk about attention seeking! Luckily they must have been having a churros break because they never moved! We were in stitches laughing about it on the way home having had no success with the bag.

The next day after all the cards were cancelled, we went out for a drive. My friends sat in the back of the car and shrieked, "Hey! Here's my bag! It fell down the side of the seat!"

More flawless tunes from Saturday Night Jukebox here!
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Thursday, 26 April 2012

DYLAN COVERS # 46 - Ralph McTell - 'I Want You'/'Girl from the North Country'

So how can you tell me you're lonely!


RALPH MCTELL - I want You


RALPH MCTELL - Girl from the North Country

There is much more to Ralph Mctell than the Streets of London, it is of course a  brilliant song. Ralph could now be considered a veteran and is still touring and recording to this day. This version of 'I Want You' is taken from a mini LP released last year called 'Don't Think Twice it's Alright' and contains 6 tracks to celebrate Dylan's 70th year. It is really is quite fabulous and is a must to hear.

The take of 'Girl from the north Country' was taken  from a live concert in Cinéma Jean Vigo de Gennevilliers (France), on 26 November 2011.  Although the quality is not that great it is still worth hearing.

For more Dylan covers
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THURSDAY I'M IN LOVE - Fiction Factory - 'Feels Like Heaven'

Flycasual has kindly given me the chance to share one of MY favourites today, it's not an old favourite, but a new favourite that's an old song. Make sense?



Fiction Factory - 'Feels Like Heaven' (1983)

I didn't know this song until 2010. After the launch of Absolute 80's, I was obsessed with having it on in the office constantly. Why had no one thought of it before?! Being a child of the 80's, I can't get enough of singing along to all my old cheesy favourites. But there was one song that kept coming on that I'd never heard, it totally gave me goosebumps and if it was a quiet moment in the mayhem of the morning, it aided my contemplation. I immediately sought it out and added it to my latest compilation CD. I don't know why it did it for me so much but it really became my favourite song for a while.


Oh the 80's...


Whenever I hear it now, it'll always remind me of a great day spent in one of my favourite places in the world...Brighton. My husband (London Scouser) and I often check the listings of bands that are playing in Brighton and noticed that one of our favourite groups The Bluetones (check a post here) were playing in an intimate venue on the seafront. We booked to stay in the Premier Inn, in the city centre and it really felt like arriving on the first day of a holiday, despite the fact it was only a fleeting visit. We checked in and quickly dumped our stuff. I was so excited, I suggested we have a quick first drink in the hotel bar to give us time to plan our movements. As I sat down with my first glass of wine, 'Feels Like Heaven' started playing. I don't know if anyone else thinks this, but on occasion I feel like a certain song playing at a certain time is played for me. By whom, I've got no idea, but it seems like too much of a coincidence when anything could have played! I shrieked and said to London Scouser "Its a sign!" A sign of what I also have no idea! Needless to say, I was accelerated into a blinder of a mood, singing this song whilst walking through The Lanes, into each little pub we discovered. It was really a great time, drinks, favourite restaurant then a great gig. Felt like Heaven...

My idea of Heaven


More from me? Check out my Saturday Night Jukebox!
Or more from Thursday I'm In Love here...
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Tuesday, 24 April 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Johnny Nash - 'I Can See Clearly Now'

MIDWEEK CRISIS you can't see the wood for the trees, then come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Johnny Nash and he will show you how to see clearly again!

JOHNNY NASH - I can see clearly now (1972)

It was 1972 I was living with my Girlfriend, now wife, in a bedsit on the Hill in Richmond, Surrey. I had  bought a set of ear phones (my very first) the day before and was on the way home to try them, I could not wait.

When I got to my place, I saw my downstairs window open. Worse still was the main door and also my bedsit door were open. We had been robbed! It was one of the worse disasters I had faced in my young life.  ALL MY RECORD COLLECTION was gone, my NEW EAR PHONES were gone, still in their unopened box. I was inconsolable. I could not speak, I could not eat, I could not even listen to music. They could have taken a kidney, they could have taken my gold (if I had any) but not my record collection, that's not fair. These guys knew how to hurt. I will say something however, in their defence. They had taste, as they left all my girlfriend's records behind.

It was about two weeks later and I was on the way to work and I dared to switch on my radio. It was as if a light had descended upon me, maybe this is what it is like when you go to heaven, I don't know? I just fell in love with this perfect piece of pop music, 'I Can See Clearly Now' by Johnny Nash. I made a quick detour to the nearest record shop and bought his current album of the same name, a superb album. I was back, I was again ready, ready for more music.

'I Can See Clearly Now' is what I would consider to be a perfect pop single, there are many around, can you name your perfect pop records?  Here are a few to get you started : 'Get it on' by T. Rex. 'Dancing Queen' by Abba, 'The Sun ain't Gonna Shine Anymore' by The Walker Brothers, 'I'm a Believer' by the Monkeys. 'Good Vibrations' by the Beach Boys. The list is endless!
There are more questions than amswers

For more Wednesday Club classics
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Monday, 23 April 2012

RECORD STORE DAY AT TUNE DOCTOR

On Saturday 21st April it was Record Store Day, the day to find your nearest record shop, buy some CD/Vinyl and try not to feel intimidated when the staff member looks down at your purchase choice in a way not to dissimilar as Jack Black in High Fidelity!
Throughout the world there had been various exclusive releases taking place, all with the objective of getting music lovers into your nearest record shop to pick up some gems. However, with all this talk of records, Do you remember your first record? (Vinyl / CD/ Tape)

SFW:-
Band Aid - "Do they know it's Christmas"
I don't know whether it's old age or a combination of that and too much vino but my memory is getting bad.  When I read through interviews in music magazines, I'll often see the question "what was your first record?", and the band, artist, actor etc will usually say "Elvis", or "The Beatles", or someone perceived as "cool", but for me it's a struggle.  

But if push comes to shove, I believe mine was Band Aid's "Do They Know it's Christmas", and that seems pretty logical, because everyone seemed to have it in 1984! But then again was it an early "Now That's What I Call Music?" - bloody memory! 

With music now largely consisting of mp3s will anyone in ten years remember their first album?

Flycasual:-
Queen - Flash (1980)


Flash! Ah-ah! Gordon's Alive! Camp film, camp song.....I don't know what that says about me or my musical foundation but who cares....this is brilliant! I must have been six or seven at the time and I remember loving the film and I just had muster all my pocket money to get the song. It had snippets from the film that I could bounce around my room in my underpants to, re-enacting scenes of Flash Gordon's endeavours. Sadly my superhero days were short lived but I guess this must have been my first single. I never really got to appreciate vinyl for what it was as I guess I was more the CD generation but I do remember being mesmerised by Old Pa's LPs. Notably ELO's album 'A New World Record' with the intricate art work of the inside of a UFO and being freaked out by the skull on the Eagles's Greatest Hits album. Though there are many advantages to MP3's, storage and accessibility being the main reasons, you just can't beat holding, admiring the art work, reading the sleeve notes or even smelling an LP or CD.... there's just something about music being more tangible, more physical and you owned it!!!

Shell Hunter:-
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - 'Into The Great Wide Open' (1991)



Growing up with Old Pa and Flycasual as my music guru's it was difficult to find my own musical identity. Asides from The Simpson's Sing The Blues, a sixties megamix tape and Sesame Street's Greatest Hits, there was very little that I listened to, that was my own. After watching The Chartshow which had been recorded for me and sent back from the UK to Saudi, I was mesmerised by this video from Tom Petty dressed up as the Mad Hatter from the album of the same name. It was a great little story starring none other than...Johnny Depp! The lyrics of the song were nice and clear and easy to sing along to. I was so impressed that I asked Old Pa to go out an buy it for me being only 9 years old at the time. I listened to the album constantly and since then have always had a soft spot for Tom Petty's stuff.

Old Pa's Corner:-
Bob Dylan - 'Positively 4th Street' (1965)


"You've gotta lot of nerve!"

I had to have it, it was the best thing I have ever heard, I did not even have a record player but I just had to have it, hold it, look at it, place it under my pillow at night (if the Dylan tooth fairy came I would have a brand new copy of Highway 61 there in the morning). I rushed to my local record store and bought Positively 4th Street. It was 1965, it cost 6/5 pence.

The sad thing is, sorry I will say that again, the great thing is, I ordered a couple of weeks ago the Dylan Box set of his first 4 electric singles especially commissioned for Record Store Day. 'Positively 4th Street' is of course included there with original cover artwork. (The one I bought in 1965 did not have a picture cover)  I have also ordered special frame covers for them, they will have pride of place in my bed room wall (Mrs Mackenzie does not know it yet). My birthday treat. Why not! it will keep an old guy happy!




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30 SECOND INTERVIEW: Winterhours

Winterhours @ The Boileroom, Guildford April 20th 2012


Fellow Blogger, Sfw devised a set of short questions to ask, should we find ourselves in the position to chat to a band or artist, a good idea...much better than throwing a pair of pants on stage or shouting out I love you!

On Friday 20th April, Shell Hunter, London Scouser and I had the pleasure to see our band of the moment, Clock Opera, at the Boileroom in Guildford, supported by Winterhours and Mr Fogg. The intimate venue, passionate crowd and Red Stripe all adding to the atmosphere in what was a memorable night. We were pleasantly surprised by a powerful live performance from Winchester four piece, Winterhours, with song 'The Ghost' a particular highlight. I felt they had a an old school 70's rock feel to their playing style but mixed in with a myriad of modern sounds such as Bon Iver, Kings of Leon and Pearl Jam (all good in my book). A performance which prompted us to buy their CD single and firmly establish themselves on our radar....(don't you love it when this happens?)


Winterhours were also kind enough to allow me the time to 'interview' them whilst they were milling around having a post gig pint. I hastily wrote the answers on the back of their CD so please excuse any inaccuracies. Thanks guys!

1) What music are you listening to at the moment:-
My Morning Jacket - Circuital
Wild Beasts - Smother
and pretty much anything by Pearl Jam

2) What album could you not live without?
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

3) Who would you most like to work with?
Alison Kraus, Pearl Jam

4) What's your favourite place on earth and why?
Tarifa, Spain

(I hope I heard correctly. Though I forgot to ask why but do I really need to? Having been to Andalusia, I'd say sun, sea, surf, wine, food, scenery, music are all good enough reasons....)

5) Crisps or chocolate?
Crisps, all answered correctly even getting a bonus point for choosing Salt n' Vinegar

6) Small club or arena?
Obviously it would be amazing to play in an arena to all your fans and perhaps an obvious way to measure success but playing in a smaller venue is a lot more intimate, something which is lost in a larger venue.

7) CD or download?
CD, to have and to hold and to even smell. Music is far more tangible in this way and the artwork is also appreciated which would be otherwise non existent as a download.

8) If you had to cover a song, what would you choose?
Killing Moon - Echo and the Bunnymen. Which I believe they have already recorded, we'll look forward to hearing that.....

Thanks again Winterhours for your time!!






Winterhours' blog here and 'like' them on their Facebook page....
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Sunday, 22 April 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 22/04/12 - Willy Mason, Crybaby, Soundgarden, Jake Bugg

Fed up with all these April showers? Don't worry have a listen to these four songs that put thunder in our hearts.



Old Pa's Corner :-
Crybaby - 'I Cherish The Heartbreak, More Than The Love That I Lost (2012)


What do you get when you slip a bit of Richard Hawley in with a bit of Morrissey and mix it all up, well you get Crybaby of course. I love this, it's a grower, I have not listened to the album where this comes from or have I heard anything else by Crybaby but I will tell you this for nothing......it is right bang at the top of my wanted list to hear.

Sfw:-
Jake Bugg - 'Lightning Bolt' (2012)



Shell Hunter previously featured his song, 'Trouble Town' as a TOTW and this Nottingham born singer-songwriter has got more up his sleeve with this track. It has been getting the attention of the great and the good with Zane Lowe making it his Hottest Record of the week and he's currently supporting Michael Kiwanuka around Europe. When I first heard it I thought it sounded like Alex Turner meets George Formby but don't let that put you off! I'm expecting we'll be hearing more from him - don't let it "Bugg" you!

Shell Hunter:-
Soundgarden - 'Live To Rise' (2012)


As a big superhero film fan(which naturally comes with being married to a comic book fiend), I have caught up with two of the Marvel characters from the new Avengers film I kept putting off, Thor and Captain America. It wasn't until then that I discovered Soundgarden were releasing a new song for the film. It isn't as heavy as it could be but I can tell it'll go hand in hand with lots of action landscapes and possibly some love interest scenes as well. I've listened to it a good few times already and it has really grown on me. Chris Cornell's shout-sing is as good as ever and they've used a previous winning chorus combo: its got the word Sun in it! Persevere, with great riffage comes great responsibility!

Check Soundgarden's website for a link to download this track for FREE here but be quick, its only for a limited time!

Flycasual:-
Willy Mason - Restless Fugitive (2012)


Oh no not bloody Willy Mason again! We've featured him 3 times over the last month but I can't help it, I just love this song. I got it as a free download from his site to coincide with the forthcoming release of his new album but it wasn't until my recent trip to Florida that I finally fell in love with it. One of my favourite things to do is to gaze out of a window, whether it be a plane, train or automobile, listening to music, lost in my own wierd little world. So on approaching my destination I wanted to listen to something with a Floridian theme, I was disappointed to find that I only had Sade's 'Smooth Operator' with it's tenuous link to Key Largo and that was that. I then threw on a playlist of songs 'to hear' and I was instantly captivated by 'Restless Fugitive'. It's a wonderful song, I love the atmosphere it conjures, with it's great percussive intro, bassline, echo-ey guitars and Willy Mason's croaky voice. Perfect for watching all the little yachts on their drug runs.

I can't get enough of Willy at the moment.....it's definitely one of my favourite songs of the year so far! Do yourself a favour and download it from his site here......it's free!!

Fill up your water butts with more tracks of the week!
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Friday, 20 April 2012

R.I.P. Levon Helm - The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down


THE BAND - The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down(from the Last Waltz)

It is with great sadness we learn that Levon Helm lost his battle with cancer and passed away yesterday.  He had a fabulous career with the Band and before that was part of the Hawks that backed Dylan when he first played electric. The Hawks/Band also contributed to the Basement Tapes with Dylan. The Band then went on to record several classic albums.

Levon had a very successful solo Career and his comeback album Dirt Farmer earned the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album in 2008.

I loved the Band and I loved Levon's vocals. They were special. He was special!

He will be sadly missed by everyone in Tune Doctor.
They should never have taken the very best

R.I.P.
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Thursday, 19 April 2012

DYLAN COVERS # 45 - JJ CALE - On the Road Again/Walk out in the Rain

J.J. and the CAT

J,J. CALE & CHRISTINE LAKELAND - On the Road Again



J,J. CALE & CHRISTINE LAKELAND - Walk out in the Rain

These two tracks are taken from a Live album 'The Old Town Bar And Grill, Eureka CA.(11/02/83)  'On the road Again'  is  from 'Brining it all back Home'. The vocal action is done by Christine.

I believe that the first side of BIABH would have been improved if 'On the Road' , 'Bob Dylan's 115th dream'  and 'Outlaw Blues' were replace by the Outtakes 'Farewell Angelina' and 'I'll keep it with Mine' and 'If you gotta go'.  In my mind with the inclusion of these three tracks, BIABH would have the same lofty status as 'Highway 61 Revisited' and 'Blonde on Blonde'. Although OK these three tracks are the weak links on BIABH .


WHAT DO YOU THINK ?

Walk out in the Rain is an outtake from Street Legal. It was actually co-written with Helena Springs one of his backing singers. It was also recorded by Eric Clapton on his album 'Backless'(1996). I have not been able to find a Dylan version of this. Can anybody help?

For more Dylan Covers
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Wednesday, 18 April 2012

Danay Suarez and Los Aldeanos and Silvito El Libre - 'Check La Rima' / 'Cuando Ya No Este'

World Music Corner



Danay Suarez, Los Aldenaos & Silvito El Libre - 'Check La Rima' (2011)

When we kicked off this blog just over a year ago, my first post wasn't on my favourite Hip Hop song that I used to grab my crotch too or my favourite rock band that I lost a shoe in the mosh pit too but on a little known but hugely talented Cuban artist called Danay Suarez. For good reason too as she's sexy, sultry and she can sing, her beautiful voice making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. But the clincher is that she's also a dope rapper (my wife will take the piss out of me for using 'dope' at my age but she really is dope), effortlessly flowing from singing to rhyming as these contrasting videos show.

Danay Suarez....dope!
Gilles Peterson's love affair with Cuba continues with his 2011 release, Havana Cultura the Search Continues (click link to visit the website), where these two tracks feature. I've had it on heavy rotation over the last couple of months and and it's a fantastically diverse compilation of all the latest sounds out of Cuba, mixing the traditional with more contemporary influences.

If you'd like the Spotify link to the album, then click here... it's well worth the time and effort.

One of the many highlights is a version of the A Tribe Called Quest classic, 'Check the Rhime', which is given the full Cuban treatment. It's a completely different and unique take on it which is why I love it, especially the recognisable horn section, the beats and the fabulous piano break. Rhymes courtesy of Danay Suarez and Cuban rappers Los Aldeanos and Silvito el Libre.




Danay Suarez - 'Cuando Ya No Este' (2011)

In my last Danay Suarez post I said that if I saw her, the Mojitos would be on me but unfortunately it's unlikely I'll be taking a stroll down the Malecon any time soon. However, there's a bottle of Havana Club 15 anos with her name on it should she find herself in Camberley. Oh no, it's all above board, purely plutonic, a cultural visit if you like. My wife could show her some of her newly acquired Zumba moves and I'm almost at my free whole chicken on my Nando's loyalty card, so we'd show her a dope time fo sho!


More of my 'World Music' posts? Click here...


Or check out my World Music Corner Spotify playlist.. 
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Tuesday, 17 April 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Robert Palmer - Every Kind of People

MIDWEEK CRISIS you cant decide what to put on your chips (french fries), come to Wednesday Club we've got Robert Palmer, try some of his 'Vinegar Joe'


Robert Palmer - Every Kind of People(1978)

I was on a plane heading for New York, the year was 1978 and I was going to see about setting up a freight business for a Company call Medtrans. I was going to be their 'Man' in New York. I found myself in this situation because the 'Our Man in the U.K.' liked my wife and her drive and assumed I was the same (what did he know!), she told him I was in the freight business (clerk). We were to set up the business together in the Jamaica Bay area of New York and were going there to see the facilities on offer to us (expenses paid). He also set up meetings with some New York 'cargo people'

On the plane, on the way over, 'Every Kind of People' came on the 20 track 'rock' music playlist which was the only type of music on offer that appealed to me. I loved the song immediately and could not wait until it came around again. There are some songs I wish I had written and this is one,Andy Fraser (Free) got it bang on, great sentiments. Robert Palmer's voice has never sounded better (remember Vinegar Joe? Elkie Brookes),

To be honest, I was overwhelmed with New York, I could write a book about the trip, the Bronx, the Bowery, the Empire State Building , the Rockerfeller Centre, the contrast with rich and poor, 'every kinda of people'. The smuggle of kebabs into the San Regis Hotel, 5th avenue, the watching of 'The Towering Inferno', a thousand times (it had it on a loop). You could actually watch films in your room (for a small fee), amazing!

Stefan Edberg
I met this guy from Pan Am, he was like something out of a Hollywood Movie, John Wayne would have played him. He was the Pan Am trouble shooter, he had been everywhere, knew everything, done everything. What was I doing here? I was overwhelmed again but he was charming, amazing, a larger than life character. I was in awe! Did I take the job? No! I told him, I did not think I was ready for New York (New York wasn't ready for me). He then offered me the same deal in Tehran. (my wife was born in Egypt and new the Arab culture well). This was just before the Revolution there.

I was happy to stay in my mire, for the time being, I just wasn't ready to branch out, take a chance, at that time. I don't think I was so relieved in all my life when I made that decision. I just looked out the window, saw my little boy and my wife playing in the grass and I smiled, Robert Palmer was on the turntable, a snapshot, strange what you remember!


I just love that song, the memories, the great delivery. Hey! remember Power Station.  R.I.P.

For more Wednesday Club decision making
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Monday, 16 April 2012

TUESDAY BLUES! Wilco - One Sunday Morning





Wilco - One Sunday Morning (2011)

This features on Wilco's 2011 album 'The Whole Love' and I can't recommend it enough.  Laid back Americana, perfect for watching the sunset, or sitting by the sea, when music sounds like this there's no need to be feeling blue.... 





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Sunday, 15 April 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 15/04/12 - First Serve, Beachwood Sparks, Willy Moon, Dreadsquad


Here are four tracks to put the "Sun" in Sunday
Check out our TOTW Spotify Playlists here

Shell Hunter:-
Willy Moon - 'Yeah Yeah' (2012)


It's another fresh new sound! It's 50's rockabilly (Eugene McGuiness will have a fight on his hands, check his post here) meets pop! Willy Moon is young, slick, well dressed and on his way to stardom. This second single is due out on May 7th and I'm pretty sure it will be a massive pre-summer success. For me the indie dance scene was getting a little quiet but this will do nicely thank you! It's got a nice hip hop/swing feel to it too so it ticks a lot of boxes for me!

For a cool remix of 'Yeah Yeah' click here for a free download, courtesy of RCRD LBL. Want to know more? Checck out Willy's website - www.willymoon.com


SFW:-
Beachwood Sparks - 'Forget the song' (2012)




Neil Young-esq/West Coast Alternative folk? (I don't know if there is such a thing). Beachwood Sparks, who are from LA are on the Sub Pop Record Label and this track features on there upcoming album "The Tarnished Gold", guests include Ariel Pink, Jen Cohen, and Neal Casal (Ryan Adams & The Cardinals).


I've reference the Sub Pop Record label as they always seem to have some musical gems that linger just below the mainstream.  Some of my recent discoveries like Shearwater and Chad VanGaalan have made it a label that I eagerly follow. Ironically it was the same 20 years ago when Sub Pop artists such as Nirvana, Soundgarden & Mudhoney were apart of my musical diet.

Flycasual:-
First Serve - 'We Made It' (2012)


'We Made it', one of the many highlights from the album 'Plug 1 and Plug 2 presents First Serve'. (Dave and Posodonus from De La Soul)
The album has been touted as the closest thing De La Soul have come to scaling the dizzy heights of their 1989 classic, 3 Feet High and Rising. Commercially, their subsequent releases haven't perhaps matched the impact of that album but it hasn't bothered me as I have been a big fan of the talented trio since. This time, however, the magic number is two as Plug 1 and Plug 2 are minus their regular DJ Maseo to team up with French DJ/producers Khalid and Chokolate, to create a concept album charting the rise and fall and rise again of a fictional Hip Hop group. Comparisons to 3 Feet High are justified as it's not far off, with some very good tracks, with some slick rhyming (as you'd expect), humorous/less skits and the clever
use of soul, disco and even blues samples/hooks. But more importantly it retains that sense of fun that was so synonymous with their seminal debut.

My man Andy Murray should ditch the Black Eyed Peas before strutting on court and listen to First Serve, it's Ace!...... Oh forget it!

Have a look at their excellent website here....and you really ought to see a live version of their song 'Move em in, Move em out' at the BBC6 Maida Vale studios.....here

Old Pa's Corner :-
Dreadsquad - Here Me now Ja People (ft U-Brown)(2012)


Who are Dreadsquad you may ask?  well to get an idea who they are take a look at the link which gives full information and details of the album were this fabulous track is taken from,  The Riddim Machine(2012)
Dreadsquad are Polish producer/DJ duo, consisting of Marek Bogdanski and Lukasz Rodziewicz. Reggae is alive and well and Poland seems to be the place to be. This is great stuff, it has all the elements of old school with a little bit of dancehall thrown in for good measure. Check out the album, it has got a bit of everything.

Jah Warsaw
U-Brown



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Saturday, 14 April 2012

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Steve "Silk" Hurley - 'Jack Your Body'



Steve "Silk" Hurley - 'Jack Your Body' (1986)

I'd totally forgotten about this song until I had a look at the track listing from my all time favourite "NOW" or "Now that's what I call music" as it was known back in the day. It used to be an extremely prestigious must have and was a serious who's who of what was big at the time. Now 9 holds so many memories for me. Not only did I inherit the double cassette from Flycasual, but I had the VHS which only included 16 out of the 30 tracks and watched it constantly when I was 5 years old! I was especially mesmerised by the videos with animation and that included 'Jack Your Body'. In particular, the 1.27 minute clip with lots of little cats in tutu's running in opposite directions in a panic. Looking back at the video now, I can clearly see why this would appeal. Its a pretty good collection of random amusing clips that would entertain a young kid! I still love the song itself with it's 80's funkiness. If you love the cheesy synthesiser 'clap' sound as I do, it's definitely for you!

Steve Silk Hurley
A very silky look
I'd really like to know if anyone one else was as passionate about a particular "NOW" as I was. I can't imagine it would be about a recent one as I was shocked to be told from DJ Biltong Man (see his Guest Posts here) that we are now up to Now 80!! I think the last one I bought was Now 32! Would I even know anything on these?


simply the best

More Now that's what I call Saturday Night Jukebox here!
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GUEST SPOT # 42 - Stone Roses - 'Driving South'

Saturday is GUEST SPOT day, so If you've got a song you're itching to tell the world about, be it a guilty pleasure, a song by you're own fledgling band, or just a favourite track, please don't be shy and fill out our Guest Spot form to submit! It's as easy as that!



The Stone Roses - 'Driving South' (1994)

This week's GUEST SPOT is from Neo (AKA London Scouser). You music lovers out there know the excitement of a long awaited album's first unveiling. How do you play yours? Play straight through from beginning to end? Skip through the singles first before hearing the tracks you don't know? Or how about skip to track 7, your lucky number and prove to yourself that track 7 is always the best one on every album? Well, Neo likes to run a nice hot bath, press 'random' and settle down for a nice long soak! Little did he know that The Stone Roses had a few "hidden tracks" up their sleeves!

I liked Second Coming by The Stone Roses. I'll repeat it in case you don't take me seriously. Actually, no I bloody love Second Coming, okay it's different to their first album, but come on if you want to listen to the first album then do so. But on first hearing I almost didn't like it, in fact it annoyed me immensely. Sit back and I'll tell you why. It was a Sunday evening, I had filled the bath for a nice relaxing well earned soak before the 9 to 5 ritual began again next morning. I unwrapped my new purchase, put it in the Hi-Fi, started the first track "Breaking Into Heaven" then pressed random, jumped into the bath and listened. Great start I thought, "they're back !!" I can't remember what the next track that came on was but I'm sure I enjoyed it. It was after this that my annoyance started. All of a sudden I couldn't hear anything... WTF ?!? Is the CD broken ?? Have we had a power cut ?? Then another track started and I relaxed again. After that song finished, again I was met by silence. This time longer than the previous gap. "I know what's happening" I thought. My brother is playing silly buggers and stopping the CD. I promptly started calling him a few naughty adjectives but he didn't reply. I was just about to quickly get out of the bath and sort him out when another track started. Very confusing.

When I finally got out and dried myself off I noticed the problem. The CD display said there were 99 tracks ??? Surely that's a mistake. I stopped the CD, took off random and pressed play again from track 1. Hearing music, I skipped to track 2, this continued until track 13 started. After 4 seconds it went to 14, 4 seconds and then 15. I stared intently at the display until track 90 came on. Finally more music (of sorts !!) tracks 91 to 99 were again the 4 seconds of nothing. I can laugh about it now, especially as I only listen to music through my iPod/iTunes now so I can stop those pesky silent bits in their tracks.


Brownie and co...in need of a good bath

My standout from the album is Driving South, however the whole album for me deserves more praise. Check it out or rediscover it.


Read more Guest Spots here or how about send us your own here!
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Thursday, 12 April 2012

DYLAN COVERS # 44 - Dave Gilmore - Like a Rolling Stone/The Clash - The Man in Me

How does it feel to be on the Dark side of the Moon


DAVE GILMOUR - Like a Rolling Stone

This one is by none other than Dave Gilmour of Pink Floyd and is taken from  a bootleg 'On A Tree full of Secrets'. The story goes that Dave was playing with one of his kids on one of those Casio piano type things. Rumour has it that he was well impressed and at one time was going to release it as a single but thought better of it. Why Dave? I think it is great, but  'I don't like reggae, I  love her'.

THE CLASH - The Man in Me

This is another one that has that warm up in the studio feel. But it is nice to hear one of my favourite groups doing the business with 'The Man in Me',  not a too widely covered song. It was first released on a bootleg album called the  'Vanilla Tapes'  but it has now been included  as part of the 25th anniversary release of  the 'London Calling' album.

 
Your my guitar hero

Joe Strummer R.I.P.

For more Dylan Covers
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Wednesday, 11 April 2012

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Roots Manuva - 'Witness (1 Hope)


"I sit here contented with this cheese on toast"

Hip Hop Classics
Roots Manuva - Witness (1 Hope) (2011)

'Witness' is a huge track, released in 2001, it put Roots Manuva on the map, became a UK anthem and is probably one my favourite Hip Hop records of all time (ok, in my top 20).  With some clever rhyming and deadpan humour over one of the wickedest basslines your ever likely to hear, it's little wonder it has become a modern UK Hip Hop classic.

I'm perhaps showing my age now and it's certainly not so much the case anymore but UK Hip Hop had always been in the shadow of its supposed bigger, better contemporaries from across the pond. UK MC's always seemed to emulate their American peers in substance and style. But what I love about Roots Manuva is that he so unashamedly British, with such lines about downing 10 pints of bitter and eating cheese on toast and it's that brilliant humour which makes him so endearing (you just need to see the video for example). Not to mention mixing in Jamaican influences to his music, with patois, dub and reggae making it always innovative and against the grain.

Roots Manuva - Tune Doctor
Roots Manuva....likes cheese on toast!
For the gamers out there, don't you think that the twinkling sound sounds like Super Mario Brothers game on the Super Nes? 

It makes me chuckle as I remember having to sneak into my roommate's room to play the game. He was pretty particular and didn't want anyone to mess with his system (fair enough I guess). But somehow he always seemed to know I'd been playing his Nintendo despite me putting everyting back exactly as they were. It had me thinking back to Kathy Bates's character in the movie 'Misery', as on replacing the controller back on the counter, maybe it wasn't facing due south!



Roots Manuva - 'Again and Again' (2008)

Ok here's a little bit of a bonus for y'all, another top track from a later album and a great example of his unique style. Hear meh kno!!



Check dis....official website here!

Re-live your sports days and Hip Hop Classics here..
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Tuesday, 10 April 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Jimi Hendrix & Love - The Everlasting Love One

MIDWEEK CRISIS you are in need of some loving, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Arthur Lee & Jimi Hendrix and you could be the One to share their everlasting Love.
JIMI HENDRIX & LOVE - The Everlasting Love One (outtake) (1970)

This track, as well as other outtakes have recently surfaced, of sessions Jimi had with Arthur Lee, the main man of Love (one of my favourite groups of all time). The first 3 Love albums were brilliant with 'Forever Changes' up there in my top few albums. Although I bought all Love's later stuff and have seen Arthur Lee a couple of times, they never hit the heights of the first 3 albums. I was not even aware that Hendrix was on one of the tracks from their 1970 'False Start' album.

After hearing the outtake, I immediately sought out the 'take' which made it on to the album. It is indeed a gem, how could I have possibly let this track slip through the net. Can it get any better? Jimi and Arthur playing together? It makes me all weak at the knees. If you want to hear probably my favourite Love track and definitely in my top 5 tracks of all time, check out my earlier Love post. 

The recording session where this outtake originates was the result of a session recorded on 8-track, at Studio One, Olympic Sound Studios, in London on Tuesday 17 March 1970.
Do you wanna be in my band Jimi?
 JIMI HENDRIX & ARTHUR LEE - The Everlasting Love One(Album Version)(1970)

More Wednesday Club Lovelies
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WEDNESDAY CLUB - Jimmy Lafave/Four Tops/Left Bank - Walk away Renee

Hey Folks! an Extra helping of WEDNESDAY CLUB this week, poor old SFW is at the Docs so I hope this will do for all you TUESDAY BLUES  fans. Get well soon SFW. We love you!

MIDWEEK CRISIS you are in for the high jump, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB and face it with Jimmy, the Tops and Left Bank, they never walk away
Is this the best version - you decide!

JIMMY LAFAVE - Walk away Renee


FOUR TOPS - Walk Away Renee(1966)


LEFT BANKE - Walk Away Renee(1966)

I did not think it was possible to get any better than the Four Tops version of the Left Banke's song 'Walk away Renee' It is Tamala Motown at its very very best. Lead vocalist Levi Stubbs(R.I.P.)  is in my top 5 all time voices. It is just pure magic and I never and never will get tired of hearing it. 

When I heard the Jimmy Lafave version it was only by chance, I was searching out some Dylan covers's  and he is quite prolific in that respect. I saw it on one of his albums and thought I would give it a listen and it just blew me away. It is another one of these songs I wanted to share and with my enthusiasm all I did was put people off. It is a great take, he has superb voice and it is a slowed down version. You can almost touch the pain, it is that good. Definitely up there now in my best all time break up songs.

I first heard the Four Tops version in 1966 when I was in a car on the way to an athletics meeting in Forrest, 20 miles east of Inverness. I was representing my school in the high Jump. I remember the guy from Gordonstoun College for Boys (Prince Charles once attended there) had his coach. He was about 6 foot 5 wore one spiked shoe and the other foot was bare. He had an amazing technical jump and received massage after every jump, he had specially prepared isotonic drinks.  I was in bare feet and had a weird jump style it was a cross between the scissor jump and the frosbury flip. For sustenance, I had a bag of crisps and a coke. But it seemed to worked.

I was determined not to let this ponce beat me. We both equalled the games record, but the ponce beat me on count back. I had more failures than him.

On the way back I heard Walk away Renee again and it more than made up for my failure. That was the end of my High Jump career. You have to be 9 feet tall to be any good.

So I walked away.

For more Wednesday Club high hurdles
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Sunday, 8 April 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 08/04/12 - The Deep Dark Woods, Marilyn Manson, Amadou and Mariam, Peter Broderick

Fed up with all those chocolate Easter Eggs yet? Come on, gorge yourself on four more!


Flycasual:-
Amadou and Mariam - 'Dougou Badia' feat Santigold (2012)



I was particularly excited this week as Amadou and Mariam released their new album, their 7th. More so when the single features the eccentric and innovative, Santigold who is also coming out with a new album of her own (April 23rd). It's a smashing song, Mariam's voice interlaced with some fantastic percussion and guitars with the bonkers Santigold kindly lending her voice to the chorus. I've been hooked on the Malian duo's unique sound, albeit a late comer, ever since I was introduced to the Manu Chao produced, Dimanche a Bamako, their 5th album. Amadou and Mariam's popularity has surged recently with Damon Albarn producing their last album, a remix album released last year and the new album hosting a number of guest stars (Amp Fiddler,TV on the Radio) as they bid to increase their audience. I read recently that, as a result this album may see them further diluting their sound with Mariam's vocals taking more of backseat. Sounds ominous but no care as I'll be looking forward to finding that out for myself.

Official website is still under construction but there's a video of their song 'Wily Kataso' with TV on the Radio (who also worked with Tinariwen last year)......here



Old Pa's Corner :-
The Deep Dark Woods - 'The Place I left Behind' (2012)


I never heard of  The Deep Dark Woods  before until I heard this track which is superb. It is very reminiscent of the Civil Wars '20 years' or the Arlene's 'Lonely Won't Leave Me Alone'. It has that same haunting sound and feel with a beautiful melody..
It is from their new album 'The Place I left Behind(2012), I have sampled several tracks and it is all rather good. You cannot beat a nice little bit of Alt Country melancholia for a Sunday Morning. Especially when 

'it is Easter Time Too'.
Dressed for another day in the Woods!
Sfw:-
Peter Broderick - 'Asleep' (2012)





A moving tribute about the death of a friend, this has elements of the sonic beauty of Bon Iver and so much more - listening on a good stereo or through headphones will take you on a musical journey.  Let him know what you think by visiting his site here.

Shell Hunter:-
Marilyn Manson - 'No Reflection' (2012)



Marilyn Manson is back and in my opinion, back to when I loved him most. Back to the same form of 'Sweet Dreams', 'The Beautiful People', and The Dope Show'. It's gritty, raunchy, you can dance to it and it makes me feel like wrapping myself up in a black cape. I've heard someone describe it as "Suicide Death Metal" and come on, surely we've stopped taking all this gory goth stuff seriously? Can't we all just enjoy the drama and theatre of Mr. Manson doing what he does best? He's got a new album out that has been 2 years in the making and if this first offering is anything to go by, I shall be donning my dog collar and monocle to sit back in my velvet chaise longue to discover the rest! Check out the official website here...

You want more? Overload yourself on more tasty Tracks Of The week Here!
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