Zero 7 - 'In the Waiting Line' / 'I Have Seen'

Zero 7 - 'In the Waiting Line' / 'I Have Seen'

Flycasual Have Music Will Travel Jools Holland Recollection Collection Zero 7

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

 with a smoke and a pancake!

Zero 7 - 'In the Waiting Line' (2001)

My girlfriend and I hadn't been going out long and were still checking each other out (yes still, read my Cuban post here)! when we booked a romantic weekend trip to the 'Venice of the North', Amsterdam. It was perfect, spring was in the air, the tulips were in full bloom, a leisurely stroll along a canal before taking in the Van Gogh museum. I had Post Impressionist facts about ears and stuff at the ready should they be needed to impress. Then back to our hotel, a typical classic Amsterdam townhouse in a quiet part of town for a nap before dinner, table booked for 2030. Bliss....ahhh new love!

I suggested that since we were in Amsterdam we should experience a 'coffee shop' - when in Rome and all that. In order to impress my girlfriend I wanted to make out like I knew what I was talking about so told her to follow my lead. We went to a chilled and cosy looking coffee shop away from the main drag with JJ Cale playing in the background - it was the perfect vibe. I ordered a coffee for me, a hot chocolate for my hot date and like a connoisseur, I asked the fine gentlemen behind the bar for the 'menu'. Without a clue, I decided on a ready made joint of which they had only one kind, ominously called 'Super Skunk,' obviously not a good idea but oh, what the hell, yes please!


A shmoke and Pancake alstublieft!
With the conversation flowing, the drinks going down nicely and the J being passed back and forth, all was going well. I was having most of the joint so I began to realise I might have a problem on my hands. I was already righting the world's wrongs in my head when my girlfriend piped up and to my horror said "Hey should we get another one?" Lord only knows why I agreed and even the barman looked at me with that sort of look that says, "you sure you know what you’re doing pal?" I returned to the table with drinks and with a doobie that even Jim Morrison would have refused. A few drags in, the conversation went dead, paranoia set in as I thought I had said something to upset her. Is that really the lizard king shaking his head at me in the corner? What were we talking about? The silence grew increasingly uncomfortable, I broke out in a cold sweat as I squirmed in my comfy armchair but was it really comfy? I realised I was having the dreaded 'whitey', blood drained from my face, features all slack....I had to get out so I bolted.


Dam Square, perfect recovery area..
My girlfriend chased me through the streets of Amsterdam asking what was the matter, with the bicycles dodging me thinking ‘bloody tourist!’, until I made my way to a crowded Dam Square. I tried to find the most comfortable position which was lying down besides the monument, half on - half off some steps, in the middle of the most famous square in town. Not really a good look for me and certainly not quite the impression I was hoping to make after the wonderful day we had had. We should have gone to a nice bar to have a couple of sophisticated cocktails as an aperitif before dinner. Instead what I did was probably the equivalent of downing two pints of Carlsberg Special Brew - classy. Dinner was now ruined, as it took me at least an hour or so to recover enough to get moving again. I don't remember her being that mad at me, (I definitely would have broken up with me) and besides, she is still with me 10 years on so my charm and irresistible good looks must have won the day!

Zero 7's debut album 'When it Falls' reminds me of that weekend. I had bought it prior to our trip and it was the ideal accompaniment as it was the perfect mood setter. Two of my favourite tracks here, with stunning keyboard work on the Fender Rhodes on the gorgeous 'In the Waiting Line' and 'I Have Seen'.

Please note, that both my now wife and I did not inhale!!

Zero 7 - 'I Have Seen' (2001)

Zero 7 official site here and check out RCRDLBL.com for some free Zero & downloads including their latest offering for the Talk Talk tribute album, 'Spirit of Talk Talk'

Why not subscribe to my playlist....it's a little bit crap!

sfw Pada 19:00 4 Komentar

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Lloyd Cole - Brand New Friend

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Lloyd Cole - Brand New Friend

Have Music Will Travel lloyd Cole lloyd Cole and the Commotions Wednesday Club

MIDWEEK CRISIS what a boring holiday, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got Lloyd Cole, the British Navy and Captain Morgan himself to liven things up!

MOMBASA PT 2

LLOYD COLE - Brand New Friend (1985)

It was relaxing the food was good, even the beer was drinkable (Tusker and Whitecap) the entertainment was ok and consisted of some locals with grass skirts chanting and jumping up and down. I was enjoying myself, but to be honest I was a little bored and I should not have said it,  but I did.

My wife rushed in to our room and shouted  'if your bored! Get dressed and get down to the Bar!, the Navy are here' .

That was it!  they took us over completely, not that we need much encouragement! Every night they came round for us and took us out or we stayed in the Hotel and listened to music (my trusty tape recorder and someone liked my music) and drank and drank and drank. The story goes that one night Michele my wife out drank the British Navy, and she did! We were still standing at breakfast amongst the debris of bodies all around the place.

HMS Southampton

Other nights we watch the world cup matches, England v Argentine sticks in mind the 'hand of god'. They brought crates of beer. I played squash with their best players and always we ended up in the bar afterwards. One evening, a huge and I mean huge puff adder came into the bar, it ended up over one of the fans along with someones underpants.

The highlight was when we were invited on board the ship for 'open day'. they showed us around the ship, showed us where the nuculeur weapons were kept (what nucleur weapons), then they took us to the mess. It was total devistation,  I met an officer who came from a town 15 mile from where I was born. He was into Lloyd Cole and the Commotions. I had a 'Brand new Friend' it was exactly what I was into and he put the album on. I was in my element. So much so Captain Morgan himself had to get me escorted off the Boat and his personal driver deposited me back to the Hotel.

'Join the Navy if you Fail'

No way!

These guys were great. They were all NCO's (Non Commisioned Officesrs). We were in good in Hands and they always looked after 'their lads' but still enjoyed themselves.

I could tell you more???...........'but 'it's all down Hill'

Later when we got out film developed there were many strange photos of  'bare butts' and  'willys', I have used the trick many times since, especially at weddings and funerals.  

For more Wednesday Club exposure 

sfw Pada 04:46 3 Komentar

TUESDAY BLUES! Aaron Embry - Moon of the Daylit Sky

TUESDAY BLUES! Aaron Embry - Moon of the Daylit Sky

Aaron Embry Tuesday Blues

Do you like Singer/Songwriters, or do you have a unhealthy affection to the sadness, if so you may have a case of the Tuesday Blues!

Aaron Embry - Moon of the Daylit Sky (2012)
Oh I like this! Aaron Embry is a Californian Songwriter & Record Producer who has recorded/performed with a diverse range of artists, such as Janes Addiction, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and Elliott Smith and is a member of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes .  He recently released his debut album 'Tiny Prayers', of which this is the opening track.  It's a magical album that will make you think that you're listening to a revered album of the 60/70s, it is that good - you should give it a try!

Like Singer Songwriters? Like a bit of Misery? Like Men with Beards?  Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!

sfw Pada 15:14 1 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 28/10/12 - Tame Impala, Kasper Bjørke, The Villagers, Mystery Jets

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 28/10/12 - Tame Impala, Kasper Bjørke, The Villagers, Mystery Jets

Have Music Will Travel Kasper Bjørke Mystery Jets Tame Impala The Villagers Tracks of the Week

Three hot tracks that got past the Hottie police this week. What were yours?

Flycasual:-
Kasper Bjørke - 'Bohemian Soul' featuring Laid Back

This is a brilliant piece of bleak minimalist electronica I stumbled across from Danish DJ, Kasper Bjørke. Perfect for wallowing in the dreich, cold nights on the weekend that the clocks go back. All this Whilst my parents and sister are off cavorting around a balmy Thailand for a fortnight. So how poignant that the intriguing video accompanying this song tracks the day in the life of a 'lady boy' called Bam Bam. I think it's part of a wider documentary which the director was filming whilst touring Thailand, using Kasper's atmospheric track as the perfect soundtrack.

It does remind me of a family holiday to Thailand in the early 90's, when I was a hormonal and naive (still am) teenager. On a night out we stopped at a bar off the 'red light district' after dinner to watch the world go by, it was certainly an eye opener. My evening got a little more interesting when I was flanked by two beautiful leggy Thai girls with more bosom a 15 year old could wish for. One on my knee and one stroking my leg, I couldn't believe my luck, if a little uncomfortable at my smirking parents who then politely told them to move along. Wait until I tell the guys back home I thought, I had pulled two lovely girls who were still giving me the eye from across the room. That was until my dad whispered into my ear that they were in fact two 'lady boys' from the nearby cabaret. A useful life lesson for a boy embarking on manhood on avoiding 'Crying Game' type situations in the future...awkward!

Check out Big Hassle

SFW:-
The Villagers - The Waves (2012)


This is the first single off The Villagers second album 'Awayland' which is due for release in Jan 2013. It's got a different feel than their debut album, 2010's "Becoming a Jackal", however Conor O'Briens lyrical mastery is still evident - yet another of Ireland's many gems!


Old Pa's Corner :-
Tame Impala - Elephant(2012)

 

Here is another new one, well to me anyway. Most of the album Lonerism (2012) was recorded solo by Kevin Parker. Looks as if he has done the lot all by himself. I always find with these recordings by one person, that it kind of shows and there appears to be something lacking but maybe that is just me. Saying that there are some excellent tracks on this album and I have chosen Elephant, it's a winner with it's driving beat you won't forget.

Shell Hunter:-
Mystery Jets - 'The Hale Bopp' (2012)

 

Listening to X-Posure on XFM the other day, I heard this new Mystery Jets single and was under the impression it was called 'Saviour'. Once I started to prepare my track of the week post, I was in a panic as I couldn't find it anywhere! Could I have imagined it?! I was disappointed but featured another song instead. Later that week I was compiling some tracks for my holiday playlist which needed a 'newy' and I thought I'd refresh my search for the song that I loved after only hearing once. It had a funky almost Austin Powers 60s feel and I was itching to hear it again. I went through the entire album track by track and found it! Only it was called The Hale Bop, how could I be such a bone head? Anyway, now the Mystery Jets can rest easy as they have been awarded the prestige of being included as my top choice of new track on my holiday playlist!

Checkout our Spotify Playlist

sfw Pada 01:45 2 Komentar

HALLOWEEN NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Michael Jackson - "Thriller"

HALLOWEEN NIGHT JUKEBOX! - Michael Jackson - "Thriller"

Michael Jackson Saturday Night Jukebox

Michael Jackson - "Thriller" (1984)

How can any Saturday Night Jukebox be complete without MJ and my personal favourite, Thriller?! Its cool, funky, timeless and has the best dance routine ever. Not to mention a bit of Vincent Price to top it all off! You have to be lying if you haven't found yourself swinging your arms from side to side with zombie clawed hands at some point in your life! Haven't got time to indulge in the full 14 minute video? Make time!!

Michael hanging with his zomboys

My friends and I would play a stupid game if we went to parties whilst it was early on in the evening. The dance floor would be deserted and the host disappointed no one was dancing. Feeling sorry for them, we would all choose a song each to request the DJ to play. You could call it a dangerous game of Dance Roulette. You'd never know which song would come on first, but that person had to venture up ALONE, dance in front of everyone and usually sober too. My choice was Thriller, tactically thinking the DJ would never in his right mind or DJing career play a massive crowd pleasing hit like that in the early stages of a party. Sadly, I obviously misjudged the quality of DJ at this particular venue and... Surprise! Surprise! Suddenly I hear the music go quiet and the loudest door creak ever! The realisation hit me with a cold sweat, exactly like the love interest in the music video when Michael spins around zombiefied! I had no choice but to go with it. I decided to act out the dance as best as I could remember adding some of my own Michael Jackson moves. Needless to say, no one joined in(defeating the whole purpose of the exercise) but instead chose to watch. Happy ending though, I got a massive round of applause and didn't have any trouble getting my glass refilled at the bar. I felt like a celebrity for a night, shame it was just a friend's parents 30th wedding anniversary!

Need more inspiration for dance routines? Click for more Saturday Night Jukebox anthems!

sfw Pada 10:30 8 Komentar

GUEST SPOT # 52 - Fiona Apple - Parting Gift

GUEST SPOT # 52 - Fiona Apple - Parting Gift

Breakups Brynn Fiona Apple Guest Spot

This weeks Guest Post has been submitted by Brynn Alexander

Fiona Apple - Parting Gift (2005)

When Fiona Apple came out with Extraordinary Machine in 2005, it had been a long, complicated, six-year wait for her fans. The album was recorded, then mixed, then shelved, then recorded again, then mixed again, then leaked on the internet, and then finally released for real. Although the record was not Fiona's biggest commercial success, it did get a lot of critical attention, and for those who were waiting all those years, it was heaven sent.There was one song that was on the official release that hadn't been on the Jon Brion-produced leak - 'Parting Gift'. It was a back-to-basics kind of song, just Fiona and her piano, and the lyrics were almost painfully clever.

To this day, it's still my favourite song on the album, and even though it's basically a song about the breakup of a relationship that ended badly, somehow it's not a sad song, and there's even a hint of nostalgia tinged with hope in there.Fiona has always been known for being a little out-there with her songwriting, and this song is no exception, but the rawness of it is captivating, and the melody is catchy enough that you'll find yourself singing along the second time through... and the third time, and the fourth time, and so forth.

 Do you have a track that you want to share? 
Or is there a song that evokes a musical memory, if so,
 click the submit a guest post link and let us know!

See our other guest spots here.....

sfw Pada 02:37 1 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS #72 Aztec Camera/Lloyd Cole - I threw it all Away

DYLAN COVERS #72 Aztec Camera/Lloyd Cole - I threw it all Away

Aztec Camera Bob Dylan Dylan Covers lloyd Cole lloyd Cole and the Commotions Roddy Frame

Hard Rain

AZTEC CAMERA - I Threw it all Away

Here are a couple of covers from 2 British Eighties icons, the first one was a originally released as a B-side of Aztec Camera's 1988 single 'Working in a Goldmine',  it is a cover Bob's classic 'I threw it all away' and was recorded live at The Colston Hall, Bristol during June 1988. I like this understated version that Roddy Frame(Aztec Camera's main man) almost makes his own, while he stays very close to Dylan's original. It can still be found on  the Japanese mini-album New, Live and Rare.

The second cover is by LLoyd Cole who is no stranger to Dylan Covers it was recorded live in concert on the 27 November 2001 in New York.

 LLOYD COLE - I Threw it all Away


For more Dylan Covers

sfw Pada 15:09 2 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS #72 Aztec Camera/Lloyd Cole - I threw it all Away

DYLAN COVERS #72 Aztec Camera/Lloyd Cole - I threw it all Away

Aztec Camera Bob Dylan Dylan Covers lloyd Cole lloyd Cole and the Commotions Roddy Frame

Hard Rain

AZTEC CAMERA - I Threw it all Away

Here are a couple of covers from 2 British Eighties icons, the first one was a originally released as a B-side of Aztec Camera's 1988 single 'Working in a Goldmine',  it is a cover Bob's classic 'I threw it all away' and was recorded live at The Colston Hall, Bristol during June 1988. I like this understated version that Roddy Frame(Aztec Camera's main man) almost makes his own, while he stays very close to Dylan's original. It can still be found on  the Japanese mini-album New, Live and Rare.

The second cover is by LLoyd Cole who is no stranger to Dylan Covers it was recorded live in concert on the 27 November 2001 in New York.

 LLOYD COLE - I Threw it all Away


For more Dylan Covers

sfw Pada 15:09 2 Komentar

Momo Wandel Soumah - 'Toko'

Momo Wandel Soumah - 'Toko'

Momo Wandel Soumah World Music Corner

World Music Corner

Momo Wandel Soumah - Toko (2000)

I heard this song on a Songlines Magazine CD compilation a few years back and it became one of my favourite all time African Blues tracks. It's from the late Momo Wandel Soumah, an African Jazz musician from Guinea known for his horn blowing skills on the Alto Sax. 

Swordfishsaxophone?

A fabulous track, it just drones along hypnotically almost at walking pace, interspersed with flute and sax breaks (which I love, as I'm a sucker for a sax, having played it badly when I was younger). But it's his growling voice which makes it so unique, almost sounding to me a like an African Tom Waits!? 

Get some more Momo here through Spotify or you could do a lot worse than to subscribe to my World Music Corner playlist. 

sfw Pada 17:17 2 Komentar

WEDNESDAY CLUB - ELO - Can't get it out of My head

WEDNESDAY CLUB - ELO - Can't get it out of My head

E.L.O. Have Music Will Travel Wednesday Club

MIDWEEK CRISIS, my ASS,  I am off on holiday for 3 weeks, popping over to Thailand for 14 days and Phi Phi for 3 nights! If you don't hear from me, I will still be thinking of you, yes YOU!  CRISIS what CRISIS?

MOMBASA PT 1 

 

ELO - 'Can't Get it out of My Head' (1974)

It was our first vacation from Saudi, we were going to Kenya, at that time, it was our favourite holiday destination. We arrived at Nairobi and at immigration, the officer looked stern, there was a discrepancy with my passport? A stamp from South Africa! (we were there a couple of years before) Sorry! You are not allowed to come in to the country with that stamp (Apartheid). A slight (sympathetic,cynical,) smile appeared on his lips. 'Meet me outside, get some money (an amount was agreed!) I will stamp your passport. 'Your are very lucky not to be arrested'   

Happy holidays! What a great start! We had about 5 hours to wait before the next flight to Mombasa. Both Shellhunter and Flycasual  needed to be entertained at the Old Domestic Airport at Nairobi. They were getting 'cranky' (whats new!). Some guy tried to befriend us with some scheme to make money.

I don't need this!

Go away! How do you tell someone to f**k off politely. The kids were tired, the mossies were flying, thank God the bar was open all night (another Tusker asante sana). We were on standby for the first flight, a small plane which stopped at Malindi, then on to Mombasa. We made the flight, a fabulous trip down the East coast of Africa to Mombasa.We made it!

Three weeks to look forward too?

Oh! about the music I was heavily into this track at the time but now Jeff Lynn (ELO) has re-recorded his 'Best of' and this track is included. But I am going for the original. I have listened to the new recordings but although the quality is superior and obviously lovingly done, I prefer the originial in this case. Sorry Jeff!

Ol'Boy!.

See MOMBASSA Part 2 next week

P.S. I checked when I got back from vacation the Immigration Officer was 'trying it on'. You only get bit once!. 

But why have I got many many bites!!!!

For more Wednesday Club Magic

sfw Pada 03:33 4 Komentar

TUESDAY BLUES! Jerry Douglas / Mumford & Sons - The Boxer

TUESDAY BLUES! Jerry Douglas / Mumford & Sons - The Boxer

Jerry Douglas Mumford and Sons Tuesday Blues

Mumford & Sons / Jerry Douglas - The Boxer (2012)



Everyone's favourite furniture removal company are back with their second album "Babel" and I must say that I've been really impressed.  Not only is the album a superb follow up to their debut, this bonus track is included on their deluxe/spotify release and features Dobro Guitar maestro Jerry Douglas.

If you are a fan of the Simon & Garfunkel original (or even other versions by Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, and Wayon Jennings) you should be smitten when listening to this version.  With Jerry Douglas' guitar and Marcus Mumford singing, it brings the song into 2012 yet still honours the original.

As a subnote, Mumfords Ben Lovett set up Communion Records in 2009 (Mumford and Sons, Johnny Flynn, Benjamin Francis Leftwich, Michael Kiwanuka, Ben Howard etc) and are one of the most influential labels in the UK at the moment.  (You must subscribe to their free weekly sampler here!)

Like Singer Songwriters? Like a bit of Misery? Like Men with Beards?  Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!

sfw Pada 22:00 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 21/10/12 - Earlimart, Show of Hands, Mock andToof, Frank Turner

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 21/10/12 - Earlimart, Show of Hands, Mock andToof, Frank Turner

Earlimart Frank Turner Mock and Toof Show of Hands Tracks of the Week

Four tracks that fluffed our pillows... What were yours?

Sfw:-

Earlimart - 10 Years (2012)

This song features on LA based Earlimart's seventh album "System Preferences" and it got me hooked within the first 10 seconds! The Fuzzy guitar, reverb and tambourine sounds almost Mazzy Starr-esque. It is melodic, dreamy, indie-shoegazing brilliance!

Shell Hunter:-
Frank Turner - 'If Ever I Stray' (2012)

A while ago a friend of mine asked if I liked Frank Turner and I said not really. For some reason it's taken me a long time to 'get' his music. My mind was drastically changed when I saw him performing on the top of a grassy hill at the Olympics opening ceremony. I loved his shouty passion and patriot lyrics. The Olympics made me feel like I was really part of something and now I can appreciate frank's folk-punk joviality. This track makes me imagine being in a packed pub in the summer, feeling ever so slightly merry, shouting the lyrics and stomping my feet while the crowd sways like one complete organism! It's what being British is all about!

www.frank-turner.com

Old Pa's Corner :-

Show of Hands - Now You Know (2012)

This track is taken from Show of Hands' new album called Wake the Union (2012). They are relatively new to me but I quite like their folksy rootsy music. I went for the track Now You Know which apparently is a Festival Favourite of theirs. This track may sound a bit more commercial than most of the track on the album. But this is definitely worth a shot if you want to try something new. Check out our guest spot contributor Grumpy Shed's post on Show of Hands here....

Official site here...

Flycasual-

Mock & Toof - 'Don't Work, Don't Care' (2012)

Mock & Toof are my new favourite Electronic band, all thanks to an email recommendation I received last month. Their musical style is quite difficult to pinpoint but I don't think I'd be far out if I described it as freaky electronica. A bit like a futuristic Tom Tom Club (certainly on first album 'Tuning Echoes') or a 'madder' Moloko. Should David Lynch's Eraserhead go clubbing, this is the sort of music he'd be listening to.

'Temporary Happiness' is the second album to be released from the London duo, with atmospheric vocal numbers interspersed with instrumental house tracks, some of which have a definite early 90's acid tinged feel to them, makes it hugely enjoyable and way off centre! 'Don't Work, Don't Care', is one of the more sombre offerings from the album and my personal favourite, it reminds me a bit of a 'darker' Little Dragon and that's alright with me!

Free download of their single 'Sleeper' from Soundcloud here....

Subscribe to our Tracks of the Week Spotify playlist here...

sfw Pada 03:36 1 Komentar

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - St. Etienne - 'Calico'

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - St. Etienne - 'Calico'

Saturday Night Jukebox St. Etienne

St. Etienne - 'Calico' (1993)

What was the first song you searched for when you first got Napster? What was your 'holy grail'? Well when sat in front of the computer with the pressure to think of a song, any song, strangely mine was St. Etienne's Calico. Strange because it was an unreleased album track and I wasn't particularly a fan. I just remember when growing up in Saudi, Old Pa used to bring lots of music mags back from the UK. Most of these magazines had free sampler CDs and some of them had fantastic little gems on them such as this one which was called 'Hippy Chick'. I have no idea what else was on it but obviously it was in some sort of physcadelic, flowery, spaced out theme. Calico stuck in my mind and I just wanted to hear it, right then!

I will take you to the Holy Grail

The title had particular significance to me being a big cat lover and having a grey and calico cat called Tippee. She was a very gentle cat and for some reason I think of her when I hear this song. I also loved the bass line, the Arabian sounding synths and the bongo sample. I was sure I heard that sample somewhere else and worked out it was in the Beastie Boys cover version of Anthrax's song 'Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun' too. I've just found out it was from the Incredible Bongo Band track 'Last Bongo in Belgium' which itself is a funky example of 70's jamming.

Where is the purrrfect bar?

I find this track really hypnotic and can just picture being in an underground bar somewhere in London, with lots of little nooks and crannies to hide away in, dimly lit and extremely chilled out. If anyone knows of a bar like this, let me know!

sfw Pada 10:30 3 Komentar

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - St. Etienne - 'Calico'

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX! - St. Etienne - 'Calico'

Saturday Night Jukebox St. Etienne

St. Etienne - 'Calico' (1993)

What was the first song you searched for when you first got Napster? What was your 'holy grail'? Well when sat in front of the computer with the pressure to think of a song, any song, strangely mine was St. Etienne's Calico. Strange because it was an unreleased album track and I wasn't particularly a fan. I just remember when growing up in Saudi, Old Pa used to bring lots of music mags back from the UK. Most of these magazines had free sampler CDs and some of them had fantastic little gems on them such as this one which was called 'Hippy Chick'. I have no idea what else was on it but obviously it was in some sort of physcadelic, flowery, spaced out theme. Calico stuck in my mind and I just wanted to hear it, right then!

I will take you to the Holy Grail

The title had particular significance to me being a big cat lover and having a grey and calico cat called Tippee. She was a very gentle cat and for some reason I think of her when I hear this song. I also loved the bass line, the Arabian sounding synths and the bongo sample. I was sure I heard that sample somewhere else and worked out it was in the Beastie Boys cover version of Anthrax's song 'Looking Down the Barrel of a Gun' too. I've just found out it was from the Incredible Bongo Band track 'Last Bongo in Belgium' which itself is a funky example of 70's jamming.

Where is the purrrfect bar?

I find this track really hypnotic and can just picture being in an underground bar somewhere in London, with lots of little nooks and crannies to hide away in, dimly lit and extremely chilled out. If anyone knows of a bar like this, let me know!

sfw Pada 10:30 3 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS #71 The Roots - Masters of War x 2

DYLAN COVERS #71 The Roots - Masters of War x 2

Bob Dylan Dylan Covers The Roots

Well! it's close

 

THE ROOTS - Masters of War

This is a clip of members of  The Roots  performing as a trio in their new band Questlove & Go Get A Late Pass at Guitar Centre's Drum-Off 2007 . This is a pretty good video version, their a few others around.

The second one is from a Live Concert at the Beacon Theatre New York(11-07-2007)  which included artist and others who contributed to the Sound track of  'I'm Not There' If you have not heard that Concert it is well worth seeking out.

Both versions are great it, is whole new take on the song. It just goes to show how important Dylan's protest songs still are, they still stand up and are as relevant today as when they first were delivered 40 years ago on our hungry ears.

 THE ROOTS - Masters of War

For more Dylan Covers

sfw Pada 01:22 3 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS #71 The Roots - Masters of War x 2

DYLAN COVERS #71 The Roots - Masters of War x 2

Bob Dylan Dylan Covers The Roots

Well! it's close

 

THE ROOTS - Masters of War

This is a clip of members of  The Roots  performing as a trio in their new band Questlove & Go Get A Late Pass at Guitar Centre's Drum-Off 2007 . This is a pretty good video version, their a few others around.

The second one is from a Live Concert at the Beacon Theatre New York(11-07-2007)  which included artist and others who contributed to the Sound track of  'I'm Not There' If you have not heard that Concert it is well worth seeking out.

Both versions are great it, is whole new take on the song. It just goes to show how important Dylan's protest songs still are, they still stand up and are as relevant today as when they first were delivered 40 years ago on our hungry ears.

 THE ROOTS - Masters of War

For more Dylan Covers

sfw Pada 01:22 3 Komentar

WEDNESDAY CLUB - State Radio - Mansin Humanity/Calling all Crows/Evolution(2012)

WEDNESDAY CLUB - State Radio - Mansin Humanity/Calling all Crows/Evolution(2012)

State Radio Wednesday Club

WEDNESDAY CLUB
State Radio - Mansin Humanity(2009)

 

Oh! Boy this is great stuff. I found an EP by these guys which featured a couple of fabulous reggae based tracks 'Calling all Crows' and 'Evolution' they were so good I had to search out some more and was delighted to find their last album which also features these 2 tracks. The album is called 'Let it Go' (2009) and after a first listen I am blown away. I was going to feature one of the two mentioned tracks but went for the high energy album opener 'Mansin Humanity'. I definitely get the feel of the 'Clash' and maybe 'Nirvana' here and this looks to me to be a group at the top of their game. I would strongly recommend them, especially if you like reggae, punk, high energy and intelligent lyrics.

Check out this one too :


State Radio - Calling all Crows(2009)

 

For more Wednesday Club

sfw Pada 23:50 2 Komentar

TUESDAY BLUES! Jason Molina - The Harvest Law

TUESDAY BLUES! Jason Molina - The Harvest Law

Jason Molina Tuesday Blues

Jason Molina - The Harvest Law (2012)

Jason Molina is a recent musical discovery for me.  The American singer/songwriter, who has performed with Magnolia Electric Co. & Songs:Ohia has released a mini LP called Autumn Bird Songs, his first material since 2009.

When I first heard this track, I was struck by three things, 1) He sounds gutted, 2) I love the melodic verses, 3) it sounded very demo-like.  After a little research I discovered that he's got good reason to feel a bit 'gutted', as after spending the last three years in and out of rehab, this struggle left him with vast medical bills.  Benefit concerts, compilation albums and this mini album release will hopefully help.

So if you are feeling generous, download the album legit and you might cheer him up!  

sfw Pada 22:00 4 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 14/10/12 - Beth Orton, The Antlers, Josh Homme,Ben Folds Five

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 14/10/12 - Beth Orton, The Antlers, Josh Homme,Ben Folds Five

Ben Folds Five Beth Orton Josh Homme The Antlers Tracks of the Week

Four big conkers for us this week!! What were yours?? Let us know...go on!

Shell Hunter:-
Ben Folds Five - 'Draw A crowd' (2012)

Ben Folds has been a hero of mine for some time and I was over the moon to hear Ben Folds Five were back together to release an album after 13 years! It has everything I love about Ben Folds Five...dramatic talented piano playing, quirky, sometimes heartfelt lyrics and great harmonies. If you love geek rock as I do (no offence Ben, believe me) and a brilliant array of instrument playing, check out this new album. I'm a sucker for the piano and an amusing lyric, hence choosing 'Draw A Crowd' from the album The Sound Of The Life Of The Mind. One of the things that cracks me up so much in life is stumbling across a "willy" drawn on the wall in either the loo or around the airport where I work. It is such a primitive and basic form of humour, like farting or toilet jokes but it is a sure thing for me! The lyrics of the chorus from this track impressed me as they are: "if you can't draw a crowd, draw dicks on the wall". Genius!

www.benfolds.com

Old Pa's Corner:-
Beth Orton - Call Me the Breeze(2012)

 

This is a track from Beth Orton's new album 'Sugaring Season'(2012)  it has the same title as a J.J.Cale song, but it is completely different. I love the backing, it chugs along at a nice ol' pace and I am a sucker for that organ in the background and sometimes the forefront, reminisce of some of the classic tracks from the sixties. I have never been a big fan, apart from the occasional track hear and there, but this taster certainly wants me to hear some more of the new album !.

Call me convinced!  

Flycasual:-
The Antlers - 'Crest' (2012)

Having a Scottish surname means I have a crest and on that crest it has antlers! A crap fact that has nothing to do with this gorgeous and atmospheric song from Brooklyn Indie band (I mean where else!? They seem to feature regularly on our tracks of the week), The Antlers. The muted horns, the haunting voice, very nice, very sombre. It has this Talk Talk, Spirit of Eden feel to it as well elements of Portishead, which coincidentally, fellow Bristolian, Tricky has made a remix of it. The Antlers have been around since 2006 and 'Crest' is taken from 'Underwater' their four track EP of equally moody and alluring songs. Perfect music for rutting!!? Ok, nevermind!

Tricky's remix and free download..

Sign up at The Antlers official site and get some free downloads....


Sfw:-
Josh Homme (feat. Dave Sardy) - Nobody to Love (2012)

Is 'Rock music' dead? There has been very little "Rock music" that has excited me over the last few months so I was delighted to discover this new track from the Queens of the Stone Age front man.  It features on the new Jake Gyllenhaal film 'End of Watch' and is a little taster before the QOTSA 6th LP, that is due at the end of the year.

sfw Pada 05:35 5 Komentar

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX - Bell Biv Devoe - "Poison"

SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX - Bell Biv Devoe - "Poison"

Bell Biv Devoe Running Man Saturday Night Jukebox

Bell Biv Devoe - "Poison" (1990)

"Our Music Is Mental" - Bell Biv Devoe

Not sure about the quote guys but the song Poison was the epitome of cool when I was 9. We used to sing it on the bus on the way home from school as one big chorus. It gave the nerds a chance to be equal along side the tough kids for about 5 minutes of their day. Music brings us all together, you see!

Now I know where East 17 got their image

You may have seen myself or Flycasual mention the "Running Man" dance and judging songs worth dancing to, by the ability in which one can do the world famous move. This song qualifies as not only a song you can do it to, but one in which you can witness all variations of it by watching the video. And what a video! A showcase of all that used to be cool in the early 90's! If it wasn't for the Running Man, I don't think I will have danced in any of my school discos and I definitely wouldn't have performed "Do The Bartman" for my school Variety Show. With this song, I pay homage to one of the only things about the 90's that can save it from being classed as a decade with nothing to offer in terms of fashion and style. If, like me, you love the 90's and want to bring back the Running Man's popularity, check out these 2 perfect examples of how to do it, and do it right!

House Party battle y'all!

 Fresh Prince keeping it real!

Need more music for your Running Man training? Click here for more Saturday Night Jukebox! Or check out the Saturday Night Jukebox spotify playlist below!

sfw Pada 10:00 5 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS #70 Joan Baez - Love is Just a Four Letter Word/Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands

DYLAN COVERS #70 Joan Baez - Love is Just a Four Letter Word/Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands

Bob Dylan Dylan Covers Joan Baez

We were so much younger then

 

JOAN BAEZ - Love is Just a Four Letter Word(1967)

If a gun was put to my head and I had to say who is my favourite artist that covers Dylan, then I would have to say Joan Baez.  She was at her best when she was singing Dylan, especially in the heady days of the sixties. I still think one of my all time favourite albums is 'Fairwell Anglina'(1965) where Joan covers many classic Dylan tracks. I also like 'Any Day Now'(1968) a double album of all Dylan songs. It is excellent in parts and could have been a lot better. But is still a must have.

This version of  'Love is Just a Four Letter Word'  is taken from a concert in Milan, Italy in June 1967 and is on the album  'Joan Baez - Live in Italy'. It is one of the great songs that Dylan has not recorded (or has he?) and this is a pretty good version..

 

JOAN BAEZ - Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands(1972

This is a fabulous version of  'Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands' and it certainly is as good or even better than the version on 'Any day Now' it was was recorded live in Lenox, Massachusetts in 1972 and can be found on various Boots with a little bit of searching.

For more Dylan Covers

sfw Pada 11:21 5 Komentar

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Gang Starr/Guru - 'You Know My Steez' / 'Loungin'

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Gang Starr/Guru - 'You Know My Steez' / 'Loungin'

Flycasual Gang Starr Guru Hip Hop Classics YO! TuneDr Raps

Hip Hop Classics y'all.....straight outta Surrey Heath!!

Gang Starr - 'You Know My Steez' (1998)

Last week I just managed to catch the tail end of a fascinating radio biopic on BBC 1xtra, of the life and times of talismanic MC, Guru, one half of one my favourite Hip Hop groups, Gang Starr. Fascinating because I'm a big fan but it also gave an insight into controversial events (which I had no idea about) that what went on before his untimely death to cancer in 2010, aged just 43. 6 albums and a career spanning 15 years, DJ Premier was Guru's long time friend and DJ, becoming one of Hip Hop finest acts. So it was quite a shock to hear that from Guru's death bed, he had apparently written a letter requesting that DJ Premier be disassociated with his name. In the latter stages of Guru's career, he had started working with another producer called Solar (not MC Solaar) which he met on his Jazzmatazz side project. And it's this producer, that Guru's family believe penned this disputed letter, also claiming that Solar banned the family from visiting Guru in hospital. Which Solar claimed was all Guru's request, no one really knows the truth but same say it was a lovers tiff!? Bizarre!

Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal

The show ended with the vintage, straight head bobbing track, 'You Know My Steez', from the classic 1998 'Moment of Truth' album, which I immediately revisited the next day. Guru's intelligent and distinct monotone flow along with Premier's phenomenal skill as a DJ, made them a class above. Like a good wine, it has matured well and sounds as good now as it did 15 years ago. 

Guru - 'Loungin' feat Donald Byrd (1993)

The show mentioned that next year will see the 20th anniversary (yikes) of Guru's famed Jazzmatazz vol 1 album. Not only did he pioneer the idea of marrying Jazz samples in Hip Hop but he was also the first MC to flow over live Jazz. Unique and innovative at the time, 'Lougin' is a fine example of this, courtesy of horn blower Donald Byrd.

Subscribe to Tunedr's Hip Hop Classic playlist on Spotify.... 

More Hip Hop Classics? Click here...

sfw Pada 04:54 1 Komentar