Home / Archived For June 2013

Sunday, 30 June 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 30/06/13 - Holy Ghost, Pixies, Black Sabbath, Fat Freddy's Drop, Caveman

Missed out on Glastonbury again? Don't worry, here's five tracks that were like eating falafel in our wellies this week and that's a good thing...


Shell Hunter:-
Pixies - 'Bagboy' (2013)


Boy, I never thought I'd hear a new Pixies single. Its been 9 years since they released any new material! I heard the announcement on the radio but got out of the car before they played it. I managed to find a little corner at work to play the YouTube video of a spotty oik smashing the place up and I really like it! I can't promise it'll be up there with the classics but its refreshing to hear a modern take of what makes the Pixies stand out. It sounds like its straight out of the 90s with its almost Faith No More guitar and beat assemble and Francis Black does the Talking Heads style shout really well. Its a little funkier than I remember them but I can welcome change.

Freebie Alert! Download the track from their official site here!
Old Pa's Corner :-
Fat Freddy's Drop - Blackbird (2013)


Don't know what it is but I seem to be listening to a lot of I suppose what you call chill. This is another one of theses tracks like my last weeks selection by Jon Hopkins that you can have on repeat and you will not get bored of it.  It has a nice laid back reggae dubby feel, if you know what I mean.

FFD are a New Zealand band and I am sure it was Flycasual who introduced them to me a good few years back. I have not really kept up with them, but after hearing several tracks from their new album Blackbird (2013). It is time for catch up.

London Scouser:-
Black Sabbath - 'God Is Dead?' (2013)


There's not much I could say about Ozzy and the Sabbath that hasn't been written many times over. Suffice to say, they're back with a new album called '13'. They've recruited former Rage Against The Machine drummer Brad Wilk and sound pretty damned tight.
I was watching Goldmember (Austin Powers 3) the other day and 'The Osbourne's' had cameo roles, I still can't believe the same guy who almost mumbles incoherently when he talks can sing so amazingly.....
Ozzy rocks..... Nuff said

Sfw:-
Caveman - 'In the city' (2013)

'In The City' is a sonic masterpiece that shimmers away in the background and has the ability to teleport your ears anywhere. Its heavy synth, constant beat and vocals that remind me any 1980's movie that featured Emilo Estevez, Rob Lowe and any other 'brat pack' members. So clench your fist, put on a leather jacket and enjoy!

Flycasual:-
Holy Ghost - 'Dumb Disco Ideas' (2013)


It has been a good summer for robots and disco so far, with Daft Punk and co nailing an absolute dance classic. So up step Brooklyn's Holy Ghost with their new single taken from their second album, Dynamics, out later this year. For fans of future disco, cowbells and singing droids, this is a great catchy track to get your C3-P-on.
 

Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist







Pada 2 Komentar

Saturday, 29 June 2013

FRONT ROW CENTRE - Love - 'The Red Telephone'

You've listened to the songs...you loved the album...now you absolutely have to see them live...
FRONT ROW CENTRE



Love with Arthur Lee - 'The Red Telephone' (1967)
The Royal Festival Hall, London on January 15th 2003

For music lovers out there, the ultimate thing to do is to see your favourite artist or group live on stage. Now, I go to a lot of concerts and for me the whole evening is an experience. Living just outside of London means it's a dreaded disgracefully long trek but it is such an amazing place, not only for music but for a night out so its worth it. Sprinkled with individual bars and restaurants hidden in every corner, it makes for a far more memorable experience! To save you hassling around, see my Gig Watch tips below! This is not a normal gig review, this is my experience.

Love used to be just another group that Old Pa tried to get us into by playing them constantly saying "get into Love" but I was stubborn for a long time. Then all of a sudden, it just clicked! I couldn't get enough of Forever Changes. One day Old Pa came home and said they were playing as Arthur Lee had just been released from prison and asked if I would go with him to see them...TOO RIGHT I WOULD! I managed to get out of work a little early an met Old Pa at the train station but not without getting a few provisions first (2 cans each of Super Strongbow) for the journey into London. OP was surprisingly shy at first about drinking on the train but I showed him the way!
We managed to slip in a couple at a great little pub, the Hole In The Wall which is built within the railway arches next to Waterloo station, then we were ready for action! The Royal Festival Hall was an excellent venue with slightly sloping seats which is ideal for me so I had a perfect view. OP told me that Love were going to play the whole of Forever Changes in its entirety which is a monumental album but he thought they were going to perform it acoustically. I was a bit gutted as that just
wouldnt be the same.
After a few great songs from Da Capo, Arthur Lee launched into Alone Again Or which was superb but what's more, the stage lights lit up the right side revealing a full string and brass band! We were going to experience Forever Changes in full technicolour sound! By this time, OP and I had more than a few scoops down us and when Red Telephone came around, we were practically dancing in the aisles. I remember when the line "and if you think I'm happy, paint me...black/white'' came up and Arthur Lee shouted "Paint me slack", Old Pa was besides himself and stood up whooping! The funny thing was, no one else did and the arena remained in silence, the boring buggers! The concert was fabulous and I felt privaleged to have been there as Arthur Lee was only around for 3 more years before he died in 2006. RIP.
Gig Watch (everything you need to know!)
Recommended Pub: The Hole In The Wall
Recommended Restaurant: Take your pick from Southbank's great selection!

Pada 3 Komentar

Thursday, 27 June 2013

DYLAN COVERS # 105 Nob Dylan and his Nobsoletes - Desolation Twist/I wanna be Your Lover


Bobby is a Punk rocker!
NOB DYLAN AND HIS NOBSOLETES - I wanna be Your Lover (2008)

If you have never heard of this before, you may well think that with a name like NOB DYLAN AND HIS NOBSOLETES  you are going to listen to some sort of silly joke. But don't be fooled, the album  Positively 12 stiff Dylans (2008)  is rather good and has some great moments. Dylan done in a punk way. I love it. It's fun.

Don't be put off, give it a try, let me know what you think.   

NOB DYLAN AND HIS NOBSOLETES - Desolation Twist (2008)

Click here for album review and info about Nob himself.
 
Pada 6 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS # 105 Nob Dylan and his Nobsoletes - Desolation Twist/I wanna be Your Lover


Bobby is a Punk rocker!
NOB DYLAN AND HIS NOBSOLETES - I wanna be Your Lover (2008)

If you have never heard of this before, you may well think that with a name like NOB DYLAN AND HIS NOBSOLETES  you are going to listen to some sort of silly joke. But don't be fooled, the album  Positively 12 stiff Dylans (2008)  is rather good and has some great moments. Dylan done in a punk way. I love it. It's fun.

Don't be put off, give it a try, let me know what you think.   

NOB DYLAN AND HIS NOBSOLETES - Desolation Twist (2008)

Click here for album review and info about Nob himself.
 
Pada 6 Komentar

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Rebel MC - 'The Wickedest Sound' / Congo Natty - 'Revolution'

Now ear' dis! Hip Hop classics, straight outta Surrey Heath!



Rebel MC - 'Wickedest Sound' feat Tenor Fly (1990)

Now this is one track I used to do the 'Running Man' hard to. When I was younger I used to spend the summers visiting family up in Scotland and I also had a good friend, who despite having an obsession with Madonna, was the only other Hip Hop head I knew. We both used to absolutely love this track. When B's dad was out we used to move into his living room which I remember it being designated a bit of a 'no-fly zone' (certainly the stereo), draw the curtains to protect us from the outside world (more likely to protect the outside world from us) and do the running man for the entire duration of the song, no breaks.



A dance crime perhaps but a great way to stave off the calories too from a summer spent drinking Irn-Bru and eating Stovvies. I kind of wish I got there instead of Johnny Zumba with my Running Man fitness program, aiding chubby B-boys the world over....word!

Taken from the Rebel MC's second album, 1991's Black Meaning Good, 'Wickedest Sound' is a definitive UK Hip Hop classic and despite this track being 23 years old, it still sounds as fresh now as did in 1990. It also proved there was much more the Rebel MC had to offer than 'Street Tuff', being widely recognised as a pioneer in Drum and Bass/Jungle.


Congo Natty - 'Revolution' (2013)

Today Rebel MC still records/produces and now goes under the name, Congo Natty and 'Revolution' is the new single from the forthcoming album Jungle Revolution (stream it here via Soundcloud). On first impressions I like what I hear, old skool Jungle interseped with Roots Reggae and with plenty of opportunities for the Running Man too, so there's still time for that bikini body. He still is the wickedest sound in London Town.

Or on Big Dada Records here....fass!


And ya don't stop..have a listen to our Hip Hop Classics playlist on Spotify or check out some more Hip Hop classics here..



Pada 1 Komentar

Tuesday, 25 June 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - YAZOO - Dont' Go

 Where you never have to leave!
I've been a fan ever since


YAZOO - 'Don't Go' (1982)

Did you see Alison Moet on TV recently, she has a new album out and has she lost weight, she really looks good. Apparently she has got rid of all her possessions and has decided to start afresh. Pretty weird eh!?

'Where's my teddy bear?' 

Seeing her reminded me of a little trip to Palma Majorca in October 1982. I was told by a work colleague about a great Hotel there but when we arrived at the Airport and got a taxi to the Hotel, it was closed. I Should have checked really, shouldn't I. We got the taxi driver to take us to any Hotel and we would sort something better the next day.

We checked in, dumped our bags and then hit the bars. After a pretty good session we headed back and stopped at this bar it had a large screen and was playing actual videos of songs!! And mostly with the original artists! This was amazing and it was the first time I had seen videos like this, it was fantastic. This was long before the days of You Tube and MTV.

One song really hit the spot it was Don't go by Yazoo. needless to say when I returned home I bought up everything I could find by them.

I had my first real Paella and Whiskey Cake on that trip and I have been a fan ever since.
Pada 3 Komentar

Monday, 24 June 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Caroline Rose 'America Religious'

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!


Caroline Rose - 'America Religious'
I love the sound of fingers against a fretboard. The squeak of a guitar string and the hiss of a microphone. This has all three.  It starts with a melody that could be by Nick Drake and then hits you with driving brush-on-snare beat that is just so toe-tapping infectious.

'America Religious' features on Caroline Rose's debut of the same name (released July 2nd) which she co-produced with her partner Jer Coons. (They also played on nearly every instrument, including lap steel, cello, organ, mandolin, drums, and more.)

This is good. Hallelujah!

Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!
Pada 2 Komentar

GUEST SPOT #62 - Apollo Brown - Bridge Through Time & Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - Ciego De Amor

We welcome first time contributor Frenzi Fela from Peoria, IL with not one but two tracks that he wants to share with us. A man of few words, instead he lets the music do the talking.See what you think.....
 He sent us his thoughts via the Submit A Guest Post link, click here to share yours

Apollo Brown - Bridge Through Time (2011)


Here's some good noise for good thoughts


Los Fabulosos Cadillacs - Ciego De Amor (1995)




For decades this is a Great band. Their musical genius is endless. Out of Argentina.



Pada 3 Komentar

Sunday, 23 June 2013

R.I.P. - James Gandolfini - Alabama 3 - 'Woke Up This Morning'

I heard on Thursday whilst sitting in the back garden with Shell Hunter that James Gandolfini died of a heart attack. I was gutted and immediately said that we should watch The Sopranos as soon as possible. We were listening to an old compilation on random that we made in 2005 and 20 minutes or so after I'd heard the news, this song came on and I immediately decided that I wanted to write a few words to say goodbye and thanks for some great memorable scenes.


I first remember seeing James Gandolfini getting the shit kicked out of him by Alabama Worley in True Romance. The 'donk' sound of the toilet cistern hitting him on the head still gives me goose pimples.
After that I remember Chili Palmer picking him up by the 'nads and throwing him down a flight of stairs in Get Shorty, but it was okay he was playing a stuntman called The Bear !!!

Then came the part of Tony Soprano and unless you live under a rock (albeit with an internet connection that allows you to read this) then I don't need to say any more.

James Gandolfini RIP
Pada 2 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 23/06/13 - Dizraeli and the Small Gods, KINS, Jon Hopkins, Dinosaur Pile-Up, Beck

Five tracks that lifted the smog for us this week...


Old Pa's Corner:-
Jon Hopkins - Immunity (2013)

 
This is pretty awe inspiring stuff. I was please to find Jon Hopkins had recorded a new album and was even more delighted to find that he has paired up with King Cresote again on this simply brilliant track. It is one of those that could be on all day and you would not get bored. Excuse for me a second while I switch it back on for the 10th time. It is a slow burner, but stick with it and wait for the King's vocals, it is pure chicken skin.

Close your eyes, this one can take you places other song cannot reach..  This may well be a contender for my tracks of the year so far.

London Scouser:-
Dinosaur Pile-Up - Derail (2013)



Named after a scene in the King Kong remake from 2005, this band hail from Leeds. Their debut album was reminiscent of the debut by The Foo Fighters in that lead singer Matthew Bigland wrote, recorded and sung all of the tracks. Smarty-pants !!!
This track which sounds like it could be a Foo Fighters cover is off of their new album Nature Nurture and if this track is anything to go by then I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I'm trying to figure out who the voice reminds me of.... So far I'm stuck on Dave Edmunds.
The video is in a bizarre coincidence, similar to my choice from last week in that it features a violent female character. Eagle-eyed viewers may even recognise her (my only clue is that she was an X-Factor contestant who didn't like to wear shoes !!)

Sfw:-
KINS - 'Post Tropical Storm' (2013)
 
KINS are a four piece Anglo-Aussie band based in Brighton which recently triggered one of my simple pleasures - the joy of making me stop what I am doing and get me thinking, "Who is this!".
Musically, they sound like Keaton Henson/The Villagers/The Foals, which is like having all my  favourite ingredients in one dish, and boy is it tasty!  You can Download this (for free) from Bandcamp here or Soundcloud here

Flycsual:-
Dizraeli and the Small Gods - 'Sailor' (2013)



Dizraeli and the Small Gods are a Bristolian (where else?) collective led by poet/rapper, Rowan Sawday (Dizraeli), which have taken the colourful task of marrying traditional English Folk music with Hip Hop. At first, on listening to the album Moving in the Dark, I was a bit cautious by the prospect of a Morris dancing Hip Hop troop but persistence paid off and I am glad I was proved wrong, swayed by Dizraeli's sharp storytelling talent as well as the Small Dogs' Folk harmonies and musicianship. And the whole concept works, no more so than the Hip Hop shanty that is 'Sailor', an atmospheric tale featuring fellow UK MC, Jam Baxter and vocalist Cate Ferris who provides the voice for the haunting and memorable chorus. It's some of the most uniquely British and innovative music I've heard in awhile. This ain't no gimmick y'all, I'm down with ye olde skool.
 

Shell Hunter:-
Beck - 'Defriended' (2013)



Beck is back...hooray! I read that he has 2 albums due out this year, an acoustic one and a new one to follow on from where Modern Guilt left off. Its about bloody time too Mr. Hansen! I instantly liked this new track, its like an electro slow dance! If you listen hard enough, you can hear the same bumbling bass that was in fantastic song from Midnight Vultures, Debra. Now that Ive had a taster, I want more. I always applauded Beck for his musical prowess, being a master of instruments, sampling and spanning all genres. He basically floats my boat full stop and to top it all off, he is the sort of totty you be safe bringing home to mum. I'm a bit miffed that I wasn't aware he was touring until it was too late. He's playing the Union Chapel in Islington on July 7th but it's showing as sold out! Gutted!


Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist




Pada 5 Komentar

Friday, 21 June 2013

DYLAN COVERS # 104 Happy Traum/Vic Chesnutt - Buckets of Rain


And a flute that toots!

 
HAPPY TRAUM with WOODY MANN - Buckets of Rain 

Hear are two great versions of  Buckets of Rain. It could be argued that both these guys have made the song their own. But I just have to go for the Vic version,  it oozes emotion, I just love it.

Happy Traum goes back to the early days with Bob and was the first person to actually record Blowin' in the Wind, even before Peter Paul and Mary's version.

Later he re-recorded some tracks with Dylan for his Greatest Hits Vol 2. These track, I shall be Released, Down in the Flood and You Ain't Goin' Nowhere  have some great banjo playing and a nice laid back feel.

I may do some more Happy Traum covering Dylan next week.  
 
VIC CHESNUTT - Buckets of Rain
Pada 3 Komentar

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Underworld - 'Jumbo'

Musical Medicine.....electronic dance heavyweights, Underworld give me some sugar.....



Underworld - 'Jumbo' (1999)

In April my wife, four year old son and I went to Haven Holiday Park Littlesea, on the Jurassic coast, for some 'luxurious' trailer living, dino hunting and more importantly, early spring sunshine. It's usually quite nice in April right? Wrong, it was probably one of the coldest Aprils on record and was as freezing inside as it was outside, I can usually tolerate the cold but the first night in these Arctic conditions was ridiculous. I awoke to see my breath, my exposed face and one arm completely numb with my extremities particularly raw (stop it!). To avoid a repeat of a Scott of the Antarctic style adventure and my grumblings about the weather my wife suggested I get a wooly hat to sleep in. There seemed to be a shortage of hats in Weymouth as we scoured the area but my wife was beaming when she eventually found me a cheap 'Arsenal' hat from one of those 'always closing down sport shops', I like Arsene Wenger's style of play but I certainly wouldn't display the team colours on my fat head. It hardly mattered really as wooly hats make me look like a buffoon anyway and this was survival, we had a week of this, the park was full and therefore were unable to move us to a trailer with heating. 
Caravan 420 is complaining about the cold....

I was laughing at the face of frostbite, armed with three quilts,  in full track suit with the socks tucked in and my Arsenal wooly hat, I was ready for bed. My wife in a hideous leopard print onesy and a white wooly hat, with the cold on her face, it ensured I'd wake up to some sort of freaky Smurf. Who said romance was dead!? My son was ok though, as a horrific evening being wound up into a frenzy of excitement by the kids entertainers, he was far too tired to notice the cold and with all the layers we put on him, he looked like a mini Michelin man anyway. The critter was enjoying himself and if he was happy then his parents were happy....brrrr.

There are usually one or two notable songs you listen to which remind you of a trip, for me Jumbo is one, huddled around a gas fire in a freezing cold caravan, this track comes on random and suddenly everything warms up (well certainly for me anyway). Taken from the 1999 album, Beaucoup Fish, 'Jumbo' is my favourite Underworld track, it's pure musical bliss and a track that, despite the cold, reminds me of memorable holiday.


Karl Hyde - 'The Boy With The Jigsaw Puzzle Fingers' (2013)

Apart from smashing it up at the London Olympics with Danny Boyle, Underworld's main vocalist, Karl Hyde, released a debut solo album entitled Edgeland earlier this year and the bleak but gorgeous, 'The Boy With The Jigsaw Puzzle Fingers' is the first single from it. 
Pada 3 Komentar

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - U Roy - Natty Rebel

NO TIME FOR LIES

 
U ROY - Natty Rebel

I first heard this on a sampler L.P. given away free with the NME way back in the mid seventies. It enhanced my already love affair with reggae. I still think it is the best possible introduction to Reggae and their are still various CD versions currently available. It should be made compulsory to listen to it in  Schools.

It reminds me of a trip I had over in the UK with Flycasual we were coming back from Inverness and had a few hours to kill before catching a flight back to Jeddah so we decided to go to HMV in Oxford Street and get the supplies to bring back. I bought several reggae albums including U-Roy's Natty Rebel. album . Brilliant stuff.

It was coming back in the Tube to Heathrow that I will always remember. At a stop this guy got on and sat opposite us and he had the biggest nose you have ever see. It was a hooter to die for, Cyrano De Bergerac would have swooned. That guy would never ever be able to tell a lie.

I know it was cruel and all that, but I turned to Flycasual and said, ' It's a shame about the ears'  that was it!  he burst out laughing, I burst out laughing, we could not control it, the more we tried to subdue it, the worse it got. I only hope that the poor lad did not realise that his massive conk was the reason for our hilarity.

You should be ashamed of yourself Old Pa.!!


Pada 5 Komentar

Monday, 17 June 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Lucy Rose - 'Shiver'

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!

..needs a jumper

Lucy Rose - 'Shiver' (2013)

A recent discovery, this track by Warwickshire raised, Singer/Songwriter Lucy Rose had me searching for more and I was surprised that I have actually heard her before.  She has previously contributed background vocals on the Bombay Bicycle Club albums, Flaws and A Different Kind of Fix and released her debut 'Like I Used To' in 2012.   

Early singles have received coverage from 6 Music and specialist DJ's on Radio 1 and she's about to play Glastonbury and a plethora of other festivals.  Intimate songs, a beautiful voice makes Lucy one for the long term.

Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!
Pada 5 Komentar

Sunday, 16 June 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 16/06/13 - T.W.I.N.S., Polica, Lloyd Cole, Kodaline, KT Tunstall,

Five tracks we had under surveillance this week...


London Scouser:-
Poliça (featuring Justin Vernon) - Tiff (2013)


I'll start by saying I struggle to find and listen to new music. What I mean is that there is so much out there, that unless it's an artist I know of where do I begin. I'm not a musical snob, but I like what I like. Therefore I will listen to tracks that ate recommended by an artist I already know or as in this case if the track features someone I know.
Poliça are totally unknown to me, but this track features Justin Vernon of Bon Iver so this was my way in. They are a four-piece from Minneapolis and fall into the electro-pop category which I'm a casual fan of. The first thing that hit me about the song is Channy Leanagh's great vocals and I love a track that casually drops the 'F' bomb. It's not big and it's not clever but neither am I. I also love a good memorable video and this is definitely one of those. I won't spoil it by saying why it's memorable so I urge you to watch it.

Sfw:-
KT Tunstall - 'Feel It All' (2013)


This fantastic performance by KT Tunstall on Jools Holland's Later reminded me why she entranced us all first time round.  It features on her new album, Invisible Empire / Crescent Moon, and if it's half as good as this I'll be happy.  I've always said, girls with guitars rule!

Flycasual:-
T.W.I.N.S. - 'Found a Flat' (2013)


This track is dedicated to all you struggling home buyers out there and apparently Location Location Location megastar, Kirstie Allsopp is a big fan. It's the debut single from London duo T.W.I.N.S. (out June 10) and with a sprinkling of the Pet Shop Boys and Hot Chip in there, I've been hooked on it's catchy chorus and pogo stick like beat. Hugo and Laurence first cut their musical teeth by creating a soundtrack for a gay porn series called “Indie Boys”. A firm base then if there ever was one and I'll be interested in hearing more fo sho. I made that up about Kirstie Allsopp, too...crap I know.
Thanks to Sure Shot PR for the heads up and if you want to have a viewing of T.W.I.N.S. page on Facebook, click here. 

Shell Hunter:- 
Kodaline - 'Love Like This' (2013)

Yesterday was my first day back after 2 and a half weeks of being in Spain relaxing. Needless to say I had a serious case of the back to work blues. With my face like a smacked ass, I didn't even bother to plug my iPhone in. I just let the radio mumble away in the background until this song started that is, I miserably turned it up. It was the best musical medicine and like an adrenalin shot to the heart made me feel more upbeat. My day at work was an easy one thankfully and to wrap things up nicely as soon as I got back in the car to go home, the song was on the radio again! I found out it was kodaline whom I had a soft spot for last year with 'All I Want'. With their Coldplay-esque choruses, they can't fail to paint those blues a nice healthy pink again!


Old Pa's Corner :-
Lloyd Cole - Period Piece (2013)

 

This is vintage Lloyd Cole and it is from his new album Standards. This one could have easily slipped into his first 2 classic albums, Rattlesnakes and  Easy Pieces. I have always had a soft spot for LC and have followed his career ever since he split with the Commotions. I will most certainly listen to the whole album. Welcome back Lloyd. Click for a classic Lloyd Cole track and story.


Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist




Pada 3 Komentar

Friday, 14 June 2013

DYLAN COVERS # 103 Dave's True Story/Black Motor - When Dogs Run Free


Are dogs free from the chains of their owner

 
DAVE'S TRUE STORY - If Dogs Run Free

Here are a couple of takes of a not very often covered song from  'New Morning', If Dogs  Run Free. It may well be one of the strangeest Dylan ones around. The first one is from Dave's True Story's  album of Dylan Covers,  'Simple Twist of Fate : DTS Does Dylan'. 

Who are Black Motor? you may well ask, they are new to me. They are made up of Saxophonist Sami Sippols, Ville Rauhala on double bass and Simo Laihonen on drums. They are joined by a couple of friends Rauli Rantanen and Ville Pirinen. This is taken from a Dylan 70th birthday concert at Telakka, Tampere, Finland 24.5.2011. I am not really a big Jazz fan, but this is pretty good.

 
BLACK MOTOR AND FRIENDS - If Dogs Run Free

 
Pada 4 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS # 103 Dave's True Story/Black Motor - When Dogs Run Free


Are dogs free from the chains of their owner

 
DAVE'S TRUE STORY - If Dogs Run Free

Here are a couple of takes of a not very often covered song from  'New Morning', If Dogs  Run Free. It may well be one of the strangeest Dylan ones around. The first one is from Dave's True Story's  album of Dylan Covers,  'Simple Twist of Fate : DTS Does Dylan'. 

Who are Black Motor? you may well ask, they are new to me. They are made up of Saxophonist Sami Sippols, Ville Rauhala on double bass and Simo Laihonen on drums. They are joined by a couple of friends Rauli Rantanen and Ville Pirinen. This is taken from a Dylan 70th birthday concert at Telakka, Tampere, Finland 24.5.2011. I am not really a big Jazz fan, but this is pretty good.

 
BLACK MOTOR AND FRIENDS - If Dogs Run Free

 
Pada 4 Komentar

Wednesday, 12 June 2013

HIP HOP CLASSICS - Jurassic 5 - 'What's Golden' / 'Concrete Schoolyard'

It's like that ch'all, Hip Hop Classics, straight outta Surrey Heath!


Jurassic 5 - 'What's Golden' (2002)

If there ever was a Hip Hop act to encapsulate that classic vibe then J5 were it, they made some vintage tracks but this is my favourite and it is unashamedly old skool, with a brilliant burbling bassline, a great beat and slick rhyming. Their name itself is a nod to some of the Hip Hop veterans, pioneers with similar names such as Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5, Funky 4 plus 1 or the Treacherous Three. Their very style keeps in line with the original essence of Hip Hop, blockparties, two turntables and a microphone and smooth rhyming interplay between members of the crew. 

From 1996 to 2005 they were a breath of fresh air amongst the bloated commercial mass Hip Hop had become. Like the song says, "we're taking you back to the days of yes y'allin', we're hanging on to what's golden", before a Chuck D sample booms in just to affirm that notion and you don't mess with the 'Gandalf' of rap! 


Jurassic 5, popular with geologists

In Chali 2na (real name Charles Stewart) they also had one of the most recognisable and popular MC's in rap, certainly one of my favourites. The 'friendly neighbourhood baritone' not only gives Chuck D of Public Enemy a run for his money but he's also the voice of T-Rex in the kids Hip Hop super group, Dino 5. Much to the delight of my son and of course his father! 

In the excited anticipation of the J5 gig in Brixton on Thursday June 13th, I have naturally been listening to their back catalogue and compiled a playlist of some of their classics cut on Spotify. Listen/subscribe to it here....Jurassic Classics.


Jurassic 5 - 'Concrete Schoolyard' (1997) (Live at Coachella, April 12th 2013)

Jurassic 5 official website here, y'all..


And ya don't stop..have a listen to our Hip Hop Classics playlist on Spotify or check out some more Hip Hop classics here..



Pada 3 Komentar

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Cat Stevens/Jimmy Cliff - Wild World

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Cat Stevens owes me 7/6 pence !

Apres Cat time
 
CAT STEVENS - Wild World (Live)

Living way up in Inverness in the sixties was a million miles away from where it was 'all happening' in the music scene. There were no venues to see all the many new artists and groups that had exploded out of the blue.


The day finally happened, one of the new sensations was a young Cat Stevens and he was playing in Inverness. He had some excellent stuff out at the time Matthew and Son, I love my Dog. In fact early Cat music, before he became more famous for his 'more serious' output was in my opinion just as good or even better. Get hold of his early Decca recordings and you won't be disappointed.

The place was packed, the Caledonia Hotel Ballroom, The Cat came on to the stage to an enormous roar, I'm Gonna Get me a Gun, one of his best. In the middle of his second song, he was gone. He panicked, as the audience got too close. He did not come back on and it was announced that due to inadequate barriers the concert was cancelled.

The Move were due on the following week. I hope they got their act together.

Many years later I had a chance to get my revenge. Where we lived in Jeddah, there was a Men's club and one day I saw that they had a guest speaker. It was none other than Yousef Islam, Cat's Islamic name when he found his calling? after a near death swimming accident.

I was tempted to go along and when they got to the question and answer session.  I was going to stand up and say you own me 7/6 pence from 1966. Wish I did!

Wild World is probably my favourite Cat Stevens song and comes from his Tea for the Tillerman (1970) album. I first heard Jimmy Cliff's version. Both are just great.

I originally thought it was a great break up song and was a little disappointed to read somewhere that it was about a father and his daughter, who was leaving home to go to University. Wish I never found that out.

 
JIMMY CLIFF - Wild World (1970)

Which version do you like best?.
Pada 3 Komentar

Monday, 10 June 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Mark Kozelek & Jimmy LaValle - What Happened to My Brother

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!


Mark Kozelek & Jimmy LaValle - What Happened to My Brother (2012)

I love the casio-esque sound to this track, it reminds me of Jet Set Willy / Manic Miner and if you are of a certain age, you'll know what that means.

I've a fan of Mark Kozelek for years now but he is an acquired taste. The frontman in Red House Painters, he has spent the last decade or so releasing mostly acoustic based material as Sun Kil Moon and more recently under his own name.

His most recent release, Perils from the Sea, is a collaboration with Instrumentalist Jimmy LaValle (of the Album Leaf) and is definitely worth a listen...but give it a few listens, it's a bit like olives!

Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!
Pada 3 Komentar

Sunday, 9 June 2013

GUEST SPOT #61 - Oasis - 'Talk Tonight'

We welcome back previous Guest Spotter "Whattalkabout" for another heartfelt musical memory. Has any song hit the spot for you? To submit your own Guest Spot click here, we'd love to hear it!

Oasis - 'Talk Tonight'(1995)

 I saw a picture in the newspaper of this beautiful building and fell in love with it. It was lit up, surrounded by water fountains, and statues and beautifully shaped hedges and I decided I had to see it in real life. Problem was the picture had no caption and I had no idea where it was. A lot of research led me to it. It was in Vienna. Ticket booked for five days. I was happy when I finally found the building, but disappointed that a lot had been covered and boarded up for restoration work. Next time, I reasoned. Five days in Vienna is a long time. I spent many hours in the hotel room, with this song on repeat. Gallagher’s genius song writing at its best: “All your dreams are made of strawberry lemonade…” This song is for A. whom I miss every day. “You and me see how we are.”



Catch up with the rest of our Guest Spots here...
Pada 7 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 10/06/2013 - Daft Punk, Thunderbird Gerard, The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra, CSS, Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs

Five tracks that put the drizzle on our shizzle

SFW:-
Daft Punk - Lose Yourself To Dance (2013)


This track features on Daft Punk's latest album Random Access Memories and it has put a spring in my step.  This video isn't official, so hopefully it stays up for a while, but it perfectly captures the grove of the song.  Nile Rodgers guitar riffs, slap bass (???), Soul Claps and Pharrell Williams make it the song of the album and Track of the Week.  If listening to this doesn't make you dance or tap your feet, you have no legs.  (obviously, no offence is intended if you have no legs).

Flycasual:- 
Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs - 'Be Glamorous' (2013)


'Be Glamorous', a bit like me at work with my boat like safety boots, sweaty polyester trousers and mucky hi-viz vest, getting high on aviation fuel but apart that, it's one of the stand out tracks from Charlie Boyer and the Voyeurs debut album, Clarietta. They have only been going for just over a year and are being compared to the likes of 70's New York Post Punk heroes, Television (Marquee Moon blew my mind when Old Pa gave me a copy of it listen to all those years ago) but with a sound also firmly rooted to London. The excellent single also has hints of T-Rex, which, like the title suggests, adds some much needed glam to guitar music.

Shell Hunter:-
CSS - 'Hangover' (2013)


I've always thought Brazilian electro-rock group CSS (or Cansei de Ser Sexy) were a bit woo and a bit wey. This latest offering proves that they still are mad as ever. I love this aptly titled single and its equally amusing video (anyone can dance!). I say aptly because I'm nearing the end of my holiday in Spain and I've had to succumb to the hangover gods once or twice, I'll have to admit. This track, taken from new album Planta which will be released tomorrow is a bit of ragga meets mariachi and the more I hear it, the more I like it. Simple lyrics with hangovers and heartbreak in the same breath, both giving you an equally rubbish feeling in life makes for a great pop song. "Let's be happy and drink bloody mary!"

Check out their label SubPop's site to see more...

Old Pa's Corner :-
The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra ft Bitty Mclean - Fu Manchu (2013)

 
Here is an interesting one from an album by The Lee Thompson Ska Orchestra ft. Bitty Mclean and is called The Benevolence of Sister Mary Ignatius.  

Lee Thompson and Mark Bedford, two founder-members of Madness, started this project trying to recreate the kind of music that had inspired them as teenagers. To cut a long story short they enjoyed themselves so much the decided to do an album of Ska inspired songs and the result is pretty good. It is like listening to Two Tone revisited and do I love all that.

You can't beat a bit of Ska inspired reggae, Try this take of the Desmond Decker classic. The original is below.
 
DESMOND DECKER - Fu Machu


London Scouser:
Thunderbird Gerard - 'Trouble' (2013)




At the risk of sounding repetitive I came across this song whilst listening to Scroobius Pip's xFM radios show via Mixcloud. Originally from New York, he now lives in Berlin via a stay in London. He has been described as the Kerouac of Rap and has been compared to a certain Q-Tip. Whilst I'm not so aware of the former, the latter is definitely good company. The chorus is instantly memorable and is accompanied by a great video. He is certainly one to watch and I will be keeping an eye fo' sho.



Checkout previous Tracks of the week here
Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist




Pada 5 Komentar

Saturday, 8 June 2013

FRONT ROW CENTRE - Massive Attack - 'Angel'

You've listened to the songs...you loved the album...now you absolutely have to see them live...
FRONT ROW CENTRE


Massive Attack - 'Angel' (1998)

Reading Rivermead Leisure Centre on September 23rd, 2009
 
 For music lovers out there, the ultimate thing to do is to see your favourite artist or group live on stage. Now, I go to a lot of concerts and for me the whole evening is an experience. Living just outside of London means it's a dreaded disgracefully long trek but it is such an amazing place, not only for music but for a night out so its worth it. Sprinkled with individual bars and restaurants hidden in every corner, it makes for a far more memorable experience! To save you hassling around, see my Gig Watch tips below! This is not a normal gig review, this is my experience.

 Flycasual wanted to see big faves of his Massive Attack and offered me a ticket. I've always liked them and was really listening to Mezzanine a lot at the time. I thought a leisure centre was a bit of a strange venue to play for such a big band but I can't imagine we would have got tickets to their Brixton shows. Besides, sometimes the stranger the venue, it being smaller and rubbing shoulders with band members becomes a higher possibility! Reading was only a short train ride away and I had printed a map of where the centre was. it didn't seem that far....as the crow flies of course. It was an absolute trek from the station and we were so out of breath we absolutely had to stop for some refreshment in the form of a flavoured cider. It being a few years ago I don't remember if we got any preconcert chow but I do remember we were both disappointed that we passed a Lebanese restaurant but didn't have enough time to check it out. We just had enough time for a quick drink at the Toby Carvery next to the centre.

I have to admit, the venue was a bit of a disappointment. It was literally a like a school hall, with smelly portaloos in one room that you had to queue for ages for, volunteers selling drinks (expensive and closed too early!) and merchandise in another room and a stage at one end of the gym. We did manage to secure a decent vantage point just behind a waist high wall, perfect for leaning on and our drinks! Despite my reservations about the venue, it has to be said that the acoustics in there were excellent as were the band's light show depicting statistics of poverty and slave labour. It was harrowing but educational and particularly struck a chord with Flycasual who had just bought a band Tshirt and the label said made in Vietnam.

I was utterly impressed with the gig, everything played from Mezzanine was such a highlight and got a massive cheer from the nearly packed gym. Martina Topley Bird who was supporting the band on tour even made a brave attempt of singing Teardrop but its one of those songs that is all about the voice of Liz Fraser. The song that was the real clincher for me, which I liked before but is now my favourite MA track soully down to this performance, was Angel. The auditorium went dark and all of a sudden singer, Horace Andy appears in a white outfit which I remember as being traditionally African in style. The bass vibrated right through me and the claustrophobic pounding and ticking coupled with the illuminating visuals was mesmerising. It built and built slowly until it was fit to burst and the sound exploded, it was beautiful all consuming noise! The rest of the concert although great just paled into comparison to that mind blowing performance. Its for this song, that I would definitely see them again in a heartbeat.

Sadly I can't find footage of the Reading gig but here is an example of Angel a few days before at Brixton Academy!


Gigwatch (everything you need to know!)
Support act: Martina Topley Bird
Recommended restaurant: Al Tarboush Lebanese Restaurant
Recommended pub: Toby Carvery

More Front Row Centre plus Gigwatch here!
Pada 7 Komentar
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Powered by Blogger.