Home / Archived For July 2013

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Bert Jansch - Walk Quietly By x 2

BLIND DEVOTION 
It don't bother me!

 
BERT JANSCH - Walk Quietly By (1995)

We have all got a certain artist that even though we know their best days have come and gone, when they release a new album, we just know we will get it. I call it blind devotion. I have lots of these artist, for example I have bought everything by Van Morrision ever since I heard 'Here Comes the Night' (1965) way back in Them days. I know his latest albums are now sometimes a bit samey and in some cases a bit boring but I also know there will always be a couple of gems amongst the dross, which justifies the effort.

Another artist I stuck with throughout his whole recording career was Bert Jansch. I was with Bert  on his journey from his first album in 1965 until his last studio album in 2006. 

It was a pleasant surprise then, when I bought his album When the Circus Comes to Town (1995) and it was one of his best for a very long time. The track Walk Quietly By  just stood out for me. We all know that guy he is talking about. It just hit the right spot with me and was my track of the year. It was obvious the record company thought the album was good as the packaging was lavish for a Bert album.

I have loads of artists which come under Blind Devotion,  what are yours?

In a previous Post I told how I met  Bert,  made an ass of myself and he played this very song just for me!!!

The live take of the song was taken from a concert in the Fleece and Firkin,  Bristol 27th Sep 1993. Were you there SB?
 
BERT JANSCH - Walk Quietly By (1993)
Pada 4 Komentar

Monday, 29 July 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Israel Nash Gripka - Woman at the Well

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!


Israel Nash Gripka - Woman at the Well (2013)


A recent discovery, Israel Nash Gripka is a singer/songwriter from Austin, Texas who sounds very much like the old master, Neil Young. The son of a Southern Baptist minister, his music has elements of Americana, Folk, Country and Soul. (You gotta love pigeonholing!)

Israel will be releasing his third LP, Rain Plans on September 30th, through the excellent label Loose Music.  
If you are a fan of Men with Beards, like the gentle stroking of a six-string, or just a miserable bugger, Subscribe to our Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!
Pada 1 Komentar

Sunday, 28 July 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 28/07/13 - QOTSA, Willis Earl Beal, James Skelly and The Intenders, Oblivians

Four tracks that were our royal arrivals this week...




Sfw:-
Willis Earl Beal - 'Too Dry To Cry' (2013)


Chicago singer-songwriter Willis Earl Beal returns in September with a follow-up to his enigmatic debut, Acousmatic Sorcery. The new record, Nobody knows., is the second set from Beal’s 4-album deal with XL. You can hear the Tom Waits/Screamin' Jay Hawkins influence in this soulful blues stomp. Now pass me a drink!

Flycasual:-
QOTSA - 'If I Had A Tail' (2013)




I'm a fan of Queens of the Stone Age and despite rave reviews and claims they've raised the Rock bar, it took me awhile to get into their 6th album, Like Clockwork, released earlier this year. Quite clearly it must have been me but I'm glad I persisted as it really is a fantastic album, particularly the swagger of 'If I Had A Tail', probably one of my favourite songs of the year. I love the drumming on this, a driving beat with the breaks immaculate, simple but effective and as you'd expect from guest drummer Dave Grohl. Honoury 'Queen' Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys also features on backing vocals. A cool video too with the animation courtesy of Boneface, who's Boneface you may ask? Well he's the illustrator who's responsible for the cover art of the QOTSA's latest album. Unremarkable maybe but Josh Homme came across his work on the web and was so impressed by the young UK artist's talent, that he contacted him out of the blue and flew him over to be the band's in-house artist. If you need gardner Josh, give me call, I'm your man.

Shell Hunter:-
James Skelly & The Intenders - 'You've Got It All' (2013)

I'm still reeling from my fabulous experience of Latitude Festival in Suffolk last weekend. I can't recommend it enough. The best concerts were the little surpirse ones that you heard whilst waiting for another band. There we were, waiting for Willy Mason sitting outside the BBC6 Music tent in the sun with delighfully cold drinks when this excellent blues inspired band started up. Thoroughly enjoying their Commitment like sound, I decided to get a closer look. I then over heard 2 people talking that James Skelly was the front man from The Coral...Of course! Now I now why he seemed so familiar! This is the latest single from new album Love Undercover and is a great example of the energetic vibe James Skelly and The Intenders delivers. 

Old Pa's Corner:-
Oblivians - 'I'll Be Gone' (2013)

 
The Oblivians are a Garage Punk band who were popular in the Nineties. They have had several reunions along the way and have reformed to make the album 'Desperation' (2013). 

You will note the lack of bass and the production certainly fits the garage bill. It is all a little bit fuzzy but the melody shines through. But I just love the driving energy of the track and I have played it loads this week.

'Thats Rock 'N Roll as we get Old!'

Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist




Pada 3 Komentar

R.I.P. JJ Cale

December 05 1938 - July 26 2013

It was great sadness I learned this morning that great JJ Cale passed away as the result of a Heart attack. JJ has always been one of my favourite artists since I first heard his album Okie in the seventies. I bought everything by JJ before and after that album.

He had a unique style and when you described it as laid back, well that is an understatement. He is probably one of the originators of what we now call Americana,  a mixture of blues, country, Rhythm and Blues and of course rock 'n roll.

He came to prominance when Eric Clapton covered his classics Cocaine and After Midnight.

If you want a crash course on JJ, his anthology Any way the Wind Blows will set you up for hours of pleasure.

I will always have the image of JJ sitting on his porch, Clyde at his feet, a bottle of Rye close at hand and him pickin' on that ol' geetar.

R.I.P. JJ   Cale

 
JJ CALE - Any way the Wind Blows
Pada 4 Komentar

Thursday, 25 July 2013

DYLAN COVERS #109 Happy Traum - Blowin' in the Wind/Vic Chesnutt - I Dreamed I saw St. Augustine


Can you spot Blind Boy Grunt?
HAPPY TRAUM WITH THE NEW WORLD SINGERS - Blowin' in the Wind(1962)

As promised a couple of weeks ago here are another two Bobby covers by by the pair Happy Traum and Vic Chesnutt. I don't know why  I paired them up in the first place and I don't think it really matters. Just sit back and enjoy them.

The first one featuring Happy Traum is  Blowin' in the Wind  and is the first actual recording of the iconic song. HT was part of a folk group called  The New World Singers along with of Gil Turner, Bob Cohen and Delores Dixion. The song was so new that the chorus is sung as Blown in the Wind, check it out. Although Bob was in attendance at the recording session under the guise of Blind Boy Grunt,  he did not correct them.

The second cover by Vic Chesnutt is from his album  Drunk (1993) and is a take of  I dreamed I saw St Augustine. It is rather good.  Well! what else would expect from Mr Vic.
VIC CHESTNUTT - I Dreamed I saw St. Augustine (1993)
Pada 1 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS #109 Happy Traum - Blowin' in the Wind/Vic Chesnutt - I Dreamed I saw St. Augustine


Can you spot Blind Boy Grunt?
HAPPY TRAUM WITH THE NEW WORLD SINGERS - Blowin' in the Wind(1962)

As promised a couple of weeks ago here are another two Bobby covers by by the pair Happy Traum and Vic Chesnutt. I don't know why  I paired them up in the first place and I don't think it really matters. Just sit back and enjoy them.

The first one featuring Happy Traum is  Blowin' in the Wind  and is the first actual recording of the iconic song. HT was part of a folk group called  The New World Singers along with of Gil Turner, Bob Cohen and Delores Dixion. The song was so new that the chorus is sung as Blown in the Wind, check it out. Although Bob was in attendance at the recording session under the guise of Blind Boy Grunt,  he did not correct them.

The second cover by Vic Chesnutt is from his album  Drunk (1993) and is a take of  I dreamed I saw St Augustine. It is rather good.  Well! what else would expect from Mr Vic.
VIC CHESTNUTT - I Dreamed I saw St. Augustine (1993)
Pada 1 Komentar

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

COVER NERD! - Volbeat - 'I Only Wanna Be With You'

The Cover Nerd! is back with a song that has been covered over 20 times. If you have a favourite cover, please contact us and tell us why by clicking here


Volbeat - I Only Wanna Be With You (2005)


Its Thursday evening, its bloody hot and Shellhunter has gone to Latitude for the weekend so I'm home alone. I decided to be a good boy and prepare my dinner for the next few days in one foul swoop. I rewarded myself with a few cold ones, as you do and sat down in front of the TV. I looked through my Sky+ recordings and saw that a few weeks back I'd recorded the Download festival highlights. If you can't join em then beat em as the saying doesn't go.
I knew some of the bands that were playing and amongst the legends like Saxon, UFO & Iron Maiden there were also Rammstein, Slipknot & one of my favourite bands Alice In Chains to name but a few. However the band that stood out for me were a Danish band called Volbeat...... My only knowledge of Scandinavian rock was the death metal style or Lordi (the band who won Eurovision a few years back).


I was pleasantly surprised and immediately went to Spotify to get their latest album (Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies). The stand out track for me was Dead But Rising, it has a great riffage running throughout and I immediately started singing along.
When looking at their back catalogue I came across this cover (from their debut album The Strength/The Sound/The Songs) which is brilliant. I remember hearing the song first by Annie Lennox's pre Eurythmics band The Tourists. I prefer this..... And yes I know it was originally by Dusty Springfield, its been covered by loads of different artists from The Bay City Rollers to Samantha Fox but try this one, it may become your favourite !!!
I recommend anyone who likes a good rock riff to check Volbeat out. Flycasual, I expect your son to approve and I've included the Download performance of Dead But Rising.


NERD ALERT! - Their latest album has a track called 'Lonesome Rider' which features guest vocals from a certain Sarah Blackwood, who found fame in the 90's with indie band Dubstar.

Check out my other Covers here

Also you can listen to or subscribe to my Spotify playlist by clicking here


Pada 2 Komentar

Tuesday, 23 July 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Elvis Presley - His Latest Flame/Hound Dog Live

TWO FOR THE SHOW 2 of 2
Caught in a trap!

 
ELVIS PRESLEY - His Latest Flame

Up to the age of about 12, almost every year I would visit a place called Dufftown, it is the original one horse town,  my Aunt lived there. I hated the place and it still makes my skin crawl when I think about it. The main reason was that it was a large house and if you needed to go to the loo, you had to climb a long winding staircase. You also had to pass a door which was always closed. This door let to another third story.

What was even worse, was my Uncle was the local undertaker (he also had a wood business and furniture shop) there was very often coffins in the hallway and you had to pass this to go to the toilet. It was terrifying.

My younger sister and I always asked if we could sleep together, where we would huddle together shaking in fear at any odd sound or creak.

One day my Aunt asked me to go to the third level to collect something. I had to enter that closed door. We thought this was the awful place where he stored his coffins and dead bodies. I could not admit I was scared and just had to do it. I was literally trembling with fear and the whole thing became a slow motion blur, I was almost physically sick with the terror of it all.

The only good things I remember was that we were given threepence once a day (1.25 p in todays money) and could go to the sweet shop where we indulged ourselves with sherbet dips, lucky bags, penny dainties, halfpenny toppers and lucky tatties, my favourite. 

The other thing was a great treat which was a visit to the local cinema where I remember vividly seeing the two best Elvis films ever, Jail House Rock and King Creole.

That was before he got involved with a stream of banal movies which were churned out in the sixties.

Below is the performance which started all the fuss, it is a good watch, the host however is a little annoying, but Elvis stands his ground. 

ELVIS PRESLEY - Hound Dog (live)
Pada 5 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 21/07/13 - Ty, Jerry Garcia, Scroobius Pip, Mazzy Star

Four tracks that were like sizzling chipolatas on the BBQ....mmmmm



Flycasual:-
Ty - 'Let's Start' (2013)


I used to be heavily into UK Hip Hop (Lewis Parker, Jehst, Mark B and Blade etc) a number of years back but for some reason I sort of lost touch with it. Ty was one of them, his 2003 album Upwards especially, reminding me of the Native Tongues (De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest) in style as does his latest single, 'Let's Start' which is taken from the Londoner's Kick Snare and an Idea pt2 EP released in June. I caught it on the radio a couple of weeks back and realised what I've been missing as Ty sounds fresher than the average bear!


Read more on Ty and Tru-Thoughts records....word!

Shell Hunter:-

Our girl at Latitude....


Old Pa's Corner:-
Gerry Garcia - It Stoned Me (2013)

 

This is fantastic track from Gerry Garcia's new album Gerry Garcia Live Vol 2. It was a live concert from 1990. It is the fabulous  It stoned Me,  Van Morrison's ode to growing up from his  Moondance album.
I just love the almost spiritual, gospel feel to it and Gerry Garcia's distinctive guitar solo is a Joy. I was a late convert to the Grateful Dead . But remember it is never too late.
The video is not the actual track on the album but it is taken from around the same time.

Here is the original by Van himself. Van at his very very best

 

Van Morrison - It Stoned Me

London Scouser:-
Scroobius Pip - '5 Minutes' (2013)



This year Mr Pip will be performing an hour long set of spoken word in August at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. To promote it, he has released this spoken word version of a track that originally featured on his 2010 album 'The Logic Of Chance' Having heard the original a number of times and liking it, it wasn't until I heard this version that I truly listened to the lyrics. I won't say much other than it's about domestic violence. Please listen to it..... Thanks. 

(Click here to check out the original)

Sfw:-
Mazzy Star - California (2013)
A New Hope....



Mazzy Star are back with their first album in 17 years, Seasons Of Your Day, which is due 24th September. All of the band's original members appear on the record, led as always by singer Hope Sandoval and guitarist David Roback. Seasons Of Your Day also includes appearances by folk icon Bert Jansch, who died in 2011, and My Bloody Valentine drummer Colm Ó Cíosóig.

I've had a crush on Hope Sandoval's voice (ok, not just her voice) since 1990 and with a catch line like "Music for lovers, Music for Broken Hearts", she'll be casting her spell on me yet again!



Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist







Pada 2 Komentar

Monday, 22 July 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Ian Fisher & The Present - Why Do I Go?

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!


Ian Fisher & The Present - Why Do I Go? (2013)



Ian Fisher was raised in Missouri, upped sticks and emigrated to musical mecca of Vienna, Austria. In 2010, Ian traded his Viennese life for a short stint in New York City then a flat in Berlin, Germany, that would enable him to tour full time and he’s been counting train tracks ever since. After hundreds of concerts in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Denmark, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the U.S., seven self-released albums, and 953 songs (give or take a few).

He also has three projects 'on the go', called the past, the present, and the future, of which in the Present, features himself and musician Ryan Thomas Carpenter. The video features them both being Pyro's.

If you are a fan of Men with Beards, like the gentle stroking of a six-string, or just a miserable bugger, Subscribe to our Spotify playlist and read more Tuesday Blues here!
Pada 2 Komentar

Friday, 19 July 2013

DYLAN COVERS # 108 Television/Sisters of Mercy - Knocking on Heaven's Door

Cold Irons Bound

 
TELEVISION - Knocking on Heaven's Door

Here are two completely different takes on Bob's classic from Billy the Kid. The first is by Television (remember Marquis Moon, now that was an album) it is from a concert in Brazil on  23-10-2005.

Tom Verlaine also appeared on the  I'm not there  Soundtrack.

The second is from Goth favourites The Sisters of Mercy, maybe the  vocals of  Andrew Eldrige suits the dark nature of the song. Thats for you to decide.  It is a demo and is taken from an album called  Victims of Circumstance. It has appeared on several other Boots too. They have also done the song Live on many occasions.
 
SISTERS OF MERCY - Knocking on Heaven's Door
Pada 2 Komentar

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

GIVE ME A GUITAR - Slipknot - 'Psychosocial'

Tired of squirrels munching on your nuts? Give me a guitar (and a trowel) it's time for some guerrilla gardening...




Slipknot - 'Psychosocial' (2008)


Apparently, according to the short sighted Neanderthals at my work, gardening is for 'fruity old farts', oh but they are so wrong. What they don't realise is that it is so Rock N Roll, I wage chemical warfare on molluscs, rub mud on my face, dig holes, walk into spider webs, play with worms and I get to grow peculiar exotic plants, like the Voodoo Lilly. I've been growing this particular plant, which is indigenous to parts of the Med, for about 5 years but frustratingly it's never flowered, until now. I've really been looking forward to seeing it happen as not only is it a striking flower, which sadly only lasts approximately 3 days, but more importantly for it's apparent scent which mimics rotting meat. Especially charming as this attracts flies and the like to a pollen party on it's pistil, and does it smell, one sniff had me reeling, the odour staying with me all day, psychosocial indeed! I remember reading about some gardener saying that it was akin to putting several dead mice in a plastic bag and taking a whiff after a few days....I think I am more worried about how he'd actually know that.


You can't blame the dog!
So it's perfect for playing tricks on your wife/son/mother in law...."come here and have little smell of this beauty" or in the event of the undead rising, you can easily blend in by rubbing a little of this plant on yourself for some serious zombie aftershave. If Metal music was a plant then the Voodoo Lily would be it !



Smell you later!
I've never really been a fan of Slipknot or masks for that matter but I'm a bit partial to some Metal, the heavier the better and this track knocked me out like the scent of a thousand Voodoo lilies. Taken from Slipknot's fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, with all the riffs in the right places and harder than Steven Segal, it was one of my favourite tracks of 2008. Slipknot lost their bassist to an overdose in 2010 and took a hiatus but all gardening fans rejoice as they recently headlined the 2013 Download festival and they are currently putting some demos together for a fifth album, take that Titmarch!



Still feel like kicking a bin over or running really fast? In that case, Have some more GIVE ME A GUITAR!!! posts or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist!



Pada 3 Komentar

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Elvis Presley - Suspicion/The Girl of my best Friend

ONE FOR THE MONEY Part 1 of 2


 
ELVIS PRESLEY - Suspicion (1960)

Growing up in the 50's yes, the 50's (who are you calling and old fart?!!) you just had to be aware of the King. In those days Elvis was indeed the King and there was no one who came close. He had the lot, good looks, a great voice and most of all sex appeal which no other pop or rock star could even come close to. His songs were just magnificent examples of pure pop/rock brilliance. Even Dylan himself wanted to be Elvis as did I and every other young boy of that time.

He was responsible for my first musical performing experience and probably my last too. It was near the end of term when I was still in primary school and the teacher arranged for a concert for the whole class. Each person had to perform an act. It could be almost anything poetry, singing, magic trick etc.

My father made me a guitar out of wood and placed some plastic strings to make it look real. I combed my hair using my father's brylcream to look as near as Elvis as I could. I practised my snear to perfection.

It was finally my turn, I got on stage with my short trousers, swivelling my hips and singing my favourite song at that time Wooden Heart. I was a hit and all the girls in my class wanted to be my girlfriend. I had tasted stardom and I liked it. 

I am afraid to say, if I was doing an Elvis impression today it would be the great big fat version with the white suit and sequins.

Hey! I heard that, just remember, sex appeal is sex appeal, you can't hide it. 

I hope you like my first two Elvis choices.  

 
ELVIS PRESLEY - The Girl of my Best Friend
Pada 4 Komentar

Monday, 15 July 2013

TUESDAY BLUES - Half Moon Run - Full Circle

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!

Cup Half Full

Half Moon Run - Full Circle (2013)

Half Moon Run are a four-piece from Montreal, Canada who have recently toured with Mumford & Sons, have supported Patrick Watson and are currently playing the festival 'circuit' that includes Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading.  They seem to be getting a bit of Radio One exposure, which for the listener, must be a good thing!

Their layered Harmonies, growing arpeggios and well crafted songs have echos of the Fleet Foxes, yet lightly brush Radiohead and dare I say it, Jeff Buckley.  Ones to watch!

Full Circle appears on their recently released debut album Dark Eyes.


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

Saturday, 13 July 2013

FRONT ROW CENTRE - Cake - 'Federal Funding'

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


Cake - 'Federal Funding' (2011)
The Troxy, London on 18th March 2011
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.

LS and I were quite big fans of Cake back when they released their first album. I kind of lost touch with them over the years but when their album came out in 2011, I was happy to see they didn't lose their flare. We bought tickets to see them in the Troxy which id never heard of and found out there would be no support. That's strange? We got a room(!) in London's up and coming Docklands which is only a couple of stops down from Limehouse. While we decided where to get an early dinner, we grabbed a drink at a very welcoming funky pub next to the station called The Railway Tavern. Nothing nearby took our fancy but with our trusty vouchercloud app we saw Canary Wharf was a stones throw away so decided to hop on the tube and grab a pizza there!


The pub attached to the Troxy, The Brewery Tap, has seen better days but the wine was cold and the people watching second to none. We got into the venue and had great seats on the upper circle. I was mesmerised with the authentic art decor interior, what this place must have been like in its hey day!

Thinking the gig would be rather short with no support when Cake first walked on, we discovered it was going to be 'an evening with Cake'. Why have a support when the band you love will play an extra long set with an interval! Quite fitting considering the surroundings we were in!


As expected Cake played for the crowd including my favourites Italian Leather Sofa, Short Skirt/Long Jacket, I Will Survive and Mexico plus many more I'd forgotten. I love lead singer John McCrea's signature look with his trucker cap which matches his rattly Californian drawl. After a quick break they came back on and the first song was my favourite track from the new album, Federal Funding. What stuck out for me was the instrument he was banging against his side to get that distinct 'boing' sound. We found out later it's called a Vibraslap! Just excellent that he used it frequently throughout the set too!
John, givin' it a schlap
Before the end of the gig and the long awaited encore of the distance, the band brought out a tree in a pot. Everyone laughed but the idea was if you guessed which kind of young tree it was, you got to take it home! All sorts of answers were shouted out before finally a girl got it right, a cherry tree! I was sceptical that it may be a stunt but when we were waiting to get the tube back to the hotel, the girl and her friends were lugging this cherry tree around with them. Now that would have been a story! See the video below to see how it went or click here to see the Cake Tree Gallery!

In my opinion, Cake are a band worth seeing, not just for their personalised covers but for their individual style that seems to stand the test of time! No support necessary!


Gig watch (everything you need to know!)
Recommended Pub: The Railway Tavern
Recommended Restaurant: Hop on a tube to Canary Wharf!
Pada 2 Komentar

Thursday, 11 July 2013

DYLAN COVERS #107 Mavis Staples/Pops Staples - Gotta Serve Somebody


A Bobby Ex!

 
MAVIS STAPLES and JOHNNY LANG - Gotta Serve Somebody

Here a couple of excellent takes on Dylan's Christian classic Gotta Serve Somebody.  The first one is taken from a the Points of light Tribute Concert in Washington DC, 21 March 2011. Close your eyes around 28 seconds,  if you don't want to get a horrible fright.

The second version is taken from Later with Jools Holland, 11 July 1994,  Pops is accompanied by Carleen Anderson & her Band.  Pops also did a studio take of the track on his album Father, Father (1994) ,

Both versions are definitely worth a listen . Happy birthday to Mavis by the way, she was 74 on Wednesday.
 
POPS STAPLES - Gotta Serve Somebody
Pada 1 Komentar

Leo's Sunshipp - 'Give Me The Sunshine'

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

a chance to share some of my favourite soul sauce



Leo's Sunshipp - 'Give Me The Sunshine' (1978)

It's time to wear your hankies on your heads, treat yourself to a Magnum double chocolate ice cream and do very little, as whether you're a sun worshipper or not, this song will make you squint it's so bright.

It's probably one of my favourite summer grooves to rival Roy Ayers' 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine', in fact to be enjoyed all year round especially when you're vitamin D depraved, as it's one of those songs where you can actually feel the heat radiating from the speakers.

Can I get a lil' soul clap!
Leo's Sunshipp were made up of former singers who used to work for Motown, notably with Marvin Gaye and Diana Ross and 'Give Me The Sunshine' is taken from their only album, We Need Each Other. It was almost never released however, as lead singer Johnny Simone suddenly succumbed to cancer during the recording of the album but despite only four tracks being produced, the record company eventually decided to go ahead and release it along with several outtakes of the songs.

Have a listen to some of my favourite tracks on my Spotify playlist below or click here to read some more posts.

Pada 1 Komentar

Wednesday, 10 July 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - The Clash - Justice Tonight/Kick it over

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Banged up Abroad
They looked very menacing

 

THE CLASH - Justice Tonight/Kick it Over (1980)

There I was on my way to work in downtown Jeddah, it was the same old route, I took a short cut down a back road and had to cross a traffic light, everybody just slowed down and then crossed. There was never any traffic on this quiet area of town.

This time however I did stop, albeit for a split second as the lights turned to green. I proceeded a few hundred yards when out stepped two armed police, they looked very menacing. I was strongly manhandled from my car and placed in a van along with some other visibly shaken guys.

We headed to the outskirts of Jeddah and then into the dessert, I was beginning to get a little scared as you heard rumours of people disappearing. Eventually we reached what looked like a prison, plenty barbed wire fencing and many armed guards. Could this really be happening to me.

We were placed in a large, hot and smelly cell with another 20 or 30 confused and terrified guys. There was an adjoining room which had a hole in the middle and that was the only toilet.

Over in a corner I spotted a colleague, my squash and running partner. That was a relief, I almost hugged him (almost). We gained our confidence because of our shared company and began to relax and see the funny side of it, "Lets just enjoy it" we said. We found out eventually that we were allowed a phone call so we phoned our work and luckily our boss was at school with the Officer on duty. For approximately £20 each we would be released and he would come and collect us. Boy was that another relief.

If it was not for our boss we would have had to stay the whole week-end and not be released for almost 3 days.

Our crime was not stopping at a traffic light.

A lot of people won't get no supper tonight 
Pada 5 Komentar

Monday, 8 July 2013

TUESDAY BLUES!! Dustin Tebbutt - 'The Breach'

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!


Dustin Tebbutt - 'The Breach' (2013)

Dustin Tebbutt is my favourite new artist. He relocated himself to Sweden (from Australia) to immerse himself in all things cold and the result is a track that would make Justin Vernon and Sigur Ros proud. It echos isolation, winter and is music ideally suited to be heard whilst looking out rainy window panes near a wood laden fire.  Brilliance!

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

Sunday, 7 July 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 07/07/2013 - Robin Thicke, NIN, Pet Shop Boys, Arctic Monkeys, Beck


Five tracks that were like a 5 set thriller on centre court for us this week......



Old Pa's Corner:-
Pet Shop Boys - 'The Last to Die' (2013)


Here is a track from the  Pet Shop Boys new album  Electric (2013) I just had to choose this cover of a classic Springsteen song from his album Magic (2007). I have always been a fan of TPB ever since West End Girls.

Behaviour (1990) was one of my albums of that year.  I do believe their best has come and gone, but I still have a soft spot for them. It is probably a bit unfair also playing the Bruce version, as it is far superior, but what the heck, some out there may not have heard it. Its win win!!


London Scouser:-
Arctic Monkeys - 'Do I Wanna Know' (2013)


What can I say, Alex Turner and the barrel are back with another great song. Instantly recognisable it has the usual clever lyrics that I have enjoyed since they first broke onto the scene a few years back. I've seen it described as a great James Bond style song and I see what they mean. The video is simple but effective and probably cost a bundle to make. They are touring the UK later this year and having seen them at the Olympic Opening Ceremony last year its a gig I know I would love.

Sfw:-
Beck - 'I Won't Be Long' (2013)


If you are lucky to attend this weekend's gig London gig at Union Chapel, you may have a better idea than I of what Beck's recently promised acoustic album is like.  Instead he's teasing us like a tasselled temptress with this vinyl only, single release to follow up 'Defriended' (a previous Shell Hunter TOTW). I'm intrigued as I eagerly await anything by the musical genius, which is Beck Hanson.

Flycasual:-
NIN - 'Come Back Haunted' (2013)



Industrial heavyweights, Nine Inch Nails are back but it sounds like whatever excursion they've come back from, they've had a bad time of it. It's just as well really and I mean that in the nicest possible way of course, as 'Come Back Haunted' is as good as any of the dark, nightmarish soundscapes that Trent Reznor has created and to which I enjoy wallowing too. To top it all off, Mr Eraserhead himself, David Lynch, directs the suitably unsettling video but I chose the audio clip above as it's far more entertaining, if you wish to make your eyes bleed click here to see it. This is an aural advance party, as the NIN's 9th album, Hesitation Marks, drops September 3rd.

Shell Hunter:-
Robin Thicke - 'Blurred Lines ft. T.I, Pharell' (2013)


Its shaping up to be a great summer for dance songs! This cheeky little number has a winning formula once again throwing Pharell into the mix. I love the little Michael Jackson style "woo" running all the way through. Robin Thicke has been on the scene for some time, getting recognition for producing and writing for well known R'N'B artists including Cristina Aguilera. This new album also called Blurred Lines will be his 6th solo album and he has been the first white male artist to top the R'N'B Billboard charts since George Michael. Not bad at all!

Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist







Pada 4 Komentar

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 07/07/2013 - Robin Thicke, NIN, Pet Shop Boys, Arctic Monkeys, Beck


Five tracks that were like a 5 set thriller on centre court for us this week......



Old Pa's Corner:-
Pet Shop Boys - 'The Last to Die' (2013)


Here is a track from the  Pet Shop Boys new album  Electric (2013) I just had to choose this cover of a classic Springsteen song from his album Magic (2007). I have always been a fan of TPB ever since West End Girls.

Behaviour (1990) was one of my albums of that year.  I do believe their best has come and gone, but I still have a soft spot for them. It is probably a bit unfair also playing the Bruce version, as it is far superior, but what the heck, some out there may not have heard it. Its win win!!


London Scouser:-
Arctic Monkeys - 'Do I Wanna Know' (2013)


What can I say, Alex Turner and the barrel are back with another great song. Instantly recognisable it has the usual clever lyrics that I have enjoyed since they first broke onto the scene a few years back. I've seen it described as a great James Bond style song and I see what they mean. The video is simple but effective and probably cost a bundle to make. They are touring the UK later this year and having seen them at the Olympic Opening Ceremony last year its a gig I know I would love.

Sfw:-
Beck - 'I Won't Be Long' (2013)


If you are lucky to attend this weekend's gig London gig at Union Chapel, you may have a better idea than I of what Beck's recently promised acoustic album is like.  Instead he's teasing us like a tasselled temptress with this vinyl only, single release to follow up 'Defriended' (a previous Shell Hunter TOTW). I'm intrigued as I eagerly await anything by the musical genius, which is Beck Hanson.

Flycasual:-
NIN - 'Come Back Haunted' (2013)



Industrial heavyweights, Nine Inch Nails are back but it sounds like whatever excursion they've come back from, they've had a bad time of it. It's just as well really and I mean that in the nicest possible way of course, as 'Come Back Haunted' is as good as any of the dark, nightmarish soundscapes that Trent Reznor has created and to which I enjoy wallowing too. To top it all off, Mr Eraserhead himself, David Lynch, directs the suitably unsettling video but I chose the audio clip above as it's far more entertaining, if you wish to make your eyes bleed click here to see it. This is an aural advance party, as the NIN's 9th album, Hesitation Marks, drops September 3rd.

Shell Hunter:-
Robin Thicke - 'Blurred Lines ft. T.I, Pharell' (2013)


Its shaping up to be a great summer for dance songs! This cheeky little number has a winning formula once again throwing Pharell into the mix. I love the little Michael Jackson style "woo" running all the way through. Robin Thicke has been on the scene for some time, getting recognition for producing and writing for well known R'N'B artists including Cristina Aguilera. This new album also called Blurred Lines will be his 6th solo album and he has been the first white male artist to top the R'N'B Billboard charts since George Michael. Not bad at all!

Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist







Pada 4 Komentar

Thursday, 4 July 2013

DYLAN COVERS #106 Marty Ehrhlich - Blind Willie McTell/Jewells and Binoculars - Dark Eyes

Jazz Pt 1
It's Marty!
 
JEWELLS AND BINOCULARS - Dark Eyes (2001)

Today is the first jazz day. I have listened to quite a lot of Jazz  Dylan  covers over the last few weeks so here are my first two choices. The first is by  Jewells and Binoculars  and as the name suggests they are very into covering  Dylan.  The take of  Dark Eyes  is taken from their album  The Music of Bob Dylan (2001) and is pretty good. There are quite a few live cuts by JAB going the rounds if you want some more.

The second take is by Marty Ehrhich's  and is from the album  Soujourn (1999). If you are partial to a bit of  woodwind  and stuff like that, then this is for you.

Although both are instrumentals they are just fabulous.
MARTY  EHRHICH  - Blind Willie McTell (1999)


Pada 4 Komentar

DYLAN COVERS #106 Marty Ehrhlich - Blind Willie McTell/Jewells and Binoculars - Dark Eyes

Jazz Pt 1
It's Marty!
 
JEWELLS AND BINOCULARS - Dark Eyes (2001)

Today is the first jazz day. I have listened to quite a lot of Jazz  Dylan  covers over the last few weeks so here are my first two choices. The first is by  Jewells and Binoculars  and as the name suggests they are very into covering  Dylan.  The take of  Dark Eyes  is taken from their album  The Music of Bob Dylan (2001) and is pretty good. There are quite a few live cuts by JAB going the rounds if you want some more.

The second take is by Marty Ehrhich's  and is from the album  Soujourn (1999). If you are partial to a bit of  woodwind  and stuff like that, then this is for you.

Although both are instrumentals they are just fabulous.
MARTY  EHRHICH  - Blind Willie McTell (1999)


Pada 4 Komentar

Samba Toure - 'Be Ki Don' / 'Aye Go Mila' / 'Ago Djamba'




Samba Toure - 'Be Ki Don' (2013)

Samba Toure is my new Malian Blues hero. These tracks are taken from his third album, Albala (Danger) and it's a brilliantly sombre affair, Desert Blues in every sense of the phrase, with most songs reflecting on Mali's recent turmoil. Imagine an Islamist ban on music for example, absolute nonsense considering Mali's rich musical heritage. This is everything I love about the genre, intricate guitar playing, hypnotic rhythms, creating a unique atmosphere only the Desert Blues can bring. I imagine the hot desert wind on my face and a mouthful of sand ruining my mint tea, it's essential listening in my view.


Despite cutting his teeth by making a name for himself with the legendary Ali Farka Toure's band and with two albums under his belt, it looks like Albala could be the deserved breakthrough for the 40 year bluesman and recognition amongst the plethora of Mali's musical talent.

I could only find an audio for album opener 'Be Ki Don' (Everybody Dance) but if you have Spotify you can stream my two favourite tracks from the album,

The love song, 'Aye Go Mila' (I only Think of Her (I don't know if he mentions his mother in law in it as it reminds me a bit of Willie Dixon's 'Walking the Blues')).


And the moody and entrancing, 'Ago Djamba' (Life Betrays Us), in fact why not treat yourself and listen to the album here....

Thanks to Songlines Magazine's free CD sampler for giving the heads up once again, and if you want to read more on Samba Toure, find him here on Glitterhouse Records....


Have a listen/subscribe to TuneDr's World Music Corner Spotify playlist below or have a look at some other WMC posts here..


Pada Komentar
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
Powered by Blogger.