Sunday, 30 November 2014

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 30/11/2014 Blake Mills, Gang of Youths, Run The Jewels

Three Tracks that forced us awake!




Old Pa's Corner:-
Blake Mills - Don't Tell Our Friends About Me (2014)

 

I love this one from an album by Blake Mills called Heigh Ho (2014). There are parts in that song I think we can all identify with, but I won't go in to that right now! It reminds me a bit of Ry Cooder in style. I heard this track by chance and have had it on constantly since. I have just read a stunning review of the album in Uncut so I am off to listen to the whole album. If it is as good as this then Xmas has come early.


Sfw:
Gang of Youths - Poison Drums (2014)


Sydney based hoodlums, Gang of Youths seem to have it all.  Poison Drum is like a "Weird Science" combo of The National-War on Drugs-Springsteen all rolled up into a masterpiece of a song.  It has attitude, a melody and gets better and better with every listen.  I love it!

Flycasual:- 
Run The Jewels - 'Close Your Eyes' feat Zach De La Rocha (2014)


Fierce, relentless and noisy, this reminded me of what it was like listening to Public Enemy back in the day. Zach De La Rocha's verse making me feel particularly rebellious by tempting me to go and knock at my next door neighbour's house and run away! Anyway, needless to say this knocked me out like Mickey Rourke's Russian come back last week. Run The Jewels are Old School champ Killer Mike and producer extraodinaire EL-P, 'Close Your Eyes' is taken from their 2nd album, Run The Jewels 2. What we do need to hear more of is Zach......come on pal, sometimes even middle aged dad's need to kick over their recycling bins.

Download the new album here.....word!



Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

Friday, 28 November 2014

TUNEDR'S PLAYLIST - Late Night Hip Hop Vol.1

LATE NIGHT HIP HOP VOL.1



Winter's here, the nights are closing in, a playlist for the nocturnal B-Boy...Y'all know what time is it? Whether you're out on the town, driving home or you just can't sleep, these tracks will see you through the night. From the dark and sinister to the smoked out jazz joints, a Hip Hop playlist for the wee small hours.


TuneDr's Late Night Hip Hop Vol.1
(click to listen/subscribe)

1) DJ Shadow - Midnight in a Perfect World (1996)

Epitomised everything I loved about the 'Trip Hop' era, keeping the essence of Hip Hop alive with heavy beats and clever sampling from some unique crate digging. A genre saving track taken from his debut long player, Entroducing. 


2) Massive Attack - I Against I (feat Mos Def) (2002)

Dark and menacing in true Massive Attack fashion, perfect for vampire fans of the non silly Twilight variety. Well I say silly, this was lifted from the soundtrack of Wesley Snipes' Vampire bashing movie, Blade II. Where were you when we needed you to duff up Edward and co, pal? Oh and it also has the added bonus of Mos Def on the MIC. 


3) DJ Krush - Nosferatu (feat Mr Lif) (2004)

More vampire-rific Hip Hop referencing from Japan's finest Hip Hop export DJ Krush and Boston MC, Mr Lif. 


4) Dalek - Bricks Crumble (2007)

Exterminating any nocturnal Hip Hop doubters with this lo fi boom bap diamond. 


5) Ka - Nothing Is (2013)

When I heard this album, The Night's Gambit, it reminded me of the Marvin Gaye classic, What's Going On. One of my favourite Hip Hop albums of recent times, perfect for that night time walk home in the rain. 


6) Black Sheep - Try Counting Sheep (1991)

...and if in doubt count the sheep. A sure fire old school classic for all crotch grabbing B-Boy insomniacs. 


7) Guru - Loungin' (1993)

A laid back and smoked out classic from a Hip Hop Master, taken from Guru's 1993 Jazzmatazz project. 


8) Earthling - Infinite M (1995)

Spaced out UK Rhymes from Earthling


9) Handsome Boy Modelling School - The Truth (feat Roisin Murphy) (1999)

An absolute brilliant track featuring the mesmerising Roisin Murphy and taken from, So...How's Your Girl?, the Dan the Automator and Prince Paul project, Handsome Boy Modelling School. Try and catch her rapping performance in the absence of J-Live


10) Del The Funky Homosapien - Battle of the Shadow (2007)

It's Del and friends, enough said. Ok, with the Hieroglyphics then.


11) Herbaliser - If You Close Your Eyes (feat Jean Grae) (2005)

I was a big fan of Herbaliser at one time, particularly their collaborations with NY's Jean Grae. Their jazzy blend of Hip Hop and her clever and unique delivery always a winner. 


12) Young Fathers - Mr Martyr (2013)

There's more to Scottish heroes than William Wallace and Andy Murray. 2014 Mercury Prize winners, Young Fathers, stamp their authority with a series of stunning tracks, this one taken from the Tape Two EP.


13) Brother Ali - Begin Here (2009)

From the talented US MC's 2009 EP, The Truth is Here, but more importantly it's the sweet piano sample that gets me. 

DYLAN COVERS # 174 Grateful Dead/ Jerry Garcia - When I Paint My Masterpiece


Ancient footprints are everywhere

 
GRATEFUL DEAD -  When I Paint My Masterpiece (1988)

Here are two live versions of When I Paint My Masterpiece. The first one is by the Grateful Dead taken on the 09/24/88 at Madison Square Garden and the second is by Jerry Garcia and John Kahn, from a Sound Board Recording taken at a concert in Santa Cruz, CA, October 16, 1985.

There is so much Dylan Covers available, literally hundreds and hundreds by the Dead and individual their members, it is so difficult to select anything. I love the Dead covering Dylan so I hope you like these two different versions.


 
JERRY GARCIA and JOHN KAHN - When I Paint My Masterpiece (1985)

Tuesday, 25 November 2014

Jimi Hendrix - All Along the Watchtower (Live )

OLD PA'S WEDNESDAY CLUB

IS A.A. FOR YOU.?

There must be some way out of here!


 
JIMI HENDRIX - All ALONG THE WATCHTOWER (Live 1970)

It was Saturday morning in the early 1970s I sat on the couch, it was nearing mid-day.  I felt like death, my head was throbbing, I felt ill, but what the heck it was a great night.

There was a knock at the door, I did not feel like answering it, I did not want to talk to anyone. It was an old man with a stick, with an old woman, they must have been in their eighties.

Would you like to buy our Magazine sir!

Oh No! it was the Mormons, that is all I needed. I had not the will to argue and did not want to offend such nice old folk so I paid for the Mag.

I sat down again and picked it up, the front page said, Are you an alcoholic, see inside and find out. If you answered yes to four or more questions, then you are an Alcoholic. The questions were similar to below.   

Answer YES or NO to the following questions.

1. Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days?
2. Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking-- stop telling you what to do?
3. Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk?
4. Have you had to have an eye-opener upon awakening during the past year?
5. Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble?
6. Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year?
7. Has your drinking caused trouble at home?
8. Do you ever try to get "extra" drinks at a party because you do not get enough?
9. Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to?
10. Have you missed days of work or school because of drinking?
11. Do you have "blackouts"?
12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

I answered yes to the whole twelve questions!

I poured myself a large drink!

Monday, 24 November 2014

Wooden Wand - Uneasy Peace

TUESDAY BLUES

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


Wooden Wand - Uneasy Peace (2014)
There is something so familiar with this track that I'll be kicking myself when I figure out who it sounds like.  (suggestions please).  In the meantime you'll excuse me for just sitting back and listening.  Wooden Wand is the the moniker of James Jackson Toth and this features on his 2014 album, Farmer's Corner.  Its like a great glass of wine, you don't want to rush it, just slip it slowly.


"You’ve always been cryptic, but this is ridiculous,” 


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!  Do you have a musical memory? Send us the Submit a Guest Spot and we'll feature it!

Sunday, 23 November 2014

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 23/11/2014 - Gianna Lauren, Kindness, Brian Wilson, Bob Dylan, Public Service Broadcasting

Four Tracks that diverted the Polar Vortex!



Flycasual:- 
Kindness - 'This Is Not About Us' (2014)


I've been meaning to post this gem for awhile now but for some reason I kept it on the back burner, possibly in case of a Polar Vortex. With a great sentiment and an unmistakable retro 80's feel to it (just check out the video), it transported me back to days of stone washed jeans and neon spandex, albeit briefly. I also love the fact the song borrowed the beat from the Run DMC classic, 'Peter Piper', strong work there Kindness. 'This Is Not About Us', is taken from Adam Bainbridge aka Kindness' second album, Otherness released last month (October).

Kindness official website....

Old Pa's Corner:-
Brian Wilson - Wanderlust (2014)
Bob Dylan - Things we said (2014)



 
The new double set of Paul McCartney songs is rather ambitious and is bound to be full of great moments and lots of duds. It is full of some of the best artists that have ever been, all doing a song written by Sir Paul. I have chosen two by the OLD GUARD which are both fabulous. Brian is at his very harmonious best and. what else would you expect from Dylan's backing band . Even Bobby's vocals are pretty good too. Great stuff!


Shell Hunter:-
Public Service Broadcasting - 'Gagarin' (2014)



The fabulous upcycling duo have caught my attention with this latest single based around the Russian cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin, who was the first man to enter outer space and orbit the Earth back in 1961. Now this especially ticks lots of boxes in my world, I am a wannabe space cadet. The video is another tick, a lot a suave dance moves and of course the song itself is fun-kay with a capital F. I'm pleased these guys have proved themselves as more than a novelty act as was initially thought. It is definitely worth seeing them too, they put on a good show. It looks like they've hit the Blackpool Tower of concert venues next year for me, they are due to play the Camden Roundhouse! Well done lads, you will be performing amongst the stars!

Sfw:-
Gianna Lauren - Anchor Down (2014)

I am sad.  I missed this a few months ago and was gutted to know that if I picked it up first time round, I would have been able to see her live in Cardiff.  Gianna Lauren originally hails from Alberta and Ontario but now calls Hallifax, Nova Scotia her home.  Anchor Down is infectious, melodic and has a slinky guitar melody that leaves you in a tiz.  A real grower!



Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

Friday, 21 November 2014

DYLAN COVERS # 173 The Waterboys - Nobody 'Cept You/Everything is Broken

I SAW THE CRESCENT

 
THE WATERBOYS - Nobody 'Cept You (2013)

The Waterboys have done many Dylan Covers, but this is the first time I have featured them. I don't know why I have'nt ? because here are two excellent takes, especially Nobody 'Cept You which is outstanding. You can find it on Fishermen's Box (2013) You will find quite a few Dylan Covers on that set too.

The second cover is Everything is Broken and can be found on the Boot:  Live at the Docks, Hamburg (1990). You should be able to find this one quite easily. I think they deserve 'A bang on the Ear' don't you?.

THE WATERBOYS - Everything is Broken(1990)

DYLAN COVERS # 173 The Waterboys - Nobody 'Cept You/Everything is Broken

I SAW THE CRESCENT

 
THE WATERBOYS - Nobody 'Cept You (2013)

The Waterboys have done many Dylan Covers, but this is the first time I have featured them. I don't know why I have'nt ? because here are two excellent takes, especially Nobody 'Cept You which is outstanding. You can find it on Fishermen's Box (2013) You will find quite a few Dylan Covers on that set too.

The second cover is Everything is Broken and can be found on the Boot:  Live at the Docks, Hamburg (1990). You should be able to find this one quite easily. I think they deserve 'A bang on the Ear' don't you?.

THE WATERBOYS - Everything is Broken(1990)

Tuesday, 18 November 2014

Primal Scream - Loaded

OLD PA'S WEDNESDAY CLUB

TAIPEI

How Tall is that Tower Max?

PRIMAL SCREAM - Loaded - Live (1991) 

I was on my way to Taipei to assist Saudia Airlines Cargo Department, to cut over to an Automated System. There was a welcome stop over in Bangkok so I could get a few alcoholic refreshments as Saudia was a dry flight. I probably had about a two hour connection time to Taipei. Enough for a few. It was then a short flight to Taiwan.

I was going to be met at Taipei Airport and taken to my Hotel. I, as always asked them to get me a cheap Hotel so that I could save money and have more to spend on local entertainment.

I waited for over an hour and nobody turned up, so I decided to get a bus to the Centre of Town and then get a taxi to the Hotel. It was proving to be very difficult as nobody seemed to speak English. However, I eventually arrived at the Hotel. I was shown to my room down a corridor in dim red lights. Very tasteful I thought.

I immediately phoned down for some beer and a few minutes later there was a knock at the door. An older woman was there with a very young and beautiful girl wearing a Suzy Wong dress. It took me a few moments to realise that I was being offered this beautiful girl. I declined the offer and decided to drink my beer and watch a bit of local TV. I nearly fell off my beer, when I found out that all the channels were heavy duty Porno. It seemed to cater for the whole spectrum of tastes. Gay Boys in Bondage, Busty Bimbos in Heat etc. etc.

It then donned on me, Red dimmed light Corridor!. The Porno TV!. I was given a room in a Brothel.

Later I went down to a club which was underneath the Hotel. It was my first experience of Karaoke. I sat at a table and before long I had several beautiful girls sitting with me and before I knew it I had a crate of beer and I was sharing it with my new friends. We were having a great old laugh!

After sometime it hit me, how much was this costing?. I got the bill and it was very, very expensive. What the hell, I paid for the beer I may as well drink it and retire to my room when it was finished.

I woke up the next morning with a raging hangover, I was fully clothed and lying across the bed. It then dawned on me where I had been but I had no recollection of what had happened. I fully expected to have lost a kidney or even worse, my wallet missing (well I am a Scotsman). But thankfully all was intact.

I made my way to the office feeling like death, thinking I had a lucky escape. Another valuable lesson learned. Another drink too many!

Don't get loaded when you are abroad and alone.

To be Continued.....

 

Monday, 17 November 2014

Damien Rice - The Greatest Bastard

TUESDAY BLUES

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


Damien Rice - The Greatest Bastard (2014)

Oh Damien! This "not-very-radio-friendly" track has been blasting from my motor all week. It features on his latest release, My Favourite Faded Fantasy.  The album was produced by Damien & Rick Rubin and it ticks all the boxes. It's touching, catchy, bitter and got me thinking about my past.  The Greatest Bastard is similar to Ryan Adams Come Pick Me Up, you have to have the colourful language in it for it to really get the message across. I would have loved to have heard his record label say, "Damien, I love the song, but could you change the title?".  Mr Rice, I salute you.


I made you laugh, I made you cry
I made you open up your eyes
Didn't I?

I helped you open out your wings,
your legs, and many other things
Didn't I?

Am I the greatest bastard that you know?
The only one who let you go?
The one you hurt so much you cannot bear?

Well we were good, when we were good
When we were not misunderstood

You helped me love, you helped me live
You helped me learn how to forgive
Didn't you?

I wish that I could say the same
But when you left, you left the blame
Didn't you?

Am I the greatest bastard that you met?
The only one you can't forget?
Am I the one your truth's been waiting for?

Or am I just dreaming once again?
Some dreams are better when they end

Some make it, mistake it
Some force and some will fake it
I never meant to let you down
Some fret it, forget it
Some ruin and some regret it
I never meant to let you down

We learn to wag and tuck our tails
We learn to win and then to fail
Didn't we?

We learn that lovers love to sing
And that losers love to cling
Didn't we?

Am I the greatest bastard that you know?
When will we learn to let this go?
We fought so much, we've broken all the charm

But letting go is not the same
As pushing someone else away

So please don't let on
You don't know me
Please don't let on
I'm not here
Please don't let on
You don't love me
'Cause I know you do
I know

That some make it, mistake it
Some force and some will fake it
I never meant to let you down
Some fret it, forget it
Some ruin and some regret it
I never meant to let you down
I never meant to let you
I never meant to let you down
I never meant 

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!  Do you have a musical memory? Send us the Submit a Guest Spot and we'll feature it!

Sunday, 16 November 2014

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 15/11/14 - SOAK, Songhoy Blues, Adrian Crowley, Gerard Way, Milky Chance

Five tracks that charged our batteries!



Sfw:-
SOAK - B a nobody (2014)


This track has been in my contenders folder for a few weeks and it is now time to finally share it. It is by Derry 18 year old, Bridie Monds-Watson, aka SOAK. "B a Nobody" is a intimate, honest and raw observation of the pressures that we put on ourselves to be something.

Flycasual:- 
Songhoy Blues - 'Al Hassidi Terei' (2014)


One of the highlights from last year's Damon Albarn project, Africa Express, was Songhoy Blues' 'Soubour'. They weren't just another Malian Desert Blues band, as I felt they had more of an edge on their contemporaries, certainly with their 'harder' guitar sound. 'Al Hassidi Terei' is taken from the Desert Punks forthcoming debut album, Music in Exile, which is out next February and on this form it's definitely something to look forward to.

Songhoy Blues on Transgressive Records...

Old Pa's Corner:-
Adrian Crowley - One Blue Morning (2014)


I have heard the name,  but never really got round to checking him out until to-day.. What is wrong with me? Don't answer that!.The first two tracks from AC's new album just bloo! me away. I was aware he had the Leonard Cohen Tab, but I did not expect this.  This is great stuff and the voice is just up my Khyber Pass.

I have the album on repeat. I will be on catch up soon too. Check out the Hungry Grass also. Richard Hawley, he has stolen your tones.

London Scouser:-
Gerard Way - 'Millions' (2014)


 I have to admit I wasn't the biggest 'My Chemical Romance' fan, I liked a couple of songs 'Teenagers' and their cover of 'Desolation Row' which was on the soundtrack of the excellent comic book adaption film 'Watchmen'. Earlier this week their former lead singer Gerard Way came up to my desk at work, I didn't recognise him but the name rang a bell as I'd heard he had played some gigs in the UK. Also with his bright red hair under a beanie he looked like a 'somebody' so I decided to check out his recent album 'Hesitant Alien' and was pleasantly surprised. This particular song is released on Monday and has a video which looks like it was made with 70's special effects reminiscent of 'Can You Feel It' only with a better arse...

Shell Hunter:-

Milky Chance - 'Down By The River' (2014)


I knew I was destined to like these guys. We decided to take a punt and see them at Latitude after reading the intriguing blurb about the band being an interesting mix of folk electronica with a hint of reggae. We were gutted to find out the gig was cancelled (I think to sickness) so I forgot all about them. Well once again thanks to John Kennedy's Xposure show during my drive home I was hooked by this little ditty. Their quirkiness reminds me of Alt-J which holds them in great stead so far. The duo are from Germany and released their first album Sadnesescary last year and everyone is a winner, I kid you not, this track being the second single. Listen out for the howly vocals that sound jut like that noise a balloon makes when you slowly let the air out!


Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 15/11/14 - SOAK, Songhoy Blues, Adrian Crowley, Gerard Way, Milky Chance

Five tracks that charged our batteries!



Sfw:-
SOAK - B a nobody (2014)


This track has been in my contenders folder for a few weeks and it is now time to finally share it. It is by Derry 18 year old, Bridie Monds-Watson, aka SOAK. "B a Nobody" is a intimate, honest and raw observation of the pressures that we put on ourselves to be something.

Flycasual:- 
Songhoy Blues - 'Al Hassidi Terei' (2014)


One of the highlights from last year's Damon Albarn project, Africa Express, was Songhoy Blues' 'Soubour'. They weren't just another Malian Desert Blues band, as I felt they had more of an edge on their contemporaries, certainly with their 'harder' guitar sound. 'Al Hassidi Terei' is taken from the Desert Punks forthcoming debut album, Music in Exile, which is out next February and on this form it's definitely something to look forward to.

Songhoy Blues on Transgressive Records...

Old Pa's Corner:-
Adrian Crowley - One Blue Morning (2014)


I have heard the name,  but never really got round to checking him out until to-day.. What is wrong with me? Don't answer that!.The first two tracks from AC's new album just bloo! me away. I was aware he had the Leonard Cohen Tab, but I did not expect this.  This is great stuff and the voice is just up my Khyber Pass.

I have the album on repeat. I will be on catch up soon too. Check out the Hungry Grass also. Richard Hawley, he has stolen your tones.

London Scouser:-
Gerard Way - 'Millions' (2014)


 I have to admit I wasn't the biggest 'My Chemical Romance' fan, I liked a couple of songs 'Teenagers' and their cover of 'Desolation Row' which was on the soundtrack of the excellent comic book adaption film 'Watchmen'. Earlier this week their former lead singer Gerard Way came up to my desk at work, I didn't recognise him but the name rang a bell as I'd heard he had played some gigs in the UK. Also with his bright red hair under a beanie he looked like a 'somebody' so I decided to check out his recent album 'Hesitant Alien' and was pleasantly surprised. This particular song is released on Monday and has a video which looks like it was made with 70's special effects reminiscent of 'Can You Feel It' only with a better arse...

Shell Hunter:-

Milky Chance - 'Down By The River' (2014)


I knew I was destined to like these guys. We decided to take a punt and see them at Latitude after reading the intriguing blurb about the band being an interesting mix of folk electronica with a hint of reggae. We were gutted to find out the gig was cancelled (I think to sickness) so I forgot all about them. Well once again thanks to John Kennedy's Xposure show during my drive home I was hooked by this little ditty. Their quirkiness reminds me of Alt-J which holds them in great stead so far. The duo are from Germany and released their first album Sadnesescary last year and everyone is a winner, I kid you not, this track being the second single. Listen out for the howly vocals that sound jut like that noise a balloon makes when you slowly let the air out!


Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...

Thursday, 13 November 2014

DYLAN COVERS # 172 - Don Mclean - Masters of War x 2


The Jester stole his thorny crown!

DON MCLEAN - Masters of War

Here are two versions of The Masters of War sung live by Don Mclean. One is a young Don and the other is is from May 2010.  I am not sure if the young Don version is the same as what is on a take from his album Solo, released in 1976. It sounds pretty close, but the tack on Solo does not have the talking introduction..

Nice to see that the Don is still going strong. You will find other live versions on You tube.
 
DON MCLEAN - Masters of War

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Cure - Love Cats/Close to You

OLD PA'S WEDNESDAY CLUB

HERE KITTY! KITTY! KITTY!

 Kitty
 
THE CURE - Love Cats

In the early seventies I once shared a house with some Stewards and Stewardesses. One time they were all away flying or staying with boyfriends or girlfriends. I was left all on my lonesome.

I went to bed and was in that place where your are about to fall asleep but are still aware of what is going on. It was then that  I heard what I can only describe as a wailing sound. I immediately thought it probably was a couple of cats in heat. It was very annoying. It went on for sometime when it occurred to me that the sound appeared to be coming from the room next to mine.

Now nobody was at home except me so I assumed that cats had managed to get in a open window or something so I decided to investigate.

I crept to the next door bedroom and and opened the door as quietly as I could and what I saw, well, I don't know who was more shocked?  me!, or Richard and his new boyfriend.

The next morning at breakfast I apologised for my interruption and introduced myself,

'Hi! I am Old Pa, you must be Kitty!'

I don't particularly like Love Cats but it was most appropriate. So here is Close to You a much better choice.
 
CURE - Close to You


Monday, 10 November 2014

The Milk Carton Kids - Michigan

TUESDAY BLUES

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


The Milk Carton Kids - Michigan (2011)
A couple things surprise me about this band.  1) They have little facial hair, 2) I have never featured them before.   The Milk Carton Kids are Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, singer-songwriters who met through their mutual musical interests and have been releasing music since their 2011 debut, Prologue.  Glorious harmonies and bitter sweet songs have given them some recognition from their peers and their 2013 album, The Ash and Clay, even received a Grammy Nomination.

A real missing gem!

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!  Do you have a musical memory? Send us the Submit a Guest Spot and we'll feature it!

Sunday, 9 November 2014

TRACK OF THE WEEK 09/11/14 - Tom Odell, Buddy, Homeboy Sandman, Frazey Ford, Bombay Bicycle Club

Five tracks that were more than just a brick in the wall!



Shell Hunter:-
Tom Odell - 'Real Love' (2014)


After watching the John Lewis Christmas advert I am an emotional wreck. It's cleverly crafted to warm even the coldest of hearts with Tom Odell's emotive voice as backing and starring one of my favourite animals, a penguin, named Monty. This track is not to be mistaken for Tom's 'Another Love' but isn't too far off. It's a cover of a Beatles track that I'm not familiar with but will of course investigate. It could be that London Scouser and I are expecting our first child in a few months and I am prone to the odd spillage of emotions but I think the song will be a massive hit. It's got a good Christmas Carol feel to it and made me feel warm and fuzzy. The anticipation of Christmas and the magic for me has dwindled as I've got older so I'm excited to have my love of it rekindled with a mini 'us'.

Sfw:-
Buddy - 'Weak Currents' (2014)


I've was listening to Portland-born musician "Buddy" (please tell me this is actually Will Ferrell's character in Elf!) when I was in the sunshine and it just sounded so good.  Now I'm back in blighty, it's like a shot-in-the-arm, flu jab. Short, sweet and blasts away those winter blues. (download the mp3 below)


Flycasual:- 
Homeboy Sandman - 'Problems' (2014)


I've just started a new job (thanks) and although I'm heady with excitement at this new juncture in my career, it's been an unproductive week for music. I do the majority of my listening in the car on my way to work which previously took close to an hour, at least an albums worth. Now it takes me the best part of 13 minutes, hardly enough for a 12 inch. Poor me, I'll figure it out....First World Problems. Which leads me to the aptly titled 'Problems' from one of my favourite MC's, New York's Homeboy Sandman, taken from his 5th album, Hallways. An album I managed to listen to over the course of the week. There are some great lines in there, notably the one about Kurt Cobain. Dope!


Old Pa's Corner:-
Frazy Ford - 'September Fields' (2014)

This Aussie Gal has a voice to die for and with the right song it is something to behold.  Her Band is tight and that organ gets me all the time.

This is a song from her new album  Indian Ocean (2014) and is called September Field and I just Love it. I have added a live take as it ilustrates perfectly Frazys intensity.

London Scouser:-
Bombay Bicycle Club - 'Home By Now' (2014)




I read that BBC had a festive type video for their latest single release, but with a difference. It's like a  school nativity play version of the Stanley Kubrick film '2001: A Space Odyssey'. I think I've seen the film but can't really remember. The video is fun, and the song is really good. It has their trademark twangy sound and features Lucy Rose on vocals, who I've found out was born in Camberley, so she's up there in my book.



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Saturday, 8 November 2014

Iggy Pop - 'I Need Somebody'


Repeat Prescriptions....The Top 100 Classic Albums Of All Time that you keep coming back to!





Like doing a university course as a mature student, I am returning to my musical education and filling in the gaps. I intend to revisit The 100 Best Albums Of All Time (see them all here) as recommended by Q Magazine back when the poll was last done in 2006. Some I will know and love, some I will have skimmed and some I will not even have given time of day. This will all change when I listen to every album in full as it was intended, from 100 to 1, and choose my favourite song from each.


Album Number 95: Iggy Pop - Raw Power - 'I Need Somebody' (1973)

It's the first time since starting this project that I really tried but couldn't enjoy an album. I can confirm though that the title is totally apt. This album and especially Iggy's vocals are full of Raw Power. It was that that I struggled with! I wasn't sure where one song ended and another began, it was pure rock and roll noise! It wasn't until I read into the album that the version I listened to was the original Iggy mix. This was heavy on the vocals and Bowie was approached to remix the album. I noticed there was a version of the album Bowie mixed on Spotify but haven't heard it to compare. I haven't a clue if that would've made a difference to my opinion. Has anyone heard both versions that can tell me if he really improved it?

Anyway as it was the original album that Iggy recorded that I listened to, this still stands. The track I chose is the only one I actually like. Don't get me wrong, I like a lot of Iggy and The Stooges stuff, but for some reason this album went right over my head. Apparently Columbia records insisted Iggy include 2 ballads on the album, this being one of them. It's a slow rocky number that wouldn't be out of place in a backstreet burlesque joint. I can just picture feather boa's and over dramatic dancing. So I like a track that wasn't even Iggy's choice!




Shell Hunter says put it back on the shelf


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