Muyei Power - 'Wali Bena' / Owiny Sigoma Band - 'Lua Land'

Muyei Power - 'Wali Bena' / Owiny Sigoma Band - 'Lua Land'

Flycasual Gilles Peterson Kenya Muyei Power Owiny Sigoma Band Soundway Records Tune Doctor TuneDoctor World Music Corner

'WORLD MUSIC' CORNER

A drum storm to make you dance like Roger Milla

Sharp!

Muyei Power - 'Wali Bena' (1970 ish)

I wish I had learnt to play the drums at school instead of chasing the dream trying to play either 'Careless Whisper' or 'The Heat Is On' on the sax. The sounds emanating from my horn, successfully murdered said songs and scuppered any chance of wooing any Molly Ringwald lookalikes with George Michael's love ballad. Keep your frontmen, I'd rather be a Keith Moon, Dave Grohl, Buddy Rich or....ehm Phil Collins any day....I'm a beat man.

I was blown away by 'Wali Bena's' frantic wall of drums in what is probably one of the best percussive tracks I have ever heard, proving that there's a lot more to Sierra Leone than all the bad press of civil war and Ebola. Indeed Muyei Power were one of the top dance bands of Sierra Leone in the 1970's but despite intensive touring, at home and abroad, they split in 1979 leaving only a handful of recordings such a this amazing single.

Muyei Power on Soundway Records....

Owiny Sigoma Band - 'Lua Land' (2015)

Speaking of frantic...fast forward some 40 years and we find one of my favourite recent bands, London/Nairobi's Owiny Sigoma Band with a sweaty, frenetic and quite frankly a bonkers track, which is taken from their 3rd, forthcoming album, Nyanza (out Aug 28th). I defy you not to find your nearest corner flag and shake them hips.

Owiny Sigoma Band on Bandcamp...

Legendary Roger Milla...his hips didn't lie!

You can shuffle just like Roger Milla to our 'World Music' Corner.

sfw Pada 05:03 1 Komentar

Breakdown Brass - 'Next Episode'

Breakdown Brass - 'Next Episode'

Breakdown Brass Dr. Dre Flycasual Musical Medicine Tune Doctor TuneDoctor YO! TuneDr Raps

Musical Medicine....for whenever you need to blow your own trumpet!

Brass Monkeys!

Breakdown Brass - 'Next Episode' (2015)

Need a rumbling Sousaphone in your life? Fancy a mix of Balkan Brass, funk and Hip Hop? Well get a load of Brooklyn's Breakdown Brass, creating a big sound...fresh and fun, especially the top drawer cover of Dr Dre's classic, The Next Episode. The band trumpeting the expletives from the original means you could even play this next time grandma's round for tea, word! Next Episode is taken from their latest single, Monmouth, listen to it here on Spotify....

Breakdown Brass's website here.....

....and just in case you didn't know the original from Dr Dre, now you know.

Have a listen/subscribe to our tummy rub of Musical Medicine below or visit some of our posts, here.

sfw Pada 14:52 2 Komentar

The Mouse Outfit - 'Who's Up Next' / 'The Answer'

The Mouse Outfit - 'Who's Up Next' / 'The Answer'

Flycasual Jurassic 5 The Mouse Outfit Tune Doctor TuneDoctor YO! TuneDr Raps

Mash up the weekly shop in your Peugeot 508sw with YO! TuneDr Raps

Mouse Outfit - 'Who's Up Next' feat Dr Syntax, Sparkz, Truthos Mufasa, Dubbul O & Cutterz (2015)

Can I get a lil' soul clap y'all! 

Here's two top drawer, secret compartment tracks taken from one of my favourite albums of the year, The Mouse Outfit's second outing, Step Steadier. It's very much old school in flavour, big crew, straight up head bobbin' UK Hip Hop with 'Who's Up Next' being very reminiscent to Jurassic 5 in style. Enjoy...

With a laid back vibe and live instrumentation, it's definitely one band I'd love to see. Whilst holidaying in Whitstable, I took my Father in Law for a drink at the Duke of Cumberland, a pub that also have live bands perform. It's a cool place that has lots of music memorabilia and flyers of various acts that have played or are playing, already grumbling it perhaps was not the best place to take a man who would gladly ban music from pubs. Having a look around, I almost spilled my pint when I realised I had missed the UK's finest Hip Hop band by a few weeks, so I just had to beckon over my Father in Law from the other side of the pub to show him the flyer and share in my disappointment. He's probably wondering why his daughter married me, Mouse Outfit indeed.

The Mouse Outfit - 'The Answer' feat Dr Syntax

For more rodent orientated Hip Hop, have a look at the Mouse Outfit's website here...Or check out their excellent album, Step Steadier on Spotify here....

Yes Yes Y'all, click here to check out some more of out Hip Hop posts....word!

sfw Pada 21:00 Komentar

Courtney Barnett - 'Depreston' / 'Avant Gardener'

Courtney Barnett - 'Depreston' / 'Avant Gardener'

Courtney Barnett Flycasual Musical Medicine

Musical Medicine....Grand designs for the soul.

Courtney Barnett...Alan Titchmarch a big fan

 

Courtney Barnett - 'Depreston' (2015)

I love her witticisms, her Aussie drawl and song delivery. 'Depreston' would be my house hunting song of choice if we could afford to move. Instead we've remortgaged to destroy a leaky garage but not to convert it to a music den but into a utility room slash loo for when you can't be arsed to go upstairs for a wee. Except we prob didn't remortgage enough....like the song says 'if you've got a spare half a million, you could knock it down and start again', if only. 'Depreston' is taken from her exceptional album, Sometimes I Just Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit, released earlier this year. (listen to it here on Spotify)

Courtney Barnett - 'Avant Gardener' (2013)

'Avant Gardner' was the track that initially drew my attention to Courtney's talents. One of my favourite tracks from 2013, it tells the tale of a slacker with good intentions to clear up her garden but it ultimately ends up badly as she has an asthma attack, all told in her trademark deadpan style. Brilliant. Should have stayed in bed instead. The umpire in the video looks familiar, I can't put my finger on it. 'Avant Gardener' is taken from the 2013 EP, The Double EP: A Sea of Split Peas. (listen to it here on Spotify)

Have a listen/subscribe to our tummy rub of Musical Medicine below or visit some of our posts, here.

sfw Pada 12:36 2 Komentar

Alessandro Cortini - 'Passatempo'

Alessandro Cortini - 'Passatempo'

Alessandro Cortini Atticus Ross Flycasual Musical Medicine Trent Reznor

Feeling a bit unsettled? Have a bit of Musical Medicine, like a dose of Calpol for the soul!

Alessandro Cortini - 'Passatempo' (2014)

Bleak & atmospheric, perfect for cruising around the skyline of a Blade Runner-esque, dystopian cityscape in or, in my case, an evening drive home from work. Either way it's a sublime piece of futuristic electronica. Incidentally, I recently watched the, 'our generation's Fatal Attraction', Gone Girl, it's an excellent movie with an equally fine soundtrack from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The desolate and almost claustrophobic nature of the music adds to the tension throughout. I wanted to hear more but it maybe somewhat inappropriate to play the soundtrack at home considering the subject matter and the wife in the film is a nuttah! The reason it struck a chord is perhaps that Alessandro Cortini also happens to be part of Nine Inch Nails when they are together. He also fronts a Electro-Alt band called Sonoio. Passatempo is taken from the Italian's 3rd solo album, Sonno, out in 2014.

Have a listen/subscribe to our tummy rub of Musical Medicine below or visit some of our posts, here.

sfw Pada 07:20 Komentar

Metallica - 'For Whom The Bell Tolls'

Metallica - 'For Whom The Bell Tolls'

Flycasual Give me a guitar Metallica Skateboarding is not a crime

Have the sudden urge to run really fast into your neighbours fence? Save the embarrassment, just listen to Give Me a Guitar instead!

Rocking the salon!

Metallica - 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' (2014 live @ Rock Am Ring, Nuremburg)

I've never been happier than when I'm on my board, cruising at speed, wind in my hair and the noise of the wheels tearing up the curb. That is until my wheels hit a tiny pebble, the skater's nemesis, the board stops abruptly but I don't, the momentum carrying me forward as I make an unplanned landing on the concrete. I Pick out the gravel from my forehead/elbows/knees and nod in acknowledgment at the kids who are laughing uncontrollably at the large middle aged man taking his time getting up from the floor. That was last summer, it's happened before and it'll happen again but I'll keep skating. An old pal once told me that 'Old Skatedogs never die'....hmmm maybe so, they just get heavier and fall harder.

Sfw and I used to skate (still do-ish), ever since Marty Mcfly held on to the back of cars in Back to the Future in 1985, we've been hooked. It was the best fun, we made some great friends along the way, we were competing against ourselves as well as our peers. There was no time for booze and girls, we were out flirting with all the sweet skate spots but maybe that was the problem. You see, we followed the Bones Brigade, the superstar group of Cali kids we aspired to be. I bought a Tony Hawk deck, Sfw a Lance Mountain and with that dreams of being a chubby Hawk, sailing through the air. I realised that after watching the excellent Bones Brigade Autobiography, the Bones Brigade were just a bunch of boy scouts (Like I think Tony Alva says in the documentary) and that I've been rooting for the wrong guys all this time. Tony Hawk's rival Christian Hosoi should have been my skater of choice, he was Rock and Roll and had style in abundance. See Below:-

The soundtrack to this clip is immaculate, Metal doesn't get much better than this! 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' is taken from Metallica's second album, 1984's, Ride the Lightning. I wish I listened to that on my 'boom box' whilst skating instead of Milli Vanilli or Deacon Blue, I might have been a bit better than I was.

Anyway boy scouts or not, the Bones Brigade ripped! And the fabulous end credits show these guys, living legends to me, still tearing it up at skate competitions and such (my groin twitches at the thought!)....they are all in their late forties early 50's. Still an inspiration!

Bones Brigade, (L-R, Stacy Peralta, Rodney Mullen, Steve Caballero, Tony Hawk, Mike Mcgill, Lance Mountain, Tommy Guerrero

Check out our GMAG playlist, whenever you need to run on the spot really really fast!

sfw Pada 12:24 Komentar

Samba Toure - 'Touri Idje Bibi' / Atri N'Assouf - 'Medan'

Samba Toure - 'Touri Idje Bibi' / Atri N'Assouf - 'Medan'

Atri N'Assouf Flycasual Samba Toure World Music Corner

'WORLD MUSIC' CORNER

Samba Toure - 'Touri Idje Bibi' (2015)

I'm perhaps even more excited than when I looked out the window this morning to be welcomed by the season's first of the snow, 'darn sarf' anyway. The pathetic dusting will no doubt have caused panic as our news channels will inevitability be clogged up with reports of travel chaos in Surrey, unlikely given the amount of 4x4's. More excited because of the release of Samba Toure's latest album, Gandadiko (burning land), out last week. He's probably my favourite African artist, just from the brilliantly sombre Albala (2013), recorded in the back drop of the war in Mali. This album on first hearing is a lot more diverse than his last offering and a little more joyful, particularly on the single 'Touri Idje Bibi' (black fruit). It's still darker in places, losing none of his own brand of Desert Blues as the guitar playing is immaculate. I'm off the watch the news reports of the 'Surrey Snow Bomb' with the sound down.

Warning, I don't recommend the video if you are feeling woozy or a bit sea sick.

Listen to Samba Toure Gandadiko on Spotify here.

Samba Toure on Glitterbeat records and official site.

Atri N'Assouf - 'Medan' (2011)

Speaking of immaculate guitar playing, then you must check out Niger's Atri N'Assouf. 'Medan', is one of the standout tracks from their 2011 album, Akal, proving there's far more on offer on the Desert Blues circuit. Some members of Tinariwen helped out on the album but it doesn't detract from the fact that band member Rissa, is a talented guitarist with his own distinct sound. Hear for yourself below.

Atri N'assouf Akal on Spotify

Snow flurries making your nose run? Get some desert wind in your face with TuneDr's Desert Blues Vol.1. or

You could do a lot worse than having a listen to some more of our 'World Music' Corner.

sfw Pada 00:20 1 Komentar

Canyons - Apples and Pears

Canyons - Apples and Pears

Canyons Flycasual Musical Medicine

Musical Medicine.....one of your five a day for your soul

Canyons...compote fans.

Canyons - 'Apple and Pears' (2008)

'Apples and Pears' from Aussie duo, Canyons, is a far more tasty and interesting proposition than gorging yourself on Pink Ladies in a bid to making sure you're getting one of your five day for your yearly detox. A fabulous track which reminds me a bit Steely Dan, Daryl Hall and John Oats and erm...maybe even Toto. Anyway it's good stuff and a bit of Musical Medicine for the soul. Taken from the 2008 EP, The Lovemore and definitely one of your five a day.

sfw Pada 12:20 2 Komentar

Flycasual's - Best 5 of 2014

Flycasual's - Best 5 of 2014

Best of 2014 Damon Albarn EL-P Flycasual Jungle Killer Mike Royal Blood Run The Jewels Tony Allen War on Drugs Zach De La Rocha

2014 - Another Great Year For Music

This time of year always fills me with a sense of happy dread. Not only is Christmas round the corner with all the buffoonery that that entails but it's the real stress of compiling your best of the year. Never mind an eight month old baby and getting my head around a new job it was this exclusive list that was giving me sleepless nights. Many thanks as always to my fellow bloggers Old Pa, Sfw, London Scouser and Shell Hunter for providing class A material for the blog but also contributing to my soundtrack of the year. Props y'all!

Jungle - 'The Heat'

It's not very often a band comes along and completely knocks me out Frank Bruno style. These guys ticked all of my boxes since I first heard them earlier this year, they were elusive, their videos had some brilliant dance choreography and they had a retro vibe not heard since Hue and Cry in the 80's (ok maybe not them but they're definitely channeling a 80's white soul ting but light years better). Needless to say they didn't disappoint at Latitude either, the moshing (why?) kids did however. Band of the year, sound of the summer, stunning!

War On Drugs - 'Red Eyes'

On many a best ofs list and for good reason, it really doesn't get much better than this. Devastatingly brilliant, it gives me goose pimples every time. Beautiful melody, beautiful musicianship, a track perfectly put together...and then he goes "woo" and it kicks off! Almost Springsteen-esque. Oh stop gushing! We missed them at Latitude but we past the tent when this played and that was highly memorable. Thanks to Old Pa for the heads up, track of the year!

Royal Blood - 'Loose Change'

An absolute belter! That's a lot of noise coming from two guys. Watching them perform live is something else, this is only the beginning for the talented Brighton duo. A firm family favourite, 'Loose Change' is the brightest diamond from a solid debut album.


Run The Jewels - 'Close Your Eyes' feat Zach De La Rocha

Fierce, chaotic and rude, reminiscent to how I felt when I first listened to Public Enemy in the 80's. Run the Jewels is Rap's in form duo, EL-P and Killer Mike, with a VIP guest spot from Rocks very own, "I'm bloody annoyed", Zach De La Rocha (who incidentally did his verse in one take). Perfect for the middle aged dad to turn the stereo up to 11 in his Peugeot estate after the kids are safely dropped off at school/nursery. A Bombtrack fo' sho'.

Tony Allen - 'Go Back' feat Damon Albarn

It would have been hard to ignore Damon Albarn after he released his debut solo, Everyday Robots, earlier this year. Though it was a decent album with some notable standouts, it was the sobering collaboration with Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen that hit the spot.

It took lots of workin and twerkin to squeeze dem tracks into a top 20. A labour of love fo' sho' and I'm sharing it below, have a listen. Or if you're feeling a little adventurous try my B-sides for size here.....

sfw Pada 05:38 6 Komentar

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

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

Black Sheep Brother Ali Dalek Del The Funky Homosapien DJ Krush DJ Shadow Earthling Flycasual Guru Herbaliser Ka Massive Attack Roisin Murphy TuneDr's Playlists YO! TuneDr Raps Young Fathers

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. 

Check out all our Tunedr Playlists on Playlist.net here....
or for Late Night Hip Vol.2
and Late Night Hip Vol.3 here.

Check out our other TuneDr playlists....here 

sfw Pada 13:58 Komentar

The Raah Project - 'Trick of the Light' / Yaw - 'Where Would You Go'

The Raah Project - 'Trick of the Light' / Yaw - 'Where Would You Go'

Flycasual Gilles Peterson Musical Medicine The Raah Project Yaw

A double dose of Musical Medicine....as soul soothing as taking a bath in caramelised onion topped with coriander houmous!

I've been listening to Gilles Peterson's best of Brownswood Bubblers compilation over the last couple of weeks where I came across these two absolute belters. Gilles, Boba Fett nod of appreciation goes out to you.

The Raah Project - 'A Trick of the Light' (2010)

Freakish Swing from Melbourne duo, The Raah Project, it's as if Tony Bennett was performing at some seedy jazz joint on the far reaches of Mars. They formed through a mutual desire to work with a Big Band/Orchestra after toying around, adding beats to their collection of Jazz and Classical records. The project spiralled and they started working with a number of different Aussie artist resulting in the eclectic 2009 album, Score. The Raah Project are currently in the process of recording a new album which you can keep abreast of on their website here.

Yaw - 'Where Would You Be' (2009)

Impeccable nu-school Soul which sounds as if it could take place amongst any of the old school classics. Goose pimple inducing stuff from the glorious horns to the Chicago based singer's sublime vocals, evocative of an era.

Follow Yaw @YAWMUSIC on Twitter here...

Check out more from Gilles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings here.....or

listen to the Best of Brownswood Bubblers on Spotify here too!

Need a pick me up? Listen/subscribe to a dose of TuneDr's Musical Medicine....or read some more here.

sfw Pada 08:13 Komentar

Marilyn Manson - 'Apple of Sodom' / Rammstein - 'Rammstein'

Marilyn Manson - 'Apple of Sodom' / Rammstein - 'Rammstein'

David Lynch Flycasual Give me a guitar Marilyn Manson Rammstein

GIVE ME A GUITAR!

Have the urge to kick over your neighbour's green recycling bin? Avoid bewildering your kids by listening to GMAG instead!

Mum, Dad, Vicar, meet my new boyfriend...

Marilyn Manson - 'Apple of Sodom' (1997)

Here are a couple of tracks to make your ears bleed for a little bit, hopefully in a good way if that's at all possible. I know they're not everyone's cup of tea but I didn't know they were mine until I was I was slapped in the face by the Shoe of Love. Yes my long term girlfriend left me and I was reeling, living that time like the lyrics to Prince's 'Nothing Compares To You'. Blah Blah, it happens to everyone I know but despite a new found clarity in music, I stopped listening to it for awhile. That was until I was introduced to the soundtrack to David Lynch's creepfest, Lost Highway and that was it, it was exactly the kind of heart massage I needed. In reflection it also shows the dark, despairing place I was trying to dig myself out of, funny how music vividly takes you back to an era. Dark and sinister, these two tracks will live with me forever......

Mum, Dad, Vicar, meet my new German exchange students..they'll be staying for a week.

Rammstein - 'Rammstein' (1997)

Awesome Fact: I once went to a Rammstein concert with several members of this blog and despite the incredible noise, the sweat and amazing pyrotechnics, London Scouser managed to fall asleep standing up against a wall of the venue. 

Check out our GMAG playlist, whenever you need to run on the spot really really fast!

sfw Pada 01:43 1 Komentar

Tinariwen - 'Iljaych Tareq'

Tinariwen - 'Iljaych Tareq'

Flycasual Mali Tinariwen World Music Corner

WORLD MUSIC CORNER

'The Desert Bez' and his crew

Tinariwen - 'Iljaych Tareq' (2014)

You know what it's like, you go camping, you light a bonfire, maybe have some marshmallows even though you don't like marshmallows and then one of your friends takes out a guitar. Bloody hell you think, what a mood killer as they start playing half baked covers....you'd rather listen to the mosquitoes buzzing around your ears. But then there's Tinariwen, the Desert Blues dons and that's a whole different proposition, atmospheric, entrancing, exactly what you need for an evening under the stars...even makes the marshmallows taste nice. Whilst recording their latest album, Emmaar, in the Joshua Tree Desert, the 'desert Bez' and his boys would jam around a campfire long into the night. Inside/Outside - The Joshua Tree Acoustic Sessions are the fruits of that labour, 5 striped back tracks that see the band go back to their roots, without all that production of a studio, brilliant and evocative! The offer is still open boys, come round, we can sit in my son's sandpit and sip tea late into the night!

If you like you 'Desert Blues' check out TuneDr's Desert Blues Vol.1 here....

For more World Music Corner click here, or listen/subscribe to the playlist below, tastier than marshmallows fo' sho'!

sfw Pada 02:14 2 Komentar

Edwyn Collins - 'A Girl Like You'

Edwyn Collins - 'A Girl Like You'

Edwyn Collins Eurostar Adventures Flycasual Recollection Collection

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

Edwyn Collins - 'A Girl Like You' (1995)

Edwyn Collins has a lot to answer for!

In the mid nineties I used to work as a pumped up cabin crew aboard the then prestigious environs of Eurostar (more Eurostar adventures here). Back when everybody was giddy with excitement about going through a tunnel for 20 minutes.

And as you can see, I had an equally dazzling uniform! Phwoaaarr!

I would work with the same crew for a period and would obviously get to know them fairly well, unfortunately some tried more than others as my purser took a real shine to me. She would always try and find moments alone with me whilst on the train and ask about my love life.....over zealous trolley checks, over enthusiastic help with cash floats, helping me grill the Croque-Monsieur, yep, she'd be there.

When I'd mention this to friends, they'd often be like, "what's the problem? Get in there, she's a superior officer!". The problem was that she had a chin Jimmy Hill would have been proud of and I had a girlfriend I was particularly fond of. What's more, she kept calling me "my baby" and being twice my age, it just added to my discomfort as I was fairly content having a mother already.

Jimmy Hill, King Chin!

Things came to a head when my crew had a night-stop in Paris. On arrival, I had some downtime and I would take the opportunity to listen to some music on my Walkman (a portable tape, that's TAPE player) while waiting for the crew to finish up what they were doing. I was just about to relax with my latest monthly mix when 'psycho purser' sat far too close to me and asked if she could listen in.

"Uh, yeah ok." I mumbled

The first track happened to be the Edwyn Collin's classic, 'A Girl Like You'. Halfway through the song she blurted out, "You've done this on purpose, this song is about me, isn't it?"

"Hmmm, no really it isn't!" I replied, mild panic settling in.

"I must borrow this tape!" she retorted, I reluctantly handed it over.

The crew reconvened for dinner at a cheap and cheerful station restaurant later that evening and the cabin crew equivalent of Kathy Bates in Misery was clearly overdressed for the occasion. Amusingly she wore her hair not too dissimilar to Princess Leia from Star Wars and I made the mistake of telling her exactly that.

"Ooh, listen everyone, Brian just called me a Princess!" She cooed.

"No, no really I didn't, I just....", I tried vainly to explain.

But it couldn't have been further from the truth, she was more suited as a villain in Jabba the Hutt's court than in the arms of the dashing Han Solo.

Jabba the Hutt's court, there she's is, third from the left!

After dinner, I tried to make a quick getaway only for her to corner me in the lift alone. She tried to convince me to come for a 'night cap', even asking me if I would leave my girlfriend for her. Things had gone waaaaay out of hand now but it wasn't me who eventually complained, it was the rest of my crew who had noticed her behaviour. I was bemused by the whole episode, sometimes annoying but I never felt threatened. Of course I am aware of how serious a harassment case can be but I always thought I could handle it. I was asked by my management if I wanted to take it further, which I didn't and instead she was reprimanded and duly removed from my line.

I can't even remember her name or what happened to her afterwards as a result but ultimately I wasn't bothered, I was more pissed off that I didn't get my tape back.

Nothing like the girl in question!

Despite all that, the Northern Soul inspired, 'A Girl Like You' is a firm favourite of mine. It's coming up to the 20th anniversary of that song which the BBC's 'One Show' kindly reminded me, jolting memories of how not to conduct a romantic break in Paris for two. Interestingly (or not) the fuzz/dirty guitar sound was created using a vintage guitar pedal from the 60's.

What I didn't realise was how ill Edwyn Collins has been, suffering a series of strokes and cerebral haemorrhages back in 2005. With any hope of survival all but written off, he managed to recover somewhat and is able to tell the tale. A documentary of his life is being released on Nov 7th entitled, The Possibilities Are Endless. Powerfully inspiring stuff!

Check out some of my other favourite songs and memories here....or listen/subscribe to the Recollection Collection playlist below.

sfw Pada 02:38 5 Komentar

Waylon Jennings - 'Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way'

Waylon Jennings - 'Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way'

Flycasual Hank Williams Musical Medicine Waylon Jennings

Musical Medicine......like a barn dance for the soul!

I'm not sure if Old Pa should have done it this way!

Waylon Jennings - 'Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?' (1975)

I'm not particularly a big fan but I've been exposed to high levels of Country and Western over the years, courtesy of Old Pa. A safe enough dosage to make up part of my musical DNA, with Hank Williams and Jim Reeves the usual protagonists. But this exposure would usually only occur in the wee small hours when we've overstayed the evenings welcome after a 'good night', it's too late to go to bed and/or the 'bottle has let us down'.

I first heard this song when Old Pa sent it to me one afternoon saying I would like it but it was the middle of the day! How will my ears react to Country this early in the day? How right he was! I couldn't get enough of it, it lasooed me in like a naughty cattle rustler and I probably had it on repeat for the rest of the day. The late Waylon Jennings' foot stompin ode to Hank is Musical Medicine of the highest order, the formula is just right!

Waylon Jennings' website....

Need a pick me up? Listen/subscribe to a dose of TuneDr's Musical Medicine....or read some more here.

sfw Pada 21:51 5 Komentar

Action Bronson - 'Easy Rider' / Illuzual - 'Chemicals'

Action Bronson - 'Easy Rider' / Illuzual - 'Chemicals'

Action Bronson Flycasual Illuzual YO! TuneDr Raps

YO! TuneDr Raps!

A couple of tracks that gave me some swag for the school run this week

Action Bronson - 'Easy Rider' (2014)

Some brilliant tripped out, 60's infused Hip Hop in a pastiche to the classic road movie of the same name. All courtesy of US heavyweight rapper, Action Bronson which is taken from his forthcoming album, Mr Wonderful. Before becoming an MC, Mr Action used to be a gourmet chef in New York and references food in many of his tracks, even hosting his own show entitled "Action in the Kitchen".....in yo face Jamie Oliver!

Check out more action on here....

Illuzual - 'Chemicals' (2014)

An album that managed to hit my Hip Hop tickle spot last week was Illuzual's Goodie Bags and like the title suggests, it was full of Hip Hop goodness. It's laid back, smoked out 'boom bap' style is exactly what I love about the genre. Illuzual is a German DJ/Beatmaker signed on to Sheffield label, Bad Taste and the album also features a number of stable mate UK MC's as well as a member from another of my favourites, the Mouse Outfit (featured here). Out of many stand outs, it's the lo-fi 'Disguise' that was a particular highlight, with it's good use of a sitar and atmospheric nuances in the background, perfect for all nocturnal activities, whatever they maybe. Speaking of which, 'Disguise', will definitely feature in our forthcoming Spotify playlist, Late Night Hip Hop Vol.3. For now check out Vol.1 and Vol.2.

Unfortunately the 'embed code' on the Bandcamp site didn't work so I have had to post the Spotify embed instead. Above track, Chemicals, was the first track I heard from the album that had me hooked like a tractor beam.

Check out so more YO! TuneDr Raps here....word!

sfw Pada 02:44 Komentar

Common - 'I Am Music'

Common - 'I Am Music'

Common Flycasual Jill Scott YO! TuneDr Raps

YO! TUNEDR RAPS

Yes Yes Y'all, would you like some Charleston with your Hip Hop?

Common - 'I am Music' feat Jill Scott (2002)

The debauchery filled, Scott Fitzgerald love fest classic, The Great Gatsby, was released last year with plenty of fanfare, courtesy of a re-working by Baz Lurhmann. I love the romantic idea the book depicts of the roaring twenties, with all the Art Deco architecture, 'anything goes' attitude and the Jazz age music from the era, particularily the Charleston and the Lindy Hop (a distant relative to B-Boy 'Locking'?).

Hence this track, the amazing 'I Am Music', for me the standout from Common's 2002 album, Electric Circus. With the legendary late beat maker J-Dilla pulling the strings, he creates something utterly unique by effortlessly marrying Hip Hop and Charleston, the perfect soundtrack for Jay Gatsby to woo back his Daisy. Although, as far as I'm concerned she's not worth all the fuss - it's the Jordan Baker character he should have gone after....I'd definitely learn to 'flap' for her.

Common...not a flapper.

Incidentally (this should be a 'Nerd Alert' if I can borrow from our Cover Nerd) the cover to Electric Circus was inspired from The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. See who made it on it here....


Check out my other Common post, the Curtis Mayfield inspired ode to Serena Williams, 'The Loving I Lost'. Or for more Yes Yes Y'all Hip Hop posts, click here. Word!

sfw Pada 08:32 4 Komentar

Flycasual's Best Of Latitude 2014 - Jungle, Young Fathers, The War on Drugs

Flycasual's Best Of Latitude 2014 - Jungle, Young Fathers, The War on Drugs

Flycasual Jungle Latitude War on Drugs Young Fathers

I didn't find myself really but I did find myself surrounded by pseudo hippies in obligatory garb back from their two weeks in Goa, rich white kids doing the festival circuit on mummy and daddy's money kicking over bins and Essex women slumming it with their festival chic and expensive wellies! Not to mention a super cell storm in a leaking tent...Apart from that, a beautiful vibe and setting, incredible music and unforgettable memories with sterling company. Thanks TuneDr crew.... 

Uncomfortable viewing...

Jungle - 'Time' (2014)

This was my most anticipated gig, mid afternoon in the sweltering BBC6 music stage. I haven't felt hysterical about an act in quite sometime and with such a distinctive sound, Jungle are without doubt my favourite band of the year. So I'm near the front and slowly it gets more and more crowded as people pile in the venue, the heat rises and somewhat appropriately, it feels like...ehm a jungle. The seven piece do not disappoint despite feverish conditions as they play an energetic set, further cementing my admiration for them. I did get irked at the 'youts' throwing themselves about the mosh pit akin to 'sweaties' at a Cradle of Filth concert, a wholly inappropriate way to behave to 'White Soul' but that probably says more about my age than anything else. Talking of 'White Soul', I jokingly said to Sfw that Jungle were this generation's Curiosity Killed the Cat or Living in a Box or even Hue and Cry, but clearly that'll be doing them a complete disservice. However they did play right after Daryl Hall and John Oats....just saying!

Mosh Pit about to kick off!?

Young Fathers - 'I Heard' (2013)

Latitude Festival Dilemma, who do I see? Damon Albarn, one of my favourite ever artists with a rich history and a diverse array of music or up and coming rappers, Young Fathers, who have been compared to Massive Attack's early days? I'm a big fan and, like Jungle, Young Fathers are a band I've really been excited about. I take the plunge and head off to the atmospheric iArena, a stage set in the middle of the woods, to see Scotland's finest. A bit hit and miss to be honest but a performance as fierce as the surrounding rain storm (which, according to Shell hunter, scuppered Damon's encore somewhat by dispersing the crowd, despite having brought on Graham Coxon as a guest). When they're good they're magnificent, ending in soulful anguish with the brilliant 'I Heard'.

I'm not weeing in there!

The War On Drugs - 'Red Eyes' (2014) Live at Latitude Festival 2014

The line up was fantastic but with so many good bands to see you're never going to catch them all. We had just seen the brilliant Future Islands and were now making the trek back from the iArena to the main stage at the Obelisk Arena to see Tame Impala, probably a 15 minute walk. A distinct sound stops us in our tracks as we pass by the BBC6 Music stage, it's the War On Drugs' 'Red Eyes', one of my favourite songs of the year ever since Old Pa featured it on a TOTW back in March and it was a stunning performance. One of the aspects of Latitude I loved was that despite the inevitability of missing out on artists, you're always going to get to see something due to the positioning of the various stages.

The iArena....Ewoks and Speederbikes just out of shot!

Subscribe/listen to our Latitude Best of playlist, as refreshing as a baby wipe shower!

sfw Pada 22:00 3 Komentar

Tori Amos - 'Cornflake Girl'

Tori Amos - 'Cornflake Girl'

Close Encounters Eurostar Adventures Flycasual Recollection Collection Tori Amos

Thursday I'm in Love..a chance to share some of my favourite cereal!

Where's my cornflakes?

Tori Amos - Cornflake Girl (1994)

Ah Tori Amos, nobody believes me but we shared a moment, she and I. I remember hearing the excellent 'Cornflake Girl' at a New Years eve party at Sfw's, standing in the nerve centre (the kitchen) discussing the virtues of her unique and rather saucy piano playing style. It cemented my love for piano, the video is case in point (even dirty rotter Conan O'Brien licks his lips), Phwoar!

Our brief encounter took place back in 95', I was a steward on board Eurostar, delivering service with a smile. I was standing on the platform, meeting and greeting our first class passengers in my Canary Yellow blazer, tiger print bow tie and Village People style hat (no joke). I knew that it was going to be a day like no other as I was confronted by none other than Tori Amos and her entourage of 3 friends on a day trip to Paris. Untapped passion simmered when our eyes briefly locked, as I went to help with her bags, the train whistled and steam covered the platform, we were ready to depart. As expected it was an uneventful trip, that was until I bumped into her at the end of the carriage prior to our arrival and she asked me if I was coming back to London that night. My heart skipped a beat, the piano playing songstress was going to ask me for a drink, I stammered that I was returning on the exact same train. "great" she said "could you look after my magazines? I don't want to haul them around Paris". Gutted but still hopeful that this was a Rock n' Roll euphemism for hooking up with mere mortals (maybe there was her phone number in one of the mags!!....there wasn't). I told her not to worry and obliged to look after an unfeasibly large collection of uninspiring home improvement magazines. On the turn-around in Paris I couldn't go for my usual stroll and pose around the Quartier Latin but instead had to sit/sleep on my prized collection of magazines like some sort mother hen and her eggs. Dreams of a Rock N' Roll romance were all but shattered when my knob of Supervisor said he didn't need me for the return and instead wanted me go on an earlier and busier train. My desperate protests fell on deaf ears when I told him I was looking after a superstar's magazines (albeit illegally). "Tori who? I don't care I want you on that train".

Tori Amos, never got her mags back and I never saw her again. I like to think that there's a song out there she wrote about that handsome but bastard of a steward who took off with a bunch of woman's interest magazines.

Tori??  Bloody hell is that you love?

I've sort of stopped following her after that brief liaison but later, on doing a bit of research for this post, I subsequently found out that she has released a 12th studio album last summer, called Night of the Hunters. I was also surprised that the natural beauty, rather disappointingly decided to go down the route of plastic surgery but despite this, it won't stop me giving the new album a listen, it may rekindle that magic we once had!



Click here to see the video for 'Carry', taken from the album. Official site here too, some interesting photos!

Where did that rabbit put them keys? Click here for more of my favourite tunes..they're rad!

sfw Pada 22:00 15 Komentar