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Showing posts with label Reggae Ting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reggae Ting. Show all posts

Sunday, 6 April 2014

TRACKS OF THE WEEK 06/04/2014 - The Men, Little Hurricane, Prince Fatty

Three smog clearers that were a breath of fresh air this week...


Old Pa:-
The Men - Sleepless (2014)


I just had to feature this track, for 2 mornings now I woke up and it was there. That is always a good sign, so it just had to be done. The track is from The Men's new album Tomorrow's Hits and it is rather good. I love when a track burrows its way into your brain but sometimes it can be annoying. Take that bloody advert for, I can't remember but the song is the Phil Collins song True Colours and I find myself humming it as I go about my business. I used to like Phil Collins.  

Flycasual:-
Prince Fatty - 'Did You Really Know' feat Soom T (2014)


You can't beat a bit of rootsy dub to blow your kid's minds! My listening habits have changed somewhat over the past few weeks with a brand new wee one ruling the crib, it's a bit difficult to playing the likes of Mastodon or Public Enemy without adding to the chaos. Reggae is the perfect answer, Gregory Isaacs was the only thing that would sooth my eldest son and now it's London's Prince Fatty (a nod to King Tubby) to the rescue for my youngest. It must be the hypnotic bass and beat of the music, something primal like a heartbeat...perfect for 'jigging' around trying to calm an angry baby. I'm a big fan of his brand of old school reggae/dub and 'Did You Really Know' is taken from his latest and 6th album, Prince Fatty VS Mungo's Hi-Fi, released last month. Easy Kno!

Prince Fatty on Mr Bongo records...

Sfw:-
Little Hurricane - Sheep in Wolves Clothes (2014)


San Diegans, Little Hurricane, consist of duo of Anthony "Tone" Catalano and drummer Celeste "C.C." Spina who refer to themselves as [the] "dirty blues duo". They met when "Tone" was advertising for drummers on Craigslist and the rather lovely "C.C." answered the call. They've just released their second album, "Gold Fever" through their own label, Death Valley Records. I'd recommend you checkout their website, where you can download a free covers album, titled Stay Classy (A Collection of Covers). It all sounds a bit Anchorman to me, but like Ron and the Channel 4 news team, these duo are on the cusp of being a "big deal".

Stay Classy!


Listen or even better, subscribe to our tracks of the week playlist here...
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Saturday, 5 April 2014

Bob Marley - 'Redemption Song'

Musical Medicine....a track that's like a good session in the swim up bar for the soul!



None but ourselves can free our minds



Bob Marley - 'Redemption Song' (1980)

I have chosen this song for a couple of reasons. Last year I went to Jamaica for a holiday and was expecting to be bombarded with Bob Marley songs all day long. I was wrong, it was mostly modern ragga stuff which doesn't really appeal. It's far too aggressive and not what I wanted to hear sipping my Red Stripe on the beach! 

Finally, I heard a bit of Bob, this particular song which I never really took much notice of before. It's not quite the stereotypical 'jammin' reggae you get on holiday resorts. I only remember a guy strumming it on a guitar and singing it during the sad funeral scene from the movie The Beach. This time though, I really listened "none but ourselves can free the mind". I never realised they were words from a Marcus Garvey speech and how influential a song it was. Even considered one of his best works! 

When I came back from Jamaica, I saw that Marley the recent documentary was on and made sure I watched it straight away. I ashamedly realised I actually knew nothing about The Great Bob Marley, his life and what he did for the people of Jamaica. 

All this came back to me last week, walking along the beach in Koh Phi Phi on the way to one of the only restaurants there for dinner. I could hear a guitar gently strumming over the lapping waves and one of the other hotel guests singing it. It's a beautiful song and is now right up there with my favourites from Bob. It means so much more to me now.

One Love, Jamiaca.
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Sunday, 4 August 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 04/08/13 - Shy FX, Villagers, Kings Of Leon, Merchandise, Franz Ferdinand

Five tracks that were a welcome cold pack of brewski's...



Old Pa's Corner :-
Merchandise - 'Anxiety's Door' (2013)

 
Shellhunter was here this week as it was Old Ma's seventieth birthday. We were at this pub and the guy was very excited to tell us about his new project. Playing concerts videos outside, He said he had Tom Jones and even Michael Bollocks. I asked if he had the Smiths?.
Now that brings me to the track Anxiety's Door by Merchandise. It is more like the Smiths than the Smiths are. But don't let that distract you, it is a fantastic track and could quite easily fit in to any classic Smiths Album. The guitar work all through the song is superb and I bet even Mr Marr himself would approve.

It is taken from their Totale Nite (2013) mini CD and is worth a big listen.


SFW:-
Villagers - 'Earthly Pleasures' (2013)


'Earthly Pleasures', is set for release on August 26th and features on the Villagers second album, {Awayland}.  The video nicely embodies Conor O'Brien's fantastic story telling.

In June, Villagers toured in North America and played a standout show at Glastonbury Festival. Earlier this month Conor O’Brien was invited to appear at Beck’s Song Reader Live at The Barbican in London, alongside Jarvis, Franz Ferdinand, Charlotte Gainsbourg and others. Conor performed his own sensitive version of “Old Shanghai” which was hailed as a standout of the evening by The Independent and also performed a duet with Beck on closing song “Do We, We Do”.

Flycasual:-
Shy Fx - 'Soon Come' Feat Liam Bailey (2013)



Heavy tune! This is so good. 'Soon Come', featuring the vocal talents of Liam Bailey, is the new single from Shy FX, who is perhaps more well known for his Drum and Bass exploits. But his heart is well and truly rooted in reggae, evident in his forthcoming reggae album 'Cornerstone', out later this summer. The single's hook is based on an old Lloyd Charmers track called 'Oh Me Oh My' but instead of using a sample, Shy FX wanted to re-recorded it onto audio reel for that authentic vintage sound.

I much preferred the above video for it's retro feel as the official one reminds me of a cider ad but I'm just miserable. Catch it here too if you need cheering up.


Shy FX on Digital Soundboy

Shell Hunter:-
Franz Ferdinand - 'Right Action' (2013)


This was one of those instant hits for me, makes me want to stomp around the room! It's been 4 years since Franz Ferdinand had an album out so the release of Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action next month, is long awaited for me. You could say this single is Franz Ferdinand by numbers, it is everything I like about them and more: the funky pounding guitar and marching beat with a smattering of catchy singalong choruses. The Glasgow band are touring heavily at the moment and will be paying a visit to Electric Brixton in London on 20th August and I'm sure their stage engergy will be worth sneaking a peak at!

London Scouser:-
Kings Of Leon - 'Supersoaker' (2013)


The Followills are back..... Nuff said !!!! Ok so I'll say a few more words. Its been a few years since they released anything and for me they're back on form. With a song that has their distinct sound ticking my great track boxes. I've been a fan since the day Shellhunter came home and said you have to listen to 'Molly's Chambers'. We were lucky enough to see them in 2008 at the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas and they didn't disappoint. I'm glad we saw them in a fairly intimate venue because they are so big now its either a stadium or something almost as big. Great as it would be, I prefer the smaller venue. A comedian who's name escapes me once said that stadium gigs are pointless, you end up being so far away, you may as well listen whilst you sit in your garden with the album cover placed at the far end cos that's the same kind of view you'd have !!!


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Thursday, 27 June 2013

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

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



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

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



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

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


Congo Natty - 'Revolution' (2013)

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

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


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



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Wednesday, 19 June 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - U Roy - Natty Rebel

NO TIME FOR LIES

 
U ROY - Natty Rebel

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

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

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

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

You should be ashamed of yourself Old Pa.!!


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Wednesday, 24 April 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - UB40 - One in Ten


Stand Down Margaret



UB40 - One in Ten (1981)

Well it has all died down, now that the funeral of Maggie Thatcher has come and gone. You have to say that she certainly divided the nation and everyone has an opinion on her. It is normally completely for or completely against her.

I don't come into any of these categories, as to be quite honest I am a bit indifferent towards her. I have to admire the way she forced her way to the top in a strictly man's world. It was really quite remarkable. However, I have great sympathy for the miner's and the way whole communities suffered because of her policy's.

Now here is a little story of what happened to me in 1979 and because of MT I could have become a little more well off. I was living in a 2 bed Maisonette which I luckily got through a Housing Society. At the time it was a life saver as I had just got married and had a young kid (Flycasual) and had nowhere to stay. It was a good deal too, as after 5 years you could leave and get a proportion of what you paid in back. The longer you stayed the more you got back.

I was determined to buy my own place and worked like a dog to get the money together. I did any extra shift I could do and begged and borrowed enough for a deposit. I managed to get £6000 together which was quite a sum in these days. After much hard work and pain I manage to get on that ladder. A 3 bedroom semi-detached suburban Mr Jones type of house. I had done it.

Two months later Maggie got in and announced  immediately that she was going to sell off council houses and that also included Housing Society properties. I could have bought the one I had just left,  for yes you guest right £6000. It was immediately worth over £30,000.

Now let me ask all you Maggie haters, how would you feel about her if she was responsible for giving you a large windfall like that.

Would you like to know how I would have felt?

Bloody marvellous!   


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Sunday, 10 February 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 10/02/13 - Junip, Tame Impala, Palma Violets, Filthy Boy, Professor

Five tracks that kept our Dreamliner flying this week...what were yours?





SFW:-
Junip - Line of Fire


Ever since I heard Crosses, I've been a fan of Jose Gonzalez and I could listen to his gentle vocals and exquisite guitar playing all day! His band Junip add further ingredients to the mix and Line of Fire features on their upcoming self-titled album.
 



Flycasual:-
Tame Impala - 'Mind Mischief' (2013)


I really enjoyed Tame Impala's album, 'Lonerism' last year, all courtesy of Old Pa's TOTW recommendation, the Glam Rock infused 'Elephant'. 'Mind Mischief', the latest single, is no different, a superb slice of 70's influenced psychedelic rock. The video is equally brilliant too, no, not because of that....well a bit (phwoar) but because of how the music compliments it so perfectly. I just love how the filming is split, from the classroom, to car and then descending to the post smoke hallucinogenic trip......or maybe that's what love looks like? Anyway I'm probably just jealous, I can't really remember lusting over any of my teachers. The only female teacher I remotely had any sort of fleeting interest in was my A-level geography teacher and she had a beard but you should have heard the way she explained plate tectonics.


Shell Hunter:-
Filthy Boy - 'Jimmie Jammies' (2013)


I love this song from the tip of my night cap all the way to the bottom of my bumble bee slippers! there's nothing better than getting all comfy and snug in your PJs and if it leads to some serious cuddling, all the better! Some of you may find this a bit wishy washy and a 'novelty' track but I disagree, it shows promise as being fantastically different with it's moody, saucy atmosphere even though it doesn't fail to get a smile from me. Lead singer Paraic Morrissey has a great voice, reminding me of Nick Cave or even Jim Morrison and I'm certain we will be hearing more from the London foursome. Filthy Boy's debut album called Smile That Won't Go Down is out on April 1st. Who needs a feather boa when the belt of your dressing gown will suffice!

Hit the link to check out their website (here) and grab a free download of 'Jimmie Jammies', woohoo!

London Scouser:-
Palma Violets - 'Step Up For The Cool Cats' (2013)



London's Palma Violets have just started a fairly large tour and if their set is half as good as this track then they are destined for great things. I hear a little of The Vaccines here with the underlying hammond organ sound that takes me back to the early 90's and one of my fave bands of that time, The Inspiral Carpets.
Previous release Best Of Friends is worth a listen too as the vocals sound like a cross between Mick Strummer  & Joe Jagger to me.

www.palmaviolets.co.uk/

Old Pa's Corner:-
Professor - Throw Down Your Arms (2012)

 
This is a fantastic rendition of the classic Burning Spear song (one of my favourite reggae tracks, and one of the best anti wars songs you can get) it comes from the 'Professor' album  'Throw Down your Arms' (2012) it was release at the end of December last year. The tracks were recorded live at the 'Reggae Sun Ska Festival in Europe in 2011'

I have just been listening to most of the album and it is a must hear if you a are reggae fan. The musicianship is fabulous and the energy is of incendiary proportions. The Spear would be proud.




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

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Wednesday, 30 January 2013

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Bernard Lavilliers - Stand the Ghetto

 WEDNESDAY CLUB today we have Steak Tartare, Tin Tin and some really cool French Reggae

Dans les rhumbars en bois

 
BERNARD LAVILLIERS - Stand the Ghetto(1980)

Because my wife stayed in Nice (France) for a large part of her life it was only normal we visited as much as we could. Her her mother still lived there too. I had cheap flight as I worked for British Airways in these days, so we were able to go almost when we liked.
.
While we were at a restaurants in Nice centre,  Flycasual used to wander off and usually end up in a book shop quite close. We always new where to find him. He would be looking at Tin Tin, Buck Dani or other books that took his interest. One day we wandered in to find him and I was brought to a standstill by the record that was playing. It was reggae but with a French accent. I had to ask who it was and ended up buying an album by Bernard Lavilliers called 'O Gringo' (1980) and the song that got me was 'Stand the Ghetto'  The album was not great but was interesting. BL was travelling the word and making music from what he heard during his travels. A bit like what Paul Simon has done in the past.

I later found an updated (not as good version on Napster ( the old Napster)). The original is the one here.
The reggae of course is not for you purests, but I love it and it brings back some good memories. You can't ask for more than that,

The Restaurant we were at that day did a beautiful Steak Tartare with salad and frites, all washed down with lashings of  Estando Rose, from the Provence. With Bernard Lavilliers, 'Stand the Ghetto'  the memory is complete.

For more Wednesday Club,  Doctor! Doctor!  
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Wednesday, 23 January 2013

Chaka Demus and Pliers - 'Murder She Wrote'/'BamBam'

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

 Follow meh!


Chaka Demus & Pliers - 'Murder She Wrote' (1994)

Mine's the blond!....

I have always wanted to meet a Maxine because of this song and last week, at work, my dream was finally realised. On a rare and precious break, I decided to 'run the gauntlet' by going from the office to the coffee shop in the departure lounge. This should be a round trip lasting no longer than 7 minutes leaving you a total of 23 minutes to enjoy your downtime. However, with 'running the gauntlet', you risk having your time severely dented as passengers see the uniform/hi-viz vest and converge on you like brain starved zombies wanting to ask you all sorts of questions. And since I'm the type of guy who likes to provide a service with a smile, I oblige. This time a young woman wanted to ask me a question about her flight and checking her boarding pass I noticed her name was Maxine. I must've let out a little squeal, as I tried hard to suppress myself from blurting out something disastrous like "hey, just like 'Murder She Wrote'" and sing "If I ever tell you about Maxine". Luckily my brief liaison with Maxine was uneventful and she was happily on her way to the correct boarding gate whilst I was able to go back to my office to enjoy a 21 minute break.

Chaka Demus and Pliers, 'Maxine, her face is like a bunch of rose', apparently..

And thanks to that encounter it reminded me of these two brilliant tracks which I haven't heard in years. I absolutely love the backing and so did they by the looks of it as it's used on both songs. Despite Chaka Demus and Pliers being successful Dancehall artists in their own right, 'Murder She Wrote' (produced by Sly and Robbie) was their most popular hits as a duo, taken from their 1993 debut 'All She Wrote'.

 

Chaka Demus and Pliers - 'Bam Bam' (1994)

The equally irie 'Bam Bam', a reworking of a Toots and the Maytals classic also features on the album. Hear dis!

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


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Sunday, 13 January 2013

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 13/01/13 - Imagine Dragons, Congo Ashanti Roy andPura Vida, Torche, Stereophonics, Vinyl Williams

Five tracks to help fight off the January Blues!

London Scouser:-
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive (2013)

For my first foray into the realms of TOTW I believe I've found a corker. Las Vegas's Imagine Dragons have had success in their homeland and I think that with this track they are going to repeat the feat over here. I heard this for the first time at about 5am going into work and immediately had to track it down. Now the more I hear it the better it sounds. It has an epic feel about it despite it only being 4 minutes long. But what a great 4 it is. They are playing at The Forum on April 11th, I may check them out.
I won't say much about the video except for two things. 1 - it's really cool, especially seeing Lou Diamond Phillips & 2 - Shellhunter, you should not watch this. You have been warned

Old Pa's Corner:-
Congo Ashanti Roy & Pura Vida - 'Only Jah' (2012)

Roydel Anthony Johnson (born 12 April 1943), better known as Congo Ashanti Roy is a Jamaican singer best known as a member of The Congos but who also recorded solo and as a member of Ras Michael's Sons of Negus.
This track is taken from the album 'Hard Road'  and has been on my play list all this week. Oh boy! I need my reggae fix every now and again and this does it for me big time. It is the way I like my reggae and is a really consistent album all the way through. Pura Vida are a Reggae band from Belgiun by the way. 

Flycasual:-
Torche - 'Harmonslaught' (2012)



I first heard this song just before Christmas, it was the perfect, unexpected headphones moment. At work, on a break, an opportunity to catch up on some tunes when this beast of a track comes on and blows me away and a few cobwebs in the process. I almost spat out a mouth full of donut all over the table it startled me so, it was exactly what I wanted to hear. Out of all the inane types of music categories, Torche have apparently been given the fortunate/unfortunate tag of 'Sludge Metal' which in the case of this song, with it's thumping drums and monstrous riff, I believe is especially apt. It makes me think of a fat troll trudging through a swamp with a belly full of Hobbits. A scene not too dissimilar to myself slogging through my local park on a traditional post Christmas lunch walk. I've been going through this ongoing Rock/Metal phase ever since Sfw introduced me to the Miami rockers through a song from their excellent 'Harmonicraft' album, which was featured on a TOTW last year. 'Harmonslaught' is their new single and is available on the Torche website here....

Shell Hunter:-
Stereophonics - 'In A Moment' (2012)


The boys are back in town and this latest single released at the back end of last year is intense! I heard it a few times on the radio and thought wow, these guys sound just like Nine Inch Nails with the constant industrial drone in the background and the rough guitar. I thought I'd better find out who it was and was surprised to see it was the Stereophonics' new single with the lush smokey voiced Kelly Jones back in full swing. A fresh new album called Graffiti On The Train due for release in March could hold a new edgy sound which will put the hairs on my chest! Download the track for free from the 'Phonics website here www.Stereophonics.com


SFW:-
Vinyl Williams - 'Inner Space'

This track by LA Based Artist & Musician, Lionel 'Vinyl' Williams has been tripping round my head all week. Call me bonkers, but can I say it takes you on a psychedelic sonic adventure in a way not to dissimilar to Hendrix's 1983 /Moon Turn the Tides from Electric Ladyland. On a lighter note, I think his name sounds Welsh and Lionel 'Vinyl' Williams would be a great name for a record store.

Checkout previous Tracks of the week here

Listen & Subscribe to our 2013 Tracks of the Week Spotify Playlist
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Wednesday, 14 November 2012

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Burning Spear - 'The Fittest of the Fittest'

MIDWEEK CRISIS you feel a bit fat after all that holiday indulgence, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got a rowing machine and Winston Rodney to help you slim!



 

BURNING SPEAR - 'The Fittest of the Fittest' (1983)

You are fat, you finally admit it, it is time to diet and get fit, you know it is right and you know you should have done it long before it has got to this stage. Everything you wear feels tight, that is not you (as you see/imagine yourself) in those Christmas photos.

Time to join a gym, well maybe not! You know what happened last time? You went and met your personal trainer (a babe) and were enthusiastic about the fitness plan, the trouble is you went just 3 times in 6 months and that meant it was costing you over £60 every visit. You tried to cancel immediately but forgot to read the small print, you needed to give 3 months notice. So you went for comfort and ate 2 large bags of crisps and a Pukka pie. To hell with bloody Gyms!!

I remember buying a rowing machine. I thought it would be much cheaper than going to a gym and thought I could do it whilst I watched my favourite TV programmes (Corrie, Newsnight etc etc) it is win win. I am back on the road to fitness I thought !

I never used the damned thing and decided to sell it as it was causing clutter. I advertised it at work. (The Boat That I Row, as sung by Lulu) well you have got to make it appealing. A friend said he wanted it as both his wife and him wanted to lose weight and be fit. 

'Look! you are my friend, don't buy it, you will never use it and it will end up in your garage'. 

I could not tell him and he bought the rowing machine.

A skip yesterday
About 18 months later I said to him how did you get on with the rowing machine? He replied that it was funny I had asked as he had never used it, ever. He gave it to his brother-in-law as he was on a fitness kick. My friend had visited his brother-in-law a few days earlier who was having some home improvements and you will never guess what he saw it in the skip outside of his house???      

I'm the sickest, I'm the sickest, I'm the sickest!  

For more Wednesday Club regime

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Thursday, 4 October 2012

DYLAN COVERS #69 Max Romeo/Lord Creator - Blowin' in the Wind

Maxi baby

 
MAX ROMEO - Blowin' in the Wind(1969)

I think it is about time I had some more Reggae/Calypso so I have chosen two different versions of Blowin' in the Wind,  first up is by Max Romeo probably best known for his track  'Wet Dream'. It was first released (no pun intended) as a single in 1969, but can still be found on the album Wet Dream : The Best of Max Romeo(2004).

The second take is by the Lord Creator famously know for his brilliant Kingston Town and was released on a Calypso Album called Jamaica Time way back in 1964.

Both are not that bad at all.
 
THE LORD CREATOR - Blowin' in the Wind(1964)
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Sunday, 16 September 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 16/09/12 - Easy Star All-Stars, Calexico, Kodaline, Atoms For Peace

Four tracks that were just so doggone good this week...what were yours? Let us know!




Old Pa's Corner :-
Calexico - Fortune Teller(2012)
I just became aware that one of my favourite groups 'Calexico' have a new album 'Algiers' out this week. I immediately sampled the new tracks and this one 'Fortune Teller' made an instant impression. I found this live take of the song which they did at a benefit concert at the Fox Tucson Theatre, January 15, 2012. I chose this version as it features a video of Calexico in all their glory with Joey Burns giving a supreme vocal performance.

As an added bonus here is a live accoustic session take for your edification.



Flycasual:-
Easy Star All-Stars - 'Thrillah' Feat Mickey General and Spragga Benz (2012)


Easy Star's Thrillah, a Reggae tribute album covering Michael Jackson's iconic album Thriller anyone? Eee-hee...shamon! Yes please! I'd normally be a bit dubious about cross genre covers as a bit of a novelty but the Easy Star All-Stars have a great track record (Pink Floyd, 'Dub Side of the Moon and Radiohead with 'Radiodread'). It's definitely an unenviable task to take on such a classic album and one I grew up with (who didn't) but they have done it justice, certainly on the majority of the tracks. 

I'm especially pleased with Easy Star's Thrillah as it's perfect for incompetent dancers like myself. How many times have you seen drunken men at a wedding, upon hearing an MJ tune, all of sudden and inappropriately grab their crotch, kick out a leg and fall in a heap after trying to twirl like him? Instead I can request the DJ to play an Easy Star version, and despite the inevitable piss taking from my wife, skank and shuffle along to it, which I can do very well.  


It was difficult to pick my favourite off the album and I couldn't possibly post two songs...that's against the rules. So to avoid confrontation, as I'm a lover not a fighter, check out 'The Girl is Mine' featuring Roots heavyweights, Steel Pulse here.....


See the Easy Star All-Stars website...



Shell Hunter:-
Kodaline - 'All I Want' (2012)


This video had me gripped from the very start. It wasn't until the crescendo at the end that I realised sniffing, hey it was this song that has really made it a great video. The vocals have got a familiar Thom Yorke fragility to them. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, it normally isn't mine but it's managed to turn my head. And good timing too, the Dublin 4 piece has just released their debut EP simply titled 'The Kodaline' last week. The 4 tracks on it are all unique in my opinion, and I would struggle to categorise them into one genre. Perhaps rock-folk? Regardless, I can imagine them being welcomed into the Bon Iver, Dry The River loving community. Welcome I say! www.kodaline.com Click to see their other videos which are worth a watch too and sign up to their mailing list!


Sfw:-
Atoms For Peace - 'Default' (2012)


I am a sucker for Radiohead / Thom Yorke and all of Oxford's finest so whilst we await another album, Atoms For Peace will have to do! Atoms for peace are Thom Yorke, Flea (Red Hot Chilli Peppers), multi-instrumentalist Mario Refosco, Joey Waronker (Beck) & Radiohead producer Nigel Goodrich.   This track can certainly be seen as a follow up to Thom Yorkes 2006 album The Eraser, and even if it's just a "bit of fun", it's got me intrigued and I can't wait to hear more. The B-side, 'Tamer Animals', a remix of a track by Other Lives – who have supported Radiohead on tour. I think it is brilliant, however my wife doesn't like the knocking in the background!



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Sunday, 22 July 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 22/07/12 - Rollo Jean, Winston Reedy & The Donkey Jaw Bone, Cat Power, Alt-J







Do you have any Tracks of the Week? Post a comment to let us know and we'll include them in a spotify playlist





SFW:-
Cat Power - Ruin (2012)


Cat Power (aka Chan Marshall's) latest track, features a great piano melody and lyrics that are based on the idea of travel (mentions of Saudi Arabia & Great Britain can be heard).  Although I can't hear Pollenca, Mallorca (where I was this time, last week), it get's you in the mood, or may even give you some destination ideas!

Download it for free from RCRDLbl here

Old Pa's Corner :-
Winston Reedy & The Donkey Jaw Bone - 'Buying and Selling' (2012)


This track is taken from the Album 'Make a Change' (click for full review of album and information about Winston) a collaboration between Winston Reedy and the French Reggae Band 'The Donkey Jaw Bone'. Now that is what I call one cool name for a Reggae or in fact any Band. This track just ambles along quite nicely and really the lyrics are a bit stupid. 'Your Grandmother is an old turnip' but it is his voice and the way he says the words in that Jahmaycan accent that tips the balance for me. There are probably better tracks on the album 'Make a change' and 'Lion of Judah' maybe, but 'Buying and Selling' is fun and very enjoyable indeed.


Shell Hunter:-
Alt-J - 'Tessellate' (2012)


I've kept hearing the name Alt-J over the last couple of weeks but never got round to giving them a listen. After hearing this track which is their new single out on 16th July, it immediately reminded me of the XX with its sparse backing and fragile singing. It sparked my interest big time! I found out that although they sound very electronic, they use no electronic instruments at all! Their new album 'An Awesome Wave' has been hailed by many. If it spans many genres including Dubstep and Folk and is as clever as most make out, I am looking forward to listening to it over our mini heatwave (now that's what I call 'an Awesome wave')! There has been some intriguing comparisons to that of Radiohead, Fairport Convention and Wild Beasts so with all this behind them, it screams success! Oh, and for those of you(like me) that didn't know, Alt-J is what you type on a Mac to get the triangle symbol! Very geeky, so I definitely like that!

Ctrl-Alt-Del

Check out their site for tour info and to follow the band! www.altjband.com




Flycasual:-
Rollo Jean - 'Cellar of Love' (2012)


'Cellar of Love', my dream of rows upon rows of dusty bottles of red wine all settling down?.... Hmmm, Probably not....Nevertheless this is a fabulous saucy slice of camptastic 21st century Disco. I heard in on Lauren Laverne's BBC6 radio show a couple of weeks ago and the catchy beat, the high pitched vocals, the strings, it all ticks my Disco box. I have this urge to don an all in one white 'boogie suit' and take over the dance floor, probably not in a Travolta way but more like an elephant seal kind of way.... 


Like a good wine, Bristol based Rollo Jean, seems to have let this song mature for what looks like a couple of years now and is going for an official release this August. A vintage year awaits?! 


Download Rollo Jean's free 2 track album..... from band camp here.



Listen / subscribe to our Tracks of the Week spotify playlist here
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Sunday, 1 July 2012

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 01/07/2012 - Zvuloon Dub System, Major Lazer, The Ravonettes, Milk Maid



Flycasual:-
Major Lazer - 'Get Free' feat Amber Coffman


Hear meh kno! Fabulous piece of dreamy melancholia which the NME brilliantly describe as "fuzzy, gloopy, underwater-sounding Reggae (I really couldn't have put it better myself!). It took a couple of listens but this song just sort of creeps up on you and gets into bed with your soul, or something. Amber's yearning voice and contemplative lyrics over some low key, oddball electronica certainly does it for me. 'Get Free' is taken from Major Lazer's (side project from DJ/producer Switch and Diplo) hotly anticipated follow up album to 2009's, 'Guns Don't Kill People...Lazers do' which was a heady mix of Hip Hop, Reggae, Dancehall and Electro. An album which was hugely enjoyable and if I remember right I managed to smash up my personal best on the cross trainer whilst listening to it down the gym, a high point in my life, now I just eat biscuits. So more of the same please......BO!
Major Lazer website

SFW:-  
The Ravonettes - War in Heaven




I have been listening to this the last few days and I'm smitten. It's by the cult Danish band The Ravonettes and features on their new album Raven in the Grave.  Their hard-edge guitar, lo-fi beats and haunting vocals is perfect on this rainy morning that feels like winter rather than the beginning of July!  Their sound is comparable to The Jesus & Mary Chain & The Velvet Underground, of which they draw some influence  - either way, I love a bit of Danish!

Old Pa' Corner :-
Zvuloon Dub System - Voodoo Chile (2012)
Zvuloon Dub System would you believe are a Reggae Band from Isreal, just goes to show Reggae gets to all corners, I wonder if there is an Eskimo Reggae band out there somwhere 'Narwhal 90 degrees below Foundation System' maybe? This great track which cover Hendrix's 'Voodoo Chile' is taken from their album Freedom Time click for full review of the album and information about Zvloon Dub System.
This track is good it, chuggs along at a slow mellow pace reminicient of Marleys's 'Natural Mystic' and sounds remarkable similar at times.

After hearing this track I just had get the album, and boy am I glad I did, it is excellent and it has definitely satisfied the Reggae fix I was desparately craving.
The River of Babylon

Shell Hunter:-
Milk Maid - 'Summertime' (2012)

This track hit me whilst in a driving trance and I imagined a tv advert for an open air festival, in slow motion with people's smiling faces and wellies etc. With the John Squire-esque guitar it gets the best bits from The Stone Roses. And guess who's playing this weekend in Manchester? How weird! The single 'Summertime' was released on June 25th and hopefully we'll be getting some nice weather to go with it. I haven't heard much about Milk Maid but I've heard enough to want to know more. Check out their blog here to stream their new album Mostly No now!

Check out our TOTW Spotify Playlist here
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Thursday, 9 February 2012

DYLAN COVERS #35 - Bob Marley & Wailers/Wailin' Souls - Like a rolling stone

BOB MARLEY/WAILERS - Like A Rolling Stone(1966)
Bob and his Bunny

How about a bit of Reggae to cover our Bob...there has been a couple of Cover albums which I have to say I have enjoyed 'cause I love reggae anyway...But this Bob Marley/Wailers cover of LARS is a GEM, a little bit different words here and there, hey! but come on artistic licence and all that...its Bob Marley! Well actually it is not Bob Marley, but the lead singer on this is none other than Bunny Wailer part of Marley's then backing band the Wailers, No matter, I think it is cute and I like it anyway.

Dylan does have some songs in his catalogue which incorporate reggae rhythms, including "Man Gave Names to All the Animals" (from the album "Slow Train Coming) and "Dead Man, Dead Man" (from the album "Shot of Love"). Interestingly, Dylan worked with the legendary reggae rhythm section of Sly Dunbar (drums) and Robbie Shakespeare (bass) on the album "Infidels", though, surprisingly, there is hardly a hint of reggae among the songs. One of the songs, "I and I", was later remixed and included on "Is it Rolling Bob: A Reggae Tribute to Bob Dylan". Bob however quite often added some reggae beats to his songs in many of his live shows. A good example would be 'Knocking on heaven's door from 'Live at the Budokan.'

This next one is a fine version of LARS  by the Wailing Souls and is from their covers album 'Psychedlic Souls' (1998).

The more I looked into it the more Reggae covers I found and I will feature some more in the future.  

WAILING SOULS - Like a Rolling Stone(1998)

For more Dylan Covers
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Sunday, 6 November 2011

TRACKS OF THE WEEK - 06/11/11

Remember, remember the 5th of November, ok so it's the 6th but here are some right fireworks for y'all to enjoy. Let us know if you have any for us!!


Old Pa's Corner:-
10ft Ganja Plant - My Roots feat Sylford Walker (2011)



I just felt like a nice bit of Reggae. Some days you just feel like that. You know what I mean, you wake up with a bit of a head and you are maybe just a pace or so, too slow. I had a search around and the name 10 Ft Ganja Plant sort of stood out! What sort of name is that? Is it a joke or something? I bet they are rubbish. Anyway, I gave it a go and wow! This really hit first time and was even better the second. This is good Reggae. It is as good as 'modern' reggae gets (what do I know) but its what I needed today. I hope it gives you a lift too and even better, a natural high.

I had to get that in. Sorry!

Down to earth


If you like it, check dis, Burning Spear's - My Roots, similar vibe and even better
Burning Spear - 'My Roots'



Flycasual:-
Thomas Dolby- Spice Train (2011)



My ears pricked up when I heard this exotic number on the wireless last week, with its Hot Chip-esque beats, Arabic strings and Balkan/Mexican brass (I can't decide which), needless to say I was intrigued as to who it was. I was surprised to find that it is none other than 80's electronic wizard, Thomas Dolby, with his first release in almost 20 years and even longer still since his classic, 'She Blinded Me with Science'.  It was so good that I bought it immediately. I kinda wanted to don a pith hat, a safari suit and smoke some Camels except I'd end up probably looking like a naughty Cub Scout, not a good look for someone in their late 30's. 


Shell Hunter:-
Chris Brown Ft. Benny Benassi - Beautiful People (2011)



After being force fed Kiss FM at work for several hours this song hit me like a sledge hammer. I love it when it happens. Over the hustle and bustle of ringing phones, walkie-talkies going off, photocopiers rattling and my co-workers making animal noises, I stood up and ran to the radio and turned it up. "What is this, I really like it?!" Thanks to the wonder of the Shazam's app, the mystery was instantly solved. It's got great head bob and toe-tap ability, not to mention it's uplifting feel. Goose bump city! I remember Benny Benassi's song 'Satisfaction' but hadn't heard anything else from him since so was pleasantly surprised to see his name. After looking into Chris Brown a bit more too, it seems he is a jack of all trades: singing, songwriting, acting and not to mention one hell of dancer! Anyone who's dance routines are compared to none other than Michael Jackson is okay in my book!

Sfw:-

Gillian Welch - Thats the way it will be (2011)


This track features on Gillian Welch's 2011 album 'The Harrow & Harvest' and incorporates Bluegrass, Americana. She's worked with Ryan Adams, Ani Difranco, Alison Krauss & The Decemberists to name a few and is perfect Sunday morning melancholy.




Penny for the Guy? No don't bother, just check out our other tracks of the week!

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Tuesday, 27 September 2011

WEDNESDAY CLUB - Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey (in the studio)

MIDWEEK CRISIS?  Gym subscription expired? Come to WEDNESDAY CLUB, Mr Winston Rodney will soon have you feeling the fittest of the fittest of the fittest.


FROM THE FRONTLINE

BURNING SPEAR - Marcus Garvey (in the studio)


'If you don't like reggae' (I love Her) give this a chance and if, after you hear the 'Great' Burning Spear, aka Winston Rodney and still don't like reggae, then 'you are in the wrong place my friend, you better leave '

He is my favourite reggae artist, after of course Bob Marley. This video is as good as it gets.

I saw him once with my wife and it was one of the most amazing gigs I have been to, at one point she turned to me and said she was crying, this is true, the tears at that point were streaming down my face,  'Lay down your arms' was the song. One of many greats available to you my friends by the Burning Spear.  

Check out the album 'Marcus Garvey' plus dub version or 'Chant Down Babylon - The Anthology'

Respect
                                                                 
Here is the original Version
Burning Spear - 'Marcus Garvey'

More Reggae tune? Come follow meh! Click here

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Sunday, 11 September 2011

FROM THE FRONTLINE - Culture - 'Two Sevens Clash'


Culture - Two Sevens Clash' (1977)

This is another song about the fabled 'natural mystic', where according to a prediction by Marcus Garvey, in 1977 bad tings were meant to gwan. Impending apocalypse aside, Culture created an absolute Reggae classic in 'Two Sevens Clash'.

It wasn't just the two sevens that clashed!

I love roots reggae and this a big tune but I was blissfully unaware of the tracks true significance until recently, as for me this was just a perfect roots tune which my dad introduced me to. Anyway Marcus Garvey may have been half right as at 3 years old, 1977 didn't start all that well, I had major surgery on my neck which was none too pleasent but later my parents took me to see Star Wars at the cinema for the first time. Irie!

Culture - 'Two Sevens Clash'

More Reggae tune and ting? Click here!
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