I was challenged to find the worst Dylan Cover and I could not resist it. I have come up with a couple of gems but I bet there are still many many more out there.
Are they not just hideous! they are so bad they are badder!!. I loved the Jersey Boys but I have serious doubts after hearing this. As for Mr Cabot, well, it is obvious he is taking the piss and if he is not, well he should be. This guy needs s to be placed on a mail stamp with his hands tied directly round Frankie's cape and both sent on a replica Titanic made of lead to Desolation Road, post haste!. Never to be seen again.
The sad passing of Donna Summer last week, not only meant we lost the queen of disco but also perhaps the queen of sauce, with of course 'Love to Love You' and 'I Feel Love', particularly racy numbers (as featured in Shell Hunters fitting tribute here). It also reminded me of this cheeky number by California Hip Hop collective, Digital Underground, who brilliantly use a sample of 'Love to Love You', making it one of my favourite and certainly sleaziest tracks in my arsenal. Phwoar!!
They've managed to make it ruder by slowing down and splicing up Donna Summer's steamy vocals over a slinky bassline which is, oh so good. But it's the spicy well delivered and witty rhyming, so synonymous with Digital Underground's style, that clinches it for me.
Digital Underground....a bit saucy!
'Freaks of the Industry' is taken from their debut album, Sex Packets, one of the most groundbreaking and innovative Hip Hop albums from the early 90's. Signed to trailblazing label Tommy Boy, it's little wonder they were stable mates with fellow Hip Hop pioneers, De La Soul. Even Rap legend, Tupac Shakur first plied his trade with them before going solo. Heavily influenced by Jazz and Funk, particularly Parliament, they managed to create their own unique trademark sound, almost psychadelic in nature, with distinctive beats and bubbling basslines. They never took themselves too seriously as most tracks were predominately about sex, booty and parties - what more could a hormonal teenager want? Hmm...or a man approaching middle age for that matter? Nope, a long lie will do.
There is not much you can say about these two fabulous versions of 'Don't Look Back' they are simply brilliant, magnificent, fantastic. John Lee Hooker had a great second career when he released the album 'The Healer' (1989). He then released several albums before he passed away in 2001 and many contemporary artist guested on these albums. Van Morrison was a long time fan of John Lee and has duetted many times with him, This is one of the best.
While I was thinking about this Post and trying not 'to look back' this little story from way back came to me. Hope you enjoy it, as I still laugh out loud when I think of it.
The Legend of Davy Lobben
The Library, a place of quiet reflection
A place to revise and study
In silence
Fat Bess was in charge today
Her reputation was
You never messed with Fat Bess
At the top table
Me, Robbie McGregor and Davey Lobben
We were trying to make hand farts
When Robbie slipped a real one out
One of these sharp squeaky wet ones
This MTV performance was my introduction to Neil Young and at first I was oblivious to the subject matter. It originally featured on the 1972 album 'Harvest' and it "describes the descent into heroin addiction of musicians he knew" and became a bit of an anthem after Kurt Cobain died.
Fortunately & Naively for me, I'd spent a lot my youth in a safe and secluded expat compound in Saudi Arabia and drugs was something that only happened in the movies. When I returned to the UK I was shocked to find that a school friend ended up living this life and was sadly taken by the "needle and the damage (was) done".
I still adore the song and also enjoy the many cover versions - one notable cover has been done by Laura Marling.
Check out and subscribe to the Tuesday Blues Spotify Playlist - it's not all sad!!!
All this sun has taken the sadness away and I've been listening to more upbeat tunes! This track features on Indie/Hipster favourites Best Coast's new album and it is annoyingly happy. I blame the Californian sunshine - but who cares - when the weather is like this everyone feels good!
I was quite fan of Plan B's early material, especially his 2006 album, 'Who Needs Action When You Got Words'. Undeniably talented, his raw no holds barred rhyming, clever word play and lyrical content that would make your gran blush, gave him the inevitable tag of the UK's answer to Eminem, not a bad accolade to have. I loved it! Then I heard his single 'Stay Too Long' from his 2010 follow up 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks', on a commercial radio and I was horrified, I felt he was just cashing in on the nu-soul craze, re-imaging himself as the male Amy Winehouse. Musical snobbery at it's worst, it was my loss as the songs I tried not to like we're actually good.
The anthemic 'Ill Manors' is brilliant, taken from the forthcoming soundtrack of his self produced film of the same name, it is without doubt one of the best tracks I've heard all year and for me a welcome return to his gritty, brutal best. Its political and socially charged lyrics (including a savage dig at David Cameron and the media) along with the organised musical chaos of the strings and beats, reminded me of Public Enemy at their peak. Now that's an accolade!!
I chose the live version from Jools Holland as it was a great performance but you owe to yourself to see the official video here.....almost too close to the bone!! Mind ya manners and check Plan B's website here, register and bag a free download!
Shell Hunter:-
Linkin Park - 'Burn It Down' (2012)
I never thought I would like a Linkin Park song as much as I like this one. When they first came out, I absolutely couldn't stand them! 'Nu Metal' was really popular but it just seemed like it was for kids and it didn't hold any credibility for me. I didn't think Linkin Park would last to a second album, let alone 5 over 12 years! In my eyes they deserve some respect! Anyway, enough exercising my guilty musical conscience, this song may not float everyone's boat, but its plain and simple, it floats mine. Their new album Living Things will be out on June 26th but don't panic! This single was out back in April. Get back to your teenage roots!
Old Pa's Corner :-
Paul Buchanan - 'Mid Air' Live on Jools Holland(2012)
The illusive PB
It was with great delight that I found out Paul Buchanan has a new album out (Mid-Air). Paul is one half of the 'Blue Nile' whom I have loved ever since 'Walk Across the Roof Tops' (1983) and along with 'Hats'(1989) form an outstanding body of work. Sad, intelligent, melancholy music. 'Lets go out tonight' from Hats is one of the saddest songs I think I have ever heard, it always sends down a shiver.
What a performance this is from the illusive PB and another sad, beautiful song and more shivers. I have listened to the album and it is superb, especially if you want something to put on for these moments of quiet reflection. Outstanding stuff from one of Scotland's best kept secrets. A true classic!
Sitting out in the sun listening to some old tunes has sparked many a memory. This track stands out as one of my favourite Chemical Brothers songs for many reasons. It features good ol' Noel Gallagher for a start, it has a superb drum beat and bass combo (up there in my top 5) and a video that totally hypnotises me with dance that turns to life! I had a flash back of hearing this song with very squinty eyes watching the rising sun, after being up listening to music all night with Old Pa and Flycasual!
Welcome! Welcome, to the conservatory!
Most people had their wildest nights at Uni, but not me. I had them on a Friday night after coming home to my parents house from the pub. After being bitten by the razzmatazz of Thailand's pink light district from holidays, my parents tried to recreate the atmosphere in a home bar made up in the conservatory. It was like Christmas all year round with the fairy lights flashing on an 'Open' bar night. I would walk home from the bus stop after a few bevvies with friends at the pub and strain to see if those lights were flashing from outside the front window. If they were, it would be an inward "YESSS!" Mum and dad were up and having a few themselves which meant the party didn't stop. It would be the cherry on the cake if Flycasual would come through the door after just finishing a late shift at the airport! This is when the idea behind Tunedoctor was really born for me! Unwritten rules of "3 each" and "no repeats" and the phrases "shifters" and "fillers" would be often heard. Old pa, Flycasual and I would be out there, drinking and sharing stories and tracks all night. Not even the sun coming up would stop us, in fact it paved the way for themed choices. Not even running out of booze would stop us either, but that's another story altogether!
I remember well, when I really liked a song and I knew the feeling was mutual (one of them being this track I recall) I used to say "Right, get a fresh drink and get a cigarette ready (back when I used to smoke!). The excitement and anticipation of everyone's choices and reaction to mine was the best night out!
This I believe was recorded in 1965 by Marlene and is still currently available or her album 'The essential Marlene Dietrich' if you heard this and did not know who it is by, the first person you would come up with is probably Nico from the Velvet Underground. There is definitely similarities in the voices. What do you think?.
This is taken from the album 'The two Sides of Telly Savalas' it is worth hearing only for it's novelty value I'm afraid, but you make your own mind up. Does it make me want to search out all these old 'Kojak' videos?, Well the answer to that is a big fat no! I never liked the series. Oh! well! 'every Man can be replaced' I suppose.
Today my wife and are off to smash it up at the Chelsea Flower show, drinking Pimms* and mixing it up with the BBC Gardener's World crew. Boo-ya! A lot of the Neanderthals at my work believe that you either have to be gay, posh or be an old fart to be a gardener (one hell of a concoction if you ask me). Despite failing to meet most of those prerequisites, gardening is my passion second to music of course. Nothing better than spending the day outside sticking your trowel in the mud, trying to recreate that sub tropical paradise in the heart of Camberley. What these stooges do not realise is that it is well revered that gardening is the new Rock n' Roll. In fact Tatler magazine take it one step further stating that it is 'the new sex' as you can either partake or watch in equal measure. I'm not so sure of the latter, I can think of better ways to use my hose, especially if my man Alan Titchmarch is involved.
*probably not
Alan Titchmarch....he is to gardening what Muhammad Ali is to boxing
The Minnie Riperton classic has probably been played on every gardening show going but it still has the power to unleash the hippie flower child in me. 4hero's version was the first version I heard, though I love the original of course, 4 hero's take on 'Les Fleurs' edges it. It's still true to the original but with more emphasis on the instrumentation (I just love the double bass) and crucially for me it's longer, so a lot more petal for your metal, with a fantastic instrumental section highlighting the melody and adding to the drama of what is a beautiful song.
It's a jungle sometimes....
Unfortunately I couldn't find a suitable video to reflect what I was banging on about above, only the shorter, if somewhat more action packed video of this song. But have no fear as if you want to hear the longer version click on my Thursday I'm in Love Spotify playlist link, it's definitely worth a gold medal.
Its MIDWEEK, we have had a Tragedy, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB and rejoice in a fabulous track by the brilliant Bee Gees.
Theres a Light
THE BEE GEES - To Love Somebody(1967)
If you are a child of the sixties then the Bee Gees will be part of at least 40 years of your life. I first heard 'New York Mining Disaster' and I was hooked. Within the next few years they had knocked out many other memorable songs, 'Massachusetts' is one of many classics. They were always there.
Then the seventie's, I was abroad somewhere and all I heard was 'Jive Talking' it was fabulous, the birth of Disco as we know it. If you were around at the time, 'Saturday night Fever' was a film you had to see and the Sound track is of course essential, everyboy has it. I got a copy from a guy at work for a quid. But it is worth a lot more than that, it is a soundtrack of a time an era. (but we also loved the sub culture).
I bought 'How Deep is Your Love' for my Wife as a little pressie.
The track I selected 'To Love Sombody'is one of my favourite tracks of all time. It was 'a first love' the sixties, we did not know any better in theses days.
It has been covered brilliantly by Nina Simone and also by James Carr, fabulous stuff'.
In the eighties they gave us 'You Win Again' another great tune.
I remember coming back from living in Saudi Arabia in the early nineties, all I heard in the radio was 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' it sticks vividly in the memory. To me another great song.
Four decades and they were still knocking them out.
They were a sountrack to anybodies life. They certainly were for mine.
To me the Beauty of the Bee Gees is, that I liked them, everybody else liked them, my dead granny liked them and so did Jacko my Parrot. Not many artist or groups had that universal appeal. Maybe the Beatles thats all.
Robin Gibb, R.I.P. One of the true greats, And from what you read, a down to earth good guy.
'Theres a light a certain kind of light That never shone on me'
I only discovered Colin Hay's track "I Just Don't Think I'll Get Over You" when watching the excellent movie Garden State - which I understand the actor/director Zach Braff had hand picked himself.
I knew very little of Colin Hay and was surprised to know that not only is he is a Musician / Actor, but was actually the singer of the Australian band Men At Work.
I adore this song, but for some unknown reason I haven't delved into any of his other solo material - why? I don't know (the shame of it!) and if anyone has some recommendations I'm all ears!!!
Here is a nice piece of Scottish Indie-pop, shades of the Proclaimers (and that is not a bad thing either). I am definitely interested to hear more from these guys and will have a listen to their album 'Tree Bursts in the Snow' released on Monday. This is the only thing I have heard from them, but it breezes along very nicely.
Holy! Moses, Holy Cow! this is an odd video but I like the front man Louis Abbott, a star in the making.
I'm off to look for a tree! (where have I heard that before?) answers please to the 'Urban Tree Society, Benebecula, PO.Box 007.
Flycasual:- Cornershop - 'Milkin' it' feat In Light of Aquarius (2012)
I came across 'Milkin' it' a few weeks ago when I was searching for last years album, 'Cornershop & The Double 'O' Groove of' which had pretty rave reviews. It's the first single taken from Cornershop's 8th and latest album, the brilliantly titled, 'Urban Turban' out last Monday, 14th May. I wasn't sure whether I liked the video or the song more but it certainly grew on me. But it must have been the B-boy juices in me that made my mind up as this is an Electro Funk ode to the Old School as In Light of Aquarius reels off a Hip Hop hall of fame (including Kool G Rap featured a couple of days ago). Lauren Laverne mentioned on her BBC6 music show that this is Cornershop's answer to LCD Soundsystem's brilliant self doubting classic, 'I'm Losing My Edge' (one my favourite of theirs). Word!
Shell Hunter:-
Hot Chip - 'Night And Day' (2012)
It's another long awaited album from my geek dance faves Hot Chip. Admittedly this track took some time to grow on me, I just couldn't get my head round the chorus. It wasn't until I was at work last week on a lates shift, the last to leave, locking all the doors and just about to turn off the telly in the restroom when I heard that familiar beat. Although I was in a rush to get the hell out, I had to stop and watch them perform live on JL in awe, as all the clicks and keyboards built each layer of the song up. They've even slipped in a bit of the 2 Bear's voice in there! Low and behold a girl drummer too! I love Hot Chip's look, tweed jackets and large plastic looking specs, is that what they call geek chic? Whatever I think about Jools Holland himself, his show has turned me onto so many amazing groups and shook me to my senses about this fab single. So far 2 out of 2 (Flutes and this one) from the new album called In Our Heads out on 11 June. I am seriously looking forward to seeing them live at Heaven in London on 13th June! SFW:- The Tallest Man on Earth '1904'
I am really looking forward to getting hold of the 'The Tallest Man On Earth's (aka Kristian Matsson's) new album There's No Leaving Now. The dylan-esq, '1904' has been generating a bit of buzz on the interweb recently and if the album has more songs like this, I'll be a very happy man. Download 1904 for free from Rolling Stone Checkout our Spotify playlist and more Tracks of the Week here
I heard the sad news that Donna Summer (born LaDonna Adrian Gaines), The Queen Of Disco herself passed away at her home in Key West on 17th May. She was another victim to cancer which has affected so many of our lives. In honour of her and amazing voice, this week's Saturday Night Jukebox is dedicated to two of my favourite songs which are absolute timeless classics.
RIP Hot Stuff
One of my favourite dance songs of all time is 'I Feel Love'. I wish it was because I was in the midst of disco fever and whole dance floors of people doing routines back in the 70's but alas it is because I first heard this song properly in 1995 as a remixed version on Now 32. This was a time when myself at 13, my best friend and two promising candidates for boyfriends went ice skating at Slough Ice rink every Saturday. I used to request this from the DJ at the Ice rink especially for the "speed round" and tried to impress the lads although I couldn't actually go that fast because I was wearing the crappy rental skates. It was a time of excitement and mischief and I'm proud to include this track in the soundtrack to my life!
I then heard the original 12" single through my travels with its totally groundbreaking electro backing and can see why it has influenced so many songs. It totally mesmerised me and I still find it too short! It's definitely the blueprint of disco and dance to me. I love the way Summer's voice builds and builds in layers and comes down like a deep breath in and out. Check out the official video which is a great live performance. Could Donna Summer have invented body popping and the robot?!
I couldn't pay homage to Donna Summer and not include this fantastic saucy number. Inspired by the famous banned song Je t'aime...Moi Non Plus" by Jane Birkin and Serge Gainsbourg, Ms Summer imagined she was Marilyn Monroe to get into character for this song....need I say more! It is close to my heart too. It reminds me of doing my GCSE Drama Exam (I got an A* thank you very much) where I chose to perform the character Beverly from Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party. When trying to cut the entire play down to 20 minutes, I deemed it essential we include the start where Bev is on her own getting things 'just so' for her guests. She puts this song on and winds to the music, very fitting for the era and character! I didn't know who it was by and it was before portable MP3's so I had to record it from the video. My costars said, just go with something else, but I insisted it had to be this song!
IT'S SATURDAY AND THAT MEANS IT'S GUEST SPOT DAY! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FEATURE ON A GUEST SPOT AND TALK ABOUT A MUSICAL MEMORY THEN LET US KNOW, WE NEVER HURT NOBODY..
This week's guest spot is my builder Dave Green. Dave is a Hull (Hull is pronounced Hawl) boy, through and through and even supports Hull City F.C. (I did not even know there was such a football team). He also has a Jack Russell called Bully. His Wife is called Kath.
If you ever want anything done in your house and I mean anything, Dave is your man. Although a plumber by trade, Dave can turn his hand to anything and will do it quick and well. Have you ever had a builder that always turns up on time! Well is Dave is that Guy.
Dave is what I would call 'The Builder from Heaven', if you want his number, call me but make sure there is a good supply of strong tea (two sugars) and remember, Friday, 16.30 is Cider time, so have a case cooling in the fridge. Dave is such a fan he even wears a 'Strongbow' T-shirt. That in my book is dedication! Class!
Dave without Cider T-Shirt
After a few Ciders, Dave is a fantastic 'raconteur' and I am sure he will feature in further guests spots. How many times has Dave been to Glastonbury? Well, if you said 10 you would be way out, but if you said 14 times then you are bang on right. By the way Dave has been there with a camper Van lots of these times. heh! Dave I! bet there are plenty stories to tell, I for one can't wait to hear them.
Dave was holding a party a few years ago and the next day he could not find his 'Story of the Clash' CD. He searched everywhere and as a last resort he asked his daughter Faye if she had seen it. She had it and was raving about this superb track 'Bankrobber'. Would you believe that was Dave's personal favourite too. Thats what I like to hear, Dad and Daughter bonding!! Many thanks Dave and brilliant choice of Track
The Everly Brothers version of Bob Dylan`s Abandoned Love, is taken from their Dave Edmunds produced album 'Born Yesterday'(1985). This is a top Track, my favourite cover of the song.
The cover of "Lay Lady Lay", is taken from their album "EB 84"(1984)
Phil Everly stated in interview that Dylan offered the song to them backstage after an appearance by the duo in New York.
Phil asked Dylan if he had any new songs that they might record. Dylan picked up a guitar and proceeded to sing the song
so quietly that the Everlys thought they heard Dylan sing "Lay lady
lay, lay across my big breasts, babe." He thought the song was about
lesbians. Don Everly declined the song, saying "thank you, it's a great
song, but I don't think we could get away with it.
Dylan did not question them about it and went on to record the track
himself. Months later, they heard Dylan's version on the radio and
realized they'd misunderstood the words. The Everlys felt they'd missed a
big opportunity and later recorded the song on their EB 84 album.,,, For more Dylan Covers
I recently read in Shortlist magazine that this song is one of Huey Morgan's (of the Fun Lovin' Criminals) favourite Rap songs. It also stated that he was frustrated that he couldn't play it on his BBC6 music radio show because of it's content, as it's about a hit man! Something I was blissfully unaware of after all these years....I'd never last one minute on the mean streets of Surrey Heath, if I failed to catch on that it was about a Mafia hit, it's so obvious now listening to the lyrics!
The New York duo's classic is also one my all time favourites, I just love the piano and horn loop taken from, the equally excellent 'Get Out of My Life, Woman' by Blue Note Jazz maestro, Joe Williams (available for your listening pleasure at the bottom of this post). So, if it's good enough for me then it's good enough for Huey.
Kool G Rap and DJ Polo....Camilla Parker-Bowles' favourite Rap crew
Joe Williams - 'Get Out of My Life, Woman' (1966)
It also reminds me of a time when fellow blogger, Sfw and I went to a FLC concert in Bristol years back, where this track was blaring out over the soundsystem prior to the gig, it was just amazing to hear it loud. We decided to make a night of it and treated ourselves to a night at the Travelodge, that way we could enjoy pre and post concert refreshments. When all was said and done, we piled back to our room and just crashed out. I, however was disturbed in the middle of the night by a knock at the door. Startled and pulling the sheet up slightly over my neck, I ignored it in the hope that Sfw would get it but looking over at his bed he was nowhere to be seen. The knock came again and I reluctantly went to answer it's call only to be confronted by an equally bewildered Sfw standing outside in the corridor in only his Y fronts. He had apparently been looking for the toilet.
MIDWEEK CRISIS you're doing something naughty, come to WEDNESDAY CLUB we've got gentleman Jim but he won't come in while he/she/it is there.
JIM REEVES - 'He'll Have to Go' (1959)
It was not 'hip' to like Jim Reeves when I was a teenager in the 60's and the mere mention of his name now would by pass the words dad rock and grandpa rock would be screamed.
But I don't care!
Gentleman Jim has one of my favourite voices of all time. It is silky smooth and is perfect for his sad break-up ballads. He has contributed to some of my favourite break up songs ever. 'He'll Have to Go' is up there with the best. Painful to listen to, it is typical of the Country and Westerns songs of that time. You may say it is sentimental mush but every now and then it is exactly what I want to hear.
Mr Reeves has many many more just like this and just as good, 'Four Walls', 'I Love You Because', 'I Won't Come in When he's There', 'Welcome to My World', Distant Drums,
Tragically JR was killed in a plane crash in 1964, he was then a Country Superstar but if he had lived who knows what heights he could have reached.
A typical night of music and drinking would start with the latest music, then as the night goes on the oldies would start to creep in. Maybe later, well after midnight, some Pogues, then as the morning progress Mr Dylan and Van Morrison would creep in. We're in the early hours now, 'he's drunk, it's his music now!'. They have all gone to bed. Now for some Joy Division and Leonard Cohen.
I always knew if it was a very very late one, if there was an empty Jim Reeves CD lying around. The CD being the last one played.
A true testament.
That reminds me of 'Apocalyptic nightmares'....you ordered a curry. You wake up the next morning and you remember this curry and you want it now because you are hungover and your got the hungers. You did not eat it. Did you!? It's gone, you ate it last night! and you don't remember 'Apocalyptic nightmares'.
All the the remaining takeaways are hidden in microwaves, cupboards nooks and crannies. Bastardoz. I blew it again! I'm bloody starving!
Go on I dare you, get some Jim Reeves music, you will be pleasantly surprised and you never know you could make your Gran or Great Gran's day. You could be first in the great revival. Its going to happen.
This Jackson C Frank song has been covered by many artists that I could spend a few weeks writing about the different versions. Notable covers have been recorded by Bert Jansch, Simon & Garfunkel, Nick Drake. However, for me, I'll always think of the Counting Crows version.
In 2002, I took a few friends to see Counting Crows live at the Bristol Academy. It was one of the most mesmerising gigs I've been to. However, it was this song that we all kept talking about on our journey home to Wales. So when, a few weeks later, it appeared on the single American Girls it became a must have and has been a favourite of mine ever since.
This is just a fabulous track. I first heard this about a couple of weeks ago and was instantly captivated by it and needed to hear more. It reminds me of those old 'Trip-Hop' groups in the 90's like Morcheeba, Hoover or Lemon Jelly with it's atmospheric lo fi vibe, perfect for lazing around on a hot sunny day......so sunshine hit me damn it, it's May! It's actually the first single from The Pond's debut album, of the same name, released on May 28th, a side project from British folk singer songwriter, Kathryn Williams. Want to know more? Go over to Kathryn William's site here or skim to The Ponds site where you can also download another of their tracks, 'Bepop' for free. Much better than playing with frog spawn. Word!
The Cribs have been around since 2004 but I only got into them after 'Men's Needs' in 2007. I liked there modern punk sound which all their singles hooked me with, but my favourite was 'They Share The Same Skies' which I totally forgot about until I heard it in a shoe shop in Las Vegas last week. I'd forgotten how good they were! It's given me the healthy push I needed to check out their new stuff. This song is the second song from their new album called In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull which was release on May 7th. The Yorkshire lads have been commended by many even Zane Lowe(who is often first to reveal their new singles) and any friend of Zane's is a friend of ours! So cool to know Johnny Marr was even their guitarist from 2008 until last year! I missed seeing them earlier this year, but will be keeping abreast of their tour dates as can you on http://www.thecribs.com/!
"Perfect indie pop" comes to mind when I first heard this track by this Minneapolis-based trio and would be a band I would've probably heard of earlier if I was a reader of NME. Their debut album has gained critical acclaim and they were named a "band to watch" at the SXSW musical festival. I like!
The kids are screaming, the wife is screaming at you, the dog is barking, what you need is a nice bit of Blues to settle things down this Sunday morning. And this track from Walter Trout's new album 'Mondern Daze' fits the bill nicely thank you. It is classic Blues, all about despair and as the title suggests, being very very lonely. (Not much chance with all that noise around). But if you are still lonely with all that domestic mayhem, then we have a real problem on our hands. Maybe it is time to re-evaluate your life.
'Shut up Old Pa! you are talking bollocks!'. So just sit back and enjoy this excellent bluesy track, an ode to all this modern technology and media overload. Although I like this track I feel if the pace was slowed down a little it could be even better. A real slow burner.
I'd never heard this track until Inaya Day released a dancy version of it in 2004. I loved that version....until I heard the original that is. I was told back then that the band was created by Pop God, Prince. He chose his then girlfriend Susan Moonsie and 2 others to be in the group. It amused me that the '6' in the title stands for the amount of boobs in the group! Very saucy indeed! I love the classic 80's synth sounds thrown in every now and again, and with the naughty lyrics it was an early vision of 'Girl Power'!
Do I look a bit overdressed in this?
As a flight dispatcher at Heathrow, I am expected to liaise with flight crews and give them the paperwork they need after meeting the flight. On a particular day a few years ago, I was on a KLM flight, and I even remember the captains name, 'Captain Doktor' which obviously made me laugh. After returning to the flight during the turnaround, I wanted to see if the crew were ready for boarding, and I heard loud music from the end of the jet bridge. As I approached I could tell it was Vanity 6's Nasty Girl! Captain Doktor was playing his ipod over the PA system and seriously loud too. KLM crews have a good reputation for being fun and laid back but this was totally new to me! The purser who was a very camp young man was making the other crew members laugh by doing some serious 80's dancing, much like the 'nasty' dancing in the music video. A little embarrassed and still trying to maintain my professionalism I just smiled, until he grabbed me and attempted to tango with me! I dropped my radio and my clip board so paperwork went all over the galley. Still it was all good, the music put everyone in a good mood and they were happy to board 10 minutes early...result!
Ladies and gentlemen...for more SATURDAY NIGHT JUKEBOX click here!
ELVIS COSTELLO(Flip City) - Knocking on Heavens Door(1975)
Elvis C first recorded 'I Threw it all Away' on his album the 'Kojak Variety'(1995) an album of covers.. The take here is from a live show 'Spectacle' in 2010 and is splendid thank you very much.
The second take of 'Knocking on Heavens Door' by Elvis C is when he was with a band called Flip City and before he became famous. It is s from a CD of Demos of the Band live in a Studio in 1975. It's pretty good to.
Elvis has covered Mr D in quite a few occasions and I will feature some more in the future.
I'm going through a bit of Metal head phase at the moment inspired by Sfw's Torche tune on our TotW, notably listening to a back catalogue of Ministry and Killing Joke. So hence this post, the song which belatedly introduced me KJ.
It's 23:59 on Dec 31st 1999, we're all huddled together getting ready to countdown the new millennium, we grit our teeth and close our eyes. There's an air of anticipation, as in one minute it's the end of the world (sponsored by the Daily Mirror), the locusts are coming, a mass alien invasion, Y2K this, Y2K that, bringing western society to it's knees. All a little bit inconvenient I thought, as more importantly the Millennium playlist I made for this party seemed to be going well, Killing Joke's riff-tastic Metal classic, 'Millennium' a highlight. I felt it a fitting soundtrack to accompany The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse to the party and it would be a shame should Prince's prophecy come true and ruin it now.
Why so Serious?
Then I opened one eye....the sausage roll I had my eye on earlier is still there. Then the other eye...the girl who decided that 'I'll do' and share the fall of mankind with, is still there albeit briefly as she loses interest and goes off to dance again, what a cataclysmic anti-climax. But that's ok, as when I first heard this track, it was back in 1994 on the bus ride home from Hounslow to Hayes and that journey is suitably apocalyptic!
Prophecies, the end of the world, the boys are still at it after a 30 year career with a new album entitled 'MMXII', bloody hell! Check their official website
Capturing that sort fear of the unknown, Killing Joke's 'Millennium' was perfect, second only to Prince's 'oh no what's gonna happen, f@&k it lets have a party' classic '1999'. But do you remember any Millennium themed others? Doom ridden or otherwise?
I worked with the Tax Office in Scotland at the time.
(I was more a Robin Hood figure than that prat John Osbourne)
We went to Leicester Square
I was impressed with all the lights
The buzz
There was this Bar
I recall it had a large cowboy stood outside
The music was loud
The music was great
It was my type of music
This song stood out
I did not know who it was by
The words the Road to Cairo
Rang around my head
We stayed in the Bar
For a long long time
For the music and the drinking
For more music and more drinking
I just had to find my way
I had to find a way to Cairo
I immediately bought David Ackles albums 'David Akcles' and 'American Gothic' both are brilliant. His music is so underrated. The 'Road to Cairo' later took on another significance. My wife was born in Egypt and lived in Cairo for many years. Although the song is about the American version of Cairo.
Julie Driscol and Brian Auger also did a pretty good version of the song.
I recently picked up the Ryan Adams iTunes session and noticed that Houses on the Hill was included. This song was originally performed by Ryan's band Whiskeytown and featured on their 1997 album Strangers Almanac.
I was always a fan of the original, however, I never really "listened" to lyrics before. This acoustic version just seems to take it to another level.
"eisenhower sent him to war
he kept her picture in his pocket that was closest to his heart
This is Soul on a pole!! A superb, bitter sweet, soulful Hip Hop record with a wonderful Curtis Mayfield sample ('I Loved and I Lost' by the Impressions). A track in which he pours his heart out on, possibly over the breakup of his relationship with blue ribbon tennis champ, Serena Williams. For me, it's the standout track from Common's 9th album, 'The Dreamer, The Believer', a bit hit and miss but with Common you're always guaranteed an ace!
What a great feel this song has! If I shut my eyes tightly, I can picture myself in one of those massive rusty convertible American cars, rolling down Route 66 with the sun on my face! A friend of mine from work pointed this song out to me a couple weeks ago when it came on the radio. I found it on Youtube and was surprised it was a woman singing, Oops! Now that I know, I can hear a great similarity in passion to gospel singer, Mavis Staples. Lead singer, Brittany Howard has certainly got fire in her belly! That coupled with the laid back countryfied guitar makes for a perfect combo. A fresh new sound from down south that I haven't heard since Kings Of Leon. Their album was out April 12th and if you aren't totally convinced with 'Hold On' go to their website www.alabamashakes.com to sign up for a free download of a track called 'Heavy Chevy' for free!
SFW:-
James Curd - Guide Me (Gigamesh Remix)
I wouldn't usually pick something so upbeat, but this puts a party in my pants. Gigamesh's remix of James Curd's "Guide Me" has turned it into a Roller-glitterball-disco-tastic monster. Perfect for sunny days and Saturday nights it makes you want to put on the glad-rags and bust some moves - a club classic!
Old Pa's Corner :-
Dandy Warhols - Sad Vacation(2012)
This is my new favourite album 'This Machine' and I just love the title track 'Sad Vaction'. I have not listened to too much Dandys in the past and I can not for the life of me understand why. This is just up my street. This album sounds very tripy, groovey, if you understand where I am at and definately grows and grows with repeated listens.
Despite their poor use of capital letters, THEESastisfaction's awE naturalE is unquestionably my album of the moment. At just over 30 minutes long it's short but sweet and perfect for that daily commute, or when she's watching Eastenders. Giving themselves the appropriate title of 'Queens of the Stoned Age', the duo first appeared on last year's excellent 'Black Up' by fellow Seattle Rappers, Shabazz Palaces, who also return the favour here by appearing on several songs on the album. It's an electric, eclectic mix of Jazz, Soul and Hip Hop and there are some real memorable moments on it, perfect for the ageing B Boy in me. The psychedelic Soul of QueenS is a particular highlight with its entrancing beat and hypnotising vocals that give it a unique sound, certainly a theme which can be found throughout, making it so appealing.
