Young & Bossy

R.I.P. Trish Keenan

2011-01-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

Very sad news indeed

Track 1, Side 1, Part 2

2010-12-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

Robert Wyatt - Stay Tuned

Track 1 from the 2007 album Comicopera.

Thom Yorke was unable to listen beyond this track, calling it "too beautiful".

"And then some" i hasten to add.

Please Sir Can I Get A Rewind?

2010-12-11T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Hundred In The Hands - Dressed In Dresden

I still can't get enough of this one. Ace New York disco-punk from 09

Arthur Russell

2010-12-09T15:19:00.000-08:00

Arthur Russell - Get Around To It

Taken from the Calling Out Of Context lp

These New Puritans

2010-12-08T14:51:00.000-08:00

These New Puritans - Hologram

Taken from the amazing Hidden lp, one of this years best.

Single Of The Week

2010-12-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

Gala Drop - Rauze

I have no idea where i got this from but i have listened to it 'a lot'.

Great sprawling hypnotic stuff, like an instrumental Animal Collective.

Now released as part of the Overcoat EP on Golf Channel.

Internal Jukebox

2010-12-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

Crystal Stilts - Shake The Shackles

This one's been rattling around my brain for weeks.

My doctor says it's down to my 10 listens a day habit.

Out now on the indiepoptastic Slumberland Records

Mellow Gold

2010-12-05T06:09:00.000-08:00

Beck - Lost Cause

Here's some mellow gold for a snow covered Sunday.

Taken from the amazing Sea Change lp

Mark E

2010-12-04T13:59:00.000-08:00

Mark E - R+B Drunkie

Day 5 of being snowed in means the only party tonight is chez Bossy. THIS is the soundtrack.

Originally out on a super ltd pressing in 07, this has thankfully had a recent repress.

Out now on the ace Golf Channel Recordings.

Warpaint

2010-12-03T01:20:00.000-08:00

Warpaint - Undertow

LA's Warpaint sit somewhere between the slo-core of Mazzy Star & Low, and 80's English guitar bands like the Cure and the Smiths.

Undertow slowly worms its way into your brain until you're thinking 'what is that song?'.

Taken from their debut lp 'The Fool' on Rough Trade.

James Blake

2010-12-03T00:32:00.000-08:00

James Blake - Limit To Your Love

James Blake is mostly known for his dubstep tracks but this Feist cover is something else.

Out now on a super limited 10" on Atlas, and taken from his forthcoming lp out next year.

Pure HEAT!

2010-12-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Cynthia Richards - I Can't Wait

I pulled this beauty from the ace Tom Ravenscroft's (son of Peel) 6music show.

Pure HEAT! Find it on the legendary Trojan label here

Image Of The Day

2010-11-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

I'd take my sweater to Weezer anyday, especially with a logo as goddam perfect as that

Singles Of The Weeks

2010-11-13T15:49:00.000-08:00

Like Take That n' Pulp i'm back for good. Here's some recent singles i likey.

Gruff Rhys - Shark Ridden Waters

A lovely piece of laidback 60's psych pop from ol' Gruffy

Out on 275 only 12" single or mpfree it here folks

Sleigh Bells - Infinity Guitars

Ace fuzzpopRnB racket

Lack Of Post Reasons/Excuses (No1)

2010-10-27T14:58:00.001-07:00

Too 'Kin Busy

Reasons To Be Cheerful (Part 2)

2010-10-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest

Me and this lp have finally bonded after a couple of weeks of getting to know each other.

I can now be mostly found enjoying it's company of an evening.

Phoenix ale

The push to break the 'Nix continues unabashed with this hookup with Becks.

I normally despise this kind of corporate sponsorship rammel, but this is only spared my wrath for 3 reasons - 1. i love ale, 2. i love the 'Nix, and 3. you get a free download with every bottle.

You gots to love it!

Michael Azerrad - Our Band Could Be Your Life

Totally ace book charting the rise of US independent music from the 80's through to the release of Nevermind in '91. Told through the stories of these 13 bands - Black Flag, Dinosaur Jr, Sonic Youth, Beat Happening, Fugazi, Husker Du, Big Black, Butthole Surfers, Mission Of Burma, The Minutemen, Minor Threat, Mudhoney, and the Replacements.

The Apprentice

Back once again with the renegade master.

Sir Alan Sugar has once again assembled the UK's 16 biggest tossers for our entertainment.

Loving it.

Ghost Box Study Series 01 'Youth and Recreation'

2010-10-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Belbury Poly & Moon Wiring Club - The Young People

Moon Wiring Club & Belbury Poly - Portals and Parallels

Some Ghost Box stuff as promised.

This is their first release in the Study Series and also their first on 7" vinyl.

2 sides of ace oddness.

Battersea Power Station

2010-10-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

This has to be my favourite London landmark and these pics by Peter Dazeley show it in all it's beauty. The stark interior is pure 60's science fiction, loving those dials and knobs.

Sadly the place is now on the 'buildings at risk' register after numerous failed redevelopment plans.

Fingers crossed they don't knock it down and build a retail park or any other modern day capitalist shite.

Single Of The Week

2010-10-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

Idiot Glee - All Packed Up

Idiot Glee is the solo project of 22 year old Kentucky resident James Friley.

All Packed Up, his debut single for Moshi Moshi, is a spooky ballad over minimal chimes and beats.

A definite Brian Wilson and Arthur Russell thing going on.

Good stuff.

Typographic Philosophic

2010-10-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Please Sir Can I Get A Rewind?

2010-10-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Drake - Over

This one's been on constant rewind all week.

More amazingness from Drake in more of a Kanye autotune stylee.

Who the fuck are y'all?

This Is England 86

2010-09-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

What a series this has been. Probably the best bit of TV i've ever seen.

I found myself laughing out loud, moved to tears, and stunned to silence.

Great acting throughout but the performance of the series has to go to Vicky McClure as Lol.

The funniest moments for me came from Flipper's wack 50cc biker gang.

More Please!

Image Of The Day

2010-09-25T13:31:00.001-07:00

Grinderman

2010-09-25T13:23:00.000-07:00

Just checked Grinderman from last nights Later show. Good but for me the new lp is lacking a true muthafucka of a tune like No Pussy Blues from the last album.

Ghost Box

2010-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

I've recently become a little obsessed by this record label.

There's something in the music, and the design, that triggers memories of my childhood.

The music takes me back to the strange sounds i heard on 1970's children's TV, public information films, and TV test cards, whilst the record sleeves, based on the Romek Barber designed Penguin books from the 60's & 70's, remind me of library visits and text books from school.

The label was founded in 2003 by designer Julian House, and musician Jim Jupp, through a mutual love of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, English surrealism, library records, cosmic horror, and arts and crafts psychedelia.

The label has just made it's first forays into vinyl (surely the correct format for this music), with a series of reissues and a 7" series available here.

I'll post some of these over the next few weeks.

For now here's a collection of their amazing sleeves.

Single Of The Week

2010-09-24T14:36:00.000-07:00

Les Savy Fav - Let's Get Out Of Here

Nothing new here, just a joyous slab of indie rock which puts the fire in my belly.

It builds and builds then hits THAT chorus.

Reminds me of Weezer and the Pixies, infact i'd love to hear a Weezer cover.

Total aceness. Out now on Wichita

Ecstacy

2010-09-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

Endgames - Ecstacy (Jam City Refix)

Endgames - Ecstacy

My first knowledge of this track was the Jam City refix on Benji B's recent carnival special show. I can see why this would be a carnival killer, pure steel drum vibes over a steppin beat.

Further investigations have found Endgames to be a Scottish funk/new wave band from the early 80's, and Ecstacy to be a B-side to their 1983 single 'Miracle In My Heart'. Pure Paradise Garage vibes on the OG.

The Jam City refix is out now on 12" on Night Slugs

Image Of The Day

2010-09-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

More info here www.reccardi.com

Internal Jukebox

2010-09-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

All over the radio, the chart and my brain.

Out now on Rinse

Image Of The Day

2010-09-10T16:15:00.001-07:00

Internet Forever

2010-09-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Internet Forever - Cover The Walls

Internet Forever - Pages Of Books

7 inches in diameter, 2 sides, band Internet Forever, sound - highest grade lo-fi fuzz-pop.

Got mine from Rough Trade innit

Skegness

2010-09-04T16:07:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took a day trip to the godawful Skegness to play some vintage arcade games.

As predicted the place was like a visit to Jeremy Kyle's green room.

Apart from the arcade games the only other good thing was the pictured offshore wind farm.

Pretty damn impressive.

Still Corners

2010-09-04T15:14:00.001-07:00

Still Corners - Don't Fall In Love

Still Corners - Endless Summer

Still Corners - Remember Pepper

London's Still Corners write dreamy pop songs, full of swirling organs, big drums and lush vocals.

They reside somewhere between Broadcast and Beach House, a great place to be.

Their vinyl debut includes the tracks Don't Fall In Love and Wish, and is out now on Great Pop Supplement

Endless Summer can be found on the Gruff Trade compilation on Fierce Panda

The self-released 2008 ep Remember Pepper is sadly sold out

Wilson

2010-08-29T16:08:00.001-07:00

This one, literally, has my name all over it.

Wilson is an opinionated middle-aged loner who loves his dog but quite possibly no-one else.

Out now on hardback at all tiptop retailers.

More info at danielclowes.com

Also a good interview here

Saltergate

2010-08-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

Last ever Chesterfield FC game at Saltergate 8th May 2010

Saltergate August 2010

Surrey Skateboards

2010-08-26T15:49:00.001-07:00

Spent the afternoon looking for an old skate deck to adorn our living room wall (mid-life crisis i know), and happened across these great pics from Surrey Skateboards.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

2010-08-26T15:12:00.001-07:00

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Spottie

Talking of Spottieottiedopalicious here's a great cover from Chicago's Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

Out now on the Heritage ep.

Today's Internal Jukebox

2010-08-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Outkast - Spottieottiedopalicious

I defy you to get that horn melody out of your head.

I've been humming this mutha since Benji B gave it a rewind last week.

I first heard this on the MJ Cole Back To Mine compilation.

Available on their 1998 album Aquemini.

Records That Don't Do Much But Are Still Amazing Part 2

2010-08-21T14:28:00.001-07:00

Paperclip People - Untitled

B2 side of the killer 1998 single For My Peepz.

6 minutes of insane oscillating metallic noises that get increasingly fucked up.

Readily available on Discogs

Olly Moss

2010-08-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Totally loving these movie poster remakes by UK's Olly Moss.

Check his equally great other work at www.ollymoss.com

MyRecentBloggingLongPlayingRecord

2010-08-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

Calexico - Feast Of Wire

The recent soundtrack to my alcohol fuelled late night blogging sessions.

Two parts mariachi, one part lo-fi, a pinch of country, then a little stir.

Just does it for me.

College

2010-08-12T14:25:00.001-07:00

College - A Real Hero EP

A great EP of synth & library music from Frenchboy David Grellier aka College.

Like a soundtrack to some unreleased 80s movie.

Been out a while on Flexx on 12" vinyl. 300 only though kids.

Charity Shop No2

2010-08-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Bought for my love of the sleeve.

1.99 Sterling.

Soft Cell - Say Hello Wave Goodbye

2010-08-12T14:10:00.000-07:00

Today's Internal Jukebox

2010-08-09T22:43:00.001-07:00

Can't stop whistling this one.

Reasons To Be Cheerful (Part 1)

2010-08-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

The title track really has it's hooks in me.

Coffee

Strangely since my recent Whitby visit i can't get enough of the brown stuff??

My verbal diarrhea has gone to the next level and my work rate through the roof.

Who's round is it anyway?

Nick Cave - The Death Of Bunny Munro

A great second novel from Nick Cave.

Love the energy in the writing, and it's strange liking a character as horrible as Bunny Munro.

Synth Pop

Can't get enough synth-pop since catching Synth Britannia on BBC4 and getting the ace Cold Waves and Minimal Electronics compilation on Angular.

The Men Who Jump Off Buildings

Saw this great programme about base jumping on Channel 4.

Still available on 4oD.

Charity Shop No1

2010-08-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

Wah! - The Story Of The Blues

A rather fine slice of blue-eyed soul from gobby Scouser Pete Wylie.

That will be 49 pence Sir.

Thankyou

Holy Fuck

2010-07-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Holy Fuck - Stay Lit

An absolute killer from their 3rd longplayer Latin.

Out now on Young Turks kids.

Today's Internal Jukebox

2010-07-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

Toro Y Moi - Leave Everywhere

Had this innocent tune joyfully skipping around my head all day and it's driving me a little loopy.

Out now on 7" on Carpark Records.

Please Sir Can I Get A Rewind?

2010-07-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Original Rockers - Push Push

Johnny Osbourne - He Can Surely Turn The Tide

Long time no hear. Came across this on the Skegness Chilled blog and was teleported back to the heady days of 92/93. Many woozy early hours were spent in the company of this dub house beauty which is built around a sample of the Johnny Osbourne classic 'He Can Surely Turn The Tide'.

Original Rockers hailed from Birmingham and founded the Different Drummer record label. They later signed to a major label, became known as Rockers Hi-Fi, and re-released Push Push in 1996.

It was originally released on the Cake label and is readily available on Discogs.

The Wedding Present @ The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton 16/07/10

2010-07-23T15:20:00.000-07:00

2010 for me has been a year of pure gig nostalgia. The only bands i've seen are the Telescopes, the Primitives, Teenage Fanclub, and as of last Friday the Wedding Present playing their 1989 album Bizarro in it's entirety. This has not been a set out plan but it has made me feel proper middle-aged. I blame the Pixies. '89 was a damn good year though.

As you would imagine the venue was full of 40+ year old men who clearly don't get allowed out often. I felt quite the yout at a sprightly 36.5 years. Sadly the Dj had decided to turn the occasion into a nostalgiafest playing godawful 1990 indie disco fodder like Inspiral Carpets & Northside. Wot No Ned's??

Playing an old album IS nostalgic but David Gedge still plays with the verve & swagger of a 20 year old, and continues to put out quality release after another.

They started with a few classics + newer material, then after a little John Peel montage slammed straight into Bizarro. The set list was Queen Of Outer Space, Everyone Thinks He Looks Daft, Dare, You're Dead, Corduroy, I Lost The Monkey, Deer Caught In Headlights, then Bizarro.

No encore, no fucking about, great banter from Gedge, good crowd, amazing night. Highlights for me were What Have I Said Now, Dare, Corduroy, Bewitched & Take Me! (minus the Quo bit).

Seamonsters next year pretty please.

Prize Pets

2010-07-21T14:48:00.001-07:00

Prize Pets - New Weirdos

Work sucks as we all know. When i'm having my usual shit'n'hassle day i find a BLAST of a real SNARLING PIG FUCKER of a tune helps.

New Weirdos by Nottingham's Prize Pets is currently THAT record.

Out now on 7" black plastic on Sex Is Disgusting, and available at Piccadilly, Norman & Rough Trade.

Folk Devils

2010-07-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Just back from a few days away in Whitby where the weather was typically British. The lack of sun meant days spent wandering around shops, museums, arcade's etc etc etc.

Luckily i stumbled upon this beauty of a record store in the least unlikely of places. Folk Devils specialises in folk, world & electronic music, mainly on cd, although there was a small vinyl selection which included a few choice Soul Jazz & Hyperdub bits. They also have a great music and philosophy book selection, as well as selling the odd musical instrument.

Well worth a day trip. Extra points for rocking the original iMac.

Today's Internal Jukebox

2010-07-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

Shy FX ft. UK Apache - Original Nuttah

Had this one floating around my head today, i've even got the Manamanamanamana bit pretty much down. Available on the great Soul Jazz compilation 'Rumble in the Jungle', alongside classics such as 'Super Sharp Shooter' and General Levy's 'Incredible'.

'94 junglism in me headspace.

Everybody haffi ask weh mi get mi Clarkes

2010-07-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

Amazingness here

Cover Versions - Swinging Party

2010-07-04T09:13:00.001-07:00

Kindness - Swinging Party

The Replacements - Swinging Party

I'd never heard this song until i caught this version by Kindness, a mysterious one man band from London town, who've also recorded a version of Roy Davis' garage classic Gabrielle in a similar stylee. The Kindness style is pure Talking Heads, pulsing synths, repetitive beats and that flat vocal style. Out on 7" and download on Moshi Moshi, assuming you still care to pay for music.

2010-07-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

Solange Knowles

2010-07-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

Solange Knowles - Stillness Is The Move

When not sampling Boards Of Canada or turning big sis Beyonce on to the delights of Grizzly Bear, Solange Knowles can be found covering Dirty Projectors.

Glastonbizzle

2010-07-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

My Glasto 2010 TV highlight is Snoop D Oh double Gizzle. Braids, white vest n' socks, weed tokin' physique, Gin & Juice, What's My Name, Beautiful, P.I.M.P, Signs & even Tinie Tempah's Pass Out.

His microphone alone is worthy of greatness.

A TRUE LEGEND

Monorail Music

2010-06-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

One More Song

I'm sorry to say that my patience with record shops has dwindled over the last couple of years. Honestly, i cannot believe i'm saying this. I've done my time, 20 years man & boy. Gone are the 2-3 hour visits, bored mates/girlfriends/wife & maxxed out credit cards.

For me the internet has made record shopping easier - a search engine and online listening is far less hassle than a flick through the racks, moody staff, and limited listening posts.

One shop i would still love to visit is Monorail Music in Glasgow, part owned by The Pastels. Their amazing One More Song compilation clearly shows why record shops should exist.

World Cup 2010

2010-06-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Scientist - The Bee

My excitement for the start of the World Cup was soon quashed by the sound of those fucking droning horns. Even more challenging than the Telescopes last lp, i can only compare it to sticking my head in a bee's nest. Hence the track.

Come on England!

I Miss Ollie Holes

2010-06-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

A summers day out skating in a fresh pair of Vans or Chuck Taylor hi-tops. A few hours later you've gone through the shoe & sock and now you're ollieing through the skin. Ouch! Patch em up with offcuts of leather or Shoe Goo and off you go again.

Good times.

Dennis Hopper (17/05/36 - 25/05/10)

2010-05-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

Roy Orbison - In Dreams

A truly larger than life character, equally feared and admired.

Rest in piece Dennis, Mummy loves you

TFC Friday

2010-05-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to whoever uploaded this as i was a little worse for wear at this point. Great to see a band enjoying themselves on stage. Yuck were good too.

DIY Fridays

2010-05-28T03:31:00.000-07:00

A crackly old piece of vinyl providing the perfect soundtrack to a day off painting. Looking forward to Teenage Fanclub tonight and a long weekends zzzzzzzz

The National

2010-05-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Proper amazing scenes from last Fridays Jools Holland show. I can't get enough of this.

Loving the new lp 'High Violet', and nice to see it getting the heavyweight double vinyl pressing their music deserves.

Out now on the legendary 4AD label, back to their best with a heavyweight roster - Deerhunter, Camera Obscura, Blonde Redhead, Bon Iver, TV On The Radio, Atlas Sound etc.

The Big Pink truly are dogshit though.

Beachy Head

2010-05-13T12:22:00.001-07:00

Veronica Falls - Beachy Head

Veronica Falls are back with their new double A-side on No Pain In Pop next month. 'Beachy Head' is a great surfy slice of haunted pop with super spooky harmonies. Pre-order the 7" here & catch them on tour with Teenage Fanclub in June.

'I'm gonna miss you, when you're gone'

Discogs 1 - Lupe Fiasco

2010-05-07T11:44:00.001-07:00

Lupe Fiasco - Kick Push

I love Discogs, nearly as much as i love hip hop and skateboarding. Lupe fused my favourite things on this killer from 2006.

Finally in the bag, let's coasssst!

Jackmate & The Missing Linkx

2010-05-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Jackmate & The Missing Linkx - Discodisco2

Jackmate & The Missing Linkx - Taterata

A tasty double helping of oddball house music from Germany, cooked just the way i like it.

'Discodisco2' starts off like early Idjut Boys with dubbed-out beats and 3 note bassline, before building into a weird mix of gospel sample vox and repetitive guitar/keyboard melody.

Odder but better still is 'Taterata' which is honking brass, handclap beats and a psychedelic out-of-time cello hook??

All in all my favourite record of recent weeks. Great design on the labels too.

12" out now on Pampa Records. Odd as fuck

Guru (17/07/66 - 19/04/10)

2010-04-20T11:23:00.001-07:00

Very sad to hear that Keith Elam, aka Guru, has died aged 43 after a long battle with cancer.

Rest in peace

Blessure Grave

2010-04-18T09:06:00.001-07:00

Blessure Grave - Stranger In The House

Blessure Grave - Stop Breathing

San Diego duo Blessure Grave have chalked up an impressive amount of releases in their 1.5 years. They just straddle the right side of goth for me by mixing it with a 3 minute pop sensibility. I enjoy a good maudle now and again.

Steve Reid (29/01/44 - 13/04/10)

2010-04-18T08:45:00.000-07:00

Steve Reid - Lions Of Judah

Rest In Peace

Record Store Day

2010-04-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed an early morning run to my local record shop Hudsons in Chesterfield yesterday. Not early enough for the Blur single though as they only had 4 copies. I picked up a few bits though which i'm enjoying today over a glass of vino - Hot Chip - I Feel Bonnie 7", Tinie Tempah - Pass Out 7", Queens Of The Stone Age - Feel Good Hit Of Summer 10", and the amazing debut Cribs lp (on vinyl for the first time with a bonus early demo cd). Nice.

The Blur single is now available for download from their website and i'm liking it very much. I also caught the fantastic Blur documentary 'No Distance Left To Run' last night. Today was a good day.

Egyptian Hip Hop

2010-04-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

Egyptian Hip Hop - Heavenly

Neither Egyptian, nor hip hop, this bunch of 17 somethings from Manchester create great pop music. 'Heavenly' is out now on the flipside of their debut single 'Wild Human Child' on Hit Club/Zarcorp Records. Available from Pure Groove

Veronica Falls

2010-04-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Veronica Falls - Found Love In A Graveyard

Veronica Falls - Stephen

Veronica Falls - Starry Eyes

Proper loving this band at the minute. The Roky Erickson cover Starry Eyes has been on my internal jukebox all week. Found Love In a Graveyard is out now on 7" on Transparent in the UK (B-side Stephen) and Captured Tracks in the US (B-side Starry Eyes). Might have to go for the US release methinks. They're playing the Indietracks festival along with the Pains Of Being Pure At Heart so i'll hopefully check them live soon. Check their Myspace for other info.

Lisztomania

2010-04-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

DJ Harvey presents Locussolus

2010-03-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

DJ Harvey - Gunship

DJ Harvey - Little Boots

A rare and very welcome release from the legend that is Harvey Bassett. Proper cosmic bizzness. 12" out now on International Feel Recordings. Well worth a slice of your hard earned.

I'm a Real Dum Dum

2010-03-21T02:18:00.000-07:00

Dum Dum Girls - Jail La La

The Vaselines - Dum Dum

Stupidity is underrated and i should know.

Here's 2 dumb indie-pop songs connected by the words dum dum.

Jay Electronica

2010-03-21T01:46:00.000-07:00

Jay Electronica - Exhibit C

Got a 5 times a day addiction to this tune. It's coming...

Yuck

2010-03-21T01:28:00.001-07:00

Yuck - Georgia

Single of the week in the Guardian Guide today. A lovely slice of fuzz-pop which makes me feel 15 again. Out now on Transparent records on a split 7". Available from Puregroove

Here's a couple of other great tracks from Yuck

Yuck - Automatic (demo)

Yuck - Sunday

Georgia from Yuck on Vimeo.

Flight 666

2010-03-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Metal Britannia again folks. This time Iron Maiden's tour documentary Route 666. Armed with their own plane (check it - Ed Force One), flown by frontman Bruce Dickinson?!? the band embark on a 45 day world tour carrying all the band, crew & equipment. It's funny to see a bunch of guys into their 50's still dressing and acting like they did in the 80's and attracting new generations of kids to the shows. The band come across well, all well-grounded likeable characters, my favourite being drummer Nicko McBrain who's face looks like it's been hit with a spade. It's a pity the music is utter dross. Great documentary though but more Eddie next time please.

The film ended with 'Hallowed Be Thy Name', a song that was used in Toy Machine's 1996 skate video 'Welcome To Hell', during Jamie Thomas' section. This section raised the bar in handrail skating and was super influential in bringing back a much needed aggressive skating style. The music perfectly matched the skating.

Metal Britannia

2010-03-06T09:41:00.001-08:00

As with all the Britannia music documentaries on BBC4, last nights Metal Britannia was another great watch. I've never really liked metal, and i probably have my Mum to thank for that. Back in the 80's she threw my ACDC & Saxon records on the fire because she thought they were satanic, ha ha. I was proper gutted at the time but she probably saved me from a lifetime of listening to that turgid dross. And she gave me back the money i'd paid for them.

Anyway back to the show. I enjoyed early footage of Black Sabbath (a truly great band name), Ozzy looking cool, and the unstoppable juggernaut that is Motorhead. Saxon are still proper shit though.

Thanks for saving me Mum.

Beer, Cigs & Very Hot Sounds

2010-02-26T14:04:00.000-08:00

Hercules & Love Affair - Blind

Just rewinded this 5 times. My favourite part is around the 2 minute mark when the groove gets going with Antony's 'feelin' refrain.

What Friday nights are about. Killer

Constellations

2010-02-26T12:19:00.000-08:00

Darwin Deez - Constellations

Last Friday i was distracted from the live Eastenders episode by a truly beautiful clear night sky. Armed with my Guardian night sky guide, i spent a good hour mapping the stars whilst freezing my bollocks off. I find space amazing and it took me back to my childhood when I was obsessed with the universe & planets. Stargazing is underrated.

NYC resident Darwin Deez looks like a proper hipster dick (check his myspace for evidence), but i do like the guys music. Constellations is out now on limited 7", get it at Rough Trade.

Craft Spells

2010-02-22T14:58:00.001-08:00

Craft Spells - The Fog Rose High

I woke up today with this on constant repeat on my internal jukebox. California's Craft Spells, aka Justin Vallesteros, obviously love New Order. I like them too, and i love this blurry simple pop song. He has a lovely blog too.

Terminator 1 or 2??

2010-02-22T14:46:00.000-08:00

Pretty damn accurate. I still can't decide whether i prefer Terminator 1 or 2 though??

2010-02-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

The Telescopes @ The Victoria Birmingham 13/02/10

2010-02-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

In 1989 The Telescopes released Taste, one of my all time favourite lp's. They were a massive band for me in my teens, from hearing 'The Perfect Needle' on John Peel show, and my first gig of the new decade took me back to those days.

As previously documented here, Stephen Lawrie has been revisiting the early Telescopes material, either acoustically or backed by the support band, on sporadic dates around the UK. Thankfully for me (as i missed the other dates), this has now resulted in a proper tour.

The venue was an upstairs room of a great Birmingham boozer called the Victoria, and was part of the Sound Of Confusion monthly promotion which showcases the kind of shoegaze/noise/psychedelic thing that the Club AC30 & Sonic Cathedral nights do in London.

The first band One Unique Signal from London were the only support worth a mention. Mainly instrumental apart from the odd inaudible vocal this 5 piece gave it everything. The triple guitar assault sounded especially amazing. Luckily these guys were to provide the Telescopes backline for the nights main event.

Crashing in with 'There Is No Floor' the band perfectly captured the noise assault of the early material and it was great to see that Stephen Lawrie had lost none of his venom in the preceding years. Clearly these songs still meant everything to him as he screamed them out whilst rolling around the floor. From my Red Stripe addled state it's hard to remember the set list but it did seem way too short. Anyway i think it included To Kill A Slow Girl Walking, Precious Little, Sadness Pale, The Perfect Needle, Please Before You Go, Silent Water, the previously mentioned There Is No Floor, ending with Suicide.

Fucking great.

I look forward to new Telescopes material in 2010.

Another review of the night here

Great set pictures from the tour here

Four Tet - There Is Love In You

2010-01-25T11:48:00.000-08:00

Four Tet - Angel Echoes

Today is a good day. Today Keiran Hebden, aka Four Tet, releases his new lp on Domino records. Check the beautiful opening cut above. Send your money here

New Polar Bear lp

2010-01-24T11:20:00.001-08:00

Polar Bear - Peepers

Fantastic free download taster track from their new lp 'Peepers', out 01/03 on the Leaf label. Pre order your copy here

Unsettling Image Of The Week

2010-01-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

Phoenix Brat Pack Mashup

2010-01-24T08:27:00.000-08:00

Phoenix have always sounded like the perfect soundtrack to an 80's movie. I suppose it was only a matter of time before someone made this happen. The films are Pretty In Pink, The Breakfast Club, Footloose & Mannequin.

The Record That Found Me

2010-01-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Around 5 ish years ago i got home from record shopping to find an extra record in my bag by mistake, a Kent records compilation called 'It's Torture & 15 Other Soul Destroyers'. I didn't know any of the tracks on it although some of the artists were familiar. One track stood out from the rest - Side A, Track 3, 'Do You Love Me Baby' by the Masqueraders. Absolute KILLER!

FFWD to 2010, Jazzman records offshoot label Soul 7 has just put this out on a 7". The price is steep at £8 BUT you do get the bonus of Patti Jo's classic 'Make Me Believe In You' on the flip. Here's the Loud Minority edit of that track. Get the 7" here

Connections Part 1 - DJ Sneak

2010-01-24T07:24:00.000-08:00

DJ Sneak - You Can't Hide From Your Bud

Teddy Pendergrass - You Can't Hide From Yourself

The recent Teddy Pendergrass post reminded me about this Pendergrass sampling track from 1996/7 ish. This track was the blueprint for the filtered disco house sound that dominated the late 90's.

21 Questions

2010-01-24T02:21:00.000-08:00

50 Cent - 21 Questions

Always liked that lyric. Nate Dogg's 'Would you love me on the bus?' bit makes me piss too.

CAD Monkey

2010-01-24T02:13:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the recent lack of posts. Explanation above.

Teddy Pendergrass (26/03/50-13/01/10)

2010-01-14T22:03:00.000-08:00

Teddy Pendergrass - The More I Get The More I Want

American R&B/soul superstar Teddy Pendergrass passed away this week aged 59. Teddy first rose to fame as the lead singer in Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes, before enjoying a successful solo career in the late 70's. Rest in peace.

Gil Scott-Heron

2010-01-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

It's was really heartwarming to see Gil Scott-Heron sign to XL Recordings in 2009. His new LP is due this year, and will be his first since 1994.

Nice to see things are not just about the kids these days. It's going to be another great year for music. I think 09 was one of the best since the mid 90's.

Here's my favourite Gil Scott-Heron track to keep you going. The stunning live version of 'Home Is Where The Hatred Is' with Brian Jackson.

Not So Young (Still Bossy)

2010-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

I'm seriously fucked off that they removed my best of 09 post this week. FUCKERS!! That took many hours of work and for what??

I turned 36 this weekend so i ain't so young anymore. Happy Fucking Birthday! Anyway i love music so i'll keep on keeping on. I'll re-up what was deleted when i can.

Fuck

2010-01-06T14:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year peeps. One NY resolution of mine was to finally watch the Wire. I'm deep inside Season 1 and totally addicted already. This has been the finest moment yet. FUCK!