Housed an ice rink which I visited as a school trip. More recently was the venue for a lot of punk gigs.
Ralphadeus. Music movies comics feature in this look at life from Somerset.
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
TRAILER 1965 And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago's Legendary Maxwell St.
Maxwell Street film and a compilation.
'Little Eddie'' Kirkland It's Time for lovin' to be done RPM 367 (1952)
Eddie Kirkland wiki Also John Lee Hooker is on this track
Bow Wow Wow - From the Vaults /Go Wild in the Country
This is new to me. Good little piece on a band that I liked a lot at the time. I really admired their musical skills - wasn't bothered about the lyrics that McLaren wrote. Bow wow wow.
Animals & Men "No Faces" live Los Angeles 30 June 2011
The 30th we played the Smell in L.A. An all ages venue so no alcohol. Called the Smell as the entrance is in an alley which people use as a urinal hence the smell. We did about the best for merch (t-shirts, records) at this gig. There was a big stage but we were told to set up in front at floor level in front of the stage. The audience liked being in eye level with the bands. Weird but a good night. We went down well.
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
ESG Dance 1983
Probably ESG's most popular song. It was on a tv commercial if I rightly remember it.
Howlin Wolf - Shake for Me, I'll Be Back Someday, Love Me Darlin (Live)
We have had this before but what the hell. It's good.
10 years ago - Oakland Ca
So to continue with the brief look at our West Coast Tour today we played Oakland. Oakland seemed like a post-apocalyptic hell hole to us and it was the place we got robbed. We initially tried to park in front of the venue but were told we had to move so we parked on a side street. While we were playing a window was smashed and personal items were taken most annoyingly Geoff's passport. So a trip to the British consul in L.A. became necessary for the following day.
Leadbelly - Three Songs 1945
The songs are; "IN THE PINES", "PICK A BALE OF COTTON", GREY GOOSE" & "TAKE THIS HAMMER"
Monday, June 28, 2021
Roxy Music • Street Life • Top of the Pops • 22 November 1973
Some of the best singles of the early 70s were by Roxy Music (in my opinion).
Psychic TV - Godstar 1985
Song about Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. I remember hearing this on daytime Radio 1. Wiki
10 years ago - Sacramento
Today we played the Press club at Sacramento. Here we met Larry Rodriguez - the Flower Vato - a local DJ and we stay at his flat (see pic).
Captain Groovy And His Bubblegum Army 1969
Intended as a theme to a cartoon series that didn't happen.
Sunday, June 27, 2021
10 years ago
So on our American tour of 2011 we made the long journey to California. Very picturesque and we saw some great sights not least the redwoods. We went through a drive-through tree.
Sedgemoor 1685 GIF
Made this of footage we did for tv around 2000 filmed in the battlefield. I am in this twice in different sides. Sedgemoor 1685
SUNNYLAND SLIM plays the rag time blues BLUESWAY
Recommended by Bob Corritore on his page. It is a great album.
with Walter Horton, Louis & Dave Myers, Fred Below and Marcus Johnson.
Recorded in Chicago in 197301 Get Hip To Yourself 2.39
02 Mr. Cool 2.33
03 Bassology 3.16
04 Ain't Gonna Drink No More 3.12
05 It's You Baby 2.28
06 Everytime I Get To Drinkin' 3.16
07 Lonesome Ride 3.15
08 Canadian Walk 3.55
09 Rice, Salmon And Black-Eyed Peas 3.20
10 Got To Get To My Baby 2.45
11 When Your Mama Quit Your Papa 4.25
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Psychic Feline 2010
10 years ago we played Portland again. Supported by Psychic Feline and Cat Fancy - two stunning groups who were really nice people. There was pinball there and we played a bit with the other bands. This clip captures Psychic Feline in all their glory.
Tawney Reed - I've Got A Feeling (1966)
I think the Detroit Cobras covered this. Born in Cardiff. Only Brit to record for the Red Bird label.
Friday, June 25, 2021
Thursday, June 24, 2021
Belfast Gypsies - People Let's Freak Out
1968. What can you say about this? Good Van Morrison pastiche. It does make you want to freak out doesn't it?
The Fun House Seattle - 10 years ago
Seattle seemed to us like a place from the future. It took a long time to drive there and we were hungry by the time we got there. The venue was in the shadow of the monorail and space needle both pictured. The Fun house had plenty of pinball as well as a basketball court. We met people we had talked to online but in the flesh. Support bands were great especially Witch Gardens - see photo.
Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Link Wray - Comanche (1959)
I had not ever heard this stunning instrumental from Link Wray until today. Exceptional.
10 years ago Eagles Hall Portland
The Glastonbury vacuum
This week usually sees the final preparations for the big Festival at Pilton Somerset. We live close enough to hear it faintly but not so you can identify what act it is. A lot of local people go either as punters or working there. Where we used to live used to go very quiet with only some people left with cat feeding duties. But this year as last year there is no festival. They are doing a radio version I believe but it's not the same. I have only ever been once to see the Fall but it is such a major part of Somerset life it really doesn't seem like summer this year.
Susan's BOY t-shirt King's Road 1977
Digging out a few things. This was bought at BOY. The thread of the shirt was a police said thinking the body parts in the window were real.
Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Operation Barbarossa 80th anniversary
June 22 1941 the Nazis started their assault on the Soviet Union. This movie is supposed to be the best movie on the subject.
The Brest Fortress (Russian title: Brestskaya Krepost / Брестская крепость) is a 2010 Russian/Belarusian World War II drama directed by Aleksandr Kott. The film tells about the heroic defense of the Brest Fortress, which had taken upon the first strike of Nazi troops on June 22, 1941. The Brest Fortress has become one of the great symbols of the Soviet resistance in World War 2.
Roxy Music - Virginia Plain - Top Of The Pops - 24th August 1972
How most of us first encountered Roxy Music was this single. I remember hearing it on Radio Luxembourg fab 208 who I think had it as a power play. I remember being impressed they mentioned Robert E Lee.
Animals & Men at KBOO. 2011
10 years ago today we did a session for KBOO in Portland. We had not long been in the US but I think we played pretty well.
Hear it here
Monday, June 21, 2021
Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker (1966)
20 years since his passing.
(August 22, 1917 June 21, 2001), performing his hit song "Boom Boom" in 1966. First released in 1961, "Boom Boom" was named to the list of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs
The Skids - Into the Valley 1979
Another song I heard on Mickey Bradley - he played it for the Scotland football team. God knows what Richard Jobson is singing though, apparently (I looked) the chorus is
Ahoy! Ahoy! Land, sea and sky
Ahoy! Ahoy! Boy, man and soldierAhoy! Ahoy! Deceived and then punctured
Ahoy! Ahoy! Long may they die
metal urbain anarchie au palace
40 years ago the compilation Les Hommes Morts Sont Dangereux came out. A great collection of the band that had recently splintered. It's on Spotify if you want to hear it, I of course have it on vinyl.
Bananarama "No Feelings"
Cover of the 1977 Sex Pistols classic. Heard this on Mickey Bradley's radio show on Friday. Start is a bit crap but it gets going nicely.
From the soundtrack album for the 1983 comedy "Party Party"
Sunday, June 20, 2021
Ma Rainey's Black Bottom | Official Trailer | Netflix
My brother Neil waatched this last night - said it was pretty good.
Chicago, 1927. A recording session. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player (Chadwick Boseman), and the white management determined to control the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play.
Hound Dog Taylor - Give Me Back My Wig 1973
This was the first Hound Dog Taylor tune I heard. I initially didn't really like it - I thought it was a bit primitive but I grew to like it in time. Made a Spotify playlist of my favourite songs. Here
Trip to the cinema
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Willie Love Greenville Smokin'
Thought we should celebrate Willie Love. A friend and accompanist of Sonny Boy Williamson 2.
This album is very good.
Bobby Parker - Watch Your Step 1961
This song is 60 years old about now. Based on Ray Charles' What I'd Say it influenced the Beatles who adapted the riff for a number of songs. See wiki
Dr Feelgood covered this and we by way of them did it in the BDs.
Gene Vincent - Bird Doggin' 1966
Gene Vincent does Garage r'n'b. Wonderful record with a great guitar solo.
Friday, June 18, 2021
Waterloo (1970) | Starring Rod Steiger & Christopher Plummer | Sergei Bondarchuk
It's June the 18th that means Waterloo.
Junior Wells live at Theresa's in Chicago
Junior Wells performing at Theresa's Lounge in Chicago in the mid 1970s. Buddy Guy and Phil Guy are on guitars. Here
The Fall - Kicker Conspiracy (Perverted By Language, UK, 1982)
As it is #FallFriday and because of the football tonight ...
Thursday, June 17, 2021
10 years anniversary of Animals and Men's US Tour
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| Animals and Men at Seattle |
This was what was on the cards beforehand. Remember the bands we played with - very good. Thanks to Alex Yusimov for organising and facilitate it.
JUNE 23rd PORTLAND at EAGLES HALL w/Future Less Vivid (members of Tyvek, Little Claw), Light Brigade (ex-Quack Rainbow), and Sad Horse
FRI JUNE 24th SEATTLE at FUNHOUSE w/Evening Meetings (members of A-Frames, Love Tan), Witch Gardens, Partman Parthorse SAT JUNE 25th OLYMPIA at NORTHERN w/Morgan And The Organ Donors, Western Hymn SUN JUNE 26th PORTLAND at TONIC LOUNGE w/Psychic Feline, Cat Fancy TUE JUNE 28th SACRAMENTO TBA WED JUNE 29th OAKLAND at SUGAR MOUNTAIN w/Brilliant Colors, English Singles THUR JUNE 30th L.A. at THE SMELL w/Dunes, Wounded Lion, KIT FRI JULY 1st SAN PEDRO TBA SAT JULY 2nd SF at BOTTOM OF THE HILL w/Grass Widow, Rank/XeroxHelp Me - Sonny Boy Williamson II 1963
This was the first Sonny Boy song I heard. On a compilation in the listening booth at Duck Son and Pinkers.
The song, a mid-tempo twelve-bar blues, is credited to Williamson, Willie Dixon, and Ralph Bass and is based on the 1962 instrumental hit "Green Onions" by Booker T. and the MGs. "Help Me" became a hit in 1963 and reached number 24 in the Billboard R&B chart.
Frome Grammar centenary
CENTENARY OF FROME GRAMMAR SCHOOL/COMMUNITY COLLEGE
From 5th August 2021 Frome Museum will be collaborating with Frome College to commemorate the centenary of the Grammar School/Community College. This is an exciting as we want to exhibit uniforms, reports, magazines, photographs, even an old desk, that recall 100 years of education on the site. We appeal to anyone who attended either of the schools to lend us any memorabilia that they may have so as to enrich our displays further. Just telephone the museum and arrange to deliver at your convenience before the exhibition opens. A centenary is a special milestone and we want to recognise it in as spectacular and comprehensive way as possible.
Placebo - Pure Morning 1998
Susan likes Placebo. She had a gift of a DVD from Celia for her birthday.
Jonathan Richman - That Summer Feeling Live 1983
Heard this on the radio last night and it reminded me of how good it is.
Wednesday, June 16, 2021
Irma Thomas - Anyone who knows what love is (will understand)
"Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)" is a 1964 song written by Jeannie Seely and Randy Newman. It was recorded by Irma Thomas that same year and released as the B-side to "Time Is on My Side". It has come to prominence in recent years due to occasional appearances in the television series Black Mirror.
I have never seen Black Mirror I just love the song.
Wang Dang Doodle - Koko Taylor w Little Walter 1967
A greatt clip that also has Hound Dog Taylor on guitar. Single version here
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Kirby Hall 25th anniversary
Never bought never sold art
We liked this artwork by Icky for Mississippi records in 2008. We reproduced it on a t-shirt design. There used to be a website for his artwork but I can't find it anymore but he did a lot of record sleeves.
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| Daughter Celia |
Grace Brim w/ John Brim Combo Strange Man (1950)
Bio from Allmusic
Grace Brim
b. 20 July 1924, Biscoe, Arkansas, USA, d. 15 June 1999, Gary, Indiana, USA. One of the few female musicians active on the post-war Chicago blues scene, Brim appeared with her husband John Brim’s group, the Gary Kings. At her first recording session in 1950, she played harmonica and sang, demonstrating a pleasant, though not especially expressive, vocal style. Later she took to the drums, although on at least one record she also sang and played harmonica. Some records appeared under her own name, some as Mrs John Brim, but mostly she played a subordinate role on John’s records, and can be heard lending very solid support on his fine topical blues, ‘Tough Times’, with Eddie Taylor and Jimmy Reed. She continued to play for many years, both with her husband and with other groups, and they appeared together on a single in the 70s.
John Brim Ice Cream Man 1953
Susan and I were having ice creams when this came on the playlist. Great song for the summer.
Robert Wilkins - That's No Way To Get Along 1930
This is a great song - play it and see if you like it. . Biography
Monday, June 14, 2021
Drip Drop - Drifters (1958)
The original and best version in my humble opinion. Lead singer Bobby Hendricks.
Rocket From The Tombs - Sonic Reducer 1975
The original and best version of this punk classic. Rocket from the Tombs
Saturday, June 12, 2021
The Coasters - What Is The Secret Of Your Success?
The Coasters are the greatest vocal group ever. All you need is this Atco collection.
Friday, June 11, 2021
Thursday, June 10, 2021
Wednesday, June 09, 2021
More Mud Dogs
The Mud Dogs 10/6/00 - my 40th birthday. The venue is Glastonbury Rural Life Museum - we were filming about the Monmouth Rebellion. With Richard Kesteven on harmonica we let rip during a pause in filming. Drum and bodhrain by Matt and Janet. We won the Kilmersdon village day busking competition!😄
Priddy Somerset
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| Ralph at the Queen Vic Priddy 2019 |
Recorded in Lyon 'Oh Death!' (traditional) Animals & Men 2009
Got asked yesterday if someone could use this on a drama series of the same name. We consented as our stuff on the Free Music Archive is for this purpose - creative commons etc. We were glad someone liked it. Some interesting photos by Caryne of our trip in Lyon. They had a studio there and we had some spare time so we did some songs and they came out fine considering the engineer was still finding his way. It may seem a bit gloomy to do a song Oh Death but that was where we were at at that time with my parents dying and all. Based on the version by Charley Patton and Bertha Lee. Lyon was a lovely experience. The crowd knew our material and went for it - I used to have a clip of us doing Oh Death and everyone going mad singing but I was not allowed to put it on Youtube as the people were a bit embarrassed by their antics. Shame. Original here
Elmore James - Look on yonder wall 1961
Was a big fan of this song as a teenager. Sammy Myers on harmonica. Elmore James wiki
Tuesday, June 08, 2021
The Byrds - Don't Make Waves 1967
Susan fancied hearing some Byrds as it is getting summery and this came on.
Claudia Cardinale, Sharon Tate, Tony Curtis & Dave Draper in "Don't Make Waves." (1967) Music by the Byrds.
The Sonics - The Witch
The Sonics - The Witch.....Released on Etiquette in 1965 and shown here on a Canadian release
We used to cover this when Bos payed bas with us. He was fond of it.
Serge Gainsbourg - Requiem Pour Un Con 1968
One of my favourite Serge Gainsbourg songs. Scene from Georges Lautner's film Le Pacha, 1968.
Monday, June 07, 2021
Sonny Boy Williamson - From The Bottom
Sonny Boy Williamson And His House Rockers
Trumpet Records 1954 B/W Empty Bedroom BluesSunday, June 06, 2021
American soldiers board LCVPs at pier in Weymouth, county of Dorset, England
6th June post. Remembering the sacrifice of so many British, Americans and Canadians.
Susan Wells 1973
Susan has given me permission to post this pic from when she was 15 or 16. The cat was called Tao and the statue she made in art. She got the top in a boutique on Cheap Street.
Trio - Sunday Need Love Monday Be Alone c1981
First encountered this song from a cover version by the Oblivians.
Saturday, June 05, 2021
Mud Dogs 'Dog with the No-Bone Blues'/'Sun and the Moon'
You probably will need to turn this up. A lo-fi recording done in our front room in about 2001, Me on guitar Rich on harp and vocals. We rewrite the songs Rich doing the lyrics. Oz on bass and Johnny Rench on drums. We put it on the Tyning Inn jukebox - the pub in the video and it got played a fair amount. We put out a very small run of cds and if you want it - it's on the Free Music Archive.
Various - Blues Southside Chicago
Great record of 1960s Chicago performances.
Shakey Horton Can't Help Myself
Johnny Young One More Time
Sunnyland Slim Everytime I Get To Drinking Poor Bob I Won't Be Happy Eddie Boyd Where You Belong Robert Nighthawk Merry Christmas Homesick James Crutch And Cane Johnny Young Little Girl Poor Bob The Sun Is Rising Homesick James Got To Move Sunnyland Slim I Got To Get To My Baby Ronda Mitchell And Mrs. Lovell J.F. Kennedy's Reservation Robert Nighthawk Lula Mae Eddie Boyd Losing HandThank you Nighthawk.Animals & Men/terraplanes bandcamp
We have a few mint copies of the Don't Misbehave rerelease on Danger Records up on ebay - post free £6.
Ann-Margret - I just don't understand (1961)
Heard this on the radio on Mickey Bradley last night. Wiki. Good song. Apparently one of the first songs with a fuzz pedal on it. Beatles covered it.
Friday, June 04, 2021
The Mamas and the Papas Somebody groovy 1965
I like this song. I never get tired of hearing it. Not a huge fan but this rocks.
Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup (Elmer James) - Make A Little Love With Me
Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup (Credited To Elmer James) Trumpet Records 1952 B/W Gonna Find My Baby. Arthur Crudup (Voc),Sonny Boy Williamson (Hca),Joe Willie Wilkins (Guitar)
Social Security - Cider 1978
Bristol punk band that we saw quite a few times. Their EP is worth getting - all good songs on it. Read about them here
Thursday, June 03, 2021
Animals and Men play 'John of the Sword' 2007
This was filmed by James at our living room in 2007. There was a fun day at our rank of houses but it rained so we retreated to the front room. The song is about me getting called Napoleon at school.
Jimmy Rogers - Thats All Right - (1950)
Jimmy Rogers (June 3, 1924 -- December 19, 1997) was a blues singer, guitarist and harmonica player, best known for his work as a member of Muddy Waters' band of the 1950s.
Wednesday, June 02, 2021
Geoff's red VW Golf
One of the problems we had with the Terraplanes was none of us could drive so it was very hard to do gigs and things. In 1982 Geoff left the Navy and came back to Frome. He had a cool car with a great sound system that played cassettes. My job was to provide the sounds. We had given up music due to the lukewarm reception Evil had got and he was keen to play again.
I have happy memories driving along with Lucille by Little Richard thumping out. Good times.
Days of King Monmouth by Ralph Mitchard
if you are interested in the Monmouth Rebellion then this self published booklet of approximately 45 pages gives you a day by day breakdown of events in a daily fashion. It all starts 11th June so now is a good time to get it from ebay.
Hound Dog Taylor - Sadie @ ABC Radio Australia, 1975.
I reckon Hound Dog Taylor has an excellent singing voice.
I wish you would. - The Terraplanes (Animals & Men) 1981
40 years ago at the Battle oof the Bands at the Granary we had to do one cover so we chose 'I wish you would' originally by Billy Boy Arnold in 1955 and is reckoned to be the first time an electric bass was used in Chicago, Original version here
Tuesday, June 01, 2021
Bertha Lee With Charley Patton - Mind Reader Blues
January 31, 1934 NYC. Bertha Lee Pate
Biography and lyrics of this song here
Robert Nighthawk Eli's Place 1964
Time for this again - one of the best clips ever. At Maxwell Street Chicago.