From the Levitate album of 1997.
Ralphadeus. Music movies comics feature in this look at life from Somerset.
Sunday, October 31, 2021
Velvet Underground pastiche on Scooby Doo
Today at our daughter's house we found ourselves watching an episode of Scooby Doo and was surprised to see a story about an Andy Warhol type character and a band. The singer was called Eeko. It was bizarre.
"The Hunters" is a song on Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. It was written by Andy Sturmer and Mitch Watson. It appears in the sixth episode of the second season "Art of Darkness", in which it is performed by fictional art band, "Sunday Around Noonish".
The lead singer of the band is Eeko, voiced by Grey DeLisle. The band is also a reference to the rock band, @The Velvet Underground, while the band name is a reference to the song "Sunday Morning" from the VU's debut album.Saturday, October 30, 2021
Radstock strike photo
From Chris Howell's book Midsomer Norton and Radstock in old photographs. The comment is worth reading mentioning blood ground an area of Radstock used for fighting.
Bauhaus - Dark Entries 1980
This I prefer to Bela Lugosi's Dead which is most folks go-to Halloween track This is the follow up.
IKE TURNER & HIS KINGS OF RHYTHM - She Made My Blood Run Cold [Federal 12297] 1957
More Halloween themed music.
Friday, October 29, 2021
Show to listen to
Tune in Sunday, October 31 NOON ET for The Tom Hanks Halloween Spook-A-Nanny Special! ONLY on Boss Radio 66!
Thursday, October 28, 2021
J.B. Hutto - Thank You For Your Kindness
J.B. Hutto and His Hawks, playing Thank You For Your Kindness, from the movie Chicago Blues, in 1970.
J B Hutto and his Hawks Chance recordings
Short playlist I made to have them all easy to hear. Love this combo sound. Great harmonica.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
The Zutons – Valerie (Later Archive 2006)
I have had this song in my head for a day or so. It's good.
Screamin' Jay Hawkins on Arsenio Hall with Emo Philips
As it's nearly Halloween I thought we should have some Screaming Jay. Did I tell you I met him about this time? Oh I did.
3 years ago Brix and the Extricated at the Thekla
This was a great gig which was a treat from my sister Anne. In case you don't know the Thekla is a ship in Bristol harbour. We had a great spot by the front and daughter Celia got invited to dance on stage by Brix during Totally Wired one of their encores. We were so proud. Celia had grown up listening to the Fall so she loved it.. She chatted to Brix afterwards too. Brix and the Extricated wiki
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| Celia |
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
Freddie and The Dreamers - Don't Do That To Me 1965
We watched the film Every day's a holiday today. A British comedy musical about a talent contest at a holiday camp. Was good fun with lots of music but best was this perdormance by Freddie and the Dreamers. Incidentally I had a pair of patent leather Chelsea boots with Cuban heels as worn by Freddie. Just saying.
Mississippi Fred McDowell pt 1
Some great blues for you from the masterful Mississippi Fred McDowell. . Part 2 here
Echo & The Bunnymen - Seven Seas 1984
Wasn't a fan at the time - I think I bought the first single but I have heard this record recently on the radio and enjoyed it.
Monday, October 25, 2021
Van Morrison - Real Real Gone 1990
Saw Van Morrison at the Colston Hall Bristol about this time. Very good.
Sunday, October 24, 2021
The bus in Titfield Thunderbolt (1953)
On the subject of old buses in the area led me to wondering about the bus in the movie Titfield Thunderbolt which was filmed around here. Found the IMCDb (internet movie car database) which covers this and many movie vehicles.
Ranking Full Stop
Is a one hour show on Wfmu rock and soul stream. It is reggae in all its many voices and it is pretty darn good. Listen here
The 80s films of Peter Greenaway by trailer
We first encountered British director Peter Greenaway in 1982 with the sort of period film The Draughtsman's Contract 1982. The music by Michael Nyman was part of the experience and we bought the soundtrack. His movies were complex and original with the soundtracks by Nyman an essential part.
The next one we saw was the bizarre A Zed and Two Noughts (1985). Once again bought the music.
Next one was The Belly of an Architect (1987). A bit disappointing but still watchable. These films were made with Channel Four films and they used to come on the telly.
Next up was Drowning by Numbers (1988). A beguiling film with Joan Plowright.
Finally we come to his most famous film The Cook, the Thief His Wife and her Lover (1989) and one that received a great deal of attention. We saw it at The Arnolfini with a Q&A with Greenaway but Susan was pregnant at the time and had to leave to throw up.
Old bus
Susan just snapped this. A bus event at Midsomer Norton station.
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| Bus outside Victoria Hall Radstock Ludlows colliery in the distance |
The Saints This Perfect Day Original Top Of The Pops Kid Jensen Intro 1977
Bought this. Read about this band here.
Saturday, October 23, 2021
Diana Dors birthday
Today she would have been 90. Watch this dramatized biopic The Blonde Bombshell here.
The Damned - New Rose (Official HD video)
45 years old. A great single and a great video. Never saw the Damned live. I like the first LP though.
Irma Thomas - Anyone who knows what love is (will understand) 1964
Lovely song and clip. Irma Thomas
Friday, October 22, 2021
1969 - John Lee Hooker - Boom Boom
Festival gig - France. John Lee Hooker - gtr vcl; Sunnyland Slim - pno;
Willie Dixon - bass; Johnny Shines - gtr; Clifton James - drums.Thin Lizzy - Whiskey In The Jar 1973
The other day we were watching tv as there was this program Irish bands at the BBC abd this was about the only song I liked. Not a Thin Lizzy fan but this is great. They played Frome at the height of the success of this song - the George Hotel - one of those bookings from before they were famous type and the place was packed. I didn't go but I heard about it.
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
DUNE – FINAL TRAILER
I don't really like sci-fi but my kids do and I kept up on it when they lived at home and I would imagine they are getting excited to see this as they read the books.
The Animals "We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place" on The Ed Sullivan Show 1966
I like the Animals and this song in particular.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
40 years ago
So 40 years ago the Dare album by the Human League came out. We weren't mad on it really. We used to know someone who knew them and heard stories but basically preferred Heaven 17. We bought it, just weren't crazy on it. We weren't keen on the Adam and the Ants Prince Charming lp either. It was about this time we gave up on music and concentrated on getting a mortgage and getting married. I am not sure how long we lasted before playing again it was about a year. We kept the PA I think so we didn't totally pack up. 'Don't you want me ' was number one when we got married in December and it seemed a fitting end note at the time.
Incubation (2010 Remaster) · Joy Division
This instrumental from 78 is one of my favourite Joy Division songs. Got it on a flexidisc from about 79.
Buying cider in 2008
Film Susan and myself made about Creedies a place where we used to buy cider. Closed now sadly.
Buying cider from a farm in North-east Somerset. Music 'Cider' by Social Security a punk band from the 70s who were based in Bristol (and were great). We also buy a lump of tasty cheddar cheese.
10 years ago - trip to Thatchers shop to buy cider
We used to do this trip quite a bit at this time but this time we took Celia and James and made a stop for chips in Cheddar (Cheddar Georg above)
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| Where you fill up your containers |
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| The front of the shop in Sandford |
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| Our purchases - Cheddar Valley and Heritage still cider plus some cheese. |
Monday, October 18, 2021
Battle of Kawanakajima #2 (18 October 1561)
Spectacular battle scene. From the film Heaven and Earth 1990.
Trailer here. Haven't found a DVD of it yet.
B.B. King "The Thrill Is Gone" on The Ed Sullivan Show 1970
B.B. King "The Thrill Is Gone" on The Ed Sullivan Show on October 18, 1970
Privilege (1967) ORIGINAL TRAILER
I don't think I have seen this. They were talking about it on the radio last night.
Sunday, October 17, 2021
Todd-o-phonic Todd's Velvet Underground special
We listened to this last night and enjoyed it. Includes an interview with Todd Haynes on his new documentary on the band. On WFMU
BABY BOY WARREN - Sanafee [aka Not Welcome Any More]
rec. c. 1954 in Detroit; Baby Boy Warren, voc, g; Sonny Boy Williamson II, hca; Washboard Willie, washb, dr
Saturday, October 16, 2021
Sandy Nelson Let there be drums 1961
60 years old about now. Glorious instrumental. Heard on Bernie Keith. Listen here. Saturday night selection. Sandy Nelson wiki
Rumkicks
Noticed this band for their exquisite taste in guitars.
RUMKICKS 럼킥스 (punk) - Republic of Korea - watch a video here
Yeawon Jeong - Guitar
Seeun Choi (최소녀) - Bass/voc
Kim Dae Won - Percussion
http://rumkicks.bandcamp.com
http://facebook.com/rumkicks
http://instagram.com/rumkicks
http://reverbnation.com/rumkicks
https://twitter.com/rumkicks
Friday, October 15, 2021
FULL MOVIE If Its Tuesday This Must Be Belgium 1969
Starring Suzanne Pleshette, Ian McShane, DONOVAN! Joan Collins Vittorio de Sica, Murray Hamilton, Sandy Baron, Mario Carotenuto, Paul Esser, Suzie Falk, Michael Constantine, Pamela Britton,
I remember watching this with my mother a long time ago. A charming old fashioned bit of escapism if I remember correctly.
The Forgotten Battle | Official trailer | Netflix
November 1944. On the flooded isle of Walcheren, Zeeland, thousands of Allied soldiers are battling the German army. Three young lives become inextricably connected. A Dutch boy fighting for the Germans, an English glider pilot and a girl from Zeeland connected to the resistance against her will, are forced to make crucial choices that impact both their own freedom and the freedom of others.
Thursday, October 14, 2021
The Dark Ages Society
Did a couple of weekends with this society. They do the Alfred the Great period. Was good fun. Had a woodland skirmish and then we had a banquet. Watch the trailer for the 1969 film Alfred the Great.
Vanishing Point (1971)
A movie that was 50 years old in March. I can't say I'm a fan - Nigel our bass player loved this movie and I know it's a cult film but I wasn't a motorist when I saw it so that might explain it. Our family had a ferret called Kowalski though. We were planning on doing ferret racing and the plan was to have distinct characters and Kowalski (who was huge) was to wear a stars and stripes bandana and be American.
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| Kowalski and his nephew Napoleon - note the sellotape around the bottoms of Sue's trousrs😄😄 |
Rip, Rig & Panic
Saw them once of course and have a few of their records.
Rip Rig & Panic featuring Neneh Cherry and Don Cherry. Live in Tokyo 1983
William the Conqueror (2015) full movie
Today is the anniversary of the battle of Hastings so I thought I would post this movie. I haven't seen it but it looks ok. On a similar note there is an early medieval reenactment group starting in Frome. Called Conquest: Wessex I believe they are to start training (October 24 13:00 Frome) soon but they recently did the big Hastings reenactment.
Ramones - Pet Sematary
"Pet Sematary" from the album 'Brain Drain' (1989). "Pet Sematary" was originally written upon request by Stephen King for his 1989 film adaption of the same name, to soundtrack the end credits. It became one of the band’s most successful radio hits and was a staple of their concerts during the 90s.
Wednesday, October 13, 2021
60 years ago the Beatle haircut was born
On the 13 or 12 October 1961 Paul then John had their hair restyled into the famous moptop. They were in Paris on a trip to celebrate John's 21st. Jürgen Vollmer did the deed and was their inspiration. Gone were the rocker quiffs and in was a more Parisian beatnik style.
The Beatles: Get Back | Official Trailer | Disney+
The official trailer for #TheBeatlesGetBack is here! The Disney+ original docuseries, directed by Peter Jackson, will be arriving on Disney+ just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Made entirely from never-before-seen, restored footage, it provides the most intimate and honest glimpse into the creative process and relationship between John, Paul, George, and Ringo ever filmed. Be sure to check them both out, and don’t forget to watch “The Beatles: Get Back” when it rolls out over three days, November 25, 26, and 27, 2021, exclusively on Disney+.
The Glitter Band - Just For You 1974
Heard this on the radio the other day. Quite good, looking at it now. The Glitter band had seven top twenty hits between 1974 - 1975,six of them made the top ten.
EIFFEL - Official Trailer 2021
A film by Martin Bourboulon, with Romain Duris, Emma Mackey and Pierre Deladonchamps
In French cinemas on October 13th 2021Tuesday, October 12, 2021
Paddy Moloney
Paddy Moloney (1938-2021)
Irish Music Magazine are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the great Paddy Moloney, musician, composer, and producer who co-founded and led the Irish musical group The Chieftains and played on every one of their albums.
Hear the Chieftains doing the French March from the Year of the French here
The Essential Chieftains on Spotify
Sonny Boy Williamson II - Too young to die
Sonny Boy in fine form with a witty song about being 'scared of that child'.
Filming in Bath
"Hi Lili Hi Lo" Gene Vincent 1967
Gene was the King of sad ballads as well as the rockers - check this one out.
Gene Vincent You Are My Sunshine
Gene Vincent died 50 years ago today. I shall post a few of my favourites.
Monday, October 11, 2021
Millie Small My Boy Lollipop 1964
When I was a child I used to go to Saturday morning pictures in the Gaumont Frome. This would involve a serial, cartoons and a children's film. Before that they had a mini disco and they always played this one. I never danced though. I remember the MC a lady used to go 'shut up for the Queen' and we would fall silent(Ish) for the National anthem.
Sunday, October 10, 2021
The Fall - Ladybird (Green Grass) 1993
'Pomerania is burning down'. One of my favourite Fall songs. Saw them do this many times but once with two drummers.
Adam Buxton talks about interviewing Mark E Smith from The Fall
Our family loved the Adam and Joe show so we were really excited when we learnt Mark E Smith was going to be on Vinyl Justice a feature where they raided the record collection of stars for 'crimes'. The end result was a bit strange....
Saturday, October 09, 2021
Hound Dog Taylor Playlist
I made this up with my favourite HDT songs. You have to admit he is raw but that's what's good about him.
Colin Blunstone - Say You Don't Mind 1972
Atlantic Tunnel on WFMU did a Colin Blunstone special with interviews galore.
Small Faces - Tin Soldier 1967
Mike Reynolds played this on Winchcombe Calling which we listen to every Friday. My favourite Small Faces song. Read about it here
Friday, October 08, 2021
Sonny Boy Williamson and Robert Jr Lockwood
On King Biscuit time radio show. I would love to hear this combination at that time.
Napoleonic Association 1989 on TV AM
I am in this. I got stabbed in the thigh by a sword-bayonet and had to go to first aid. My kids were really happy as they got to play with David Hasselhof's kids and get the Wacaday people's autographs. These people interviewed were all friends at the time. It was publicity for a battle later that day at Hyde Park London. Great days.
Godzilla pinball by Stern.
My son discovered this trailer for what looks like a must-play table. Watch here
Article on Tyning Radstock
This is a really informative piece on Tyning. A colliery and area. We lived there for 25 years and my ancestors generations before. Found by my sister.
Thursday, October 07, 2021
CRAMPS - Live on the Tube 1986 - What's Inside A Girl and Hot Pearl Snatch
The Tube used to be on Friday teatime so was part of the going out preparation. Although by 1986 I had two young children so I don't think there was much going out by then.
Gawain and the Green Knight (1973)
There is a modern version of this tale doing the rounds at the moment - some like iit some don't - some prefer the 91 version - I am a 1973 version man myself. Wiki on the film
Wednesday, October 06, 2021
Iron Age reenactment
Thought I would write a little about a brief time when I was involved in Romano-British reenactment. It was just me and my son doing this in the early years of this century. A bit out of our comfort zone but we were encouraged by Madoc who had a converted ambulance for us to travel in. I don't have any photos of us in period kit but we did about 4 events including some filming at the Butser Iron Age village where we did an episode of Warrior Women: Boudicca with Lucy Lawless. Watch part 1 here watch part 2 here. Watch part 3 here. Part 4 here. Part 5 here. In case you don't know Boudicca was a Queen of the Iceni who rebelled against the Romans.
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| The Vicus by Ralph Mitchard |
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| Butser Ancient Farm by Michael Bentley |
Radstock in the 19th century before the railways came
Visited the library agaim - got a book The Railways and Tramways of Radstock by Chris Handley. Has some great maps
Breakfast at Tiffany's - Moon River (1961) HD
60th anniversary for this film starring Audrey Hepburn.
Tuesday, October 05, 2021
Celia's Place Midsomer Norton
A place on the High street MSN where you can buy comics, fanzines, graphic novels, memorabilia and toys is run by our comic mad daughter. She is also a highly trained hairdresser! Webpage
Bauhaus - Terror Couple Kill Colonel 1980
I have this. Probably the last Bauhaus record we bought but I like it. Wiki
Malcolm McLaren - Zulus on a Time Bomb: Music Video (Dir. Ian Gabriel)
Mid eighties. South African Music Video director Ian Gabriel took Malcom McLaren to visit the all male Zulu Mine Hostel in Johannesburgs Jeppestown. The result was this vibrant off the cuff celebration of some highs and lows of Zulu culture, including scenes reenacting the historic British defeat at the hands of the Zulus and the sacrificial killing of a bull before a village feast. Never screened in Apartheid South Africa, and re edited by the BBC, the original video went on to win Best Music Video Bronze at the New York Film and TV Festival. Here it is . Uncut.
Monday, October 04, 2021
Sweet Little Sixteen - Chuck Berry (Jazz on a Summer's Day 1959)
I see this movie has been reissued on DVD and Blu-Ray. This is the best bit but it is a wonderful film if you like Jazz.
Sunday, October 03, 2021
On the Video Front Bath
Remember video libraries? There was one our family used a lot that was called On the Video Front near Bog Island Bath. They had a lot of foreign films and a lot of children's films too. They had a category of film called Yellow star films you could get for a week for a special price. Obviously run by film fans I remember we used to go in on a Sunday and grab some classics for the week ahead. They had a copy of Barry Lyndon when no one else did. Fine shop.
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| Where it used to be |
Black Gold by Jeremy Paxman
This book looks good. Examining the role of mining communities in the wealth of Britain. I shall be hoping the local library will get it in. Look on Facebook for a trailer. Obviously I shall be hoping that it encourages people to have more respect for their mining ancestors.
Praise for Black Gold
‘[A] rich social history … Given coal’s image, a popular history might seem a foolhardy undertaking. Yet Paxman’s book could hardly be more colourful, and I enjoyed every page enormously … A mining community, as Paxman points out, was not just a place of dirt and danger. It was a “place where you slept and ate, visited the doctor, fell in love, had your children and entertained yourself”. It was a world of “allotment associations, pigeon and poultry clubs, brass bands, choirs, youth organisations, whippet racing and eagerly contested giant-vegetable competitions”. Within a few decades all this was gone. One day soon, Paxman says, we may forget it was ever there. But his book does a fine job of bringing it alive, and deserves the widest possible readership’
Dominic Sandbrook, Sunday Times
‘A rich seam of history … Coal made Britain top nation, but we don’t talk about it much … Black Gold is much more than the story of an industry: it is a history of Britain from an unusual angle, vividly told, that throws new light on familiar features of our national landscape … Paxman’s fine narrative powers are at their best in his account of [miner’s strikes] … From its beginnings to its end, the industry that made our country what it is, for good and ill, was a brutal business. Paxman is determined that we should not forget it’
Emma Duncan, The Times
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West of England (1951)
BFI
Glorious Technicolor casts a dreamlike spell over Gloucestershire's Stroud valleys in this rather gorgeous short film. Author Laurie Lee, whose 1960 book Cider with Rosie drew on childhood memories of the area, contributes the script for a narration which accompanies painterly images of evergreen scenery, people and industry. At heart a Board of Trade promo for Gloucestershire cloth-making, it's a deliberately soft sell, wrapped up in a gentle, romantic, small 'c' conservative vision of rural idyll.
Saturday, October 02, 2021
Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Oliver's Army
I didn't like this when it came our, had no idea what it was about. But I like it now. Song wiki
Friday, October 01, 2021
The Butler and Tanner Story
Another book I borrowed was this one about the Frome book printing company where I did my apprenticeship. My father and Uncle Arthur worked there too.
Adge King of the Wurzels
My sister persuaded me to rejoin the library. Haven't been there for about 15 years. Today I decided to borrow some books. So I visited the Local history section and chose some. First up is this biography of Somerset bard Adge Cutler. Good book. Shall enjoy reading this. To see more on this phenomenon search this blog for Adge.
When Yo la Tengo played our song
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| The Anvil Basingstoke |
Back in 2004 we got contacted by James from YLT asking us if we wanted to trade records which we did. At that time we hadn't heard of them but our daughter Bea had. Then they asked if we wanted to come to a gig and meet up. This took a while to arrange but in the end we went to the Anvil in Basingstoke to meet up. We took two of our children with us. Later that evening during their encore they played a cover of our Evil Going On single which like 10 people bought back in 81. We were flabbergasted. It was so good. memories are made of this.
Prisoners of Love - Yo la Tengo 2006
This is a compilation from 2006 and is in my opinion a good way to start listening to YLT.
