I first heard this song by the Dirtbombs.
Ralphadeus. Music movies comics feature in this look at life from Somerset.
Monday, January 31, 2022
Mance Lipscomb: Two Songs
Legendary Texas blues guitar great Mance Lipscomb performs "Take Me Back" and "Goin' Down Slow."
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Saturday, January 29, 2022
The London Rock and Roll Show 1972 - 50 years ago this August
intro:(0:00)
Ralph Mitchard 1979
This is me playing and singing with the Bad Detectives. Playing in a club in Frome. I used to play and sing whilst I was doing Animals & Men - they would get a gig and ask me and I would say yes. I used to work at the same factory as Henry so we were still in contact. If I remember correctly there was some trouble at this gig which wasn't unusual. Think it was the British Legion club.
Friday, January 28, 2022
The Equals Green Light 1970
Another song the Detroit Cobras taught us - it's brilliant. Composed by Eddie Grant
Messin' With The Hook John Lee Hooker
Solo performance from the Hooker n Heat sessions. Great stuff. A stomping tune.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Spread Your Love 2000
Not from Detroit but from then. My daughters won tickets from the NME and saw these in Bristol.
The White Stripes - Fell In Love With A Girl 2002
Can't really talk about the Detroit garage scene without mentioning the White Stripes.
Thursday, January 27, 2022
It Came From Detroit Official Trailer
I have beeen thinking about the whole Detroit thing in the 2000s and this film probably captured it. Detroit Cobras are featured. Get it here
Radstock Pasty
We have a good butcher's Phil Day Traditional Family Butchers Ltd shop on Midsomer Norton High Street. Their products are great and include faggots, ham and the faamous 'Radstock Pasty' pictured. It's something to try if you come to Midsomer Norton and you aren't a vegetarian.
R.L. Burnside and family: Boogie instrumental (1978)
R.L. Burnside with family at home in Independence, Mississippi, shot by Alan Lomax, Worth Long, and John Bishop in August, 1978. For more information about the American Patchwork filmwork, Alan Lomax, and his collections, visit http://culturalequity.org.
Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood "Summer Wine" on The Ed Sullivan Show 1967
I first encountered Nancy and Lee on an album I picked up from a junk shop. Don't know why I bought it but I loved it.
Radio show of interest to Fall fans
Fall News tweeted this. It's a show by Eleni ex Fall member where she plays some of MES's favourite records. Here
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Gloria - Van Morrison, John Lee Hooker
I bought this when it came out on cassette single - played it in the car - those days when we drove. It's really good. I think it is 1993.
Tuesday, January 25, 2022
The Courettes@The Lexington October 2021
Chatting to old mate Dave and the subject of this band came up. He said he saw them in Brighton and they were one of the best bands he has seen in a while and believe me he sees a lot of bands/ This is a full set but you don't need to listen to it all just enjoy the memory of what it's like going to a gig. See their current single R.I.N.G.O. here
Evans Shuffle 1950 Muddy Waters and Little Walter
B-side to Louisiana Blues - it's a cracking instrumental with interjections by the Mudster.
Monday, January 24, 2022
Cliff Richard Jr sings Shooting Star
Cliff and The Shadows Go Go Go in the big-movie Thunderbirds Are Go!
I don't know whether any of you listened to Tom Hanks on his show on Boss Radio 66? He was enthusing about this clip so I thought I would post it.
Ralph and Susan last week
The Flirtations - Nothing But A Heartache 1968
A song the Detroit Cobras covered. Great promo at some abbey maybe Fountains.
The Detroit Cobras "He Did It" 2001
The late Rachel Nagy covering the Ronettes. RIP. I must admit I have been saddened by the lack of interest in Rachel's passing. I thought they were well known the Detroit Cobras. She was only 37 ffs. They had gigs booked. Evan 'Funk' Davies did a nice set on his WFMU show. Maybe I need to get hipper friends.
Mark E Smith 4 years ago
24 January 2018
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Mark E. Smith. He passed this morning at home. A more detailed statement will follow in the next few days. In the meantime, Pam & Mark’s family request privacy at this sad time.
Pam Vander
The Fall – manager
Sunday, January 23, 2022
Saturday, January 22, 2022
Ocean · The Velvet Underground 1969
Great song. Lovely drumming, Ranked number 10 in the Guardian's list of Velvets songs.
Fleetwood Mac - Looking for somebody 1968
Another song that is just bass and harmonica and vocals is this one.
The Stranglers - Old Codger B side of Walk on By Featuring George Melly and Lew Lewis 1978
This is very good. It may have influenced us when we were planning our Terraplanes sound of bass and harp without guitar.
Lloyd Cole And The Commotions - Perfect Skin
Remember this? I think it's from 1984. Wiki Not mad about it but it is OK.
.Friday, January 21, 2022
The Fall - The Blindness (live on Later) 2005
I was very happy to see this in 2005. A good performance I thought.
(Big) Joe Williams - King Biscuit Stomp
Columbia Records 1947 with John Lee Williamson on harp the original Sonny Boy!
Joe Williams, (voc, guitar) Sonny Boy Williamson,( hca) Ransom Knowling, (bass) Judge Riley, (drums)Winter break
We have been on a short break with our kids and their partners at Centre Parcs Longleat. Photo by Sue. Been nice to get to know our Grandson.
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Sonny Boy Williamson - Checkin' Up On My Baby ( Take 2 )
In 1960, Sonny Boy Williamson II recorded "Checkin' Up on My Baby" as an uptempo Chicago blues shuffle that features his harmonica playing. Backing Williamson (vocal and harmonica) are Otis Spann (piano), Robert Lockwood Jr. and Luther Tucker (guitars), Fred Below (drums), and Willie Dixon (bass)...this is a second take.
The Detroit Cobras - the Village of Love
Been listening to a fair bit of Detroit Cobras. Rachel Nagy was such a good singer of soul music with her own tough style. Hear her on this one.
Wednesday, January 19, 2022
NAPPY BROWN - COAL MINER [Savoy 1594] 1961
This is a fantastic song. I tried to do a cover of this but it's nothing without the flute.
Downbound train Chuck Berry 1957
Just heard this on the Wednesday night rocking party on Forest FM with Steve Stack of wax. Mr Marvellous made the observation that lyrically it's Hillbilly. I think he's right.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
This Friday at 5 o'clock in the UK
Tune in Friday at NOON EST for the next Songs From The Back Of The Station Wagon with DJ Tom Hanks! Only on Boss Radio 66. This is the best one yet!
Sunday, January 16, 2022
David McWilliams - Days Of Pearly Spencer 1967
Just heard this on Atlantic tunnel. There is a good promo film for it in colour
Apparently this was not a hit but Marc Almond took it to number 4 in the UK. Wiki on the song here.
The DETROIT COBRAS Live @Ninkasi Kao - Lyon (France) - 17 novembre 2019
Setlist :
Don't knock Putty Cha cha Mignight Bad girl Feel good Just can't please Yaki I can't go back What more Ya ya Stay down Kitten Weak spot Laughin' What's going on Holler Cry on shoutSad news for Detroit Cobras fans
Dear friends, family and fans,
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved friend and musical colleague, Rachel Lee Nagy. There are no words to fully arrticulate our grief as we remember a life cut short, still vital and inspirational to all who knew and loved her. With the Detroit Cobras Rachel Nagy carried the torch of Rock, Soul and R&B to fans all over the world. More than just a performer, she embodied the spirit of the music itself and vaulted it to new heights with her own deeply affecting vocal power. I know that I am not alone when I say that I was inspired by her vitality, her fierce intensity and her vulnerability. Once plans have been finalized by the family we will post more information regarding further details to memorialize Rachel and pay tribute to her life. Until then, please know that if you are as devastated by this news as we are, you are not alone. We are with you in your grief. Rachel is survived by her brother Tony Nagy and her mother Marge Nagy.
-Greg Cartwright
Saturday, January 15, 2022
Little Richard - I don't want to discuss it 1967
This is a fantastic song. Popular with Northern Soul people. When I was a teenager I had a lot of Little Richard records mostly recorded in the 60s but there were some great ones in them. This is one of the best. The Okeh sessions on Spotify
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| This double album from 1971 I had with this song on it |
Article on Midsomer Norton High Street
Piece from Somerset Live.
'Finding a well-stocked high street is a rare treasure these days, but we think we might just have done it.
Just 11 miles from Bath, there's a friendly shopping street where you can still park for free.
It's a thriving little town, where everyone knows everyone else and you can't walk down the street without meeting an old friend.'
Bow Wow Wow Live Switch 08/04/83
Bow Wow Wow Roustabout, Do You Wanna Hold Me, Aphrodisiac, Mario Live Switch Broadcast On Channel 4 UK TV 08/04/83
I think BWW were better after McLaren had left them to pursue other projects. As I mentioned I think his lyrics were naff. Vivienne Westwood's clothes were good but they were still cool after as evidenced by this video.
Friday, January 14, 2022
Bow wow wow Chihuahua 1981
Video here. I like these early 80s videos.
A lot of the lyrics written by McLaren were pretty crappy - 'I'm a rocknroll puppet in a band called Bow wow wow' he should have done better. This was a 15 year old girl and he was putting words into her mouth he shouldn't have abused it. 'I'm a horrid little idiot'. I still like them but I think Malcolm didn't serve them well lyrically. Bow Wow wow wiki
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Tucker's Grave Wassail
Tucker's Grave is a cider house near Radstock that is just great. It has a camp site attached. They have live music and curry for this night. Free Entry. Quite a lot of famous people have drank at Tucker's. I saw Hugh Cornwell of the Stranglers there and apparently Mick Jagger went there once and nobody recognised him. Pictures of the inn here.
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Jimmy Rogers - What Have I Done. 1958
This is the sort of pop material Jimmy Rogers was doing in the later years at Chess. I quite like it but I can se why people get annoyed.
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Millions Like Us (1943) Full movie
I am a bit of a Patricia Roc fan and this film was her breakthrough role that cemented her place as the nation's favourite nice girl. She made one Hollywood movie but didn't do well over there. In this one she plays Celia an ordinary girl who falls for an airman. If you haven't seen this movie it is great. Worth watching.
Muddy Waters - I Want to be Loved - 1955
I used to be a bit obsessed with this song. We used to do a cover in the Terraplanes but never recorded it.
Monday, January 10, 2022
Money, Marbles And Chalk Jimmy Rogers and his Rocking Four 1951
Lovely slow blues. Wiki on Jimmy Rogers. If you don't know him check out his Chess recordings - they are unparalleled.
Lee Dorsey - Everything I Do Gohn Be Funky (From Now On) 1969
How many times have you said this? Lee Dorsey wiki
Sunday, January 09, 2022
Heaven and Earth (天と地と, Ten to chi to) is a 1990 Japanese film
This Samurai movie is highly rated - directed by Haruki Kadokawa and starring Enoki Takaaki. Watch it in full here
Plot summary
Set in feudal Japan, the daimyō Kagetora (Enoki) must protect his lands and his people from the ambitions of the warlord Takeda (Tsugawa).
Kagetora is also known as Uesugi Kenshin. In the film, Kagetora must defend his province of Echigo against Takeda Shingen. The famous battles include the Battle of Kawanakajima.
Willie Dixon the Chess Box
1989 compilation of the classic blues and pop songs written and some performed by Willie Dixon.
The Woggles - Baby i'll trust you when you're dead
Heard this on the radio last night. Killer psyche from 2013
She lives (in a time of her own) Thirteenth Floor Elevators 1967
Great song from the Easter Everywhere album.
Saturday, January 08, 2022
Me and Susan in 1978
Here is an old photo of us with our kittens Roxette and Haile. They were from Nigel's farm where the old manor was dilapidated and home to dozens of feral cats. We were living at Naish's street - this photo is in my parents garden - they had gone away and we were visiting. This was when I dyed my hair black.
Elvis Presley - Baby, What You Want Me To Do ('68 Comeback Special)
Happy birthday Elvis. Doing Jimmy Reed.
Eddie and the Hot Rods - Get Out of Denver
With Lew Lewis on harp.
I still remember it was autumn and the moon was shining
Our 60s Cadillac was roaring through Nebraska whining
Friday, January 07, 2022
When my dad was on the news
My father John Mitchard was a Labour politician - went up through the league of Labour youth and into adult life. He used to go to the Party conference which usually was Blackpool or similar. One conference famous fascist Colin Jordan burst in and started heckling. According to my Dad no one was doing anything to stop him so he walked to the end of the row and put his arm behind his back and took him to the exit - kicked the door open and pushed him out into the street. It was the main item on the news that day. We didn't have a phone at the time but the next door's phone was red hot as his family were asking 'was that our John?'. Fortunately we found this photo online. I think it was about 1965. My Dad is on the left. He was too!
David Bowie – John, I'm Only Dancing 1972
Not a huge Bowie fan but this is my favourite of his for his 75th birthday.
To Sir, with Love • Theme Song • Lulu 1967
So as a tribute to Sir Sidney Poitier who has passed away today here's the theme of one of his great roles.
The Pogues - Dirty Old Town 1985
Did you like the Pogues? We did though we never saw them - we had young kids then. Song wiki
Thursday, January 06, 2022
EATER - Thinkin' Of The USA. Live 1977
Eater were the youngest of the early punks. Made some great singles which we bought.
A montage edit made of a very short Eater film clip (originally aired on TV in Italy) seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFZEV...
The Yardbirds - Still I'm Sad 1966
Some say this was the first psychedelic record.
This is one of the band's original compositions, and the words were written by their bass player, Paul Samwell-Smith.
Squashed Pyrannah (UK) - Dr Jekyll 1982
Band from Coleford near Frome Somerset in the early 80s. I believe they were New wave of British Heavy metal. Had a single out which I bought - looks like it's worth a bob or two. Photo from 83 thanks to Kev Carroll. The main man Steve Wadley passed away sadly. There is a good review of them on this blog. Terraplanes drummer Andy Payne drummed with them for a while after we had given up and enjoyed the experience.
Song from: Heartstop / Dr Jekyll, Single 1982
- Bass – John Box (2)
- Drums – Dave Parfitt
- Guitar, Vocals – Martin Treasure, Steve Wadley
- Vocals – Kev Carroll (2)
The Others - Oh Yeah! - 1964 45rpm
Another groovy RnB 45. The Shadows of Knight had a bit with a similar arrangement but that's showbiz. Drums are good on this.
The Beat Merchants - Pretty Face - 1964
Pretty fast pace RnB from the Brighton area. Have this on 45.
Wednesday, January 05, 2022
The Courettes R.I.N.G.O. 2021
This is the official video for the new single from The Courettes, taken from their new, Damaged Goods Records album 'Back In Mono'. Both the 7" and the album were released on the 15th of October 2021.
Bow Wow Wow Live Sefton Park 07/09/82 (approx 30 mins)
I reckon Bow wow wow were one of the best live groups I saw during the punk era - sound is not brilliant on this but judge for yourself. It's from BBC2.
Setlist: TV Savage, Cowboy, Orang Outang, Sexy Eiffel Towers, Jungle Boy, Mile High Club, Uoma Sex El Apache, Go wild In The Country, I Want Candy, C30 C60 C90 Go! Live Sefton Park 07/09/82
The Final Battle in Spartacus (1960)
Epic final battle directed by Stanley Kubrick using 8,000 Spanish soldiers to depict the legions.
Voyna i Mir - War and Peace 1966-67
So the forthcoming Napoleonic epic by Ridley Scott working title Kitbag (stars Joaquin Phoenix) is to have 6 major battles in it. Cool. I hope. Feel slightly sad as I am now too old and corpulent to be an extra. So to console myself here's what they have to match up to - the Mosfilms version of War and Peace.
The King Of The Mountain Cometh 1971 (B Side) T Rex
I had this on my mind when I woke up. B side of Hot Love
Tuesday, January 04, 2022
The Courettes - "Hop The Twig"
Just heard this on Marc Riley. It's very good.
The Courettes is the garage duo sensation from Brazil and Denmark! One of the most hard-working bands on the scene.
Cider book
Susan picked up this book for me. A global look at Cider. Somerset is just a section of it. Nice bit about wassailing which is about 5 & 6 January if you are looking for an excuse to fire a gun into an Apple tree.
Mickey & Sylvia - Since I Fell For You
This is my favourite M&S song I reckon. There has just been published a book on Mickey Baker but it is all in French.
Our little Rendezvous Chuck Berry 1960
Based on the blues Good Morning Little Schoolgirl or is it Me and my Chaffeur?
Monday, January 03, 2022
Mickey Finn And The Blue Men - I Still Want You 1964
This is a dead good slice of British R n B. First heard it on a compilation called the Beat Merchants. Henry had a copy and he lent it to me. Great sleeve.
It's based on a Jimmy Reed type groove. It stands the test of time.
The Electric Prunes - The Great Banana Hoax 1967
I like the Prunes - like a crossover between bubblegum and psychedelia
Sunday, January 02, 2022
Monochrome set Surfing SW12 1980
Lovely bass on this by Andy Warren. Only a b-side but very good. Saw them about this time.
T REX Teenage Dream The Lost T.O.T.Ps Video
This song is from an over the top phase in Bolan's career. 1974. Wiki
It is good though. Heard on Atlantic tunnel.
