Thursday, June 30, 2022

O Lucky Man! (1973) Official Trailer - Malcolm McDowell, Helen Mirren Movie

 When our son left home he left all his DVDs behind. Not all bad news though as there are some classic films among them. One is this film which I must watch again before he comes and claims them. Anyway if you can watch this - it's very memorable. 

Mink Deville Spanish Stroll

 This was one of those records that got caught up in Punk. A pop hit. We didn't buy it though we liked it. Song wiki

Lou Reed - Vicious (audio) 1972

 So another album that is 50 years old this August is this one by Lou Reed. I was only 12 at the time so although I heard it I didn't really understand it. Album wiki 'According to Reed, Warhol told him he should write a song about someone vicious. When Reed asked what he meant by vicious, Warhol replied, "Oh, you know, like I hit you with a flower",[4]'

Wayne Raney - Gone With The Wind This Morning

 Heard on Steve Stack of Wax's show last night. Yodelling and country harmonica. 

John Lee Hooker Gotta Boogie Modern Recordings 1948-1955

 Good collection. 

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Gentle Street Frome

 When Monmouth left Frome for Shepton Mallet he probably left via Gentle Street.


Screamin' Jay Hawkins - I Put A Spell On Me [Docu]



The legendary Screamin' Jay Hawkins was a great influence on many musicians and his performances were so highly provocative in their originality that even today they can be considered "revolutionary".

Screamin' Jay Hawkins met Nicholas Triandafyllidis and commissioned him to make a documentary about his notorious life in and out of the music industry. Screaming Jay came to Greece and he gave his very last concerts in Thessaloniki and Athens, before his sudden death in Paris in 2000.

Having been left a legacy of confidential sessions and footage of his final live performances, Triandafyllidis completed the film with a little help from Jay's friends: Jim Jarmusch (director of Ghost Dog), Bo Diddley, Eric Burdon (The Animals), Rudi Protrudi, Diamanda Galas, Arthur Brown (The Crazy Word of Arthur Brown), Andre Williams and others.

He remained faithful to their common vision:

"A film full of positive energy, an endless source of life".

Atlanta James (Mack Vickery) - The Meat Man (Mega) 1970

 Heard this on Boss Radio 66. Was covered by Jerry Lee Lewis I believe. Song wiki

John Lee Hooker 1969 PBS

 0:00 - Never Get Out These Blues Alive

3:59 - Maudie 8:36 - Serves Me Right To Suffer 14:00 - Boom Boom 19:51 - Hobo Blues

Marc Bolan Celebrate Summer Marc Show 1977 RARE Alternate Version

 Summer is heaven in 77

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Sonny Boy Williamson - Let Me Explain 1956

 More Sonny Boy in his best years in my opinion. 

The Zombies - She's Not There 1964

 Big hit for them. Wiki

Monday, June 27, 2022

Monmouth is at Norton Town - All a fighting for the Crown

 Today is the anniversary of the battle of Philips Norton which took place at Norton St Philip which is about 7 miles from here. Here is a picture of the Troop at the George Inn NSP which was the Duke of Monmouth's HQ. After this inconclusive battle they retreated to Frome to recover. 



Sonny Boy Williamson 2 Eyesight to the Blind (1951-1954)

 This is a good collection of Sonny Boy's early recordings before he got on Chess. This would be as good a play as any to start an appreciation of Sonny Boy. 

BUNKER HILL - Red Ridin' Hood and the Wolf [Mala #457] 1962

 Classic rocker 

Sunday, June 26, 2022

Little Village Motherfucker

 Sonny Boy Williamson sings about a small town 

Jesus and Mary Chain

Most acts I have seen on the Glastonbury coverage have had terrible sound. Particularly Primal Scream. But JaMC had a decent mix. Check them out on iPlayer.

Sonny Boy Williamson II Open Road

 Lovely song.  'My home is in the Delta way out on Bummer Road'. You can hear the Full album on Youtube here

i have this L.P. on cd and it's very good.



A new cider

 Webpage

Tucker's Grave Inn have named their new delicious cider Mother Tuckers. We tried it on Friday - very nice well worth it if you like proper cider. I believe they do takeaways so if you have to be a driver you can join in at home. History of the pub

Photo by Jolien showing the new cider in situ

Me at Tucker's on Friday

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Bow wow wow I want Candy 1982

 Saturday night selection. From 40 years ago this summer. Here they are on Razzamatazz

Get together at Tucker's Grave

 

Photo by Susan. Catch up with old reenactment friends. Perfect location. Tucker's are launching their own cider this weekend. Announcing the name tonight. 

Dusty Springfield "Son Of A Preacher Man" on The Ed Sullivan Show

 This is very good. 1968 I think. On the soundtrack of Pulp Fiction. I do like Dusty. 

Macca's Frome gig

 Guardian article. Setlist here. There is a good review of the show at Frome nub News. Also a nice piece on Bristol Live.

Photo from Bristol Live
Itv news piece

Friday, June 24, 2022

Wings over Europe bus 1972


 This blog has some great photos. If you are like me you will like this article on the Wings tour bus. Wings Over Europe wiki

Paul and Linda McCartney - Heart Of The Country

 From the album ‘RAM’ (1971).

Reigning Sound North Cackalacky Girl

 This is really good. The whole album Shattered is great. 

Big night for Frome

 Soon the band will be onstage. I suppose this sign means we wnn't be watching it online.


The Nerves - Hanging On The Telephone, Original version 45, 1976.

 The best version I think

JUKE BOY BONNER Live 1975

 Wiki

Juke Boy Bonner Running Shoes

 

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Frank Sinatra at the Bristol Hippodrome June 1953

 My Dad was a music fan, in fact he sang with a local swing band for a while - got discovered on Farrington Gurney station. But I digress. He saw Sinatra at the Hippodrome. Reputedly under attended but Sinatra visited a local hospital while in Bristol. Just thought I would mention it.

Frome warm-up


 Webpage I think it is already sold out

n 24 hours time from now Paul McCartney will be performing live, here in Frome, at the Cheese and Grain.  Tickets for this extraordinary experience are available now from our box office in person only and will be available on a strictly first come first served basis. The box office will be open for extended hours this evening until tickets have sold out.  What an incredible opportunity to watch Paul warm up for his Glastonbury headlining performance this weekend. What an amazing treat… we are told this won’t be his normal set either so should be an afternoon full of wonderful surprises.

Tickets are £25 each and limited to 2 per person and are non transferable. 

Lou Reed - "Cycle Annie" (Beachnuts)

 1964 I believe. Great guitar solo. 

Message of Love - the Pretenders 1981

Nice riff on this.  I think this is their best one but then that's just me I am not a fan as such. 

Sonny and Cher: The beat goes on (1967)

Heard a raved-up version of this last night. Made me want to hear the original.  

Bow Wow Wow - Cowboy 1982

 So 40 years ago Bow Wow Wow brought out the Last of the Mohicans EP. This gave them their biggest hit I Want Candy. But I thought you were probably fed up with that song so posted this one. 

Sandie Shaw & The Smiths - Hand In Glove 1984

 We weren't that taken by the Smiths - in fact this is the only one we bought. 

Goody Two Shoes Adam Ant 1982

 So just over 40 years ago this was a hit. With a look inspired by the film Billy Budd (1962) as far as I can work out. 


Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Midsummer dreaming John Carter 1968

 Just heard this on the radio (Gideon Coe) ideal for this time of year.b

Cornershop - Lessons Learned from Rocky I to Rocky III (original & official) 2002

 Good video that suits this moment. Wiki on the band - performing the song on Jools Holland

Lili Marleen (1981) trailer

 I remember seeing this at the cinema at this time. Had subtitles unlike this trailer. We used to visit art cinemas a lot around then. 

Pretenders - Brass In Pocket (Live Rehearsal) (1979)

 I have watched the whole of the Pistol tv series now but I can't really give you a good review - I know I was glad when it ended but that's more about me than the show. One of the things I have noticed is people seem to be pretty impressed by the Chrissie Hynde character and I think she was a consultant so it was as it should be I suppose. I can't say I liked the Pretenders at the the time but I didn't hate them either. This is good. 

Date for your diary

 Saturday, July 9. High Noon. That will be 5 o'clock for us limeys.


Mo-dettes White Mice

 Saw this band live in around 1980 at Corsham Art College. Pretty good.

Bad Detectives 1978

 Publicity photo we had to have to take part in a Battle of the Bands at the Hexagon Suite. I am in the centre back row with dyed black hair. Photo was by Ian Mackay ex printer and brother of Dave who had a studio on Bath Street.


Tuesday, June 21, 2022

The Way We Were Tony Wilson Documentary 05/08/86

 Hosted by Tony Wilson, A compilation of performances of bands taken from his previous TV shows in the late 70's, such as So It Goes. Includes Sex Pistols, Siouxsie & The Banshees, Clash, Buzzcocks, Iggy Pop, The Fall, Elvis Costello, Blondie, Penetration, Wreckless Eric, Ian Dury, Tom Robinson, Magazine, John Cooper Clarke, XTC and Joy Division many of them making their TV debuts.

Julia Jacklin - I Was Neon (Official Video)

 Current. We heard this on the radio last night and I made a note to listen to it again. It's good. 

It's Mighty Crazy Lightnin' Slim 1954

 Classic. 

The Fall - Live Glastonbury Festival 27.06.92 (Full Show)

 So Glastonbury is on this week. I only went once to see the Fall in 92. Here's film of their performance on the Pyramid stage. 

Summer Solstice, Glastonbury Tor 21.06.22

 By Kev Pearson Photography. Prints available. 


Monday, June 20, 2022

When i was in the Youth section of the WRP (see below)

 So what did we do? Bath was the nearest contact and I used to hitch out including on school nights which my parents weren't happy about. We mostly sold newspapers. Around the pubs of Bath which was hairy especially as I was underage. Jumble sales in deprived areas of Bath (which exist believe me). I used to take newspapers to school to sell to my classmates. That was how I met Nigel when he came to my spot in the library to have a go at me. So no revolutionary activities as I was hoping but instead lots of selling newspapers which gets tiring after a while.

Mary Queen of Scots (1971) trailer

 Watched this again today. Stars Vanessa Redgrave who I had a crush on about then. I had seen her in Charge of the Light Brigade. I saw her on the news at an anti-Vietnam war rally and my parents noticed me blush and teased me for some time after. Later I joined the youth section of the Worker's Revolutionary Party and they said I was only trying to get to meet Vanessa Redgrave. Not true. 



Charge of the Light Brigade (1968). I was 8 or 9 when I saw this at the cinema


Juvenile Delinquent T. V. Slim

 Just heard this on Boss Radio 66. I had heard it before but couldn't work out what it was called. See what you think.

La Varieté LP (1982) Weekend

 This was on my stereo 40 years ago approximately. And today. Influenced by Nigel if I remember how I came to like it. Cool summer sounds. Weekend wiki

Bukka White (live) | Memphis '69: The Memphis Country Blues Festival


Sonny Boy Williamson - Sloppy Drunk Blues

 This is the other Sonny Boy - the one that got murdered. 

Slim Harpo - Tip on in 1968

 This is a great record and no mistake. Slim Harpo wiki

Bryan Ferry interview 2022

 On fusing art and style for Vogue Magazine

JIMMY REED The Sun Is Shining SEP '57

 Classic from Jimmy Reed 

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Terraplanes/ Animals & Men get together 2003

 

In our front room. The bass was my daughter's and the two drum kits were Geoff's. I got Dave to wear the budenovka. 

Ann-Margaret and Tommy themed pinball.

 


Saturday, June 18, 2022

For Joe Meek fans

 


Paul McCartney & Wings - Hi Hi Hi (1972)

 Paul's 80th birthday today. This we had. It was banned. First band I saw live in 73. 

Waterloo Making an Epic Review

 A 2021 book about the film reviewed here


Waterloo (1970) Fan trailer

Gentlemen! Today's fox. Anniversary of Waterloo 1815 today.

Friday, June 17, 2022

Come on Eileen Dexy's 1982

 This was the big record this time 40 years ago.  We bought the LP. 

Take Me Bak 'Ome Slade 1972

 Meanwhile around now Slade were number 1 with this song. Wikipedia on the song here

Acker Bilk Sippin' cider beside 'er

 I encountered this tune in a 1964 film It's All Over Town.

 Acker Bilk came from Pensford in North Somerset.

Johnnie Allan : The Promised Land

 Filmed in Louisiana in 1984. I know they're miming but it still is good. Here

Fats Domino - Detroit City Blues - December 10, 1949

 Early Fats record. His debut I believe. 21 years old. The Fat Man on the other side.  I had it on a compilation on Sunset called Be My Guest. Fats discography

The Fall - Blood Outta Stone 1990

 FallFriday. This is a great song - remember first hearing it on the Peel show one night. Lyrics 

Jimmy Reed with Eddie Taylor - Big Boss Man

 

Just Jimmy Reed 1962

 This album on Veejay I had. Sold it. But it is a good selection of songs and I recommend it. Allmusic review



Thursday, June 16, 2022

Good Lover 1962 Jimmy Reed

I loved this song as a young adult. I can't put into words why I like Jimmy Reed.

 Well my baby wants mansion, diamond ring

Big fine car and everything
But I'm a natural born lover
Hey, I'm a natural born lover
Well now tell me baby
Which one of us would you rather
Well now all those luxuries don't mean a thing
You should get yourself a real good man
And I'm a real gone lover
Hey, I'm a natural born lover
Well now tell me baby
Which one of us would you rather
I ain't got no mansion, no diamond ring
Big fine car, I don't have a thing
But I'm a natural born lover
Hey, I'm a real good lover
Well now tell me baby
Which one of us would you rather

What Susan was doing in 1972.

 The Fashion Box Frome. Susan worked there as a teen on Saturdays. 25p an hour. She was in the window above the sign. Photo from Frome History and Mystery.



The Seeds - Pushin' Too Hard !

 Worth watching this again if you have already seen it. 

The official trailer for the definitive documentary on the legendary 1960s garage rock band The SEEDS. www.gnpcrescendo.com

The Seeds - The Wind Blows Your Hair (1967)

One of my favvourite Seeds songs. I saw Sky Saxon at the Thekla in Bristol and I was hoping they would do it and they started the set with it. I was happy. 

Big Walter Horton with Carey Bell

 Big Walter Horton with Carey Bell is an album by the American blues musicians Big Walter Horton and Carey Bell, recorded in Chicago in 1972 and released by the Alligator label.[1][2]

Roxy Music - Ladytron (Old Grey Whistle Test, 1972)

 Roxy Music’s very first TV appearance "Ladytron" "Old Grey Whistle Test", BBC, June 20, 1972

Another one Susan bought came out 50 years ago

by Antony Price - Wikipedia

 Roxy Music is the debut studio album by the English band Roxy Music. It was released on 16 June 1972.

It was generally well received by contemporary critics and made it to number 10 in the UK Albums Chart.[1]


50 years ago today, David Bowie released "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars"


 Wasn't a fan but Susan was and it is a significant anniversary.  NME piece about it

Gato Barbieri - Last Tango in Paris OST 1972

 


Even if you don't like the film you have to admire the soundtrack. I think Nigel got me into this, now I have it on vinyl. I don't usually like Jazz but I have a few records that I really like and this is one. 

Gato Barbieri

Ray Harris - Come on Little Mama 1956

 Classic Rockabilly as heard on the Wednesday Night Rockin' Party last night. 

Mary Weiss and the Reigning Sound on TV

 This was a good collaboration. 2007. Mary Weiss wiki

Reigning Sound - Medication 2004

 This is probably the most exciting song you will hear today. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Spades You're Gonna Miss Me 1965

 Early version of the garage classic. Here

Psychotic Reaction 1978

 

Before Animals and men we were a 3 piece called Psychotic Reaction. We made a demo which I don't have anymore. Left to right Nigel, Geoff and me. Polaroids by Susan. 





Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Dry Cleaning - Don't Press Me (Official Video)

 Just out. 3 hours ago. Here

North Somerset's Guss and Crook

A piece of rope and chain that made young miners into beasts of burden underground. Unique to the North Somerset coalfields. The ropes would chafe and create burns which were tattooed by the coaldust leaving indelible scars. 
More info here

Above. Somerset miners and carting boys wearing the device - my Grandfather was 12 when he had to wear one. Right: here's the only known photo of the guss and crook being used by the carting boy at left. Newbury pit.

The Animals - We Gotta Get Out Of This Place (1965)

 A Mann/Weil composition.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Spitting Off the Edge of the World ft. Perfume Genius (Official Video)

Premiered on 1 Jun 2022

Frome Museum

 


Public Image Ltd.- The Flowers Of Romance (Top Of The Pops) 1981

 PIL played Frome last night. I didn't go. We went last time they played Frome and I am not a huge Lydon fan. This is my favourite PIL track. 

Pistol

 So we have watched two episodes of the Pistol miniseries.

I quite like it. Susan is enjoying it. I have trouble hearing what they say but as tv shows go it is pretty entertaining. I don't watch much tv so it is a bit nice to see something that is ok. It seems my peer group have enjoyed it.

Jerry Lee Lewis - As Long as I Live 1961

 The song was in my head as I woke up. 

Monday, June 13, 2022

1951) Modern 809-A ''Little Boy Blue'' Walter Horton (Mumbles)

 A classic record that should be more well known that it is. 

''LITTLE BOY BLUES'' Composer:- Robert Lockwood Jr

Walter Horton - Vocal & Harmonica Joe Hill Louis - Guitar, Percussion Willie Johnson - Guitar Unknown Tap Dancing effect Other Musicians Unknown

PRODUCER AND RECORDING ENGINEER - SAM C. PHILLIPS

Jonathan Richman & the Modern Lovers - Buzz, Buzz, Buzz 1978

 Quite a different song as done by Jonathan Richman. 

1958 Buzz-Buzz-Buzz - Hollywood Flames

 

Sam & Dave - I Take What I Want 1970

 Spirited performance. 

Sunday, June 12, 2022

The Man with the golden arm Elmer Bernstein 1956

 Killer instrumental 

Comp room display at Radstock Museum

 

When I started work in 1977 this was the set up in the comp room. Hot metal was the name. Those are type cases in display both upper and lower case versions. There would be a case for each size. You used a setting stick to compose the text and then locked into a chase which is on the right of the 'frame' .

Bauhaus Spirit 1982

 Released today 40 years ago. I must admit I don't remember it - we must have been over them. 

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Straight Shooter the Reigning Sound 2002

 Saturday night selection. Tonight the Reigning Sound play their last gig after about 20 years of top quality rocking music. So in tribute here is my favourite song of theirs.

Friday, June 10, 2022

Howlin' Wolf


 This photo is from the Message to the Young lp.

Happy birthday to me



 My sister took me to Tucker's Grave Faulkland for a birthday pint or three. Cheddar valley and Rich's. Got to be a contender for best cider pub in the UK.

Don't Laugh At Me Howlin' Wolf 1964

 Happy birthday to the Wolf. 

Thursday, June 09, 2022

When we tried to make our own Ants bootleg

Not our photo

In the late 70s the way to hear the Ants was to buy bootleg cassettes of recent gigs. These used to be sold on the street in London in addition to fanzines, studded wristbands and t-shirts. Susan had a radio cassette player in army green plastic (Sony) and she transported in an army rucksack. So as we used to always go to the front we placed the bag on the stage and pressed record. The results were poor. It captured the lead-in tracks on - Glitter's hello hello I'm back and then Sanctus but when the band started playing it overloaded the Mic and all that was captured was distortion. Shame.

Adam and the Ants Dirk wears white socks 1978

A great film which captures them in their punky best.

HD version of Laurie-Rae Chamberlain's Super - 8 footage of The Ants performing live during 1977 - 1978 from the abortive "Digital Tenderness" DVD project

The B-52's - Deadbeat Club (Official Music Video) 1989

 Wiki on the song here

2006 Toga party

 At our old place at Tyning. The kids had a toga party and we were involved. Was good fun.  My daughter was working at a bakers and brought home about 3 sacks of buns. We distributed them around the place in little piles and then started a bun fight. It was great fun. 


Otis Blackwell - Blues & Rhythm Series (The Chronological Otis Blackwell - 1952 - 1954)

 Great songwriter who made some great records under his own name. Wiki

01. Wake Up Fool (2:23)

02. Foll That I Be (2:46) 03. Number 000 (2:45) 04. Please Help Me Find My Way Home (2:44) 05. Tears, Tears, Tears (2:46) 06. Daddy Rolling Stone (2:43) 07. On That Power Line (2:17) 08. Don't Know How I Loved You (2:00) 09. You're My Love (2:36) 10. Go Away Mr. Blues (2:33) 11. Bartender Fill It Up Again (2:42) 12. I'm Travelin' On (2:34) 13. My Josephine (2:20) 14. Ain't Got No Time (2:21) 15. I'm Coming Back Baby (2:09) 16. Nobody Met The Train (2:40) 17. I'm Standing At The Doorway To Your Heart (2:24) 18. I Face This World Alone (2:44) 19. O-O-O-Oh! (2:31) 20. Oh! What A Babe (2:15) 21. Here I Am (2:43)