Jordan

 

Happy birthday Marc Bolan

 He would have been 75! Listen to Sunken Rags a b-side from 72 here. Listen to the album 1972 on Spotify here

Men Without Hats - Safety Dance 1982

 This song I completely missed when it came out. We discovered it when it was introduced to us by our hosts when we visited Denmark. These young Goths loved it and we had to agree. Filmed in Wiltshire (not too far away from here) the video was. Hit in 83. Apparently written after being thrown out of a club for pogoing.

Howlin Wolf - Shake for Me, I'll Be Back Someday, Love Me Darlin (Live)

 

Howlin' Wolf Live Boston '73 (The Shape I'm in)

 Some filler tracks you might want to skip. 

11 years ago. Trip to Weston-Super-Mare

 

Sylvia Kristel

 Another actress I saw as a young teenager is Sylvia Kristel who started in Emmanuelle (1974). She has a birthday today. The theme song by Pierre Bachelet is very good. Listen here

Her love rubbed off Carl Perkins 1956

 Steve Stack o wax just played this. First heard it covered by the Cramps. Mint.

Seven Day Fool Etta James

 Chicago all time classic from 1961.

Susan's Mum and her Mum at Fennell's Bay County Cork

 Susan's Grandmother was from Cork as was her Mother. Fennell's Bay is delightful. You can watch the ships - the last ever photo of the Titanic was taken at Fennel's Bay I think. We visited several times. Susan's mother Jean lost her Irish accent. Susan's Gran remembered the Black and Tans and that era. Susan's Grandmother Florence came to live in Frome in her later years. When we had a record out she would buy copies and send them to relatives that she corresponded with. The record shop said "you have a fan. A little old Irish lady". We smiled.

Gene Pitney Last Chance to Turn Around (1965)

 Encountered this first when the Fall covered it. Also known as the Last exit to Brooklyn. 

Me and Susan in 1988

 Recreating the time of the Armada (1588) at Old Basing. Sheep are what used to be called St Kilda. We were a shepherd and family (we had 2 children then). Pic by Richard Ellis. See more of this event here

The Magus (1968) ORIGINAL TRAILER

 A great 60s movie if I remember it right. 

The Magus is a 1968 British mystery film directed by Guy Green. The screenplay was written by John Fowles, based on his 1965 novel of the same name. It starred Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, Candice Bergen and Anna Karina

Mud Sharks Dave Barbarossa

 

This book has just been reissued. It is a great read. Dave (the drummer in Bow wow wow and the Ants) tells a story that mixes his life story with fictional elements. Sounds odd but it works. If you have an interest in those days I recommend you get a copy. 

The Kids Are Back - the Criminals 1979

 Here. Sylvain Sylvain is the main man of this. Good song.

Swinging Britain in the 60s: A Psychedelic Dream (1967) | British Pathé

 fun film

The Mersey Sound Aka Liverpool - Home Of The Mersey Sound (1964)

 My son lives in Liverpool so I am interested in the citybut it is a very good short film that is fine to watch,

"Shirley" by John Fred and The Playboys (1958)

 Rocking classic. 

Carmel Willow weep for me 1984

p> I used to really like this band at the time though Susan wasn't so keen. This video is really good - set in a hair salon and there is a cameo by the great Orlando. Directed by Derek Jarman too.

Otyken Legend 2022

 Current song. 

Otyken Kykakacha 2021

  My daughter Celia introduced this band to us. Siberian folk. They have other videos to watch and they are on Spotify and Apple. 

Black Emanuelle (1975)

 I saw this film starring Laura Gemser when I was fifteen.

Obviously Five Believers Bob Dylan 1966

 Great song. The wiki has the background and musicians. 

Slipping around the Detroit Cobras 2004

 I have posted the original by Clarence Carter but not had the DC's cover. Here. I think it is possibly a better version. Wiki on the album Baby here

My Dad John Mitchard and his Mum Elsie.

 My Dad was one of ten children. Growing up in Radstock which he termed it a demi-paradise growing up.

Lorna Bennett Breakfast in Bed 1972

 Reggae version here of the song made famous by Dusty Springfield.wiki. Just heard on the show Ranking Full Stop on WFMU.

Queenie's Castle - s01e01 We Humbly Beseech (starring Diana Dors)

I don't watch too much telly but I fired up the TV last night as there was a new documentary on Diana Dors on Channel 5. called Diana Dors: Britain's Blonde Bombshell - here if you want to see it - very good and they mentioned this situation comedy from the early 70s Queenie's Castle. Here is the first episode. 

Fine Blues Compilation for your Sunday pleasure

Goin' Down to Eli's: The Cobra & ABCO Rhythm & Blues Anthology 1956-1958

 All killer no filler. 

Little Richard Live in Paris 1966

  27 minutes. Little Richard Live in Paris November 1966. Backed by UK band, Johnny B. Great & The Quotations.

(1) Lucille (2) Good golly miss molly (3) Rip it up (4) Long tall sally (5) Tutti frutti (6)Jenny Jenny (7) Send me some lovin (8) Ready Teddy (9)She's got it (10) Whole lotta shakin goin on

Bobby Bland Shoes 1967

 Classic soul. Just heard on Boss Radio 66

Hey! Elastica Eat your Heart Out 1982

 

We liked this Edinburgh band from 40 years ago. They were on Virgin and appeared on tv which is where this clip is from. But they didn't make it but we still have their records. Band on discogs. Hey! Elastica on Spotify. See them in 1984 in a pop video for This Town 

My weekly trawl

 I Like on a Saturday to pick up 2nd hand DVDs from Charity shops. Here is what I bought today.

Trailer for Arn the Knight Templar here. The other is Lady Jane (1986) with a young Helena Bonham-Carter - trailer here

It's Little Richard 1964

 With the Shirelles and Sounds Incorporated. 37 minutes of the King of Rock and Roll. You lucky people. 

Dexy's Midnight Runners - Jackie Wilson Said (1982)

  To kick start your Saturday. 30 years ago. 

Fenton Robinson

 

Fenton Robinson's birthday today. This album from 1974 is very good. All the tracks are top hole. Pic is pinched from Bob Corritore's page which is a great blues site and it is Fenton Robinson about that time (1971). Watch Fenton from 74 here

Rock Me Baby B B King 1964

 I am not a huge BB King fan but I really love this. Hypnotic and simple a real classic.

Thirteenth Floor Elevators - "Tried to Hide" [Rarely Heard Alternate Single Version] (1966)

 This is fantastic. 

Son House "Death Letter Blues"

 We haven't had any Son House for a while. He is so great to watch.

Message to the Young Howlin' Wolf 1971

 

This album I picked up on vinyl in about 76 from a junk shop in Frome. Is it any good? Well I suppose  - it's a rock album rather than blues - possibly - listen for yourself. Wiki

The Scars All About You 1981

 An Edinburgh band we liked were the Scars. They got on the OGWT and we saw them live but they never quite made it. Their finest moment was the debut 45 Horrorshow/Adult-ery on Fast. 

Ann Peebles - I can't stand the Rain 1974

 Just heard this on the radio. Bringing back sweet memories. Read about the song's creation on the wiki

Deer at Center Parcs

 Two of our kids are on holiday at nearby Center Parcs and just took this photo. Looks like they are moulting. They hung out on their patio for about an hour. Our grandson was saying 'look at deer'.

The Woman King Official trailer

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I run a Facebook group Historical Battle Epics and two of the people who have seen this enjoyed it. It is a fun film apparently not a serious historical treatment. To read an analysis of the history read this piece from the New Yorker.

The Wiki says

The Woman King is a 2022 American historical epic film about the Agojie, the all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey during the 17th to 19th centuries. Set in the 1820s, the film stars Viola Davis as a general who trains the next generation of warriors to fight their enemies. It is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and written by Dana Stevens, based on a story she wrote with Maria Bello. The film also stars Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, and John Boyega.

Gene Vincent Say Mama

It's a great clip.

Jean-Luc Godard and Anna Karina by Jean-Claude Sauer, 1961.

 

Art exhibition in Frome

 Bus played bass with us for a few years. This is day job.

Mad World Tears for Fears 1982

 Released 40 years ago today. wiki. A band from nearby Bath. We didn't like it and used to take the piss out of it. We actually saw them supporting the Thompson Twins and didn't like that either. Watch the video here.

Warlord of the Royal Crocodiles Tyrannosaurus Rex

Marc Bolan's death day today. Keep a little Marc in your heart.

Eddie & The Hot Rods - Horseplay (single version with Lew Lewis) 1976

  Had a good time watching the funeral at our daughter's place at Peasedown. Son and grandson were there too. Grandson who is just over 2 said 'soldiers marching' which pleased me greatly.

Back on the Chain Gang the Pretenders 1982

 Released about now 40 years ago. I certainly didn't like it at the time I hardly remember anything about it but I like it now. Read about the recording of it and so forth here

Andean Condor

 I had a really vivid dream once about an Andean Condor

The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is a giant South American Cathartid vulture and is the only member of the genus Vultur. Found in the Andes mountains and adjacent Pacific coasts of western South America, the Andean condor is the largest flying bird in the world by combined measurement of weight and wingspan. It has a maximum wingspan of 3.3 m (10 ft 10 in) and weight of 15 kg (33 lb). It is generally considered as the largest bird of prey in the world.

Friend or Foe Adam Ant 1982

 Came out 40 years ago. The Wikipedia entry here. It got in the top ten and wasn't released in the US. 

Interview with Little Richard biographer Charles White

This was a really good book. Unfortunately lent it to someone. 

Magic Bus the Who (1968)

 Mickey Bradley just played this. Lovely percussion on this.

The Punk Rock Movie Full 1978 Movie Don Letts

From the Archive page. The Punk Rock Movie  (from England)☆ Don Letts ☆ 1978

The Punk Rock Movie (also known as The Punk Rock Movie from England) is a British 1978 film that was assembled from Super 8 camera footage shot by Don Letts, the disc jockey at The Roxy club during the early days of the UK punk rock movement, principally during the 100 days in 1977 in which punk acts were featured at The Roxy club in London.

        The spikiest home movie of the Seventies captured an embryonic rock revolution. ...Verité rock had become verité celluloid almost by accident.

Roxy club disc jockey Don Letts was given a Super 8 camera as a present by fashion editor Caroline Baker. When Letts started to film the acts at The Roxy, it was soon reported that he was making a movie, so Letts determined to film continuously for three months. He needed to sell his possessions in order to continue to purchase film.

A preliminary, 60-minute version of the film was shown in autumn of 1977 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London. This resulted in the cover story, "Punk Home Movies" in Time Out magazine.

The film features live footage of The Clash, Sex Pistols, Wayne County & the Electric Chairs, Generation X, Slaughter and the Dogs, The Slits, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Eater, Subway Sect, X-Ray Spex, Alternative TV and Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers. Backstage footage of certain bands, such as Generation X, The Slits and Siouxsie and the Banshees, is also included.

All live footage was shot at the Roxy, except that of the Sex Pistols, who were filmed at The Screen On The Green cinema in London on 3 April 1977. The performance was Sid Vicious' first public concert with the band.

The film was subject to limited theatrical release in 1978. It was also subject to limited video release at that time by Sun Video (1978) and Danton Video (1980). It was also released on video in 1992 by Studio K7. Versions of the film were released on DVD between 2006 and 2008, though these releases were subject to criticism for sound reproduction and digital transfers that were considered to be inferior to the original. In addition, concerns were expressed that the soundtrack now included overdubbed material, as opposed to the original live recordings.

Directed by Don Letts
Starring: John Lydon, Sid Vicious, Soo Catwoman
Cinematography: Don Letts
Release date: 1978
Country: United Kingdom

Language: English

Little Richard tribute animation

 This is good.  I have only just seen this. You may have already. If you haven't have a look. See more of his videos here

Week-end 1967

 

Trailer here

Billy Boy - Rockin' Itis - 1957

 Happy birthday Billy Boy Arnold. 

Little Richard - Baby (live without backing band)

 This is good. 

PYTHON LEE JACKSON featuring ROD STEWART - IN A BROKEN DREAM 1972

From the Youtibe video

'' On this date in 1972, IN A BROKEN DREAM by PYTHON LEE JACKSON was resissued and would go on to reach #3 on the UK singles chart in October (Sep 16, 1972)

DJ John Peel had signed this Australian studio group to his Dandelion record label, but they were having problems with the vocals so they drafted in Rod Stewart to sing a guide vocal. They were so pleased they kept his vocals on the final version. Although it flopped upon its initial 1970 release, it was re-released two years later after the success of "Maggie May" and became a worldwide hit. Rod Stewart was paid in an unusual manner for his demo. He recalled to Uncut: "When I did it, I hadn't broken through with 'Maggie May.' I did it for a set of carpets for me car. It was my mate who convinced me to do it. He ran a car showroom, and he said, 'I've got this group come from Australia, but the singer's not very good. Can you do a demo for me?' I said, 'What do I get?' He said, 'Well, I don't have any money. I'll give you a set of carpets.' That was 1969." The song was written in the 1960s by the group's keyboard player and singer, Dave Bentley. Issued in October 1970, it did not make the charts. Re-released in 1972 following the rise to stardom by Stewart, the song reached number 56 in the US charts before greater success in the UK later that year.''

Happy birthday B B King

 This is some of his best.

Hansan Rising Dragon (2022) trailer

 This Korean movie looks good. wiki

Fenton Robinson - You Don't Know What Love Is (1974)

I like a bit of Fenton Robinson. This is one of his best. 

 

Our old dog Leroy

A staffie  crossed with a boxer we had him from when he was a puppy to when he died of old age. 

 

Go on to school Jimmy Reed

 

The Treehouse Frome

 Friend's newest venue. Here

Paulton Batch film

 Paulton Batch is a major landmark in the area as it is in its original state no landscaping. This short film is worth watching. 

Tyning Batch photo by Neil Gould

 

Batch is a local word describing coal spoil heaps that have trees and greenery grown on them. There are a lot of them locally. In the old days miners would meet there when the pubs closed to gamble but nowadays they are used by children to play in or people walking their dogs. Countless generations of locals played in them. Both Midsomer Norton and Radstock have many of them. They are part of the landscape.

Young and Innocent 1937

 

Full movie here. This a really good British Hitchcock thriller. Wiki.

Contours Can you do it? American Bandstand 1964

 Just heard this on Gideon Coe. Film is good.

Lisa Knapp Blacksmith

 Just heard this on the radio. It's a reworking of the old folk song "A Blacksmith Courted Me."

Bande à part (1964) - Dance scene

 He made so many great films. Wiki. 

Mao Mao - Godard "Chinoise" 1967

 As you are probably wanting music here is a sequence from the movie La Chinoise with the Claude Channes song Mao Mao. 

Pierrot le Fou (1965) Jean-Luc Godard trailer

 Wiki

ALPHAVILLE de Jean-Luc Godard - Official trailer - 1965

 Wiki

BREATHLESS (1961) Trailer - Directed by Jean-Luc Godard

 In tribute to the genius. More trailers to follow.

Jean-Luc Godard dies at 91

 That's sad news. BBC news piece. 

Nine things about the man who changed cinema

Johnny Guitar Watson Space Guitar

 Incendiary guitar playing here

Diana Dors documentary

This looks interesting. Am a Diana Dors fan

The Unforgettable Diana Dors

• TV documentary
 
• Channel 5
 
• 2022
 
• 1 episode

A documentary charting the highs and lows of Diana Dors's career, presenting her finest moments on screen.

• Due to be broadcast on Saturday 24th September on C5 at 8pm

Eddie and the Hot Rods "I might be lying" 1977

 This is a good song. Mostly I like the Hot Rods when they had Lew Lewis on harp but this is good. 

Temptation - the terraplanes 2017

 Us at Sounds Involved. Pretty rough but we were enjoying ourselves.

Four years ago

 Sadly the rehearsal room is no longer there. They were good times.

 

Bits and Pieces Dave Clark Five 1964

 One of my earliest memories is me sitting in the back seat of our Ford Consul banging the seat singing "All my pieces bits and pieces". Watch the colour film of them doing it. Atlantic Tunnel and WFMU did an interview today with one DC5's key songwriters Ron Ryan who wrote this song, here. Very interesting. Wiki on the song

When the Queen came to Frome in 1966 (2nd June)

 I remember this. I was 6. My Mum and big sister are in this photo. Peeping in the middle. My little brother was born a week later so my Mum was heavily pregnant. She was on the council that's why she was there. Me and my Dad were on the other side of the road. My Mum was later in life a Magistrate (Justice of the Peace). Pic from Frome Museum.

Roman Holiday (1953)

 

Bought an Audrey Hepburn box set today. Second hand but irresistible. Watching Roman Holiday a story about a princess who takes up with a newspaper man (Gregory Peck). Wiki Apparently the film that launched scooters to the world. Apparently was popular in the UK where Princess Margaret was involved with a commoner giving the film a timely boost. Trailer here.

Cadets Love Bandit 1957

 I love this song. I had a band for a short while called the Love Bandits.

The Queen at Bovington Tank Museum

I thought I would search this blog to see what I had written about the Queen but all I found was this post from 2007

"Like this image of the Queen on the back of a Rolls-Royce armoured car or is it just me? Article on the vehicle "

Raga Rock

 From the wiki. I must admit that I did not know this term existed till a few weeks ago.

"Raga rock is rock or pop music with a pronounced Indian influence, either in its construction, its timbre, or its use of Indian musical instruments, such as the sitar and tabla. In addition, rock music from the 1960s and 1970s that incorporates South Asian musical influences and instruments, along with Western ideas of the Indian subcontinent, is often regarded as raga rock.

Raga rock
Stylistic origins	Rock pop rāga other Indian forms of music
Cultural origins	Mid-1960s, United Kingdom and United States
Derivative forms	Indian rock psychedelic rock

Since Indian influences in popular music are primarily limited to the 1960s, most raga rock recordings originate from that decade, although there are examples of Indian-derived sounds in post-1960s rock and pop music"

Listen to one of the earliest examples  - the Yardbirds Heart Full of Soul here

Norwegian Wood (this bird has flown) by the Beatles here

Rolling Stones Paint it Black here