This l.p. Is good to spin on Halloween. Wiki on the album
Ralphadeus. Music movies comics feature in this look at life from Somerset.
Monday, October 31, 2022
Screamin' Jay Hawkins Alligator Wine 1957
There is a great biography of Screamin' Jay and it was telling the story of this song. It was a big budget follow up to I Put a Spell on You. Guitar Mickey Baker, song by Leiber and Stoller what more do you need? It wasn't a hit. But it is great and ideal for Halloween so I thought I would post it. Listen here
Lyrics by Leiber and Stoller.
Take the blood out of an alligator, heh
Take the left eye out a fish, heh-heh
Take the skin off of a frog, heh-heh
Heh, and mix it all up in a dish
Add a cup of green swamp water
And then count from one to nine
Spill over your left shoulder
You got alligator wine
Alligator wine, ha-ha, ha-ha
Your porcupine, ha
It's gonna make you mine
Oh yeah! It's gonna make you mine
It'll make your head bald, baby
I say, it'll make your toes freeze
It'll turn your blood turn into steam (FSHHH!)
It'll make you cough and sneeze
You gotta scream like an eagle
You gotta roar like a mountain lion
When you get finished drinkin'
Good old alligator wine
Alligator wine
Your porcupine
It's gonna make you mine
Meet me at the stroke of midnight
By the swamp down in the wood
I'm gonna make you love me, baby
Like you never thought you could
You gonna break my magic potion
And your bloodshot eye is gonna shine
You gonna be scared forever
Too much alligator wine
Alligator wine
Your porcupine
It's gonna make you mine
Alligator wine...
Sunday, October 30, 2022
The Rattles the Witch 1970
The Rattles from Hamburg Germany. I like this. One for your Halloween playlist.
Jack the Ripper Screaming Lord Sutch 1963
p> Thanks to Adrian for this - I hadn't seen this until a few days ago. If you are American you might not have heard of Lord Sutch so here is his wiki.
Happy Halloween! Produced by Joe Meek and recorded in his Holloway Road studio in Islington, England. The song was banned by the BBC upon its release.
Animals & men free download
Where are all your friends? This was released in 2016 and is a compilation of 21st century recordings. The title came from when we played a gig and the venue beforehand asking where our audience was.
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Draughtsman's Contract (1982) trailer
This movie we loved a lot. Bought the soundtrack. Still like it. There is a scene where they mention Radstock. In cinemas again from November.
Susan and me in 1988
Portraying Tudor shepherds at the time of the Spanish Armada of 1588. Pic Richard Ellis.
Meeting Screamin' Jay Hawkins
Back in the early 80s - bout 82 or so we had a fanzine called Stranded In the Jungle - didn't really get going but we got some good moments out of it - The Bad Detectives met Wilko Johnson and interviewed him and I got to meet Screamin' Jay Hawkins - these are photos taken by Anne Morrison on the tour
One night only review
Here to hear about the forthcoming David Johansen documentary by Martin Scorsese.
Friday, October 28, 2022
Girls David Johansen late 70s
Mickey Bradley just played this on his radio show and it reminded me of how good it was. Sylvain Sylvain on guitar. The whole first solo album I will put up tomorrow. Johansen is the subject of a Martin Scorsese documentary just out.
The Bandwagon - Breakin' Down The Walls Of Heartache 1968
Wiki on the song. People my age will probably know the Dexy's version but this is the Northern Soul original.
Thursday, October 27, 2022
I Feel So Good - J.B Lenoir in 1964
Sound added later. From Martic Scorcese's blues series. This is really great.
From the same sessions but with original sound.
J.B. Lenoir Live in Chicago 1964 (16mm colour showreel film).
Tracklist:
1. I Feel So Good
2. I Sing'em The Way I Feel (cuts)
3. Everything I Do Is Wrong
4. I've Been Down For So Long
Bio on Wikipedia.
SONNY BOY WILLIAMSON Your Funeral and My Trial 1958
Cut out that off the wall jive. One of his best compositions.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Dock Boggs - "Sugar Baby" 1927
This is great. Wiki on the man. A former miner and legendary banjo picker he was rediscovered in the 60s. See him play Pretty Polly in 1966 here
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Xenopus African clawed frog or if you prefer toad
When we first got married not only did we have 2 pinballs we also had Brigitte an African clawed toad (Xenopus) and Ludella her friend. We kept them in a large tank. They eventually went to Rode Bird Gardens in their reptile section. Historically they used to be kept in Doctor's surgeries in the 30s as they were effective pregnancy testers. There are a few colonies of escapees living in the UK. My brother still has a tank of dwarf ones.
Elvis Presley - King Creole 1958
My favourite of Elvis' hits. The movie is good too. We tried to cover this but it didn't really work but we tried. Song wiki
Ludella - JIMMY ROGERS and his Trio 1950
Love this. A real classic. In the early 80s we had an African clawed toad that we named Ludella.
This 78rpm Records Chess 1435 was recorded in Chicago, 15 Aug 1950 JIMMY ROGERS V/g with LITTLE WALTER. hca; Big Crawford, b.
Mississippi John Hurt Spike driver blues
This is from Pete Seeger's "Rainbow Quest" series which was recorded in 1965/1966 for a New Jersey public television station.
I'm too heavy for the Light Brigade Charlie Drake 1964
For October 25.
A comedy record I liked as a kid. We had an l.p. of Charlie Drake songs and this was my favourite. Here. I still find it funny. See what you think?
Midsomer Norton High Street by Susan
Taken this morning. We have a Kingfisher that gets regularly seen as a flash of colour that frequents here plus a bunch of ducks.
Monday, October 24, 2022
Muddy Waters w Otis Spann - Country Boy (Live France 1964)
Concert for RTF in France 1964. Muddy Waters - vcl gtr; Otis Spann - piano; Ransom Knowling - bass; Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith - drums.
Sunday, October 23, 2022
999 "Homicide" Old Grey Whistle Test
We bought all their singles but found them a little comical. Saw them live and the singer slipped up on gob while he was running about on stage which made us laugh. But the singles were alright.
Saturday, October 22, 2022
Autumn Sweater Yo la Tengo
Yo La Tengo perform "Autumn Sweater" live in studio in 1997 in promotion of "I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One"
Friday, October 21, 2022
5-4-3-2-1 Mannfred Mann
This is one of my earliest musical memories of the harmonica and if you have never heard this piece of 60s skiffly beat music you are in for a treat. I probably thought it had something to do with the Thunderbirds TV series too as I was only about 5. It namechecks the Charge of the Light Brigade in the lyrics and was of course the theme tune to Ready Steady Go. If you had to encapsulate Britain in the sixties...in three minutes this would be my choice.
The Cramps - Bikini Girls Wih Machine Guns, Muleskinner Blues Live On The Late Show 1990
Happy birthday Lux Interior. Saw them quite a few times. Always great.
The Loveless trailer and movie 1981
Remember this biker film? Was popular in the NME and with La Rocka wearers. Had Robert Gordon in it and he also did some of the music. Pretty sure we went to Bristol to see it. Here's the trailer. Wiki
Here is the full movie
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Love Power Lorenzo St. Dubois 1967
This is Dick Shawn from the Producers. I believe Yo la Tengo covered this. The character sort of reminds me of Sky Saxon or is that wrong?
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963) original theatrical trailer
This comedy movie was pretty good I thought. I kind of identified with the character played by Dick Shawn. Watch a clip of him with Barrie Chase here
Wiki on the movie here
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On tonight on WFMU (EST)
"Today's the day! Singles Going Scopitone! Hear and see beautiful cinematic treasures during this interactive hour of aural and visual delights! Be sure to watch the live playlist for links of scopitones (notoriously poor sound) and tune in to hear the matching 45's being played during the show! Tune in and be sure to use the playlist or chat room for links!! https://www.wfmu.org/playlists/shows/120683
Françoise Hardy Tous les Garçons Scopitone 1962
Read about Scopitone the forerunner of music videos here
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
Girl Cyclists (1954)
Pathé Newsreel. My Mum was one of these. Around this time. She biked all over, sometimes using the train and then cycling to places like France. When my Dad was courting his sisters were very curious about her shorts. Sadly I think she gave up when she got married.
Cider safari to Thatcher's at Sandford 11 years ago
 |
| Got some refills and some cheese |
 |
| Cheddar Gorge |
 |
| The shop |
 |
| Definitely a lot of cider |
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| The good stuff |
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Jimmy Reed I'm A Love You 1960
Lovely bit of pop blues with some great backing vocals on the break. Pinched them for Man With the Spiked-toed shoes in 1982. I was talking with Anthony Lennane about this and he said it was Vee-Jay 's plan to make him appeal more to a teen market and Jimmy Reed liked it.
Rainbow intro 1972
Children's tv programme. 50 years ago (October 72). I was too old for it but my little bro was 6 so he used to watch it.
Monday, October 17, 2022
Anthony Lennane Rockin' with Reed
Today I met and chatted online with Anthony Lennane a veteran music fan, journalist and dj who has an impressive resumé having met loads of legends including Buddy Holly, Little Richard, Jackie Wilson, Fats
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| Anthony and Jimmy Reed. Flamingo club London 1964 |
Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis and many many more. But first of all I thought we would concentrate on Jimmy Reed - Anthony was friends with the man and has run the Jimmy Reed Appreciation Society since the 60s which is now on Facebook.
"We became good friends over the years I knew him and watched him perform many times in Clubs, Pubs and large theatres in London and all over the south east of England. I took a few photos of him both on and off stage but I wish I had a movie camera as there is only ONE piece of film known performing & that was ruined by a flashing projected light behind him which obscured him. With the help of my mate Guy Stevens I started his Fan base here in the UK in the 1960's following my first meeting with him in Vancouver in 1958. It grew to a membership of over 4,500."
Jefferson Airplane - House at Pooneil Corners - Manhattan Rooftop Concert (1968)
Jefferson Airplane got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame the other day. I am not a fan but my younger bro is very into them, been like that for decades so I am posting this for him. Shot by Jean-Luc Godard and done before the Beatles rooftop concert. For an abandoned project One American Movie
A farmer's revenge on the Black and Tans
Events of 100 years ago in Macroom County Cork.
The fascinating and harrowing story of an attack by the Black and Tans on an innocent family in County Cork, during the Irish War of Independence. All the farmer wanted was justice, but will it evade him? © Alan Killoran.
The Wind that Shakes the Barley trailer 2006
Got this film for 50p this weekend. Ken Loach lives nearby in Bath. Anyway it's a great film with a story we can all enjoy. Wiki. As I have mentioned before Susan's Grandmother lived in Cork at this time so it resonates with us.
Sunday, October 16, 2022
Top 50 Best Hanna-Barbera Opening Themes
Bit of nostalgia for you - the theme tunes were often the best bits.
Stiff Little Fingers performing Suspect Device on Ulster TV 3rd June 1978
Not a huge SLF fan but we bought the first two singles in fact our copy of this was hand stamped by the band and got a good price.
The Cramps - Dames, Booze, Chains & Boots Oslo 2006
Last time I saw the Cramps they opened with this one.
Fats Domino - Dance With Mr. Domino (aka Domino Twist)(stereo) - April 14, 1962
Sunday started right.
Saturday, October 15, 2022
Stingray bath toy
I had this toy as a child. Merchandising was still a new phenomenon so it made it even more exciting. Not my pic. It had a wind-up propeller and I can still see it ploughing a furrow through the bath scum. If you don't know Stingray then watch this. Some really exciting titles and theme music.
Carpenters "We've Only Just Begun" on The Ed Sullivan Show October 18 1970
Picked up a DVD of the Carpenters' Greatest Hits today for 50p. I quite like the Carpenters. I didn't like them at the time no sir but have come to enjoy their cheesey conservative schmaltz over time. This one for instance started life as a song on an insurance commercial which was then adapted by the band. But it's good to see Karen playing drums which is what she did initially.
Friday, October 14, 2022
Eddie Taylor with the Aces - France 1970 (Live video)
Eddie 'Big Town Playboy' Taylor - TV gig France 1970 with the Aces
Hate to say I told you so the Hives 2001
It is very rare to see anybody any good on Jools Holland. Susan really liked the Hives and we luckily saw them at Bristol a few years ago and they were great.
Thursday, October 13, 2022
The Dictaphone
Heard a preview of the forthcoming album by French post-punk band the Dictaphone - the album is called Xerox Music and they cover a mess of post-punk classics including a very good cover of our song Render Us Harmless. It's not out yet but when it is I hope you will like it as we do. Hear our original.
Little Dave and the Sun Sessions. 12th Jan 2022 on the Wednesday Night Rockin Party.
This band are great. Heard them a few times - worth listening to. Website
We listen to this radio show every week and they get good sessions in the studio and get a decent sound for a small setup. Listen to back episodes of the show on Mixcloud.
The Cookies/Earl Jean I'm Into Something Good 1964
From the wiki. "I'm into Something Good" is a song composed by Gerry Goffin (lyrics) and Carole King (music) and made famous by Herman's Hermits.[1] The song was originally recorded (as "I'm into Somethin' Good") by Cookies member Earl-Jean on Colpix Records in 1964. It entered the U.S. Cash Box Top 100 charts in the US on July 4, 1964 and spent 8 weeks there, reaching a high of number 42 on August 15, 1964, and number 38 Billboard.
Shepton Mallet 1970
This is something my younger brother would have liked to have seen as he likes a lot of the bands. Canned Heat are about the only I like.
Brother Will Hairston -The Alabama Bus Pts 1 & 2 1956
I like songs about buses. This is one of the best. About the Alabama bus boycott but it's a very good song and is very engaging and an unusual subject for blues. You won't regret listening to this. It's a cracker.
Frome Youth Wing 1978 picture by Susan
Me on the left with dyed black hair - I was 18. Kevin Saunders with hair cut by Susan and Bunse on drums. There were two other members not pictured Ivan and Mark.
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Gene Vincent documentary
Gene Vincent's death day today. This fly on the wall documentary about a visit to England by Gene Vincent is well worth watching.
My Sonny Boy Williamson (2) playlist on Spotify
Obviously restricted by what's available but here are some of my favourites.
Top of the Pops deejays dancing to Friend or Foe
This video will make your toes curl. Includes Jimmy Savile. John Peel is having none of it. Don't blame him.
Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Hey Gyp the Animals
Here. We tried to cover this Donovan song but it didn't work out. This isn't a bad version but it's also not great.
Monday, October 10, 2022
Just over 40 years ago
Susan and myself were invited to this. It was a press thing but with a hoard of girls from the fanclub. We sat upstairs near Marco and his girlfriend. It appeared in the tabloids next day. Friend or Foe album wiki
Sonny Boy Williamson - One Way Out 1962
A blistering track. According to Blues Records 1943-66 Mike Leadbitter and Neil Slaven piano was (?) 'Connon', guitars Robert Lockwood Jr and Luther Tucker. Willie Dixon bass and Fred Below drums. It is a cracking ensemble piece with stinging guitar and brilliant drums.
Willie Love and his Three Aces - Falling Rain 1952
A friend and musical partner of Sonny Boy Williamson (2) who used elements of this song in later recordings.
Me about 15 years ago.
With our cat Bottle. Poster is Charlie Chaplin 'The Kid'. The one below is for the 80s Matchbox B-Line Disaster who the family liked.
King Biscuit Time footage 1942, 1952
Silent footage. Max Moore, owner of Interstate Grocery in Helena, Arkansas, was the sponsor for radio station KFFA's "King Biscuit Time" program. We believe he shot this home movie circa 1942. In it, renowned blues musicians Robert 'Junior' Lockwood and Sonny Boy Williamson perform on the front porch of a small-town Arkansas grocery store. This is likely the earliest footage of these musicians performing together. The second portion of the clip is a 1952 tour featuring Williamson and his band. This film was preserved with a grant from the National Film Preservation Foundation. Max Moore Home Movie Collection.
The Modern Down Home Blues Sessions Volume 3 Memphis On Down
This compilation on Ace is worth a listen. Modern Records wiki
Sunday, October 09, 2022
John Lennon cap
A cap I remember being associated with Lennon in the early 60s. I may have had one.
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Stepstone Woody Guthrie
One of my favourite Woody Guthrie songs. This will bring a tear to your eyes. With Sonny Terry on harmonica. Not sure of the date.
Shangri-Las Out in the streets 1965
If you were to ask me 40 years ago what my favourite band was i might have said this band. The wiki for the song is here
Bound for Glory Woody Guthrie
I think it was this 1974 edition that I had as a teen. I really liked it. I didn't really like the movie but isn't that always the case? Originally published in 1943. Wiki on the book here.
Watching it now it doesn't seem too bad.
See the man himself in 1945
Saturday, October 08, 2022
Archive post from 2007 (4th July)
I was talking to Susan about Brian Jones last night (prompted by the Dirtbombs cover of 'No Expectations') so I thought I would post something about the late lamented musical genius and it turned out he died on 3 July! Spooky - did you know this Rice Krispies song was the only official Jones composition? I think it's great and I do remember being excited about this tune as a child.
The Dells - (My Love Keeps On Growing) Higher And Higher 1967
The first version - considerable differences.
GI Joe
Friday, October 07, 2022
Radstock in 1962 by Martin Forster
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