Ferreting on Out of Town 1980

 Pleasant piece on the show by Countryman Jack Hargreaves. 2nd half of the show. Here until May 6

Stork Club Oakland

 

We played here in 2011. It was great. I understand its changed hands and has had a makeover. Listen to us play it here on a desk mix from the night. 

Ralph at the Stork Club by Susan

Otis Rush Homework Later Archive

 

Here. I haven't seen this before. Great voice. 

Happy birthday Otis Rush!

 See my Otis Rush posts here

Chico's Girl - the Girls 1966

 Here for a classic bad girl song. Wiki

Row Your Boat Charles Clark 1958

 This has quite a line up backing this pop blues song. Sonny Boy Williamson, Otis Rush and of course Willie Dixon. 

Lizard

 Pic by my brother. He rescued it from drowning in a watering can. 

My playlist #100

 On Spotify now

Gentlemen's Agreement - the Fall 1992

 

Here. In a reflective mood. I saw them do this at Glastonbury festival. When it reached the crescendo a  mob of Fall fans threw themselves about. Wiki on the album

We plough the fields together

In all types of intemperance

Our bones cracked in unison

Gentlemen's, gentlemen's agreement

and

Your brain is software
Your brain is Game Boy
It's filled with excretement
And your short-term memory
Will fleetingly remember
Our gentlemen's, gentlemen's agreement

Huntsmen and Terriers & Ferrets Rabbiting, 19th Century - George Armfield

 We didn't hunt with our ferrets but some we need did go to hunt. White and small ones were most sought after. We mostly bred large polecat ones. 

The Terraplanes at the Caxton Club Frome 1983

 The Caxton Club was the social club for the Frome printers Butler's and Tanners. It was run by my Dad. He started it. Before it was a grubby canteen but it was transformed to a bar and Pool table and it had live shows there occasionally. We used to go there from time to time as the drinks were cheap and it was pleasant. Had a juke box and fruit machines. We never played there. The Bad Detectives did I think. We (Bad Detectives) practiced there I believe. We had some publicity photos done there. Photographer was a printer of course. No printers there now. A housing estate apparently.

Dave who used to work there too

 

Nat Couty and the Braves Woodpecker rock. 1958

I love this one. Was a big fan of Woody Woodpecker. Butlers and Tanners where my Dad worked (and me later) used to have Christmas parties where they showed cartoons mostly Woody Woodpeckers. 

I Can't Stand the Rain Ann Peebles 1974

Happy birthday Ann Peebles. Bringing back sweet memories. Read about the song's creation on the wiki

Nunney Castle near Frome

 I think this is about 1818. Besieged during the Civil War. 

From the wiki. See pics of the reenactment in 73 here

Nunney Castle continued to be owned by the Roman Catholic Prater family into the 17th century.^[25] In 1642 the English Civil War broke out between the rival factions of Parliament and the king; like many Catholics, Colonel Richard Prater supported Charles I.^[25] As the war progressed the Royalist situation deteriorated, however, and the south-west became one of the few remaining Royalist strongholds; Nunney Castle was garrisoned in anticipation of Parliamentary attack and took in a number of refugees, including many Catholics.^[25][26] In September 1645 a Parliamentary army under the command of Lord Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell advanced into Somerset, taking Sherborne, Cary and Shepton Mallet before turning to Nunney.^[25] Two regiments of soldiers with cannons surrounded the castle on 18 September; when Richard Prater refused to surrender, the cannons opened fire on the north side of the castle, breaching the castle wall.^[25] Richard continued to resist, hoisting a flag with a Catholic crucifix on it above the castle to taunt the besiegers, but two days later the garrison surrendered.^[25]

Down in the bottom Howlin' Wolf

 Great stuff from the immortal Chester Burnett.

Stingray S01E09 - Raptures of the Deep 1964

The best ever episode. Well worth watching. 

Vallis Road Frome

This was where we were living 40 years ago. Our first house. Old weaver's cottage from about 1705. No garden and no parking but we didn't have a car anyway. We had a small space at the back where we had coal stored. The Coalman used to come in the front door go through the house to dump it out the back. Three stories. I think they were connected on the top floor originally as work passed from one house to another. The weavers would work at home. 

More houses on Vallis Road

Nunney Ghost

 Bought a book Ghostly Encounters South West by Simon Underwood. They had the Nunney ghost story which was current when I lived in Frome.

Gene Vincent Bird Doggin' 1966

 Gene Vincent does Garage r'n'b. Wonderful record with a  great guitar solo. I love this.

J. B. Hutto Hip Shakin' 1968

 A really good rocker. Birthday today for J. B. Hutto.

10 best selling punk albums

 Quite a shocking list. Surprised to see the Clash out selling the Pistols. I suppose you could argue that some of these aren't punk bands but it isn't that interesting enough to think about. 

The infotainment scan the Fall 1993

 Released today in 93. I think I went to Bath specially to pick this album up. Reckoned to be accessible so why not give it a try. The opening track is spectacular. Saw this album live right at the front. Wiki

Spotify link to album here

Tiny Tim LaVern Baker 1959

 Here. Heard on Kogar's show. Great R & B. Wiki

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion 2 Kindsa Love

Love this. Not sure when it's from 1996?

S'Express Hey Music Lover 1989

 This was a cassette we listened to. 

Ramones - I Wanna Be Sedated (Official Music Video) 1978

 

Here. When we had a car and used to drive about we used to play cassettes in the car. None of your 'wheels on the bus' stuff. The kids got an education. Troggs, Buzzcocks that sort of thing. They particularly liked this one even if they didn't not what being sedated was. 

In Paradise the Cookies 1956

 I love this record. The bass and drum combination is heavenly. The notes say

This earlier edition of the Cookies provided backup on recordings by various Atlantic artists before they evolved into Ray Charles’ group The Raeletts. The 1960s Cookies (“Chains” “Don’t Say Nothing Bad About My Baby” "Girls Grow Up Faster Than Boys") were a new act, though Dorothy Jones of the original group was a member.

Don't Knock the Rock |1956

Here for the full movie

Don't Knock the Rock is a 1956 American musical film starring Alan Dale. Directed by Fred F. Sears, the film also features performances by Bill Haley & His Comets, Little Richard, The Treniers, and Dave Appell and the Applejacks. The title of the film comes from one of Haley's hit singles of 1956. The Haley recording is played over the opening credits, but it is Alan Dale who performs the number in the film. A disc jockey tries to prove to teenagers' parents that rock 'n' roll is harmless and won't turn their kids into juvenile delinquents. Songs performed in the movie: "Don't Knock the Rock" - Bill Haley and His Comets "I Cry More" - Alan Dale "You're Just Right" - Alan Dale "Hot Dog Buddy Buddy" - Bill Haley and His Comets "Goofin' Around" - Bill Haley and His Comets "Hook, Line And Sinker" - Bill Haley and His Comets "Applejack" - Dave Appell and the Applejacks "Your Love Is My Love" - Alan Dale "Calling All Comets" - Bill Haley and His Comets "Out Of The Bushes" - The Treniers "Rip It Up" - Bill Haley and His Comets "Rocking On Saturday Night" - The Treniers "Gonna Run" - Alan Dale "Long Tall Sally" - Little Richard "Tutti-Frutti" - Little Richard "Country Dance" - Dave Appell and the Applejacks "Don't Knock the Rock" - Alan Dale

I Dig You Boss Hog 1995

 Hope you enjoy it. We bought this.

Modern Naval Combat 1986

 Selling this for £7 post included in the UK. Send me an email RalphJMitchard @aol.com

Hands to bathe

 

Our friend and drummer Geoff was in the Navy. He told us about this tradition. When the sea and weather was conducive the Captain would order 'hands to bathe' and the crew would jump into the sea for a swim. A longstanding tradition. He was also in the Navy when they had a Rum ration still but that's another story. 

Bath this afternoon

 Susan has gone to Bath. Not too busy. Busker doing Starman. 

George 'Wild Child' Butler live

 Here

Wiki on the man

The Sonics the Witch 1964

 We did this one at the wedding. . Wiki on the song

A great song that is simple and effective.

At a wedding in Chilcompton

 We - the Mud Dogs - got asked in 2003 to play at a wedding. I think Rich the singer was best man. It was in the British Legion. When we started playing all the guests all left and went to the pub over the road. It was a bit embarrassing. 

The Somerset Book - Nutshell series

 Also got this. A pretty good cover I think. Printed at Butler & Tanner Frome 1982 - when I was there. No jokes about typos. 

Frome Murders and Misdemeanours

 Picked this up today. Looks good. Fairly recent. 

The Shangri-Las Out in the Streets 1965

 Here. Just heard on Boss Radio 66. One of their best I think.

wiki on the song

Otis Rush I Can't Quit You Baby

 Probably the best Otis Rush clip on the web.

James Paul McCartney TV Special 1973

 Here. I was a fan in 1973. Saw them live about this time. I was very young but I still think it's alright. Critical reaction was unfavourable. First track is worth the best. 

James Paul McCartney is the title of a 1973 television special produced by ATV and starring English musician Paul McCartney and his then current rock group Wings. It was first broadcast on 16 April 1973 in the United States on the ABC network, and was later broadcast in the United Kingdom on 10 May 1973.

Wiki

Westbury White Horse

 Local landmark near to Frome in Wiltshire. Wiki

Ralph Susan and Dad John at Westbury in 1979

Weezer Buddy Holly 1994

 The other day I read an article about it being 30 years since people got on the internet en masse. I think we went on then. Our first computer came with this song on the hard drive so I think this was our first video on the pc. We were on Compuserve which used to chirp 'Welcome to Compuserve' when you went online. My father-in-law was mostly responsible for dragging us into the world of computers - he was keen his grandchildren would be savvy on p.c.s.  I was running a reenactment society at the time and it took a while for people to catch on but I was able to talk to people in the U.S. although there was still a lot of photocopies coming via the postman as it was too slow for documents and photos. Images were still very slow and took a while to download so photo albums still came through the post. In those days when you went online your phone was engaged which caused some frustration. Do you remember your first p.c. experience? 

Aerial photo of Chilcompton 2000

 A nearby village. There are plans to extend Midsomer Norton's heritage railway to this place up the road. 

False Alarm - Re-Vels 1958

 Here. Some Chess doo-wop for you. Heard on Boss Radio 66.

'Blowin' gage' slang for smoking pot

 My post for 420. Billy Boy Arnold mentions this in his masterful autobiography The Blues Dream of Billy Boy Arnold which I heartily recommend. I haven't found any mentions of it on the web so I thought I would post it. From page 146. 

Mellow chick swing by Sonny Boy Williamson I here

The West's greatest rock shows 1963-1978

 Our soon. From my sis. Amazon

I wish you would. - The Terraplanes (Animals & Men) 1981

 Playing a battle of the bands at the Granary in Bristol we were required to play one cover - this was our choice Billy Boy Arnold's hit from 1955. The line up was Susan Wells vocals Ralph Mitchard Harp Dave Mackay bass Andy Payne drums

The Groupies Primitive (1966)

 

One of the greatest 45s ever.. I can't believe I haven't posted this before but I havent. Band wiki

There is a Spotify album here

Some graffiti in Bristol photos by Bea

 Bristol is known for its graffiti. Here are some snapped from a bus. 

Elvis Presley and Kitty White Crawfish 1958

 In his book Billy Boy Arnold says that Elvis was popular in Chicago among the music lovers. 

Movie: King Creole - 1958

Written by Fred Wise & Ben Weisman Performed by Elvis Presley and Kitty White

Rough Trade Liverpool

 Opened today I believe. Opening times etc. here. My son lives in Liverpool so hopefully he will visit. 

Cocktail bus for Tucker's Grave

 "Hold onto your cocktail umbrellas, folks! 

Tuckers has  just adopted a vintage double-decker bus! Yes, she's a little rough around the edges right now, but trust us, she's about to get the makeover of a lifetime.

We're turning this old girl  into the ultimate cocktail oasis on wheels!

Look  out somerset The cocktail revolution is coming and we can't wait to share it with you! 🥂✨  stay tuned"

Bo Diddley Crawdad 1960

 One of my favourite singles from Bo Diddley. Played on Kogar on Boss Radio 66 just now. The Rolling Stones used to do it calling it Hey Crawdaddy. Not to be confused with Doing the Crawdaddy also by Bo Diddley.

 We call them Crayfish over here. I used to catch them but not with a line and pole but just with a jar. We didn't eat them. 

Bo Diddley I'm a Man 1955

 Here. Billy Boy Arnold on harmonica. A b side. Billy Boy says in his book that when Muddy first heard it he said "I want that song" and pretty soon after did Mannish Boy. 

The Emerald Valley Janet Tanner

 Also picked up this one. Set in a fictionalized Radstock during the General Strike of 1926. It is signed. A sequel to Black Mountains which we have.

23rd Lancers

 In 1817 during a period of turbulence that followed Waterloo and a disastrous summer in 1816 there were Bread or Blood riots around the country and Radstock and area was the location of a serious insurrection. Sir John Hippisley read the Riot Act and troops were sent in. The 23rd Lancers came from Bristol and the North Somerset Yeomanry were also deployed. An account of it can be read here. Found this image of the uniform of the 23rd at that time. 

Janet Tanner Tuckers Inn

 Today's bargain. A local author. This one is sort of set at the Tucker's Grave inn. Tucker's is still going and is one of the best pubs in the area. You can camp there but best of all is their selection of cider. 

Why can't cars be all like this?

 1954 Biscuter 100, originally designed by Voisin and licensed to Spanish firm Autonacional S.A.

Rudolph Valentino and his wife Natacha Rambova and their Voisin automobile, Paris (1923)

 Rambova wiki Valentino wiki Avions Voisin wiki

Civil War movie trailer 2024

 

Not that sort of Civil War movie unfortunately but a future conflict in the day after tomorrow theme. I hope America doesn't slide into that kind of conflict but it does seem possible. 

Civil War is a 2024 dystopian film directed and written by Alex Garland. It follows a team of journalists traveling across the United States during a rapidly escalating Second American Civil War, which has engulfed the nation. The ensemble cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Sonoya Mizuno, and Nick Offerman.