Punk Rock History 1976-80

This book is at the printers - it looks essential - especially since we (Animals and Men) are in it, which means it must be comprehensive! I like the comment about Shitsville UK - do you think he might have visited Frome?

NO MORE HEROES
A Complete History Of Punk From 1976-1980
Alex Ogg

Release Date: October 2006 Cherry Red Books

Punk rock: it’s a well-worn subject, but this new book extends the searchlight beyond the King’s Road, Roxy and West London – though that crucial scene is by no means neglected. It also encompasses some of the truly fantastic music (and sometimes truly less than fantastic records) that emerged in the wake of the Sex Pistols. The idea has been to give the progenitors their due, but to listen to the reverberations around the UK, from Exeter to Inverness. Participants (musicians, fanzine writers, observers) recount first-hand stories of flea pit gigs, desperately financed singles and local rivalries – punk as it was understood and lived on the ground. The enduring impact of punk belonged to the shires of Britain as well as the celebrated urban gene pool of the capital, where it played out, with a mixture of indomitable personal courage and amoral teenage mischief-making, amongst the alienated of shitsville UK. In the process punk is revealed as a much broader church than other histories have depicted, an entry point for young men and women (and a significant helping of old codgers) from differing backgrounds, with widely ranging sensibilities and aspirations.

The book assesses each of the major ‘punk artists’, candidly, on their output, following their development to the present day. There’s an effort to redress perceived wisdom about the value of those careers as the 70s turned into the 80s, when many of the original punk bands actually made their best records. While many names will be familiar others will not. Hence time is devoted to punk’s splintered personality post-1977. From those bands that took it as an inviolate template, to those who embraced it as a rebirth for the original spirit of rock ‘n’ roll to those, finally, who judged it the end of rock music and a jumping off point for something completely new. There is no unifying view or theory behind these accounts, instead the book serves as an attempt to capture the beautiful chaos engendered by competing voices as the walls came tumbling down. The idea is to be inclusive and celebratory rather than cynical. Therefore opinions are sought from outside the tight huddle of usual suspects and would-be elitists, drawing on bemused and bewildered non-participants to events, as well as those who served in the trenches. There is no attempt to locate the ‘meaning’ of punk, nor to run a slide rule over qualifications for its status. The author has instead, in the majority of cases, let the protagonists make their own cases. Where possible the bands concerned have exercised the right of reply, leading to a more balanced account of their own history. Some 200 interviews were completed in the course of researching the book, leading to a plethora of first-hand insights and anecdotes.

A secondary aspect of the book is the comprehensive documentation of the releases, both contemporary and retrospective, of the bands of the era. It’s an attempt to address the jungle of retrospective CDs and box sets, the sheer volume of which indicates the continued fascination around this period in British musical history.

· Over 300 individual band/artist biographies
· Use of several unpublished photos
· Forewords by Captain Sensible and David Marx
· Complete discographies featuring capsule reviews and source notes

http://www.cherryred.co.uk/books/nomoreheroes.htm
Samples etc at: http://www.alexogg.com/

Guess the battle

OK - guess the name of the battle depicted - tomorrow's anniversary fight - if you don't know anything about 18th century warfare then the war will do. Whatever the case enjoy the autumn foliage on this lovely painting and ensure that you get out to enjoy this season's displays.

Yorktown anniversary

This thursday begins 4 days of reenactments of this the concluding battle of the American Revolution - they're expecting 30,000 visitors - the same number as Hastings and Jena coincidentally...

Napoleonic battle reenactment photos - Jena 2006

As readers of this Blog will know I have a soft spot for the little corporal - portrayed at this reenactment by an American, Marc Shneier, and this is one of his golden victories, won before Jean de l'epee thought he was invincible. Be sure to see the Speigel's article and gallery from whence these images come - I miss Napoleonic reenactment if only for the thrill of advancing at the beat of the drum, the smell of blackpowder, the thunder of hooves, the desire to go to toilet at inappropriate times... Result France 5 Prussia 0

Germany reenacts battle of Jena

200th Anniversary of this great victory by Napoleon over the Prussians reenacted this weekend in Germany. Another piece here
Wiki on the Battle of Jena
Austerlitz diorama

Battle of Hastings article

Lots of coverage for this major reenactment including some great images, like this one from the BBC article and a rather lame piece in the Daily Mirror

Amyl Nitrate - Rule Britannia

Alesha 'Knockdown' video

Not normally my sort of thing but this song is so catchy its like a virus uploaded to your song palette. There's something vaguely futuristic about this song - quirky, and very British. The middle section sounds like Rule Britannia by Jordan from Jubilee - give them both a spin and see what I mean. Anyway Alesha is ex-Misteeq if you're wondering. Wiki on Alesha
If you're not an Alesha fan watch this clip from Derek Jarman's Jubilee - of Jordan doing it -it's what the Eurovision song contest should be like. Of course we're talking about Jordan - the punk innovator and Ants manager of course.

Battle of Leipzig 1813

Known as the Battle of Nations this apocaplyptic battle was fought this day in 1813. Info on the reenactment here

Battle of Hastings weekend

This weekend is the big event - 1066 - the most decisive battle on English soil being reenacted by a cast of thousands. Live webcasts and all sorts of wonders of the world wide web are linked so if you can't make it you can still experience a milestone of history being reenacted Details here

Stephen Merchant

Bristolian Merchant has been exceptional in the series Extras - so good to hear a West Country accent delivering funny lines. Watch this clip and see what I mean.

Janie Jones video

As this is about the only Clash song I like and its for the above linked Charity I thought I'd pick this video... not sure about the Ford Cortina in the video though and I reckon this version sucks - I think I prefer the Stiffs doing it. Video here
Babyshambles and Friends Release Janie Jones
Babyshambles and Friends release, a cover of the Clash classic, Janie Jones through B-Unique Records on Monday 30th October. All proceeds from the single will go to Strummerville (the Joe Strummer Foundation for New Music).The single features contributions from 21 other artists: Carl Barat, the Rakes, Mystery Jets, The Holloways, We Are Scientists, The Paddingtons, Larrikin Love, Cazals, Noisettes, Good Books, Lady Fuzz, Kooks, Jack Penate, Laura Marling, Maccabees, Lisa Moorish, Light Speed Champ (Test Icicles), Jamie T, Jeremy Warmsley, Guillemots. The idea came about after Statik suggested to Drew McConnell (Babyshambles) and that they record the song for Strummerville. The single was recorded at The Whirling Dervish and Oilsville studio in Holloway and was produced by Statik and Drew McConnell. It will be available on CD single and 7”, the B.side features a solo version of Janie Jones by Peter Doherty and a remix of the A.side by Statik - featuring Lethal Bizzle, JME, No Mind and Talk Taxis.

General Pulaski Memorial Day

Apparently in the US today is a day honouring this volunteer in the American Revolution. Recruited by Lafayette this Polish cavalryman has been called the father of American Cavalry. Visit http://www.pulaskilegion.org/ to see his unit being reenacted today - be sure to visit the gallery of photos of this picturesque unit.

Battle of Valcour Island 1776

For those one or two of you who are interested in such things maybe I ought to mention today is the anniversary of this Naval engagement in the American Revolution on Lake Champlain. The battle is said to be the birth of the American Navy. I think it's hard for people in the UK who haven't seen American lakes to imagine naval battles on lakes as it conjures up images of Swallows and Amazons , so for the sake of understanding the scale I think yanks should rename the lakes 'seas' for our benefit.

Basement Jaxx's Take Me Back to Your House video

I don't like this - in fact I find it pretty offensive - even racist towards Russian people - watch it and see what I mean - you'll probably think I am being over-sensitive but I don't find this any more acceptable than showing black people behaving like minstrels or Chinese people being coolies. There is a T-34 in there btw.

The Horrors Count in Fives video

Nice to see garage rock is not completely dead. This is great - give it a whirl...
Myspace site

Ramones movie on the way

Age of Empires 3

Real time strategy. If you've never played an RTS then this year should be it. Maybe this might be too much for your processor - check out the website anyway.

Toga party

Soon we are hosting a Toga party a la Animal House. Info here on how to make a toga.

Amy Winehouse 'Rehab' video

A strange record - a current single faithfully recreating a 60s northern soul sound - you have to listen to this one ... I think for authenticity's sake it should be brackets the No No No song close brackets. Be aware - this song will leech itself onto your brain and not let go. No No No. I do prefer the Detroit Cobras' modern take on classic soul but this one does have good percussion and an interesting lyric going for it.
Wiki on Winehouse

Today's video Outkast 'Idlewild Blue'

Blues harp, boogie guitar, and a thirties setting make this a must for all of you to see - go on give yourself a treat...this is from the current movie Idlewild - a musical set in the Prohibition era. Outkast wiki

Video of the day 'Shoot the Runner' Kasabian

OK - I know none of you are interested in 18th century warfare and tanks so what I will do is pick every day a new single to put the video up for - its up to you whether you like it or bother watching but I will provide for you a stimulating and new(ish) - within the last few weeks - single. First up is the new single by Kasabian called Shoot the Runner. It's worth a look even if you don't like their take on Baggy. By the way do you know there's a charity single of Janie Jones coming out? I shan't be bothering.

Remote controlled tanks

I thought as the season of annual gift-giving is approaching it might be worth writing a little about remote- or radio-controlled tanks as these are now getting in the high street shops, so here's my observations.
The Heng Long Price Revolution
The cheap r/c tanks that everyone seems to be buying at the moment is 1/16th scale world war two tanks made by Heng Long - mostly the Tiger and the new Panther. These are basically cheap remakes of Tokyo Marui originals, but are affordable and offer opportunities for the enthusiast to buy additional bits and do conversion projects. These seem to be going for about 50 pounds on ebay (see above link for current UK sales), and have smoke and sound options as well as being able to fire bb pellets. Ideal, though the non-German tanks available are limited to a M26 Pershing Snow Leopard or a post-war M41A3. The popularity of these tanks have made their predecessors, the modern 1/24th scale ones, like I have (see photo and clip) drop even more in price to less than 30 pounds. These are on the high street for about 55 pounds. There is a high level of returns with this manufacturer so ensure you buy off a dealer who has plenty - I got through two tanks before getting a working one but it has not given me any trouble since. (Hen Long review here)
Other manufacturers are making WW2 models in this scale - the most tempting one is the Trumpeter T-34/85 though more expensive than Heng Long probably is better quality.
1/16th scale is pretty useful - you can buy all sorts of figures and accessories in this scale, but if you're not a WW2 nut you might go for cheaper and contemporary, and take up my idea to 'Pimp' your tank. Modern tanks are pretty dull things but at this price you could respray your tank to a personal style with add-on decals and a replacement action figure to fight with your pals in a post-apocalypse scenario. Flags and personal bits could make it quite a fun project. The photo shows a Star Wars figure for size comparison. Anyway I hope to convert part of my garden to make tank combat interesting - if you get one you are invited to take mine on - whatever scale you get. (By the way the clip is only 7 seconds long so you might as well watch!)
Go here to see real radio-control tank enthusiasts

P J Harvey

Noticed it was her birthday today so an excuse to play one of her videos as she is without the best thing to come out of the Yeovil area to date. This is a great song off her last lp 'Is this Love'. She is a most influential artist in my opinion - so many bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kills, and practically any female fronted garage rock band finish up sounding like her whether they intend to or not. Wiki on Harvey
Peel sessions lp coming out soon - see Harvey's official site

Robin Hood - the result...

What a load of rubbish that was! I didn't see some of the more obvious influences coming - this ropey series owes a great deal to Pirates of the Carribean in its style, but I suppose the most obvious laughs come from the costumes, which look more Star Trek than Sherwood Forest including what looked like moulded plastic mail. Poor digital effects are used throughout to create dodgy buildings but the worst aspect had to be the sound quality - presumably intended for people with surround sound high definition tv sets you could hardly hear any of the dialogue at all on a normal telly - what a gaff! I am sure it wouldn't have been just us who were falling about laughing at this pile of expensive dung - every time a place title came up it was accompanied by the sound of an arrow whistling through the air - only it sounded more like someone letting down a tyre and the sight of Keith Allen dressed in a fake fur crown was priceless. My overall verdict? Robin Shit.

Robin Hoodie

I am not sure whether to watch the BBC's new Robin Hood series starting tonight; it promises to be a contemporary take on the legend - so when WASN'T anything NOT a contemporary take? Errol Flynn was hot when that version is out - Richard Lester's Robin and Marian was steeped in the late 60s - the thing is with any filming is that even if you tried not to it would be a contemporary take. What you can guarantee is that this will be aimed at the sort of people who will probably be already vomiting white cider by 7 o'clock on saturday, in other words it will be a dumbed down affair, a 'Robin is an ASBO' type of thing - the costumes already tell us that - how many yards of leather did they use to make Robin's outfit look like a hoodie? I expect the Normans will look like Harry Hastings (left) or the Tony Robinson Maid Marian baddies... Can I also guess that it will have a nauseating rave soundtrack? Probably easier on the ears than Clannad. BBC Robin Hood webpage

Royal Proclamation of 1763

Today is the anniversary of this historic decree in 1763 - an event that may have started the American Revolution and so here's another pic of me. It was a British proclamation that drew a line across America and guaranteed no further expansion could be done by any colonists onto native land. This was a response to the uprising of Pontiac. Of course it wasn't popular and only lasted as long as the British ruled America.
The photo is me and a pal reenacting native warriors at the time of the American Revolution at Firle Place. Most natives sided with the British to their eventual cost during the American Revolution, the American response was to play up and exaggerate Indian atrocities in the press demonising the British along the way. Propaganda like this was vital in swaying opinion abroad, in France in particular. The rest is history.
As a result of losing the Revolution many natives were displaced ending up in Canada and elsewhere. Doing events like this is more about talking to the public about primitive camping and history than running about fightin' and shooting. More like a talk on the introduction to the 18th century history of say, the Iroquois than going 'woo woo'. Honestly.
A list of links for reenacting Natives and related hobbies mainly for the US is here.

Wilko by the Bad Detectives

This is an interesting picture taken by Henry and Ivan of Wilko Johnson back in about 82 at Dingwalls in Bristol to accompany an article for a fanzine I tried to put together called Stranded in the Jungle. I also have some photos of Screaming Jay Hawkins that were also going to feature in the same issue.
It's a very interesting pursuit going through old photos - you find photos of things that crop up later in life - just as an example of what I am saying you might take a photo of a ferret when you visit somewhere with the children as babies and now they are adults the whole house is overrun with them and then you find the original photo that you had forgottten about, if that makes sense.
Of course Henry and Ivan later came to support Wilko and meet him in different circumstances - I wonder if he remembered that interview? More live shots soon... Bad Detectives website
Wilko Johnson website Watch him doing Roxette on the OGWT while in Dr Feelgood

Mitchell and Webb

If you're wondering what is tickling the funny bones of this family then I'd have to say this comedy duo. Famous for Peep Show there new series is cracking everyone up - there's lots up on Youtube if you aren't in the UK and want some funny British humour - this clip from the first series also demonstrates how we all talk round here. They do owe something to Adam and Joe wethinks...

Thekla reopens

Fun venue reopens in Bristol tonight. Great boat. Check out the above link to what's on what night.

Zvezda Great Northern War Swedes

Coming in the next few weeks is the surprise appearance of Swedish infantry, Charles XII period, in 1/72 scale from Zvezda, probably the world leader in quality figures in this medium. Designed to go with the Strelets - have a look at them to judge for yourself the standard of sculpting and poses.
Zvezda box art usually matches the contents and judging from this the poses are all historically accurate and useful. I can imagine these could form the basis for all sorts of 18thc armies.

French Revolution Photos

As today is the anniversary of the disestablishment of the Christian church in the French Revolution in 1793 you can feast your eyes on this still from the French movie Les Chouans. The Revolution was a great time for radical ideas - a new calendar, new feast days and huge parades celebrating 'reason'. I also love the fashions, particularly those worn by the Sans-Culottes. We nearly had a band in the 80s that was going to wear French revolution fashion and have a guillotine on stage, but alas Reason won the day and it was not to be.
The best book on the subject 'Fashion in the French Revolution' and has that title is by Aileen Ribeiro, and though now out of print should be available through library loan.
To see French reenactors the 18eme de ligne from Orchies near Lille reenact this period check out their gallery. It was in their company that we spent the night of 14th July 1989 and a fine night it was.
What is a Chouan? Here's a page of a group I haven't encountered recreating them.

Beck 'Cellphone's dead' video

Good to hear Beck's back on form - the new album's good listening too - whack up your volume and enjoy a good pop single for a change. Just to think it's ten years since 'Devil's Haircut'.

Rough Trade Shops 30th anniversary comp

An interesting concept - 30 guest compilers put together a cd compilation and hardback book to celebrate 30 years of this famous London record shop. Currently cameod in the Lily Allen video I don't suppose things could be any better for this eclectic store. Tracklisting looks interesting... hopefully won't be too long before it's a fiver in Fopp and then I might buy it.

Voices of Animals and Men

My days of googling our band are over www.animalsandmen.co.uk

Will 'Dub' Jones

I love good singing - Will 'Dub' Jones was more than good - he was brilliant. Probably best known for the vocal on the Coasters' 'Sorry But I'm Gonna Have to Pass' but the bass vocalist par excellence will also be remembered for Stranded in the Jungle by the Cadets and Love Bandit by the same band. My favourite is the fantastic lead on the Coasters' Besame Mucho. Phenomenal. Why no wiki on him but instead the erroneous link to the baseball star... ?

Crunk

What is Crunk? asked Susan - of course we consulted the Wikipedia piece to explain it - maybe we should have pointed her to the Ciara site for her new video

Napoleon v tank

A title that maybe carries more excitement than the clip...

I hate the fantasy genre

Here's my artwork satirising the fantasy genre and its skin tight cousin, science-fiction - the only genres where you can read dozens of books and know nothing of any consequence or relevance....anywhere! Of course you can seek out people who have similarly wasted their time...
Here's my contribution to the canon - interested parties can download a Rhinovian phrase book here soon.

Humvee

Today's bargain - Corgi 'Desert Force' Hummers - a pound each! The thing about toys being in the pound shop is usually a sign of them flopping - what sort of idiot thought 'hey we've invaded Iraq - all the kids will want to play desert wargames that now it's on the news everyday'? I don't remember any Northern Ireland playsets or anything like that when I was a kid. Anyway .... a nice photo taken by Sue - watch out for more toy pictures soon. I suppose there are opposition for these in the form of Caesar's 1/72 Urban Resisters. Hardly escapism is it?
The Humvee is an amazing vehicle - associated with Arnold Schwarzenegger, rappers and of course American soldiers in the desert. What a reputation. Wouldn't even get down our road, but then that was only meant for the night soil man in the treacle cart. Anyone make a model of that?

Roman Britain

I don't have any pictures of me reenacting this period - maybe someday - I did a few events and wore some blue paint for a film on Boudicca - so you don't get off that easily but it's the era of early Roman settlement in Britain, so you also get combat between Romans and Iron Age warriors as well as living history. It's worth checking out their site as there's loads of really useeful info on making iron age shoes, weapons and clothing. If you've ever wondered what people inhabited the hillforts and Roman settlements that populate the West it is the era the Vicus recreates.

Napoleon and me (continued)

You may have been wondering how Napoleon is getting on and here is the little devil in my pouch. Actually I know pictures of your pet are blog poison but maybe I am testing you? Are you ready for footage of Napoleon owning my remote control tank yet? Incidentally there was a funny piece on tv about online networking that said something like 'Warhol said in the future everyone would be famous for 15 minutes - with online communities everyone is famous for 15 people'.

Adam book signing photos

Susan went into Bath to pick up the Ant autobiography but when she got hold of it thought it looked like a standard showbiz spin and put it down - this type of book is best satarised in Alan Partridge's Bouncing Back where he details his terrible toblerone addiction. Ant bragging about his relationship with Jamie Lee Curtis is a bit sad too - presumably he hasn't heard the urban myth about her being a hermaphrodite. Let's face it - does anyone care? Not sure I do.
Times review here.

Classic doowop clip

I occasionally look out for clips of the Coasters - in particular I am looking for a clip I saw once for the song 'What is the secret of your success?' which is brilliant but this does a good job of filling my doowop quota for today. The Clovers Leiber and Stoller

French Revolutionary wars photos

Here I am third from the left at Audley End House, in about 91. We are about to skirmish with the British and allied forces.
So, after leaving the 46eme I had up and joined the 3eme, which was a small, but authentic group who didn't really take themselves too seriously and were good fun. They were following a bicentennial programme so 1992 was 1792 and changes in equipment followed this pattern. I like the above photo - as you can see it was a motley bunch but that was the nature of French revolutionary troops but we're mostly all smiling and it was a talented group. We often wore clogs or went barefoot in the pursuit of authenticity but we were also capable of doing silly stuff when required. A lot of Napoleonic events were abroad but at this time I was well-paid and was able to go off campaigning with other nationalities, including eastern bloc reenactors which was the most strange of all as this was before the Berlin Wall's collapse and so on. Sadly this group is no more but the ex caporal Kevin Garlick (to the right of me with clay pipe) is busy making historical footwear for reenactors and museums and the like. Check out his site.

Nude Magazine

No - not a nude magazine but a great visual read covering music, art and culture - we subscribe - it's a cornucopia of pop and post punk - this issue has Savage Pencil, Robert Quine, Linder British comics - I heartily recommend this good-enough-to-keep take on contemporary culture. Spearheading the tiki revival.. the ads alone will keep you entertained.... was it the inspiration behind SugaRape magazine in Nathan Barley?
http://www.nudemagazine.co.uk/

Napoleonic short, movie that is...

This is a pleasant good quality film set during the early Napoleonic campaign of 1796 and surrounds the legend of Piana Crixia in Italy and a local geological anomaly - a mushroom shaped rock. This little movie is quite inspirational - I'd like to think I might be able to one day make a mini historical movie - I suppose the easiest from a point of view of location would be the Monmouth Rebellion which took place locally. Maybe one of the more salacious legends would be interesting to film. Get in touch if you have any ideas on this subject.

Last of the Mohicans (1920)

You have to watch this - alright you don't - but anyway here's the silent version of Last of the Mohicans - you don't have to use the soundtrack...

Something kinda Ooooh

I know we're supposed to like Girls Aloud - they have been critically acclaimed and all that and we're supposed be all behind this so-English pop and have a favourite one, but this one stinks - it sounds like an advert! I am tired of pop videos looking like adverts and adverts using pop music - why not standardise the 2 genres and make one? After all plenty of pop promos have product placement all over them - mostly phones and mp3 players - why don't we make all singles the length of a commercial and have a punch line and product endorsement at the end and then that way the whole thing can become a feeding frenzy of cash changing hands and we can have the knowledge that we ARE being exploited.
The chorus of this latest blend of rock and dance has the wonderful
Something kinda oooh Jumping on my toot toot, Something inside of me, Wantin' part of you oOo
1984 is here...
Wiki on Girls Aloud video

Stinging Nettles

Interesting plant that plagues us all. Imagine a world without them - you could run about naked in the countryside blindfolded - well maybe not but it is the blight of all our childhoods - falling in a bed of stingers was something that loomed large over every activity - the worst I found was falling off your bike into a bed of stingers, but anyway - can we blame the Romans for these? Someone told me they were introduced by them but it seems it is only a particular variety. Why would you introduce nettles? - well eating is one reason and the story that Britain was so cold it was necessary to flog your legs with them to keep warm - but also apparently Romans applied nettles 'below the navel' to improve virility. Bizarre.
Have a look at the above linked page on nettles - it might prove useful - for instance
It is a strange fact that the juice of the Nettle proves an antidote for its own sting, and being applied will afford instant relief: the juice of the Dock, which is usually found in close proximity to the Nettle, has the same beneficial action.
'Nettle in, dock out.
Dock rub nettle out!'
is an old rhyme.
You never know when you might fall in a bed of stingers.
Wiki on stinging nettles

The Pike

'Trail'st thou the puissant pike?' Shakespeare Henry V
I thought I'd post some more pictures of myself - this time at my first ever reenactment in 1985, where I trailed the pike for Col Nicholas Devereux's regiment and did so for about 4 years (I am on the extreme right btw). The pike is about 14-16 feet of ash pole with a spear head at the top - mainly used to create a defence against cavalry, though infantry pike v pike clashes were more common in the 16th century. It eventually became obsolete with the invention of the bayonet. It was considered a noble weapon - more honourable than the musket and was often trailed by gentlemen volunteers. It is mainly a question of balance being able to swing this long pole about and training and drill were performed to the beat of the drum to enable the 'stands' of pikes to move about the battlefield. A tell-tale sign of a force about to break and run was the wavering of the pikes.
The 'posture' depicted 'charge your pike' is the main fighting stance. In the other picture I am standing next to the late Gordon Usher of Frome who recruited me, took me along, filling the journies with stories of reenactment battles and also invariably beat me at wargames.

Battle of Lesnaya

A decisive battle of the Great Northern War - a battle where the Russians discovered that the Swedes were not invincible. To see photos of this colourful period being reenacted go to Preobrazhensky Life Guard 1709 - the photo used here is from filming done by the group.
More on the battles here
Russian troops raised for the 1700 campaign

I love this period as it combines my love of the 18th century with my love of the pike - I'd really like to see a group started in the UK to do this period - there were plenty of English and Scots soldiers who fought on both the Russian and Swedish armies as mercenaries. A guide to the armies of the Northern Wars.

Yorktown anniversary

As tomorrow is the anniversary of the start of the siege of Yorktown which took place in 1781 and ended the American Revolution, why not watch this clip of some of the more desperate fighting which happened during October. I don't know how many people who read this blog are interested in 18th century warfare but I live in hope. Maybe you will all want to buy a flintlock musket and have an urge to cook over an open flame. Who knows? If I was rich I would go over to take part in the 225th anniversary battle on the Franco American side of course, but never mind, we can read the participant guidelines. March to Yorktown article

Osprey Graphic History

Coming soon from Osprey - publishers of military history books - is a series of graphic - or comic book-style history books. Looking a bit like they're dumbing down for the American market the titles cover the American Civil War and World War Two. I suppose you can't blame Osprey for wanting to make a buck or two. This is the usual stuff they do - includes the new book on the Volksturm with art by my pal Sean O'Brogain which you might want to buy.

Adam Ant and his Bipolar Illness

Stamford bridge and the next big one

1066 and all that...
As today is the anniversary of the battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 - part of the run up to the Battle of Hastings - 14th-15th October - I thought it would be interesting to check out the advance stuff for the Hastings reenactment again. I have stuff for this period - shield, spear and so on but I've never done a Hastings as I'm not involved with any of the societies participating but there was a time when I might have tried to take part. The period is pretty accessible as its not expensive to kit out as a Fyrd or something lower class. A Norman knight involves a lot of work. Make a date in your diary though if you want to attend a no doubt large spectacular.

Frome Youth Wing snaps

A couple of interesting images from about 78 I reckon - interesting is a loose term of course - me and Henry Hutton of the Bad Detectives and the other sees me with Kev Saunders later of Frenzy and Bunse, or is it Bunce? Practising for a gig at the Youth Wing - not sure what we were called then - was it the Thunderbirds or the Contenders? Anyway - check out my waistline in the right pic - I didn't even wear glasses then let alone having some hair to dye! Curse you decay!

White and Nerdy Weird Al

This is really funny - very accurate too, from spending evenings with a roll of bubble wrap and action figures to comics and the Star Wars Holiday Special. The lyrics are here is they come to fast for you...

The Notorious Bettie Page

This 2005 biopic of the famous pin-up girl from the fifties is an affectionate and stylish tribute and its out soon on dvd. Mainly in black and white with bits of colour for effect the period detail is excellently done and the subject well handled. If you are a fan of 50s Americana then you will probably enjoy this movie, with its excellent costumes and well rendered interior. Gretchen Mol is well cast as the girl who came from rural Tennessee to New York to make some of the most famous glamour photos of the era. Wiki on the movie. Imdb Wiki on the real life Bettie Page

Autumn

Well today is the official start of autumn - and I suppose it is time for us to put away such monstrosities as shorts and open toed sandals and dig out the jumpers. I like autumn and it started in a classic misty way this morning gradually giving way to bright sunshine. I even saw a squirrel scurrying around.

The Wonderful and frightening world of Mark E Smith

This excellent 1 hour documentary on the Fall is on tonight, Friday on BBC2 so if you haven't seen this insight into one of the most successful and critically acclaimed post punk band you should tape it or watch it. I love music documentaries - I really enjoyed the one on Blondie recently and the programme on Stiff records I saw recently was pretty interesting too.
This documentary did sort of end an era of me loving the Fall though - in some ways they have now received the acclaim that they deserved I kind of am not that bothered really - it's like supporting a team when they're in the third division is probably more fun than when they get promoted to the first division - or something...

Ultimate Avengers movie

Most Marvel animations up to this one have been awful low budget tv cartoons with lots of repeptitions and rubbish. This one - now available on dvd and the follow-up is also out has the look of quality Japanese stuff. Not quite the attention to detail as some like Ghibli but still impressive - the opening sequence which pits a World War Two Captain America against Nazi aliens is brilliant but what was that heavy machine gun they were using? (Who says I am not a nerd?) Wiki on Ultimate Avengers

The Kills 'The Good Ones'

I've been enjoying the recentish album by this UK/US band - if you haven't heard it I recommend it - it's nothing really earth shatteringly different but it's a good lo-fi rock'n'roll song that's a bit T-Rexy. The chorus 'did you get the good ones?' could be answered by 'no, as these were on buy one get one free'. Official site

Daddy Long Legs Invasion

Have you had these little buggers bouncing around in your house at night? We've found the best way to get them is to wait until they settle and then grab them and chuck them out. Trouble is when you're throwing one out another one comes in...

Battle of Prestonpans 1745

The first battle of the 2nd Jacobite Rebellion was fought today in 45. Resulted in the famous folk song Johnnie Cope
More here and here

Adam Ant book signing tour dates and Film news

To promote his autobiography Stand & Deliver, Adam is currently on a UK signing tour. Forthcoming dates are as follows:
Saturday 23 SeptemberNewbury, Borders new store opening [12-2pm]
Oxford, Borders [6-7pm]
Tuesday 26 September Glasgow, Borders [1-2pm]
Edinburgh, Waterstones [6-7pm]
Thursday 28 September Milton Keynes, Ottakers [1-2pm]
Birmingham New Street, Borders [6-7pm]

There's also a news story about the obnoxious Russel Brand starring as Ant in a new film.

Me and Leroy

Bea suggested I put up this pic of me and my dog Leroy in my G-Unit t-shirt. Leroy is a Staffordshire bull terrier cross and is a great family dog though he doesn't really like male dogs much but people and kids he loves.

Bape

In case you are wondering what the wonderful Kelis is going on about when she says about switching to Bape in her new single - see previous post - here is what it is. You probably have to be black to get away with wearing it but who knows? I get away with wearing my G-Unit t-shirt ironically. Official site

Battle of the Alma 1854

Anniversary today of the battle between British Turkish and French troops against the Russians in the Crimean War. This old-school battle was well depicted in the film by Tony Richardson 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' which is in my opinion one of the best military history films ever and well worth buying. Lots of streets and terraces in Victorian Britain were named after various battles in the Crimean war, though now of course it is mainly remembered for its stupidity and mismanagement.
More here

The Lord of the Rings backlash

There's some pretty funny gags in Clerks 2 at the expense of Lord of the Rings - and it seems that it is open season on this trilogy of films that once delighted us and now makes us wish they'd never bothered and Peter Jackson had never been born. The funniest gag involves one of them doing impressions of all three films - basically walking - revealing how lame the plot that involves nothing much other than travelling. There is also a lot of jokes about the potential for romance between the hobbits.
I must admit I liked the first film despite never having read the book (I wasn't either a hippy or a nerd) but by the 2nd one was beginning to think that we'd been conned; why couldn't they condense it into three hours and save our bottoms the sensation of going totally numb? Why was there no colour in it? Anyway you couldn't really say anything bad about it at all at one time but now of course - it's open season. Fire away - watch this funny little animation of how the trilogy should have ended.

Kelis 'Bossy'

Lyrics here

I really like this. Kelis manages to bring out some pretty good pop singles - Milkshake - Trick Me - really good salty r'n'b dance floor fillers. This one is a really catchy toon - give it a spin - we all love someone who is bossy don't we? Wiki on Kelis

Detroit Cobras Cha Cha Twist video

Well, the Detroit Cobras - one of the finest bands around - are on tour - only in the US and Canada by the look of it but what the heck - watch the video and check out the Myspace recordings for some quality punk inspired soul classics.

A night at Purr

Purr is Bath's kind of indie club night where they usually throw in three decent up and coming bands with some cool in between djing that sounds like they're playing your own record collection. Now located opposite the Lamb and Lion
Enjoyable were the Autons
Purr Myspace

Thunders Hell Nolan and Lure

A great clip of punk legends the Heartbreakers back in the mid 70s. Great for Richard Hell and Johnny Thunders fans. The Heartbreakers passed me in the street once after their gig in Bath - quite a surprise.

Iggy, Sonic Youth play Somerset

This is pretty good news - a festival Nightmare Before Christmas 8-10 December at Minehead Butlins done by the All Tomorrow's Parties people. 'Curated by Thurston Moore' of Sonic Youth - the recent album by the way is great by the way - headlined by Iggy and the Stooges - if you like music and you want a break from the usual December rubbish then this could be a good weekend. World class acts in your area!

Battle of Vienna 1683

Image from With Fire and Sword

Possibly the most decisive battle of the era this conflict between Holy League troops and the Ottoman Empire ended 300 years of war between the eastern states. Not really a famous event in Britain as we were far removed from the action, though on a European level it was a decisive turning point, one of the key moments of early modern history. Document on the siege from 1683

Polish 17th century reenactors

Read about Polish Hussars here

See images of the spectacular Polish winged hussars here

Flyboys

Based on a true story - says the poster - the subject is the Lafayette Escadrille (American volunteers fighting for France before the US entry into the war) during World War One. It's out in the US later this month. Looks aimed at the youth market which is understandable and the action scenes look a bit fake but you don't get that many movies about the Great War so let's all go and see it. Jean Reno's in it. Watch the trailer at least!
Imdb here

Adam Ant autobiography out

'I try to tell you but you just don't understand - you've got my entire life in your hands' - thus begins Vive le Rock - one of Adams non hits - we know what he means - maybe he feels the same way about this book - so go out and buy it - I am sure it will be an enlightening read with lots of anecdotes about the punk era. Check out some extracts at this link

Battle of Brandywine

On this day in 1777 took place a battle in Pennsylvania during the American Revolution - a British victory that resulted in the capture of Philadelphia - see the virtual marching tour. Print is from Adrian Martinez

Alatriste

A new Spanish movie set in 17th century Spain starring Viggo Mortensson. Supposedly the most expensive Spanish film it looks pretty spectacular. Trailers here

Yo la tengo new album out

They've done a London show to launch it, and are doing a full tour in November - review here and here. First listens are always difficult but to these ears it sounds like a really good and varied album. Many styles are in there to listen to - and it is a pleasurable experience. Another classic.

Battle of Lake Erie weekend

This weekend sees the annual battle of Lake Erie weekend. A 32-pound carronade, similar to the type used in the War of 1812, will thunder, historic re-enactors will fire black-powder guns, and Vice Admiral Ronald Route, the naval inspector general, will speak. The event celebrates the 193rd anniversary of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s victory over the British fleet at the Battle of Lake Erie.

Slave Rebellion of 1739

September the 9th was the date of the Stono Rebellion - a significant uprising of slaves in North America led by someone known to history as Jemmy. Make an interesting movie I think.

Bad Detectives' early recordings webpage

I don't know when this webpage of early (1981) demos from the band that are now bringing rockabilly to the Somerset masses got put up, but it is a pleasant surprise. I remember hearing the song 'Incognito' when they did it and thought it a really brilliant song in the classic vein. I suggest you give it a listen. It sounds timeless and is extremely catchy. I'm going back there to listen to some more.

Borodino

Today's battle is no ordinary battle - it was a Napoleonic epic, a wearing out battle so common by the American Civil War. Virtual battle More here

Yeah Yeah Yeahs new single

New video is up for the next single Cheated Hearts by the YYYs - it's a great video so try to watch it - go onto the Media page and there you go. Wiki on them.

Borodino

As tomorrow is the anniversary of the battle of Borodino - the apocalyptic battle between the Russians and the invading army under Napoleon in 1812 - why not watch this clip of scenes from the masterful Bondarchuk film production of War and Peace. It's in Russian so I have not idea what the young lady is saying but the visuals are interesting enough to warrant a view. Its only had 20-odd views so far so I think you should show some interest in this educational and spectacular clip.

Battle of Groton Heights

Today is the anniversary of this skirmish in the American Revolution. Near the amusingly named Fort Griswold or is that just me that finds that name funny. New England artist David R Wagner (see below) has done a painting of Groton Heights - that's the great thing about the Revolution - all the minor skirmishes are celebrated and remembered.

David R Wagner's Revolutionary war artwork

A great selection of paintings depicting incidents big and small from 1781 when French troops had landed in America to assist the forces under George Washington by New England artist David R Wagner. A very picturesque period with colourful uniforms this selection of paintings are evocative and pleasing.

Noah photos himself everday for six years

This is pretty fascinating in a dull Andy Warhol type of way. There have been a few of these recently - I suppose once one comes out everyone has to jump on quickly - soon there will be a demand for more of a plot - get hooked on crystal meth, lose flat, get religion, and then get obese - now that would be interesting. Sue suggested it could have been better iff he grew a beard or something....

Primal Scream cover punk classic

Bow Wow Wow 'W.O.R.K'

A brilliant song even if it has a slap-bass solo - lyrics by Mclaren I think that has prophetic lines like 'demolition of the work ethic takes us to the age of the primitive!' A clip well worth watching,

Battle of Worcester 1651

Today is the anniversary of this the final battle of the English Civil Wars. Charles II's Scottish army was beaten by the Parliamentarians. Wiki on Battle of Worcester. The above link has photos of the battlefield that are worth looking at, and this link will take you to the Fairfax Battalia's webpage - Fairfaxes are probably the best English Civil War reenactment group going in my humble opinion, but I am biased having once, long ago, been a member. Buy the print by Chris Collingwood here.

Eldest daughter Bea's back

With plans to return to the States next year. She is eating like an American at the moment as well as talking like one. Totally. Catching up on much missed music at the moment - I will found out what was the first thing she played when she got back when she eventually wakes up. They showed Saxondale on the plane and she thought it was crap.

21st Century Ultimate Soldier range

Daughter Bea is safely back from Connecticut and of course it was presents all round. One thing I really loved was a set of WW2 Japanese infantry weapons from 21st Century Toys in their range of accessories for their 12 inch or so figures. The detail on these weapons is incredible with working bolt action and removable magazines and so on. They were discontinued and so marked down to a dollar so an incredible bargain is possibly to be had if you go down to your local toy store, if you're in the US. In the UK Ebay is probably the best way to get them. Obviously when Napoleon the ferret is a little bigger he can have them to play with.

Adam Ant autobiography

This long-awaited book is out soon - 11th September I think. You can preorder it here - looks a pretty good deal - we might buy the talking book deal - anyway not long to wait now, if you like that sort of thing - looks like the Digital Tenderness DVD is coming out too.

The Fall Theme From Sparta FC video

Or listen here. A brilliant football themed song from Britain's most interesting band the Fall. Video is good though not related to the subject of the song. 'We live on blood'.

'She wore a yellow ribbon'

'This movie sounds really dull' said Redmond, 'sounds like the most boring movie ever made'. Well there's the generation gap for you. I was brought up on John Wayne - mostly being dropped off at the cinema while my parents shopped - usually I got to see the lesser 60s westerns like the War Wagon, the Undefeated and the Ford-like Alamo. Anyway John Wayne has always been a bit like an alternative on-screen father figure to me as he nonchalantly slugged his way through the history of America. An embodiment of post war Americana. You probably aren't bothered about the man, but if you're curious to see what the fuss was all about you can now buy She Wore a Yellow Ribbon very cheaply on dvd as an intro to the John Wayne Collection (see above link).
I LOVE the John Ford cavalry movies - which includes Fort Apache and Rio Grande - written originally as short stories by James Warner Bellah an ex-army officer. I can't say why I love them - they are as corny as White Christmas but they are pure cinema magic - the supporting cast is a treat - Victor Maclagen in particular with his characterisation of an Irish pugilist fond of whisky is usually hilarious and there is usually other familiar faces like Ward Bond and Ben Johnson. If you're lucky you might get a turn from Hank Worden. I particularly love the choral songs so often raucously sang in the background, and the familiarity of a lot of the scenes. I find them a great escape and find them more enjoyable every time I watch them. So why not bask in the glory of mythic storytelling and some great visual delights and get this movie. She Wore a Yellow Ribbon IMdb wiki on the same
Propaganda and American Values in She Wore a Yellow Ribbon by Laurel Westbrook
James Warner Bellah filmography

Ferret scout car

I am thinking of buying this Action Man toy for Napoleon my ferret. It will make an amusing photo. Besides he hasn't got a vehicle yet. Actually there's a real one for sale at £5,200 here.
Wiki on Ferret armoured car

Invasion of Poland

Today is the anniversary of Nazi Germany's invasion in 1939 - starting the Second World War.