Saturday 30 June 2012

The Man Who - Travis


Summer. Or at least the idea of it. I was going to write a blog about the tradition of great summer pop songs. You know the type; fun, catchy and usually accompanied by a bright, primarily coloured video. I thinking Haircut 100, Duran Duran, Sinita kind of thing. OK maybe not Sinita but you get my drift - pure sunshine pouring out of your speakers. I was then going to write about how these tunes, and the lightness of the weather, help to lift the national mood and create great British summer. That was the plan anyway.

I was going to write that. But I can't. Instead we have torrential rain, flooding, banks fiddling interest rates, job losses. Storm clouds gathering in every sense of the expression.

So you'll forgive me for skipping that particular blog and concentrate on the other British obsession. Rain. Lots of it. Great cloud sized dollops. But I suspect we secretly like it as there are a great many songs dedicated to precipitation;

I'm Only Happy When It Rains - Garbage
Rain - The Cult / The Beatles
Here Comes The Rain Again - The Eurythmics
Crying In The Rain - a-Ha
It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

Ahhhh maybe not that last one. And of course 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me?' by Travis. I have often thought that it was wholly because they are based in Glasgow and not because some omnipotent being has taken umbrance at them for some misdemeanour. But now I just think its because they are British. Nowhere seems to be immune from downpours. Especially this year.

'The Man Who' is a great album and one that helped the band make their mark. At the height of their popularity they were often criticised for stealing the Teenage Fanclub's blueprint and whilst there are some traces if their fellow Weegie's style there are others here too, including traces of Radiohead and even Springsteen.

But with songs like 'Writing To Reach You', 'Driftwood' and 'Turn' its easy to see, or rather hear, that such comparisons are unfair. As well as wearing their influences on their sleeves they also created a new type of music - Indie stadium rock.

If you're looking for chiming, melody driven, sing-a-long-a-stadium-songs then 'The Man Who' is exactly what you need to dry up those rainy day blues.

But wait? What's that up in the sky? No it can't be? Yes it is! I don't believe it - the sun is actually coming out! Maybe it is summer after all?

Friday 29 June 2012

Meat Is Murder - The Smiths

Let me hear them Rickenbackers ringing out. If, in the mid-80s, Peter Buck was the US exponent of 60s styled indie guitar then his UK counterpart was Johnny Marr.

If there was ever a guitar that encapsulated a particular sound then the Rickenbacker must be it - and the influence on popular music is immense; The Beatles, The Jam, The Byrds, R.E.M., Tom Petty, The Stone Roses, The Who and The Smiths. Oh and The Bangles.

Continuing the tradition where George Harrison left off, Johnny Marr's distinctive jangle adorned many a classic Smiths' track- and 'Meat Is Murder' is no exception. The opening track 'The Headmaster Ritual' is awash with lush arpeggios and rhythmic strumming. If that wasn't enough, once you've got past the hectic rockabilly of 'Nowhere Fast' there is the extended treat of 'Barbarism Begins At Home'. At nearly seven minutes long it could quite easily have become a tedious dirge. But with Marr's intricate rhythm playing it is a genuine shame when it suddenly bows out.

Classic Smiths. Classic Marr

Thursday 28 June 2012

The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking - Roger Waters

Firstly, let's get one thing absolutely clear. This album has one of the worst cover artworks. Ever. Once you have heard the album it sort of makes sense but that is no excuse. Not surprsising then that it caused a great deal of controversy when it was released with posters for the album being torn down. What was he thinking? Right with that out of the way lets move on.

I bought this album, or rather my Dad bought for me, from a local CD shop in Middlesbrough called Playback Records. The sort of shop where service is paramount and selling you stuff came second. A long way behind. A sort of Nora Ephron styled shop; more 'The Shop Around The Corner' than 'Fox Books'. It wasn't especially cheap but they really bent over backwards to make sure you got the service you deserved. Unfortunately it's long since gone - no doubt pushed out of business by larger chains and the Internet.

So, being a fledgling Pink Floyd fan who was in the scouring back catalogue stage, this album was on my radar. It had been ordered several weeks earlier and my Dad had gone into pick it up. Knowing that the album was....errrr... challenging the owner said that if I didn't like it I could bring it back and exchange it for something else. Wow! I can't imagine HMV suggesting that. But he was concerned that I might not like this real-time concept album about the wandering thoughts of a man and his road trip through Central Europe. I can see why he was concerned. Not the obvious choice of subject matter for an album.

He needn't have worried though as it is still here in my collection. Partly because it contains some superb Eric Clapton guitar work, partly because it is Roger Waters but also because it is rather good. Despite the dodgy cover.

As with most concept albums it has to be listened to in one sitting - extracting songs only serves to lose the thread - but if you do then you really are taken on a journey. With song titles like the beautiful '4:47AM (The Remains of our Love)' and the blues introduction to '4:50AM (Go Fishing)' this is about as far removed for the bomblast of later Floyd that you can get. Definitely worth persevering through. If you can get past that bloody awful cover that is.


Wednesday 27 June 2012

Unknown Pleasures - Joy Division

Arguably the best thing to come out of punk and the greatest band that the drizzly city created. Well I did say arguably!

Whilst listening to this album I started to wonder..... does the climate in a city have any bearing on the music its inhabitants produce? And I started to compare Manchester to its closest rivals Liverpool. The distinction is there to see. Even in its darkest moments Liverpool produced bands such as Echo and the Bunnymen. Sure they had a slightly blacker tone than The Beatles but even they were not as dour as Joy Division. Having said that Joy Division became New Order and from there it was only a hop and a step to world cup songs and a John Barnes rap.

Somehow I can't imagine Barcelona or Rio producing music like that found on 'Unknown Pleasures'. But what a great record it is. Yes it's dark, brooding and downright miserable but there is solace in its darkness; atmospheric, elegant and ethereal.

So if this is what endless rain produces, then we should be in for a bumper crop of classic albums!

Tuesday 26 June 2012

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today - David Byrne and Brian Eno

Stop me if you think that you've heard this one before. Yesterday I came perilously close to repeating myself. Very close indeed. Not that I am immune to this - I have quite often been stood in record shops starting at a CD. Static. To the observer it could appear as if my software had malfunctioned and frozen, just waiting for someone to press CTRL-ALT-DEL to restart the malicious code. Whilst I would embrace the time when humans have integrated video cards, USB ports and upgradeable software, providing it wasn't written by Microsoft, this was not the reason. Mind you could you imagine if Microsoft won the contract for the operating system on Human 2.0? It would be a nightmare. Constant reboots, software updates, glitchy sub-systems and more off days from work due to increased virus activity. And don't even mention physical dumps. Urrgghh.

No, a much more plausible explanation for my static state was that I simply couldn't remember whether I had already bought the CD or not; staring at the case trying to remember the last time I saw it, did the sleeve look familiar or had I been here before - staring blankly at the CD desperately trying to recall the vital piece of information?

So it may come as no surprise then that after 261 blogs I can't remember what I have already mentioned, which stories I have told or whether I'm treading down overly familiar paths. I almost did it today as well as I was going to start a discussion about how seeing David Byrne perform live was one of the highlights of my gig-going career. But I've already done that. If you wan't to check it was the 15 February 2012.

Memory is a beautiful but fragile thing. With the advent of downloadable music it's getting more difficult. A quick press of a button (after entering a whole plethora of personal information) and the album is 'there'. On your hard-drive. No waiting. No staring into space.

And so it was with 'Everything That Happens Will Happen Today'. A quick click. And hey presto. But years down the line I just know I'll be looking at a physical version of this album and wondering, once again, whether I already own it.

So roll on the day when we have hard drives installed, can store databases with terabytes of data and carry around our entire music collection in our heads. The danger of repeating ourselves and buying duplicate CDs gone forever. Mmmm maybe not if Microsoft have anything to do with it. They're bound to louse it up!

Monday 25 June 2012

It's Blitz! - Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Of all American music there is something undefinably cool about music from New York. I can't put a finger on it but it eclipses it's west coast contemporaries by a mile. A New York mile.

Having been to the city in 1994 I can testify that the Big Apple oozes music from its very fabric - music that has a certain attitude; cool, detached, knowing, different. It's history is littered with examples; Blondie, Talking Heads, New York Dolls (obviously, The Bravery, Patti Smith, Run DMC, Vampire Weekend, Vivian Girls and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Quite a roster.

The trip we had to NYC was eventful. Much more eventful than we were expecting and stories of our visit could fill pages and pages; larger than life gin and tonics, messing up the tipping system and giving a pleasantly surprised waiter nearly a weeks salary, confusing conversations with telephone exchange operators, flooded hotel rooms, left-over pizza for breakfast, getting off a bus into live traffic in 5th Avenue..... and that was just the first day!

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs follow the tradition of angular guitar rock bands from NYC and share the same DNA as one of my other beloved bands, Talking Heads. The songs on 'It's Blitz' are obviously not in the same calibre as the CBGB legends but they are good in their own right. For the uninitiated 'Zero' and 'Dragon Queen' are as good a place to start as any.

I will have to get back to NYC at some point - we have unfinished business that city and I. Maybe I can combine it with a trip to New Jersey and soak in the atmosphere that Bruce Sprin..... Ooh nearly!



Sunday 24 June 2012

Wrecking Ball - Bruce Springsteen

There is a real risk that this blog, which set out to cover a whole range of albums in my collection, is going to get sidelined into a commentary of Bruce Springsteen's recording career. The reason for this diversion, which I promise is temporary, is that the concert on Thursday was, to borrow an overused sporting analogy, a real game changer.

For three and a quarter hours he gave everything; energy, passsion, heart and humour. Each song was delivered as if his life depended upon it. It's a hackneyed expression but Springsteen is the real deal. Glory days indeed.

And so to the final part of gig ettiquette. Is it acceptable to be obsessed with the performer you saw several days after? Well common sense says "yes". After all isn't that the whole point of a tour - to sell records? but is it ok to be obsessed ten years after? Twenty even? Experience says, if the artist is Bruce Springsteen, "yup, you betcha".

'Wrecking Ball' is a powerful and angry record and, with this being his seventeenth, it's remarkable that the passion is still burning as strong as it did when he stepped into Mike Appel's office in 1972. A great deal of the anger on the album is directed at the financiers and Wall Street. Take 'Death to My Hometown' for example;
"Send the robber baron’s straight to hell
The greedy thieves that came around
And ate the flesh of everything they’ve found
Whose crimes have gone unpunished now
Walk the streets as free men now
And they brought death to our hometown, boys
Death to our hometown, boys
Death to our hometown"
No punches pulled and all the better for it. Hearing this and other songs from the album live really hammered home their power and the effect is still reverberating. But I'll do you a deal. I'll stop obsessing about it on these pages if you go and listen to 'We Take Care of Our Own'. Deal? Deal!


Songs For Swingin' Lovers - Frank Sinatra

Saturday 23 June 2012

Let's do a survey. Hands up those who have ended a night of celebration by dancing, or an approximation of dancing, and singing drunkenly to 'New York New York'. Ok, now those with their hands down are either complete liars or just don't get out enough.

I've lost count of the number of parties that have finished in this way; dancing in a circle, arm in arm, kicking legs, crooning and looking a little dishevelled from an evening of indulging. Secretly hoping that the dishevelled look is the cool side of scruffy. I actually went to a black tie do where one of my friends who was, like everyone else, wearing an elasticated bow-tie. Except in his case he had in his pocket a proper bow-tie so he could replace the imitation one and drape the real one over his neck, Frank Sinatra style, at the end of the evening. To look cool. Mmmmm.

'New York, New York' isn't on this album as it hadn't been written yet but it is full of other croonable classics. Delivered by the master crooner big Frank. 'Anything Goes', 'It Happened In Monterey' and 'Makin' Whoopee' are all standards. But what makes this album special is the sheer quality of the backing band and it's arrangement. Simply wonderful.

So the next time your on a dance floor in a hotel or other large venue, feeling a little worse for wear and kicking your feet in time to Frank do yourself a huge favour. In the morning you're going to feel a little ill, very tired and a bit down. But dig out this album, press play, kick back and take it easy. You'll feel much better. Honest!


Friday 22 June 2012

The Cole Porter Songbook Volume One - Ella Fitzgerald

Ohhh I don't fell at all well. A little bit queasy and nauseous. I can't imagine what it can be.... oh wait....ah yes I know what it is. I've overdosed on rock. Yesterday's Springsteenfest; four or five albums followed by a storming 3h 15min concert was great but I think I've overdone it. If I hear another song in 4/4 time I'm going to hurl.

I'd better find some medication......dance - nah too loud.....folk - maybe a bit earnest.....classical - nope, ain't gonna cut it...ahh wait, what's this? Yes this will do nicely. The soothing jazz voice of Ella is just the trick to temper those rock over-indulgences.

This was one of those albums that was imported into my life through relationship and I'm all the better for it. I don't think otherwise I would have even contemplated the benefits of a great jazz record. It was far too sophisticated for my rock and indie palette. So it arrived sort of by stealth; with songs appearing on compilation tapes that were given to me, tracks played in the background whilst we ate and hummed when they appeared on film soundtracks.

I wouldn't say I was an expert but if this album is anything to go by, these songs are timeless and will be around for ever. 'Miss Otis Regrets', 'Too Darn Hot' and 'Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye' must be amongst the best ever written. Whether you agree or not this album has helped clear the rock from my system, for now at least, and that can only be a good thing. Every medicine cabinet should have one. The Alka-Seltzer of the music world.


Thursday 21 June 2012

The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle / Born To Run / Born In The USA - Bruce Springsteen

....so last night Suzanne Vega was brilliant. Brilliant despite me having listened to her debut album yesterday. But then again, she always is so maybe I need some more data......

Tonight we are off to see Bruce Springsteen in an epic stadium show. It's perfect testing conditions; an iconic rock star, a rare chance to see classic songs performed live and a huge running time of at least three hours. Surely, if the theory needs testing that listening to any albums beforehand dulls the impact of the concert, then this is the ultimate test? Will PW's theorem of pre-gig abstinence hold water?

If you think Springsteen is all rock guitars, stadium anthems and songs about cars and girls then 'The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle' is going to come as a bit of a shock to you. It's funky, a little bit soul, some vaudeville and a yes there is some rock but this is just part of an eclectic mix. The opening track should be enough to knock you off your axis - it's a full on funk assault. New Jersey style.

I came to this album, like most people probably, in reverse order having bought his albums from the 80s onwards I then investigated his extensive back catalogue. This one came as a bit of a surprise.

'Born To Run' should need no introduction to any self respecting music aficionado. It certainly fits the Springsteen mould much more closely than its predecessor. It's a classic rock album, from its iconic cover to the last note of the final track 'Jungleland'. And in between there's 'Thunder Road', '10th Avenue Freeze Out', 'Born To Run'. Classic. Great. Essential.

And finally to 'Born In The USA'. The first Springsteen album I bought and all because of a TV program called 'No Limits'. 'No Limits' was essential viewing in the 80s with its clever mix of music videos, local information, daring stunts and Jenny Powell. They also filmed their own segments set to music. I forget the exact details but one such 'wacky' montage involved climbing up (or down) stairs in some sort of historic tower; the camera never far behind Jenny's behind. And the music they selected to accompany this comedic moment was 'I'm Goin' Down' by Springsteen. Being the impressionable teenager that I was, I loved the segement and at the next opportunity bought 'Born In The USA'. I was not disappointed as what greeted me was a well honed rock album with great tracks - nearly everyone a classic in its own right.

The album spawned no fewer than seven singles and there are great rock anthems within its covers; 'Cover Me', 'Dancing In The Dark', 'No Surrender', 'Glory Days', 'Downtown Train'.... all great tracks that are equally at home in a car stereo as well as in a stadium. And then there's 'Born In The USA'. The title track is probably the most misunderstood track in rock history - being mistaken for a flag waving american anthem by many casual listeners and Presidents. This couldn't be further from the truth - the song documents the effect of the Vietnam war on American citizens. You only have to read the lyrics of the verses to realise this but most are drawn, moth-like, to its stadium friendly chorus. The most poignant moment is saved until last. 'My Hometown' describes a working class town that is down on its heels following the closure of shops and factories. Sound familiar? 
"Now main streets whitewashed windows and vacant stores
Seems like there aint nobody wants to come down here no more
They're closing down the textile mill across the railroad tracks
Foreman says these jobs are going boys and they aint coming back to
Your hometown"
So there you have it. A true Springsteenfest. It'll be interesting to see how I perceive the concert this evening - it's perfect outdoor concert weather; rain lashing down, wind picking up and temperatures dropping. It won't matter though as I'm happy to spend the evening with forty thousand other Springsteen fans, signing in the rain as if our lives depended upon it, mesmerised by the tales of love, happiness, economic hardship, heartache and hope. And to think, and perhaps most bizarrely of all, I've got a dodgy 80s TV programme and a photogenic bum to thank for it.






Wednesday 20 June 2012

Suzanne Vega - Suzanne Vega

Gig going is a tricky business. Not only is there the issue of travel, which has been well documented in these pages, but there is also the thorny issue of gig etiquette. What? You thought you just had to turn up? Tsscchh schoolboy error. Let me enlighten you.....

Firstly there is the issue of what to wear. Should you wear clothing emblazoned with the band you've gone to see? As a general rule, this is to be avoided at all costs as it makes you appear needy and 'trying too hard'. But if you insist then it best to go for a new t-shirt or dig out an old faded one and show all these newcomers that you've been there since the start? Or perhaps you want to demonstrate a deeper understanding and wear one with a band that the band you've gone to see have stated as an influence. Or have been seen wearing themselves. You see it's complicated stuff.

Then, assuming that you can find your way there, what time should you arrive? Too early and you're likely to be asked to help the support band set up their gear or man the merchandise stall. Get there too late and you're in danger of missing the crucial opening song. Guaranteed it'll be one that you love and the reason for attending the gig in the first place.

Have you thought about refreshments? I'm sure you have but just in case not, should you get enough drinks in before the gig starts to last the rest of the performance? If you do you will definitely look like a desperate alcoholic. If you don't, you can either spend the whole night dry or try and get some during the gig. Where is the bar? Will you miss any songs whilst trying to buy beer? Won't you need the loo? How deep is the queue likely to be?

So you're at the gig, wearing the right T-shirt, have enought drinks to last the entire concert (and well into next week) and are enjoying the opening song. But are you enjoying it as much as you could? Gig etiquette is a minefield. I wasn't aware of this final hurdle until it was pointed out to me by PW. You see he was of the opinion that, under no circumstances, should you listen to the band your going to see before the gig. Certainly not in the car on the way to the venue but maybe not for weeks beforehand. This was serious stuff and the subject of heated debate. PWs theory was that abstinence heightened anticipation, which in turn made you hungry for the gig. Mmmmm I think he had a point but I never really had empirical evidence to confirm whether his theory was correct.

Well until now. After over twenty years I'm going to put this to the test. Right here, right now. Tonight we're off to see Suzanne Vega so we'll see whether listening to this album will dampen the enthusiasm. I know this to be a great album from years of having listened to it, just as I know that she will be playing songs from it. Will 'Marlene On The Wall' have the same effect as it did the last time I saw her perform that classic single or will 'Cracking' still sound cracking? Finally a chance to gather some data.

Who said music wasn't scientific?


Tuesday 19 June 2012

Led Zeppelin - Led Zeppelin

I was certain, even before I pressed play, that I wasn't going to like this. The reasons were stacked up; I don't like late 60s / early 70s heavy rock, I'm not that keen on extended screeching guitar solos, Robert Plant's vocal register is a little too high and anyone who thinks that a guitar needs two necks clearly has a deficiency in the trouser department. And trousers in the early 70s were tight. Enough to bring tears to your eyes. So really there was no need for me to press play at all. Why bother. I had other stuff that I could do in the time. But I had an album to listen to today so I might as well....

So at 7:10 this morning, as I locked the front door and began my daily walk to work, 'Good Times, Bad Times' started to play; crunching chords, looping bass and rhythmic drumming. I wasn't expecting much. "Mmmm this is not as bad as I was expecting", I thought to myself. By the time I'd got to the Willie Dixon blues of 'You Shook Me' I was accompanied by shopkeepers setting up their stalls for the day. And I was in the groove. And so it continued; past Marks & Spencer's, into the underpass, passed Dominos Pizza and down Valley Street; all the while stains of blues, rock and psychedelic folk entertained and delighted me; 'Dazed and Confused', 'Black Mountain Side', 'Communication Breakdown'. Great stuff. Unexpectedly likeable. I could feel my pre-conceptions dissolve before my very ears. I was confused.

Then it struck me. It was all perfectly clear. Led Zeppelin sit right on a musical heritage line running from Robert Johnson and through The Yardbirds, Cream, The Rolling Stones, The Stone Roses, Pearl Jam, The Black Keys and Kate Bush. Yes, even in the pop songstress' music the rich heritage can be heard.

Not for the first time on this musical journey have my ears been opened and I hope it won't be the last. So maybe late 60s heavy rock isn't so bad, the screeching solos were kept to an absolute minimum and maybe a flash guitar is ok in the right hands. Maybe. And as for Robert Plant's vocals? Well it is a little high pitched but I blame the trousers!



Monday 18 June 2012

Actually - The Pet Shop Boys

Picture the scene. It's late in 2012 and two thirty year old blokes take to the stage in a TV studio. They stand motionless, almost static, whilst they perform a song about inner city life and the pressure created by an unjust class system; an almost dead-pan vocal set against a hip-hop backing track. Is this going to be the next pop sensation or consigned to the dustbin forcing the protagonists to return to their day jobs?

You don't need to answer that but in 1985 that's exactly what happened as The Pet Shop Boys debut 'West End Girls' became a huge international hit selling over 1.5m copies. I just can't imagine that happening in today's image obsessed music industry. For a start they wouldn't score well with a focus group, would be laughed off a stage in X-Factor and mauled in the press. Yet, following the released of their debut single they went on to become one of the worlds best selling artists, the most successful duo in the UK and amassing sales in excess of 10m.

MR was the first person I knew to have 'West End Girls' and it was a regular feature in trips out in his car (I think it was actually the 'Disco' remix cassette but I may be wrong), the words about urban life hitting a minor chord with us as we passed through the night.

'Actually' was their second album and, whilst not vastly different in style for their debut 'Please', it does sound a lot better. Maybe they could afford a better studio? Anyway it's a cracking pop album, spawned four hit singles and resurrected the career of Dusty Springfield.

Not bad for two northern lads.

Sunday 17 June 2012

Baby The Stars Shine Bright - Everything But The Girl

The first goal in the infamous musical match that ended London 0 Hull 4 was scored by Everything But The Girl. And what a goal it was.......

.....but that is now. When they were first on the scene I'd dismissed them as a bit twee and....well soft I suppose. If they were ever in a fight with one of the bands I did like then I was sure that they would get a pasting. Well most of them - not sure about Morrissey. Not that I condone violence of course, especially between 80s pop bands, as it would've been ugly. A whole mess of chunky cardigans, ripped jeans and overly gelled hair. Can you imagine bright red blood on those pastel colours. What a clash. I shudder at the thought. But I was wholly wrong about EBTG; they might write gentle pop music but anyone who dismisses them in the way that I did is missing out on one of the best pop-duos this island has every produced. I should've known better. Just take the name for starters - it was taken from the window of a well known furniture shop on Beverley Road in Hull whose slogan read "For your bedroom needs, we sell everything but the girl". Not quite PC but very funny. And original.

....anyway 'Baby The Stars Shine Bright' is quiet pop music at its finest; smooth with lovely melodies and the perfect record for a Sunday afternoon. The opening track 'Come On Home' sets the scene with its lush strings, resonant vocals and great pop tune. But beyond there are pop classics waiting to be discovered; 'Come Hell or High Water', 'Sugar Finney' and 'Cross My Heart' sound like classic songs that have been around for years. Which of course they have.

The would eventually go on to write one of the best dance floor fillers in 'Missing' and have the huge worldwide hit that they deserved. But before then there was this and other albums chock full of great pop tunes. Gentle but packing a real punch..


Saturday 16 June 2012

Out Of Time - R.E.M.

Can you really pin point the moment when admiration turns into obsession? In most cases it just creeps up on you. Bit by bit. Note by note. One moment you are just fond of a particular thing and then, without any warning, you have become an obsessive. Obsessive to the point where people cross to the other side of the street when they see you coming, tell mutual friends to avoid you at the bus stop and do their utmost to avoid eye contact. "And whatever you do, don't mention the collection of ticket stubs/stamps/crisp packets/nail clippings*"

* before you ask - no I don't!

And so it was with R.E.M. I had bought the 'Orange Crush' single from their previous album and liked it but was not sure about the vocal quality of the singer. As far as I was concerned the 'Green' album had its moments but didn't like the slower tracks. The were tuneless. Mmmmm I was definitely undecided. Appreciative but not wholly impressed. But that was before 'Out Of Time'. This time the album arrived with a recommendation from a friend. Rid, as ever the barometer of rock-cool, suggested that 'Radio Song' was almost a baggy-like track. That was enough for me so as soon as the album was available to rent from our local video shop I hired it and made an evaluation copy.

And what an album! I was mesmerised, enchanted, excited and converted. From the opening track, the aforementioned 'Radio Song' to the closing track 'Me In Honey' every song is a classic. End of! I loved it from the first moment and by the end I was dancing around the front room quietly trying not to wake my sister. Which, if you be been unfortunate enough to see me in motion, was not an easy task.

From that moment on I revisited all of their back catalogue, from 'Murmur' to 'Green' and everything in between. And I mean everything; singles, videos, TV appearances, albums, magazine cuttings, posters and stickers. Relentless. Obsessive. I'd reached the tipping point and was careering down the steep slope. There was no looking back.

Sure 'Out Of Time' was their first commercially orientated album and they received a lot of criticism for selling out. Not that that was ever on their agenda - with a song like 'Low' how could that ever really be the case? Maybe they had a point with the overly-upbeat 'Shiny Happy People' but this was soon followed by the downbeat and truly wonderful 'Country Feedback'. A truly complete album and one that made Berry, Buck, Mills and Stipe household names. Well nearly.

And as for the slow songs on 'Green'? Well I know now that I was wrong. They are fabulous and sung with real passion, care and skill. Well what else could I think? I'm not an obsessive for nothing!

Friday 15 June 2012

Peggy Suicide - Julian Cope

Rock music certainly throw up its fair share of... well let's say 'unique' characters and Julian Cope is up there with the most unique. Maybe even the most unique of all. It may be tempting, depending upon your stance to view him as either a genius or a total nutter. Either way I think you would be doing him a bit of a dis-service as he is much more complex than that with his true character probably being a mix of both.

We were lucky to catch Julian at the Irish Centre in Leeds on the back of a tour to promote his new book 'The Modern Antiquarian'. Only Julian Cope could write a book about standing stones and make megalithic history seem as if it were only yesterday. I guess it was, relatively speaking. Anyway it was a strange evening but enthralling. Half spoken passages from his literature, some poetry and a few songs. Odd but very Cope and, judging by the way he had the whole audience entranced, a success.

'Peggy Suicide' is probably his strongest album since leaving The Teardrop Explodes and maybe even his best to date. Part rock, part folk, part punk and part psychedelic tinged pop. 'East Easy Rider' and 'Beautiful Love' being prime examples of the latter.

Ever since I saw him on TOTP standing on his microphone stand; the presence of foot pegs making it look a bit like a vandalised BMX, I have always kept eye and an ear out for what he is doing. I still only have this one album but what an album. Fascinating. And amazing that he never fell off that microphone stand!







Thursday 14 June 2012

The Unforgettable Fire - U2

If anyone has had the patience or stamina to read the whole of this blog you could be left with the impression that I have a bit of a downer on U2.

Well I do. And I don't. You see to me there are two U2s. Not actually two - good grief could you imagine two Bonos on the planet? Anyway nature would'nt allow that and a rip in the fabric of time-space would have to be created to correct the anomaly. Or something. But there are two U2s; one that creates inventive and powerful music - music that generally does lift you and enriches the spirit and the other that ...... well ...... just tries too hard to be U2. This is the evil half brother who makes pompous, overly earnest music its raison d'être. Exactly the sort of band who would chuck a French phrase into lyrics just because they could. This is the U2 that gave us 'No Line On The Horizon'. Not to be trusted.

Meanwhile the other U2 gave us 'The Joshua Tree' and this, its magnificent predecessor. In the 'The Unforgettable Fire' U2 crafted a glorious rock album which expanded their canvas to create expansive and sometimes abstract soundscapes. No doubt that Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois played a hand in this, but the bombastic nature of the previous album 'War' was reigned in and replaced with thoughtful and atmospheric music.

The highlights are too numerous to list but try the edgy 'Wire' or the soaring title track for starters. Then there is the stadium friendly 'Bad' and the ambient 'Elvis Presley And America'. And then there's.....

It's all wonderful and created the blueprint for their follow up masterpiece 'The Joshua Tree', catching the band in a transitional phase.

Just one thing puzzles me though. What the hell does "Slide show see side town. Coca-cola football radio radio radio..." mean?





Wednesday 13 June 2012

X - INXS

New Year was always a big deal in Clavering in Hartlepool - there was an open door policy so it was a great way to get free drinks and take a snoop around someone else's house. Quite often we would find ourselves in the living rooms of complete strangers drinking their kindly offered whisky and chatting about.... well anything really. After a couple of drinks we would take our leave and then head off in search of the next venue. As the night progressed we would get further and further away from our usual stomping ground. Admittedly, particuarly as the night wore on and we wore out, things had the habit of going awry. After one particular long night, for example, DB opened his front door the morning after only to find Mr B sleeping on his step.

"I did try to knock but I couldn't find the door", he offered by way of an explanation.
"Hhmmmm", came the sarcastic reply.

I can't recall whether it was the during the same evening, but at one point the same person was nibbling away merrily on snacks he'd liberated from my parents living room;

"These nuts and things are are really nice", he remarked through enthusiastic munches and asked," what are they?"
"That'll be the pot-pourri mate", I replied adding, "I don't think you are supposed to eat it, but at least your breath will smell nice!"

This approach to social celebrations lasted a good few years but as the 90s became the 00s people got increasingly wary about inviting strangers into their homes. Either that or they were sick of people drinking them dry, eating their snacks and falling asleep on the stairs. So it was ideal timing when one of our friends moved up to Edinburgh to study - we could combine a visit to see him with New Year and sample the party atmosphere that we had heard so much about. I'm not sure how it came to be; whether we invited ourselves or were invited, but the trip north of the border became an annual event and a highlight in our calendar.

DB usually took on the driving duties and supplied the music that would accompany us; rock and pop blasting our of the Ford Sierra speakers as we travelled into the frozen north. And this is where 'X' comes in. I have vivid memories of watching the green fields of Northumberland turn white as we approached the border whilst listening to the sunny guitar rock-pop of INXS and their album 'X'. Apart from 'Kick' I'd kept them at arms length but this album was growing on my. By the time we reached the outskirts of Edinburgh I was hooked. Well fifteen play-throughs would do that!

Although not as good as 'Kick' there are some great tracks on 'X'. I'm not convinced by the running order though - why isn't 'The Stairs' the closing track instead of being tucked away in the middle? Anyway not that it matters with others such as 'Suicide Blonde' and 'Disappear' it's a super rock-pop album.

Eventually the Edinburgh trips came to an end - they just got too popular, busy and a little over commercial. The final trip resulted in torn trousers, lost shoes and a crush. And not in a good way. But while they lasted they were great fun and perfect end and start to the year.



Tuesday 12 June 2012

Our Time In Eden - 10,000 Maniacs

What do Morrissey and Michael Stipe have in common? Quite a lot actually but not least is that they have both been covered by the 10,000 Maniacs. And why not? Natalie Merchants melancholic pop voice lends itself very well to their particular brand of lyrics.

Indeed you could be forgiven for assuming that Our Time In Eden was a collection of their compositions, such is the comparable quality of the tracks on offer here.

Monday 11 June 2012

The Best of The Waterboys 81-90 - The Waterboys

It's a thin line between ESP and trickery. Some may even argue that they are one in the same. Me? Well I would've once sat firmly in the trickery camp, refusing to budge... that was until one evening in 1992 when I witnessed ESP in action. Or at least I think I did....

PW and I were up in Auld Reekie (Edinburgh to the non-initiated) to visit KC and had spend a happy few hours visiting local hostelries (pubs) and sipping on a few refreshments (beers). Eventually, like any decent night out in Edinburgh, we found ourselves in the Last Drop in the Grassmarket. As usual the place was hochin (rammed) and the music was blasting out into the early summer evening. As holding a conversation was out of the question we took to listening to the music and appreciative nodding when a track we liked came on.

Although the music selection was not bad, it took a turn for the better when 'Sit Down' by James started playing and my nodding took on a whole new level.

"This is a great song", I shouted to the others.
"It is. The perfect song to follow this would be 'The Whole of The Moon' ", KC suggested.

I nodded in agreement, although how this could be distinguished from appreciatvie nodding is a mystery. 'Sit Down' played out and then, much to my amazement, the instantly recognisable opening piano riff of 'The Whole of the Moon' started playing. I turned to KC,

"How on earth did you know that?", I asked, still in full awe of what had just happened, "you must have ESP or something".
"Nah, it was just an obvious song to follow it with", KC cooly suggested, and went back to his pint.

I still wonder, twenty years on, whether I witnessed ESP in action or was simply duped. I'd love to know which...... actually on second thoughts some things are best left unknown. Why spoil the magic?




Sunday 10 June 2012

Gold Mother- James

This album is remarkable in many ways; not only did it unintentionally propel James into the baggy scene but it also stopped me from preparing for my exams. Well almost. It's not quite the rock 'n roll story that I would like to have been able to tell.....but it was close.

You see in 1990 James were touring on the back of this album and I'd heard from Rid what a great live band they were. So, when tickets were announced for the gig at Middlesbrough Town Hall, we jumped at the chance. Well Rid jumped and I sort of hopped. It was only after they were bought that I realised that the gig was the night before my Structural Mechanics exam, which was due to start at 9:00am the following day. Yikes!

In the weeks following the purchase of the tickets I deliberated, cogitated and assessed the angles. The day of the gig arrived and I still hadn't decided. Surely I could go to the gig and still be confident of doing well in the exam? I'd prepared well, had followed my carefully planned revision timetable (the one that took weeks to prepare, was carefully colour coded and took into account every eventuality. I always liked preparing these - not only did they appeal to my inner geek but they were also a handy diversion from actually doing any revision!). I was sure that I could go to the gig and do well in the exam.....But what if I didn't? I'd only have myself to blame. But weren't James worth the risk? It was going to be a great gig. When would they ever play 'Boro Town Hall again? Oh the agony of choice.

So in true rock and roll fashion I backed out and left Rid to enjoy the gig on his own. Never let it be said that I am not a committed Engineer! Do I regret it? You bet! Have I seen them since? Loads. Does that make my regret any less painful? No.

One of my other favourite stories from this time was when we had pulled up in Rid's car to get petrol. It was the coolest car on the block; a white Ford Escort estate with bonnet catches and a 'Come Home * James' car sticker on the boot window. Rid had gone into pay for the fuel when a woman approached him;

"I hope you find him", she said adding, "It must be terrible when someone goes missing like that".

Clearly she was not a fan of indie-pop but it was a lovely sentiment. 'Gold Mother' is perhaps James' greatest album. It certainly was their breakthrough album and has some classic James tracks on it; 'Come Home', 'Government Walls', 'How Was It For You' and the peerless "You Can't Tell How Much Suffering (On A Face That's Always Smiling)". Avoid the tacky re-released version, with it's track listing altered to include the mega-hit 'Sit Down', and go for the original and arguably best indie-pop album of the early 90s.

And if James are ever playing in a local venue near you, drop what you're doing, forget tomorrow and go and check them out.


Saturday 9 June 2012

Magnetic Fields - Jean-Michel Jarre

I haven't always been this cool, charming and sophisticated person you see before you. Hard to believe I know, but I was once a geek. A nerd. Not that these definitions had even been invented in the early 1980s. But if they had that's what I was.

You see, I've always been a technology freak. At least as far back as I remember. It all started with a Sinclair ZX81 and went from there. Pretty soon I was a gamer. Not that this term had been coined either. It was just something that you did when it was too dark or wet to play football. But if the term had been around that's what I was.

Home computing, or more accurately home gaming (because lets face it, that was the reason most of us had computers. Sure we kidded ourselves that they were for programming or other academic pursuits. Or at least that's what we told our parents!) really took off with the arrival of the Commodore 64. It was the machine that everyone wanted..... and PW was getting one for Christmas. The anticipation was unreal and too much to bear. I don't know who was more excited me or him. Then the thought struck us. What would happen if it was faulty? What a downer that would be if on Christmas Day he had nothing more than a grey plastic box to look at. So surely it was our duty to test it? We were doing his parents a favour. We really didn't have time but it was something that were just going to have to find time for. PW had recently discovered the storage place for presents so we wouldn't even have to bother his parents with that.

And so the testing regime stated. It was a tough and demanding testing programme so at every opportunity, usually when they were out as we didn't want to disturb them with our work, the machine was carefully taken out, unpacked, plugged in and put through its paces. Then, after several hours, it was re-packed and returned to its resting place.

It was all going swimmingly until one particular intensive testing session. It was quite warn so some refreshments were called for; cooling lemonade. A couple of gulps and the testing resumed. Then, in a moment of excitement, I threw my arms our and..... spilt the lemonade over the computer....

.....on the plus side, our testing had revealed that the Commodore 64 did not respond well to liquid, as it let out a bang and went off.

I don't think PW had discovered swearing but he was certainly perturbed. "Well we can't test anymore do I'd better be getting off", I said and headed for the door leaving PW to explain the situation to his parents. It was a cowardly thing to do but I only had the future of the project in mind. Honest!

The CBM64 was a top games machine; colourful graphics, sprite sets and multi-channel sound. It was the sound in particular that gave it the edge over its nearest rival, the ZX Spectrum. Ahh the music and the point of this lengthy introduction. As well as specially composed music, popular culture was also plundered and the output of the French composer regularly feature. Just to up the nerd stakes, if that is really possible, 'Loco' featured music from Equinoxe and the great arcade conversion Bombjack music from this 1981 album. It's not surprising really as the music converted well to the burgeoning gaming scene; electronics, synths and simple but catchy melodies.

Right, I think I have said enough, and done enough damage to my credibility so I'd better sign off before I start waxing lyrical about the great Rob Hubbard and the music he wrote for 'International Karate', 'Thing On A Spring', 'Commando'.... blast, you could've stopped me!


Friday 8 June 2012

The Boy With The Arab Strap - Belle and Sebastian

The Wistful-Pop scene, or Wist-pop for those in the know, could be big business if the main participants would only be a little more upbeat about it. Instead they hang around quietly as if deep in thought when they should be shouting from the rooftops about their particular brand of laid-back, quiet pop. Ah well.

For those who do follow the scene, Belle and Sebastian are the main act, the headliners if you like, and this is their flagship album. In the pop spectrum it is about as far from upbeat as you can get, the polar opposite in fact. It's lovely, quiet, thoughtful and....wistful. And there lies the problem. Surprisingly for such a nice album, I couldn't help but wish for the ending to hurry up, particularly once the title track had passed. Either the ending or some anger, pace, noise.... anything really that would break the overwhelimg niceness.

Maybe I shouldn't have listened to this first thing in the morning - it certainly didn't do anything to help me get out of bed. So perhaps this is a late autumnal afternoon album when the skies are darkening and the first drops of cold rain are tapping on the window? Or it could be a late summer's evening album; one that would fit perfectly after a long day in the sun - its dulcet tones cooling the sunburn and heat fatigue? Or is just that it needs a kick up the backside somewhere to change the pace?

But if you don't mind not being challenged, excited or indeed awoken from your sleepy reverie then this is the album for you. I warn you that by the end you will be desperate for some heavy rock, distorted guitars or even throbbing techno beats, but while it lasts just enjoy the all encompassing niceness.

Thursday 7 June 2012

All Mod Cons - The Jam

At the time this was released I was seven years old so paid it little notice - I was too busy collecting football stickers and Lego to be concerned about the Mod revival and socio-political pop songs. That would come later. Much much later - via The Beatles, Abba, Adam Ant, Howard Jones, Madonna and others. It was a tortuous route but I got there in the end. Sort of.

Even now I find it hard to take to any song that has a 'message' unless the music is well written. Music first, message second you might say.

Thankfully The Jam fit into this category; cracking music with great lyrics. Listening to this in the middle of 2012 it's hard to believe that it was written and recorded in 1978. It's a collection of tight, guitar driven pop music with heart, soul and social consciousness. With tracks like 'Down In The Tube Station At Midnight', 'English Rose' and 'To Be Someone' the pedigree is there to hear.

I don't want to sound like an old fart but I don't think there is a band active today to touch The Jam in their prime. Blast, I do sound like an old fart. But tell me I'm wrong!



Wednesday 6 June 2012

Whatever's On Your Mind - Gomez

Uh-oh, I feel a soap box moment coming on..... yup here it comes....

How on God's blessed earth are Gomez not more revered than they are? I just don't understand it. Which bit of it do people just not get? The debut album was critically acclaimed and won the Mercury prize that year. So far so good. They released a solid follow up album. Big hurdle overcome. And live they are an absolute joy to watch. Another base ticked. So what gives? I've yet to meet a Gomez album I didn't like.

I remember reading a review of one of their earlier albums. The critic liked the album he was reviewing but added, almost apologetically, a comment to the effect that it was a shame it was by Gomez and not a more popular band. As if that would make the album better? Ahh well they'll just have to remain the best kept secret in pop.

'Whatever's On Your Mind' is an absolute stunner of an album. Brim full of pop hooks, jangling guitars and top tunes. Seriously, there are some ballads on here that would've had Gary Barlow in his prime go green with envy. And in case you were wondering, that was meant as a compliment. 'Song In My Heart' and 'The Place and the People' being just two of many on the album.

Ahh well, let them eat cake. Or listen to manufactured pop. In the meantime I can be smug knowing that I'm listening to one of the most original and talented pop bands in the world.

London 0 Hull 4 - The Housemartins

Tuesday 4 June 2012

"I used to think that if you had an acoustic guitar that meant you were a protest singer".

Never have truer words been spoken. Sung. Whatever. Woody Guthrie set the tone with his guitar and the slogan 'This machine kills fascists'. Many more followed; brandishing an acoustic guitar and acerbic lyrics to swing the spotlight onto topics that mattered to them. Pretty soon it became obvious that as soon as an acoustic guitar was taken out people knew what to expect. But we Brits were more cunning than that. Much more. A bitter pill is much easy to swallow when it's sugar coated. So political pop pills became a very British way to protest, and boy are we good at it. From Billy Bragg to The Wonder Stuff, pop songs took on the establishment, got under the skin of political masters and in general made a nuisance of themselves. And, if in the process of doing so, they could get themselves banned from the airwaves then that was even better.

But some pop protesters managed to get their message across under the radar, in a Trojan horse and incognito. The Housemartins were one such band - they dressed up their political slogans in fast paced, guitar driven pop music and it sold. Now I'm not suggesting that those that bought the music were oblivious to the fact that many of their hits carried a political message. I'm not. Honest. But a lot of casual listeners may not; focussing instead on the upbeat music.

Take 'Flag Day' for example. On the outside a very charming pop song but take just a little notice of the lyrics and a sharp song about fund raising and the great wealth of the monarchy is revealed.

'Get Up Off Our Knees', 'Sheep', 'Me And The Farmer', 'Build'...... great songs with equally great messages.

If there was a message in 'Happy Hour' it was wasted on us as teenagers. We were too busy singing along. I remember being on the coach to our very first school camp in 1986 and the entire back of the bus was singing the song as it played on the stereo and we wound our way along the valley. What a good place to be and a great start to the trip.

So the next time you are casually humming a song you heard on the radio. Just take a moment and think - you might have just swallowed a political pop pill.

Long Live the King - The Decemberists

Monday 3 June 2012

You may not believe this, but I had it all worked out. You see we are away on holiday so I knew that listening to an album a day and writing a blog about it was going to be tough. So I'd prepared a listening list; I knew exactly what I was going to listen to, on which evening and what I was going to write about. Well in general terms anyway. So with my MP3 player poised to play today's pre-programmed offering I was ready. It was comforting in an odd sort of way.

Then, as we were sitting down to our evening meal in the hostel at Pen-y-Pass this album started playing. So as we tucked into chicken curry, supped on a pint and watched the sun set on Snowdonia (yes - sun!) it was hard not to immediately like this album. But who was it? It's hard to write a blog when you haven't a clue what's playing. I could, I suppose, have winged it. Made it all up on the spot (you mean you don't already do this?.....) but that would not be true to the spirit of the whole venture. And if the whole point of this crazy project is to recall and attach memories to music that I have listened to then surely something like this can't be ignored? This is a living and breathing memory. Fresh from creation. The sounds, smells and surroundings of a brief sojourn to Snowdonia. So a brief chat with the cook and all was revealed. It was the latest offering from The Decemberists. Now forever linked to Snowdonia, sun sets and chicken curry.

How could it not be my album of the day?

International Velvet - Catatonia

Sunday 3 June 2012

Who said time travel isn't possible? And all without the use of a Delorean. It's as easy as writing down something and then leaving it until later to upload. Not that this was a deliberate ploy to prove how easy it is. No, this was enforced. Well expected... but enforced at the same time.

At the time of writing it is Sunday morning on the 3 June 2012. But you are reading this, assuming you haven't got bored and wandered off to some other less nonsensical part of the Internet, several days later. Maybe. Who knows? Or cares for that matter?

The reason for this rambling introduction to today's.... err that is Sunday's blog is that I'm staying ...err was staying in a hostel in the middle of nowhere in Wales. In Snowdonia. Which probably makes it the most inaccessible place in the whole world. So no phone signal and certainly no internet connection. But there is...err was a bar so hurrah for that.

I've also not got a clue what to write about. I could wax lyrical about Catatonia being the best thing to come out of Wales since Lynn Davies but I guess you already knew that. I could mention that 'International Velvet' really caught the zeitgeist and, with some cracking singles such as 'Mulder and Scully' and 'Road Rage', gave British pop the kick up the arse it needed. But again I know you are a discerning listener so will be well aware of that fact. So I won't insult your intelligence. But if you needed any convincing then any album with the line;

"Stop blowing the Don and put his kecks back on cos I am the law", deserves to be on anyone's top Britpop moments.

Well I'd better get back to my Sunday. Or in your case got back to my Sunday. Blimey this is getting confusing. Maybe there is more to this time travelling lark than I gave it credit for!

Saturday 2 June 2012

Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols - The Sex Pistols

God save the queen
The fascist regime
They made you a moron
Potential H-bomb

God save the queen
She ain't no human being
There is no future
In England's dreaming




Friday 1 June 2012

Upstairs at Eric's - Yazoo

Pop geniuses. You can count them on one hand, the true geniuses that is, but when they arrive there is absolutely no mistaking their impact. I'm not about to start listing them.....ok maybe a few; Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Brian Wilson, Tennant & Lowe, Debbie Harry and Chris Stein and Vince Clarke. Ok so it maybe a hand with lots of fingers but I think you get my drift.

So what makes Vince Clarke a pop genius? Well, not content with writing some classic Depeche Mode tracks such as 'I Just Can't Get Enough' and 'New Life' he left the band immediately after the realease of the first album and formed Yazoo. As well as the stunning voice of Alison 'Alf' Moyet, the album contained some classic pop tunes, most notably 'Don't Go' and 'Only You'. Not a bad collection of pop songs so far.

That would probably be enough to earn the tag 'pop genius' but what followed surely cemented that; 'Situation', 'Who Needs Love Like That', 'Sometimes'! A Little Respect'. And there's more. As well as writing top pop tunes he also has 'dabbled, in remixing tracks by others, transforming songs for the dance floor. Anyone who can take the Happy Mondays shambolic groove of 'WFL' and turn it into a bona fide indie classic must have something.

So is Vince Clarke a pop genius? You betcha!