Posts
Mark, 25-1
As you may have seen, I've added some material to the blog about Vashti Bunyan.
I might also mention that the best interpretation of a Nick Drake
song on the Mojo cd tribute is of "River man" by Field Music who are
basically two brothers David and Peter Brewis from Tyne and Wear. Highly
regarded: they were nominated for a Mercury Prize. I'm just catching up
with them; they had an RSD-only album and the next eagerly awaited
album is due shortly (and I like their approach to sleeve artwork). I
will try to get to see them this year when I hope they'll perform "River
Man" which is a wonderful song.
Speaking of brothers from up north, I didn't mention in my brief
review of 2017 Liam Gallagher's album which went straight to no.1 in the
UK charts on its release (not sure who exactly compiles chart anymore
though!). It is not as consistently strong as Noel's, with fewer
impressive effects - more in your face that is actually just right for
Liam: the voice is back and there is some Oasis feel to a few tracks.
The stand out for me is the super-confident "I've All I Need." As the
two once fiercely warring brothers are apparently making up, Korean
style, the question is does Liam need Oasis to reform? (Now go and play
"Sunshine Supernova" to remind you how powerful that band was).
Still on a Mancunian track, I'm in mourning again today: Mark E Smith.
I saw The Fall at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1988 when they were at their
most polished and accessible with the glamorous Brix (then his wife) on
guitar - and even touching the charts at that time. Those of us who
listened to John Peel every night in the 1980s and 90s knew them well
(over 25 sessions for his programme). Best album is This Nation's Saving
Grace - "Paintwork" on that reminds me of doing up a flat at that time
in Walthamstow: "Mark.... you're spoiling all the paintwork...." is a
recurring lyric - and they did storming covers of the Kinks "Victoria"
and R Dean Taylor's "There's a Ghost in My House." Unique, inventive,
maverick, unpredictable, no-nonsense, northern spirit/humour and sharp
intellect; his passing is as significant as Tom Petty's for me: could
have done with another 20 years with them both around.
One of the founding Zombies also passed away a few days ago: the
bassist Jim Rodford. The line up included the hugely talented Rod
Argent and Colin Blunstone (what a great voice....) but the tragedy for
them was chronic mis-management: their now highly-regarded psychedelic
album Oddesey* and Oracle sold about 10 copies at the time of its
release. Recorded at Abbey Road, Rod Argent used John Lennon's mellotron
left over from the Sgt Pepper sessions. "Time of the Season" from that
album was eventually released as a single and was a hit. (* that's not
my spelling typo by the way but a mistake by the sleeve designer - a
truly wonderful sleeve though).
Wo., 25-01
There's one thing that is bad about the blog: It doesn't warn me when someone responds. I tend to find out (much) later.
Are there coincidences or is
all fate? Yesterday I ran into a re-released album from 1985 by a band
called The Jazz Butcher. In it I reference The Fall, maybe for the first
time in my life, as I, sorry to say for you, Mark, did not appreciate
that band at the time. This morning one of the first things I noticed
after switching on the computer is the demise of Mark E. Smith. Having
said that, A Scandal In Bohemia by The Jazz Butcher is excellently
weird. Review somewhere soon.
Jim Rodford played with The
Kinks for over two decades. I have seen him play twice. Once in 1985
when the two Davies where nearly fighting each other of the stage,
touring a fairly mediocre album and not a lot of inspiration in them
left. Unfortunately my live memory of one of the two favourite bands
from the 60s at that time is not a pleasant one. The second time was in
the early 00s when he played with The Zombies in a pretty perfect show,
where next to The Zombies' materiel, all the solo hits of Argent and
Blunstone came by as well. If I remember correctly Rod Argent introduced
Rodford as his friend, neighbour of old from down the street and
cousin. I hadn't heard of his demise.
Just in the past days. Hugh
Masekela, Edwin Hawkins, two number one hits in NL, including 'Lay Down'
by Melanie. A brilliant song in my mind and an epic number 1 hit.
Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries and Eddie Clarke of Mötörhead. We
may not have time to keep track in the free time we have if it continues
in this vein. Especially if a younger generation musicians joins in this list. I
never liked O'Riordan's way of singing. The Cranberries did have a few
memorable songs of course, starting with 'Zombie'.
I totally agree with you on the
difference between Liam and Noel. The latter may not need the former
any more. Although live that could be different. Besides filling Wembley
or a smaller venue. Field Music I've reviewed in the very early days of
the blog, but lost sight of the band since I now realise.
Gary, 25-1
Must be truthful in that I am not and never have been a fan of Oasis the Fall, however ‘Champaign Supernova’ (that is the one you mean Mark rather than ‘Sunshine' Supernova?) is an excellent track…. However, I have disliked the Fall since they first appeared on the seen… just doesn’t do anything for me!
Gary, 25-1
Gary, 25-1
Must be truthful in that I am not and never have been a fan of Oasis the Fall, however ‘Champaign Supernova’ (that is the one you mean Mark rather than ‘Sunshine' Supernova?) is an excellent track…. However, I have disliked the Fall since they first appeared on the seen… just doesn’t do anything for me!
As for Jim Rodford, one of my old bass players Lenny
Mitchell used to be a good friend and gigged with him occasionally. As
Wout says, Jim was Rod Argent’s cousin and (Lenny tells me) related to
Russ Ballard. Lenny sen’t me a photo of himself (guitar and vocals) and
Jim on Bass (on the left) although the photo s grainy and you can’t
really tell if it is Jim… but I plan it here in case you are
interested.
I loved the band Argent, Jim Rodford founded the band with
Rod Argent so it makes sense that they were related? And yes, Mark,
Colin Blunstone had an amazing voice!
As for the issue of musicians passing away, I suppose we
have got to accept that this will be a common event from now on,
although some like Dolores O’Riordan is a real shock!
25-1, Mark
Champagne it is ----- seems I was cross-wiring Liam and Donovan's superman!
Where was that photo taken?
Gary, 25-1
😆
Wo., 25-1
100 Club Oxford Street!
Oh and mentioning Nick Drake, I was also a big fan of his
sister and actress Gabrielle Drake…. She appeared in many British films
(There’s a Girl in my Soup etc) and TV series (UFO, the Avengers and New
Avengers etc), very attractive lady, then and still! After Nick’s
death, she toured to promote Nick’s work… his death must have hit her
very hard?
(Pictures omitted due to potential copyright issues, Wo.)
I had noticed that one also on Champagne Supernova.... Sunshine Superman is another great song, I have to admit.
In that picture it may well be
Jim Rodford indeed. I think Gary's correct that Rodford was not a
founding member of The Zombies but of Argent and later got to play in
the reunion version of The Zombies. As to Colin Blunstone? Yes, a
fabulous voice. I bought a copy of his 'Ennismore' solo album not too
long ago on vinyl. Beautiful album with three hitsingles on it.
Looking on Wikipedia gives Chris White as founding The Zombies bass player.
25-1, Wo.
And the "one of my bass players", Gary. What's the story behind that?
25-1, Gary
I formed several garage bands with my brother Tony who is
an excellent keyboard player… playing mainly covers and to be honest
sounded pretty awful!
 |
| Gary |
I am an old rock drummer and have played in many bands
since the early 70’s. I started playing at the age of nine after my Aunt
Fi Brough me my first snare drum in 1965, which I still have in my
attic! My Dad and Mum brought me my first drum kit (red sparkle!) and
then paid for my drum lessons with Alan Whitehead of The Marmalade! Alan
was taught himself by a military drummer who insisted on playing
‘orthodox’ style grip, hence that is the style I play to this day!
This is the grip that you see a lot of jazz players and classical percussionists use.
On one occasion I was introduced to a few of Alan’s
drummer mates when I was leaving after my tutorial, one of whom was Nick
Mason of Pink Floyd! I had no idea who this hairy oil was at the time… I
have kicked myself ever since for not striking up a conversation! My
Dad (who was there) was not impressed as he was a big band enthusiast….
 |
| Tony |
In the mid-70s my Dad helped me buy the love of my life, a
Premier Chrome Clad kit… when I got possession it was one of three in
the world, I had one, Keith Moon(!!!!) had the second, but I don’t know
who the third guy was?
My brother Tony brought a Hammond C3 and a Mini Moog,
armed with these fantastic pieces of kit we sat back and awaited fame
and fortune to knock on the door! 😂
 |
| Contact 1978 |
Strangely, it ‘almost’ did! We struck a friendship with a
couple of brothers at a local folk club, Paddy and John Carder Bush….
They were intrigued by Tony’s Moog synthesiser and asked us around to
their father’s Barn (we lived in the next street in Welling Kent) for a
jam…. They had a primitive recording setup and we had some fun playing
folk and prog. At one point their young sister came in and wanted to
play Tony’s Hammond and Moog…. You may have heard of her… Kate Bush…. We
had a few more jamming sessions with Kate, Paddy and John Carder (he
always instead on being called that!), but we soon lost touch and the
next thing I knew was Kate playing 'Wuthering Heights' on TV…. Shock
isn’t descriptive enough!
We formed a band called ‘Contact’ in which Lenny Mitchell
played bass and backing vocals…. We had several band member changes
during that period but it was fun!
Later we formed a succession of Prog/Heavy Rock outfits culminating in
our Prog Rock band ‘Monolith’…. We recorded a few albums but they were
never taken up by record companies as Punk was the thing and no one
with money wanted to know…. But we had a good following and we
even made a tour of Western Europe (including the Netherlands!). I
remember waking up in the back of our Bedford truck at 05:00 in freezing
temperatures wrapped in my Afghan Coat (I called Fred!) and a couple of
blankets with what seemed like an icicle dangling off my nose…. And
thinking…”this is not for me”! At some point after I joined the Civil
Service (for the second time) and ended up working in a Job Centre!
After 13 years of that Mark interviewed me for the DTI and we worked for
many years together after that!
 |
Anyway the band continued with several lineup changes and recorded more but eventually we split the band in the early 80s.
I went on to form and play in several other bands but stopped playing in 2001 with the birth of my first daughter….
(In picture: Contact circa 1977 (note 'Richie Blackmore impersonator' Trevor Stewart
(still playing and a good friend!) with vocalist 'David Essex’ aka Keith
Jaggleman (also still playing with Trevor!).)
I am now considering picking up the sticks again and
although I sold my beloved kit in 2001 I do have an electronic kit….. So
now you know… so, watch this space… I will consider any recording
contracts or world tours that come my way!😆
26-1, Mark
Ah right - I thought I heard in the obituaries that Jim Rodford was
involved in the Zombies right at the beginning. I'd be rubbish
writing for Wikipedia!
26-1, Gary,
Maybe my brother and I were a little luckier as we were buying albums
from the early 70s (maybe 10 a year at the beginning of the decade to
about 50 a year by the end!)…. We had reel-to-reel recorders that we
would record from the radio by placing the microphone next to the radio
from the late 60s! I used to listen to the BBC’s 'Sounds of the
Seventies’ which was all album stuff…. The theme tune
for the programme was usually a George Martin piece known as "Theme
One", played in baroque style on a church organ. It was the version
by Van der Graaf Generator. Martin had written the piece some years
earlier as a theme tune for Radio 1, this is still one of my favourite
pieces of music! https://youtu.be/wZ0UrwusWcM really miss that program!
Wo., 26-1
Wo., 1-2
As for Argent, what about ‘God Gave Rock and Roll to You’
(written by Ballard), covered by Kiss in the 90s? And ‘It’s Only Money
(Part 2)’? I also love the instrumental "The Coming of Kohoutek” from
the Nexus album….. They also did a great version of ’Time of the
Season’…. They also used to play Ballard’s ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’,
covered by Richie Blackmore’s Rainbow….. Worth listening to
‘Schoolgirl’, although it probably wouldn’t be allowed to be released
today?! https://youtu.be/o7v_DBEFln8
Wo., 26-1
That's a nice story, Gary on
you and bands. I am playing in bands since the mid 90s, nearly
continuously, but nothing like you. I can boast of two shows in France
and one in Antwerp, with most superb food and wine in a modest castle. I
was driving unfortunately and an audience that was totally uninterested
in every single note we played. Total mismatch, but exquisite food and
drinks.
For me and Argent it is exactly
the same. A one, small hit, wonder the band was over here. I have
never heard anything else to this day. During The Zombies reunion tour
they proudly announced those other "hits" and played them.
Albums was something I was
modestly interested in as an early teenager. A few enter the home each
year at birthday's and St. Nicolas eve. In 1975 I truly discovered
albums through a radio show and my small cassette recorder. This is
where my love for Pink Floyd started. Something that lasts to this day.
Roger Waters is only five more months! Money was put aside to buy them.
When I started in my first job in 1978 they started to come into the
home by the week. This has never really stopped although the numbers are
significantly lower for the past ten years plus. My upcoming record
will be the new Django Django. My first self bought album, I am nearly
certain was 'Coz I luv you' by Slade with the band's first two hits over
here on it in 1971. An album that does not seem to exist officially.
Looking at the tracklist it is compiled from two albums for the Dutch
market to have an album with both 'Get down and get with it' and 'Coz I
luv you' on it.
I lent albums to friends, but
they came back in such a shocking state. I wonder to this day what one
of these guys did with my records. It must have been bowling on a gravel
court or something. They all came back beyond scratches. Then through
him I learned about Yes and Uriah Heep live albums. Which was sort of
cool. His albums were fine by the way.
26-1, Gary
Yes that’s right Mark, I have just Googled and Peel was one of the presenter, in fact I remember listening to Peel and he would introduce some really obscure and, frankly bizarre artists. On one occasion my mate Brod (Broderick Bassett…. yes, his real name!) recorded on his reel-to-reel a track in which the lyrics mentioned doing Kung Fu in your underpants, at the end of it Peel just says in his deadpan Wirralese (is there such a label?) voice… “hmm...yes!"… we just rolled around the floor in hysterics! I will ask Brod if he still has it?
In early 1975 Sounds of the Seventies was dropped. In September of that year the loss of a nightly slot for progressive rock music was restored by the introduction of the nightly John Peel Show, which initially broadcast from 23:00 to 00:00. Peel carried on and expanded the practice of hosting exclusive sessions by major musicians. The Peel show format lasted until Peel's death in 2004.
26-1, Gary
Yes that’s right Mark, I have just Googled and Peel was one of the presenter, in fact I remember listening to Peel and he would introduce some really obscure and, frankly bizarre artists. On one occasion my mate Brod (Broderick Bassett…. yes, his real name!) recorded on his reel-to-reel a track in which the lyrics mentioned doing Kung Fu in your underpants, at the end of it Peel just says in his deadpan Wirralese (is there such a label?) voice… “hmm...yes!"… we just rolled around the floor in hysterics! I will ask Brod if he still has it?
Broadcast on weekdays, initially 18:00–19:00, subsequently
22:00–00:00, on Radio One during the early 1970s. Among the DJs were
Mike Harding, Alan Black, Pete Drummond, Anne Nightingale, John
Peel (who alone had two shows per week), David Symonds, Bob Harris, Andy
Ferris, Stuart Henry and Alan Black. For contractual reasons one of
Peel's two weekly shows was known as Top Gear, but the format and
content of the show on every weekday were in essence identical for most
of the early 1970s.
Unlike most other Radio One programmes, Sounds of the Seventies concentrated on albums rather than singles, and rock rather than pop. Sessions recorded exclusively by the BBC and featuring major musicians of the day were a regular feature; the Musicians' Union insisted that "needle time"--time given to playing recorded music—should be limited. Keep Music Live!
In 1974 the Thursday show was replaced by a show without DJs known as the Thursday Night Sequence. Album tracks were played without interruption or introduction, and Pete Drummond gave the artist name, album name and track name after the piece. I recall listening to this and the use of sound effects in the background between tracks and when Drummond spoke occasionally!
Unlike most other Radio One programmes, Sounds of the Seventies concentrated on albums rather than singles, and rock rather than pop. Sessions recorded exclusively by the BBC and featuring major musicians of the day were a regular feature; the Musicians' Union insisted that "needle time"--time given to playing recorded music—should be limited. Keep Music Live!
In 1974 the Thursday show was replaced by a show without DJs known as the Thursday Night Sequence. Album tracks were played without interruption or introduction, and Pete Drummond gave the artist name, album name and track name after the piece. I recall listening to this and the use of sound effects in the background between tracks and when Drummond spoke occasionally!
In early 1975 Sounds of the Seventies was dropped. In September of that year the loss of a nightly slot for progressive rock music was restored by the introduction of the nightly John Peel Show, which initially broadcast from 23:00 to 00:00. Peel carried on and expanded the practice of hosting exclusive sessions by major musicians. The Peel show format lasted until Peel's death in 2004.
To begin with I liked John Peel, but his turncoat
behaviour with ‘Punk’ and ‘Indie’ upset me… and, at the time made me
very angry when he slagged off bands like Yes, Mike Oldfield and ELP
(who he famously called “a waste of electricity” 😆)…. Alan ‘Fluff’
Freeman was more my jock!
Whilst surfing I found this amazing site that features
Sounds of the Seventies page, you may also find some of the other pages
interesting?: http://www.radiorewind.co.uk/radio1/sounds_of_the_70s_page.htm Check out Vincent Price clips!!!
As to my recordings, sadly I would record over the top of a
previous recording due to the cost of magnetic tape…. Sounds like I was
emulating the BBC! Anyway, I think I disposed of a lot of the tapes
when I got rid of my reel-to-reels… as we upgraded one format was not
usable on the next or would show the poor quality of it’s predecessor…
Tony and I ended up with a great TEAC 4 track reel-to-reel for band
recording use, mixing down onto a cassette for selling at gigs or to
friends!
I used to record a lot of comedy shows, both on radio and
TV (sound only obviously), including ‘I am Sorry, I’ll Read That Again’
which was a combination of The Goodies and Python! Again, long gone I am
afraid!
A word of warning about your tapes… you should wind
forward and rewind them a few tomes a year otherwise you get the
magnetic recording ‘transferring’ onto the next part of the tape causing
echo effects, distortion or blurring. Also the Earth’s magnetic field
can fade the recording over time (20+ years can make a real
deterioration), also the tape can ‘weld’ together, so be careful the
first time you play it. There are stories of old master tapes being
remastered striping the iron oxide off the plastic tape surface and
destroying the original recording…. Doing this is now a science and an
art artform!
Like you, I love my children to bits, but they have
‘cramped my style (man!)’ and hindered my musical taste! As too meeting
idols, they say it can disappoint when you actually meet them!
Gary, 26-1
Cool Wout!
Wo., 26-1
Cool Wout!
I had no idea you were a fellow musician (although there
is the joke; what do you call someone who hangs around with musicians? A
drummer!). What do you play, keyboards, guitar, bass, vocals?
I also love Floyd… but the early stuff through the 70s are my favourites…
As for lending albums, this is something I am loathe to do
these days as I have lost so many in the past to ‘friends’ who never
gave them back, or as you say use them as frisbees or ash trays, coming
back as unplayable! Mind you my dog has had a bite or two out of some
album covers in the last year! Best guard them and never let them go
without constant supervision!
I am going to a local record fair this Sunday, so may pick a bargain or two?
Wo., 26-1
I
dare to call myself a guitarist and can hold a harmony vocal. Having
started far too late to ever grow beyond competent though.
Off late I am the only guitarist of the band I play in, called
Sweetwood, a pun on the village we practice in, Zoeterwoude. My
girlfriend is the singer. Ages between 50 and 60 something. The
repertoire from Chuck Berry to Adele. The brunt of the songs are from
the 60s I'd say. What I like about this band that every once in a while
someone comes with a real surprising song and it just works. Something
I'd never play at home, like 'Rolling In The Deep' or 'Wicked Way' by
Waylon, a Dutch singer (see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAxsimgTRRM).
This song is just a ton of fun playing. Like most bands the members
keep changing and changing. The bass player and I are playing together 6
year come spring. Our latest addition the keyboard player came in just
before the summer holiday and the male singer quite this fall not to be
replaced.
Before
this I played in a 50s and 60s cover band that gigged fairly regularly
at parties for circa 15 years, strictly rhythm and before that in a
horribly bad band called The Beerhunters, but we did play 50% our own
songs, penned by me. When we finally were going somewhere, as in daring
to think of a gig, with better musicians around us, the drummer quite,
once again. I had just started a "real" job and did not have the energy
to do the rounds to search for a new one this time around. The other
members would do it. I haven't seen them again to this day. And no, they
did not ditch me this way ..... They just stopped playing music it
seems.
So today I am learning to play 'Come Together', 'Send me a postcard' by Shocking Blue (see here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upO7h5FsIYI) and 'It's my voodoo working' by Eilen Jewell. Very divers and fun to play.
So yes, Gary, it's time to get that old drumkit out and start to play some again.
Mark, 27-1
Gary, 27-1
Mark, 27-1
...at your desire.....
Forgot about Shocking Blue. Venus was a massive hit. I see sadly
that the singer Mariska Veres passed away in 2006. Pretty much defines
what a rock single is. Think I might hunt for a copy on eBay!
As I write this I'm watching "The Kinks at the BBC" TV special on
BBC 4 and there is Jim Rodford on bass behind Ray Davies (in pinstripes)
singing Come Dancing on Top of the Pops.
I saw Ray Davies performing at the Hop Festival in Kent a few years
ago. He made it clear on stage that he was really pissed off after
being told to cut his set because headliner Bob Dylan had just arrived.
Gary, 27-1
Great stuff Wout!
Gary, 27-1
Please don’t give up, it is great fun to play in a band even if it’s just a hobby!
Once you play in front of an audience it never leaves you and you just have to 'rock out’ once in a while!
You must send me a video of your next gig!
Do you know Mark and my ex-DCMS colleague Nick Shorey? He is a guitarist vocalist, check out his site here: https://www.nicksaxton.com
Enjoy the Rock and keep the faith my friend!
Gary, 27-1
Yes, I saw that tonight Mark! BBC 4 does have some music documentary gems sometimes!
Wout, 27-1
By the way, if you want to check out the Royal Tunbridge Wells Record Fair Saturday 27th (today!), here are the details: https://viva-vinyl.com/event/tunbridge-wells-record-fair-king-charles-church-hall-tunbridge-wells/
Wout, 27-1
Sorry to have missed the Ray
Davies special. His latest album 'Americana' is quite excellent, made my
top 10 of 2017. In the last decades I have seen him twice and on Jools
Holland twice. I can't help to think that he sort of destroys his own
career and legacy. He seems to crave a recognition that may be his due
but somehow is not getting, where all the heroes of his time do get it.
He forces his hands by wanting, near forcing people to sing along,
forgetting the power of his songs. A bit sad. This spoiled both shows in
part. He did the same with 'Sunny Afternoon' on Jools. Stopping the
song to make people sing along, which did not really happen.
Come Shocking Blue. If you find a greatest hits album, get it. The band has several hit songs that are so much better than 'Venus', including the one we are trying to get on the repertoire.
We, Sweetwood that is, are on You Tube, but I can't even find it myself right now. 😊. Does this work? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdVhKpLou2XQyv9-9ZHyJAw?view_as=subscriber
Our second show was completely filmed and the first with duo singers. And yes, performing is great fun.
So Nick is a fellow musician? I'm not surprised. He does have a Davy Jones like quality.
27-1, Gary
Rockin' Wout!
27-1, Gary
Rockin' Wout!
Great stuff… keep it up!
Nick and Davy Jones…. 😂 . Actually I think Nick would be
flattered… I always thought Nick looked a bit like Jim Morrison! I told
him once if he grew his hair longer and pitched his voice lower he could
easily front a Doors tribute! 😄
Wout, 27-1
Thank you, Gary. I definitely will. Too much fun playing and I am comfortable enough being the only guitarist by now.
Any
luck at the vinyl market? I just came home with the new Django Django.
Great record. And got myself into the show early March thanks to the
blog. Perhaps strange, but it helps every once in a while to get onto a
guestlist.
Gary, 27-1
The one I am going to is on Sunday, however I may not be able to go now!
The one I am going to is on Sunday, however I may not be able to go now!
Do you have access to BBC 4? If so, worth checking the
channel out, especially for the music documentaries and BBC gig
recordings.
Glad you got your album… enjoy!
Gary, 28-1
My mate Brod just came back to tell me that it was Kevin Coyne from his Marjory Razorblade Album. The track was "Karate King". After the track Peel said "Take two of these and come back tomorrow”! https://youtu.be/oyRd1ASMxcU Enjoy 😂
Gary, 1-2
Gary, 28-1
My mate Brod just came back to tell me that it was Kevin Coyne from his Marjory Razorblade Album. The track was "Karate King". After the track Peel said "Take two of these and come back tomorrow”! https://youtu.be/oyRd1ASMxcU Enjoy 😂
Gary, 1-2
You may be interested in the BBC 6 series of Mark E Smith programmes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05w1b86?ns_mchannel=email&ns_source=panuk_div_mus&ns_campaign=PANUK_DIV_05_MUS_CelticConnectionsGeneric&ns_linkname=bbcradio6music_remeberingmarkesmith_MusicPunk_remeberingmarkesmith&ns_fee=0
I must say looking at the series of pictures here, he did look like a miserable sod!😄
Wo., 1-2
True, Gary. Despite decreasing
fame The Fall always got some attention with most album releases.
Sometimes even with an interview and pictures. I always wondered what
someone has to do look as unhealthy as Mark E. Smith.
I might pick out and album just to try a reappraisal. Which one should I listen to, Mark?
Mark 2-2
A "floored genius" - he was on the floor a lot.
He was an outlaw, that's for sure
More of an outlaw than you ever were
Lenny Bruce is gone but his spirit's living on and on.
Maybe he had some problems, maybe some things that he couldn't work out
But he sure was funny and he sure told the truth and he knew what he was talking about
Never robbed any churches, nor cut off any babies heads
He just took the folks in high places and he shined a light in their beds
He's on some other shore, he didn't want to live anymore.
They say he was sick 'cause he didn't play by the rules
He just showed the wise men of his day to be nothing more than fools
They stamped him and they labeled him like they do with pants and shirts
He fought a war on a battlefield where every victory hurts
Mark 2-2
A "floored genius" - he was on the floor a lot.
As I think I mentioned one of the best Fall albums is "This
Nations' Saving Grace" from the Brix Smith era when she helped push MES
into a more polished approach to delivering his unique lyrical bombast. https://en.wikipedia.
I think of him as a kind of Mancunian Lenny Bruce on acid: he had
an often marvellously oblique (not so bleak!) way with words and though
he could be enormously generous and sweet he probably was hell to live
with. Brix divorced him after 6 years and he then reverted to more
marginal cult status where he felt more comfortable - and his boyish
visage became severely distressed. He was notorious for sacking his
entire band at regular intervals but they all love him regardless: guess
they kind of knew the inevitable would happen at a moment's notice.
There is a highly respectful tribute by Brix in this week's NME:
"His creativity was born from his darkest places" - "He was a brilliant
poet" - "Mark was absolutely true unto himself. People always say "push
the envelope" but for Mark there was no envelope. He was creating from a
place of absolute artistic purity - it was a place that was true to
him."
Actually Lenny Bruce was only 41 when he checked out. Here is
Dylan's succinct tribute ("Lenny Bruce is Dead" - from the Shot of Love
lp):
Lenny Bruce is dead but his ghost lived on and on
Never did get any Golden Globe award, never made it to Synanon*
More of an outlaw than you ever were
Lenny Bruce is gone but his spirit's living on and on.
Maybe he had some problems, maybe some things that he couldn't work out
But he sure was funny and he sure told the truth and he knew what he was talking about
Never robbed any churches, nor cut off any babies heads
He just took the folks in high places and he shined a light in their beds
He's on some other shore, he didn't want to live anymore.
Lenny Bruce is dead but he didn't commit any crime
He just had the insight to rip off the lid before its time
I rode with him in a taxi once, only for a mile and a half
Seemed like it took a couple of months
Lenny Bruce moved on and like the ones that killed him, gone.He just had the insight to rip off the lid before its time
I rode with him in a taxi once, only for a mile and a half
Seemed like it took a couple of months
They say he was sick 'cause he didn't play by the rules
He just showed the wise men of his day to be nothing more than fools
They stamped him and they labeled him like they do with pants and shirts
He fought a war on a battlefield where every victory hurts
Dare I say many of these sentiments could apply to Mark E Smith.
* I had to Google "Synanon" - it was a drug rehabilitation program that went weird....
Back on Francoise Hardy, her huge breakthrough hit "Tous Les
Garcons at Les Filles" turned up unexpectedly on a BBC Radio 6M
programme last night hosted by new up and coming band Shame (who I
confess I'd never heard of). Quite an impressive playlist all round
actually that also had its Fall tribute:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09p25p3 Slotting in "Martha My Dear" between The Smiths and Patti Smith was.....startling!
Wo. 3-2
Thank you, Mark. I will go out and give this one a try.
Mark, 2-2
Interesting BBC article on music sales and the changes to the differing markets… note indie label Cherry Red mentions of the complete The Fall collection release: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42701623
Mark, 2-2
Wout - Very good review of the new Field Music album "Open Here" in
today's (London) Evening Standard: "usually more melodic ideas ....in a
single Field Music song than you'll find on most albums" .......and get
this, Gary: ".....there's also a strain of early Seventies English prog
emerging......an outrageous synth solo .....sounds like it has escaped
from a Caravan album." (gulp...!). Just got paid so all I've got to do
is find a shop that sells new records. Not so easy these days.
There's also a 4-star review of a new album by.....Simple Minds
(called "Walk between Worlds"). This takes me back! I've still got that
amazing run of superb albums from 1980's "Empire and Dance" though to
1984's "Sparkle in the Rain".
The Standard reviewer kicks off the review with "The paucity of new
British bands perhaps explains the enduring appeal of the old ones."
Hmm, does seem that way - hence all the reunions (of those still
alive...), West End musicals (The Kinks and Small Faces) and even museum
exhibitions (e.g. The Jam at Somerset House) about sixties bands too.
Yours, still "Alive and Kicking"
Gary, 3-2
Thanks Mark,
Gary, 3-2
The reason there is a paucity of new good bands in the UK
is that there is very few places to play live now…. Todays musician has
every opportunity to write and record in their bedroom on a laptop, but
try to find a string of venues to play live and get that oh so important
experience to play, and even more importantly get it right, in front of
an audience and you have a problem! Musicians of 25+ years ago had to
learn the hard way; save up to buy a decent instrument; learn to play it
to a sufficient standard live in front of an audience; play live
multiple times to ‘get it right’; then build a following….. then you may
be incredibly lucky to get a record or management contract! Today some
‘artists’ (I use the term advisedly!) use samples, pre-recorded loops,
auto-tune, bang out a few tracks and upload onto Spotify hoping that an
influential ‘playlist’ includes their track….. I am afraid this is not
conducive to a well rounded and innovative musician learning his or her
craft.
Hence the ‘older generations’ of musicians are still at
the top….. I had this argument many times with our old colleague Adrain
Brazier…. He was of the opinion that you don’t need seed funding for
rehearsal or live venues, but I know just how valuable that is to new
talent. The Musicians Union old mantra “Keep Music Live” is a maxim that
is more important now than it ever was! Live venues are closing at a
distressingly increasing rate, either being closed down or converted
into a non-music venue, the same is happening to pubs…. The problem is
that even if we opened up new live venues and rehearsal facilities, we
would be looking at a good five to ten years before you would get the
standards that we were used to in the early 70s.
Rant over!
I may check out Field Music….
Interesting BBC article on music sales and the changes to the differing markets… note indie label Cherry Red mentions of the complete The Fall collection release: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42701623
Gary, 3-2
I gave the new Field Music album a listen to on Spotify, and yes, they are very good but wow, they are heavily influenced (consciously or not?) by Gentle Giant! The use of polyrhythmic, syncopation and counterpoint timing is very evocative. The use of harmonies and the choice of musical instruments is also very failure of GG albums like The Power and the Glory; Octopus; Free Hand etc… GG are a challenging band to get into because they use such innovative and complex mix of musical genres and techniques, but once you do you love and become in awe of their virtuosity…. Even more amazing is they could do it live! https://youtu.be/vMrYSTzqFI8
Gary, 3-2
Or this GG video… how many rock, pop or even prog bands can do this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6WSLG5r-wE
Gary
Mark
Wo.
Listen to the WoNoBlog Playlist on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g
I gave the new Field Music album a listen to on Spotify, and yes, they are very good but wow, they are heavily influenced (consciously or not?) by Gentle Giant! The use of polyrhythmic, syncopation and counterpoint timing is very evocative. The use of harmonies and the choice of musical instruments is also very failure of GG albums like The Power and the Glory; Octopus; Free Hand etc… GG are a challenging band to get into because they use such innovative and complex mix of musical genres and techniques, but once you do you love and become in awe of their virtuosity…. Even more amazing is they could do it live! https://youtu.be/vMrYSTzqFI8
Gary, 3-2
Or this GG video… how many rock, pop or even prog bands can do this? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6WSLG5r-wE
Gary
Mark
Wo.
Listen to the WoNoBlog Playlist on Spotify here:
https://open.spotify.com/user/glazu53/playlist/6R9FgPd2btrMuMaIrYeCh6?si=KI6LzLaAS5K-wsez5oSO2g
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