Jim Reid, Scottish singer (The Jesus and Mary Chain, Freeheat)

I don’t know if it’s the drawn out nature of the break up (or the fact that stuff still keeps coming up which prevents me from putting up a wall), but when it comes to sex and relations with men, I am careening from one disaster to another. I am a walking, talking, drinking train wreck, but for once in my life, I don’t care. I used to agonize over the humiliations of life and fret constantly about people judging me or finding me wanting but now, I find myself viewing everything as a ’story,’ even as events are unfolding in all their unfortunate glory. As an aside, I always used to embellish my stories, but in recent months the things that have happened have been so strange and singular that there is no need to tart them up. My life is now finally stranger than fiction.

To that end, I’d now like to present a short tale about my first sexual encounter after the break-up, an encounter marked by alcohol, vomiting, and an ominous painting. It is this encounter which led me to fear I was pregnant.

In September, I began communicating with a 30 year old psychiatrist I met on a popular dating web site. We talked on the phone a few times and although I was kind of nervous (as I have a terrible phone manner at the best of times), conversation flowed easily, and I found him interesting and charming and intelligent. We arranged to meet for a coffee, and had quite a nice casual encounter that lasted for several hours and involved a walk by the river and a stroll through the art gallery. The conversation ranged over a wide number of topics: our mutual dislike of the city we live in, his time living in London, my love of history, and a lengthy discussion about people who collect mannequins (an aside, this led me to tell him all about “Pin,” one of the weirdest movies I’ve ever seen). He was cute, had a job, and didn’t live with his parents. Despite these positives, I should be clear and say that even under normal circumstances I probably wouldn’t have wanted to have a relationship with him, because although we got along, there wasn’t really any great ’spark.’ Since I didn’t want a relationship, however, he was just fine and dandy, and he made it fairly clear that he wasn’t looking for an ‘exclusive’ relationship either, so we seemed perfectly suited.

However, there was one thing that surprised me a little bit, and that was that he was about 5cms shorter than me (and I’m not exactly a giant, standing at around 170cm). Later on I went back and checked (after our second, less successful date), and noted that on his profile he claimed to be about 8 or 9cms taller than he actually was. The height thing didn’t really bother me, and in fact since my type has always been tall skinny guys, I thought maybe it was good to start broadening the pool. It would later turn out, however, that he was one of those short guys who, after a drink or too, overcompensated by being quick to be offended, seeing insults everywhere and becoming increasingly blustery and antagonistic. In short, he was a bit of a braggadocio, a personality type I really don’t like.

Anyway, after our successful first encounter, we made tentative plans to meet up again, and on the Thursday he texted me because he had been given tickets to a performance by the symphony orchestra the next night (note the texting, late nature of invitation, blah blah, just emphasizing here that this guy was clearly wanting to keep things pretty casual). We met outside and stayed until intermission and then took off to have dinner, going to a very nice restaurant that he suggested. I actually wasn’t hungry (and made that clear), so I ate only an entree, but between us we shared a bottle of red wine. This time, conversation was a little more stilted (I’m terrible in ‘date’ settings), but things were still ok, although after he’d had a bit of wine he kept going on about how the waiter was being rude to him (something I did not pick up on and frankly do not think was happening). The bill came, we split it, and then he suggested grabbing a cocktail at a bar a few blocks over.

Now while he may have been a bit pompous and quick to feel slighted, I do have to say that the way the evening unfolded was largely my fault. I like drinking. I like getting drunk. I hadn’t really been drinking at all for a couple of months, so I was keen to imbibe. Plus, I find it quite hard socializing with people and drinking makes me feel more comfortable. One last point, I can  handle my drink, and I sometimes forget that not everyone can (and I’m especially used to hanging out with guys who can drink and drink heavily). Anyway, the point I’m trying to make is that while he may literally have meant one cocktail, we ended up drinking maybe four or five cocktails each (and that was pretty much at my behest), and we split the bill, because I am always adamant about not letting guys pay for me.  Several hours passed. We talked about all kinds of things and it was generally fun, but he kept claiming that various guys there were slighting him or being vaguely insulting, at one stage even telling the waiter he was a ‘cheeky so and so’ (and even though I was drunk, I found this quite unappealing, a bit paranoid, and slightly too aggro). Eventually we started making out in quite a sloppy and adolescent way (note, I initiated it, not out of any great passion but simply to get that tension out of the way).  After the bar closed he suggested that I come back to his place so we could have another drink. He stressed that he had a spare room that I could sleep in (although when I got there I did laugh when I discovered he had a spare ‘room’ but no spare ‘bed’), but look, I’m not an idiot, I went over there assuming that sex was on the cards.

Although I was feeling increasingly diffident about him by this stage I poured us two strong G&Ts and we eventually recommenced making out. Because I’m a bossy shrew I do remember stopping the fooling around to tell him that his taste in music sucked and I got up and insisted on playing my music, putting on The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Psychocandy” (and since I’m pretentious and slutting it up a little bit I now always play The Jesus and Mary Chain because their songs are my kind of slow jam). We get to the point of actually getting naked and it’s only then that I start to realize that we’re both quite wasted. As I’m giving head I can’t help internally singing the lyrics to the Dead Kennedy’s ‘Too Drunk to Fuck‘ which made me start to laugh and which of course I couldn’t explain to him. His erection comes and goes. Eventually he was hard enough to put a condom on and so we start actually having sex. At one stage he stops and asks if I’m alright, but actually, I had started to fall asleep. It takes him ages to cum (I’m not even close but am beyond caring) and then we both pass out. In the middle of the night, I’m disturbed by weird noises but assume I’m just having crazy gin-soaked dreams.

When I did wake up, disturbed by the pre-dawn light, I realized that I had not dreamt the noises – my date had been vomiting off and on throughout the night. I realized this because when I sat bolt up right, which disturbed his precarious slumber, he had to dash to the bathroom to be sick again. Plus, I discovered he had a bucket by his side of the bed. I strongly considered getting up and leaving then and there, but sitting up had made my head swirl, plus I was having enough trouble just finding my underwear. I went back to sleep, putting my head under the pillow to drown out the sounds of him heaving. Even as I fell back asleep, I knew that I never wanted to see this guy again. Who knows how I would have felt if he hadn’t spent the night puking – maybe I would have been happy to see him occasionally to hook up, maybe not, but the brutal truth is that while I’m willing to swap various fluids with virtual strangers, vomiting early on is a dealbreaker for me (and I’m quite happy for people to apply the same standard to me). I need at least a couple of dates/hook ups before I can be tolerant of someone puking (and I have to also like them), because frankly, it takes the gloss off everything rather abruptly and feeling disgust about someone is not conducive to getting it on (or wanting to have sexy times at some stage in the future). Plus, the fact that he was vomiting while I simply had a medium hangover made me feel pity towards him, which again, is not conducive to desire.

Several hours later, at about 10am, I woke up again and quickly extricated myself from his bed, searching for items of clothing that were strewn about the place. I went into the kitchen to drink a huge glass of water (and to search for aspirin). I then went to the bathroom, washed my face, and planned my exit, grumpily realizing I should at least murmur a goodbye. It was at this moment that I noticed that many of the things in the house were weirdly flowery and middle aged, and I realized that his mother (whom he had spoken about a lot and who seemed to have helped him make most of his life decisions, including his choice to be a psychiatrist) had probably done much of the decorating. As I stood there, judging and ruminating, I was struck by the memory of something from the night before, something I was sure my mind had made up, but that I really wanted to check. In the spare room I had glimpsed a painting on the wall that had freaked me out, but now I couldn’t remember what the painting was of. Realizing that I was safe to be a bit of a snoop (because if he moved at all it would be accompanied by loud groaning), I opened the door and was confronted by a lovingly rendered painting of this:

Now I like Bret Easton Ellis a lot. I’ve read everything he’s produced and whilst I’m aware of the criticism, I personally think “American Psycho” is brilliant. However, I wouldn’t be moved to create a piece of artwork in tribute to the book, and even if I had done such a thing when I was younger (I mean, I’m hoping he made that painting as a teenager) I probably wouldn’t hang it in my house now (although I did wish I had my camera so I could record proof that the damn thing existed). Frankly, it gave me the creeps, but has also allowed me to refer to him with the nifty moniker of ‘Vomiting American Psycho’ guy.

Did I feel shame or regret as I said a quick goodbye, sidled out the door, rummaged in my bag for a cigarette, and tried to work out where the hell I was? No. I felt glad that my ex was no longer the last person I had sex with. I felt triumphant, like I had burnt a bridge to the past. The fucked up part of me also felt pleased that I had been debased and that I had debased someone else, someone so arrogant and cocky (but that is probably part of the reason why I see a therapist). I strutted away. Sadly, those feelings didn’t last, and the next day I called my ex, with disastrous, heartbreaking results, but that’s neither here nor there.

One thing that surprised me was that the guy that I’d left dry heaving in his Calvin Klein underwear simply acted as though nothing out of the ordinary had happened, and tried, two days later,  to organize a date, with no mention whatsoever that our last encounter had been a disaster (and that is a fairly generous assessment). If it were me, I would have written the whole thing off and vowed never to see the other person again, but I guess guys are different. Anyway, I politely but firmly made it clear I wasn’t interested in seeing him again. I may be a fuck up with low-self esteem, but even I knew that there was no part of me that was into him, and even though I crave affirmation and human contact, I wasn’t going to spend time with someone simply to be less alone.

We asked our musical chums to share either their favourite tunes of 2009, or if 2009 failed to produce anything that significantly moved them, anything else that had been on their I-pod/portable music device/stereo/ Wax cylinder phonograph etc …(delete where applicable) during the year…

Now many of you will be aware that The Jesus & Mary Chain are my absolute favourite band of all time, so when Jim Reid, yes, JIM REID! agreed to join in, well, I almost fell over!  Definitely my blog highlight of the year…so without further ado….

Jim Reid ( The Jesus & Mary Chain, Freeheat)

Universal Plan – Earl Brutus

Nick (Sanderson) told me he had formed a band, they were called Earl Brutus, they all wore pale blue safari suits, and that I should come along and see them play live. I did. From his brief description I had expected some kind of novelty band, along the lines of Mike Flowers Pops, but Christ was I wrong. What I got was a visually spectacular sonic assault.  Like The Stooges, Sex Pistols and Kraftwerk put through a mincer, and how could I have guessed that Nick for so long a drummer would be the best front man I have ever seen.

Earl Brutus were simply one of the best bands that I’ve ever heard. The fact that they never made it will always be a mystery to me.  I lost faith in the music business after the demise of Earl Brutus.  Nick was my mate, but that has nothing to do with anything. They were quite simply brilliant, and in a fair world they would have been to the 90s what the Sex Pistols were to the 70s, but the world is far from fair. I believe that great bands will form in the future as a result of hearing Earl Brutus records.

Cocaine – Dick Justice

Came across this by chance looking for free music on the internet. Got it from a site called PublicDomain4U. It was recorded in 1929 and the original was from a couple of years earlier and was by Luke Jordan, but it think I prefer this version. Great lyrics

Guitar On My Mind – Duane and Miriam Eddy

This is a Lee Hazelwood song from the album Strung Out On Something new.  Sounds like sort of a blueprint for Some Velvet Morning, but  I’m not really sure which one came first.

Two Ways Out – Darker My Love

We played some shows on the West Coast of the USA in 2007 and Darker My Love opened up and I was pretty impressed really. They gave us a copy of their album but most of the songs they were playing hadn’t been recorded yet. This song bears more than a passing resemblance to Alright by Supergrass, but don’t let that put you off.

They’re Talking About Us – The Tronics

Another one of those bands that should have happened.  I have always been a sucker for ultra lo-fi music. The drums on this sound like rolled up newspapers being hit against an old suitcase, and just when you are thinking these guys can’t play a note a lead guitar comes in , which I probably couldn’t play after 10 years of guitar lessons. The lyrics are brilliant.

Early Riser – Plus-Tech Squeeze Box

I saw this years ago on the Adam and Joe Show from the series in Tokyo and I thought it was great. Pop music the way only the Japs know how.

Final Solution – Pere Ubu

An anthem for weird loners everywhere. I’ll bet every serial killer in the last 20 years owns a copy.

Godstar – Psychic TV

1985’s indie scene  tended to be like a celebration of drabdom, spotty and jerky, sounding more like masturbation than music. so to hear a song called Godstar about Brian Jones with a tune written by Alex Ferguson had to be a winner really. I had been listening to Ferguson’s stuff for a while. I liked The Cash Pussies and the stuff he did with Alternative TV.

Hiroshima Mon Amour – Ultravox

There’s 2 versions of this and I love them both, but I think I prefer the upbeat guitar version that was on the b-side of Rockwrok.

All Your Favourite Records – Tompaulin

I co-produced a single for Tom Paulin  a few years ago but I was going through my alcoholic period at the time and although I think it turned out pretty good I think they recorded better records on their own, and I’m really fond of this understated little gem.

Bring Me The Head Of Yukio Mishima – Snivelling Shits

I didn’t hear this until about 5 years ago. I’d remembered The Snivelling Shits from punk days and I remember reading the review of Terminal Stupid but I thought it was more or less just a bit of a gag really since it was all to do with music journalists and stuff but then I heard the cd that came out a few years back called I Can’t Come, and it was just amazing, it was as good as anything that came out of the punk movement.

No One Is Innocent – Sex Pistols

The Swindle album never really got the recognition it deserves. I’ve always loved it. I mean maybe it wasn’t the Sex Pistols proper but it was pretty surreal , and there were some really great Cook and Jones songs on there. This song always makes me smile, and I still love it after all these years.

M.E.X.I.C.O.C.U. – The Kills

The Kills , I suppose to put it simply, make my kind of rock ‘n’ roll – no fucking about just straight down to it. Great songs and a great guitar sound, and just about the right amount of technology.

Passing Through – Leonard Cohen

I played this song a lot around about the time when my mother died a couple of years ago and it really takes me back to that time. I can’t really listen to it now without getting a little teary.

Carmelita – Warren Zevon

I wasn’t terribly familiar with Warren Zevon until someone gave me the Genius: Best Of album a few years ago and Carmelita just sounded amazing. Musically it is so accomplished and melodically sweet, but lyrically it deals with no hoper junkies in LA in the mid 70s. I guess it’s kind of psycho and Candy.

Beasley Street – John Cooper Clarke

JCC is often overlooked but at his best there wasn’t anybody better. I mean Christ this is as good as Dylan. Every single line in this song is like a fucking punch, absolute genius.

Jack On Fire – Gun Club

I used to run into Jeffrey on the odd occasion in the 1980s and I think he must have been a bit schizophrenic he could go from extreme friendliness to aggression bordering on psychotic in the blink of an eye, and from many mutual friends we had I heard many crazed stories, but didn’t the boy make great music? This was the first Gun Club song I ever heard, I still love it after all these years.

Two Sunsets – Pastels/Tenniscoats

I pretty much like anything that involves the Pastels & I usually say so any chance I get! This is no different -fragile music that I am really glad exists.

Electric Rock & Roll – Go-Kart Mozart

Starting to realise that there seems to be a theme running through my selections: bands that never made it, that should have. I always liked Felt, and Denim, likewise Go-Kart Mozart. Cheap synths, biscuit tin drum machines and like the songs says electric rock & roll.

Fat Man In The Bathtub – Little Feat

This song was actually chosen by my wife, Julie. Who would have thought that fat guys in white dungarees could have made such good music?”

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John Moore (Black Box Recorder, The Jesus & Mary Chain, The John Moore Rock n’ Roll Trio  )

The only end of year poll worth having is a large erection on New Years Eve…However, I have been most impressed this year by a new up and coming band of chancers going by the ridiculous name of The John Moore Rock And Roll Trio featuring The Loose Moorelles. I’ve seen them a couple of times, and I have to admit that they’re not too bad – the singer’s a bit of a slob, but the women are hot and the band makes a hell of a racket.

John Moore

Black Box Recorder dipped their gangrenous old toes back into the water, but then lay frozen in the bath tub for four days until the meals on wheels lady knocked the door down…needless to say, the scene was a depressing one and the stench was overpowering. No deaths were shittier than that of Lux Interior, whose lux interior seriously let him down in the end. I am not a fan of Michael Jackson, although I feel saddened that he never got the chance to go out on a high…he deserved to..That is not a drug joke, it is sincere.

Nothing much springs to mind when I think about vibrant new culture, but then again, I’m getting on a bit. I had hoped for the complete collapse of society a return to bartering, and the show trial and execution of bankers and most government parasites…it’ll have to wait until 2010, but it IS coming.

I have been quite pleased that the male menopause seems to have passed my door without knocking once again and that I have – if anything, slightly more hair than last year – albeit some growing from my ears…still, at my age, hair is hair, wherever it sprouts from.
If anything, I am more divorced from society than I was at this time last year, so hopefully 2010 will see me asbo’d and given an exclusion order not to come within a thousand feet of polite society. A merry Christmas to all and a happy new year. How hollow those words sound. XX

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Laura Barton ( The Guardian, The Loose Moorelles)

Laura Barton

This is so very very tricky, more songs I’ve loved this year keep falling into my head… But anyway, here goes…

Bon Iver – Beach Baby
I’m contractually bound to mention Bon Iver as many times as possible in any paragraph, but that aside, this dong has been my constant companion since January. It’s a brief, odd little ditty that kind of breaks my heart and mends it at the same time. If that doesn’t sound too contradictory and/or wanky. It’s also really beautiful. Bonus fact: I’ve spent a lot of 2009 writing a book, and this song has been my favourite music to write to.

Noah & the Whale – My Door is Always Open
I love a good break-up album, and the Noah album was my favourite example this year. This is its closing track, and it moves from despondency to a kind of defiant, open-hearted joy in just a few minutes. The closing refrain “I love with my heart/ And I hold with my hands/ But you know/ My heart’s not yours” just buckles me every single time.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Skeletons (acoustic)
I rate Karen O as one of the best songwriters in the world today – a fact illustrated by her ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ soundtrack and by the YYYs record ‘It’s Blitz.’ It was the acoustic versions that accompanied the latter that really brought this home to me. For all the terrific boom and bombast of the original It’s Blitz, the acoustic versions, stripped back, skeletal, really showcased her songwriting prowess. Karen O hadn’t sounded this vulnerable or this mesmerising since Maps.

Jamie T – Emily’s Heart
This year’s Jamie T album was one of my favourite records of the year, and this was my favourite track  – a dark tale of a shotgun and a woman wronged. He’s one of the most talented artists in Britain today and by rights deserves to be huge.

The Maccabees -Seventeen Hands
I liked the first Maccabees album, but never thought they would graduate beyond cutesy indie. This year proved me wrong – Wall of Arms was a brilliant, complex, powerful record. This track, about Orlando Weeks’ grandparents, a proposal and a horse seventeen hands high, is such an extraordinary, romantic tale that I was truly smitten.
Also-rans:
Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

George Pringle – Carte Postale

and Emmy the Great -MIA (I’ve not included them as really I fell in love with them last year)

Beth Jeans Houghton – Golden

Marina & the Diamonds – Obsessions

Edward Sharpe – Home

Girls – Lust for Life

Califone - All My Friends Are Funeral Singers

Chapel Club – All the Eastern Girls

The Xx - Stars

Van Morrison – Astral Weeks ( an oldie, but seeing it live blew my tiny mind)

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Miles Hunt (The Wonder Stuff)

Miles Hunt

“I’ve really enjoyed Frank Turner’s ‘Love & Ire’ album this year, my Brother turned me onto it after seeing him at Beautiful Days. Devin Townsend’s ‘Ocean Machine’ album got a lot of plays at our house this year too, I believe that was released in 2003, either way, it’s a beautiful piece of work.

Erica & I played with a band called Ten Minute Turns in NYC in August & their album, ‘Return To Robot City’, has been with us ever since. I rediscovered Luke Haines project from the mid ’90’s , Baader Meinhoff, after reading his biography “Britpop; My Part in it’s Downfall“. That’s a f*ckin’ great album.

But I suppose most listened to in 2009 for me has been Dirty Ray. He used to be Kevin Weatherall of Immaculate Fools but these days he’s Dirty Ray. I recorded/produced three of his songs for the ‘Shared’ album & will be recording an album with him in January & February 2010. The demos he has given me of new songs are wonderful, really looking forward to working with him.”

“Meet Me At The Airport” -Baader Mienhof

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Paloma Faith

Florence and the Machine- Cosmic Love
Kings of Leon- Sex on Fire
Empire of the Sun -Standing on The Shore -
MGMT -Electric Feel
Anthony Heggarty – (Beyonce’s )Crazy in Love ___________________________________________________________________________

The Indelicates

Simon Indelicate

“The Noodle Song – by a random busking skiffle band in Mauerpark, Berlin
Like A Rolling Stone – by the mad homeless on the Cliffe Bridge
Young and Sexy – by Lily Rae and the Saturday Girls
Dear Lily – by Dan Bull

Don’t Want To Set The World On Fire – by The Ink Spots (which actually came out in 1941 but which was on the Fallout 3 soundtrack, thus making it part of better art than any of these dreadful bands that the young people like)”

Julia Indelicate

“The Recession Song by The Indelicates
Bob Dylan Christmas Album
Everybody was in the French Resistance… Now
Keep That Control by Scream Club
Anything by Lily Rae and by Keith Totp, both with stuff I’ve heard that’s out next year ”

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Kate Mullins

Kate Mullins ( the Puppini Sisters)

“Regina Spektor: Genuis Next Door.

Mumford and Sons: Little Lion Man.

Bat For Lashes: Glass.

Biffy Clyro: That Golden Rule.

Mumford and Sons: “I Gave You All.”

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Charlie & Paisley (Detox Cute And The Beauty Junkies)

Charlie:
“The Trashcan Sinatras: ‘People’
Moving from the west coast of Scotland to the west coast of America has obviously done Irving’s darling buds of pop a favour. Gone are the austere and desolate love songs from the ‘Weightlifting’ era – replaced by buoyant, confident musings, of which ‘People’ is a fine illustration of the band’s newfound optimism. Crikey, after years of the dreadful Travis et al we may even see a delightful return of the phrase ‘jingly-jangly’.

Paisley:
‘My Life Would Suck Without You’ – Kelly Clarkson
“A controversial choice perhaps. Mostly because of this girls connection with ‘that’ Simon Cowell. Everyone knows what Detox Cute thinks of Si-Co (to recap, not much). Perhaps if he did what he meant to do – find ‘THE ULTIMATE POP STAR’, that would be that. But no, he wants to find one every year! Twice, if you take into account the show he does over Easter – then the one for Christmas. Hmmm. Anyway, Kelly won the very first series of ‘American Idol’. Like our own home grown Will Young, she has now managed to distance herself from the show, and create her very own place on our pop palette. We like singing along to pop, and this song has sing-along-ability in spades. Big sassy vocals and a driving pop beat that makes me wiggle my hips. Thank you Kelly – oh, and we love the lollipop!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h09_1qdkFIA (in case you don’t thinks we should do it!)

Charlie:
Morrissey: ‘I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris’
“I don’t know about ‘Last of the Famous International Playboys’ but Moz is surely one of the last of the intelligent pop stars this country has. Where else would you find wit, wisdom and humour in lyrics as well as swooning arrangements and crooning vocals? George Michael’s lost it, Damon’s last project was, quite frankly, dull and even Noel Gallagher’s little comedy songs aren’t funny anymore. So it’s left up to S.P. Morrissey to carry the flag first unfurled by Lennon, McCartney, Ray Davies, Marc Bolan and Adam Ant. What’s that you say? Razorlight? Hmm, don’t think so! “

Paisley:
“’I Haven’t Met You Yet’ – Michael Buble
Our band doesn’t have mega bucks, and now the car CD player is bust we so we have to rely on the radio for entertainment on our journeys to gigs. Usually we listen to local radio, much of which is actually Heart FM or something. Anyway, they are in cahoots to make sure that they play Michael Buble AT LEAST 17 times during each journey we go on. We know all the words to this song. Whether we want to or not. I’m sure you are lovely Michael, but blimey, enough now lovey.”

(you know this one!)

Charlie:
“Husky Rescue: ‘We Shall Burn Bright’
Maybe it’s the long dark winters that the Fins are less inclined to chase various sized and shaped pig’s bladders around in the mud and more likely to spend their time figuring out chord sequences to beautiful, ambient pop songs. Quite simply, this is the best song I’ve heard all year – it’s as if Kraftwerk held a party and invited The Human League, Frazier Chorus, Camera Obscura, Dressy Bessy and Can to come and watch the first snows of winter fall on the ground while sipping funny-coloured cocktails with sparklers in the glass. Dazzling.”

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Rachael Kitchenside -Run Toto Run

“Michachu: Golden Phone All of Run Toto Run have been obsessed with her for the last year or so, we’ve seen her about 5 times this year.

Ellie Goulding: Starry Eyed, even though I don’t think it’s had a proper release yet, it’s such a perfect beautiful little song

The XX: Crystallised : What a wonderful and unexpected breakthrough band for 2009, this has been a fave in RTR’s touring coupe.

Bombay Bicycle Club:Always Like This.  Definitely another RTR fave, as our cover proves. Matt has a short attention span and car DJs whenever we’re on a trip and there’s usually no space for repeat tracks, but every time this is on, it gets to the end and I say “can we have that one again” and he always gladly obliges.

The Passion Pit Remix of Dan Black’s Symphonies has been a feature of many of this year’s car journeys.”

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Dyan Valdés ( The Blood Arm, Everybody Was In The French Resistance… Now )

Everybody Was In The French Resistance Now!

Here are my 5 favorites, in no particular order:

1. Ezra Furman – Take Off Your Sunglasses
The very first time I heard this song, I absolutely loved it. Eddie and I were driving around LA when it came on the radio, and at exactly the same time both of us stopped talking right as we heard his voice so we could listen. It’s so rare that a song is so immediate and reels you in so completely – we went home and bought the album right away.

2. Sweaters - every song they have
Sweaters is my favorite band in LA at the moment. They are also very close friends with my band The Blood Arm, so I have had the great privilege of seeing nearly all of their live shows and listening to the demos their singer Jordan sends out on an almost weekly basis. They play fantastically catchy piano-based rock that has an almost ’70s vibe to it. I love everything they have written, so I couldn’t choose a single song. Go listen to them right now: www.myspace.com/sweatersdontjudge. You’re welcome!

3. The Fiery Furnaces – Keep Me in the Dark
I’m a huge Fiery Furnaces fan (I even regularly listen to the grandmother album). “I’m Going Away” is their best album in years – the songs are more structured and poppier, and the lyrics and music completely pull you into Fiery Furnaces world, which is a fantastic place to be! I think my favorite track is Keep Me in the Dark. Everybody Was In The French Resistance…Now! are supporting them in Paris in February, and I can’t wait!

4. Art Brut – Alcoholics Unanimous
I know it’s a bit cheeky to name one of my boyfriend’s songs on this list, but it genuinely is one of my favorite songs of the year. And after seeing it live probably hundreds of times, I still get excited when they play it. Great music, great lyrics, and I can’t get enough of the call-and-response backing vocals. I got to be in the video for this song which was great fun – we had a “brawl” sequence in which I got to “elbow-drop” Ian, the guitarist. It went fine in rehearsal but when we actually shot it, I messed up and actually elbow-dropped him with full force. I felt terrible but I think Ian kind of likes being beat up, so it was OK in the end.

5. Beyonce – Single Ladies
Obvious choice, but anyone who doesn’t put this song on their end-of-the-year favorites list is lying.

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Video Villain

“Bat For Lashes – Daniel -Saw her live earlier in the year and she was awesome

Michael Jackson – Dirty Diana -You can’t talk about 2009 without a nod to the king of pop.

The Prodigy – Omen -One of the best live bands around, a force to be reckoned with.

Linkin Park – New Divide -Shit film but we’re suckers for an epic tune.

Lady Ga-Ga-Paparazzi -You’ve got to take your hat off to her, she dominated the charts in  2009 plus her songs are serious earworms.”

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nicole Atkins

Nicole Atkins

“Flaming Lips- Silver Trembling Stars

St Vincent – Help Me

Anything by Dungen

The entire new Echo and the Bunnymen record

The Avett Brothers- And It Spread

Also Neko Case’s “Vengeance” oh and the Alberta Cross record.”

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­______________________________________________________________________________
Donna Grimaldi – Katsen

“Some were released late 2008  I think…

School of Seven Bells -Iamundernodisguise (Alpinisms)

Passion Pit- I’ve Got Your Number (Chunk of Change EP)

Telepathe -Devil’s Trident

Metric -Help I’m Alive (Fantasies)  

Chairlift -Bruises (Does You Inspire You)”

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Phil King ( Lush, Felt, The Jesus And Mary Chain, The John Moore Rock n’ Roll Trio)

Don´t really listen to much new stuff. Actually that´s not true as I hear new releases all day in the ‘Uncut’ office.  I liked The XX album.”

________________________________________________________________________

Eliza Doolittle

“Empire of the Sun -We Are The People

Eliza Doolittle

Golden Silvers – Arrows of Eros

The XX – Crystallised

Nneka - Heartbeat (chase and status remix)

Kings of Leon – Revelry”

________________________________________________________________________

Polly Mackey

1. The Kills- Last Day of Magic

2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs -Heads Will Roll

3. Wild Beasts All The Kings Men

4. PJ Harvey- Black Hearted Love

5. The Dead Weather -Treat Me Like Your Mother

____________________________________________________________________________________

Oliver Gordon Dogwood (Cheambeat Radio and TV presenter, VPME Record Review panel member and occasional contributor)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to everyone  and special thanks to Julie.

VP x

The title of the post today is a Jesus and Mary Chain track off of Stoned and Dethroned.  I’ll finish off tonight’s set with it, and it goes out to KRUI (who I’ve seen transition through a couple of different stations), the DJ’s I’ve met there, and the music I’ve learned about from volunteering at “Iowa City’s Sound Alternative” for the past 6 years.  It’s my last show tonight at KRUI, and the majority of it will be the Christmas Show.  The last 30 minutes or so will be a couple of favorite tracks that express how I feel about leaving the station and Iowa City. Listen in at 89.7 fm KRUI or online here from 8 to 10pm.

Here’s an old picture of me in the station when I used to have a show from 12 to 2am on Wednesday nights:

The Christmas Show:
1. The Vandals, Oi to the World, Hang Myself from the Tree
2. Belle & Sebastian, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, O Come, O Come Emmanuel
3. Holly Golightly, Christmas Tree on Fire, Christmas Tree on Fire
4. Low, Christmas, Just Like Christmas
5. Tom Waits, Blue Valentine, Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis
(I still remember my old co-host Zach loving this track, also one of my favorites.)
6. Sufjan Stevens, Sufjan Stevens: Songs for Christmas, That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!
7. The Bird and the Bee, Carol of the Bells, Carol of the Bells (A great request!)
8. Michael Chang or possibly the Flaming Lips doing Plastic Jesus
(Yep my fiance did this and maybe I’ll play it, it’s a cover of an old folk song,  the flaming lips also covered it on Transmissions from the Satellite Heart).
(Taken by HeidiHehnly)
9. The Olivia Tremor Control, Presents: Singles and Beyond, Fireplace
10. Guided by Voices, Universal Truths and Cycles, Father Sgt. Christmas Card
11. The Fall, No HO HO, (We Wish You) a Protein Christmas
12. The Flaming Lips, Clouds Taste Metallic, Christmas at the Zoo
13. The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground, Jesus
14. Spent, Songs of Drinking and Rebellion, Santa Claus to the Rescue
15. My Bloody Valentine, Isn’t Anything, Soft as Snow (But Warm Inside)
16. AM, Holiday Happiness & Cheer-EP, Home for the Holidays
17. Teenage Fanclub, Songs from Northern Britain, Winter
18. The Paper Chase, Kill Rock Stars Winter Holiday Album, The War is Over
19. The Everyothers, Kill Rock Stars Winter Holiday Album, 1000 Miles (This went out to David and Sam at OurLifeInIthaca, I love them.)
20. Leadbelly, Important recordings, A Christmas Day
21. Pixies, Come on Pilgrim, The Holiday Song
22. Remy Zero, Remy Zero, Christmas
23. Superchunk, Here’s Where the Strings Come In, Silver Leaf and Snowy Tears
24. The Murder City Devils, Thelema, 364 Days
25. Sonic Youth, Sleighed-The Other Side of Christmas, Santa Doesn’t Cop Out on Dope. (This is my absolute all time favorite Christmas track, EVER!)
I think this was also feature on a Geffen Christmas album shown below:

My last tracks to Iowa City and KRUI:
1. Yo La Tengo’s Don’t Have to Be So Sad
2. Heatmiser’s See You Later
3. New Order’s Your Silent Face
4. The Thirteen Floor Elevators, You’re Gonna Miss Me
5. The Jesus & Mary Chain’s You’ve Been A Friend

2009 ? How was it for you ?  In part 1 of our review of 2009 we reflect on the music that moved and inspired us and pay tribute to the musicians involved.

Album Of  The year 2009

1. Emmy The Great-”First Love”

Quite simply an amazing album of brutal honesty, wit and intelligence which cuts  through the big label endorsed shite like a laser. Anybody who dismisses  Emmy The Great as quirky or twee hasn’t been listening. This is an album that will still move me and make me cry  when I’m old and infirm as much as it did when I first heard it.  It’s timeless.  (Review here)

“M.I.A.” By Emmy The Great

Emmy couldn’t be with us to collect her beautiful award, hand crafted from the finest pixels, she’s gone all Mariah Carey   but via her I-phone she was able to send us this rather moving victory speech…..

EMMY: “I’d like to start my acceptance speech for this prestigious and important jpeg by saying thank you. However, I literally cannot remember who any of you people are. Ever since the album came out there has been considerable Von Pip buzz and I’m afraid the attention has gone right to my head. I’m currently to be found sitting at home waiting for confirmation of my MBE and overseeing plans for a giant gold bust of my head to replace the statue of Nelson Mandela or whatever in Trafalgar Square. It’s not yet been commissioned which is weird but I guess it’s just the hectic Christmas season. On the music front, I’ve been busy firing almost everybody I know and growing my hair to the point where I can plait it like a raver.  My new album, ‘Half-Chinese Democracy’ will be out in about ten to fifteen years. Please leave me alone now. Bye.

Ps I’ve just had word from my manager, who I’ve fired, that this needs to be more grateful. Fine. Thanks. It’s a lovely trophy. I’ll put it on the mantelpiece next to all my other trophies*

*porcelain cats from Argos”

And EUEN from the band had this to say: “You know those moments when somebody says “I loved it when you.…”   Or “remember that awesome moment when you …..” or “the way you dealt with that situation was so good …..” and you have no recollection of having involvment in said praises? Well that’s how I feel with this  album “First Love” by “Emmy the Great”. I really enjoyed my supposed involvement, according to everyone who saw me there. And thanks to the Von Pip blog. If there are any other smash hit albums I’ve worked on, please, let me know.

2.Patrick Wolf -The Bachelor

Wolfs 4th album famously partly funded by donations from fans via the internet is a triumph on every level and it’s the album his obvious talent had always threatened to produce.  Like a distant male relative of Kate Bush’s ‘Hounds Of Love’ , Wolf has produced something of a Baroque masterpiece.

“Hard Times”-By  Patrick Wolf

3. Metric- Fantasies

“Fantasies” is Metric’s fourth studio album and possibly their best work to date, the sleek production has given rise to a slightly more radio friendly feel but it’s done in such a way that is unobtrusive and merely serves to help the band achieve a sound that is bold and dramatic whilst still retaining their intrinsic “Metric-ness”. (interview with Emily Haines here)

4. A Place To Bury Strangers -Exploding Head

An amazing album that combines sonic fury with an urgent adrenaline fuelled pop sensibility. They clearly don’t list bands who have influenced their sound merely to  appear ‘hip’, nope these lads have a genuine understanding of and appreciation for, bands such as  The Mary Chain and My Bloody Valentine. And it shows.

5 .Howling Bells- Radio Wars

Listening to a Howling Bells album often feels like you’re being bewitched and slowly, subtly seduced, as they draw you into a world where beauty and nightmares are never far from the surface. Their songs are invariably haunting, menacing and unique, unique in the sense that you really couldn’t imagine anybody other than Juanita Stein singing them. She breaths life into each song, giving them depth, meaning and beauty, whilst the band provide the perfect stage upon which Juanita’s vocals can weave their subtle magic. (review here, interview with Juanita here

“Into The Chaos”-Howling Bells

6. The Xx- The Xx

The XX prove that less is more as their skeletal arrangements showcase songs of pristine pop beauty that need neither gimmick or the honking horns of Mark Ronson. It’s a subtle, shimmering album and may well be regarded in time as one of the great debuts.

“VCR” The XX

7.Raveonettes-In And Out Of Control

(Heart Of  Stone-The Raveonettes-below)

8. The Yeah Yeah Yeah- Its Blitz

9. Charlotte Hatherley -New Worlds

10.The Joy Formidable – A Balloon Called Moaning

(The Greatest Light Is The Greatest Shade-The Joy Formidable-below)

11.Florence & The Machine -Lungs

12.Fight Like Apes- And The Secret Of The Golden Medallion

13.Echo & The Bunnymen-The Fountain

14. The Boxer Rebellion-Union

15. Fanfarlo- Reservior

16.Morrissey-Years Of Refusal

17.Mumford And Sons-Sigh No More

18.Silver Sun Pickups-Swoon

19. Lisa Hannigan See-Sew

20.Bat For Lashes-Two Suns

21.Camera Obscura -My Maudlin Career

22.Biffy Cylro-Only Revolutions

23.Katsen-It Hertz

24.The Pains of Being Pure at Heart-TPOBPH

25.Animal Kingdom-Signs & Wonders

26.Theoretical Girl-Divided

27.Hockey-Mind Chaos

28. The Dead Weather-Horehound

29.Regina Spektor-Far

30.Kill It Kid -Kill It Kid

31. Paloma Faith- Do You Want The Truth or Something Beautiful?

32. Jarvis Cocker – Further Complications

33. Fever Ray- Fever Ray

34. The Thermals-Now We Can See

35. Spinnerette – Spinnerette

36. La Roux-La Roux

37. Sky Larkin-The Golden Spike

38.Bombay Bicycle Club-I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose

39. Richard Hawley-Truelove’s Gutter

40.Asobi Seksu – Hush

Single /Ep Track Of The Year 2009

1.Marina And The Diamonds-I am Not A Robot

Probably listened to this song more than any other this year, personal reasons make it very special but its also a f**king great pop song from a singer who doesn’t follow the conventional rules.

2. A Place To Bury -Strangers -Keep Slipping Away

3.Metric-Gimme Sympathy

4.Julian Casablancas-11th Dimension

5.The Raveonettes-The Last Dance

6.Marina And The Diamonds-Obsessions

7.Patrick Wolf-Vulture

8.Emmy The Great-Edward Is Dedward

(re-recording below)

9.The Joy Formidable-Whirring

10.Bat For Lashes-Daniel

11.Exlovers-You Forget So Easily

12.Echo & The Bunnymen-I Think I Need It Too

13.The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart-Young Adult Friction (below)

14.Yeah, Yeah Yeahs-Zero

15.Emmy The Great-First Love

16.Patrick Wolf – Damaris

17.Metric -Help I’m Alive

18.The xx-Crystallised

19.Isa & The Filthy Tongues-Big Star (below)

20.Marina And The Diamonds-Mowgli’s Road

21.Biffy Clyro-The Captain

22.Mumford & Sons-Little Lion Man (below)

23.Hockey-Song Away

24.The Raveonettes-Bang!

25.Animal kingdom – Tin Man

Best Reissue/Compilation 2009

The Jesus & Mary Chain-The Power Of Negative Thinking

“The Hardest Walk “ By The Jesus & Mary Chain

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Jesus & Mary Chain has always been that they were nothing more than dour nihilistic ‘noise terrorists’. What the “Power  of Negative Thinking” clearly demonstrates is that simply wasn’t the case.  It’s true The JAMC were often architects of their own downfall in a “business” sense but this retrospective offers proof positive that musically they have few equals. “The Power of Negative Thinking” provides 81 non Album “A side’s, plus the bands entire history of  B-sides, demos, and covers.  It showcases that the Reid Brothers were not only writers of melodious,  pristine pop songs and true iconoclasts but also revelas their rich love and understanding of rock’n'roll history and its mythology.  ‘Psychocandy’ regarded by many as their opus , may have taken Phil Spector’s musical template and beat the living shit out of it,  fusing it with guitar distortion and effects but that was only part of the JAMC’s musical legacy. Forget the riots, forget the feedback and Jim and William’s punch ups,   because these distractions should not be allowed to overshadow the Mary Chain’s  music which has stood the test of time and furnished us with songs that can rightly be regarded as  bona fide classics.   They paved the way for bands like My Bloody Valentine , Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr et all  to become media darlings and their influence is still apparent today in bands such as The Raveonettes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Gliss and a Place To Bury Strangers. The fact that they remain one of the most under-appreciated bands in music is still baffling  but for me their songs were genuinely life changing. ‘The Power of Negative Thinking’ reveals what true fans of the band have always known and is something that is rather surprisingly so often overlooked- this band has soul.  The Reid Brothers may never make it into the rock n roll hall of fame, they may have burnt too many bridges and that fact probably isn’t something they’d lose any sleep over but surely it’s about time their legend was afforded the respect it deserves. This is truly what Rock n’ Roll is all about.

Videos Of The Year

1.“I Say Fever” By Ramona Falls

Not just a great video, this is one of THE GREAT videos,we are talking of all time. Genius

2.” Mowgli’s Road” By Marina And The Diamonds

This is fantastic for many reasons but a big factor being that it was simply so unexpected. Just when you think Marina will do a straight pop video she comes up with something that is as bonkers as it is brilliant

3. “Do You Karate” By Fight like Apes

Maykay wrestling? has someone peeked inside my mind? A great video which encapsulates all the demented energy of their live performances. Great vid, great band.

Gig Of The Year

1. Howling Bells/ The Joy Formidable

review here

2. Emmy The Great/Exlovers

review here

3. Fight Like Apes

review here

4. Marina And The Diamonds

review here

Best Unsigned Band in The Universe

Run Toto Run

A clearly overwhelmed and emotional Michael from Run Toto Run accepts his magnificent trophy on the bands behalf.

(Pop culture) Quotes Of the Year

Kevin Cecil “A campaign for Rage Against The Machine will not produce a non Cowell Xmas No1. Killing Paul McCartney, now that might work”

Marina Hyde (On how celebrities have infiltrated every sphere of life over the last ten years) “

“This is your world,Try not to choke on it. The saddest part is that you weren’t even in a coma for that period, so future generations are going to regard you as complicit.”

And “I find it hilarious when Paris Hilton takes a ferret on the red carpet.That’s what celebrity is about. But when she wanted to go to Rwanda, I had a bit of a problem with it. In the end she didn’t get around to going because she was too, like, busy with other stuff. And look, I yield to no one in my admiration for Sharon Stone’s body of work but I just wonder if she is the right person to sort out the Middle East.”

and on Simon Cowell

“Simon Cowell has created a system in which all possible outcomes benefit him. It is a sort of anti-chaos theory: a system wherein even vast differences in initial conditions have no real effect on the outcome. The system allows for them. You could run a million different variations of the show through a Los Alamos computer the size of a barn, and the end result would always be the same: Cowell wins. In the anti-chaos of The X Factor, a tsunami of votes for a rogue act would lead to the most butterfly-like of variations in his final scenario – the difference of about 37 pence in earnings of tens of millions. The house always wins. In fact, as a business model, it makes Las Vegas look bleeding-hearted.”

JK (Read The Fanzine) If I hear La Roux’s “Bulletproof” one more time I might just be tempted to test out her claim”

Ellie Goulding “Can I just say. I don’t take in the hype. EVER. I just like making music and running”

Tony Zanzibar ” Who The F**k Is Andy Von Pip”

Style Icon of the  Year : Paloma Faith

Remixes Of The Year

1.Howling Bells-Cities Burning Down ( Disco Bloodbath Effect)

2.Marina And The Diamonds-Mowgli’s Road Black Teeth Remix

3. Charlotte Hatherley-Alexander( Black n Red remix)

Hype Of the year

The Horrors (review here )

Fashion Faux pas

James Allen’s tw*tty little cloak

Chuckle Of  The Year

Book Of The Year (Music/Entertainment)

1.”Celebrity: How Entertainers Took Over the World and Why We Need an Exit Strategy” By Marina Hyde

2.”Bad Vibes: Britpop and My Part in Its Downfall” By Luke Haines

3. ” Goodnight Jim Bob: On the Road with “Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine” By Jim Bob

Who We’d Like To See Do Well In 2010

Not necessarily  a list of who I think will be big, I mean let’s face it some of those lists do have a tendency to be a little “hipsterish”. “Look at me I predicted a band I’ve never actually heard will be HUGE in 2010! ” Of course  I could study form and forecast who would do well in 2010  but  it’s not rocket science. It roughly  follows this formula “Do they have a big f**k off PR budget? Do they have media backing and essentially  are they willing to sell their soul to Satan ?…Check ?  Well logic dictates they could do very well in 2010. Easy-peasey, I’m a regular f**king pop Nostradamus.   No, this  list  may contain some artists which do appear in the “ones to watch lists” but I have tried to actually pick bands I like, regardless whether they are tipped by the great and good. Cos I’ve got integrity, like.  “Oh hello, Sony BMG ? Ah you want a flattering  article on Mr Cowell, well I’m not sure if….HOW MUCH!…. Is that in pounds ?? ? Of course, of course , I’ll have it done by 10.30 am …No, not a problem and no don’t thank me , thank YOU!

Anyway -to the list ….(Not all are bands are brand spanking new but there are some whom  I feel  may not yet have got the recognition they deserve)

The Beatles

Lissy Trullie

ExLovers

A Place To Bury Strangers

The Joy Formidable

Suzuki Method

The Boxer Rebellion

Marina And The Diamonds

Hook And The Twin

Run Toto Run

Rose Elinor Dougall

Katsen

Gliss

Sound Of Guns

Catherine AD

The Bookhouse Boys

The Indelicates

Everybody Was In The French Resistance Now

Eliza Doolittle

Polly Mackey And The Pleasure Principle

Sweet Jane

Tigers That Talked

Sarah Blasko

Thomas Tantrum

Nicole Atkins and The Black Sea

Soft Toy Emergency

The Xx

and new kids on the block The John Moore Rock N’ Roll Trio

Villains Of  The Year

Every corrupt MP who fiddled their expenses.

Greedy Bankers

and obviously…..The X Factor

VPME AWARDS  VIDEO  PLAYLIST By giftedorb

Thanks Samantha!

I forget how pop-wonderful The Flaming Lips can be. I’ve been pretty disappointed with them the past couple of years, but I’ve been slowly bringing out some of their older albums, e.g. The Soft Bulletin, which is where I pulled the title of my post from. “What is the Light?” is a true musical delight. When they released this album back in 1999, it was their 9th. NINTH. These guys were pounding out music. Their first full length Hear it Is is a pleasure to hang out with, I’m also a fan of Transmissions from the Satellite Heart which arguably features their most famous track “She don’t use Jelly.” It’s so famous you can even hear a sample of it on Wikipedia.

Moving on, my show is tonight from 8 to 10 pm listen in on KRUI 89.7 fm or online here. I don’t have many shows left, so listen in.

Here’s some of the set:

1. Smog, Knock Knock (1999), Lets Move to the Country
2. Peter Murphy, Wild Birds (1985-1995), Cuts You Up
3. Radio Birdman, Zeno Beach, Locked Up
4. Public Image Ltd., Public Image Ltd. (First Issue 1978), Home
5. The Jesus Lizard, Liar (1992), Slave Ship
6. The Ocean Blue, The Ocean Blue (1989), Between Something and Nothing
7. Unwound, New Plastic Ideas (1993), Entirely Different Matters
8. Shipping News, Flies the Fields (2005), Louven
9. Devo, Greatest Hits, Gut Feeling
(Off of the 1978 album Q: Are we not men? A: We are Devo!, possibly the best title ever.)
10. Dirty Looks, 12′ O’Clock High, Dissappearing
11. Elliott Smith, From A basement On The Hill (2004), A Fond Farewell
12. Bauhaus, Burning from the Inside (1983), King Volcano

13. Adolescents, Adolescents (1981), No Way
14. Boss Hog, Whiteout (2000), Whiteout
Yes I know everyone loves Christina Martinez. Here’s another photo of her, because well, she is DAMN hot (so is Jon Spencer who is also in this photo.)

15. Bob Mould, District Line (2008), The Silence Between Us
16. The Jesus and Mary Chain, Psychocandy (1985), Never Understand
17. Gang of Four, Entertainment (1979), He’d Send In the Army
18. Les Savy Fav, Go Forth (2001), Daily Dares
19. Thievery Corporation, The Cosmic Game (2005), Marching the Hate Machines (Into the Sun) (features the Flaming Lips and this was a request)

20. Tom Waits, Mule Variations (1999), Get Behind the Mule
21. Wire, A Bell Is A Cup Until It Is Struck (1988), Kidney Bingos
22. Echo & The Bunnymen, Echo & The Bunnymen (1987), Bedbugs and Ballyhoo

23. Catherine Wheel, Ferment (1992), Ferment
24. The Flaming Lips, The Soft Bulletin (1999), What Is the Light?
25. Guided By Voices, Mag Earwhig! (1997), Jane of the Walking Universe
26. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Good Son (1990), The Weeping Song
27. PJ Harvey & John Parish, A Woman A Man Walked By, Black Hearted Love
28. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Boatman’s Call (1997), Into my Arms
(A Request)

I’ve got maybe two more regular shows left, including this one, and my Christmas show. Spend my last couple of Wednesday nights on KRUI 89.7 fm with me from 8 to 10 pm, you can also listen in online here.

1. Blondie, Blondie (1976), X Offender

I pulled this sweet image of Debbie Harry off of the Blog entitled “x” Another cool bit of info is that this photo was taken by Bob Gruen who’s exhibit at the MoMA I just got to experience. “x” does a really nice job describing the image, so I won’t go there, if you want to read about it check it out.
2. Talking Heads, Stop Making Sense (1984), Take Me To The River
3. Joy Division, Unknown Pleasures (1979), Disorder
4. Liz Phair, Whitechocolatespaceegg (1998), Polyester Bride
(I’m engaged, and I wouldn’t mind having a polyester dress.)
5. Lyres, 12 Classic 45s, I Want to Help You Ann
6. Mazzy Star, So Tonight That I Might See (1993), Fade Into You
(God I love this song, tell me its not beautiful?)
7. Mission of Burma, Vs. (1982), Trem Two
(Another definite favorite, it’s in my top 10 favorite songs for sure.)
8. New Order, Power Corruption and Lies (1983), Age of Consent

9. The Replacements, Let It Be (1984), Unsatisfied
10. Sonic Youth, Dirty (1992), Theresa’s Sound World

11. Superchunk, Incidental Music 1991-95, Night of Chill Blue
I might have to say this is my favorite Superchunk song.
12. Pixies, Doolittle (1989), Here Comes Your Man
This song just appeals to everyone, I bet even my parents would jam to it and they prefer to rock out to Elvis and Peter Paul and Mary.
13. The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion (1992), Chicken Walk
14. The Jesus and Mary Chain, Automatic (1989), Head On
(The Pixies do an awesome cover of this track)
15. Pavement, Terror Twilight (1999), Spit on a Stranger
You know what I heard? Pavement is going to be featured on GUITAR HERO! Yuck. Steve what are you doing? You know who else is going to be featured? Spoon. I don’t know why this shocks me and I can’t seem to figure out why it annoys me. If someone can articulate this better than me please do it. For now, I’m going to sit down and think about it.

16. XTC, English Settlement, Senses Working Overtime
17. INXS, The Best of INXS, Need You Tonight
The single came out around 1986.
18. The Psychedelic Furs, Talk Talk Talk (1981), Pretty in Pink

19. Tears for Fears, The Hurting (1983), Change
20. Billy Idol & Generation X, Billy Idol (1982), Dancing With Myself

21. The Swirlies, Cats of the Wild, Vol.2 (2003), Sleepytime
22. Polvo, Exploded Drawing (1996), Bridesmaid Blues
23. Enon, Believo, Cruel
24. The Jam, The Gift (1982), Town Called Malice
25. PJ Harvey, Uh Huh Her (2004), You Came Through
26. Slowdive, Souvlaki (1993), Souvlaki Space Station

Here are 5 great duets (more duets on the way…):

1. “God Only Knows” — Beach Boys Cover by Mandy Moore & Michael Stipe

2. “Love Hurts” — Everly Brothers/Roy Orbison/Nazareth Cover by Jenny Lewis & Johnathan Rice

3. “Anyone Else But You” — Moldy Peaches Cover by Ellen Page & Michael Cera in Juno

4. “Sometimes Always” — The Jesus and Mary Chain

5. “Delaware” (Acoustic) — Wesley Jensen and Christie Dupree

Magna Doodle

Today when I was flipping through a magazine, I saw a picture of an Apple computer drawing tablet and it reminded me of Magna Doodle. It was one of my most favorite toys that I had when I was a kid. I guess, it was the medium that inspired me to draw…

So I googled it, and the closest version that looks like mine is this one above. My Magna Doodle was bright red though.

Oh.. I even found one with the sketch of Jesus and Mary Chain!!!

Jesus and Mary Chain

Sono reduce da un fine settimana rigenerante in Portogallo, a Ericeira per l’esattezza. A scrocco presso amici, come al solito, e con la solita scusa ormai più sbiadita della T-shirt dei Jesus and Mary Chain che mi ostino a mettere in lavatrice: lo faccio – scroccare un tetto, un letto, una ciotola di riso – per finalità sociologiche, per penetrare la società e scrutarla e viverla dall’interno… capisci, amico che per caso abiti a due passi da una meravigliosa spiaggia? Come potrei raggiungere questo obiettivo da una (più o meno lussuosa) stanza d’albergo? La maggior parte dei miei amici ospitanti, impietositi dall’espressione da gattino annaffiato che mi sono esercitato a sfoggiare in casi simili (anche in webcam) e orgogliosi di aiutare la scienza allo stesso tempo, mi hanno offerto negli anni quello che potevano. Altri invece mi hanno tirato una pedata nel sedere - in senso metaforico e non - e in quei casi ho dovuto sacrificare la purezza della ricerca sociologica alla voglia di andare a zonzo comunque. E scucire la fresca necessaria, come si dice dalle mie parti.

Vi dico tutto questo perchè un domani potrebbe capitare anche a voi, di avere un amico lontano particolarmente invadente. O magari già lo avete, o ne avete. O forse mi avete già ospitato in passato e adesso vi dovete per giunta sorbire anche ’sto post settimanale, solo per farmi contento. Perchè ormai siamo connessi, siamo amici, no? E perchè forse volete scroccare anche voi, prima o poi. Farvi contraccambiare il favore. Approfittatori…

Ebbene, Ericeira, a quaranta chilometri a nord di Lisbona, sul mare. Non è che uno pensi al Portogallo come alla nuova frontiera del progresso. Personalmente, non conoscendolo affatto, pensavo di trovare una situazione tipo la Spagna negli anni ‘80: case bianche, siesta, deserto tutto intorno, e rovi di polvere che scorrono via spinti dal vento. Questo forse a causa del mio innato ‘calendario’ biologico italico: cosa vuoi che siano vent’anni, se era così allora lo sarà anche oggi… E invece no. Vent’anni sono un sacco di tempo, e le società – quella italica esclusa, va da sé – dall’era dell’informatica in poi corrono, e corrono forte. Così ha fatto lo Spagna, e così si direbbe anche del Portogallo. Ho avuto in generale un’ottima impressione della società portoghese, del territorio, dello sviluppo economico e del rispetto ambientale. Molti degli stereotipi che avevo appiccicati in mente si sono rivelati infondati:

* le ragazze non sono baffute, nè brutte e scontrose o troppo religiose ma ANZI (e mi fermo qui per l’argomento specifico)

* la gente incontrata a caso è in media molto più simpatica di Mourinho, per quanto lo conosca poco

* non mi pare si entri in locali o posti di aggregazione senza pagare il biglietto; anzi, guardate un pò chi sarebbero i veri ‘approfittatori’ secondo questa simpatica ricostruzione etimologica: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fare_il_portoghese …avevate forse dei dubbi?

* la società è già piuttosto aperta di mentalità e multietnica. Il senso civico esiste e così il rispetto della legge. Ho assistito alla comminazione di una multa salata per un motivo italicamente parlando contestabile, senza che lo sfortunato multato abbia aperto bocca. ‘Perchè non protesti?’ Ho domandato. ‘Perchè dovrei?’ Mi sono sentito rispondere. Sono stato zitto

* la gestione del territorio (case, strade, pulizia, pianificazione edilizia, traffico) mi è sembrata buona; ovvio, non ho probabilmente visitato il Bronx lusitano, ma basta prendere via Melchiorre Gioia a Milano per capire quanto fa schifo

* ottimo cibo, prezzi davvero contenuti, e buona qualità dei servizi ai cittadini. Sorprendente il servizio di tv via cavo: non me ne intendo, ma un’ampia scelta televisiva con disco rigido per registrare, funzioni di tv on demand (stoppare la trasmissione, rivederla dall’inizio ecc..), in un pacchetto insieme a internet ad accesso continuo per 50 euro al mese mi sembra un prezzo buono. Inoltre i programmi tv non sono tradotti ma sottotitolati, con beneficio educativo della popolazione tutta, nuove generazioni per prime. Com’erano le cinque ‘i’ berlusconiane invece?

In generale, ho trovato la società portoghese piuttosto equilibrata, festaiola ma acculturata, intraprendente ma non stressata, amante della vita e delle cose belle. Una sorta di mediterraneità senza le bizze tipiche italiche, da primadonna. Solo perchè siamo i discendenti dell’Impero Romano… e allora? Loro hanno conquistato mezzo mondo con le navi esploratrici e i grandi navigatori. Certo, lo hanno anche in parte massacrato, quel mezzo mondo. Ma con serenità una ragazza a riguardo mi diceva: ‘Ecco perchè oggi non me la sento di prendermela con gli immigrati.’ E mi sorrideva. Così, come fosse la frase più naturale del mondo. E io pensavo a Calderoli.

Cos’altro? Un sacco di grandi turbine bianche per l’energia eolica, un pò come in Andalusia. Una natura imponente: coste rocciose a strapiombo sul mare, levigate dal forte vento atlantico, che mi hanno ricordato molto le Cliffs of Moher irlandesi, intervallate da splendide spiagge di sabbia rossastra. Un mare blu e selvaggio, nel quale giovani locali e turisti si divertono a fare surf. Musica e cultura per le strade. E poi Fernando Pessoa, gloria letteraria nazionale, che pubblicava le sue opere con una serie di eteronimi: proprio come proponevo io qualche settimana fa su questa pagina web. O è una coincidenza, oppure un segno che scrivo questa serie di amenità settimanali da troppo tempo ormai, da secoli.

Ah, e c’è dell’ottimo vinho tinto da due euro alla bottiglia, in Portogallo.

20 Watts played Julian Casablancas, Joy Division, Sleigh Bells and more on WERW

Eric, Jett and Caitlin were in the studio from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. last night, playing new releases, editors’ picks, local favorites AND a solid hour of post-punk for all you lucky listeners.  Here’s what we played last night: new tracks are in bold, local artists are italicized.

Don’t forget to tune in to 20 Watts’ Audiocandy+ shows on Wednesday and Thursday from 9-11 p.m.!

artist: Julian Casablancas [16/20 watts -- read the review]
title: 11th Dimension
album: Phrazes for the Young

artist: CFCF [13/20 watts -- read the review]
title: Invitation to Love
album: Continent

artist: Lymbyc System [19/20 watts -- read the review]
title: Ghost Clock
album: Shutter Release

artist: The Swimmers [15/20 watts -- read the review]
title: Shelter
album: People Are Soft

artist: Weezer [14/20 watts -- read the review]
title: I’m Your Daddy
album: Ratitude

artist: Blakroc ft. Raekwon
title: Stay Off the Fuckin’ Flowers
album: Blakroc

artist: Mirrors
title: Lights and Offerings
album: N/A

artist: Avi Buffalo
title: What’s In It For?
album: What’s In It For? 7″

artist: Kid Sister [read about our favorite hip-hop divas]
title: Right Hand Hi
album: Ultraviolet

artist: Lady GaGa
title: Bad Romance
album: Bad Romance

artist: Yeasayer
title: O.N.E.
album: Odd Blood

artist: Big Boi ft. Gucci Mane
title: Shine Blockas
album: Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

READ THE 20: YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO POST-PUNK

artist: The National
title: Mistaken for Strangers
album: Boxer

artist: Joy Division
title: Twenty Four Hours
album: Closer

artist: The Cure
title: Inbetween Days
album: The Head on the Door

artist: The Fall
title: English Scheme
album: Grotesque

artist: Echo and the Bunnymen [read about our favorite post-punk movie soundtracks]
title: Gods Will Be Gods
album: Porcupine

artist: Gang of Four
title: I Found That Essence Rare
album: Entertainment!

artist: Talking Heads
title: Take Me to the River
album: White Label/Promo

artist: The Raincoats
title:  No One’s Little Girl
album: The Kitchen Tapes

artist: The Jesus and Mary Chain [read The 20: Your Essential Guide to Noise Pop]
title: In a Hole
album: Psychocandy

artist: Talking Heads
title: Making Flippy Floppy
album: Speaking in Tongues

artist: Joy Division
title: Love Will Tear Us Apart
album: Substance

artist: Devo
title: Gut Feeling/Slap Your Mammy
album: Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!

artist: Biggie Smalls (Karl Ingloff Remix) [read Carly Wolkoff's editor's pick]
title: Biggie Smalls vs. Thomas the Tank Engine
album: N/A

artist: Delirium
title: Blue Magic
album: Delirium Presents … Heroes

artist: Mouth’s Cradle [watch Mouth's Cradle perform at the 20 Watts LAUNCH]
title: Front Porch, Back Porch
album: N/A

artist: Passion Pit [read Elizabeth Vogt's editor's pick]
title: Little Secrets (Jack Beats Remix)
album: N/A

artist: Phantogram [hear an interview with Phantogram]
title: Mouthful of Diamonds
album: Eyelid Movies

artist: Golden Shoulders [read Caitlin Dewey's editor's pick]
title: Mountain
album: Get Reasonable

artist: The Tundra Toes [read our feature on the Ithaca music scene]
title: Miami
album: The Band Before Time

artist: Grand Salvo
title: Needles
album: Soil Creatures

artist: Sarah Aument [read our review of Sarah's set at the O, Morning Showcase]
title: Couch Slouch
album: Wake Up Singing EP

artist: The Great Collide
title: Far From Here
album: N/A

artist: Sleigh Bells
title: Ring Ring
album: N/A

artist: Pants Yell!
title: Magenta and Green
album: Received Pronunciation

artist: M.I.A.
title: Paper Planes (DFA Remix)
album: Slumdog Millionaire S/T

artist: Devon James [read our feature on lo-fi recording, including Devon James]
title: Use This One
album: N/A

På Labrador kommer nu nytt från ett par band som funnits på bolaget en tid. Mary Onettes Labrador-debuterade med magiska EP:n Lost, beskrivet som den perfekta mixen av A-ha och Jesus And Mary Chain. Här rymdes Joy Division/New Order och The Cure. Bandet följde upp med EP:n VOID ett självbetitlat album och EP:n Dare. Nu är bander här med sin andra fullängdare. Av inledningsspåret Puzzles att döma fortsätter man på den storslagna vägen, svulstigt på gränsen till arenaindie, en gräns man har balanserat på men hittils lycka hålla sig på rätt sida om.

The Mary Onettes – Puzzles

Sambassadeur är bandet som gjort det klart att de inte är särskilt intresserade av att spela live. Precis som Mary Onettes har man däremot levererat några fina EPs. Det var ett tag sen senaste släppet – singeln Final Say som var en av förra årets bästa låtar. Men nu är bandet på gång med nytt album i början av nästa år, och en singel de närmsta dagarna. Låten Days lovar gott, en låt i Sambassadeurs mjuka lätt drömska värld av ljud.

Sambassadeur – Days

Labrador

In the late-’70s and early-’80s, following hot on the trails of punk rock, a new musical movement developed on both coasts of the Atlantic. The artists and bands associated with it shunned punk’s noise for a more layered, introverted songwriting and instrumentality. The movement brought with it synthesizers, Krautrock influences, as well as a more complex and experimental approach to music-making. In doing so, they set the wheels in motion for the eventual surge in ’80s and ’90s alternative rock. History has labeled this movement post-punk.

So what’s the very best of post-punk? 20 Watts’ CHRIS PARKER has the answer in our seventh 20 installment. Watch for new 20s each Thursday, only on 20 Watts, and check out our previous 20s below!

Yes, its another ‘ettes’ band. Even if they’re not using ‘ette’ in their name i.e. the Ting Tings, the 50’s and 60’s girl group sound seems to be everywhere. I’m not complaining, I love all the retro sounds permeating music these days. The Ting Tings combine their girl group sound with an 80’s pop sensibility, and the Noisettes with a soul inspired punk sound. The Raveonettes, on the other hand, have a late 80’s early 90’s alternative guitar band influence. It’s oddly dark and catchy. I had hoped to see them a few weeks ago when they were in town. But the show was during a completely hellish week at the day job and I didn’t even get to a SWIK post, let alone a concert. I hope to catch them the next time. Until then, I’m enjoying their latest album, In and Out of Control.

Although they’ve been around since about 2002, I only recently discovered The Raveonettes on one of Slim’s mixes (see Imelda May post for more on Slim). Danish duo Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo take their name from The Ronnettes and Buddy Holly’s song “Rave On!” In fact, Ronnie Spector performed guest vocals on the song “Ode To L.A.” from their 2005 album Pretty In Back. Their latest effort, In and Out of Control, is the Raveonettes’ fourth album. Their last album Lust Lust Lust was great, but like their first few albums had a more swirly ethereal guitar sound. The new album is much poppier. I love the catchy sound. The songs are easy to sing along to, thus great for bopping around the house or even for a run. The lyrics are a mix of dark and brooding as well as peppy and hopeful. They cover everything from drug addiction to rape and even suicide.

“Suicide,” one of the standouts on the album, has a sultry intro that turns into a catchy chorus. Listen closely though, the lyrics are about saying no to suicide despite its alluring temptation when life is really bad. The music suits the sentiment perfectly, a sexy alluring intro then speeding up with the chorus about running away. I also like “Boys Who Rape (Should All Be Destroyed),” a plain and simple song that gets straight to the point. It’s angry and catchy, one of my preferred combinations for music. The repetition drives home the message and closes with a wonderful guitar piece and then an a cappella bit that comes around to appropriate sadness. Another favorite on the album is “Last Dance” a wonderfully catchy tune with a steady beat. Granted, it’s about drug addiction so a bit of downer for a topic. Written from the perspective of the person watching someone who is in love with his or her addiction. I realize that the album is sounding pretty grim, but the songs have an underlying sense of hope and they really are just soooo catchy. If you’re listening to the mix while you’re reading, you may be surprised to find that these are the lyrics because the music is so fun and addictive. Don’t let the topics turn you off. The sound is pure pop.

The Raveonettes have been compared to The Jesus and Mary Chain, a scottish band that had a good size following in the late ‘80s. They broke up in 1999, but continue to influence bands today and essentially launched the swirly guitar sound often called shoegaze or shoegazing. I only recently discovered this term. Shoegaze apparently refers to a subgenre of alternative music identified by distorted sounds and droning guitar riffs that were popular in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The British music press coined the term shoegaze because these bands tended to just stand on stage and play (yes, you guessed it) while staring at their shoes. In fact, The Jesus and Mary Chain were known for playing with their backs to the audience. From what I recall of their concert circa 1992, that sounds about right. Some say the genre originated with the Cocteau Twins, a more mellow and ethereal swirly guitar band with female vocals. The genre also includes bands like My Bloody Valentine, The Pale Saints, and Galaxie 500, among others. Not to confuse anyone, but apparently some call all this music noise pop, rather than shoegaze. The mellower bands, such as the Cocteau Twins, can be called dream pop.

Lush

I don’t recall how or when I discovered Lush, but it was most likely doing college radio with Christine (see Siouxsie post for more on her). She was a huge fan of all the indie guitar-based music. This was most likely due to the music of her first love, Jimi Hendrix. I liked this music in varying degrees back then. Lush doesn’t have the pop sensibility of The Raveonettes. Even their faster songs wouldn’t be called catchy. It’s great music though. When I recently pulled out their album, Gala, it brought me right back to the college radio station and the smell of stale cigarettes. This is not an unpleasant memory. It reminds me how exciting it is to discover new music and share it with people, making me grateful for this blog and eager to get behind some actual turntables.

The Ravenottes are part of what is being called nu-gaze, which needs no explanation. You get the idea, like all that neo-soul I’ve been writing about (see Birch, Sweet Dvines, or Sharon Jones). This brings up the question, is there anything new these days? I’m not complaining, just wondering. While The Raveonettes are clearly influenced by bands like Lush and The Jesus and Mary Chain, their vocal melodies dominate. The ‘50’s and ‘60’s harmonies remain the base of their sound. For me, this is what I find appealing. They aren’t hiding behind the guitars. The Raveonettes compose stellar pop tunes that are catchy, albeit dark. This unique combination makes the sound new and exciting, rather than just ‘oh they sound like so-and-so from 1989.’ Check out In and Out of Control. While you’re at it take a listen to some of their earlier albums. Like most good pop music, they are addictive.
Rave on, my friends, rave on!

Hear More Music

See Music
The Raveonettes: Last Dance, My Boyfriend’s Back (live)
Lush: Sweetness and Light (live), Nothing Natural
The Jesus and Mary Chain: Just Like Honey, Sometimes Always (feat. Hope Sandoval)

Buy Music
The Raveonettes
Lush
The Jesus and Mary Chain

More on shoegazing
For those who know this music (and want to geek out with me here), wouldn’t bands like The Stone Roses and The Happy Mondays be part of this genre as well? Why wouldn’t Joy Division have been the first shoegaze band? If that’s they case, then what about New Order (Joy Division minus singer Ian Curtis)? They were more of a dance band, but definitely stared at their shoes during a show. I saw New Order circa 1990 and that’s all they did, backed by a big light show. All of that music to me is just part of the Manchester/Factory sound. (Music from Manchester England, made popular by Factory Records and the Hacienda, a famous club there.) And what’s with noise pop and dream pop? Seriously? Do we need all this? It seems excessive. But what do I know?

New Yorks indiepopscen fortsätter att ge oss vackert stökig shoegaze. Skostirrarna The Manhattan Love Suicides splittrades ganska nyligen, och nu återfinns två av medlemmarna i ett nytt band; The Blanch Hudson Weekend. Bandet har lagt ut några låtar på sin Myspace, och det är en mäktig ljudvägg som backar upp en transparent röst i skön shoegaze. The Jesus And Mary Chain är det självklara första man tänker på, på samma sätt inspirerade av Phil Spector och hans wall of sound, 60’s girl groups och med de obligatoriska Be my baby-drums. Debutsingel kommer i november på Squirrel Records.

Myspace
Squirrel Records

1. .THE GREAT GATSBY.

2. .CLEVER RINGS. Designed by Kiel Mead.

3. .CLASSY BLONDES.

4. .DREE HEMINGWAY. Literary offspring.

5. .THIS PHOTO. AND FAKE COUPLE. AND SHOW.

6. .EPIC MOVIE CREDIT SONGS. When the action ends and the credits roll. That song says so much.

American Beauty: “Because” covered by Elliott Smith

Lost in Translation: “Just Like Honey” by the Jesus and Mary Chain

Children of Men: ” Bring On The Lucie” by John Lennon

Romeo + Juliet: “Exit Music (For A Film)” by Radiohead [written specifically for the purpose]

7. .TRADING HALLOWEEN CANDY.

8. .ADORABLE EXES.

9. .THIS LOFT.

10. .BABY ANIMALS THAT GET TO GROW UP. Read this.

I will now enjoy my vegan Thai food tonight that much more.

Have a beautiful day.

Peace,

Sources: weheartit.com, kielmead.com, imdb.com, hippiefroufrou.blogspot.com

Well yesterday was the fifth anniversary of the death of John Peel.

If you’ve visited here before you may have caught my ramble about John in respect of my work with the wonderful Magoo and in particular my efforts to get their second single played on the radio :

“I tried to instigate this radio-play by hand delivering copies all over London town and remarkably bumped into John Peel outside BBC Radio 1, who commended me on my Bill Shankly t –shirt (boy was I trying hard) and promised to listen to the record that very evening – whether he did or not remains unclear however he played the all the tracks from the record over the next few weeks and remained a fan / friend of the band up until his death in 2004 – in fact Magoo were one of the very last bands who recorded a session for him).”

And you may have seen some thoughts I posted in response to reading ‘The Olivetti Chronicles – Three Decades Of Life And Music’ – a collection of John Peel’s various writings :

In one piece for the Observer from 1986 entitled ‘Aural Vandalism’ he writes about attending a Sonic Youth / The Jesus and Mary Chain gig at the Hammersmith Palaisin London (I know it will make me sound like the old man I’m rapidly becoming but hey they don’t make gigs like that anymore do they ?). He talks of the Sonic Youth’s obvious desire to disturb and confront and of The Jesus and Mary Chain’s chaotic and often short lived live outings – “If twenty minutes is the time it takes The Jesus and Mary Chain to achieve whatever effect it is they wish, it would be fatuous to play longer.”

However (and admittedly I might be on my own here) it’s the pay-off lines that really makes you fall back in love with him.

“As I left the Palais I overheard one twerp braying to his companions. ‘What a waste of money,’ he cried, and for moment I wished I were a fighting man.”

John Peel was a hell of a man and round our way he’s very very much missed.

]]> http://radiofreeraytown.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/episode-16-the-hit/ Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:30:45 +0000 jandksmith http://radiofreeraytown.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/episode-16-the-hit/

In this episode, I feature a side from an EP that I won on eBay a few months ago.  I did some research and learned it was bundled with the first (and, as far as I can tell, only) issue of a British alternative rock magazine, The Hit, in 1985.  This particular side features a live recording by The Style Council of its soon-to-be-released hit, “Walls Come Tumbling Down,” and a just-record track that would later be issued on the first Jesus and Mary Chain album, Psychocandy.

1. King Crimson – Sleepless (Three of a Perfect Pair – 1984)
2. Colder – Tonight (Heat – 2005)
3. The Style Council – Walls Come Tumbling Down (live) (The Hit 45 – 1985)
4. The Jesus and Mary Chain – Taste of Cindy (The Hit 45- 1985)
5. King Tubby – Dub to the Rescue (Dub Gone Crazy: The Evolution of Dub at King Tubby’s 1975-1977 – 1995)
6. Junior Boys – In the Morning (So This is Goodbye – 2006)

Radio Free Raytown – Episode #16 (10/23/09)

P.S. – I have archived episodes 6-10 and placed them in a zip file.  Download it here if you wish to have them for posterity.

Halloween is coming up. Although I’m not doing a Halloween show tonight the season is making me in the mood for some Misfits. These guys rock in such an awesomely ghoulish way, who wouldn’t love hearing them on or near Halloween.

Listen in tonight from 8 to 10 pm on KRUI 89.7 fm or online here.

1. The Misfits, Collection (1986), London Dungeon

2. The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Power of Negative Thinking: B-Sides and Rarities (2008), Why’d You Want Me
(This is a box set encompassing tracks from their entire career.)
3. Mission of Burma, Vs. (Bonus Track on the Remastered album), Forget
Vs. originally came out in 1982
4. Dinosaur Jr., Where You Been? (1993), Start Choppin
These guys are TOURING, and they played last thursday at the Vic in Chicago. Here’s a quote from Miles Raymour I pulled off of The Chicago Reader. (I couldn’t Summarize Lou Barlow any better, even though I do love the Smiths.)

Morrissey may be popularly perceived as the King of Sadness Feelings, but his arch melodrama has always struck me as too closely related to handful-of-Tylenol “suicide attempt” drama queen-ism, which is just another way for somebody to say “Look at me!” Serious aficionados of feeling bad know that Lou Barlow is the true master of alt-rock miserablism. His 90s discography covers all the main flavors of depression, from the heartbroken “I could break down crying at any time” prettiness of Sebadoh’s “Soul and Fire” to the abject “I haven’t left the house or showered in a week” desolation of Sentridoh’s “Choke Chain,” and his frequent detours into hardcore bong-rip punk are a fair stand-in for manic jags. (Let’s not talk about the Folk Implosion.) On his new solo album, Goodnight Unknown (Merge), he sounds more settled and less self-tortured, more expansive and less dependent on minor keys—but he can still write a tuneful, melancholy pop song, and the hushed “I’m Thinking . . . ” is as dark as anything he’s done.

5. Liz Phair, Exile in Guyville (1993 on Matador records), 6′1″
6. Secret Shine, Untouched (1993), Sun Warmed Water
7. No Age, Eraser (A single off of Sub pop, released in 2008), Eraser
8. Jona Lewie, The Best of Jona Lewie (2002), The Baby She’s on the Street
(This track came out in 1978, and its just so much fun.)
9. Spizzenergi, Where’s Captain Kirk? the Very Best of Spizz (2002), Where’s Captain Kirk (the single came out in 1979)
10. Lene Lovich, Lucky Number: The Best of (2004), Say When
11. Depeche Mode, The Best of Depeche Mode, People are People (single came out in 1984)
(as you can tell from the last three albums I’m a sucker for best of albums.)
12. Elvis Costello, This Year’s Model (1978), Radio Radio
13. Siouxsie & The Banshees, Twice upon a Time- The Singles, Cities in Dust (single was released in 1985)
14. The Gun Club, Fire of Love (1981), Ghost on the Highway
This album is brilliant. When I first heard this I never heard anything like it. Allmusic has them sited as a “tribal psychobilly blues” band. Check them out.

15. Radio Birdman, The Essential Radio Birdman (1974-1978), Aloha Steve and Danno
16. The Replacements, All Shook Down (1990), My Little Problem
17. Husker Du, New Day Rising (1985), Plans I Make
18. Polvo, In Prism (2009), D.C. Trails
19. Pixies, Come on Pilgrim (1987), The Holiday Song
20. The Magnetic Fields, 69 Love Songs (1999), I Can’t Touch You Anymore

21. Mazzy Star, So Tonight That I Might See (1993), Blue Light
22. Modest Mouse, Good News for People Who Love Bad News (2004 and also nominated for a Grammy), The World at Large
23. Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Tender Prey (1988), The Mercy Seat (Johnny Cash covered this tune.)
24. Portishead, Dummy (1994), Roads
25. The Swell Maps, A Trip to Marineville (1979, and re-released in 1989), Vertical Slum

26. Tom Waits, Bone Machine (1992, and won a Grammy that year), Goin’ Out West

Friday. I despise V – her entire portrayal of the relationship was a lie. No – obviously in reality she had no desire or capability to work things out – just a confused weenie. V is on the weenie list. S is on the weenie list. At this point I can only count these people as my friends: M – S_ – C – A – (one half) – M_. Sad. Sint. Ooh ahh ooh oooh ooh ah ah. My magnanimous self sank. Still struggling to make it through college. Live in a house with two annoying kids – and today white trash crank fiend Electrician Pauly is running around the apartment moving all of the furniture. The man seems to be an idiot – his solutions ass. Help me Norm Abram – send the This Old House crew down from Mass. on the double.

I just blasted a 200 decibel fart here in the gallery – my life is a wreck, I still have nothing positive to write about V. I’m experiencing planned nicotine Deprivation – no coffee, haven’t showered or shaven in days – stapled my right testicle with a staple gun – more like a staple pistol – I hate all people. I am ashamed soiled down. I wish I had never met her.

Great, just great. Reaction time twenty three minutes. Bad fashion. Can’t do bad fashion. But cute. Definitely cute. V was cute, now I hate her. She was also lame. Lame lame lame lame lame lame lame lame lame lame lame.

I’m dying here. You just don’t get it – do you V – I’m just, have been complaining – just as you have been all along – I’m sure you’ve said worse things about me to many other people. I’m an idiot. Total cheese ball geek. I need a haircut. I hate myself. I’m failing out of art school right now. Great. Didn’t bring my planner here today – should write a list of shit to do… I hate art school students. Hate youth, hate you. Sound dumb. I hate girls. I hate boys. I hate children. Why are there two chairs in the gallery?

Can’t sit still from craving. Manic tiny screaming craving.

Stupid stupid stupid V – for all her pretend hustle and bustle she’s really just a flake.

I knew my crush had to come – though not now not know whether I had foreseen it or caused it.

I hate V yuck yuck yucky – because she was mean to me. She dissed me entirely.

This coffee tastes good – almost like cinnamon, toasted cinnamon. I need to keep my eyes peeled for potential cinnamon – no! potential cigarette smokers – suppliers.

Can’t sit still. Manic. Too good to be true.

I don’t care about my hair. I just don’t care I just don’t care. I just don’t care about my hair. No chance that I will be famous. No international chance in a multicultural hell. No chance I’ll be rotten like Johnny Art School. I want out of this submarine, off this train, down the drain please end this pain. Now I am beginning to enjoy deprivation. Depraved enslaved bereaved. I still can’t believe V. What a putz Lame. Lame and annoying. The J and MC were one of my favorite bands in fucking jnr. high school, fucking ninth grade – when she was what – seven years old ?!?

Oops – I’m talking out loud to myself. I don’t ever want to talk to her again.

Fuck you slut fuck you slut fuck you slut fuck you slut hateful spiteful ignorant asshole. My entire field of vision hums blue dots hum corona vibration static displacement two images.

My entire plan of action failed – though it was self defeating to begin with. Knew no one from whom to bum smoke.

Ugly Mother Fuckers.

I have no passion. The passion, and the pain in the ass. The agony and the splitting hemorrhoids.

That mother fucker M_ never came by with the info for class – what an ass.

S never called – what an ass.

All right – so M_ did stop by – but forgot to bring the stuff – ass quotient reduced but not negated. See what you get for doing stuff for people? They just take advantage, and don’t pull their shit together when one asks for a favor in return.

We’ve been living with 21 Singles and Psychocandy for a few weeks now – the road to actually posting our No.18 is paved with good distractions – and strange things have been happening. It’s not that I keep playing ‘Some Candy Talking’ with the daily intention of writing about it; it’s that Junior keeps asking for it. Asking for The Jesus And Mary Chain in general. She can sing this and ‘Just Like Honey’ and ‘April Skies’. More tellingly, she claims never to have heard of Jesus, which suggests she’s going to be expecting huge chunks of surfcore feedback when her reception class goes all Nativity in a few weeks.

Like me, she’s into ‘Some Candy Talking’’s calm release, its gently thrashed guitars and easy to follow chorus – she doesn’t care that it’s not really about the natter of a packet of sweets, nor that it sticks to a formula. Listen to their 21 Singles and you marvel at the if-it-ain’t-broke bloodymindedness of JAMC’s career. Yes, it all gets a bit shinier but, despite the odd loping baggy beat in the shaky early 90s, the whole set thumbs its snub nose at fashion. They were capable of dishing out scuzzily bejewelled classics like this from the off, so there was no need to shilly-shally with the template.

I want stuff:

Ok then. You saw this coming. You can hardly love A Place to Bury Strangers if you’re not into The Jesus and Mary Chain. Am I right? You know I am. Here’s East Kilbridges‘ finest playing their second single, Never Understand. Enjoy!

/ Mikael Nordlander.