beatstalk

It's been a while...

2009-12-14T05:30:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I know. Shouldn't have left it this long really but once you're out of the habit etc... I suppose I owe readers of this blog an explanation as to the lack of updates since August.

It's amazing how redundancy from your day job can mess with your head. You'd think, as a keen reader of Affluenza and The Idler mag I'd have been quite happy about finding myself out of a job. However, it made me feel guilty and preoccupied. In the end you just lose track of what you should have been doing all along. In my case, writing about the stuff I love. I also found more work as a freelance, so that's OK as well.

Normal service is now resumed. Beatstalk will become much more about the music that truly inspires me, whether it is current or in the past. No more will it be led by what's topical. (Although some of that might creep in.)

Glad to be back.

Fast and Loose

2009-08-03T08:15:00.001-07:00

The Loose Salute at Port Eliot Festival (Friday and Saturday)

I think I knew they would be. But it must be said that TLS were the perfect band for Port Eliot. For me, they conjure up images of summer, fun and enjoyment that makes an old Monkees fan like me just swoon. Perfectly accompanied by some Cornish cider as well but that's another story. This truly bohemian festival was greatly enhanced by the Caught By The River tent which played host to this superb band on Saturday lunchtime, having previously played a shorter set on the Caberet stage the previous evening. Technical problems I think but still a great way to kick off the weekend.

Having previously seen them supporting Edwyn Collins and The Rockingbirds at last September's Forever Heavenly event on the South Bank, I came a bit late to The Loose Salute but damn, I'm glad I got there in the end. Sun-drenched harmonies, jangly guitars and real songs of late 60's/early 70's Americana-ish vintage. There's even a Beatles cover, a stunning version of Abbey Road's "The End" shortly to take pride of place on a Mojo cover tribute CD. They do it well and anyone who can make a Fabs song their own gets my vote. A crop of new songs is often a cue to head for the bar, but not here. Such immediacy. Charlotte told me later that they are being recorded as we speak, so I hope it's out soon. The "Tuned To Love" album has been an ever present in the in-car CD listening experience and is loved equally by me, wife and two kids. Sing alongs have never been so good. A new album will mean all's right with the world.

Named after a Michael Nesmith album, with a Mojave 3 connection, the band are a multi-instrumentalist, fun, perfect pop package. Another winner from the Heavenly stable.

They have upcoming gigs at The Cross Keys, Great Bedwyn (nr. Marlborough) and London's Betsy Trotwood. Make your summer a bit more magical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcDFyVU52W4

So many people...

2009-07-09T02:36:00.000-07:00

Blur in Hyde Park, 3/7/09

Having previously mentioned this gig on Beatstalk, it seems only fitting that I provide a review of it. Is "gig" an appropriate word for something 50,000 people attend? It was certainly an interesting experience as I have never been to an event (which seems a better word) by a single band which was as big as this.

This then, the Friday, was supposed to be the day the hardcore were attending. Beatstalk's previous gripes about the other dates were acknowledged by Damon from the stage which did provide a good feeling. If it was supposed to be the hardcore, why was there so much talking? I couldn't believe it. During the album tracks, which you thought would have gone down extremely well with a genuine Blur crowd, the band were so incidental as to be background music at times. It turned into a mobile phone comparison convention at times, or like a branch of Carphone Warehouse at least. Oily Water and Trimm Trabb suffered particularly here, despite them being great performances. No, this was mostly a crowd that wanted to hear Song 2 and Country House. To most of them, even Parklife was a bit more obscure. Now I like both of those songs but they're not actually that representative.

You obviously get a higher idiot quota in a big crowd but there were other problems too. The bottle throwing for one. Why? Does it make the throwers feel good? One of my friends suffered a direct hit and was in real pain due to the action of an imbecile.

There were some good points. Blur for one, who were fantastic. What a set, over 2 hours and never a dull moment. Damon is the same age as me, where does he get that energy? Graham is as brilliant a guitarist as he ever was. Alex has always been an underrated Bassist and Dave showed Law and politics haven't blunted his enthusiasm for thrashing the drums.

From a personal perspective, I had a great day and evening because I saw one of my favourite bands and I spent the time with friends, who are fabulous people. However, the wider crowd were a major surprise and not in a good way, as my college students would say. I suppose if you engage with a mainstream crowd there's a danger it won't feel as good as seeing the band at the Windsor Old Trout.

Teenager in love...

2009-06-26T02:25:00.000-07:00

The Return of Teenage Fanclub

An apology: Sorry about the recent lack of activity here. Problems at work don't you know. The stupidity of managers and all that. Hey ho. (Let's go.)

I love this band. I remember being at The Old Trout in Windsor the night they were signed to Geffen when the big shot American A&R man turned up. Unfortunately TFC (as we know them) were a bit late and had to perform their soundcheck during their first song, which was "Heavy Metal 2" from the first album if memory serves. How then, did they manage to make it so good humoured and downright enjoyable? By using the same sheepish good egg charm that has served them so well ever since.

Why are TFC so great? It must be the melodies. Tunes chock-full of nagging, memorable little structures which take root in your subconcious. Most bands that have three writers often struggle to forge an identity but these guys have never had that problem. Although they do have different styles they're always the Fanclub, which, to me anyway, gets more and more reassuring as the years go by. Always the same, always a hallmark of quality then, which isn't often something you can say about music. Don't take them for granted though.

Teenage Fanclub play Ben and Jerry's Sundae Festival and Indietracks in July. They have a new album out later in the summer.

Bobbing along nicely...

2009-05-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

Bob Dylan-a quick appreciation from a latecomer who should have known better

First, you have to understand this. When I was in my teens it was the eighties. Empire Burlesque etc. Not the finest or most enticing moments of the man's oeuvre. I Obviously knew about all the things you're meant to know about. Like a Rolling Stone, Subterranean Homesick Blues, Mr. Tambourine Man. Loved those. Just couldn't get past the shambling figure I saw play at Live Aid with Keith and Ronnie. Maybe my delicate post-punk sensibilities were offended.

Now I'm a grown up lad of 41, I have, over the last few years, gradually let Bob into my world. This happened by stealth though, without me realising it. Before I knew it, I didn't just possess the Greatest Hits and the Collection compilation. Blonde on Blonde, Bringing it all Back Home and Blood on the Tracks were suddenly regulars on the stereo at home and in the car and on the mp3 player when on train journeys. Now I want more as well.

Yes, I have joined the ranks of those who have always liked what they've heard but have now fallen for Dylan at a later stage and found him waiting for them, ready to usher them in with a forgiving nod that says, "It's OK, it's not too late. Sit down." Why has it worked like this? There is obviously a lot to latch on to. The lyrics are clearly fascinating. The music never anything other than thrilling and evocative. Maybe that's it. How could those evocations work unless I had lived some life first, until there were things to be evoked? There's a thought...

She's so fly...blur false pretences

2009-05-01T03:02:00.000-07:00

OK, Beatstalk has had a bit of a quiet April. Blog-wise I mean. Sometimes the demands of cracking on with your MA just get in the way. Sorry and all that. Normal service is now resumed. Well, kind of. Today's posting is a bit of a rant.

Cast your mind back to December. Anyone else buy tickets for the much vaunted reunion of one of our favourite bands, Blur? First performance it said. This gig at Hyde Park will be the first public performance since making up with Graham Coxon. Or so we were led to believe. I, along with thousands of others, fell for it.

The very next day, I read there was a date to be added the day before! Wow, this was a bit irritating. In the weeks and months ahead, we now know they are playing Manchester, Tea In The Park, Glastonbury, Colchester and Goldsmith's College. There may well be more by the time anyone reads this. Hyde Park is now shaping up to be the final performance of the reunion.

Initially I was quite annoyed. Where was the indie ombudsman when you needed him?

Now I kind of learned to live with it. You shouldn't trust the music biz to play fair. But Blur, perhaps the archetypal London band, despite their Essex/Dorset origins, should have played their big comeback gig in London. It would have felt right.

I know it's probably all about money but I don't begrudge them, I thought this band were the most inventive and talented mainstream chart band of the 90's. Maybe Dave needs the readies to start his next Parliamentary campaign. Alex might need some new Harris Tweeds or something. Graham needs to top up his Tootal scarf collection perhaps. Damon is probably OK for the moment, thanks.

I can't be the only one who feels slightly let down. Can I? Hopefully there will be much more than just a few reunion gigs from Blur. A new album would be a start. Perhaps then they'd do a proper normal indoor gig in London to make amends.

Go Ape For The Dukes...

2009-04-03T00:25:00.000-07:00

The Dukes of Stratosphear "25 O'Clock"

1983-1987 seemed to be a time for psychedelic pastiches. Nick Nicely's "Hilly Fields," Naz Nomad and The Nightmares (The Damned's) "Give Daddy The Knife Cindy" and this, XTC's contribution to the let's-pretend-it's-67 brigade. Was it something in the air?

This though, has the touch of real class, authenticity and downright accuracy that other efforts just couldn't match, proof that when Andy Partridge tries his hand at something he shows he isn't a dabbler, he does it properly. However, this isn't just a Partridgefest. Colin Moulding contributed a couple of good songs and Dave Gregory relished the opportunity to spray his expert nuances all over the recordings. Produced by John Leckie, it's a major part of the reason he went on to produce the Stone Roses first album, as it was apparently a big influence on them at the time.

Partridge came up with the idea when he and Leckie were fired from producing Canadian singer songwriter Mary Margaret O'Hara. Mary thought Andy's "vibes weren't right" and that Leckie was involved with "a cult that promoted free love." Well, her loss was our gain because they took a £5,000 payment from Virgin and went and recorded this gem instead, in a backwaters studio in rural Herefordshire.

Particular highlights for me are "Bike Ride to The Moon" and "Mole From the Ministry." I am pleased for Andy in that he's finally able to put these out on his own Ape label.

http://www.ape.uk.net/acatalog/XTC_as_The_Dukes_Of_Stratosphear.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0cl7hP4ZI8

Echoing through the years

2009-04-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

Echo And The Bunnymen "Ocean Rain-Live at Liverpool Arena"

OK, it was a fantastic album when released in 1984. Soaked in beautiful strings and tinged with a fabulous melancholy, arguably the Bunnymen never reached these heights again. So it's with a slightly heavy heart that I notice they are putting out a CD recorded at one of the 25th anniversary shows from November last year. How many live albums are the Bunnies going to do? They're like buses in Oxford Street, no point in chasing them, another will be along soon.

Many people, just like me, loved them in their first incarnation. We all had the long coat, the tousled haircut and the studied conviction that the U2 and Simple Minds fans at school were all just a bit thick. We even loved the 1997 reunion "Evergreen" album and tour, surely the coolest band reunion ever. It started to go wrong with the joint Spice Girls football record "Top Of The World." It wasn't a smart move from the previously cocksure Bunnymen. I was kept hooked by the goodwill surrounding this band that had built up since the eighties. "Flowers" (2001) and "Siberia" (2005) all had their moments, proof that they can still do passion, emotion and tunes, even in middle age.

When it comes down to it though, I wish they wouldn't trade on past glories quite so much. Sure the back catalogue is one of the best of the post-punk brigade but I do wish they wouldn't keep peddling the same old tunes. Rant over. I'll always love them. They gave me some of my all-time classic in concert moments and, yes, defined my image for a while.

If, like many others, you just can't help it, check their website for more details. Either that or wait for "The Fountain," the new album due this summer. Think I know what I'll do...

http://bunnymen.com/Ocean_Rain_CD/Ocean_Rain_Live_Liverpool_CD.htm

Don't be anti-social!

2009-03-09T02:08:00.000-07:00

Hatcham Social "You Dig The Tunnel, I'll Hide The Soil"

Can it really be true? A young indie type band who don't want to kow-tow to the coldplaysnowpatrolfratellis orthodoxy?

The excellent Hatcham Social release their debut album on ADA Records next Monday (16th.) If the superb videos and live tracks on their myspace page are anything to go by it should be an absolute corker. At last, a group who say they are influenced by Orange Juice, Echo and the Bunnymen and the Jesus and Mary Chain who actually have the conviction to sound like their claims are true. To these ears there's also a dash of The Bodines, early Smiths and 83 vintage New Order. The clothes and hair took me right back. If floppy fringes, checked shirts and cardigans are back, count me in!

It's amazed me for the last few years that the early 80's has been such a hip era for bands to name as one of their influences but when you actually listen to these people they inevitably sound like they've been the noughties acceptable face of indie filter. Hatcham Social have the courage to see it through and good luck to them, plus any group who can make me like a Nirvana song (even if Love Buzz was, indeed, itself a cover) must be doing something right!

Get the album. There are also upcoming live dates a-plenty, so see them somewhere soon.

http://www.myspace.com/hatchamsocial

Keeping It Green

2009-03-03T04:17:00.000-08:00

The Green Man Festival, 21,22,23 August 2009

Hippies eh? Just when you thought you knew where you stood...

This year's Green Man has diversified once again but this is A Good Thing. Where in the past there has been Bert Jansch, Vashti Bunyan and John Renbourn, the shift towards Americana and a more offbeat kind of indie continues to add momentum. Wilco, British Sea Power, Peter Bruntnell, Bon Iver and Martin Carr (ex Boo Radleys, as he would probably be frustrated to admit) are all confirmed so far.

The Green Man team (I see it is still "curated" by Jo and Danny of It's Jo and Danny/Yellow Moon Band infamy-what does "curated" actually mean in festival terms? Does it mean they'll show us all round, whilst wearing their uniformed peaked caps of officialdom?) are wise to keep developing the parameters of the festival. The "nu-folk/folktronica/indie-folk" thing seems a bit old hat now and the inclusion of other stuff is showing a real desire to stay fresh, so good on them. Actually, I always saw Green Man as much more than just an updated folk fest, indie and Americana has never been in short supply there.

Tickets are available now. It really is a family friendly event in beautiful surroundings. In other words, real fun, if you really must insist on that sort of thing!

http://thegreenmanfestival.co.uk/home

Mojo working

2009-02-26T01:47:00.000-08:00

Mojo magazine CD "I Can See For Miles"

A quick plug for the latest free cover mounted Mojo CD which includes tracks from 13th Floor Elevators, Chocolate Watchband, Music Machine, Mystery Trend, Red Crayola and Bubble Puppy.

Does seem slightly odd to have no Who track with a title like that but who's worried, with songs like I've Got Levitation and Are You Gonna Be There (At The Love In?) all present?

Kiss me honey honey...

2009-02-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

The Milk and Honey Band "Dog-Eared Moonlight"

Robert White (ex Levitation) and his cohorts release their new album on the godlike Andy Partridge's Ape Records on March 9th. If you buy it on pre-release from the Ape store you will also get a free mp3 download.

If you like The La's, Neil Finn, Radiohead, The Beatles and Brian Wilson, this might be just the tonic to see you into spring. Sounds varied? Well it is, don't fall into the formulaic indie trap! The M&HB can sound like an easy ride on first listen but don't let that put you off, as they have beautiful melodies which burrow deep into the subconcious and take up squatter's rights.

Support your local former new wave star and get on down to the Ape store.

http://ape.uk.net/acatalog/The_Milk___Honey_Band.html

http://www.youtube.com/user/TMAHB

Throw me a lifebelt...

2009-02-25T06:57:00.000-08:00

Wimple Winch "Tales From The Sinking Ship"

To followers of 60's psych these scouse boys will need no introduction, their classic "Rumble On Mersey Square South" being a cornerstone of the genre for a long time now. I first became aware of it in about 1984 when it was compiled on an album alongside (possibly) some Decca tracks that might have included The Craig's "I Must Be Mad." Wish I could remember it's title...what, vague? Me? Still, the Winch, as we shall toe-curlingly call them, have put out this all encompassing compilation that leaves no stone unturned in it's desire to archive even their earliest efforts. Well worth investigating, if only to discover their other stuff besides "Mersey Square." For today though, we'll stay with that track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3BKu9KNIjE&feature=related

(No visuals, just a great song.)

The Roky road

2009-02-12T06:11:00.000-08:00

13th Floor Elevators "Sign Of The 3 Eyed Men" box set

At long last, the legendary Texas psychedelic wildmen have the compilation they deserve. It's actually a box set, limited to 3,000 only, so get your skates on. The Elevators should need no introduction but, for the uninitiated, "You're Gonna Miss Me" is right at the start of the High Fidelity film. As well as mono and stereo versions of albums like Psychedelic Sounds and Easter Everywhere, it has a ton of unreleased/rare stuff, both studio and live.

Roky Erickson seems to be in better health these days too, so good times are here again.

Any band featuring an electric jug player must be worth a listen. The set is only available online.

http://www.internationalartistsrecords.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zJ2U_oowBQ&feature=related

R.I.P. in a Lux fashion

2009-02-06T05:26:00.000-08:00

Lux Interior 1948-2009

Sad news this week. Lux Interior, frontman of The Cramps, has died of a heart condition. They were still touring as of last year, so it must have been a relatively recent illness. This is obviously the end of an era for Psychobillies but they had a wider appeal than that because Michael Stipe and Bobby Gillespie were also keen Cramps fans. Those who love the garage sound in general should take some time to reflect on what a poorer place the world will be without him.

Go directly to gaol...

2009-01-29T06:07:00.001-08:00

Graham Day and The Gaolers "Triple Distilled"

OK, so it was released three months ago but who cares when it's as powerful, passionate and damn it, committed, as this? Graham Day (ex Prisoners/Prime Movers/Planet) and his new-ish band's second album is a blistering listen that doesn't let up from start to finish and will leave you feeling like you need a sit down with a relaxing cuppa to recuperate. Standout tracks, to this listener at least, are Glad I'm Not Young, Begging You, Just A Song and Pass The Whiskey but the album as a whole will leave those of a certain vintage (like me) harking back to those nights spent at the Hammersnith Clarenden from 83-86, watching The Prisoners, The Milkshakes, The Dentists and others dressed in black polo necks from the Medway delta.

Put on those Chelsea boots and have a listen.

http://www.myspace.com/grahamdayandthegaolers

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=c7MlmLfBf_c

Back from your travels?

2009-01-22T00:01:00.001-08:00

The Yellow Moon Band, "Travels Into Several Remote Nations of the World"

Well, this one was a tough decision. If it exists on the radar of this blog it must surely be on its outer limits. Why? Must be the distinct whiff of patchouli. You can imagine a bearded roadie type stroking his beard in approval. Now I loved It's Jo and Danny's ultra mellow cool Beta Band twist on folk and was present for their unexpected morph into The Yellow Moon Band during their Green Man Festival appearance of 06. I expected wistful folktronica and got heads down boogie. Well almost. Jo Bartlett and Danny Hagen are too grounded in good taste to beat the Status Quo at their own game but it was heavy (man, as I am compelled by law to add.)

OK, maybe I posted this for old times sake but whisper it, despite some slightly screechy guitar, there are some tunes on here. It's almost all instrumental and Love Expression it ain't but bits of it remind me of incidental music from Quadrophenia. That might have swung it. Could they be my first guilty pleasure of 2009? Set the controls for the heart of the sun and find out if they might be yours.

www.myspace.com/theyellowmoonband

The New Psychedelia

2009-01-21T02:44:00.000-08:00

Most years have some promise but could 2009 finally see the start of a healthy, new, vibrant and sustainable Psychedelic scene? The brilliant Shindig magazine has write ups of two new(ish) bands this month. One of the strengths of Psych in the 60s was its variety and this is kept up to date as well as reflected in these two bands.

The See See (including Richard Olsen from the much missed Eighteenth Day of May) and The Invisible Lead Soup are just two of the leading lights.

Those who carp will point out that Psych has always bubbled away beneath the surface. They're right of course but you always had to dig very deep. I go right back to the early eighties psych of The Playn Jayn, (ahem!) Groovy Cellar, Paisley Underground, even The Prisoners. Psych has always been there. It's just that any real scene never lasts very long which prevents real success. This was always for the usual dull reasons-lack of coverage, splits, in-fighting and snobbery etc but now that the mighty Shindig magazine is growing in stature, there is a real chance of support and publicity.

Wish these guys good luck and check them out.

www.myspace.com/theseeseeband

www.myspace.com/theinvisibleleadsoup