A male dominated Mumsnet? That’s this place isn’t it?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/41024387/group-of-men-form-dads-version-of-mumsnet
Musings on the byways of popular culture
A male dominated Mumsnet? That’s this place isn’t it?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/41024387/group-of-men-form-dads-version-of-mumsnet
This year Finland celebrates 100 years of independence from Sweden and in honour of this, there is a three day festival of Finnish culture here in Stockholm. Lots of fine artists such as the marvelous Iiris Viljanen who you will remember made it onto Locust’s Best of 2016 list.
The big attraction for the younger audience however will be pop star Alma who is enormously popular over there on the other side of the Baltic. The song I’ve posted is very catchy. Watch out Signe! You have competition.
There will also be a performance of scenes from a new show about Tom of Finland. Famed for his gay erotica, it has now been suggested that he is now as famous as Finland’s other great export, Tove Jansson’s Moomintroll. One magazine picked up on this and produced an hilarious image of two podgy moomins cruising in leatherware.
My jazz neighbour tells me that Finland has some of the most exciting young jazz acts in Europe.
Aki Kaurismäki, Lordi, Maria Kalaniemi, Tove Jansson, Värttinä, Heavisaurus, Kimmo Pojhonen, Vasas Flora & Fauna: these are a few of my favourite Finns.
Have you any? Or do you draw a blank after Moominmamma, Sniff, » Continue Reading.
by niallb 6 Comments
niallb on The story of a support band.
This is an extended version of a post I wrote a couple of years ago. Think of it as the 12” remix.
If I could have jumped on any band wagon in my 34th year, then the FA Cup run of non-league Woking FC, in 1990, was as good as any tiny little band wagon around. It turned out that the little band wagon became a runaway train.
The date was Saturday 8th December 1990. A few friends had been following Isthmian Premier League team, Woking FC, throughout the Qualifying rounds. The Isthmian Prem was one division down from the Conference, the Holy Grail of non-league football. My mates had been to the home game against Bath City, from the Conference, in the 4th Qualifying round. Woking had won 2-1.
In the First Round Proper, The Cards (short for Cardinals, from the Cardinal Red colour of their red & white halves shirt,) drew high flying Conference side Kidderminster Harriers, again at home. It was a 0-0 draw and the replay, at Kiddy, was 1-1. The second replay (remember them?) also at Kiddy, was 1-1 until Woking scored in the dying minutes. » Continue Reading.
Last week, the future Mrs Japanese and I decided to play a game to whittle away the time during a long car journey. We decided to explain the first lines in a song as a brief synopsis, without using any of the actual lyrics.
These should be easy to guess, and additions are encouraged.
1. A gentleman addresses a married woman belonging to a fruit drink manufacturing business.
2. Set in the north of England, a jealous impresario recalls the moment he was first aquainted with a front-of-house employee at Revolution Bar. Sixty months later, things aren’t so promising.
3. A Rayleigh lies, temporarily out of action, upon the Moors, overlooking the city below. Our lonely narrator longs for a romantic liaison.
4. Two men meet in a pub which is far from empty. The latter of the two gentlemen is privately educated and a wine conniseur. He yearns for a career in the criminal underworld.
5. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise, two lovers are entwined in an intimate embrace. Anxious, the girl is keen to know if her feelings will be reciprocated the following day.
6. Our lusty narrator is equally impressed with the fashions of » Continue Reading.
Author:Martin Fitzgerald
Ever wondered what Tim Farron thought of NWA’s Straight Outta Compton, or maybe what J K Rowling made of the Violent Femmes? Maybe you’ve harboured a secret desire to learn Richard Osman’s views on Roxy’s For Your Pleasure, or Ian Rankin’s on Madonna’s first album? If so, then this is your perfect book!
Based on the blog of the same name, this crowd funded book has a simple but very Afterwordish premise: choose a well known person, send them a ‘classic’ album they never got round to hearing, get them to listen to it three times and then put their thoughts down on paper.
The book contains some of he best bits from the blog, as well as a smattering of new material. Each album has a fairly comprehensive introduction by the author, before getting into the meat of the piece, which is of course the guest reviewer’s thoughts – why they never bothered with the album before, and what they make of it on hearing it now. Mostly these views are quite insightful, even witty at times, but always very engaging. There are twenty three pieces here, all reasonably brief, ten or a dozen pages each, so » Continue Reading.
What does it sound like?:
It sounds like a lot of things you’re sure you’ve heard before but it retains that certain something that is Nick Heyward. There’s some Turin Brakes, then an absolute Country yeee hah song including that thing that sounds like a ruler boinging on the edge of a desk. There’s a smokey roomed piece of swing and an acoustic guitar / xylophone instrumental that could have come from Lloyd Cole backing track. With perfect timing as if some tribute to Oasis there are a couple of songs straight out of Britpop that Noel would have given his eyebrows for to put on “Be Here Now”. To top it off there are a couple of love songs that remind you what an enormous pop star Nick Heyward should have been. Woodland Echoes is an eclectic mix in which Heyward proves he’s lost none of his ear for a pop tune. If he had the airplay Rick Astley enjoyed with “50” Heyward too could be enjoying a revival that he fully deserves. It’s a wonderful, happy, life affirming album that makes for a fantastic day.
What does it all *mean*?
It could mean Nick Heyward is struggling » Continue Reading.
It worked for me a few days ago.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/b?ie=UTF8&node=11301518031&ref=uk_gc_vc_promo_b55g9
(Where is Johnny Concheroovy when you need him?!)
Stray All In Your Mind The Transatlantic Years 1970-1974 (4CD Box Set)
A 4 CD CLAMSHELL BOXED SET FEATURING EVERY TRACK RECORDED BY STRAY FOR TRANSATLANTIC RECORDS BETWEEN 1970 & 1974
NEWLY REMASTERED
STRAY REUNION CONCERT AT THE BORDERLINE, LONDON ON OCTOBER 20th 2017
INCLUDES ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET WITH NEW ESSAY BY MALCOLM DOME
Esoteric Recordings label is proud to announce the release of a re-mastered 4CD clamshell boxed set anthologising all the recordings made by the legendary STRAY for Transatlantic Records between 1970 & 1974. Formed in 1966 by West London musicians Del Bromham (lead guitar, vocals), Steve Gadd (vocals), Gary Giles (bass) & Steve Crutchley (drums). Crutchley soon departed the band and was replaced by Richie Cole.
By August 1968 and whilst aged only 15 or 16 years old, they had begun to make a name for themselves on the Underground music scene in London, performing at legendary venues such as The Roundhouse and Middle Earth. The band’s hard-edged progressive rock earned a loyal following, which resulted in the band signing to Transatlantic Records in January 1970. Over the next four years the band would record five » Continue Reading.
by dai 78 Comments
However, this one brings up a lot of albums I have never heard. I think I only own (exactly) a quarter.
http://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-200-best-albums-of-the-1960s/
This started as I pulled up in the car park this morning. Most interesting – the ‘scream’ chord this week.
First episode was July 26th, so get listening/get_iPlayering quick!
I desperately need ten thousand dollars right now. If every Afterworder contributed, ooh, say, five hundred dollars each – well within your means – I could afford to buy this reel-to-reel tape of a completely heretofore unknown Van Morrison album from ’75. Think how happy it would make me! Every contributor to this bold new crowdsourcing initiative would receive an authentic laser-printed picture of me holding the tape and looking happy, suitable for framing – a constant reminder of the Power Of Charitable Good Works and your own personal worth as a human being.
Once you’ve done that, have a look around the site and see what else you could have scored for your meagre five hundred – nothing to match that inner glow of satisfaction at having helped an Afterworder out!
Well it’s 23/8/2017 and as promised The KLF aka The JAMS aka The K Foundation aka K2 Plant Hire and whatever – are back back back. I’m not on the scene but apparently Drummond and Cauty pulled up in – yes – an Ice Cream Van on Bold Street, Liverpool about an hour ago. If you’ve not ‘across’ this story, basically 400 ‘volunteers’ have each paid £100 each to participate in a 3 day happening which starts now. It’s been pretty clear there will be no musical performance, this absolutely isn’t a KLF reunion gig and it certainly isn’t a music festival. I don’t know what the F**K is going on and nobody knows for sure.
The first event – by all accounts, is basically a book signing – although they’re rubber stamping books rather than signing and, amusingly, participants have been warned that anyone bringing any other memorabilia to be signed will have it confiscated and destroyed. (How about that Roger Waters and Ringo?) Tomorrow, those paying volunteers will be given ‘jobs’ to do followed by participating in various interventions and rites around various locations in Liverpool over the next 3 days. Apparently strong swimmers, guitarists and make-up » Continue Reading.
I can’t get the video to work!!!
https://youtu.be/4M7gKZqgHn4
What does it sound like?:
‘Nothing is Ok, I’m going through a phase’
These days it must be very difficult being in a band. How high do you aim? What translates as success? These days, most indie bands would probably be happy with a top 20 single and a top 10 album, such is the way that ‘guitar-driven’ music has fallen out of favour. Still, no matter what you think, there is always something different – not necessarily new – to say when you’re in a band,
Neon Waltz are an indie-sextet, hailing from every long-distance charity cyclist’s favourite place in Scotland. Their debut album, ‘Strange Hymns’ was released on Friday, just in time for their non-appearance at Reading or Leeds. Its production duties are spread liberally between five different sets of people, including Mike Rowe and Howie Payne, presumably as a result of recording in different studios.
The album begins with a short interlude of haunted-rumbling (like ‘Down in the Tube Station’ walking through the Necropolis) before the opening notes of ‘Sundial’ burst into life. It is a strong track to introduce the album and the first thing that grabs your attention are Jordan Shearer’s » Continue Reading.
Wanting to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of Scotch, a recent googling led me to this wonderful treasure trove.
YouTube as we know is home to ne’er-do-wells of all stripes but let’s not forget that it makes sites such as this possible. Armed only with a rudimentary understanding of video technology an ordinary bloke (well as ordinary as an undertaker can be!) with a passion for a particular subject such as Ralf Mitchell can build a global audience.
For those such as myself wishing to delve slightly deeper into all things Scotch the first video I’ll post below is a good place to start but there is a positive cornucopia of information on his channel, including the occasional detour into the world of sipping rums, bourbons, even absinthe.
Also, a video he posted that made a greater impression on me than any amount of nanny state hectoring is shown below. All quality stuff and highly recommended.
Any other suggestions of similarly unlikely YouTubers welcome…
by Twang 6 Comments
Just came across this clip of Bert I’ve never seen before. Fab stuff and reminds you how magical and unique his playing was. Serious moustache action at the beginning too. @colin-h – doubtless you’ve seen this?
https://tv.nrk.no/serie/blanda-drops/FBUA07002773/07-05-1973
by Rob C 98 Comments
All the effervescent predictable outrage of the usual PC mob, counter ermine clad huffing and pufing, Nelson getting it in the neck in the Guardian (he’s a statue, donchaknow – Robert E Lee I can understand, but come on folks, let’s draw a sensible line), the CPS lady calling for more internet policing of online hate crime – fair enough as it goes, but define?, professional hugs available, stress puppies, Owen Jones, Nigel Lawson…
Madness all.
I’m offended by that Hastings advert. My ancestors suffered at the hands of the Normans. Perhaps. I dunno.
Venue:
near Crickhowell, Wales
Date: 20/08/2017
My top ten performances at Green Man this year, in no particular order:
Laura Lexx – This Brighton-based comedian explained to us why netball is a practical joke being played on all girls. She enlightened us, in side splitting fashion, as to how sexual stereotypes are reinforced at primary school. Why do boys (“outy genitals”) get to play football, whilst girls (“inny genitals”) get to play a game with a confusing number of lines, little interaction, the need to wear bibs and which also provides few chances of being able to strike up a conversation about it down the pub later in life?
Hurray For The Riff Raff – With a set comprising songs almost exclusively from this year’s excellent “The Navigator”, their lead singer, Alynda Segarra, was in great voice. They finished with Springsteen’s “Dancing In The Dark”. According to Segarra, he’s the only boss she listens to.
Billy Bragg in conversation with Anita Sethi – Promoting his new book “Roots, Radicals And Rockers: How Skiffle Changed The World” we were treated to various tales, including why John Peel invited Bragg to come to dinner with him and Lonnie Donegan » Continue Reading.
by chiz 44 Comments
Released 20 years ago today, apparently, so I’m listening to it for the first time in, ooh, nineteen years and fifty-one weeks. 10 years ago, at a press event, I found myself at the bar with the then editor of Q. I asked if he ever got grief for Phil Sutcliffe’s infamous 5-star review, even though he’d probably still been at school at the time. He shook his head and said “Every cunt in the world still says ‘You owe me £10 for Be Here Now.””
So is it all that bad? Not all of it’s that bad. There’s just so much of it. Too many tracks, and too many tracks on each track. Everything’s an ounce too long and an eighth too loud. Noel and producer Owen Morris famously had a problem turning things down, in more ways than one. No excess is too excessive here. Be How Now assaults the eardrums the way it assaulted its makers’ septums.
Listening to it now, the problem’s obvious enough – the songs aren’t very good, and making them longer won’t cure that – and Noel’s a one-trick guitarist, so multi-tracking won’t hide that either. It’s a new musical sub-genre: Thrash-Plod. It’s » Continue Reading.
Author:Nick Sedgwick
In 1974, Nick Sedgwick was approached by Storm Thorgerson to collaborate on a biography of Pink Floyd. Being a long-term childhood friend of Roger Waters, he already had an ‘in’ with the band. This book, blocked from publication for many years, is the result of Sedgwick’s efforts, the collaborative aspect having fallen by the wayside in the mid seventies.
Sedgwick passed away in 2011, but Roger Waters has organised the publication of the manuscript, presumably having finally resolved objections from other Floyd members, allegedly mainly coming from David Gilmour.
He’s done a very good job – his hand written asides and corrections supplement the original text, there are plenty of previously unseen photographs and the whole thing has been printed on top quality paper. It seems no expense has been spared to deliver his friend’s wish that the book should eventually see the light of day.
The book itself is in two distinct sections: Part one details Sedgwick’s early life in Cambridge, eventually crossing paths with Waters and subsequently the rest of the Pink Floyd circle. The proposed book project with Thorgerson leads to his spending the summer of 1974 on holiday with Waters and his » Continue Reading.
I’m ready.
I could have sworn I’d seen this on here before, but a search returns nothing. So, in case you missed it in April, here’s the 55-minute BBC Radio Scotland documentary on the least-prolific of Edinburgh acts.
‘Hi Christopher it’s the studio here…yeah just stoked about the Dunkirk numbers. You crushed it buddy. So, we’re thinking here about what’s next. I mean not Dunkirk 2 – that would be crazy. But where you might want to go next. We’re thinking maybe The Dambusters here. Everyone loved the planes – so let’s have more of those. And there’s even a dog. What do you think?
So, there’s a stiff upper lip B and W film ripe for re-imagining. Check. Only really need to see the Germans in long shot. Check. So no tricky subtitles or ‘For you Tommy zee war iz over’ moments. Check. We’re so over all that cheap stereotyping. Planes. Check. Can we get some Spitfires in again? The Lancaster’s a bit more…utilitarian. Cross-cutting narratives building to a climactic moment. Ok maybe we need to think a bit more here. So far I’ve got – Guy Gibson in a plane obvs but also: Barnes Wallis suddenly realises there’s a fatal flaw in the bomb design…but they’ve already left. So can we get him in a Spitfire doing some mid-air crucial repairs while they’re being shot at. The dog story needs fleshing out – maybe he’s got » Continue Reading.
What does it sound like?:
“Last Century, last week” goes one of the refrains on Blk Girl Soldier, one of the bangers on Ms Woods’ self-penned solo debut – a reference to the plus ça change nature of the black American experience. Timely, you might think, as events US-side last week did carry so many echoes from the previous century (and the one before that). Thing is, this album has been around for almost a year. The earlier version was in my AW albums of 2017, as it was downloadable at the time gratis on Soundcloud. Apart from some overdubbed backing vocals and some new noodly guitar work on the title track, this differs only in that it is the official release. Well that, and the fact that the assorted “interludes” have been given their own separate track numbers – it’s a pet peeve of mine that on so many albums you have to hear the intro/outro every time you experience a tune.
Jamila (pronounced Jam-ee-la – “It’s a long ‘i’ baby!”) is one of a plethora of musicians from Chicago who seem to pop up on one another’s recordings. Previous collaborators Chance The Rapper and Nico Segal (the » Continue Reading.
The ultimate Rick-Rolling, as the Never Gonna Give You Up Hitmaker joins The Foo Fighters on stage at the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan. Whether you like Mr Grohl’s music or not, you have to say his band always look like they are having a bloody good time. Warning: contains loud ‘melon-farmers’.