Wow! I wasn’t expecting that.
Hands up who has watched Let It Be on Disney+?
Me!
I hadn’t seen it for decades. The rooftop is fantastic but the lead up is rather dull in this film. Lindsay-Hogg missed key moments of drama that are to be found in Peter Jackson’s Get Back: McCartney conjuring Get Back out of thin air, George quitting, “I wrote a song last night”, the arrival of Billy Preston, the receptionist coolly flat handing the police….
I would like the Complete Rooftop on Blu-Ray, CD, LP, please.
“Never Again.” Again And Again And Again And Again…
Paula Vennells has completed her testimony to the Post Office Inquiry. In 2013, when presented with evidence that the Horizon IT system had at least three bugs in it, her priority was to “manage the media”. Her reaction to the One Show’s 2014 feature on the scandal was “I was more bored than outraged.”
This contempt for ordinary members of public and the obfuscation and delay in righting wrongs has become part of the British way of doing business: Hillsborough, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Post Office, Windrush, sanctioning of Disability claimants, infected blood, Grenfall, Carers Allowance. The list goes on. All kicked down the road for decades. Proper compensation avoided until many have suffered for far too long or died.
At least those convicted using Horizon IT evidence have finally had their convictions quashed. Finally. In 2024. It all started in 1999.
It makes one feel proud of our country, our establishment, our leaders. Just at the moment that the politicians want my vote, I feel sick to the stomach.
I wonder how many manifestos are going to include a “Hillsborough Law” which demands a duty of candour from MPs. And, if so, how on earth it could be implemented » Continue Reading.
What Did Your Parents Eat?
Richard Hawley (new album out the week after next) has lost two stone following the diet his father and grandfather ate. He says he never saw them eat crisps or chocolate. He still smokes and drinks.
I’ve just ordered a six pack of tins of Spam in order to achieve a six pack. I remember my dad eating Spam. Lots of it. And plenty of bacon, mostly in butties. Cheese, pickle, fish and chips on Friday, roast chicken plus two veg on Sunday. I remember him carving up oranges but not much else fruitwise. We had black pudding in the house but I can’t picture him eating that. Oh yes, almost forgot, liver and onions and kidneys with mushrooms. Stew, cottage pie, pies of various sorts. Pea and ham soup. Mmm. He, too, loved his cigarettes and alcohol.
I reckon I’ll get to a hundred on this regime, even though my dad died in his fifties.
Are you voting today?
It turns out that I have no photo ID. My drivers licence is ancient and has no photo. My passport expired. I have no bus pass or rail card. I have a smart card for work but that photo is unrecognisable.
Good luck everybody!
How Often Do You Stand On One Leg?
We’re all getting old, Afterworders quicker than most others. Even young Afterworders are old. If we don’t use it, we lose it. We need to keep our muscles strong, to maintain good bone health, balance, mental and physical wellbeing and circulation. We should be going to the gym and working out with weights.
There are simple things we can do at home: arm rolls holding tins of beans, chair squats (sitting and standing slowly, without using your arms), wall presses (like a press up but leaning against a wall), marching in place (like marching but without going anywhere), toe lifts (no, not picking up your toes from the floor but standing on tippy-toes whilst holding the back of a chair), walking heel to toe (it helps if there is a grandchild who can join in), and, my personal favourite, standing on one leg (actually standing on two legs but each in turn).
I find the best time to stand on one leg is when brushing teeth, which I do twice a day. I use an electric brush angled into the gum to help combat bone loss. I’m supposed to brush for two minutes, one minute per leg.
I work » Continue Reading.
Dr Who and The Beatles
Ain’t There One Damn Song To Make Me Break Down And Cry?
The Piano TV show returns next week and I’m reminded of Lucy’s showstopping performance of Chopin’s Opus Number Nine. I find the piano is the instrument I emotionally connect with the most. I was in pieces within seconds.
Is there anything that has a similar effect on you?
Sam Cooke: SAR Records Story 1959 – 1965
What does it sound like?:
There is a case to be made that Sam Cooke’s DNA is the basis of Soul Music. He sang with an unequalled style and grace. His rich, velvety tenor, powerful and smooth even in the high notes, was one of nature’s wonders. His tone was so pure and effortless, he had no need to resort to melisma or histrionics. He began singing in a Baptist choir, advanced into a Gospel group, transitioned to secular music, then added some sugar for a wider Pop audience. His songwriting was exemplary. A Change Is Gonna Come, for example, is a candidate for the song of its century.
However, he was much more than a superstar who met a sordid end. Smokey Robinson credits him with legitimising the afro. He was an active campaigner for black rights, close friend to Muhammad Ali and Malcom X. He was also business savvy, negotiating his own recording contracts with close attention to detail. Keen to avoid white “sharecroppers” in the music industry, he formed SAR Records with his friend, J.W. Alexander, and road manager, Roy Crain, to produce, promote and publish black artists.
SAR Records Story, a summation of their » Continue Reading.
45 Years Of Forces Of Victory
Tiggerlion on Forces Of Victory by Linton Kwesi Johnson (6/4/1979)
Linton Kwesi Johnson is often described an intellectual, implying someone rational rather than emotional, more interested in logic than feelings. However, his work is full of rage directed against the oppression, racism and violence he and his community continue to be subject to. He sees poetry as a cultural weapon in the black liberation struggle. His experience is first hand. He was born in rural Jamaica, his mother moved to Britain on Windrush and he and his father followed when Johnson was eleven, settling in Brixton. He attended Tulse Hill School where he joined The British Black Panther Movement and started a poetry group with Rasta Love, creating pieces to be performed aloud, backed by a percussive rhythm. He went on to study sociology at Goldsmiths College, qualifying in 1973.
Johnson’s passion is derived from his cultural background and his purpose is political. He uses Jamaican Patois because it is his authentic language and because its cadence and rhythm has a natural musicality. Its origins in slavery gives it an edge, derived from mainly Creole speakers picking up English from their masters. He worked in a library and wrote articles » Continue Reading.
A Casual Life
Author:Euron Griffith
A Casual Life tells the tale of Griffith’s love affair with music, starting in his pre-teens, through university to a relentless four year stint leading a band in the shallow end of the music business and a final realisation that he needed to find a proper job. As he says in the Preface, his musical career, in contrast to Brian May’s, was one “of struggle, pain, determination and sheer hard graft that led to…absolutely fucking nowhere.”
An interest in salacious gossip is a normal part of the human condition. The biggest-selling autobiographies are those written by the most recognisable names in show business, sport, politics and music, and most of the readers who pick them up are hoping they’ll tell the stories behind the headlines. What about the life stories of ordinary people? Everyone’s story is unique, of course, but the non-famous have to make sure they tell theirs well. With a sales pitch like that, Griffith has to entertain.
Each chapter hangs on the flimsy shoulders of a band T shirt, ending with a playlist to fit on a cassette tape, effectively carbon-dating the narrative. He began disadvantaged, growing up in North West Wales outside the » Continue Reading.
Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! Three Days To Buy Trump Gold Top Sneakers
Mr Trump has a few outgoings staking up. These sneakers must have taken hours to plan – gold, of course, stars and stripes, naturally, red soles, what else, and hefty price tag, just $399. Yet, they are launched at the end of a week in which he was found guilty of fraud and fined hundreds of millions of dollars. An inevitable appeal won’t delay payment. The court will still collect the money, keep it safe and return it if he wins his appeal.
It’s been an entertaining week, watching The Don turn purple. My personal favourite is bitterly complaining his campaign is being ruined by having to attend court when he uses every appearance as a stage to launch his pitch to the American public through all the gathered microphones and cameras. Plus, he isn’t actually obliged to attend, he chooses to.
I would have laughed at his demand that NATO countries should pay their bills (he is, himself, a notorious non-bill payer) but, somehow, it wasn’t funny.
It’s all going to end in tears. A second Trump presidency will be dreadful but, if he loses, there will be riots, violence and another insurrection. The Republicans are in thrall » Continue Reading.
I Am Damo Suzuki No More
Obituary
One of the greatest ever frontpersons has joined the Watch Tower in the Sky
Aston “Family Man” Barrett R.I.P.
Obituary
The great reggae bassist has gone to rejoin Bob Marley and the other Wailers. He played with almost every reggae or dub great, including Lee Perry, Burning Spear and Yabby You
In Praise Of Radio Four
I’ve recently stopped listening to Radio5Live for three reasons. A particular presenter, whom I find annoyingly self-indulgent, has become more prominent, I’ve grown tired of one football pundit’s schtick and there is just way too much Premier League. I might dip in for tennis and I do enjoy Fighting Talk much more these days.
However, I have discovered the breadth of Radio Four’s quality. It’s a very soothing voice with news, old fashioned weather, politics, plenty of comedy, interesting investigative pieces and familiar magazines. I hate gardening but Gardeners World turns out to be fascinating. The debates remain calm and measured.
I used to think Radio Four was for old people, probably when my mum was still in her twenties! Now, I’m officially “elderly” at sixty-five and Radio Four is perfect.
45 Years Of We Are Family
Tiggerlion on We Are Family by Sister Sledge released 22/01/1979
Nile Rodgers is fond of saying that those who invested ten dollars in Chic enjoyed million dollar returns. Jerry L. Greenberg, the president of Atlantic Records, wanted to maximise his investment in 1978, when Disco was at its peak and Chic were the best selling act on his label. He suggested that Bernard Edwards and Rodgers wrote and produced albums for others on his roster, including The Rolling Stones and Bette Midler. A few tracks on Some Girls flirted with Disco and Bette Midler’s recent Best Of failed to enter the charts. At the time, Edwards and Rodgers were nervous of working with such iconic performers. They were concerned that any success would not be credited to Chic but they’d be the first in the firing line if things went wrong. Perhaps, an act less well known might be a better place to start, someone who really did need a helping hand. Greenberg had the perfect group in mind.
Sister Sledge are genuine siblings from Philadelphia: Debra, Joni, Kim and Kathy Sledge. Their parents used to tread the boards, Edwin as a tap dancer and Florez as an actress, but » Continue Reading.
At Last! CDs are back.
The Afterword Reissues, Archival & Historical Releases of 2023 Results
The Black Crowes – The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion Deluxe Reissue
What does it sound like?:
George Drakoulias is responsible for much of The Black Crowes’ sound and their early success. He signed The Black Crowes to a new, Rock orientated label, Rick Rubin’s Def American Recordings, and produced their breakthrough albums. Hearing a texture of Rod Stewart in Chris Robinson’s voice, he introduced the band to the music of The Faces and Humble Pie and persuaded them to cover Rolling Stones’ songs. Their debut was released in 1990 just as Grunge galvanised the Rock market and sold five million copies in the USA within two years. The pressure was on for a follow up. The core band of Chris Robinson, vocals, brother Rich, guitar, Johnny Colt, bass, and Steve Gorman, drums, was supplement by two new members, Marc Ford, guitar, and Eddie Harsch, plus female backing singers, Barbara Mitchell and Taj Harmon. The album was recorded in eight days.
The sepia toned cover art, echoing The Band, promises a return to roots rock. The title reminds us that The Black Crowes are originally from Georgia. The Southern Harmony is an annotated hymn book, compiled by William Walker in 1835, that was often the only exposure people had to written » Continue Reading.
The Afterword Reissues, Historical & Archival Poll 2023
The OP is self explanatory. This poll is for old material reissued or newly released in 2023.
You can vote for a maximum of ten. Post your favourite at the top. Ten points for number one, one point for number ten. Artist to the left, title to the right. See my list as an example.
Mods, please pin to the top of the forum.
Closing date 31st December.
Thank you.
Peter Gabriel – I/O
What does it sound like?:
Peter Gabriel is an intelligent man who retains his curiosity about the world and how we all fit in it together. He remains passionate about nature and climate change, global inequalities, mortality, personal relationships and the redemption to be found in love. He enjoys cutting-edge technology, takes as much care of the visuals as the sound, is drawn to the tones and rhythms of non-Western music and is fascinated by psychotherapy and the possibility of a profound, emotional performance resulting in a kind of catharsis.
He began recording I/O more than twenty years ago, with the intention of following 2002’s Up by 2004. At one point, he had 150 songs on the go. He got waylaid by Womad projects, films, a covers album, string versions of old songs, soundtracks, tours and family illness. As he points out in one of the songs, time slipped in the mirror. To be fair, he only properly settled in a studio with a band in Autumn 2021 to work on 23 songs, then whittled down to twelve. You will have heard them all already. Each track has been released digitally on a full moon, and an alternative » Continue Reading.
Thoughts On Red And Blue
Both these sets have been expanded into triple LPs with Giles Martin remix versions.
Red is a triumph for Peter Jackson’s MAL technology that can pick apart the individual elements from recordings made on very few tracks. The first two Beatles albums were recorded on two tracks, upgrading to four by 1964. Abbey Road was slow in introducing eight until 1968. MAL has enabled Giles and his team to remix the 1962-1966 period in stereo. The results are spectacular. The band really rock in the early days, becoming increasingly sophisticated by 1965. The Rubber Soul songs are absolutely beautiful, light and airy. The big winner throughout is Ringo but all the elements, vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards sound so much better. The strings on Yesterday are gorgeous. She Loves You is the only one that isn’t so good, but that’s more likely due to difficulties finding a decent source to apply MAL to. You can quibble about song selection. If I was breaking Allen Klein’s original no-covers rule, I’d choose Twist & Shout, Long Tall Sally (this EP is not otherwise represented) and Act Naturally (Ringo should have two songs on a set this big, and it suits his character perfectly). » Continue Reading.
Bryan Ferry – Mamouna/Horoscope
What does it sound like?:
Mamouna is the apotheosis of solo Ferry. Its sound is almost obscenely opulent, the grooves are graceful, and the voice is yearning. If you are not paying attention, the music is so sleek it can slip by unnoticed. Both Nile Rogers and Brian Eno, never shy of a spotlight, are remarkably restrained with their contributions. There are no real choruses. Desdemona and Toil and Trouble are mentioned in the lyrics but the words are the opposite of Shakespeare, being sparse and opaque. They seem to function as abstract sounds for Ferry to sing. In 1994, Mamouna struggled to gain traction just as Britpop and the edgy dance music of the likes of Underworld captured the mood in the UK. Youthful energy was valued much more than mature sophistication.
However, it is an album that seeps into your consciousness subliminally. Subtle details reveal themselves over time. The tunes are stronger than they first seem and countermelodies creep up unexpectedly. The rhythms are deceptively complex, the ten songs effectively making a single suite, set in a rich soundscape, ebbing and flowing beautifully on a bed of immaculate musicianship. Ferry’s vocal performance across the whole set » Continue Reading.
Public Enemy – It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
What does it sound like?:
It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back is the best Rap ever made. More than that, it is one of the greatest albums of any kind. Released in 1988, during Rap’s first golden age, it is stunning both sonically and in the challenge it laid down to its listeners. Driven by rage but sustained by belief, Chuck D’s booming raps are punctuated by Flavor Fav’s waspish buzzing, together painting a picture of life in America for black youth that is still as dispiriting and as vivid today. The imagery is military and incendiary, extending to the stage uniforms and their cross-hair logo, but there isn’t any of the uzi fetishism or misogyny of their debut. This is serious business, tackling real-life issues such as crack addiction, conscientious objection, a loaded justice system, black self sufficiency and junk TV. However, the real revolution is in the sonic assault. Hank and Keith Shocklee, Chuck D and Eric Sadler, otherwise known as The Bomb Squad, create a dense thicket of sound full of barbs, interweaving multiple samples from a breathtaking array of sources, from political speeches, forgotten James Brown’s rhythms to a Slayer thrash » Continue Reading.
Kirsty MacColl – See That Girl: A Kirsty MacColl Anthology
What does it sound like?:
Kirsty MacColl is a darling of The Afterword but not particularly well known in the real world. Her biggest hit was guesting on The Pogues’ Fairytale Of New York but how many listeners to that song can name the woman who plays the role of curmudgeonly wife? There may well be more U2 fans aware that she sequenced The Joshua Tree than have actually listened to her songs. French And Saunders obsessives probably wouldn’t recognise her despite her frequent appearances in the video skits. Her career is littered with mishaps and near misses. Her first single, They Don’t Know, attracted a good deal of airplay but sales were thwarted by a distributors strike and it failed to chart. She suffered crippling stage fright and went through a long period of writer’s block. She released five studio albums in her lifetime for four different record companies. When Stiff Records went bust, no-one picked up her contract from the receiver and she had to make a living providing backing vocals for others. It helped that her husband was producer Steve Lillywhite. Her last album, Tropical Brainstorm, was certified Gold in the UK but, nevertheless, her label » Continue Reading.