Back On The Chain Gang

Absolutely fucked! think my body is telling me that I am not in my twenties anymore and that 5 days of very little sleep along with copious amounts of oral intake of various things is not recommended for a 50 year old. For the next few days I will be posting music of some of the acts that I saw at Glastonbury.
On the Friday I was dragged along to see The Rakes first by a mate who was interested in them, absolute shite! we lasted about 3 numbers before escaping to see James Hunter. Caught a band on the way in the Radio 1 unsigned band tent. Wish I could remember there name as they were excellent James Hunter dished out a set of superb 50's style r&b, sadly played to only a smattering of people. Fuck me shit like The Rakes was packed whilst quality like this was overlooked. Then a long trudge to see Fleet Foxes. They sounded pleasant enough but did not blow me away, actually I was so fucked I lay in the mud to rest my weary body and fell asleep during their set. They whinged and whined though as they seemed to feel they were not getting the response they expected from the audience. Success so quickly gone to their heads and thinking they are something they aren't ? By the time I woke up the field was packed with what appeared to be just female embryos. Every young girl at the festival seemed to have congregated for Lily Allen. Had to fight my way through the crowd to get to see Steel Pulse. Unfortunately this took quite a few numbers of her set, awful music from an awful woman. Steel Pulse delivered a cracking set and got the whole field up on their feet. Did not see the whole set though as wandered back to the Pyramid Stage for The Specials and then Neil Young. The Specials were competent enough, Terry Hall looked as miserable as he always does. I was well off my head by this stage so got into it as though I was a 20 year old again. Neil Young just tore the place apart, a blistering set of rock and self indulgent guitar playing.

To be continued...

Handsworth Revolution – Steel Pulse (1978)

http://www.mediafire.com/?httmdgtzwry

This album is a milestone in the development of reggae music. It demonstrated that although the sound of British reggae was different to the sounds coming from Jamaica, it was just as thought provoking and melodic. Handsworth Revolution resurrects the spirit of the time; Rock Against Racism marches, Anti Nazi League protests all rounded up with a party of punks, dreads and like minded people in unison! It has stood the test of time; smooth vocals over original dub bass representing the struggle of that era. It was a shame that the band were never able to match this with their further releases

People Gonna Talk – James Hunter (2006)

http://www.mediafire.com/?jvmmxctlyzm

Hunter sings like Sam Cooke and plays guitar like Hubert Sumlin. The horns sound like early James Brown and the Famous Flames. The arrangements are classic, relatively simple R&B arrangements that had a strong Memphis and Southern feel to it. Just as Richard Hawley creates albums that seem beamed in directly from some time during the 1950s, James Hunter equally pulls off the trick of rekindling the vibe of some long forgotten soul album, without appearing cliched, ironic or cabaret.

Off To Glastonbury

Have decided to continue with the blog, thank you to all those who asked me to carry on and who were so complimentary in their comments, helped sway my decision. There will be no more posts until I return now from Glastonbury so depending how fucked I am next Monday it may not be until the Tuesday following the festival.

The Sash My Father Wore and Other Stories – Ballboy (2003)

http://www.mediafire.com/?azwmnnmnnmf

This was different from the previous Ballboy collections - rather more acoustic material and in fact it comes across as virtually a Gordon McIntyre solo album. It's still the same wry, reflective look at life though, with some class lyrics and for the first time a couple of songs written by other people - the version of Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' is excellent. On early listens, the LP may seem a little flat and disappointing but it is very much a slow burner

Peel Session 62 – No Means No - 25.05.088

http://www.mediafire.com/?d0zjomznntm

Recorded: 17.05.88 Transmitted: 25.05.88

Tracklisting: 1. Little Creep 2. Body Bag 3. Stop It 4. Mamma’s Little Boy

The first of two sessions the band did for Peel.

La Question – Francoise Hardy (1971)

http://www.mediafire.com/?ig2rdyjwtzt

The combination of the Brazilian flavor (guitarist Tuca is Brazilian) within the French pop idiom is stunning. Sparsely produced effort, Hardy’s voice is backed by not much more than acoustic guitar, a touch of bass and subtle orchestration. Being English I obviously refuse to learn another language so have no idea what she is singing about but it sounds good nonetheless.

The Rockingbirds – The Rockingbirds (1992)

http://www.mediafire.com/?tjoyimnttdz

Nice Alt-Country from a band that were never really appreciated. It will never set the world alight but not every album can be a classic. There is a place in this world for albums that you can just sit back and say ‘That was nice I really enjoyed that’ without having to declare it as the Greatest Album Ever.

Minor Works – J. Tillman (2006)

http://www.mediafire.com/?qmjxotj5lfz

A beautiful piece of work, the more you listen to this album the more it grabs your insides and spits them out, it’s truly a remarkable album. The title track is almost impossibly sad.

Dragonfly – Dragonfly (1968)

http://www.mediafire.com/?dftw0vnytzi

Self-titled hard psychedelic rock LP from 1968 with searing guitar, driving drums, and loud vocals. If you really love that era's sound, it is in full force here.

Hell & Sorrow – I Roy (1973)

http://www.mediafire.com/?edynrfdtwvy

I Roy’s first two albums Presenting I Roy and then Hell & Sorrow feature I.Roy at his best. Dismissed by many as an uptown U.Roy knockoff, I.Roy sounds very good on these albums. If you're tired of the modern deejay sound and hanker for the roots of the style check this I Roy album. Strong stuff from the past !

Baby – The Detroit Cobras (2004)

http://www.mediafire.com/?mjg2nmyjnmy

This might not contain the same blistering sounds of Mink Rat Or Rabbit and Love, Live and Leaving but is still a good record. That stuff was great, but here you still get the authority of Rachel Nagy's incredible voice, and there's still plenty of swing.

Voodoo Blues – Dr John (1998)

http://www.mediafire.com/?mmbyz1megzj

Some cheapo compilation I picked up from a charity shop. There are though enough good tracks to warrant the 50p I spent on it.

Escalator - Clifford T. Ward (1975)

http://www.mediafire.com/?mkznyfizytq

Uploaded this a few weeks ago for frisiansotherfavorites so I hope they don't mind me using it as well. To you youngsters Clifford T. Ward may mean nothing but to old fuckers like myself it will mean a talented singer/songwriter who never really got the acclaim he deserved.

Passover – The Black Angels (2006)

Part. 1 - http://www.mediafire.com/?0we3ez2gnyy

Part.2 - http://www.mediafire.com/?nqnm2onomwy

A good fusion of rock, blues and psychedelic anguish. Makes you feel stoned.

Mississippi Moaners 1927 – 1942 – Various Artists (1991)

http://www.mediafire.com/?m2tzicmntdm

Skip James, Charley Patton, Son House et al serve up a delicious compilation of Mississippi Delta Blues

Track Listing

1. New Frisco Train - Washington White 2. Down the Big Road Blues - Mattie Delaney
3. Traveling Mama Blues - Joe Calicott 4. Gas Man Blues - Mae Glover
5. Stand up Suitcase Blues - Uncle Bud Walker 6. Special Rider Blues - Son House 7. Mississippi Moan – The Mississippi Moaner 8. Big Leg Blues - Mississippi John Hurt 9. Lonesome Atlanta Blues - Bob Grant 10. Cherry Ball Blues - Skip James 11. Ham Hound Crave - Reverend Rubin Lacy 12. Married Man Blues - Blind Willie Reynolds 13. Two Little Tommies Blues - Papa Harvey Hull 14. Devil Sent the Rain Blues - Charley Patton

Daytrotter Session 7 – Crystal Stilts 7.04.09

http://www.mediafire.com/?u5dtnwyjmfd

Tracklisting: 1. Through The Floor 2. Sycamore Tree 3. Shattered Shine 4. The Dazzled

Modern Lovers Live 1977 – Modern Lovers (1977)

http://www.mediafire.com/?e2ajnbzztyt

32 years old and it still wipes the floor with some of the shite that is released nowadays and called great.

Peel Session 61 – Bow Wow Wow 27.10.80

http://www.mediafire.com/?m2ztyzytwx1

Recorded: 20.10.80 Transmitted: 27.10.80

Tracklisting: 1. Radio G String 2. Baby On Mars 3. Uomosex-Al-Apache 4. Fools Rush In

The only session that they did for the Peel Show. Not surprising, they weren’t that good really.

Sea Shanties – High Tide (1969)

http://www.mediafire.com/?jjmzmzzitzx

This is really great hard rocking psych from 1969. With a delivery not unlike Jim Morrison lead singer Tony Hill serves up some pretty dark lyrics about death, earth etc. The rock barrage hits you from the first note and continues right through the album. Violent music!!!! For those of a nervous disposition may I suggest you stick to Travis . Fuck! I hate that band.

Still Feel Gone – Uncle Tupelo (1991)

http://www.mediafire.com/?k1wm2vyny3t

Still Feel Gone is the second album by American alternative country pioneers Uncle Tupelo. If you've never listened to Uncle Tupelo you should do. The band's ace in the hole comes from the contrasting vocal styles of Farrar and Tweedy. While Tweedy sings with a pop-perfect boyish lilt, Farrar's powerful rasp sounds like he's been gargling with gravel since puberty. Still Feel Gone is an outstanding album.

Live At Memorial Theatre Tulsa - 4.12.75 – Little Feat

Part. 1 - http://www.mediafire.com/?mmyqzzqmyjy

Part. 2 – http://www.mediafire.com/?tzuynyzmm5n

It starts with the taper and his friends saying (into the mic) "the feat fest!" For 1975 and with it being an audience recording this is amazingly clear! A testament to Feat's incomparable chops and down home groovin'.You won't be disappointed.

1. Apolitical Blues 2. Two Trains 3. Skin it Back 4. Fatman in the Bathtub 5. One Love Stand
6. Rock and Roll Doctor 7. Oh Atlanta 8. On Your Way Down 9. Day Or Night 10. Romance Dance 11. All That You Dream 12. Cold Cold Cold 13. Dixie Chicken 14, Tripe Face Boogie 15. Willin'

Science – Thomas Dybdahl (2006)

http://www.mediafire.com/?2zkmzzmoywt

Warm melancholic lo-fi sound. Caught him the other month at the Dot To Dot Festival. On a day of pretty mediocre music he stood out. Hailing from Norway, Dybdahl presents a collection of ghostly and intimate songs here. It may take a few listens before you get into it but is well worth the effort.
Fuck it, sack work off for the day and sit listening to albums.

Wednesday Night In San Francisco – Albert King (1990)

http://www.mediafire.com/?zonu2nmkrzj

Albert King recorded this on Wednesday June 26, 1968, one day prior to his more popular and better known release, "Thursday Night In San Francisco".
However this is sizzling blues guitar playing of the highest order...the eight-minute "Why You So Mean To Me" sets the tone, and King continues to tear through one scorching solo after another. I was lucky enough to catch him once live, closest I have ever come to having an orgasm whilst at a gig !

In 10 days time I will be going to Glastonbury Festival, not really sure why, the line up is nothing to write home about, it is too big and too fucking expensive but have been going since '86 so think it is more of a habit thing.

But been thinking that I may knock this blog on the head, not totally sure yet but have given myself the deadline of Glastonbury to decide. So this may be the last week or so.

This Old Road – Kris Kristofferson (2006)

http://www.mediafire.com/?jwmonyojjyg

This album really appears to be Kristofferson singing right from the boots - minimal production and awash with heart and feeling. The wisdom and maturity that comes through in his voice is simply spine tingling. Whilst his voice may no longer be perfect, it has SOUL.

Roxy Music – Roxy Music (1972)

http://www.mediafire.com/?fmwmtzikzkg

Roxy’s classic first outing displays the homage they paid to the kitsch pop art of Velvet Underground and the trail they laid for punk stalwarts like The Banshees and Magazine. Roxy Music's self-titled album is an immaculate debut, and along with their follow up album For Your Pleasure are by far the best 2 albums released by the band. Sadly Brian Eno was to leave after these 2 albums and the group went down the path of commercial pop.

Re- Up As Requested - Peel Session 21 - PJ Harvey 3.11.91

http://www.mediafire.com/?zrnlg1mztyy

Recorded: 29.10.91 Transmitted: 3.11.91

Tracklisting: 1, Oh My Lover, 2. Victory, 3. Sheela Na Gig, 4. Water

This was the first of 9 sessions that the wonderfully incredible PJ Harvey did for Mr Peel

Supper – Smog (2003)

http://www.mediafire.com/?lzznjet4waj

"Supper" is Bill Callahan's equivalent of Dylan's "New Morning." It's the work of a competent, seasoned songwriting veteran who exudes confidence.

African Youth – Clint Eastwood (1978)

http://www.mediafire.com/?hwgjyiyyimx

Eastwood's debut album from 1978. Backed by The Aggrovators with Sly Dunbar on drums and Robbie Shakespeare on Bass, lead guitar from Chinna. Tommy McCook on horns and also Jackie Mittoo on piano and organ. All the right boxes were certainly ticked, fine dancehall album.

The Complete Bandin’ Sessions – The Gories (1989)

http://www.mediafire.com/?toeynjuznzg

The Gories were a three-piece American garage punk band formed in Detroit in 1986. They were among the first garage punk bands to incorporate overt blues influences. The band featured Mick Collins and Dan Kroha on guitar and vocals, and Peggy O'Neill on drums.

It doesn’t really get much better than this.

Spend It All – Bow Thayer (featuring Levon Helm) (2006)

http://www.mediafire.com/?oj00znijgih

A classic exploration of the darker side of the American psyche set to the tune of a rural, rock steady, soulful beat.

Re- Up As Requested - Log Bomb - Bob Log III

http://www.mediafire.com/?twwzgnjk11z

Dang Blues – Jawbone (2003)

http://www.mediafire.com/?thtutmdymzj

Just get your ears round this muthafucka. Foot stompin' and hollering blues as it should be !

Peel Session 60 – Mega City Four 24.09.93

http://www.mediafire.com/?dkxxzjj0zyj

Recorded: 19.09.03 Transmitted: 24.09.03

Tracklisting: 1. Stay Dead 2. Clown 3. Prague 4. Slow Down

The 2nd and final session that the band did for Peel.

Live at The Rainbow, Finsbury Park London 4.12.79 – The Jam

http://www.mediafire.com/?myhm52nwthv

01 - Girl On The Phone 02 - To Be Someone 03 - It's Too Bad 04 - Burning Sky 05 - Away From The Numbers 06 - Smithers-Jones 07 - The Modern World 08 - Mr. Clean 09 - The Butterfly Collector 10 - Private Hell 11 - Thick As Thieves 12 - When You're Young 13 - Strange Town 14 - Eton Rifles 15 - Down In The Tube Station At Midnight 16 - Saturday's Kids 17 - All Mod Cons 18 - David Watts

The Whys and the Hows of Herman Dune and Cerberus Shoal – Herman Dune and Cerberus Shoal (2002)

http://www.mediafire.com/?tzmgmdeyn5j

Split album from Herman Dune and Cerberus Shoal.
Cerberus Shoal cycle the same fixation with introspection and self-loathing as Herman Düne, and never really change the album’s course, unexpected considering its past history as a group that composes “pieces” rather than “songs”. The distinct sounds of each artist blend as two movements.

Herman Düne :
1. I want a woman 2. Garaje #1 3. A sight for soul eyes 4. Garaje #2 5. If someone loves you 6. Garaje#3 7. That woman is a murderess

Cerberus Shoal:
8. UR #1 9. Sweetie 10. UR #2 11. Bouzouk i12. UR #3

Emerald City – John Vanderslice (2007)

http://www.mediafire.com/?gd5v0mwiafe

Both on a song-for-song basis and as singular cohesive work, Emerald City demonstrates Vanderslice's masterful control of craft at every structural level and his unrivaled ability to make the political personal.

Ma – Rare Earth (1973)

http://www.mediafire.com/?njgt4ojtncl

Rare Earth's most satisfying LP, Norman Whitfield wrote and produced all five songs.
"Ma," the title track, had been done by Temptations and Undisputed Truth but nobody rocked the sucker like Rare Earth; they jam for 17 minutes on one of the funkiest songs ever. The rest of the album is a collection of great tunes that brings back memories of an era of great musicians and reflects the mood and tempo of an era not to be forgotten.

Down and Out – The Sad Soul of the Black South – Various Artists (1998)

Part. 1 - http://www.mediafire.com/?zyyvnqmuzt3

Part. 2 - http://www.mediafire.com/?olmjoyy5jdm

1. George Perkins and the Silver Stars - Crying In The Streets 2. Johnny Copeland - Down On Bending Knees 3. Ede Robin - Dead 4. Sam Dees - Lonely For You Baby 5. Virgil Griffin & Rythm Kings - Forgotten Lover 6. O. V. Wright - Everybody Knows 7. Joe Medwick - I Cried 8. James Kelly Duhon - Heart Breaker (Child Maker) 9. Larry Coney - Mere Time (To Explain) 10. Ella Brown - Love Don't Love Nobody 11. Don Varner - He Kept On Talking 12. Bill Brandon - Rainbow Road 13. Doris Allen - Shell Of A Woman 14. Geater Davis - Why Does It Hurt So Bad? 15. Bobby Blue Bland - Road Of Brokenhearted Man 16. Dicky Williams - In The Same Motel 17. Ella Washington - Sit Down And Cry 18. Bobby Blue Bland - That Did It 19. Betty Lavette - Let Me Down Easy 20. O. V. Wright - He's My Son (Just The Same) 21. Juke Boy Bonner - Carried To The Cleaners And Hung Out To Dry 22. Percy Mayfield - Gone Astray 23. Johnny Copeland - Ghetto Child 24. Gashead - Why Do You Treat Me Like A Tramp?

DOWN & OUT: THE SAD SOUL OF THE BLACK SOUTH captures the heartbreak, loneliness, and pain of the classic soul sounds of the American South on 24 tracks. There is just so much bad-assed material here, almost all of it B-sides, discarded tracks, or singles played only on jukeboxes in the bars south of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Rocking Time – Burning Spear (1974)

http://www.mediafire.com/?znvdteirlho

Burning Spear’s 2nd album for the Studio One label and released a year before his classic Marcus Garvey. Ripped from vinyl, so expect authentic crackling.

Come Fly With Me – Frank Sinatra (1957)

http://www.mediafire.com/?mnnl51t22ti

This is one of Sinatra's classic theme albums, with Sinatra singing at his best. Billy May's arrangements are nothing short of electric and infuse Sinatra's voice with a verve and exuberance rarely heard. This is an album where you can put it on, hit play and never fast forward, all the songs are eminently Sinatraesque and every single arrangement has a touch of genius.

The Heart Is The Place – Goldrush (2007)

http://www.mediafire.com/?z2tyngn1zt0

If you are into today’s indie rock or are a fan of the classic rock from the 70s you should check these guys out. Their sound is unique and a little on the experimental side. Hailing from Oxford, England, these five musicians can best be described as Flaming Lips meets Grandaddy and Wilco.

My Ion Truss – Minus Story (2007)

http://www.mediafire.com/?z4yrtzmzzbm

This album veers even further away from their earlier melody and poppy freshness delving more into sad morose tales. If you’re into shoegazey type music you should like this.

Tangerine Dream – Kaleidoscope (1967)

http://www.mediafire.com/?kiiznwjq1vz

A most underrated band from the British psychedelic pop scene of the ‘60’s. This album though can rank alongside with the best of them. Peter Daltry's fairytale lyrics and the groups exquisite playing with beautiful harmonies and memorable hooks are all extremely low key, so don't expect wild, howling sound effects and slippery side-length suites.

Cymande – Cymande (1972)

http://www.mediafire.com/?wwqzt20hkig

Cymande, was a legendary British group, which was made up of expats from the Caribbean living in London. At the time, their sound was a completely new blend of Dubby, funk & soul jazz, with a righteous mixture of heavy bass, and tripped out guitars, obviously there are, distinct Caribbean influences throughout this, their debut album.

Espers – Espers (2003)

http://www.mediafire.com/?me4mnyzjzkl

If you like smooth female and male vocals, surrounded by all kind of acoustic and classical instruments Espers is the album for you. Espers also knows how to handle the electric guitar, the sound on Espers is warm and full and because of the "contradiction" in instrumentation the sound is also fresh and original

Peel Session 59 – Low 2.01.02

http://www.mediafire.com/?cmx52kmvngz

Recorded: 26.11.01 Transmitted: 2.01.02

Tracklisting: 1. Lasr Snowstorm of the Year 2. Canada 3. L'il Arguement With Myself 4. In The Drugs

This was the 2nd of 3 Peel Sessions that this happy go lucky bunch did for the Peel Show.

A Year In The Wilderness - John Doe (2007)

http://www.mediafire.com/?nniiy3mnjt0

Ex-X frontman, turned alt-country troubadour, John Doe finesses another slice of weary Americana fused with a little spit and spite that you‘d come to expect from this well-journeyed songwriter.

Daytrotter Session 6 – The Cave Singers 26.11.07

http://www.mediafire.com/?hjjzhtq2m1y

Tracklisting: 1. Cold Eye 2. Helen 3. Seeds of Night 4. Untitled

Two Steps From The Blues – Bobby “Blue” Bland (1961)

http://www.mediafire.com/?nmzjmt2zmfm

If you have any affinity for any kind of music, buy this album! The songs are simply stunning, and Bland's voice is truly phenomenal.

Against Nature – Fatima Mansions (1989)

http://www.mediafire.com/?nzjdjmxmyzj

Against Nature was lauded as a startlingly well-rounded debut, establishing a broad territory from the driving single “Only Losers Take the Bus”, to the synth-pop pastiche of “13th Century Boy”, and the occasional brooding ballad like “Wilderness on Time”. Against Nature is a scorching beauty, full of anger and bile. Cathal Coughlan has a voice of an angel albeit a cynical, mistrustful, furious, bitter and vengeful angel.

Aynsley Dunbar Blue Whale (1970)

http://www.mediafire.com/?lnjydj4whzh

Liverpudlian Dunbar had played with The Mojos, John Mayall and Jeff Beck prior to forming his own blues-based band in 1967. His early albums are fairly routine blues records. "Blue Whale" veered more towards progressive rock with lots of improvisation. It includes four long tracks written by the band's vocalist Paul Williams and a version of Frank Zappa's "Willie The Pimp".

Dread In A Babylon – U Roy (1975)

http://www.mediafire.com/?cnjmditgz03

'Dread In A Babylon' was recorded at the peak of U Roy's career, and contains nothing but killer-tracks. U Roy cries, shouts, screams and chants his vocals over the rhythms as if there will be no tomorrow. He almost seems to be as crazy as probably only Lee Perry ever was, but this characteristic of a crazy genius makes him so unique. It's hard to find someone else with such a passion and addiction to the music.

Wintersleep – Wintersleep (2003)

http://www.mediafire.com/?ykzinyvgk3u

Passionate debut album drowning in haunting melodies and captivating ambiance.

The Power Out – Electrelane (2004)

http://www.mediafire.com/?izdztvd1j34

The Power Out's most impressive feature is the musicianship and songwriting skill on display. This album is a delightful musical experience that you really should not allow yourself to miss out on.

Free – Free (1969)

http://www.mediafire.com/?zywat0kjkmt

The other day I was been driven around by a work colleague who insisted on continously playing Coldplay despite my screams of anguish. . When she dropped me off at home I immediately put this on to cleanse my soul.