2019 Meetings
Tuesday 8th January.
Theme: The Poster on my Teenage Bedroom Wall. Pretty self explanatory.......but a lot of RPMers had pretty strict parents, it seems.........read on.
1. Market Square Heroes by Marillion........Tim's 5' x 3' poster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HLez0YHM1c
2. Come Together by The Beatles........Jean's poster, had she been allowed to put them on her bedroom wall by her parents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6yYxyxx4aE
3. Porta De Lanca Africano by Jorge Ben........Philip's would have been a football poster, had he been allowed to put them up and here's what he considers the best football song ever.
Note from Philip: In answer to a query raised last night, this was recorded in 1976. Jorge Ben is a supporter of Brazil's richest football club, Flamengo of Rio De Janiero, and has written several football-related songs. I would imagine that this number was a tribute to his favourite centre-forward at the time, but I do not know who that was. The translation of the title is "African spear-head. "
There was a time when whenever the BBC showed a clip of the Brazilian national team, they used this song as background music. That is no doubt how I first heard it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lp9uZKy6H7Y
4. Blind Man by Curved Air........John's poster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6j4iTgKpOk
5. Only Friends by Francoise Hardy........Alan's poster, if they had existed back then!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOT9KEMi9MY
6. Hey Joe by Jimi Hendrix........Jackie's poster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXwMrBb2x1Q
7. Boston Tea Party by The Sensational Alex Harvey Band........Jayne's "poster" were pieces of a stage set wall as she wasn't allowed posters on her bedroom wall.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G5OQlytdQc
8. Mr Soul performed by Nils Lofgren........Suzanne's poster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vAViqut9CU
9. Then He Kissed Me performed by The Crystals.......Piers' poster, had he been allowed to put them up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE_jOD2Fxvs
10. No Feelings by Sex Pistols.........Morra's poster
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAyrhlomON0
Mystery Album: Love In Wartime by Birds of Chicago chosen by Jayne.
Here's a track from the album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkwMFpTcKow&index=7&list=PLfFDMmTjh4DBp_SWNz3Ec4MIlCu2INGiz
Guest Biscuit: Sugared Rings.
Tuesday 5th February.
Theme: London A-Z. A song referencing a London street or landmark.
1. Portobello Belle by Dire Straits........................Tim's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_LUFvofAkg
2. Warwick Avenue by Duffy..................................Jean's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krcWf1gzXtY
3. London Town performed by Bellowhead.......Jayne's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_twgtEMigQ
4. Waterloo Sunset performed by Ben Harper.......Nina's selection
5. Anne Has A Party by Eddie Cochran.................Chris's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6f5BK3N-xc
6. Youth of Eglington by Black Uhuru..................Philip's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbp_N8VsFqk
7. Chelsea Hotel No2 by Leonard Cohen..............Jackie's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhaPHtVUaX4
8. Soho by Al Stewart.................................................John's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUYCF1AnFOs
9. King of the Road by Roger Miller........................Cordelia's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrhAC0dFis0
10. (White Man) In Hammersmith Palais by The Clash.......Sal's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkM5lrrnq_Y
11. Conumdrum by Hak Baker.................................Piers' selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3omc3Iv5t7g
12. Strange Town by The Jam................................Morra's selection
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVJlOPDiZNI
Mystery Album: Live! At The Lyceum by Bob Marley and the Wailers chosen by John.
In the summer of 1967, I would sometimes spend my tea-break in a café frequented by taxi drivers, bus conductors and the occasional tourist. As with most cafes in the sixties it had a wonderful jukebox. One day, I bumped into my next door neighbour who had just finished his shift on the buses. He tossed me a shilling to feed the jukebox; my choice. I scanned down all the 'Summer of Love' titles and, in amongst them, was 'Al Capone' by Prince Buster. Amazing, so different from all the songs about 'Flowers' or 'San Francisco' (or both). This was probably my first experience of Reggae - although it wasn't called Reggae in 1967. It was known as Blue Beat or Ska back then.
Within a couple of years, Skinheads had adopted this genre of music and it was considered by 'serious' music fans (who at this time were listening to the likes of King Crimson, Curved Air, Blodwyn Pig etc) as being inferior. But I remember the guilty pleasure of going to the Samson & Hercules Ballroom (without my mates knowing) and enjoying a whole evening when the DJ played nothing but Reggae (the term now in popular use). I assumed the DJ had a limited number of records because the likes of 'Guns of Navarone' and 'Return of Django' were played numerous times throughout the evening.
As the seventies progressed, largely with the help of Chris Blackwell of Island Records, Reggae was beginning to be accepted as a more serious form of music, moving away from its Ska origins to a more rootsy feel. At the forefront of this style were The Wailers; fronted by the charismatic Bob Marley and his sidekicks Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. They produced music under Blackwell's direction which incorporated studio techniques far removed from the basic Kingston, Jamaica studios of Joe Gibbs, Lee Perry etc. This, I think, was part of the reason for the rise in popularity of Reggae. The other reasons, in the time-frame of the late seventies, being its affiliation with the punk movement... but that's another discussion for another day...
Bob Marley and the Wailers (as they became - Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer having left in 1974) were at the top of the tree and the album I've chosen (Live! At The Lyceum) is, in my opinion, the epitome of what a moving, almost spiritual, performance this band were capable of delivering. Apart from 'Stir It Up', all the well-known songs up to this point in their career are present - everyone a gem and each one cranked up a few notches compared to their original studio versions.
I attend as many Reggae gigs as I can and over the years have seen (and felt) such legendary acts as Culture, Misty in Roots, Toots & the Maytals and many others. Unfortunately, I have only seen The Wailers since the sad passing of Bob. This album is testament to what I missed...
Further listening: If you enjoyed my mystery album, may I suggest you check out the following albums:
Aswad - Live and Direct
Culture - Two Sevens Clash
Burning Spear - Marcus Garvey
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Exodus
Talisman - Don't Play With Fyah
Peter Tosh - Bush Doctor
The Wailers - Catch A Fire
Also, the 'Peel Sessions' 12" EP by Culture is certainly worth a listen - just for the wonderful version of Lion Rock. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5giyUKZBSJw
John
From the album, here's Get Up, Stand Up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6z0OjBSbhU
Guest Biscuit: Arrowroot Thins.
Tuesday 5th March.
Theme: It's Elemental! A song which includes a chemical element from the Periodic Table which is 150 years old this year.
1. Chromium Plating by The Pink Fairies..........Tim's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5qsach191c
2. Radium Girl by Idlewild....................................John's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW3tbSqgvHk
3. Good as Gold by Sarah Shook and the Disarmers..............Philip's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOqNzTDoSJY
4. Copperhead Road by Steve Earle.....................................Jackie's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhMO9azmKNU
5. Elemental Child by Tyrannosaurus Rex..............................Morra's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQeD9p3_2LY
6. Black and gold by Sam Sparro..........................................Norman's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5h9t8V6154
7. Tin Soldier by The Small Faces..................................................Piers' chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7v5ZqcReLM
8. Peggy Sue Got Married performed by Rikki Henderson..............Chris's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKM06g7U8XE
9. Magneto and Titanium Man by Wings........................................Jean's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTBukDar6vE
10. Think Zinc by T-Rex................................................................Suzanne's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBvLkwoqVgs
11. Silver by Echo and the Bunnymen...............................................Sal's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T6F3hxRqsQ
12. The Elements by Tom Lehrer....................................................Jayne's chemical choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2cfju6GTNs
Mystery Album: X In Search of Space by Hawkwind selected by Tim.
Last October saw the inaugural National Album Day which encouraged us to play our favourite album from beginning to end. It made me think which album I’d consider to be my favourite one and I came to the conclusion it must be X In Search of Space. Hawkwind have been my favourite band since about 1981, so the question was simple; which of the band’s albums did I play the most and that, by elimination, would show itself to be my favourite. Simple.
It actually didn’t take much thinking about. X In Search of Space is the album I always seem to go back to the most. Released in October 1971, this was the bands second release. For me, it’s the album that pulls together most successfully all the various diverse elements that attracted me so much to Hawkwind’s music in the first place; repetitive bass riffs underpinned by the driving insistent “motorik” drum beat (purportedly invented by German experimentalists Can and taken up by their fellow Germans Neu); improvised melody lines woven together on wah wah-ed guitar and heavily effects laden saxophone; a bit of acoustic hippy folk guitar harking back to Dave Brock’s (guitar, vocals and Captain of the ship) busking days, not fully over when this was recorded; the weird electronic swooping and swooshing audio generator sounds; the themes of resisting the constraints laid down by society and commenting on a world heading for self-destruction and, of course, the first signs of the musical genre which they were to make their own, “space rock”.
I see the album as having two sides to it musically……as well as obviously quite literally, if you’re playing the vinyl LP that is. Side one carries on in a similar vein to much of their debut and consists of just two tracks, the type of long improvised material they were performing live at various festivals around the country or on home turf underneath the Westway flyover in Portobello Road, West London. The 15 minute “You Shouldn’t Do That” takes off gently at first with ascending electronic tones before the chugging drum and bass rhythm lock the groove of the track for everything that is to follow. When one analyses this track, nothing actually happens in the sense of a conventional song. There’s no verse, chorus, verse, chorus structure, just minimal lyrics and that hypnotic “motorik” drum beat over which everything else weaves to create a state which I would describe as being aurally meditative. And before you know it, 15 minutes has flown by. “You Know You’re Only Dreaming” rounds off side one with an initial Dave Brock lyric which morphs into some weird improvisation ending in a locked groove of white noise.
Side two I see as a little more conventional in the sense that there are songs with more recognisable verses but still not a chorus in sight. “Master of the Universe” is the bands first song that could be termed as “space rock” in theme; a great throbbing bass riff and a lyric delivered by saxophonist Nik Turner to produce an enduring Hawkwind classic which they have frequently revisited and reinterpreted live over the years. A faded-in, finger picked acoustic guitar heralds track two, “We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago”, a Dave Brock busking type song with a heavier band work-out middle section and one of my favourite Hawkwind numbers. Next up is “Adjust Me”, the band using an android-going-wrong theme as an excuse for some more improvised weirdness before the album rounds off with “Children of the Sun”, a slice of acoustic guitar hippy mysticism with a Nik Turner vocal and a last chance for our Nik to break out the flute for a breathy lead solo. And that’s it, clocking in at a total time of about 42 minutes, it’s the perfect album length.
Of course, the vinyl album back in the day was seen as an artistic statement not only musically, but visually as well and X In Search Of Space is a brilliant example of this. Designed by Barney Bubbles who later went on to design for New Wave artists such as Elvis Costello and Ian Dury, it was the first of a number of sleeves he produced for Hawkwind. Comprising of three folding out panels covered in spacey art work and photos of the band, it presented a very striking and inventive package. But it didn’t end there. Together with space poet Robert Calvert, the concept of the Hawkwind Logbook came to fruition and was as integral to the whole X In Search Of Space concept, in my opinion, as was the music. Presented in A5 size and having the feel of an underground comic, it charted the bands journey through time and space using Calvert’s words and Bubbles’s psychedelic and somewhat esoteric graphics and was the birth of the idea which eventually evolved into the 1972 Space Ritual stage show and magnificent double live album of 1973.
I must admit, it was a bit daunting to bring along my favourite album, an LP that I have become so attached to after listening to it for 37 years. I think only one other RPMer has brought their favourite album along for their Mystery Album choice….and I can see why. One feels protective towards the music and fears it being criticised or derided; it’s my FAVOURITE ALBUM for goodness sake….how can you not like it?! But that really doesn’t matter. Bringing my favourite album along to play at RPM has actually caused me to re-listen, re-consider and ultimately re-confirm my reaction and thoughts towards the music contained within that 42-minute time capsule that is X In Search Of Space; it draws me in and is bloody great!
Tim
From the album, here's my 2 fave tracks.
You Shouldn't do That https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhUKB1DK3OE
We Took The Wrong Step Years Ago https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju6c53y8rl0
Guest Biscuit: Seriously Chocolatey Rounds
Tuesday 2nd April.
Theme: Cat Person or Dog Person? Your pet preference in song, please.
1. Hell Hounds by Ferocious Dog.....................................................Tim's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xDc5z6RzFw&list=PLAoQctTBZwNyCffkgJenvbJDLy3S7Xy7j
2. I Love My Dog by Cat Stevens.......................................................Jackie's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TjhXNMGAVQ
3. The Ballad of Chasey Lain by the Bloodhound Gang.................Norman's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jljfh4blZpk
4. Leave My Kitten Alone by Little Willie John....................................Tony's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlAPgOpzckw
5. Large Dog by BBC Sound FX
Walkin' My Cat Named Dog by Norma Tanega.............................Piers' choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFd97LojySM
6. Ready Teddy performed by Cliff Richard and the Shadows..................Chris' choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOm8At6I4bE
7. The Dog by Otis Redding.....................................................................Jean's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIF5yCjuC44
8. Hell Hound on my Trail performed by Cassandra Wilson..................Jayne's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Un9prxP3Ek
9. Donimo by Cocteau Twins....................................................................John's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DL6Xxly4dP0
10. All Cats Are Grey by The Cure..............................................................Sal's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmKX-VekF2s
11. Puttin' on the Dog by Mandy Barnett.................................................Philip's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MQxzcLmfBM
Mystery Album: I'll Eat It Here by Lowell George selected by Jayne.
From the album, here's Honest Man
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE1Sj5jr5n0&list=OLAK5uy_nDgpH6peO6Y8USUfyVpoU3yPWWLOUnhc4&index=2
Guest Biscuit: Peanut Butter Choc Rounds
Tuesday 7th May.
Theme: Living In The Past. A song referencing a person from history.
1. Genghis Khan by Iron Maiden...........................................................Tim's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcRLbh5CYek
2. Ben McCulloch by Steve Earle...........................................................Philip's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKbErAqZ1l4
3. Kray Twims by Mo-Dettes...................................................................Morra's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGtrOBf27pw
4. Mercy Bay by Fairport Convention.......................................................Piers' choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVIxq9OMDNw
5. Endless Art by A House...........................................................................Nina's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDo6Lgylsjg
6. We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel..................................................Norman's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTnp6oJTn28
7. That Was A Long Time Ago by Nero and the Gladiators....................Tony's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2__SqD8kTyw
8. Cloudbusting by Kate Bush....................................................................Jayne's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pllRW9wETzw
9. Michelangelo by 23rd Turn Off...............................................................John's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utRoOwQUo_s
10. Rasputin performed by Turisas..............................................................Jackie's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLo02AquUCs
11. Wrote A Song For Everyone by Creedence Clearwater Revival..........Chris' choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_ue5gfzizE
12. Alfred The Great by Cherry Ghost..........................................................Sal's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSYdPwn3qIY
13. Roy Rogers by Elton John........................................................................Jean's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKt1ila0E4E
Mystery Album: Family Dinner Volume Two by Snarky Puppy chosen by Piers.
From the album, here's I Asked
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2G_PquyIco&list=PL52RKVKBFM335eooAonmcLHDIwHniH-oY&index=3
Guest Biscuit: Speculoos
Tuesday 4th June.
Theme: RPM on Holiday - Your Holiday Essentials. What you just couldn't do without on your hols.
On board the Albatros, Wells-next-the-sea Quay, Norfolk. No Mystery Album. Two song choices each.
First Half.
1. Cheap Sunglasses by ZZ Top.............................................Tim's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKKJV0Aiiv0
2. Sailin' Shoes by Little Feet...................................................Piers' holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNnjQwEwjbg
3. Footprints in the Sand by Leona Lewis.............................Jean's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBLkbBEfjcc
4. Uisex Chipshop (Tribute to Billy Bragg) by Bill Bailey............Jayne's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBUg5Qx7PoE
5. Heat Wave by Martha and the Vandellas...............................John's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_UvycgoAdM
6. Girls, Girls, Girls by Sailor.......................................................Tony's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nqq1uvsCxY
7. If I Had A Million Dollars by Bare Naked Ladies.................Nina's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8zdNe_l3M8
8. Yellow Sun by The Raconteurs...............................................Sal's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVcsis2G6t4&pbjreload=10
Second Half
1. Big Bad Handsome Man performed by Carol..................Carol's holiday essential
2. A Little Bit of Soap by the Jarmels....................................Tony's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0wQU7fJEVQ
3. Lip Gloss by Pulp..................................................................Nina's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MDpGCTdJxw
4. Peaceful, Easy Feeling by The Eagles...................................Jean's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLmmFq4vrLY
5. If I Had A Boat by Lyle Lovette..............................................Piers' holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKKcNjvxhns
6. Pulling Muscles (From The Shell) by Squeeze...................John's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-fXmS_JmvA
7. Enjoy Yourself by The Dandy Warhols....................................Sal's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaA2kOrGAoI
8. Wade Into The Water by Alabama 3...................................Jayne's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrkXt80BJ6U
9. Leavin' Trunk performed by The Black Keys........................Tim's holiday essential
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyEUroLrh2Y
Tuesday 2nd July.
Theme: Beware of the Flowers ('cause I'm sure they're going to get you, yeah). A song with a plant link.
1. Plant Music by Ozric Tentacles....................................................Tim's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Celz_LSLjjs
2. Poison Ivy performed by Willie Mabon....................................Tony's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5F9TaaZTfk
3. Dandelion by the Rolling Stones................................................Norman's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBwJu3KLXIA
4. Egg and Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska, 1967 (Crazy Bones)
by John Prine from Tree of Forgiveness........Philip's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_owceU3DTs
5. I Recall a Gypsy Woman (Yellow Clover) by Don Williams....................Chris's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyfeshvlZ6k
6. Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush by Traffic.................................Jean's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p43Ct6cFJSw
7. Wildflowers by Tom Petty..................................................................Jackie's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AldoDm2bV04
8. Where The Wild Roses Grow performed by Kylie Minogue and Nick Cave.......Jayne's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDpnjE1LUvE
9. Rosegarden Funeral of Sores by Bauhaus.......................................Morra's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqVdKRa0g2s
10. Poppies in the Field by The Teardrop Explodes...................................Sal's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2AA6KXYskI
11. A Rose For Emily by The Zombies....................................................John's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF55LNrHBSw
12. Crowned With Flowers and Lilies performed by Sophie Yates and Concordia....................Piers' choice
7th Birthday Quiz. Winner: John.
Guest Biscuit: Birthday Muffins.
Tuesday 6th August
Theme: West Coast. A song performed by or influenced by a band from the west coast of the USA.
1. Hit the Lights by Metallica............................................................selected by Tim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=863fYC-Mb_Q
2.Come As You Are by Nirvana...................................................selected by Jackie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLsx7QFQ0G0
3. California Girls by The Beach Boys..........................................selected by Jean
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DR2lvcdKSdU
4. Memory of a Cut Off Head by Thee Oh Sees........................selected by Dave
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F018Oz9zHI
5. The Big Flo (Adios) by Baskery...................................................selected by Jayne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loKIQEvmkHo
6. Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band........selected by Norman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn6Y6Tmlh1k
7. Baby You're So Free by The Cosmic Rough Riders.............................selected by John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkHbCK2EPgc
8. Pastures of Plenty by Woody Guthrie...................................................selected by Piers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2DJvgNlMA
9. Time Don't Wait by Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives.........selected by Philip
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS7xPPcR4Bc
10. China Grove by The Doobie Brothers...............................................selected by Tony
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udSHItTjWyQ
11. Surfing Bird (live) by The Ramones..............................................selected by Chris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmldEWXiuzA
Mystery Album: Dire Straits by Dire Straits chosen by Jackie.
From the album here's Wild West End.
Guest Biscuit: Baked Apple and Custard
Tuesday 3rd September.
Theme: One Small Step For Man. A song to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first man on the moon.
1. The Intergalactic Laxative by Donovan............................................Morra's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iab9YKocUcw
2. Sing To Me by Luther Dickinson and the Sisters of the Strawberry Moon....................Philip's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFatXJyLFUE
3. Moonland by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.........................................Sal's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVagxcG3Btg
4. Moonlight Mile by The Rolling Stones..............................................John's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq4Q69_mdZw
5. Big Eyed Beans from Venus performed by Magoo.........................Dave's choice.
6. Ticket To The Moon by Electric Light Orchestra..............................Jean's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPFwNCIsXBc
7. Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival....................Jackie's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuRCxakQt-c
8. Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins by The Byrds......................................Piers' choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VqqSc3aGa8
9. Whitey On the Moon by Gil Scott-Heron........................................Jayne's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goh2x_G0ct4
10. Moondreams by Buddy Holly..........................................................Chris's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aO26J_Xubw
11. Moondance by Van Morrison...................................................Suzanne's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vo3JznMhpWc
12. Point Me At The Sky by Pink Floyd................................................Tim's choice.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tsi2C_4dpPg
Mystery Album: Searching For The Young Soul Rebels by Dexys Midnight Runners selected by John.
Kevin Rowland, the maverick guiding light of Dexy's Midnight Runners, could be accused of being pretentious when his lyrics are littered with such names as Samuel Beckett, Duchamp and JG Ballard. But, he's the first to expose others' social inadequacies and pretentions with, in my opinion, strong justification that allows him to get away with it. You could call him a hypocrite, but it's not just name-calling or high-brow sentiments; it's down-to-earth realities that he feels need addressing. Okay, so some of them are trivial (e.g. his put-down of people who put creases in their old Levis) but his social awareness is expressed succinctly with a cutting edge. Permit me to quote my favourite line from the final track on the LP 'There, there, my dear': 'If you're so anti-fashion why not wear flares, instead of dressing down all the same.'
Now, here's a man who understands the difference between style and fashion; and he's brought that to this album. He didn't want to follow the 'in' trend of late seventies music, i.e. punk (been there, done that with The Killjoys). He wanted fire and passion without 'noisy guitars' so he took as this template the soul of Memphis and Philadelphia and moulded it into the style of such home-grown combos of the sixties as Cliff Bennett & the Rebel Rousers, Georgie Fame & the Blue Flames and Zoot Money's Big Roll Band. Dexy's retained the energy of punk and perfectionists might argue that the horns were not always perfectly in tune but on record and live they could generate incredible excitement. Rowland, alongside Al Archer, had constructed a line-up which, in addition to the horn section included Hammond organ and a solid bass and drums rhythm section. They were hungry and focussed.
Visually too, Kevin Rowland's vision led them in the opposite direction to early eighties trends. They kitted themselves out in discarded three-quarter mod leather coats and donkey jackets, disparate apparel but somehow uniformly cohesive. The gang was born.
Perhaps one of the reasons I embraced Dexy's (and in particular Searching for the Young Soul Rebels) was that in my youth (mid-sixties) I was buying records by Cliff Bennett & the Rebel Rousers and Zoot Money's Big Roll Band as well as Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band and Stax/Atlantic soul like Otis Redding and Sam & Dave. When punk/new wave came along a decade or so later it was bands like The Stranglers, The Damned and Eddie & the Hot Rods that had put the excitement back into music after the tame post-prog years of the early seventies. As the eighties dawned, Dexy's Midnight Runners were the ideal fusion of things that moved me musically and lyrically.
'Searching for the Young Soul Rebels' is an album that is firmly within my list of 'top ten all-time favourite albums'. Others drop in and out but this is firmly anchored mid-table.
John
From the album, here's Seven Days Too Long.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yfZMEFt4j4&list=PLrQRSk_JRU4UQnMiYaFI9utkEHUs68KV0&index=6
Guest Biscuit: Strawberries and Cream
Tuesday 1st October.
Theme: In Perfect Harmony. Songs performed as a duet.
1. Girl of the North Country performed by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash..........Tim's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je4Eg77YSSA
2. Morning's Calling performed by Peter and Gordon.............................Alan's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Njwb1ZwDvNk
3. Set The Fire to the Third Bar performed by Martha Wainwright and Snow Patrol...............Nina's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8OTzgvLRGQ
4. With You I'm Born Again performed by Billy Preston and Syreeta........Norman's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a0A-UZoHnk
5. Well Did You Evah? performed by Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra..........Morra's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kq1JQUhwVQ
6. Gasoline and Matches performed by Buddy and Julie Miller.................Philip's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCT17rUr_Jo
7. Baby, It's Love performed by Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery...........Chris's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paVuFexekX8
8. Love Hurts performed by Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.............Dave's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBnRfjb488A
9. Digging My Grave performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.............Jean's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhlmbezseJM
10. Private Number performed by Judy Clay and William Bell.......................John's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeuVS6vnN7w
11. Hares on the Mountain performed by The Local Honeys......................Jayne's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAJuhstXT4I
12. You and Your Sister performed by This Mortal Coil...............................Sal's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SWkjRZ3gEM
13. Poor Pilgrim of Sorrow performed by Anna and Elizabeth.....................Piers' choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UChFM-8a4FA
Mystery Album: I'm In Your Mind Fuzz by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard selected by Dave.
From the album, here's I'm In Your Mind
Guest Biscuit: Lemon and Ginger
Tuesday 5th November.
Theme: Burn It All. It's bonfire night, so let have your fire songs, please.
1. Burn by Deep Purple........................................................................Tim's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCnebZnysmI
2. Blaze of Glory by The Alarm..........................................................Dave's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX7K70i-_Rs
3. Hot Rails to Hell by Blue Oyster Cult.............................................Alan's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd-HFlpvpt8
4. Walk Through Fire by Yola............................................................Philip's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2OmfJiSRAY
5. Catch A Fire by That Petrol Emotion..............................................Nina's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAYhxYVvGOY
6. Fire On Babylon by Sinead O'Connor................................................John's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzi4WNdfoF4
7. Somethings Goin' On by Raymond Froggatt.......................................Chris' choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8-4djUEe7w
8. Fire performed by The Pointer Sisters................................................Tony's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZEiiI7FAcY
9. Wood In Your Fire by The Pirates.......................................................Piers' choice
10. Burn Rubber On Me by The Gap Band..............................................Sal's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9FZ0l_P1NE
11. Disco Inferno by The Trammps.........................................................Jean's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0IzF-uaYQo
12. London's Burning by The Clash......................................................Morra's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCw9_avTlYs
13. Fire by The Crazy World of Arthur Brown........................................Norman's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLG1ys2CGcI
14. Bonfires in the Street by Grace Petrie and the Benefits Culture........Jaynes choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkpwdL7rghM
Mystery Album: In Style With The Crickets by The Crickets selected by Chris.
From the album, here's I Fought The Law.
Guest Biscuit: Cocoa Creme
Tuesday 3rd December.
Theme: Review Of The Year. What's caught your ear this year?
1. Where The Action Is by The Waterboys..............................................Tim's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAlv6ZTHQoc
2. Rare Thing by Steve Tilston...................................................................Piers' choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHzPdFgo9DM
3. Tailpipe performed by Snapped Ankles..............................................Dave's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_X6NfeBCdE
4. Saying Goodbye by J S Ondara.............................................................Philip choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WchPdy7jHZ4
5. Can't Stop Loving You by Phil Collins..............................................Norman's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEnUhjmwjlI
6. Rupert The Bear by John McClean and the Clan.............................Jayne's choice
7. King Bee Shakedown by Joe Bonamassa........................................Jean's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT8FwibMG4s
8. Real Wild Child performed by Ivan...................................................Chris' choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEh2rAj_9IU
9. The Martian Hop by The Ran-Dells...................................................Alan's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAUuqpFLLvQ
10. Washer Woman by Levon Helm and the RCO All-Stars.................Tony's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bABpkTv9yxc
11. Rose In June performed by Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings..........Jackie's choice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GkICJO1si4
Mystery Album: Silk Degrees by Boz Scaggs provided by Norman.
From the album, here's Jump Street.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EJl-kWQXbA&list=OLAK5uy_kSfV-MSqecbLl40GCqQo6L1akqbTg6UgE
Guest Biscuit: Scottish Shortbread Rounds