Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Show # 176 - 2007 Highlights

This week I played a selection of older material with some of what I thought were the best releases of 2007. The Following are some of my top favourites:

White Stripes - Icky Thump

This is the follow up release to 2005's Get Behind Me Satan. This album picks up where Elephant left off and where Get Behind Me Satan never went. Overall the album is a mix of De Stijl and Elephant White Stripes. The White Stripes also cut their tour short. It appears that they might not tour again, but they may still record. They just released The Conquest EP.

Favourite Tracks:
You Don't Know What Love Is (You Just Do As You're Told)
Bone Broke
Effect and Cause
White Stripes - Conquest (Music Video)


The Hives - The Black and White Album

This album was the follow up to 2004's Tyrannosaurus Hives, which I loved. Overall, the album isn't as good as the previous two, but I still love it. The song is a mix of rock Hives numbers with experimentation. We hear The Hives do disco and funk, as well as play around with synthesizers and piano. The Hives can still rock like nobody else, they just also tried something else to prevent being stale.

Favourite Tracks:
Hey Little World
You Dress Up For Armageddon
Bigger Hole To Fill
The Hives - Tick Tick Boom (Music Video)


Dead 60s - Time To Take Sides

Dead 60s sophomore release shows them jumping into a more new wave and rock direction and jumping out of the dub/reggae direction of their first self titled release. The album produced by David Kahne (The Strokes) is a good album, there are elements of the old and new Dead 60s here.

Favourite Tracks:
Start A War
All Over By Midnight
Liar


Queens of the Stone Age - Era Vulgaris 

This was the anticipated release following 2005's Lullabies to Paralyze. While the last album seems to have more new wave influences, Era Vulgaris drew in elements of punk and old Queens of the Stone Age (Rated R). Upon first listen I did not like this album, but it is really good filled with awesome Queens of the Stone Age style riffs.

Favourite Tracks:
Sick, Sick, Sick
3's & 7's
                                           Make It Wit Chu
                                           QOTSA - Make It Wit Chu (Music Video)


Other interesting releases of 2007 included Your Favorite Worst Nightmare by Arctic Monkeys and Carbon/Silicon (Mick Jones' new band) Last Post. I also played a new song by Pearl Jam "Santa God" which can be found on the recent 2007 Ten Club Christmas single and Radiohead's "Banger's n' Mash" which can be found on the bonus disc of their new album In Rainbows.

Play List:

1. The Who – Out in the Street
2. Standells – Medication
3. Northwest Company – 8 Hour Day
4. Them – I’m Gonna Dress in Black (Version 1)
5. The Kinks – I Need You
6. Neil Young – Spirit Road
7. Stooges – Greedy Awful People
8. White Stripes – Rag & Bone
9. Young Rival – Dead End Scene
10. The Furies – What Do You Want Me To Do
11. Sinners – No Brains Required
12. Extroverts – Living in Poverty
13. Vertical Struts - Stab, Stab, Stab
14. Gruesomes – Whirlpool
15. Generation X – Friday’s Angels
16. Klark Kent – Thrills
17. Arctic Monkeys – The Bad Thing
18. Fiction Plane – Death Machine
19. The Hives – Try it Again
20. Queens of the Stone Age – Battery Acid
21. Carbon/Silicon – The Whole Truth
22. Radiohead – Bangers n’ Mash
23. Pearl Jam – Santa God
24. Dead 60s – All Over By Midnight
25. Dirty Pretty Things – 9 Lives

Friday, December 21, 2007

Show # 175

Hey I returned this week with my show after being on hiatus for 2 weeks. Be sure to tune in next week for yet another show, and the last show of 2007!!!

The Play List:

1. Elvis Costello & the Attractions – (I don’t want to go to) Chelsea
2. The Diodes – Noise
3. White Stripes – Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine
4. The Saints – No Time
5. Modernettes – Surf City Strangler (Live)
6. Buzzcocks – Boredom
7. Teenage Head – Picture My Face
8. Ugly Ducklings – Nothin'
9. Undertones – You’ve Got My Number So Why Don’t You Use It
10. Dirty Pretty Things – Doctors and Dealers
11. Ramones – I’m Against It
12. Richard Hell & The Voidoids – Blank Generation
13. Dead 60’s – Soul Survivor
14. The Piranhas – Green Don’t Suit Me
15. The Shades – New Clientele
16. Enigmas – Teenage Barnacle
17. The Scavengers – True Love
18. The Features – City Scenes
19. The D4 – Exit to the City
20. The Clash – Car Jamming
21. Iggy Pop – Tell Me a Story
22. The Hives – No Pun Intended
23. Ride Theory – Great White Sharks
24. Television – Guiding Light
25. The Rapture – Crimson Red
26. Pointed Sticks – What Do You Want Me to Do
27. Gang of Four – Damaged Goods

Friday, December 14, 2007

Show # 174

This week I had yet another fill in for the radio show. Chris White host of the show I Am Collecting Beautiful Things did a really good job, playing a lot of new and obscure bands this week; His show is on Thursdays at 2:30-4:00 PM. As for me I should return after next weeks show.

The Play List:

1. Beowulf - Taste The Steel
2. Audionom - And You Said I Was the Only One
3. Fake Cops - Schimatar Fight
4. Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - '78 Style
5. Fatal Flying Guilloteens - Charts
6. Backyard Babies - UFO Romeo
7. Bamboo Kids - Caught In New York City
8. The Ex-Boyfriends - 9:30 In The Afternoon
9. Flash Bastard - Street Fight Summer
10. The Black Halos - B.S.F.
11. New Town Animals - Acme Rebel
12. Bell - 12:48
13. The Horrors - Little Victories
14. Verbena - Submissionary
15. Sick Of It All - Insurrection
16. Raincoats - Fairytale In The Supermarket
17. Madcowboys - Rock n Roll
18. Sudden Infant Dance Syndrome - Davidian Branch
19. Sixty Stories - Bails
20. The Pop Shove-Its - Off The Rails
21. Simply Saucer - Little Sally (demo)
22. Small Faces - E To D
23. Hot Snakes - Past Lives
24. Big Black - Bad Penny
25. Zeke - Daytime Dilemma
26. The Rebel Spell - Bring Em In

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Show # 173

Hey this week I had a fill-in for my show, Robin of Stage Diving Live! She did an excellent job, her show is on CJAM Thursdays from 6-7 PM. Next week I will have another guest host.

The Play List:

1. Modernettes - Barbra
2. Iggy Pop - Knocking 'Em Down
3. Iggy Pop - Drop A Hook
4. Talking Heads - Sax And Violins
5. Sudden Infant Dance Syndrome - 2 Many babes
6. Diodes - Behind Those Eyes
7. Pixies - Planet Of Sound
8. Flaming Lips - It Overtakes Me
9. LCD Soundsystem - Disco Infiltration
10. Teenage Head - Picture My Face
11. The Cramps - Can Your Pussy Do The Dog?
12. The Cramps - Bikini Girls With Machine Guns
13. Pointed Sticks - Real Thing
14. The Ex-Boyfriends - Chinese New Year in Vancouver
15. The Blind Shake - Been Young
16. Wire - I Am the Fly
17. Ramones - I Wanted Everything
18. Tanore El Pande - Coda Duo
19. Sex Pistols - EMI
20. Primus - John The Fisherman
21. Primus - Golden Boy
22. Magneta Lane - Mare of the Night
23. Electrelane - Spartakiade
24. Polaris - Hey Sandy aka Pete and Pete Intro
25. Magazine - Model Worker
26. Elvis Costello & The Attractions - Moods For Moderns
27. Nick Lowe - Heart of the City

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

I Get Along ...The Libertines Story... Show # 172

The Libertines formed in 2001 and came from England. They were seen as another garage rock band, being lumped into the garage rock revival bands at the time (The Strokes, Vines, Hives), but were a little different. The two main writers of the band were Carl Barat (guitar/vocals) and Pete Doherty (guitar/vocals). Other members joined too, John Hassell (bass) and Gary Powell (drums); Initially the band had a much older drummer, Paul Dufor who was replaced by Powell. The band initally was called The Strands, then considered being called The Albions before settling on The LIbertines; The name came from Marquis de Sade's Lust of the Libertine. The band received critical acclaim from the UK from NME when their first single "What A Waster" entered the UK top 40 Charts, they were labelled the next big thing.



In 2002, Up The Bracket was released. This album was produced by The Clash's Mick Jones. The album also did well chartwise, in the UK. The band would go through numerous fights and arguments, due to Doherty's on going drug problem, which would get more publicity than the bands music. Up The Bracket displayed the Libertines musical style, which was a mix of Brit Pop, Punk, and Mod music. The band came out with an original sound, before they got way over hyped. Barat and Doherty shared song writing credits Ala Lennon and McCartney or Strummer and Jones. Barat's style was more punk and garage influenced while Doherty's was more pop influenced.

As the band toured Doherty's drug problems increased, creating more problems within the band. While in New York in 2003, the band recorded what was known as the Babyshambles Sessions. During this time Barat would leave during the sessions, which were intended to be for the bands second album. The sessions were made available for free via the Internet on a fansite, which was a request made by Doherty himself. The band would then release the single "Don't Look Back" into the Sun", which would reach number 11 on the UK charts. Tensions rised and Doherty broke into Barat's apartment, resulting in his arrest. After serving some time in jail, the band got back together and played a few shows, they would also begin working on material for their second album.

In 2004, The Libertines was released. Again produced by Mick Jones this album would be the last from the band. Doherty proved to be unreliable due to drug related issues and his other band Babyshambles. The band had scheduled gigs, but would have a replacement guitar player for Doherty to make up for his absence, Anthony Rossamando. The band still did well in the UK with the single "Can't Stand Me Now" reaching number 2 on the UK charts, but the band was essentially over. After fulfilling tour commitments, the band called it quits in 2004. Doherty had his other band Babyshambles and Barat would eventually form his new band Dirty Pretty Things in 2005.

The Libertines were a band that could have broken in America, but when the time came they were no more. Dirty Pretty Things released Waterloo to Anywhere in 2006 and Romance At Short Notice in 2008. Babyshambles Doherty's band, has two full length albums Down in Albion, and most recently Shotter's Nation. Barat and Doherty have spoken since the break up and even played a one off gig in April of 2007, but have not reunited. In October of 2007 a best of Libertines compilation was released titled Time For Heroes. For more information on these bands you can visit the Libertines website, Babyshambles website, or the Dirty Pretty Things website.

The Play List:

1. MC5 – Baby won’t Ya
2. Normals – Almost Ready (78 Demo)
3. Undertones – So Close
4. Shades – New Clientele
5. Young Canadians – Well, Well, Well
6. Spys – Underground
7. Sturgeons – Punk Rock Virgins
8. Gun Club – Run Through the Jungle
9. Richard Hell & The Voidoids – You Gotta Lose
10. Television – Elevation
11. Ramones – Today Your Love, Tomorrow the World
12. The Wipers – Let’s Go
13. Ride Theory – the Piper
14. Gruesomes – Hey!
15. Evaporators – Tellin’ Youth the Truth
16. Hentchmen – Psycho Daisies (Alternate Version)
17. Raconteurs – Teenage Kicks (Live)
18. Kasabian – Too Much Too Young
19. Hater – Fever Saint
20. Buzzcocks – Raison D’Etre
21. Libertines - Up the Bracket
22. Libertines - What A Waster
23. Libertines – I Get Along
24. Babyshambles – Delivery
25. Babyshambles - You Talk
26. Dirty Pretty Things – Radio Song
27. The D4 – Little Baby

Libertines Vids:

Up the Bracket (Music Video)
Time For Heroes (Music Video)
I Get Along (Music Video)
Can't Stand Me Now (Live)
What A Waster (Live in Japan)
Don't Look Back into the Sun (Music Video)
In the Studio - Making of Libertines

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Carbon/Silicon...Show # 171


In 2002, former Clash guitarist Mick Jones, and former Generation X bassist Tony James formed a new group called Carbon/Silicon. Jones and James previously played together in the London SS in 1975, which spawned three different punk bands (The Clash, Generation X, The Damned). Carbon/Silicon was started due to Internet file sharing, one of the first songs Jones/James wrote was "MPfree" which was available for free online. The band began using samples similar to Mick Jones post Clash band Big Audio Dynamite and had two albums worth of material by 2003. Instead of getting clearance for samples for official release Carbon/Silicon made the songs available for free via a fan website. The releases only available through the Internet were titled, Sample This - Peace, and Dope Factory Boogie.

In 2004, the band made their own official website to distribute their recordings. The band also began playing live shows and encouraged fans to record and share the material. The band also released The Grand Delusion and The Homecoming in 2004; Along with the first two releases these were seen as demo recordings. The band then started functioning more as a rock band and less of a band that used samples. In 2006 came A.T.O.M. (A Twist of Modern) and Western Front. Both releases were the first official releases from the band and they featured new recordings as well as re-recordings of older Carbon/Silicon songs. The band then released The Crackup Suite, which was a mini-album featuring new recordings in March of 2007. A series of EP's came next, The News EP, was the band's first physical released which meant you could actually buy it instead of just downloading it, the same for The Magic Suitcase EP.

Finally recently in 2007, the band released it's first official full length album The Last Post. This was twelve tracks, eleven previously available in different forms on their website, and one new track; The tracks were all remixed by Engineer Bill Price (who worked on London Calling, and Nevermind the Bollocks). Carbon/Silicon is still touring, and the band sounds like a mix of Big Audio Dynamite and The Clash, a different kind of rock not exactly the same as Jones and James previous punk bands, but still good. Also around this time the band got former B.A.D. bassist Leo "E-Zee-Kill" Williams, and Dominic Greensmith of the band Reef on drums. From 2004-2005 William Blake played bass for the band, and Danny The Red played drums. For more info on the band as well as free mp3 downloads visit Carbon/Silicon Inc.

What was played:

1. XTC – Science Friction
2. Rezillos – Top of the Pops
3. The Skids – Into the Valley
4. The Perks – Escape
5. The Sinners – In With the New
6. Spiral Scratch – Jimmy Was a Virus
7. The Saints – Lipstick on Your Collar (One Two Three Four EP)
8. The Saints – One Way Street (One Two Three Four EP)
9. The Saints – Demolition Girl (One Two Three Four EP)
10. The Saints – River Deep Mountain High (One Two Three Four EP)
11. Replacements – I Will Dare
12. 63 Monroe – Media Junkie
13. Lowlife – Thinking Naturally
14. Animal Kingdom – Tension
15. Public Image Limited – Swan Lake
16. Klark Kent – Office Girls
17. Subway Sect – Ambition
18. Elvis Costello – Welcome to the Working Week
19. Wreckless Eric – Whole Wide World
20. Redwalls – Hangman
21. The Charms – Don't Let Me Down
22. Neil Young – Dirty Old Man
23. The Hives – Won’t Be Long
24. Dead 60s – Prime Time
25. Carbon/Silicon – The News
26. The Clash - What's My Name

Download Part One of Show 171
Download Part Two of Show 171

Carbon/Silicon Videos:

The News
What The Fuck?
Tell It Like It Is
Mpfree
Gangs of England
Soylent Green
Why Do Men Fight? (Live Isle of Wight Festival 2007)

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Disgusteens - The Teenage Head Story ... Show # 170


Teenage Head was a band that formed in 1976, in Hamilton, Ontario. The band took their name from Flamin' Groovies song. The band consisted of Frankie Venom (real name Frank Kerr) (vocals), Gord Lewis (guitar), Steve Mahon (bass), and Nick Stipanitz on drums. The band is often called the Canadian Ramones or Canada's answer to the Ramones, but in fact they had more of a rockabilly and 50's/60's rock influence than Ramones. Their influences ranged from punk bands and CBGB's bands, to Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent, Elvis Presley, and Rolling Stones. The bands first single was released in 1978, it was titled "Picture My Face". The song itself was a jittery punk influenced track. The band's first self titled album was released in 1979.

Teenage Head showed off the band's different style with influences ranging from Ramones-type punk to 50's/60's rock and roll. The album was recorded and produced by Teenage Head and Alan Cady, it was seen as a rough sounding recording. Despite what many people saw as a poorly recorded album, it contained excellently crafted songs and did get some airplay on radio.  It is seen as a Canadian punk/new wave classic. It was the band's live shows that drew in more of a fan base. In 1980, the band released their second album Frantic City, they also signed to a new label Attic Records. The album generated more airplay for the band with songs such as "Let's Shake" and "Something On My Mind". In June of 1980, the band played a concert at Ontario Place in Toronto, that turned into a riot due to fans being denied access to the concert. This little incident in turn gave the band publicity, which resulted in better sales of Frantic City, driving the album to go gold. During this time with all this publicity surrounding the band, Attic Records set up some shows in New York City in hopes of getting an American record deal.

Two days before the band was to head to New York for their series of shows, guitarist Gord Lewis was injured in a car accident, resulting in cancellation of the shows. He would be replaced during his recovery by guitarist David Bendeth. In 1982, Lewis returned and the band recorded and released their third album, Some Kinda Fun. The album featured the catchy "Let's Go To Hawaii", and songs that reflected their early days lyrics-wise such as "Teenage Beer Drinkin' Party". In 1983, The Tornado EP was released on the American record label MCA. The EP showed off the band's rockabilly roots more than any of their previous releases. MCA forced the band to change its name to Teenage Heads, in hopes of bringing in more of an American audience; it did not work. The band would release Trouble in the Jungle in 1985, after this release the band would gain a new singer Dave Rave (Dave DeRoches) who joined the band as a fifth member around 1985. Can't Stop Shakin' EP came in 1987, and the full length Electric Guitar in 1988, which spelled the end for the band. Dave Rave would form his own group after this the Dave Rave Conspiracy. Three of the original members of Teenage Head, Venom, Lewis, and Mahon returned in 1995 for a tour and a new album in 1998 (Head Disorder); Their new drummer was Jack Pedler. The band has continued to tour, and in 2004 re-recorded some material with Marky Ramone on drums. On October 15th, 2008 Frankie Venom (real name Frank Kerr) passed away after a battle with throat cancer. For more info on the band visit Teenage Head's Official website.

You can also check out the show I did entirely on the band Teenage Head here.

Canadian Play List:

1. Ugly Duckings – nothin’
2. Vindicators – hate
3. Demics – the least you can do
4. 49th Parallel – citizen freak
5. Modernettes – suicide club
6. Danko Jones - bounce
7. The Action – TV’s on the blink
8. Bureaucrats – she’s an American
9. Zr04 – gimme attention
10. Slander – petticoat junction
11. Gruesomes – I’m searchin’
12. Pointed Sticks – nothing else to do (1980 demo)
13. Pointed Sticks – part of the noise (1980 demo)
14. Scramblers – solitary man
15. The Government – fire escape
16. Diodes – burn down your daddy’s house
17. The Vapids - capguns and comic books
18. Teenage Head – top down (new alternate version)
19. Teenage Head – infected
20. Teenage Head – fist to face
21. Marble Index – anytime
22. Ride Theory – Genghis con artist
23. Ride Theory – dead radio love
24. Young Rival – dead end scene
25. Neil Young – song x
26. The Pack AD - goldrush
27. Sloan - On the Road Again/Transona Five (Canned Heat/Stereo Lab Cover)

Teenage Vids:

Some Kinda Fun
Luv for Sale
Infected & Teenage Beer Drinkin' Party
Interview from the 80's

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

Your New Favourite Band, The Hives...Show # 169


Coming from Fagersta, Sweden, The Hives formed in 1993. Getting their name from a random page in the dictionary, The Hives consist of Howlin' Pelle Almqvist (vocals), Nicholaus Arson (also the brother of Pelle) (guitar), Vigilante Carlstroem (guitar), Dr. Matt Destruction (bass) and Chris Dangerous on drums. They are also believed to be under the guidance of Randy Fitzsimmons (who is rumoured to be Nicholaus Arson). Fitzsimmons is said to be the one who got The Hives to form a band. The band who is known for their high energy punk/garage sound, started off more in the hardcore direction of punk. In 1994, a demo tape was made called Sounds Like Sushi. The band then got signed to Burning Heart Records, and in 1996 released their first official release, the Oh Lord! When? How? EP. The EP still sounded hardcore influenced, but the band was still finding their sound. The songs had peculiar titles such as "Some People Know All Too Well How Bad Liquorice, Or Any Candy For That Matter, Can Taste When Having Laid Out In The Sun Too Long - And I Think I Just Ate Too Much", and "Bearded Lady", but it had it's moments.

In 1997, The Hives released their first full length album on Burning Heart Records, Barely Legal. Named after an early stage name for guitarist Vigilante Carlstroem, It was a high energy fuelled cocky, punk inspired album. Songs such as "A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T" showed off the Hives new emerging style, but influences such as The Misfits, Circle Jerks and other bands of that nature seemed to have influenced the band greatly. The album is as good as any Hives album, it is raw, fast, energetic, it lasts just a little over 27 minutes long and there are 14 songs on it. Other interesting tracks include "Well, Well, Well", "Hail Hail Spit n' Drool", and "Here We Go Again". The band then went on their first US tour and in 1998 released another EP, the A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T EP. This EP contained five songs including "A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T". Some US pressings of the album contained a version of the song "Numbers" (originally done by The Adicts). It also contained an early version of the song "Outsmarted", a song that would appear on the bands next full length album.

In 2000, Veni Vidi Vicious was released; The title is a play on the words "Veni Vidi Vici", from Julius Caesar, which meant, I came, I saw, I conquered. The album was different from its predecessor, it featured a more garage rock sound, but at the same time maintains a punk energy. The band gave a quote to describe it as "A velvet glove with brass knuckles, both brutal and sophisticated at the same time". The album generated interest and after seeing the "Hate to Say I Told You So" music video, the band was offered a deal with Poptones in 2001. A best of compilation was released in the UK titled Your New Favourite Band in 2001. The compilation featured songs from the bands first two albums, B-sides, and songs from the A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T EP. It went to #7 on the UK charts. The band then re-released their singles "Hate To Say I Told You So" and "Main Offender"; the album Veni Vidi Vicious was also re-released in the US in 2002. It is also important to mention the Hives uniforms. The band wear a combination of black and white suits, which they started to take more serious around Veni Vidi Vicious, it helped created more of a stage presence for the band.

As for the actual music, the album was 28 minutes long featuring 12 songs. I got the album for $2 used at a record store in 2002 and have been hooked on the band ever since. The album contained songs such as "Main Offender", "Die, Alright!", "Supply and Demand", and many other great tracks. It also features a cover song "Find Another Girl" a slower song, originally by Curtis Mayfield. Following a tour and success due to "Hate To Say I Told You So" (#23 in the UK, and # 6 in the US), the band would re-enter the studio in 2003. They also signed a deal with Universal (said to be around $12 Million), which got them involved in a legal battle with their previous label Burning Heart, who still said they were on contract for one more album.



In 2004, dressed in old fashioned black and white southern suits, The Hives returned with their third album Tyrannosaurus Hives. This time The Hives took on more of a Devo inspired edge to their song writing, creating an excellent album lasting 29 minutes and 59 seconds, containing 12 songs. When making the album the band said they wanted it to sound like Kraftwerk meets the Sex Pistols. The sound of the album is more refined, and in a more new wave atmosphere, but that doesn't mean it doesn't rock. The album contains songs such as "Abra Cadaver", "No Pun Intended","Dead Quote Olympics" and "Missing Link", which are easily some of the best songs the band has ever recorded. The first single for the album was "Walk Idiot Walk" a short and snappy song that can be compared to The Who's "Can't Explain"; The song itself debuted at # 13 on the UK charts and # 19 on the US modern rock charts. The second single from the album "Two-Timing Touch and Broken Bones", is more fast paced track than "Walk Idiot Walk", it cracked the top fifty, putting the band in the charts yet again. The song itself featured the double guitar attack of Vigilante Carlstroem and Nicholaus Arson along with the hard hitting repetitive drumbeat supplied by Chris Dangerous. Other great songs include the slower, but equally as good songs "Diabolic Scheme", and "A Little More for You"; The songs can be described as being new wave and soul inspired.

Tyrannosaurus Hives also spawned many B-sides some just as good as the songs on the actual album such as "Hives Meet the Norm", "Gene Pool Convulsions", "Keel Hauling Class of 89", and two cover songs "Little Lil'", and "Born to Cry". It is also important to mention that on the back of the album cover of Tyrannosaurus Hives there are six pairs of legs, indicating that Randy Fitzsimmions is there. In 2004, Your New Favourite Band was released America, it had the same track listing as the 2001 UK release, but it also came with a DVD. On this DVD there are various full live performances such as MTV $2 Bill, and some Music Videos. In 2005, the band released a DVD Tussles in Brussels which was a live performance of the band, featuring music videos and UK TV appearances. The band also released a new mixed version of "A Little More for You" featuring an organ. After extensive touring the band would begin to work on material for their next album.


Despite making some appearances at various festivals The Hives focused on recording for much of 2006/2007. Deciding not to record the whole album in Sweden the band worked with different producers, mostly American. The band worked with Dennis Herring (Elvis Costello, Modest Mouse), Jacknife Lee (U2, Green Day, Bloc Party), and Pharell Williams. The band was said to have 20-30 songs recorded, and hoping to release the extras as B-sides. The band also worked with rap artist Timbaland and released the collaboration "Throw It On Me". Their newest album titled The Black and White Album, was released in the UK on October 15th, 2007, and on November 13th in the US/Canada.

The albums first single is "Tick Tick Boom" a fast stop and start song similar to the classic Hives format. The second single from the album is "Try it Again" a rocker that has a breakdown in the middle similar to the "Hey Mickey Your So Fine" song (originally by Toni Basil), with cheerleaders. The album is much more produced than the bands previous efforts, and shows the band expanding their sound with synthesizers, organs, piano, and funk; It is also the longest Hives album to date clocking in at just over 45 minutes. "You Got It All...Wrong" is a catchy track that can be compared to a song from Tyrannosaurus Hives. "Well Alright!" (a song with a swing to it) and "T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S" (disco and funk) were produced by Pharrell and shows a of change in attitude for the band. "It Won't Be Long" can be compared to the Ramones song "Pet Semetary", and is easily one of the best songs on The Black and White Album. Other great tracks include "Hey Little World" (a song premiered live in 2006), "Square One Here I Come" (a riffy masterpiece) and The Richard Hell-ish "You Dress Up For Armageddon". The album also contains strange material such as the glitchy, Devo-ish "Giddy Up!", the haunting "A Stroll Through Hives Manor Corridors", and "Puppet on a String" a piano track with creepy vocals. The album ends with the catchy "Bigger Hole to Fill" that leaves you wanting to hear more.

The Hives influences range from punk Sex Pistols, Misfits, Stooges, to James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, Devo, Kraftwerk, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Sonics, and The Kinks. They are a great energetic interesting band from Sweden, and a band that still show that Rock no matter which way describe it, is still alive and kicking.

Hives Playlist:

1. Howlin’ Pelle Talks to the Kids (Veni Vidi Vicious B-Side 2000)
2. Cellblock (Oh Lord! When? How? EP 1996)
3. A.K.A I-D-I-O-T (Barely Legal 1997)
4. Barely Homosapien (Instant Assholes Compilation 1999)
5. Hey Little World (Black and White Album 2007)
6. Stop and Think It Over (Compulsive Gamblers Cover) (Live Rock Am Ring 2003)
7. Abra Cadaver (Tyrannosaurus Hives 2004)
8. You Got it All…Wrong (Black and White Album 2007)
9. Here We Go Again (Barely Legal 1997)
10. Black Jack (Barely Legal 1997)
11. Die, Alright! (Veni Vidi Vicious 2000)
12. Main Offender (Veni Vidi Vicious 2000)
13. No Pun Intended (Tyrannosaurus Hives 2004)
14. Missing Link (Tyrannosaurus Hives 2004)
15. You Dress Up for Armageddon (Black and White Album 2007)
16. Uptempo Venomous Poison (Barely Legal 1997)
17. The Stomp (Barely Legal 1997)
18. B is for Brutus (Tyrannosaurus Hives 2004)
19. Love in Plaster (Tyrannosaurus Hives 2004)
20. The Hives – Declare Guerre Nucleaire (Veni Vidi Vicious 2000)
21. Find Another Girl (Veni Vidi Vicious 2000)
22. Keel Hauling Class of 89 (Tyrannosaurus Hives B-Side 2004)
23. Lost and Found (Saints Cover) (Veni Vidi Vicious B-Side 2000)
24. Hives Meet the Norm (Tyrannosaurus Hives B-Side 2004)
25. Well Alright! (Black and White Album 2007)
26. T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S (Black and White Album 2007)
27. Supply and demand (Veni Vidi Vicious 2000)
28. Uptight (Tyrannosaurus Hives B-Side 2004)
29. A Little More for You (new mix) (Tyrannosaurus Hives - A Little More For You Single 2005)
30. The Hives are Law, You Are Crime (Your New Favourite Band 2001)
31. Bigger Hole to Fill (Black and White Album 2007)

Hives Videos:

Tick Tick Boom (Music Video)
Abra Cadaver (Music Video)
A Little More for You (Music Video)
Walk Idiot Walk (Music Video)
Die, Alright! (Music Video)
Hate To Say I Told You So (Music Video)
A.K.A. I-D-I-O-T (Music Video)
Stop and Think It Over (Live Rock AM Ring 2003)
Two Timing Touch and Broken Bones (Live in New York)
Try It Again (Live)
You Dress Up for Armageddon (Live August 2007)
Hey Little World (Live August 2007)
Genepool Convulsions (Live Hurricane 2006)
Main Offender (Live Jules Holland)
Supply and Demand (Live Paris 2004)

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

The EP Show, Show # 168

This week my show consisted of me playing some of my favourite EP's in full. I played seven in total, I will talk about each of them briefly.

Spiral Scratch was a four song EP released by the Manchester band Buzzcocks in 1976. This was the original line up of the band featuring Howard Devoto on vocals. He would leave shortly after this EP and eventually lead the band Magazine. Spiral Scratch was also one of the first independently financed releases without the help of an official record company. In turn it influenced thousands of bands to make the their own music, bringing the punk do-it-yourself motto to different levels.



Undertones released the Teenage Kicks EP in 1978. The Irish, Derry band did it initially hoping to release nothing else, emulating the Buzzcocks to a degree. The EP did so well they were offered to record further albums, which they did. It contained four fast energetic compositions, including "Teenage Kicks" which can be called their own version of "Blitzkrieg Bop".



The Demics were a band from London, Ontario. In 1979 the Talk's Cheap EP was released containing five songs including, "New York City" one of the their signature songs and voted as one of the best Canadian songs of all time. Invasion of the Tribbles came from the Calgary band, The Hot Nasties in 1980. The band split in 1981. Warren Kinsella (one of the members) is now a politician.



The Cost of Living EP was produced and recorded by Bill Price and The Clash in 1979. The 7" EP came in between the US release of their first self titled album, and London Calling. It featured "I Fought the Law" (a cover song), "Groovy Times" (an acoustic track), "Gates of the West" ( a song originally written by Mick Jones, but the lyrics were re-written by Joe Strummer), and "Capital Radio Two (a re-recording of the song "Capital Radio"). It showed a direction the band would be going into, a more American rock oriented one.


The Yellow EP was released by the new wave/post-punk British band, Gang of Four. Coming out in 1980, the songs were politically charged and some of them would appear re-recorded for their next full length album Solid Gold. The last track on the EP was a B-side to the single "Damaged Goods". The album had no name, but since it was yellow, it became known as the Yellow EP. The D4 EP was originally released in 1999 by the New Zealand band The D4. It featured four high-energy rock and roll numbers ("Come On!"would appear on the first full length album, 6twenty). The EP also featured drummer Rich Mixture, who would leave shortly after this release to be in the band the Rock and Roll Machine; Vaughn Williams would be his replacement for the remainder of the bands career. The band went on hiatus in June of 2006, it is a shame that band this good is no longer around.


Next week I will be doing a show dedicated entirely to the Swedish punk outfit, The Hives. I plan on playing songs from every album, B-sides and rare Hives stuff. Also, I plan on playing some new tracks from their newest release The Black and White Album. If you are a Hives fan, leave a comment and make a request, I will play it.

The Play List:

1. Buzzcocks – Breakdown (Spiral Scratch 1976)
2. Buzzcocks – Time’s Up (Spiral Scratch 1976)
3. Buzzcocks – Boredom (Spiral Scratch 1976)
4. Buzzcocks – Friends of Mine (Spiral Scratch 1976)
5. Undertones - Teenage Kicks (Teenage Kicks EP 1978)
6. Undertones - Smarter Than U (Teenage Kicks EP 1978)
7. Undertones - True Confessions (Teenage Kicks EP 1978)
8. Undertones - Emergency Cases (Teenage Kicks EP 1978)
9. The Demics – I Wanna Know (Talk's Cheap 1979)
10. The Demics - You Tell Me (Talk's Cheap 1979)
11. The Demics - Talk’s Cheap (Talk's Cheap 1979)
12. The Demics - New York City (Talk's Cheap 1979)
13. The Demics - Oh Well (Talk's Cheap 1979)
14. The Clash - I Fought the Law (Cost of Living EP 1979)
15. The Clash – Groovy Times (Cost of Living EP 1979)
16. The Clash - Gates of the West (Cost of Living EP 1979)
17. The Clash – Capital Radio (Cost of Living EP 1979)
18. Hot Nasties – I Am a Confused Teenager (Invasion of the Tribbles 1980)
19. Hot Nasties – Invasion of the Tribbles (Invasion of the Tribbles 1980)
20. Hot Nasties – the Secret of Immortality (Invasion of the Tribbles 1980)
21. Gang of Four – Outside the Trains Don’t Run On Time (Yellow EP 1980)
22. Gang of Four – He’d Send in the Army (Yellow EP 1980)
23. Gang of Four – It’s Her Factory (Yellow EP 1980)
24. Gang of Four – Armalite Rifle (Yellow EP 1980)
25. The D4 – Girl (The D4 EP 1999)
26. The D4 – Come On! (The D4 EP 1999)
27. The D4 – Outta Blues (The D4 EP 1999)
28. The D4 – What U Want (The D4 EP 1999)

Some Videos:

Buzzcocks - Breakdown 1976
Undertones - Teenage Kicks
The Clash - I Fought the Law (Live 1979)
Gang of Four - To Hell With Poverty (1983)
The D4 - Out of Control

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Album Enders Show # 167 & CJAM Pledge Drive Show

Hey this week is CJAM's annual pledge drive. As for my show I gave it a theme, album enders. I intended every song played to be one that ended an album, but I actually played one song that didn't end an album by mistake, but it all worked out pretty good. The next couple of shows will all have themes as well. Next week I will be doing what I'm calling an EP show. I will be playing some of my favourite EP's in full.

Back to the CJAM pledge drive. CJAM does a pledge drive to raise money for the station, because it is a non-profit radio station. We are calling this years pledge drive the "drive for hard drives". CJAM needs to upgrade their out of date computers, so it will benefit you the listener, especially if you listen online it will be to your benefit. I managed to raise $150 for my show last night!, but you can still make a donation, it would benefit the station greatly (until October, 29th 2007). Also, in return for your donation you will receive a variety of incentives such as CD'S, mugs, T-shirts, toques, and more. You can call us at (519) 971-3630 (in Windsor) or Toll Free (313) 963-6112 ext.3630 (in Detroit) or you can donate online. For more info on how you can donate visit CJAM's website.

The Play List:

1. Ride Theory – hey sugar (In This City 2005)
2. Buzzcocks – moving away from the pulsebeat (Another Music in a Different Kitchen 1978)
3. Radio Birdman – hit them again (Radio's Appear 1978)
4. Buzzcocks - orgasm addict
5. Damned – smash it up pts 1 & 2 (Machine Gun Etiquette 1979)
6. Queens Of The Stone Age – run, pig, run (Era Vulgaris 2007)
7. Iggy Pop – Billy is a runaway (New Values 1979)


Since I really didn't have any music related history this week, I updated two of my older posts. You can check them out here:

White Stripes Update
Stooges Update
Generation X Update

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Paranoid Androids...The Radiohead Story & Show # 166


Coming from Oxford in England, Radiohead formed in 1986/87 and were originally known as On A Friday. The band was a band of friends that formed while students in school. Tom Yorke would serve as the vocalist/guitarist, Jonny Greenwood on the guitar (also a multi-talented instrumentalist), Colin Greenwood took on the bass, Ed O'Brien on guitar as well, and finally Phil Selway provides the drums. Various members of the band would attend University and upon completion they would get more involved into their music. In 1992, the band released the Drill EP. The four track EP was their first major release for EMI; Also the band would change their name to Radiohead, which came from the title of a Talking Heads song of the same name. Two of the songs from the Drill EP were re-recorded for the bands first album Pablo Honey.

In late 1992, the group released the single "Creep" which would be found on their first full length album Pablo Honey. Written while at University by Thom Yorke, the song tells the story of a man who follows a woman around and then thinks he is her. The actual song would become a huge hit for the band in America, but was initially not favoured in the UK (it was removed from BBC 1's play list twice; they said it was too depressing). The song would help make the album Pablo Honey a success. Coming out in 1993, the album itself was a heavy rock album with lots of distortion. It came off sounding like a mix of the Pixies, REM, and The Smiths. The success of "Creep" caused some critics to label Radiohead as another one hit wonder. They would also write a reaction to this in song form for their next album, the song would be called "My Iron Lung". For a while, the band would refuse to play the song at their live, shows, they begin to play it again starting in 2001.

In 1995, The Bends was released. This album saw the band reinventing their sound, but still keeping its edge. This time the band would draw in further influences such as Pink Floyd and U2. The band would bring in more acoustic guitar and keyboards. The album at first, did poorly but would pick up after the video for the single "Just" was released. The song was seen as a tribute to the post-punk band Magazine who the band was largely influenced by at the time. The album also showed off the bands experimental side (which would be a taste of the direction the band would lead in the future) with songs such as "Planet Telex"(originally titled "Planet Xerox"), "High and Dry" (originally recorded during the Pablo Honey sessions, but wasn't used), and "Street Spirit (fade out) (inspired by the novel The Famished Road)". The actual album titled The Bends, is reference to a form of depression sickness. It would be a theme prevalent on the album, and pertaining to the bands career at the time. A B-side recorded during the session for the song "Street Spirit (Fade Out)", is regarded as one of the best B-sides ever released by the band. "Talk Show Host" was Radiohead experimenting and being produced by Nigel Godrich, someone who would take on producing duties for the rest of the bands albums. After touring, the band would enter the studio to record OK Computer, which is regarded by many as the best album from the band.


Ok Computer debuted at # 1 in the UK and # 21 in the US in 1997. The album would be produced by Nigel Godrich and was recorded in Oxford away from the city. The album showed yet another direction for the band one they would continue to build on and it would also give them a more unique sound. Musically the band stripped down their rock sound and experimented with weird atonal, and electronic textures, that can be compared to the likes of the strange material found on Beach Boys Pet Sounds and Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and post-punk music. Songs such as "Paranoid Android" which was influenced by The Beatles "Happiness is a Warm Gun" and DJ Shadow, showed the bands new innovative style. Other great tracks include "Karma Police" which came from a inside joke within the band, "Electioneering" influenced by the writings of Noam Chomsky, and "Airbag". The album was a stand out album in the 90's and still is today.

The band would then take a little break in 1998, and regroup in 1999 to begin work on their next album. During this time Yorke would go through writers block and the band and him would argue over the direction to take the band in next. During the sessions the band came up with 30 songs, which would be spread out over two albums and through B-sides. Musically the band would reinvent themselves jumping in the experimental ambient electronic direction and not sounding rock at all really; The band would cite influences such as Can, Miles Davis, and Remain in Light era Talking Heads. The album Kid A debuted at # 1 in the US and had no singles or videos. Some of the interesting tracks included "How to Completely Disappear" about the struggles of the acclaim that came with OK Computer, "National Anthem" an electronic and jazz influenced track, the ambient and jazz themed "Everything is in the Right Place", and "In Limbo" which makes reference to the writings of Dante, while featuring complex guitar rhythms and textures.



In 2001 Amnesiac was released. Debuting at #1 in Canada/USA and # 2 in the UK, Amnesiac contained tracks that were created at the same time as Kid A. Some initially mistake the album as leftover outtakes or B-sides from Kid A, but as the band stressed, it was a different album. Amnesiac featured the same strange ambient electronic influence of Kid A, but also brought in more guitar on the songs and featured more of a jazz influence. The band released a single this time, "Pyramid Song". The song was a piano ballad seemingly influenced by the Charles Mingus song "Freedom". "I Might Be Wrong" was a more guitar oriented track in drop D tuning, and was released as a radio only single before the album was released (it was also recorded live and released with other songs on the I Might Be Wrong EP in 2001). "Knives Out" was more pop oriented and said to be influenced by The Smiths. Other interesting tracks include "Dollars & Cents" which makes reference to the Seattle protest against the World Trade Organization, and "Life in a Glasshouse".

After embarking on a tour, in 2003 Hail To The Thief was released. This album was a mix of the electronic influences of the band with the more rock influences creating a unique album. Months before its release it leaked onto the Internet, but when it was released in stores people noticed differences in the songs. For example, "I Will" featuring no introduction and "The Gloaming" was shorter than the leaked version. Many confused the title of the album to be a political knock at the George W. Bush campaign, but in fact made reference to John Quincy Adams which was heard in a discussion on BBC Radio 4 by Yorke. "2 + 2 = 5" is obviously a reference to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, the actual music builds up to an excellent rock fury. The album's first single was the Can influenced "There There" that lyrically was inspired by the kids TV show Bagpuss, as was it's music video. "Go To Sleep" was an acoustic track that was influenced by Talking Heads, while "Myxomatosis" was a heavy distorted track that breaks off and slows down with the drum beats. The lyrical reference of the song is about a disease that was introduced to help control the rabbit population in Britain. Hail To The Thief turned out to be mixing the old with the new, while Yorke sang with the fury and anger of a British punk.


n 2005, the band began work on a new album even playing a large majority of the new songs at live shows in 2006, but they no longer had a record contract with EMI. Initially starting with producer Mark Stent, the band would switch to their usual producer Nigel Godrich in late 2006. The band took their time recording this album, they had no contractual obligations to worry about. On October 10th, 2007 the band released the album digitally via their website and nowhere else. Also fans could pay whatever they wanted for it, even if the price was nothing. In December of 2007 fans can get what is known as a discbox which features a CD and vinyl version of the album as well as a CD and vinyl version of a collection of bonus tracks. Known as In Rainbows, the album is an experimental album that sounds like a mix of Kid A with OK Computer at times.

The album starts off with "15 Step" a song that has a dancy drumbeat, but guitar work that sounds like it is from OK Computer. "Bodysnatchers" is a rock track that sounds like it could be from The Bends era Radiohead. Other cool tracks include the odd "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi" which features backwards harp, "Jigsaw Falling into Place" an acoustic "Paranoid Android" type song, and the piano ballad "Videotape" which ends the album. Radiohead have come a long way from being an alternative British band that sounded grungy, they have become a unique sparse sounding group who have kept all original members since starting out. The bands influences range from Elvis Costello, The Smiths, Joy Division, Magazine, The Pixies, REM, Miles Davis, Public Image Limited, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys to name a few.

Next week CJAM will be doing it's annual Pledge Drive. For more info please visit the CJAM website.

The Play List:

1. Cheap Trick – he’s a whore
2. Diodes – red rubber ball
3. Young Canadians – where were you?
4. Crash 80's - waiting for the heat
5. The Dogs – john rock n’ roll Sinclair
6. Stooges – I’m fried
7. Sex Pistols – did you no wrong
8. Collectors – we can make it
9. Northwest Company – hard to cry
10. Lou Reed – I’m so free
11. Gun Club – she’s like heroin to me
12. Unknowns – teenage terrorist
13. Gentlemen of Horror – overhead projector
14. Skids – the saints are coming
15. The Clash – pressure drop (alternate version)
16. Pointed Sticks – waiting for the real thing
17. Subway Sect – ambition
18. Stranglers – sometimes
19. XTC – science friction
20. Talking Heads – psycho killer (take 1)/can’t you hear my heartbeat )
21. Radiohead – bodysnatchers
22. The Hives - square one here I come
23. The Hives – fall is just something that grownups invented

Radiohead Videos:

High and Dry (2 Meter Session)
Just (Music Video)
Street Spirit (Fade Out)(Music Video)
Airbag (Live Jools Holland 1997)
Paranoid Android (Later with Jools Holland Live 1997)
Paranoid Android (Music Video)
Karma Police (Music Video)
2+2=5 (Live on Letterman)
Go To Sleep (MTV 2 Dollar Bill)
There There (Live Jools Holland)
Bangers n' Mash (Live Amsterdam 2006)
Down is the New Up

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Radiohives...Radiohead In Rainbows and The Hives Singles Collection



As mentioned last week, my show was pre-empted this week due to extended Canadian election coverage at CJAM. Musically this week I have been highly anticipating the release of music from two bands The Hives and Radiohead. On Tuesday October 9th, the Hives made six tracks available via itunes. The album titled The Black and White Album, is set to be released on October 15th in the UK and November 13th in the US/Canada. The songs are available for 99 cents on itunes now. It is known as the Singles Collection. The songs are really good and exciting, next week I will be playing some new hives material on my show.

Singles Collection track listing:

1. Tick Tick Boom
2. Try It Again
3. You Got It All...Wrong
4. Well Alright!
5. Won't Be Long
6. Fall is just Something that Grownups Invented

As for Radiohead, In Rainbows was made available digitally via the bands website (www.inrainbows.com) today October 10th. The album contains ten tracks that sound like a mix of Kid A, OK Computer and Hail To the Thief at times. The album contains many great songs one being the rocker "Bodysnatchers" and others such as "Jigsaw Falling Into Place" which sounds like "Paranoid Android", and "Videotape" which sounds similar to "Pyramid Song" from Amnesiac. The album is set to be released in CD form in December. I also plan on playing new Radiohead material on next weeks show, so don't forget to tune in Wednesday October 17th at 9PM.

Also, if you like the music support the artists, I can't stress that enough.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Too Much Too Soon...Show # 165




This post used to contain information on The New York Dolls.  For other New York Dolls related information please visit:

Take A Chance With Me: An Article About Jerry Nolan's 1982 Single

Next week, my show will be pre-empted by extended election coverage from CJAM News. I will return the following Wednesday (October 17th). I will still update this site next week though.

The Play List:

1. New York Dolls – trash
2. Jerry Nolan – take a chance with me
3. Blam Blam Blam – motivation
4. Gruesomes – leave my kitten alone
5. The Jam – to be someone
6. Lime Spiders – 1 2 5
7. Metros – mission
8. The Vapids – dead letter department
9. Neighbourhood Noise – face in the crowd
10. Young Rival – authentic child (demo)
11. Wire - 12 X U
12. Television – venus de milo (74 demo)
13. The Fall – bingo master
14. Gang of Four – guns before butter (alternate version)
15. Dead 60s – bolt of steel
16. Marble Index – all that I know
17. Odds – say you mean it
18. Sloan – ready for you
19. The Checks – what you heard
20. Air Traffic Control - heart attack
21. Subways – I wanna hear what you got to say
22. Arctic Monkeys – temptation greets you like your naughty friend
23. Fire Engines - hungry beat
24. Devo – freedom of choice
25. The Hives – try it again (xfm session)

NY Dolls Vids:

Personality Crisis
Lookin' For a Kiss
Jet Boy (Old Grey Whistle Test 1973)
Chatterbox

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

In Rainbows...


Radiohead is finally releasing their next album titled In Rainbows, on October 10th. The band is said to have no record label and it can be ordered off of their website. You have a choice between a box set containing the album on CD and vinyl and also a bonus disc on CD and vinyl. Also if you want, you can order the album digitally and pay whatever you want for it. Quite interesting, look for a big post on the band Radiohead soon on this blog (probably in the next few weeks). You can also visit the bands other website Dead Air Space for more radiohead related info.

The tracklisting is as follows:

CD 1 : IN RAINBOWS

15 STEP
BODYSNATCHERS
NUDE
WEIRD FISHES/ARPEGGI
ALL I NEED
FAUST ARP
RECKONER
HOUSE OF CARDS
JIGSAW FALLING INTO PLACE
VIDEOTAPE

CD 2 : BONUS DISC

MK 1
DOWN IS THE NEW UP
GO SLOWLY
MK 2
LAST FLOWERS
UP ON THE LADDER
BANGERS AND MASH
4 MINUTE WARNING

Some Videos:

Videotape (Thom Yorke on a piano)
Preview of tracks from the new album

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Standells ... Show 164


Coming from Los Angeles, California, The Standells formed in 1962. The band consisted of drummer/singer Dick Dodd, guitarist Tony Valentino, Organist Larry Tamblyn, and a variety of bass players (such as John Fleck). The band would be known as a garage rock band. The band did a variety of cover songs from the sixties including songs from The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. The band did some television work at first appearing in a movie Get Yourself A College Girl, and The Munsters TV show (1964-1965). On The Munsters the band played two songs, a cover of the Beatles "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and "Come On Ringo".

When the band teamed up with producer Ed Cobb, the band would have their biggest hit, "Dirty Water". The song "Dirty Water" was written by Cobb and would go to # 11 on the Billboard charts in June of 1966. The band did not even like the song at first, but it would help them get into the top forty. The song makes references to Boston, where Cobb was from. People sometimes think because of the lyrical content in this song that the band is from Boston, but they're from LA. Apparently, after every victory at home for the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins, "Dirty Water" is played. This song would give the band a change in direction and image from their early days (which was very clean cut).

In 1966/67 The Standells wrote "Riot On The Sunset Strip" and starred in the movie of the same name; The song itself was more psychedelic in nature and lyrically about police brutality towards hippies. The band would break up in 1968, Actually they would not record anymore after that time; Dick Dodd would also go solo in 1968. Other songs for which the band was known for were "Good Guys Don't Wear White" (later covered by Minor Threat), "Why Pick on Me", and "Try It" (which was banned in several states due to its subject matter). After Issuing some albums (Dirty Water, Why Pick On Me, The Hot Ones!, and Try It)the band was essentially over, they released released a large majority of material out in a short period of time. They are known as a garage rock band, and were influential on many early punk bands such as The Stooges and many garage bands as well. In 2004 the group reunited at Fenway Park as part of the second game of the World Series. The band has also released some live album (Ban This!) and countless compilations. If you're looking to get into the band, your best bet is to check out one of their compilation albums.

The play list:

1. The Sonics – the witch (version 2)
2. Velvet Underground – I can’t stand it
3. Ugly Ducklings – windy city
4. Standells – sometimes good guys don't wear white
5. Munks – long time waiting
6. Haunted – 8 o’clock this morning
7. Free-for-all – show me the way
8. Secrets – cryin’ over you
9. The Animals – a girl named sandoz
10. The Dark – Hawaii five-o
11. Nick Lowe – shake that rat
12. Beastie Boys – heart attack man
13. Beastie Boys – the melee
14. The Nerves – one way ticket
15. The Government – flat tire
16. Young Rival – dead end scene
17. Compulsive Gamblers – way I feel about you
18. The Pack - snow
19. Rich Kids – hung on you
20. The Scabs – leave me alone
21. Elvis Costello & The Attractions – this years girl
22. Dishrags - past is past
23. Beastie Boys - tough guy
24. Richard Hell & The Voidoids – funhunt
25. Dirty Pretty Things – deadwood
26. Exploding Hearts - thorns in roses
27. The Caesars – its not the fall that hurts

Download Part One of Show 164
Download Part Two of Show 164

Standells Videos:

Dirty Water/Why Pick On Me
Get Away From Here (from the Riot On The Sunset Strip movie)
Riot On the Sunset Strip (from the Riot On The Sunset Strip movie)Try It
Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Verse Chorus Verse...The Nirvana Story Part Two...Show # 163



In 1993, Nirvana returned with In Utero. This album was produced by Steve Albini (of the band Big Black, who produced The Pixies) and showed off a harsher heavier, dark sound of the band. Recorded in just two weeks, In Utero was initially rejected by the record company. Some of the tracks needed to be remixed, so the band brought in Scott Litt (REM) to remix some of the tracks. "Heart-Shaped Box", "All Apologies", and "Pennyroyal Tea" were remixed; The remix of "Pennyroyal Tea" would not be released officially until 2002. The album was a success again for the band, and it showed them going into another direction from its predecessor.

In Utero starts of with "Serve the Servants" a heavy dissonant sound rock song about issues with Cobain's father and teenage angst. "Scentless Apprentice" was a song lyrically pertaining to the book Perfume, and musically evolving out of a jam (all three band members get credit on this track). "Heart-Shaped Box" is next. Lyrically the song draws on various issues in a dark poetic style, the song can be looked at as having various meanings, but musically it is a flowing, loud, riffy beautiful song. "Rape Me" is a fast punk influenced track about portrayal in the media, that did cause some controversy, but it is an anti-rape song. Other fast punky tracks are laced all over the album such as "very Ape", "Milk it", and "Tourette's". Songs such as "Dumb", "Pennyroyal Tea", and "All Apologies" show of the bands pop side once again.


One of the other tracks on the album "Radio Friendly Unit Shifter", came about because of an article negatively portraying Kurt and his wife (Courtney Love) in Vanity Fair magazine; The song was originally titled "Four Month Media Blackout". Also the album was originally going to be titled I Hate Myself and I Want To Die or Verse Chorus Verse, both songs which Cobain had written (which would end up as B-sides to the album, along with a few other tracks written during the In Utero sessions). The title In Utero came from one of Courtney Love's poems. Lyrically Cobain takes a step up on In Utero drawing in more poetic images than he did before on Nevermind. The band would then go on a tour of the US also adding Germs guitarist Pat Smear to their ranks.

In 1993, Unplugged in New York was also recorded. The set contained a bunch of lesser known Nirvana songs and covers; The album would get release in 1994. During the period of 1993 Cobain would once again battle with drug addiction and in March of 1993 checked into rehab, cancelling a European tour. On April 8th, 1994 Kurt Cobain was found dead in his Seattle home. The issues that surround Cobain's death may never be known for sure, some fans believe that he was murdered but some believe that he shot himself.

After the end of Nirvana there were numerous post-humus releases. In 1994, Unplugged in New York (on CD & VHS) was released and the video Live! Tonight! Sold Out were released. In 1996, From the muddy Banks of the Wishkah (a collection of live material) was released. After Nirvana, drummer Dave Grohl went on to be successful in his band Foo Fighters, and Krist Novesellic went on to be in various side projects, then finding politics.

In 1997, Novesellic and Grohl started to assemble material for a Nirvana box set to mark the 10th anniversary of Nevermind. A legal battle then ensued for the future of Nirvana's legacy between Courtney Love, Krist Novesellic, and Dave Grohl. They couldn't agree on the material that was to appear on the box set, one song in particular "You Know You're Right" caused issues within the collective group. They eventually settled in 2002, Love wanted the final Nirvana song "You Know You're Right" (recorded in 1994) to be on a greatest hits CD. The song leaked onto the Internet in September of 2002 just before the release of the greatest hits CD. In October of 2002, Nirvana was released. It was a greatest hits compilation of the band which contained the singles of the band plus a few different versions of Nirvana songs.

In 2004, With the Lights Out a 3 CD and one DVD box set was released. The first disc of the set contained Bleach-era Nirvana rarities such as early demos and live recordings of the band. The second disc contained more Nevermind-era recordings, while the third disc contains In Utero-era Nirvana recordings and beyond. The DVD contains live performances a majority of which were taken during the Bleach tour, it also contains more rare songs in the DVD menus such as another demo of "All Apologies", and a demo version of "Lounge Act". Overall, the box set is an extensive look into the recording career of the band which included outtakes such as "Verse Chorus Verse" , and "Old Age" as well as much, much more. In 2005, Sliver: The Best of the Box, was released, it was a compilation of the best tracks from the With the Lights Out box set plus, two previously unreleased demos. In 2006, Live! Tonight! Sold Out! was released on DVD, and in 2005 a Classic Albums DVD was made about the Nevermind album. A DVD version of MTV Unplugged was released in November of 2007.

Currently there has been no official word about any further Nirvana releases, a Kurt Cobain solo album was also said to be in the works in 2000-2002, but there has been no word since then. There is said to be many tapes any recordings left behind, but no one knows for sure how much is left exactly. Whether or not there is other Nirvana releases, the band still has a large following and will always be known as the band that changed rock music for the nineties bringing the underground to the mainstream.

For more information on Nirvana check out Live Nirvana, and Nirvana Club. Also, there are two great books Come As You Are by Michael Azerrad and Heavier Than Heaven by Charles Cross.

What was played:

1. The Damned – liar
2. Adverts – one chord wonders
3. Alternative TV- action, time, vision
4. Undertones – my perfect cousin
5. The Saints – (I’m) misunderstood
6. The Demics – new york city
7. The Statics – rebel like me
8. Modern Pickles – teenage dropout
9. Hammersmith Gorillas – leavin’ town
10. The Dogs – slash your face
11. The Skids – sweet suburbia
12. Subway Sect – parallel lines
13. Prefects – things in general
14. Lurkers – shadow
15. Sturgeons – forward disorder
16. Fits – bored of education
17. The Poles – cn tower
18. Hot Nasties – I am a confused teenager
19. Teenage Head – disgusteen (alternate version)
20. Ramones – loudmouth
21. Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers – born to lose
22. Generation X – ready steady go
23. Black Flag – wasted
24. Fugazi – margin walker
25. Mekons - where were you?
26. Modern Lovers - pablo picasso
27. Black Lips - i saw a ghost
28. Hot Hot Heat - 5 times out of 100
29. Young Canadians - don't tell me
30. Nirvana – talk to me (live unreleased)

Nirvana Videos:

Heart Shaped Box (SNL 1993)
Rape Me (SNL 1993)
Radio Friendly Unit Shifter (Live and Loud 1993)
Pennyroyal Tea (Live and Loud 1993)
The Man Who Sold the World (MTV Unplugged)
Where Did You Sleep Last Night (MTV Unplugged)
Drain You (French TV 1994)
Serve the Servants/Dumb (RAI Studios, Rome 1994)
Heart Shaped Box (Video)
You Know You're Right(Video)

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Endless, Nameless...The Nirvana Story Part One...Show # 162



Nirvana were one of the biggest bands of the nineties. Their influences ranged from bands such as The Beatles, Devo, Cheap Trick, Sex Pistols, and Black Sabbath, to indie bands such as The Pixies, Vaselines, Black Flag, The Stooges, and Flipper (to name a few). They would be known as a grunge band that blended elements of punk and metal, but Nirvana were different from the other grunge bands that came out of the emerging scene in Seattle during the late 80's/early 90's. Nirvana contained elements of punk and metal, but they also contained a pop element. Their pop element differed than the other Seattle bands.

After being introduced by Buzz Osbourne (the Melvins) to Krist Novesellic, Kurt Cobain decided to form a band together due to their interest in punk music and feelings of alienation within their home town. After attempting to find a vocalist/guitarist with Cobain on drums and Novesellic on bass, the order was switched around (Cobain on vocals/guitar and Novesellic on bass duties) and after getting drummer Aaron Burckhard on drums, Skid Row was formed. Chad Channing was on drums in 1987 and the band would be known as Nirvana. In 1988, Nirvana released their first single on the Seattle independent record label Sub Pop. "Love Buzz" was actually a cover of a song originally done by the band Shocking Blue, Nirvana's version is re-worked and is better in my opinion. The single was backed by the song "Big Cheese".


The album Bleach would come next in 1989. Recorded for $606.17, the album was heavily influenced by bands such as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Seattle band Mudhoney. The album which was produced by Jack Endo, was successful on college radio and it created a buzz that got major labels interested. The actual album itself contained a lot of songs showing the bands potential, but also revealing that they had not found their sound yet. The slow drudging "Blew" starts the album, continuing into the heavy-dirty, "Floyd the Barber". "About A Girl" is a song that shows off Cobain's Beatles influence, while still sounding original and different. Other interesting tracks from the album are "School", "Paper Cuts", and "Swap Meet". The band toured a lot behind this album displaying intensive energetic live shows.

Another important note about Bleach is that another guitarist is credited on the album even though he did not actually play on it. This was Jason Everman (also featured on the cover), he did tour a little bit with the band after the release of Bleach, but he would be fired, he also have a brief stint with Soundgarden. Everman also supplied the band with the money to record Bleach. The Blew EP was also released in 1989. The EP contained four tracks "Blew", "Love Buzz" (which can be found on Bleach), and "Been A Son (which can be found on the 2002 Nirvana greatest hits CD)", and "Stain" (on the Incesticide) . The EP was only released in the UK, it was released on vinyl and CD.

The band then released the single Sliver with "Dive" as the B-side. The songs featured a new drummer, Dan Peters from Mudhoney. Nirvana went through a lot of drummers before they would finally find a suitable hard-hitting one to compliment their music and make it even stronger than before. This man would be, Dave Grohl who was playing in the DC hardcore band Scream. During this time the band also signed to a major record label Geffen/DCG in 1990. Before signing over the band also did some work on demos with Butch Vig, but they would then go to Sound City Studios in Los Angeles to work on songs for what would become Nevermind. After spending two months recording Butch Vig mixed the album, but it needed to be remixed. The band chose Andy Wallace from a list of possible people to mix the album, after seeing that he worked with the metal band Slayer. Later on in the bands career, they would say that the mixing on Nevermind was too polished.


Nevermind took the world by storm in 1991, because of the song "Smells Like Teen Spirit". People latched onto this song and it got heavy rotation on mainstream radio and MTV. The album exploded into the mainstream sucking in the Seattle grunge scene with it and a thousand copy-cat bands. The album itself is a mix of the bands punk and pop influences on a more focused level than Bleach. No one thought the album would turn the world of music upside down, but it did. The album itself had a similar impact as Sex Pistols did in the late 70s with their album Nevermind the Bollocks. At the time mainstream radio was filled with older bands and hair metal polluting the airwaves, Nevermind wiped them out. The album contained songs such as "Come As You Are" and "Drain You", which were pop songs that contained watery sounding guitar effects. "Breed", "Territorial Pissings" and "Stay Away" showed off the bands punk rock influences. The band drew influences from all over on this album such as The Pixies, REM and many others. The album ends with the eerie acoustic song "Something in the Way" in which Cobain sings of living under a bridge. After this track there is a hidden song, a song that would be known as "Endless Nameless". Initial copies of the American release of Nevermind failed to include this track. The song was created for the band to let off their frustrations of being in the studio. It would also be a song in which the band would end their lives shows with then smash their instruments.

In 1992, Incesticide was released. It was an album of rarer Nirvana songs. The album contained songs such as "Sliver" a two minute punk song about Cobain wanting to leave his Grandmothers house, and a variety of Bleach sounding outtakes such as "Mexican Seafood", "Beeswax", "Downer", and "Big Long Now". The album also contained a variety of cover songs showing off the bands influences. "Turnaround" (Devo), "Molly's Lips" and "Son of a Gun" (Vaselines)were the covers. The album also contained "Aneurysm" one of Nirvana's best songs, a start and stop masterpiece, and "Been a Son" was another fast punker from the band. A number of these tracks were actually from BBC sessions that the band did. "Aneurysm", "Been A Son", Molly's Lips" and "Son of A Gun" were all taken from BBC session performances.




Hormoaning EP - two different covers (Japan, & Australia)

During the process of touring another EP would be released in Australia and Japan to support their tour there in 1992. In February of 1992, Hormoaning was released. The EP contained six tracks, four covers and two originals. Three of the six songs can be found on Incesticide ("Turnaround", "Molly's Lips", "Son of a Gun"), while the other tracks were "Aneurysm" (a different version than the one featured on Incesticde), "D-7" (Wipers cover), and "Even in His Youth (B-side form the "Teen Spirit" single) were harder to find. To support their releases the band toured to back their success, Cobain would get married and have a child and by 1993 the band would work on their follow up to Nevermind, In Utero. Before the actual recording took place during 1991-92 Cobain would go through numerous personal problems with drug abuse and dealing with fame. Nirvana would also make appearances on various TV shows such as Top of the Pops in the UK, and Saturday Night Live int he USA. Next week I will finish my post on Nirvana, going into 1993 and beyond.

In other news on this Friday September 14th, the University of Windsor will be hosting the Harvesting the FAM Festival, which is an all day event showcasing local talent such as artists, musicians, movies, and fashion. More info can be found here. On Septemeber 28-30th Windsor will be having the PA Festival, a three day event supporting various local and live acts at the Avalon Front and Phog Lounge.

Play list:

1. The Strokes – New York City Cops
2. Libertines – last post on the bugle
3. Replacements – shiftless when idle
4. Green River – ride of your life
5. Mudhoney – inside job
6. Nirvana – big cheese
7. Nirvana – even in his youth (demo)
8. Tankhog – shame
9. Hater – downpour at Mt. Angel
10. Queens Of The Stone Age – misfit love
11. Tricky Woo – hot kitty
12. Mark Inside – liar
13. Rapture – heaven
14. The Hives – love in plaster
15. Ride Theory – walk the line
16. Young Rival – don’t make a sound (demo)
17. Dead 60s – liar (live)
18. The Tweeks – quasi celebrity
19. The Situations – fashion girl
20. The D4 – evil heart
21. Yoko Casionos - cameras on
22. Turbo Fruits - devo girl
23. The Defandants – guilty of you
24. White Stripes – I can’t wait

Nirvana Videos:

In Bloom (Sub Pop Version)
Aneurysm (Live Amsterdam 1991)
Territorial Pissings (Live Jonathan Ross Show 1991)
SNL 1992 (Teen Spirt/Territorial Pissings)
Stay Away (Live Reading Festival 1992)
Lounge Act (Live Reading Festival 1992)
Sliver (Music Video)
In Bloom (Music Video)
Nobody Know's I'm New Wave (Live Argentina 1992)
School & Come As You Are (Live Argentina 1992)